The Rolling Stones - Sticky Fingers (1971)

Sticky Fingers came at a time when—on record, at least—the Rolling Stones could do no wrong. This album could reasonably be called their peak. They were called the World's Greatest Rock'n'Roll Band for entirely too long, but if that designation ever applied, it was here.

Sticky Fingers est arrivé à un moment où, du moins, les Rolling Stones ne pouvaient rien rater. Cet album pourrait raisonnablement être appelé leur sommet. Ils ont été qualifiés de plus grand groupe de Rock'n'Roll du monde pendant trop longtemps, mais si cette désignation doit s'appliquer, c'était ici.

Tracks :

1. Brown Sugar 3:50

2. Sway 3:45

3. Wild Horses 5:41

4. Can't You Hear Me Knocking 7:17

5. You Gotta Move 2:32

6. Bitch 3:42

7. I Got The Blues 4:00

8. Sister Morphine 5:34

9. Dead Flowers 4:05

10. Moonlight Mile 5:56

Line-Up :

Vocals, Percussion – M. Jagger

Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – K. Richard

Bass – B. Wyman

Drums – C. Watts

Guitar – M. Taylor

Piano – I. Stewart

Saxophone – B. Keyes

Piano – N. Hopkins

Strings – P. Buckmaster

Piano – J. Dickinson

Congas – Rocky Dijon

Organ – B. Preston

Trumpet – J. Price

Percussion – J. Miller

Guitar – Ry Cooder

Piano – Jack Nitzsche

Steve Hackett - The Night Siren (2017)

This is a good, entertaining, and interesting album that is better than Wolflight mainly because the ideas here are more developed. "Behind the Smoke," one of the highlights of the album, is a exciting, heavy song that does a great job as an opener with catchy melodies, a dark feel, and a great buildup in the middle.

C'est un bon album, divertissant et intéressant, qui est meilleur que Wolflight principalement parce que les idées ici sont plus développées. "Behind the Smoke", l'un des points forts de l'album, est une chanson passionnante et lourde qui se révèle un excellente composition en tant qu'ouverture avec des mélodies accrocheuses, une atmosphère sombre, et une grande construction au milieu.

Tracks :

1. Behind The Smoke (6:59) 

2. Martian Sea (4:40) 

3. Fifty Miles From The North Pole (7:08) 

4. El Niño (3:52) 

5. Other Side Of The Wall (4:01) 

6. Anything But Love (5:56) 

7. Inca Terra (5:54) 

8. In Another Life (6:07) 

9. In The Skeleton Gallery (5:09) 

10. West To East (5:14) 

11. The Gift (2:45) 

Line-up :

Steve Hackett : electric & acoustic guitars, oud, charango, sitar guitar, harmonica, vocals

 Amanda Lehmann : vocals

 Kobi Farhi : vocals

 Mira Awad : vocals

 Jo Hackett : vocals

 Nad Sylvan : vocals

 Roger King : keyboards & programming & mixing

 Benedict Fenner : keyboards & programming & mixng

 Leslie-Miriam Bennett : keyboards

 Rob Townsend : baritone & soprano saxes, flute, flageolet, quena, duduk & bass clarinet 

 John Hackett : flute

 Ferenc Kovács : trumpet

 Sara Kovács : didgeridoo

 Troy Donockley : Uilleann

 Christine Townsend : violin & viola

 Dick Driver : double bass

 Gulli Briem : drums, cajón & percussion

 Nick D'Virgilio : drums

 Gary O'Toole : drums

Malik Mansurov : tar 

Yellow Dog - Yellow Dog (1971)

Yellow Dog was a British based rock band from the 1970s. Founded by the American songwriter Kenny Young, who had previously been a founder member of Fox, the band enjoyed a solitary Top 10 hit in the UK Singles Chart in 1978 with "Just One More Night".

Yellow Dog était un groupe de rock britannique des années 1970. Fondé par le compositeur américain Kenny Young, qui avait été un des membres fondateurs de Fox, le groupe a connu un succès solitaire dans le Top 10 britannique en 1978 avec "Just One More Night".

