Paradox One

WEARING MY REVIEWER’S HAT- RECOMMENDED RELEASES

As some of you may know I am not only Paradox One but also a reviewer for ‘Acid Dragon’, and contributor to ‘Background’, prog glossies ‘Colossus’ (Helsinki) and ‘Mellotron’ (Buenos Aires) and ‘Virgin All Time Top 1000 Albums’. I have published two booklets on progressive rock music as well as various articles.I am committed to and besotted with the unfairly maligned genre of progressive rock but not exclusively so. For more information on my written output, click here. 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 2004

SUE FOLEY- CHANGE The people who witnessed this ‘one off’ concert by Sue and her band in Hugh’s Room, Toronto in December, 2003 were privileged indeed. A brilliant six minute interpretation of W.C. Handy’s ‘Careless Love’, an impressive self penned title song and excellent covers of two Memphis Minnie songs are just a few of the highlights. Highly recommended to all those who like their blues well done with a bit of rock on the side.
Contact: www.rufrecords.de
www.suefoley.com

GARFIELD’S BIRTHDAY- FAMOUS WHEN DEAD An eighth CD from Simon and those nice people at Pink Hedgehog Records. Garfield’s Birthday continue the intelligent melodic pop that characterises much of the music on the label. Check it out! www.pinkhedgehog.com

CANNED HEAT
“The Boogie House Tapes” (1967-1976)
“The Boogie House Tapes Volume 2” (1969-1999)
Taken from the collection of Canned Heat survivor Fito de la Parra and fan and collector of boogie memorabilia Walter De Paduwa aka Dr Boogie, the Boogie House Tapes constitute a remarkable musical and historical catalogue of unreleased live takes, session tracks, radio and TV shows, rehearsal tracks and even commercials.
Stamina is required as there must be somewhere in excess of 5 hours of recordings here. However, the journey is well worth it and well worth repeating! So begins my detailed reviews in Zeitgeist and I refer you to them for chapter and verse on these essential purchases! Contact: www.rufrecords.de

NEAL MORSE- ONE
Following the superb double CD 'Testimony' comes the equally superb 'One', theological rock at its best from the man who is sounding musically more like Spock's Beard than Spock's Beard these days!

THE FLOWER KINGS- ADAM AND EVE (with a look back at 'UNFOLD THE FUTURE')

I had some reservations about the last studio release, 2002's 'Unfold The Future'. Attempting to pull off what was in effect a quadruple album in 70's parlance was pretty ambitious and I felt the second CD would test all but the most ardent prog rock fan's patience a bit, particularly some of the 'jazz flirtations' some of which didn't quite come off for me. I thought there was an album, possibly a double album in there that could in time be counted alongside classic works by YES, an overwhelming influence on the opener. Indeed. it's doubtful whether YES actually wrote anything better than the 30 minute opener 'The Truth Will Set You Free'. That allied to tremendous pieces like 'Silent Inferno' and the shorter, visceral works 'The Navigator' and 'Vox Humana' were in the 'all time classic' vein.
I have no such reservations about 'Adam and Eve' though despite its own considerable length. It hangs together much better as a 'concept' and the melodies are consistently brilliant and the instrumentation and arrangements just right (Roine Stolt's insightful lyrics are always a must hear whatever context they appear in!). My only complaint is that 'Babylon' is much too short, that melody could have gone on as long as 'Stardust We Are' for me. The second CD straddles a bweildering amount of styles but with great aplomb and I love the 'retro' sound of the keyboards' throughout. It strikes me it's the sort of thing ELP tried on 'Works' with only partial success. These notes are becoming a bit rambling but, suffice to say, that I rate 'Adam and Eve' alongside early classics like 'Retropolis' and 'Stardust We Are'. And I don't think you have necessarily to be a prog rock fan to enjoy it. There is again a strong YES influence but there are many other classic reference points.

RICK RAY- CHAINSAW MANICURE
on Neurosis Records
Those fortunate enough to be in the Lakewood, Ohio area will be able to see Rick with band support Allan Holdsworth on 10 January. Meanwhile this is another excellent solo release accompanied as always by Rick Schultz on reeds.
Read the reviews in Zeitgeist and in the next issue of Acid Dragon (due out nearer springtime) Available from The Rocker

