Paradox One

WEARING MY REVIEWER’S HAT- FINAL RECOMMENDED RELEASES

In addition to that what follows I could have gone on to talk about discovering the music of BEN HARPER, about rediscovering the wonderful music of ROY HARPER, about RICHARD THOMPSON producing his best album in years and about the eagerly awaited KATE BUSH double CD AERIAL (one of the few artists I'd make a point of pre-ordering) but alas I cannot continue my 'Recommended Releases' partly because of demands on my own time and partly because of the sheer volume of brilliant new releases and rereleases. Needless to say good music is very much alive and well! So, with apologies to all those I've missed out I must now bow out!
You can still read reviews in Zeitgeist, Acid Dragon and if you can read Finnish, Colossus!. As you will see from my play lists I never listen to music solely on the basis of category. The reason I asked Stuart to add this section to my web site is to acknowledge these brilliant, inspirational artists who produce excellent music which deserves a much wider audience. Please let me know what you think of this section and share your own thoughts on music with me.

RECOMMENDED RELEASES OF 2005

XTC- APPLE BOX
Consisting of Apple Venus (with brilliant orchestrations), Wasp Star (more rocky) and Homespun and Homegrown (Same tracks in 'demo' versions) with a book and a peacock feather in a box. Very reasonably priced and not to be missed. Order through their website. This is what The Beatles might sound like today- if they were this inspired which I doubt! All time classic songs. Won't be bettered this year (or any other year in all probability!) www.xtcidearecords.co.uk

DONOVAN- BARABAJAGAL and MELLOW YELLOW
Despite a few embarrassing moments absolutely essentials remasters with informative sleeve notes. The bonus demos not only outnumber the original albums tracks but are in many ways more interesting. The 'Goo Goo' version is very different to the hit single with Jeff Beck

CREAM- LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL (Double CD and film)
Better than the original concert, 'We're Going Wrong' is the epitome of emotion, the reaction to it and to everything else is absolutely stunning- oh, and nice to see 'Pressed Rat and Warthog' on there and Ginger Baker enjoying himself!

ALLMAN BROTHERS- ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL POP FESTIVAL
Live double CD, much better live than in the studio like:

GRATEFUL DEAD- MOVIE SOUNDTRACK
5 CD set very reasonably priced. Apart from a few 'otherworldly' excursions that should have been excluded, the material, playing and sound is spot on. Check out the Record Collector magazine review- it says it all!

Now some progressive rock:
SAENS- PROPHETS IN A STATISTICAL WORLD
Belatedly got into this thanks to a friend (Well done, Sandy!)- I actually prefer the second CD of longer tracks.

PERSONA NON GRATA- THE FINE ART OF LIVING
The excellent Vulgar Unicorn AKA Pineapple Thief under yet another name. Excellent CD- pity about the bonus one though! (Still it is free and offers an interesting insight into how the music has evolved over the years)

DJAM KARET- RECOLLECTION HARVEST
Actually two albums on one CD, the first the most mature offering yet, the second a more ambient creation. Camel, VDGG, early Genesis, Floyd, maybe even Egg are all given a nod- wonderful array of instruments- great synth work, 7 and 12 string guitars, string lute, ebow, theremin- very accessible music! (Cuneiform)

MATS MORGAN- THANKS FOR FLYING WITH US- their most accessible musical adventure yet concentrating on shorter, cleverly constructed pieces with outstanding backing from a variety of musicians inclduing klaviharp, dobro, xurna (a reed instrument) and the unique harmonica sound that is an occasional distinctive feature of the band's sound. Mats Morgan (duo) is a particular favourite of mine- check out their website for an interesting history and Frank Zappa connection.
(Cuneiform Records)

SAN FRANCISCO BLUE- HURTING FOR PEOPLE
There's a Jefferson Airplane and a Skip Spence connection here. Check out the review in Zeitgeist

SILVER LINING- THE INNER DRAGON
If you're looking for something a little different in the neo-progressive line look no further. This enchanting story part narrated part sung traverses many clever melodic and instrumental journeys with violin adding a special touch. A labour of love for Thierry Sportouche, editor of Acid Dragon!

NEAL MORSE- ONE
Following the superb double CD 'Testimony' comes another excellent example of 'theological rock'.

PORCUPINE TREE- DEADWING
Stven Wilson continues to beguile, a master of his art with a potential corssover audience of heavy and melodic rock fans, progressive in the truest sense of the word.