Tracks :

Side 1

A1 Stood Up 3:00

A2 Gypsy Soul 4:12

A3 The Green Lizard 4:14

A4 Flash Gordon 4:37

Side 2

B1 Indian Summer Rain 3:25

B2 My Lady 4:05

B3 City Bird 5:00

B4 Nobody Got So Much Soul 3:20

B5 For Whatever It's Worth 3:27

Line-Up :

Bass – Gary Taylor

Drums – Gerry Conway

Guitar – Andy Roberts, Herbie Armstrong, Jim Gannon

Mandolin – Andy Roberts

Percussion – Gerry Conway

Vocals – Gary Taylor, Herbie Armstrong

Enjoy Music :

Yellow Dog - Yellow Dog (LP)

1971

Audience - House On The Hill (1971)

`

Tracks :

01 Jackdaw

02 You're not smiling

03 I had a dream

04 Raviole

05 Nancy

06 Eye to eye

07 I put a spell on you

08 The house on the hill

09 You're not smiling

10 Indian summer

11 You're not smiling 

Line-Up : 

Howard Werth - Electric Guitar, Vocals

Tony Connor - Percussion, Drums, Vocals, Vibraphone

Gus Dudgeon - Percussion

Keith Gemmell - Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone

Trevor Williams - Bass Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals

Enjoy Music :

Audience - House 0n The Hill (LP)

1971

This Winter Machine - The Man Who Never Was (2017)

 "The Man who Never was" would be a significant release even if it came from one of the classic symphonic or neo prog bands, but as a debut from a Yorkshire, UK band that had only formed mere months before, it's simply stunning. The arrangements are an archetypal blend of soaring or arpeggio'd guitars and effusive keyboards with healthy reverence for piano.

"The Man who Never" serait une sortie significative même si elle venait d'un des groupes symphoniques ou néo prog classiques, mais en tant que groupe débutant du Yorkshire, où UK s'était formé seulement quelques mois auparavant, c'est tout simplement renversant. Les arrangements sont un mélange archétypal de guitares montantes et de claviers effusifs avec une saine révérence  pour le piano.

Tracks :

1. The Man Who Never Was

a) Asleep

b) Dreaming

c) Snow

d) Awake

2. The Wheel

3. Lullaby (Interrupted)

4. After Tomorrow Comes

5. Fractured

Line-Up :

Al Wynter : vocals

Gary Jevon : guitars

Mark Numan : keyboards,backing vocals

Peter Priestly : bass

Marcus Murray : drums

Enjoy Music :

This Winter Machine - The Man Who Never Was (LP)

2017

Big Big Train - The Underfall Yard (2009)

Imagine if the Genesis line-up of '76 had remained intact and continued to make progressive style rock. Yes, the singer is very reminiscent of Phil Collins. These pieces are lavishly produced and performed pop-prog. The songs don't follow traditional pop convention, but neither are they contrived, overtly dramatic epics, just masterfully written songs.

Imaginez si le line-up de la Genesis de 76 est resté intact et a continué à faire du rock progressif. Oui, le chanteur rappelle beaucoup Phil Collins. Ces pièces sont généreusement produites et exécutées pop-prog. Les chansons ne suivent pas la convention pop traditionnelle, mais elles ne sont pas non plus artificielles, épiques ouvertement dramatiques, juste des chansons magistralement écrites.

Tracks :

1. Evening Star 

2. Master James Of St. George 

3. Victorian Brickwork

4. Last Train

5. Winchester Diver

6. The Underfall Yard

Line-Up :

David Longdon : vocals, flute, mandolin, dulcimer, organ, tambourine, psaltery, glockenspiel, keyboards, vocals arrangements

Greg Spawton : guitars, keyboards, bass, arrangements

Andy Poole : bass, keyboards, arrangements & producer

Nick D'Virgilio : drums, vocals 

Dave Gregory : guitars, electric sitar, Mellotron 

Francis Dunnery : guitar 

Jem Godfrey : synthesizer solos 

Jon Foyle : cello  & electric cello 

Dave Desmond : trombone & brass arrangements 

Nick Stones : french horn 

Jon Truscott : tuba 

Enjoy Music :

Big Big Train - The Underfall Yard (LP)

2009

Druid - Toward The Sun (1975)

Druid is compared mainly with the sounds of Yes withmainly a bass influenced by Chris Squire. They sound too a few like Starcastle, especially when they harmonize. In reality, with Druid it is the vocals of the singularly named Dane that reaches towards Jon Anderson's vocal rangeand to a lesser extent the bass playing of Neil Brewer which encourage these comparisons.

Druid est comparé principalement aux sons de Yes avec principalement une basse influencée par Chris Squire. Ils sonnent aussi un peu comme Starcastle, surtout au niveau des harmonies vocales. En réalité, avec Druid, c'est le chant du singulier Dane qui atteint le répertoire vocal de Jon Anderson et dans une moindre mesure le jeu de basse de Neil Brewer qui encourage ces comparaisons.