FLIGHT 09- HUMAN NATURE

The best yet from this fine Uzbekistan band
I'm working on the review at the moment but here's a little sampler:
'cleverly constructed instrumental progressions, the gravelly, emotional singing of Igor Savich, his clean fluid guitar work embellished by subtle and sympathetic synth tones, challenging yet catchy with Anyone's Daughter a reference point. 9 fine tracks with 'Dancers in the Night' with its touching voice/ strings symphonic passage and an eloqently expansive guitar solo that reminded me of early Robin Trower. Flight 09 finds its fullest expression on the 7.5 minutes of 'The Crow', an unforgettable song. Later on I'm reminded of Zeppelin's 'Kashmir' period. 'Human Nature' will appeal to fans of Dire Straits, progressive rock and even the heavier approach of bands like Threshold alike!
look out for full review in Zeitgeist! Available from The Rocker

NEUROTIC- JUST JAMMIN'

Rick Ray’s original band rescued from ‘the vaults’ in a session from 1978 comes as a very pleasant surprise. Not for the audiophile perhaps but perfectly listenable. Rick’s fluid guitar work is accompanied by phenomenal drummer Harvey Phillips and brother John on bass (No slouch either!) This is essential listening and not just for historical reasons!

Contact: hobbelshnimp@hotmail.com

and read the full review in Zeitgeist. Available from The Rocker

CENSUS OF HALLUCINATIONS-NINE LIVES
Eclectic as ever with some truly idiosyncratic (The Green Manilishi/ Oh Well as you've never heard them before!) and awe inspiring (The beautiful ballad' Now I Know' and an outstanding piece of space rock 'My God, It's Full of Stars) music that grabs the attention at every insistent twist and turn. Rounds off a good year for the band and the Stone Premonitions label with the release of the 2 CD retrospective and the Moon Orion Project. Available from The Rocker

JEFF SHERMAN- HOME
An enchanting CD with Jeff 'conducting' his music and incorporating samples of various descrirptions, mellotron, flute (on 6/8 jazz improvisation on core recording of 'Burying Euphoria' which also includes an 8 piece orchestra) and various other bits and pieces. However experimental this is, the melodic content shines through, always a good sign to old fashioned me! Oh, and Jeff is accompnaied by Hugh Hopper on fuzz bass, double speed bass guitar and loops on 2/3 of the album. Full review to hopefully appear in Acid Dragon in the spring. Meanwhile contact is http://www.rpursuit.com

SYRINX- REIFICATION
Magnificent concept work of 5 instrumentals totalling 55 minutes playing time. Title track is nearly 17 minutes long and a masterpiece- never a dull moment. National Health and Bruford spring to mind but the 15 minutes of 'Orbis Ubique' took me back to listening to Vanilla Fudge's 'Renaissance' in the dark- must have been the creepy organ! Nice variety of instruments used- the flute on 'Le vingtieme cercle' was a nice surprise! The closer 'L'hypostase des archontes' reeks of mid period Crimson. One of the year's best releases without a doubt. Contact www.syrinx-aeon.com

MOUNTAIN- THE VERY BEST OF MOUNTAIN
A timely reminder of this magnificent Cream connected group. 'Nantucket Sleighride' is here of course (Not hte monster version- aw!), a wonderful version of 'Theme for an Imaginary Western' and an irrestible guitar riff on 'Never In My Life'. 20 tracks and sleeve notes containing a short history. Love it!
Released on Columbia.

CAFE BAR 401- S/T
Holland's Cafe Bar 401 make the guitar/ bass/ drums line-up go a long way although isn't that some piano I head on the sublime 'Troubles',. Wasn't too convinced by the opener but things just got better and better with 'Lost Without You' with its big 'indie' chords and snappy drummer- like the rim shots! Add an excellent singer and some well crafted songs and you've got a potent combination we should be hearing more about.
Contact: www.cafebar401.nl

GARFIELD'S BIRTHDAY- "Famous When Dead"
Garfield's Birthday is a welcome addition to a rich crop of sixties influenced indie bands and easily stands up there with the best of them. Contact www.pinkhedgehog.com
www.garfieldsbirthday.com

Read the full review in Zeitgeist

SONIQ THEATER- THIS MORTAL COIL
In the tradition of fine synth players like Wakeman, Emerson, Vangelis, Moraz and on part of 'Bridge to Eternity' Banks, Alfred Mueller has continued his musical vision already realised on 3 CDs that are, in his own words, 'a bunch of prog rock songs and sonic soundscapes'

Actually a 2000 release but I only just heard it and want other people to as well!
BRIAN AUGER'S OBLIVION EXPRESS- VOICES OF OTHER TIMES I was stunned by what a great album this is not knowing what to expect with the inclusion of son Karma on drums and daughter Savannah on vocals with some of their friends. It seems to bring out the best in Brian (no favours given- these are seriously good musicians!) with some great new material like the original 'It Burns Me Up (a protest song) with Savannah doing a cool Sade type jazz inflected vocal. Everything is a delight and the reworkings of 'Voices of Other Times' and 'Indian Rope Man' are excellent. A nice little personal sleeve note by Brian and a list of his influences rounds off a brilliant package. (SANCD 008) (Sanctuary CDs or www.brianauger.com - well worth a visit!)

