Tag: Jeff Wagner

Best Prog of 2016, Part IV (and Final)

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock1 Comment
kc-beat
One of the many Steven Wilson remixed albums.  And, one of the best.  Beat.

Well, I must admit, I am a bit sorry to have taken so long to get all my “best of 2016” out.  Four parts is outrageous, even by prog standards.  Too much music, too little time, too many keys on my keyboard!

So, the final part of 2016 list is nothing less than a bit of cleanup, an attempt to give coherence to a number of disparate things.

First, I want to offer a huge thanks to all of you for reading Progarchy and also to all of our writers.  Obviously, we do what we do for love, not profit.  But, it’s truly a community effort.  Again, a profound thank you–to all members of the progarchy community.

Second, I’d like to single out three companies for making reviewing so much easier than it might otherwise be.  An amazing slap on the back to Roie Avin and Jeff Wagner at Insideout!  Incredible guys, incredible company.  Another loud and hearty shout out to Brian Rocha of Fresno Media not only for his wit and friendship, but also for all of his excellent support.  And, again to Steve Babb of Sound Resources (Glass Hammer).

Third, there are a few musical releases from 2016 that don’t fit easily into the lists I’ve offered thus far.

One album I’ve thoroughly enjoyed but have not had long enough to offer it a place within my lists is The Gift’s latest album, WHY THE SEA IS SALT.  It’s extraordinary, and I very much look forward to spending more time with it.

I must also recognize Steven Wilson’s ep, 4.5, and The Tangent’s single, “A Few Steps Down the Wrong Road.”  Each is simply outstanding.

Finally, this year’s progarchy audiophile award goes to Steven Wilson for his work remixing so many classic albums.  Indeed, Wilson has remixed so many, it’s becoming hard to keep track of them all.  But, I’d like to single out the ones that meant so much to me this year: Jethro Tull’s STAND UP and AQUALUNG; XTC’s SKYLARKING; King Crimson’s BEAT; and Yes’s TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS.

Science Fiction, Prog, and Prog Metal: A Lecture

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock2 Comments
Arjen, Lego Style
Arjen, Lego Style

I had the great privilege of lecturing for John J. Miller’s college course, Hon252, THE GOOD, THE TRUE, AND IRON MAIDEN.  If you’re interested, here’s my lecture on “To Tame a Land,” and the connection between science fiction and progressive music.  From Yes and ELP to Cosmograf and Aryeon.

iron miller

A Few Changes to PROGARCHY

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock music2 Comments

bbt (1)Dear Readers,

First, as always, thank you!  As we’re only about a week and a half from our 3rd birthday, it’s nice to remember how much you’ve supported us and allowed us to grow.  The growth has been steady, in terms of readership, and I think our writing just gets better and better.  And, we’re getting to a point at which we’re having trouble getting everything reviewed.  Not a bad problem to have.

Regardless, thank you so much for the kind support you’ve shown.

Second, you’ve probably noticed the layout of the site is different.  This is most likely a temporary layout, and we’ll keep shifting things around until we’re satisfied.  I (Brad) have almost no training in design, and I have even less training in website creation.  We’ve been using WordPress templates thus far, but we’ve found these too limiting as we’ve grown.  As of today, we’ll be working with a third-party web provider, one that specializes in WordPress sites.  I’m not exactly sure how this transition will work, but I have faith in the provider.  Already, they’ve proven quite excellent in customer relations.  If there’s a problem, it’s that my 48-year old brain can’t quite get the terminology down.  But, it will come.  Much like the graying of my hair.

Third, you’re seeing our first ad appearing at the top of the page.  Don’t worry, we won’t sell Chia pets or anything “As Seen on TV.”  Promise.  We’ll only accept ads for and from companies that believe in art, integrity, and, of course, understandably, profit.  We’re not anti-market.  Quite the opposite, actually, but we want the market to produce the best.  The best for the artist and the best for the listener.

Consequently, we’re extremely proud to work with InsideOut.  This is a real company, this is a real label.  One that has promoted some of the very best of Third-Wave Prog.  Already, relations with Jeff Wagner and Roie Avin have been nothing short of outstanding.  I’m rather excited to get to know each of them better and to promote the truly artistic and quality work each embodies and represents.  Please join us in supporting InsideOut whenever and wherever possible.

I’m very much looking forward to all that is coming in our fourth year.

Thanks for enjoying the ride with us!

Yours, Brad (ed.)