Tracks :

1. Voices (8:14) 

2. Remembering (5:24) 

3. Theme (5:26) 

4. Toward the Sun (5:08) 

5. Red Carpet for an Autumn (3:09) 

6. Dawn of Evening (10:03) 

7. Shangri-La (10:08)

Line-Up : 

Dane : guitars, vocals

Andrew McCrorie-Shand : keyboards, choral arrangements

Neil Brewer : bass

Cedric Sharpley : drums, percussions

Enjoy Music :

Druid - Toward The Sun (LP)

1975

Colonel Bagshot - Oh! What A Lovely War (1971)

Colonel Bagshot's Incredible Bucket Band, comprised of Brian Farrell, Terry McCusker, Dave Dover and Kenny Parry. They toured Europe and played gigs like the Reading Festival. A record by the band from that period (Six Day War) was remixed by DJ Shadow.

Brian later went solo and the other guys formed another band called 'Bunny', who went on to support the popular Glam Rock/Pop band, Slade, on their tours.

Incredible Bucket Band du Colonel Bagshot, était composé de Brian Farrell, Terry McCusker, Dave Dover et Kenny Parry. Ils ont fait des tournées en Europe et ont joué des concerts comme le Reading Festival. Un disque du groupe de cette période (Six Day War) a été remixé par DJ Shadow.

Plus tard, Brian a choisi de partir en solo et les autres gars ont formé un autre groupe appelé 'Bunny', qui a continué à soutenir le populaire groupe Glam Rock / Pop, Slade, lors de leurs tournées.

 Tracks :

01. Six Day War 00:00

02. Lay It Down 4:02

03. Lord High Human Being 7:11

04. Headhunters 10:14

05. I've Seen The Light 13:06 

06. Dirty Delilah Blues 17:54

07. Sometimes 22:14

08. That's What I'd Like To Know 24:23

09. Smile 28:25

10. Tightrope Tamer 31:21

11. Oh! What A Lovely War 34:12

Line - Up :

Brian Farrell - Vocals, Guitar, Stylophone

Kenny Parry - Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards

Dave Dover - Vocals, Bass Guitar, Keyboards

Terry McCusker - Vocals, Drums

Enjoy Music :

Colonel Bagshot - Oh! What A Lovely War (LP)

1971

The Battered Ornaments - Mantle-Piece (1969)

Formed by Cream lyricist Pete Brown, The Battered Ornaments were a mixture of English jazz, blues, and psych rock in the late 60s. By the time they got around to recording their sophomore album Mantle-Piece, Brown was out of the band, yet they recorded his songs and sang his parts. 

Formé par le parolier de Cream Pete Brown, The Battered Ornaments était un mélange de jazz anglais, de blues et de psych rock à la fin des années 60. Au moment où ils se sont rendus à l'enregistrement de leur deuxième album Mantle-Piece, Brown ne faisait plus partie du groupe, mais ils ont enregistré ses chansons et ont chanté ses parties.

Tracks :

Side 2

A1 Sunshades

A2 Twisted Track

A3 Smoke Rings

A4 Take Me Now

A5 My Love's Gone Far Away

Side 2

B1 Staggered

B2 Late Into The Night

B3 Then I Must Go

B4 The Crosswords And The Safety Pins 

Line-Up :

Bass Guitar, Vocals – Roger Potter

Congas, Percussion, Vocals – Pete Bailey

Drums, Percussion, Tambourine, Vocals – Rob Tait

Guitar, Reeds, Flute, Vocals – Nisar Ahmed Khan

Guitar, Steel Guitar, Piano, Organ, Vocals – Chris Spedding

Enjoy Music :

The Battered Ornaments - Mantle-Piece (LP)

1969

Arabesque - Arabesque (1972)

Arabesque is the name of one of the numerous treasures hidden in Seventies American Progressive rock. The label Shroom Productions has once more opened Pandora's box with the objective of finding this excellent "Tales Of Power". Located in the great symphonic tradition, this works takes inspiration from various sources: Iron Butterfly's psychedelic rock, Genesis's lyricism, Gentle Giant's vocal parts, Yes' instrumental luxury, some lines worth of the Canterbury School.

Arabesque est le nom d'un des nombreux trésors cachés dans le rock progressif américain Seventies. Le label Shroom Productions a une fois de plus ouvert la boite de Pandore avec l'objectif de retrouver cet excellent "Tales Of Power". Située dans la grande tradition symphonique, cette œuvre s'inspire de diverses sources: le rock psychédélique de Iron Butterfly, le lyrisme de Genesis, les parties vocales de Gentle Giant, le luxe instrumental de Yes ', quelques lignes de l'école de Canterbury.