THE RICK RAY BAND- TEMPORARY WORLD
The band's finest CD to date. My upcoming reviews in Zeitgeist, Acid Dragon and Colossus are respectfully dedicated to lead singer Chuck Abraham RIP. (Neurosis Records)

D'ARCANA- S/T
Excellent CD from band led by multi-instrumentalist Jay Tausig. Will appeal to Peter Hammill fans, intelligent, well constructed music with a surprise in the 9 minute 'Changes'- more west coast vocal harmony than Hammill! www.darcana.com (Full review in forthcoming Acid Dragon)

Present: A Great Inhumane Adventure
Excellent 1998 concert recorded on 24 track digital from this Belgian 'RIO' band featuring the classic 'Delusions' ann what Joyce at Cuneiform Records describes as 'one of the best compositions of the late 20th century 'Promenade au Fond d'Un Canal'. If you like challenging music that breaks down a few barriers this is for you!

Joe Turner: My French Connection
This is one CD that blues lovers simply must add to their collection. I'll tell you why in a forthcoming review in 'Zeitgeist'. On Mystic Records

Alexander Kostarev Group: Live@In Prog 2003
Stunning instrumental prog fusion from an excellent Russian Band'- 'Vegetarian' is a fantastic piece of music and a DVD of the band performing it is included. The 'Concerto Grosso #1' is ambitious but the band pull it off admirably! (Starless Records STR 002)

Necessarily brief comments on these recommended releases (Please contact me for more details or to find out where they'll be reviewed):
Skyron Orchestra: great psychedelic rock album www.skyron.nu
Quarkspace: Node in Peril: I reckon a good concept brings out the best in people and this one's no exception. In this case it's Matt Howarth's little comic book included in a nice package. Engaging space rock. Available from The Rocker
White Willow: I've been playing their latest one a lot recently- love the cover design!
Porcupine Tree: Deadwing Everything this band does oozes class to me!
Dream Theater: Octavarium The giants of prog metal are back with more class and quality!

THE ESSENTIAL BILLIE HOLIDAY

Yet another Billie compilation but at least this one is nicely packaged in slipcase and has a brief history of tracks and sessions featured in an 8 page booklet. 140 minutes playing time over 2 CDs. It's nice to hear the highly significant and courageous song 'Strange Fruit' open CD2 but can the compilers explain where 'Pennies from Heaven' has gone? A good starting point that spans this magnificent singer (and don't forget those backing musicians!) career from 1935-1950. (MetroCD552)

DONOVAN- SUNSHINE SUPERMAN and HURDY GURDY MAN

Being a great lover of Donovan's music, I'll be getting all the remasters if they're all like these- 20 and 16 page booklets full of history, observations, record covers, pictures and a generous number of bonus songs including a few unreleased. try the wonderous 7 minutes of 'Legend of a Girl Called Linda' to discover there was lot more to Donavon than hit singles, good though they were! (EMI Records)

RADIO MASSACRE INTERNATIONAL- EMISSARIES (double CD)
‘Emissaries’ is essential listening for all lovers of inspired electronic/ space rock music. Full review in forthcoming edition of Acid Dragon

Contact: www.radiomassacreinternational.com

(Cuneiform Records Rune 211/212)

IAN PARKER LIVE: WHILST THE WIND

Recorded in Hanover on 4 December, 2004, ‘Whilst the Wind’ features four songs from Ian’s 2003 album ‘Inside’, four new songs and four cover versions. It was Ian’s own compositions that impressed me most though... Read the full review in Zeitgeist-coming soon!

(For blues on the rocky sound this mate of Walter Trout's is well worth checking out). Another quality release from RUF Records.

MARBLE SHEEP: THE GATE OF A HEAVENLY BODY

Check out these Japanese spaced out rockers immediately! (Beautiful package) Contact: www.funfundvierzig.com (Review coming soon to Zeitgeist)

Carptree: Man Made Machine

This is the third album from this talented Swedish duo that I’ve had the pleasure to review. I am reluctant to make comparisons as Carptree has created a wonderfully warm and intimate sound all of their own but ‘Tilting the Scales’ has all the intensity and memorability of an ELO or Kate Bush composition while ‘The Man You Just Became’ could be vintage Genesis, a more reliable comparison on the whole.

If you enjoy intense and dramatic ‘cerebral’ rock music then check out Carptree without delay!

Contact: www.carptree.com

(Full review to appear in Colossus)

Various Artists: Gospel for J.F.P. III- Tribute to Jaco Pastorius

I could write an essay on this album- the breadth of styles, the multiplexity of instruments, the breathtaking musicianship but suffice to say that everything about this CD smacks of quality, a fitting tribute indeed to a prodigious talent. Essential for lovers of Jaco’s music and all serious jazz and rock heads everywhere! Moon June Records www.moonjune.com (Review in Zeitgeist)

Fonderia: Fonderia

As their name suggests (foundry) this band is a literal ‘melting pot’ for many styles and influences and use a wide variety of instrumentation very successfully to get their message across. If you enjoy progressive jazz with an experimental touch I’m sure you’ll enjoy Fonderia.