ADRIAN SHAW- STRING THEORY Any release from the Bevis Frond or members of the Bevis Frond is eagerly awaited and I was so pleased to receive this follow-up to 'Look Out'. A full review of this important release will follow but suffice to say if you like your music on the heavy and melodic side encompassing a variety of musical styles and including some great guitar solos- Paul Simmons' solo on 'Thirty Two' reminded of Martin Barre's all time classic break on 'We Used to Know'- then this is for you. And a new Bevis Frond CD is expected before the year ends! info@woronzow.co.uk

ROOT DECO- WE COME IN PEACE An 8 track mini CD to follow up the excellent 'Rings a Bell' reviewed previously on Zeitgeist. The same distinctive Root Deco sound with the opener 'We Come in Peace' sounding a close relation to the wondrous 'O'Ryan in the Underworld' the band so kindly submitted to the 'Moon Orion Project' CD to celebrate 10 years of the Stone Premonitions label. There is also a revisiting of 'Eyes in the Back of my Head' (Roots version) and a welcome return for Heidi Garber's voice on 'Postcard'. www.rootdeco.com

RICHARD AND LINDA THOMPSON- I WANT TO SEE THE BRIGHT LIGHTS TONIGHT
At last the remastered version with a live workout of 'Calvary Cross' making it the nine minutes it was destined to be (and not the disappointed fade out on the album) 'Calvary Cross' incidentally is one the songs chosen by Nick Hornby in his rather self indulgent and esoteric (albeit interesting) book '31 Songs'. Unfortunately he doesn't articlate why he likes it so much and seems rather spooked by its coldness and bleakness. I have 'Rumour and Sigh' but always preferred Richard and Linda together. The chorus on 'We Sing Hallelujah' illustrates for me what a great songwriter Richard could be. This album certainly deserves the repackaged treatment but its inevitbale inclusion in lists of all time greats (like Van Morrison's 'Astral Weeks') always perplexes me. For me there as many moments of magic on 'First Light' and you hear very little about that one. By the way the BBC has just been showing a documentary on Richard which is worth checking out.

COLOSSEUM- VALENTYNE SUITE DELUXE EXPANDED EDITION Having reluctantly parted company with my vinyl edition- the first release on the Vertigo label- I have been eagerly awaiting this release on CD. I purchased this from an excellent independent record shop in Newcastle called Spin CDs. Check out their web site www.spincds.com or if you can get there yourself for an amazingly eclectic selection of CDs. I put the second CD first as this is the US version of the album entitled 'The Grass is Greener' over there and I'd never heard it before. There's no 'The Kettle' (Pity!) and the album starts off with 'Jumping Off The Sun' followed by 'Lost Angeles' (The Top Gear Radio Show version is included as a bonus track on disc one) then probably my all time favourite jazz rock song 'Elegy' (A version of which is on the Mogul Thrash CD I recommended recently) 'Butty's Blues' moves down a track followed by Jack Bruce's 'Rope Ladder to the Moon', a version of Ravel's 'Bolero' then 'The Machine Demands a Sacrifice', the track that ended side one on the UK edition finishing with the third part of the side long Valentyne Suite 'The Grass is Greener'. In other words there are onle 4 tracks common to the two CDs- intriguing. And NO filler! I'll be doing a full review of this one but menwhile- great job Sanctary Records! www.sanctuaryrecords.co.uk

THE BUZZRATS- WONDERING WHERE YOU ARE
Fourth album from the Buzzrats who adopt a truly eclectic approach to music using a wide array of instruments to produce an atmposheric, quite unique album that will repay repeated listening. Singer Steve Leggatt reminded me of Lou Reed and Neil Young in places but comparisons like this are at best tenuous, at worst misleading such is the originality of this 14 song album. www.thebuzzrats.com

ROGER CHAPMAN- UNDER NO OBLIGATION
'Spontaneity and edge' are two apt descriptions culled from Pete Feenstra's comprehensive sleeve notes and Chappo is clearly on form on this Mike Vernon produced blues oriented album. I am puzzled as to why this record has never attracted critical acclaim and as to why it has had to wait so long for a UK release- well done, Mystic! Hats off also to a great band including Geoff Whitehorn and Alvin Lee (on 3 songs each) with Mick Weaver and Pete Wingfield (and others) sharing the keyboard duties. Lavishly packaged with bonus track and live EP from promotional tour. www.mysticrecords.co.uk