Tracks :

1. An Epic Krail Mountains - 11.53

2. Cobbler's Knob - 10.43

3. We (The Farmer Song) - 7.43

4. The Forgotten Pond - 4.53

5. As The Novelty Wears...- 8.40

6. Arcanum Of Atlantis - 10.39

Line-Up :

August Smarra : guitar, vocals

Jim Renda : drums

Tom Ketterer : bass

R.J. Ketterer : vibes and percussion

Budd Kelly : keyboards, lead vocals.

Enjoy Music :

Arabesque - Arabesque (LP)

1972

Crucible - Tall Tales (1998)

Despite its release date, this album be tagged as Symphonic Prog and not as Neo-Prog. It's true the sound is closer to the 70's classics.

This could be described as a seemingly strange combination of mid-70's Genesis with modern Rush, but no worries, this is not a clone of any of the big ones. The prominent keyboards of Tim Horan are sounding like Tony Banks in Gabriel-era Genesis and this gives it a vintage feel, but the music itself is more modern, when it reminds of Genesis it's more like the period of Wind and Wuthering. The Rush feel comes mostly from the voice of Bill Esposito which is a kind of mellow Geddy Lee, without the harsh screaming tones of the canadian.

Malgré sa date de sortie, cet album sera marqué comme Symphonic Prog et non comme Neo-Prog. Il est vrai que le son est plus proche des classiques des années 70.

Il pourrait être décrit comme une combinaison apparemment étrange des années 70 de Genesis avec l'ère moderne de Rush, mais pas de soucis, ce n'est pas un clone de l'un des grands. Les claviers prédominents de Tim Horan sonnent comme du Tony Banks dans Genesis de l'époque de Gabriel et cela donne une sensation vintage, mais la musique elle-même est plus moderne, quand elle rappelle Genesis, elle ressemble plus à la période de Wind and Wuthering. La sensation de Rush vient principalement de la voix de Bill Esposito qui est une sorte de Geddy Lee moelleux, sans les cris rauques du Canadien.

Tracks :

1. Over the Falls (7:05) 

2. The Poet Liar (5:00) 

3. Find the Line (4:05) 

4. Lords and Leeches (11:21) 

5. In Ancient Tongue (3:08) 

6. The Salamander (4:52) 

7. Land for Sale (4:47) 

8. An Imp's Tale (21:09) 

a. Twice Upon a Time 

b. Adrift 

c. Stone of the Wise 

d. The Mortal Flaw 

e. Nomad Brad 

f. Release the Imps 

g. Day of the Hunting Dwarf

Line-up :

Chris Kasidas : bass guitar 

Tim Horan : piano, organ, acoustic guitar, flute 

Bill Esposito : lead vocal 

Tony Cappellina : drums, percussions 

Dan Esposito : lead and rythm guitar

U.K. - U.K. (1978)

In 1978, progressive rock declined very much. UK was a rare band to keep alive this musical genre. With Eddie Jobson on keyboards and electric violins, Allan Holdsworth on guitars, Bill bruford on drums and John Wetton on bass, the supergroup UK is a sure value and the listeners must have great expectations. Indeed, most of those musicians have a natural predisposition to create and play fusion music, so that many excellent fusion parts are present on this record.

En 1978, le rock progressif a beaucoup diminué. UK était un des rares groupes à garder vivant ce genre musical. Avec Eddie Jobson aux claviers et aux violons électriques, Allan Holdsworth aux guitares, Bill Bruford à la batterie et John Wetton à la basse, le supergroupe UK est une valeur sûre et les auditeurs doivent avoir de grandes attentes. En effet, la plupart de ces musiciens ont une prédisposition naturelle à créer et jouer de la musique fusion, de sorte que de nombreuses excellentes parties du genre sont présentes sur ce disque.

Tracks :

1. In The Dead Of Night (5:38) 

2. By The Light Of Day (4:32) 

3. Presto Vivace And Reprise (2:58) 

4. Thirty Years (8:05) 

5. Alaska (4:45) 

6. Time To Kill (4:55) 

7. Nevermore (8:09) 

8. Mental Medication (7:26)

Line-Up :

John Wetton : lead & backing vocals, bass

Allan Holdsworth : acoustic & electric guitars

Eddie Jobson : electric violin, keyboards, electronics (Yamaha CS80)

Bill Bruford : drums, percussion

Enjoy Music :

U.K. - U.K. (LP)

1978

The Neal Morse Band - The Similitude Of A Dream (2016)

Here's another concept double album of Neil Morse band based on the story of a man who writes his own story in prison and how he has faced many obstacles. This time there's no epic song but many ideas throughout this long adventure. The music covers different styles of rock, from classic rock to hard rock and Progressive Rock. The album starts with some big instrumental sections that are played at the fast pace,reaching the symphonic Prog Rock and the heavy Prog Rock in a rather dark atmosphere.