Contact: www.fonderia.biz (Full review in next issue of Colossus)

General Kustard: msred

If you’re looking for something a bit different in the ambient and electronic genre then look no further. Always interesting, always evocative and all done with a sense of humour (Flying A Records) (Have some fun with an internet search- Are you sure you're not looking for General Custard!) Review to follow in Zeitgeist

Shadow Gallery: Room V

‘Room V’ is an epic concept ‘double album’ that is both musically and lyrically brilliant will appeal to fans of IQ, Pallas and also prog at the heavier end of the spectrum. It reminded me in some ways of Dream Theater’s ‘Scenes From A memory’ and is every bit as good.

(Inside Out) (CD IOMCD 207)

Eric Anders: More Regrets

On first listening an absolutely fantastic record to follow one of my favourites from 2003 'Not At One'.

Review in Zeitgeist

Van Der Graaf Generator

I'm in seventh heaven here! To follow the highly acclaimed double CD 'Present' EMI is rereleasing the first 3 classic albums with bonus tracks. 'Darkness 9/11' from 'The Least We Can Do is Wave To Each Other', 'Killer' from 'H to He Who Am The Only One', 'A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers' from 'Pawn Hearts'- three absolute classics and there's much, much more! You must hear at least one of these asap preferably all of them. They've been remastered by Peter Hammill I believe.

BRUFORD ‘Feels Good To Me’,

originally released in 1977, reveals Bruford at their peak in the studio with the spontaneity of jazz chanteuse Annette Peacock lifting the band to unparalleled heights on marvellous numbers like the very infectious ‘Back to the Beginning’ and the reflective ‘Adios A La Pasada’. ‘Feels Good To Me’ is Bruford’s most consistent and assured recording with the classic line-up of Holdsworth, Berlin and Stewart. ‘One Of a Kind’, Bruford’s 1979 release comes a close second to ‘Feels Good To Me’ with the clever ‘Hell’s Bells’, the Alice in Wonderland inspired ‘Fainting in Coils’ and ‘the Sahara of Snow’ (especially the fabulous clap along riff of part two) particular standouts.
(All Bruford's albums with some bonus tracks released recently by Winterfold Records, a division of EG)

Candye Kane: White Trash Girl

Candy Kane’s raunchy ‘up front’ and quite magnificent blues album is simply stunning- full review on Zeitgeist.

(www.rufrecords.de)

Magic Pie: Motions of Desire

Magic Pie is a new progressive rock band from Norway and surely must, on this evidence, attract the attention of a big label very soon.

This band has done a remarkable job in assimilating so many major early seventies classic influences while retaining a vitality and high degree of originality. One of the very best of this year or any other year.

Contact: www.magicpie.net

Full review coming up in Colossus

Presto Ballet: Peace Among The Ruins

Apparently producer Kurdt Vanderhoof is the guitarist with thrash band Metal Church although you’d never guess from this recording. It’s his homage to the seventies when he believes music hit a peak of creative energy unequalled in modern times (except possibly by the likes of The Flower Kings, Spock’s Beards and Symphony X whose music Kurdt greatly admires!)

'Peace Among the Ruins' is a potent cocktail of authentic, high quality seventies prog.

References to Yes Genesis, Kansas, Rush and vintage Styx are all to be heard in music that is perhaps derivative but in no way plagiarist!

(Inside Out SPV 085- 40982 CD- IOMCD 210)

Pagan’s Mind: Enigmatic Calling

This is the third album from the power prog metal band from Norway. Their third ‘Celestial Entrance’ has been hailed as a masterpiece by some reviewers. I didn’t know this before I listened to this album but I now realise why such praise was used- ‘Enigmatic Calling’ is simply stunning! Imagine a mixture of vintage Queensryche and Dream Theater and add in some more ‘retro’ influences like Yes

Contact@ www.limb-music.de

(LMP 0505-080 CD)

Full review in Colossus soon!

Dave Dill: See You In The Sunshine
Dave is a marvellous guy and a wonderfully versatile musician and songwriter. I'm glad to say he has totally excelled even his own usual high standards on this immensely enjoyable release. Tune into Overflow Radio where Garry Lee is quite rightly playing heaps of tracks off this fantastic CD. Don't just take my word for it visit www.davedill.net, get a hold of a copy- you'll feel a lot better if you do. It's nice also to get a public opportunity to thank Dave for contributing to 'The Moon Orion Project'.

You can buy the CD at The Rocker

Neurotic: Mazy Craniacs
More archival stuff from Rick Ray and co this time from 1979. It's fascinating to hear a version of 'Where The Wild Things Are' and another 'Walrus' and also to hear Harvey Phillips' phenomenal drumming- I will get around to doing a full review soon- honest!

SPACE DEBRIS - “Krautrock Sessions 1994-2001”

"From the opening bars of ‘Long Distance Voyager’ it is very evident that this music is rooted in early seventies improvisational space rock...Top quality music- an authentic time travelling trip, this is one CD I’ll be returning to real soon!"