KEVIN BRENNAN- GOD IS A MIGHTY GOURD
Now to compare God to a member of the marrow family prepares the listener for a pretty eclectic musical excursion and so it proves. I was reminded of lots of things- funk but not the mindless variety, Zappa, even droll alt country singer Ben Weaver but most of all good melodies and interesting lyrics. Instrumentation is great too with some nice little piano and guitar breaks scattered here and there. Is that some narrative from ?On The Road? on the last track? Definitely one to savour although I?m not too partial to melons, squashes or pumpkins myself. I see Stuart has just reviewed Keven?s Revival Tent on Zeitgeist as well. Don?t miss this one! www.fBoo.com

BASEMENT 3- FUZZYLAND
Stuart's already reviewed this on Zeitgeist and I don?t have a lot to add except to say this release impressed me even more than Kenny?s previous projects which were pretty good. I?m going to cheat on this one and simply quote from the sleeve notes because I think they say it all: ?Fuzzyland incorporates drummer Mike Freitas and vocalist Heather Courtney in more prominent roles to provide a more unified result with added creative depth of field. The first 2 CDs yielded a brand of music that Kenny called ?subterranean world core?, a stew of world music, industrial, avant-garde jazz and pop, now with a new obsession for singer/ songwriter and neo-folk stylings with more emphasis on vocals, melody and harmony but Basement 3 fans of old fear not- there?s still plenty of eclectic stew left in the pot.? Brass and strings add beautifully to a comprehensive musical (and artistic- nice packaging) concept. Essential listening. (Thanks to Tim and Terri as ever for keeping me supplied with more musical magic!) www.basement3.com

THE TANGENT- THE MUSIC THAT DIED ALONE
I first heard about this when interviewing PO90 keyboard player/ composer etc. Andy Tillison last year and have been eagerly awaiting its release. Andy know what he likes and, boy, does he deliver on this epic album. Of course having the likes of Roine Stolt and company and the marvellous David Jackson on sax and flute does help! 'Up Hill From Here' is one of the most energising rock tracks I've heard for a long while. 'The Music That Died Alone' says it all about a corrupt music industry. Ah, but there's lots, lots more- many memorable musical and lyrical moments including a homage to old Canterbury favourites like Caravan and the Hatfields. And I've never heard bass player Jonas Reingold sounding better. I just can't stop playing this and already rate it an all time classic. If you like music with intelligence and subtlety and a strong message that also ROCKS then don't miss out on this one. (For Van Der Graaf Generator fans this is absolutely indispensable) Released on Inside Out

NEAL MORSE- TESTIMONY (2003)
(Have just heard it so 2004 it is!)
The title is very apt as Neal gives a very personal and moving account of his faith. This is a very ambitious project and the fact Neal pulls it off so well is a 'testimony' to his brilliant musical skills and his prowess as a writer and arranger. This epic work spans five parts with a running time of over 2 hours and has got to be one of the best pieces of symphonic rock ever produced. Will not only appeal to fans of Spock's Beard but countless others! A major recording. On Inside Out

MARBLE SHEEP- FOR DEMOLITION OF A SPIRITUAL FRAMEWORK (2004)
This is a well packaged and powerful recording from a Japanese band who make a lot of noise in a very acceptable kind of way! Very 'eavy but also very touching music. More to say on this one due course (Indigo) www.funfundvierzig.com

LOTUS
A band that is nothing if not persistent, a stream of EPs coming my way courtesy of mutual friends. I took the liberty of putting the 10 songs together on a 43 minute CD compilation- I'm sure the band won't mind. This illustrated that the band, while keeping faith with their original sound- 'a variation of melodic rock'- has improved that original concept between 2001 when the first song 'Two Worlds Apart' appeared and today when 'The Hypnotist' reaches a kind of creative peak. In between there are some good moments like 2002's piece of intelligent organ tinged pop 'It's A Good Day to Be Alive'. Lotus are as good if not better than any number of 'Britpop' bands, many of whom have gone on to become very successful indeed. Contact www.lotus-online.com

LIQUID VISIONS- FROM THE CUBE
Liquid Visions pull of a rare trick on ?From the Cube? of making an authentic late sixties/ early seventies psychedelic/ Kraut rock album with a fresh and original touch that, in the fullness of time, will stand shoulders to shoulders with the best releases of the genre.
Some great guitar breaks, a driving rhythm section, expeditious use of theremin, sitars and tablas make this one superb sonic experience. Don't miss this one! Check out the review in Zeitgeist.