Voici un autre concept double album du groupe Neil Morse basé sur l'histoire d'un homme qui écrit sa propre histoire en prison et comment il a fait face à de nombreux obstacles. Cette fois, il n'y a pas de chanson épique mais beaucoup d'idées tout au long de cette longue aventure. La musique couvre différents styles de rock, du rock classique au hard rock et au rock progressif. L'album commence par quelques grandes sections instrumentales qui sont jouées au rythme rapide, atteignant le symphonique Prog Rock et le lourd Prog Rock dans une atmosphère plutôt sombre.

Tracks :

Disc 1 

1. Long Day (1:42) 

2. Overture (5:51) 

3. The Dream (2:28) 

4. City Of Destruction (5:11) 

5. We Have Got To Go (2:29) 

6. Makes No Sense (4:10) 

7. Draw The Line (4:06) 

8. The Slough (3:03) 

9. Back To The City (4:19) 

10. The Ways Of A Fool (6:48) 

11. So Far Gone (5:21) 

12. Breath Of Angels (6:32) 

Disc 2 

13. Slave To Your Mind (6:27) 

14. Shortcut To Salvation (4:36) 

15. The Man In The Iron Cage (5:16) 

16. The Road Called Home (3:24) 

17. Sloth (5:48) 

18. Freedom Song (3:59) 

19. I'm Running (3:44) 

20. The Mask (4:28) 

21. Confrontation (3:59) 

22. The Battle (2:57) 

23. Broken Sky / Long Day (Reprise) (9:58) 

Line-Up :

- Neal Morse : guitars, keyboards, lead vocals

- Eric Gillette : guitars, vocals

- Bill Hubauer : keyboards, vocals

- Randy George :/ bass

- Mike Portnoy : drums, vocals

Enjoy The Music :

The Neal Morse Band - The Similitude Of A Dream (2LP)

2016

Nektar - A Tab In The Ocean (1972)

Nektar is another unique progressive band which can hardly be compared to any band. The songs here are varied. Lightly distorted organ is omnipresent. The epic 16 minutes "Tab in the Ocean" is made of aggressive symphonic keyboards and electric guitar full of distortion, near metal sometimes! "Waves" has mellow bits with pure electric guitar sounds. "King of Twilight" has some aggressive guitar parts, and there is a unique repetitive fast single note keyboards pattern a la Genesis "Watcher of the skies". The bass is delightful and the singer's voice is good.

Nektar est un autre groupe progressif unique qui peut difficilement être comparé à n'importe quel groupe. Les chansons ici sont variées. L'organe légèrement déformé est omniprésent. L'épopée de 16 minutes "Tab in the Ocean" est faite de claviers symphoniques agressifs et d'une guitare électrique pleine de distorsion, proche du métal parfois! "Waves" a des morceaux doux avec des sons de guitare électrique pure. "King of Twilight" a des parties de guitare agressives, et il y a un clavier unique à répétition rapide et unique à la Genesis "Watcher of the skies". La basse est délicieuse et la voix du chanteur est bonne.

Tracks :

1. A Tab In The Ocean (16:53) 

2. Desolation Valley / Waves (8:13) 

3. Crying In The Dark (6:29) 

4. King Of Twilight (4:22)  :

5. A Tab In The Ocean (16:04) 

6. Desolation Valley / Waves (8:33) 

7. Crying In The Dark (5:14) 

8. King Of Twilight (4:05) 

Line-Up :

Roye Albrighton : guitars, lead vocals

Alan "Taff" Freeman : keyboards, Mellotron, backing vocals

Derek "Mo" Moore : bass, backing vocals

Ron Howden : drums, percussion, backing vocals

Enjoy Music :

Nektar - A Tab In The Ocean (LP)

1972

Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Emerson, Lake & Palmer (1970)

Well it's a stunning debut album, characterized by some unforgettable tracks as well as tepid or annoying episodes in the same time..."Lucky Man" as a ballad was a famous hit single, but it's totally out of contest, in comparison for example to the splendid "The Barbarian" or the Fugue inside "Knife Edge" ...instead the mini-suite "Three Fates" is a controversial idea by EMERSON alone and it's not always inspiring from the point of view of its composition, even though his skill is excellent !

Eh bien, c'est un album époustouflant, caractérisé par des morceaux inoubliables et des épisodes tièdes ou agaçants dans le même temps ... "Lucky Man" en tant que ballade était un single à succès, mais il est totalement hors compétition, comparé par exemple à la splendide "The Barbarian" ou à la fugue à l'intérieur de "Knife Edge" ... même si la mini-suite "Three Fates" est une idée controversée d'Emerson et si elle n'est pas toujours inspirante du point de vue de sa composition. son habileté n'en est pas moins est excellente !