Read the whole review in the next issue of 'Acid Dragon'. Meanwhile, if you like Focus, Oblivion Express, early 70s progressive blues rock outfits with a bit of Floyd thrown in check this out- it's all original I hasten to add- these are just touch points!

Contact: www.spacedebrisprojekt.de

WILCO- A GHOST IS BORN

WILCO - YANKEE HOTEL FOXTROT

Thanks to my nephew Sean for turning me onto Wilco. I've been meaning to check them out for a while thinking that anyone that does an album with Billy Bragg must be OK. This music is indescribably good, this band are prepared to take a chance which has brought them some criticism (unfairly in my view) in some of the Amazon reviews I read. It's this that attracts me to them I think as well as some brilliant songs- they even do a long number I would loosley describe as space rock although they seem to be labelled alt-country- not sure I agree with that- anyway, if not already familiar with Wilco please get acquainted soon! Another stunning release is

XTC- APPLE VENUS

XTC just get better and better for me. 'Apple Venus' is on a par with previous conquests like 'English Settlement', 'Oranges and Settlement' and 'Nonsuch'. XTC rarely put a foot wrong to me- true innovators who just keep on producing great albums. Essential stuff!

MARILLION- MARBLES

I know it was released in 2004 but I forgot to include it in there. To me it is simply the best album Marillion has ever made, surpassing my previous favourites 'Script for a Jester's Tear' and 'Brave'. I really believe it's that good and gives me hope when an all time classic like this can be produced in today's climate. It's a pity the band felt they couldn't sell the double album in shops. However, go to marillion.com and you can buy the whole wonderful creation in all its glory- no home should be without one!

SIMON FELTON- PREVIOUS

Simon’s back with more intelligent pop. As one who listens avidly to Bryan Matthew’s ‘Sounds of the Sixties’, one of the few shows to veer outwith mainstream predictability, it is reassuring and refreshing to hear such authentically new music arriving like a blast from the past! Check out the full review in Zeitgeist

Contact: www.pinkhedgehog.com

ROGER CHAPMAN AND THE SHORTLIST- MAIL ORDER MAGIC
“Roger’s music remains a unique concoction. There’s feel, passion, humour, lyrical double entendres and spontaneity, all topped by his undimmed, wailing vibrato and played by the top players of the time. It is this musical chemistry that infuses ‘Mail Order Magic’ with its vitality and originality”.
There’s not a lot to add to Pete Feenstra’s ‘labour of love’ liner notes to another well packaged piece of essential rock history from Mystic Records. complete with five bonus tracks. Read the full review in Zeitgeist.

CIRCLE’S END - “Hang on to That Kite”

Circle’s End carry on a fine tradition melodic progressive Scandinavian bands (they hail from Norway) like Fruitcake and the darker Landberk. Musically, I’d say that the most obvious comparisons here are with Focus and Alquin (although some of the more complex parts recall Gentle Giant) and at others Rare Bird, Camel and Van Der Graaf Generator with some jazz touches- an outstanding mix of influences. There are seven songs delivered by a wonderful lead vocalist Karl Riis Jacobsen who brings to my mind the singer from UK early 70s jazz rockers If (although his approach on the reflective ‘At Shore’ reminded me of Paul Rogers on ‘Morning Sad Mourning’). So many comparisons do not imply that Circle’s End is any way plagiarist in style- they create a quite unique sound and employ a varied and skilful use of instrumentation ‘Hang on to That Kite’ continues the development of an outstanding and accessible prog rock band and comes highly recommended.

Contacts: www.circlesend.no

www.karismarecords.no

CHEESE- ENLARGE YOUR JOHNSON
If there's a better intelligent pop disc that this in the whole of 2005 I'll be surprised.! This should be massive- far better than most of the Brit Pop that assails our ears on 'commercial radio'. Will it be so? The spelling of 'girl' on the opening track reveals a line of influence from The Beach Boys through Big Star and numerous Indie pop bands, the big difference being the guitar solo that reminded me of Danny Kootch's all time classic break on 'It's Too Late'. Perceptive verses (with all lyrics thoughtfully reproduced) and irresistible choruses with lots of clever production touches (e.g. listen to Simon Swarbrick's contribution at the Beatlish conclsuion to 'Nothing To See'). Lots of happy memories flooded in- of Rare Bird on one track (Alan Strawbridge's harmony vocals have a lot to do with this) and even XTX (fleetingly) All in all though Cheese have carved a niche all their own and realised, with Marco Rossi as the creative guiding force, the potential amply displayed by the earlier collection of demos etc. that was 'Let it Brie'. Magnificent! Comprehensive review to follow in Zeitgeist!

RECOMMENDED RELEASES OF 2004

Please e-mail me at phil@paradoxone.co.uk for further information on any of these albums