Tracks :

1. The Barbarian (4:32)

2. Take A Pebble (12:37)

3. Knife-Edge (With Extended Outro) (5:38)

4. Promenade (1:30)

5. The Three Fates: Atropos (Piano Trio) (3:12)

6. Rave Up (5:03)

7. Drum Solo (3:02)

8. Lucky Man (4:40)

9. Take A Pebble (Alternate Version) (3:40)

10. Knife-Edge (Alternate Version) (4:19)

11. Lucky Man (First Greg Lake Solo Version) (3:03)

12. Lucky Man (Alternate Version) (4:41)

Line-Up :

Greg Lake / vocals, bass, electric & acoustic guitars

Keith Emerson / Hammond organ, piano, clavinet, Royal Festival Hall pipe organ, modular Moog

Carl Palmer / drums, percussion

Enjoy Music :

Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Emerson, Lake & Palmer (LP)

1970

Starcastle - Fountains Of Lights (1977)

Starcastle's second album veers slightly from Yes to a more Kansas-ey sound but this is very relative. Like so many US prog band after Leftoverture was released and became a major seller, these guys couldn't help but adapting their soundscapes slightly, but they didn't reneg their Yes influences in doing so.

Le deuxième album de Starcastle passe légèrement de Yes à un son plus Kansas mais c'est très relatif. Comme beaucoup de groupes de prog US après la sortie de Leftoverture et est devenu un grand vendeur, ces gars-là n'ont pas pu s'empêcher d'adapter légèrement leurs paysages sonores, mais ils n'ont pas renié leurs influences Yes.

Tracks : 

1. Fountains (10:22) 

2. Dawning Of The Day (3:43) 

3. Silver Winds (4:54) 

4. True To The Light (6:25) 

5. Portraits (5:02) 

6. Diamond Song (Deep Is The Light) (5:35)

Line-Up :

Terry Luttrell : lead vocals

Matthew Stewart : electric & slide guitars, electric sitar, vocals

Stephen Hagler : guitar, piano, electric piano, vocals

Herb Schildt : synthesizer, organ, electric piano, Oberheim sequencer

Gary Strater : bass, Moog pedals, clavinet, vocals

Stephen Tassler : drums, percussion, vocals

Enjoy Music :

Starcastle - Fountains Of Lights (LP)

1977

Willowglass - Book of Hours (2008)

Willowglass's second album (actually Andrew Marshall, a talented multi-instrumentalist) is a sharp and tangy adventure into retro-prog. His swirling mellotron and crisp guitar takes you back to the 1970s, whether you want to go there or not. The sounds are pastoral and very pleasant, reminiscent of Camel.

Le deuxième album de Willowglass (en fait Andrew Marshall, un multi-instrumentiste talentueux) est une aventure pointue et piquante dans le rog. Son mellotron tourbillonnant et sa guitare vive vous ramènent aux années 1970, que vous vouliez y aller ou non. Les sons sont pastoraux et très agréables, rappelant Camel.

Tracks :

1 Argamasilla 11:04

2 Willowglass 4:02

3 The Maythorne Cross 10:39

4 Book Of Hours 7:13

5      The Labyrinth (16:50)

I) Prelude

II) The Journey

III) Don Quixote Rides Again

IV) Nature's Cathedral

V) Knight Of The White Moon

VI) The Spiral

Line-Up :

Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Twelve-String Guitar, Classical Guitar, Keyboards, Bass Guitar, Pedalboard, Flute, Drums, Percussion – Andrew Marshall

Drums, Percussion – Dave Brightman

Enjoy Music :

Willowglass - Book of Hours (LP)

2008

Tony Banks - Strictly Inc (1995)

This is Tony Banks best solo album after his debut A Curious Feeling. Actually I did not expect much from this album since I never really like Wang Chung, and the colaboration between their lead singer and Banks seemed quite unlike to succeed. But it worked! After the hideous The Fugitive, the only average Bankstatement and the good, but uneven Still, it looks like Genesis keyboards player finally found a good balance between his hability to deliver great melodies and his ambition to write simpler, catchy tunes. All songs are good. Of course I don't have to praise his best latter day composition, Island In The Darkness. All the other reviewers have done that. It's a masterpiece, end of the story.

C'est le meilleur album solo de Tony Banks après son premier album A Curious Feeling. Après le hideux The Fugitive, le seul Bankstatement moyen et le bon, mais inégal Still, on dirait que le joueur de claviers de Genesis a finalement trouvé un bon équilibre entre sa capacité à délivrer de grandes mélodies et son ambition d'écrire des airs plus simples et accrocheurs. Toutes les chansons sont bonnes. Bien sûr, je n'ai pas à faire l'éloge de sa meilleure composition des derniers jours, Island In The Darkness. Tous les autres critiques l'ont fait. C'est un chef-d'œuvre, fin de l'histoire.

Tracks :

1. Don't Turn Your Back On Me (3:59) 

2. Walls Of Sound (5:07) 

3. Only Seventeen (4:57) 

4. The Serpent Said (5:28) 

5. Never Let Me Know (6:20) 

6. Charity Balls (4:38) 

7. Something To Live For (5:17) 

8. A Piece Of You (4:47) 

9. Strictly Incognito (5:05) 

10. An Island In The Darkness (17:21) 

Line-Up :

Tony Banks : keyboards (synth guitar, bass, percussion)

Jack Hues : vocals, guitar

Daryl Stuermer : guitar, guitar solo

Nathan East : bass 

John Robinson : drums

Enjoy Music :

Tony Banks - Strictly Inc (LP)

1995

Yes - Relayer (1974)

This is the only version of Relayer to have been completely remixed from the original multitrack tapes since 1974. In keeping with all the other releases in this series, Steven Wilson’s approach for new stereo mix is to faithfully retain the spirit & sounds of the original album mix, while applying modern mix techniques to bring further clarity to the individual instrument, vocal & overdubs for each track.

C'est la seule version de Relayer à avoir été complètement remixée des bandes multipistes d'origine depuis 1974. En accord avec toutes les autres sorties de cette série, l'approche de Steven Wilson pour le nouveau mixage stéréo est de conserver fidèlement l'esprit et les sons de l'album original mélanger, tout en appliquant des techniques de mixage modernes pour apporter plus de clarté à l'instrument individuel, vocal et overdubs pour chaque piste.

Tracks :

01. The Gates Of Delirium

02. Sound Chaser 

03. To Be Over

Line-Up :

Jon Anderson – Lead Vocals

Steve Howe – Guitars, Backing Vocals

Chris Squire – Bass, Backing Vocals

Patrick Moraz – Keyboards

Alan White – Drums, Percussion

Enjoy Music :

Yes - Relayer (LP)

1974

Camel - Moonmadness (1976)

With this, Camel did the impossible. They produced a follow up album to the Snow Goose which kept to very nearly the same standard and didn't follow the same pattern. It's full of dreamy keyboards, superb guitar and flute work and the whole is backed by one of the classiest rhythm sections in history. Even the vocals, often a Camel weak point, work brilliantly. 

Avec ceci, Camel a fait l'impossible. Ils ont produit un album de suivi à Snow Goose qui a gardé à peu près la même norme mais n'a pas suivi le même modèle. Il est plein de claviers rêveurs, de guitare et de flûte superbe et le tout est soutenu par l'une des sections rythmiques les plus classieuses de l'histoire. Même les voix, souvent un point faible de Camel, fonctionnent avec brio.

Tracks :

1. Aristillus (1:59) 

2. Song Within a Song (7:18)

3. Chord Change (6:48) 

4. Spirit of the Water (2:09) 

5. Another Night (7:00) 

6. Air Born (5:04) 

7. Lunar Sea (9:14)

Line-Up :

Andy Latimer : guitars, flute, recorders, vocals

Peter Bardens : keyboards, vocals

Doug Ferguson : bass, lead vocals

Andy Ward : drums, percussion, spoken voice

Enjoy Music :

Camel - Moonmadness (LP)

1976

Jon Anderson - Olias Of Sunhillow (1976)

This is Anderson's most complex and sophisticated album. It is rather floating new age, with progressive orientation. Maybe his best album too. The songs contain many floating loaded keyboards of the Vangelis style. There are also lots of string instruments, such like harp. The album, regardless keyboards, is rather acoustic. Jon Anderson's vocals are great, as always.

C'est l'album le plus complexe et sophistiqué d'Anderson. C'est plutôt dans le courant new age, avec une orientation progressive. Peut-être son meilleur album aussi. Les chansons contiennent de nombreux claviers chargés de style Vangelis. Il y a aussi beaucoup d'instruments à cordes, comme la harpe. L'album, hormis les claviers, est plutôt acoustique. Les voix de Jon Anderson sont excellentes, comme toujours.

Tracks :

1. Ocean Song (3:24)
2. Meeting (Garden Of Geda) (1:11)
3. Sound Out The Galleon (2:11)
4. Dance Of Ranyart (2:12)
5. Olias (To Build The Moorglade) (2:04)
6. Qoquaq ën Transic (2:29)
7. Naon (3:29)
8. Transic Tö (1:08)
9. Flight Of The Moorglade (3:22)
10. Solid Space (5:30)
11. Moon Ra (5:50)
12. Chords (3:07)
13. Song Of Search (3:40)
14. To The Runner (4:31)

Line-Up :

Jon Anderson: vocals, choirs, acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, bass,
saz, harp, sitar, keyboards, percussion, flutes.

Brian Gaylor : electronics

Enjoy Music :

Jon Anderson - Olias Of Sunhillow (LP)
1976

Mike Rutherford - Smallcreep's Day (1980)

This is a great debut solo offering from Mike Rutherford. Sure it has all the flavours of Genesis like a Curious Feeling has for Tony Banks. The vocalist choice, Noel McCalla is a shrewd one because this guy can really sing and reaches those dizzy high peaks very easily. Rutherford always tended to be lumped with Tony Banks as one of the quieter ones in the band and maybe not as influential as the others. This album tells a different story. His guitar playing on this album is confident and as restained and tasteful as Gilmour or Latimer.

Ceci est une excellente première offre solo de Mike Rutherford. Bien sûr, il a toutes les saveurs de la Genesis comme pour a Curious Feeling de Tony Banks. Le choix du chanteur, Noel McCalla est astucieux car ce type peut vraiment chanter et atteindre très facilement de hauts sommets vertigineux. Rutherford a toujours eu tendance à être considéré avec Tony Banks comme l'un des plus silencieux du groupe et peut-être pas aussi influent que les autres. Cet album raconte une histoire différente. Son jeu de guitare sur cet album est confiant et aussi maitrisé et de bon goût que ceux de Gilmour ou Latimer.

Tracks :

1. I Between The Tick And The Tock (3:57) 

2. II Working In Line (3:11) 

3. III After Hours (1:42) 

4. IV Cats And Rats (In The Neighbourhood) (4:47) 

5. V Smallcreep Alone (1:31) 

6. VI Cut Into The Daylight (3:52) 

7. VII At The End Of The Day (5:37) 

8. Moonshine (6:26) 

9. Time And Time Again (4:53) 

10. Romani (5:22) 

11. Every Road (4:12) 

12. Overnight Job (5:44) 

Line-up :

Mike Rutherford : guitars, basses

Noel McCalla : vocals

Anthony Phillips : keyboards

Simon Phillips : drums

Morris Pert : percussion

Enjoy Music :

Mike Rutherford - Smallcreep's Day (LP)

1980

Steve Hackett - Voyage Of The Acolyte (1975)

This wonderful record (Hackett's first solo outing) is absolutely essential listening for fans of classic Genesis. In fact, then Genesis band mates Phil Collins and Mike Rutherford assist on the album, with Phil providing vocals for the standout "Star of Sirius" (the best Genesis song that Genesis never recorded).

The album is loosely organized around the theme of the Tarot (the awesome and frenetic opening track, "Ace of Wands," is named for a Tarot card, as are other tracks), one of Hackett's interests at the time.

Ce disque merveilleux (première sortie solo de Hackett) est absolument essentiel pour les fans du Genesis des débuts. En fait, Phil Collins et Mike Rutherford, membres de Genesis, assistent à l'album, avec Phil pour le chant de "Star of Sirius" (la meilleure chanson de Genesis jamais enregistrée par Genesis).
L'album est vaguement organisé autour du thème du Tarot (la piste d'ouverture géniale et frénétique, "Ace of Wands", est le nom d'une carte de Tarot, comme d'autres titres), l'un des intérêts de Hackett à l'époque.

Tracks :

1. Ace Of Wands (5:23)

2. Hands Of The Priestess Part I (3:28)

3. A Tower Struck Down (4:53)

4. Hands Of The Priestess Part II (1:31)

5. The Hermit (4:49)

6. Star Of Sirius (7:08)

7. The Lovers (1:50)

8. Shadow Of The Hierophant (11:44)

Line-Up :

Steve Hackett : electric & acoustic guitar, Mellotron, harmonium, bells, autoharp, vocals, effects, arrangements & co-producer

Sally Oldfield : vocals

John Acock : Elka Rhapsody synthesizer, Mellotron, harmonium, piano, co-producer

Mike Rutherford : bass & bass pedals, fuzz 12-string guitar

Percy Jones : bass

Johnny Gustafson : bass

Phil Collins : drums, vibes, percussion, vocals

John Hackett : flute, ARP synthetizer, bells

Robin Miller : oboe, cor anglais

Nigel Warren-Green : cello

Enjoy Music :

Steve Hackett - Voyage Of The Acolyte (LP)

1975