THE DAVENPORTS- HI-TECH LOWLIFE
I've waited a long time for this since The Davenports' immensely enjoyable debut but it's been well worth it.
'Hi-Tech Lowlife' is an admirable record with intriguing lyrics and captivating arrangements that will get inside your head and stay there. Be warned! Comparions if needed with Beach Boys, Crowded House, a little bit of XTC maybe!
Contact: www.motherwest.com
(MWR 0061) (Mother West Records)

BEN WEAVER- STORIES UNDER NAILS
Also heard in my local FOPP (A costly outing) this is the first time I'd heard the man. Comparisons with Earle, Waits et al only tell half the story. Indeed the story telling/ general ambience is on a par with classic Leonard Cohen. (Fargo)

KATIE MELUA- CALL OFF THE SEARCH
One of the best new songs I've heard on 'mainstream' radio for a long time in Mike Batt's somposition 'The Closest Thing to Crazy'. It's not representative of the rest of the album though as Katie displays a maturity that belies her years. Veterans like Chris Spedding, Jim Cregan and Henry Spinetti add to the 'polish'. (Dramatico) www.katiemelua.com

AETHER- IN BETWEEN THE FRAMES
Heard Paul Carney (gtrs, keys), Oren Shai (Bass, keys) and Christian Volpe (drums, rhythm loops) play the masterful 'Red Maroon' on Jerry Kranitz's 'Aural Innovations' radio show recently and was 'hooked'. Brilliant brooding, evoactive instrumental soundscapes on a half hour 4 track CD from www.aethersound.com

NYC REGGAE COLLECTIVE- ALIENATION
This is reggae like you've never heard before and will appeal to lovers of other genres as well. Great songs, interesting arrangments and instrumentation, songs about UFOs and nuclear war- a stunning package! (Benchwarrant Records) www.NYC-REGGAE.com

THE PAUL ROSE BAND- HALF ALIVE
A mixture of original compositions with a tip of the plectrum to Paul's many heroes with 4 live tracks recorded live at Forres in the Scottish Highlands, Paul is confirmed is one of the most mesmeric and entertaining guitarists around. It's a tribute to the prowess of the man that Richard Newman is the drummer and, as you'd expect he gets a solo here! It was a surprise to me to hear Paul cover 3 numbers made famous by Jimi Hendrix, a bold move that in no way back fires. Add a Roy Buchanan and a 'Rollin' & Tumblin' that I much prefer to Jeff Beck's version and you can imagine I'm kicking myself I couldn't see Paul when he played not a million miles from me recently. Now when is that Paul Rose Rory Gallagher tribute album coming out? www.paulrose.co.uk

THE RICK RAY BAND- NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEDICATED
I will be writing much, much more about this album but suffice to say at the moment I think this is Rick and his band's strongest album for a long time with the exception of the lack of clarity of the lyrics in places. I am constantly amazed at the breadth of Rick's musical inspirations- from Procol Harum to Brian Auger's Oblivion Express as I discovered recently when remarking to Rick that I thought 'Days of the Watchment' sounded like their illustrious early 70s predecessors. 'Containment' has got to contain one of the cleverest lyrical ploys I've heard and this will all be discussed in due course. Meanwhile put in your order! Available from the Rocker.

SONUS UMBRA- SPIRITUAL VERTIGO
Mix the classic ingredients of progressive rock and come upt with a fresh and original take and you've got Sonus Umbra with their stunning and aptly named 'spiritual vertigo'. There's Camel, a bit of VDGG (on 1 track), Yes in there if you're looking for comparative sounds and also something for the 'neo prog' lover (as well as the obligatory 'hidden' bit at the end). Tellingly the 11 minute closer 'Snakes and Ladders' is dedicated to Neal Morse. Released on The Sound of Shadow- web site www.sonusumbra.com A nice touch is the Brian Hirsch in memorium (See VOICES section)

TERRY MUNDAY- THE LIBERTY PROJECT
This 2001 release has finally reached my ears. Terry pulls off the rare trick of engaging the listener's interest for 68 minutes of guitar based instrumental music, a feat accomplished by few others (unless your name's Jeff Beck of course!) If your time is limited programme tracks 2 (Temujin), 6 (Utopian), 9 (Hisataka) and 10 (Kaledioscope) for a nice array of styles. Sheer quality and class. Contact www.terrymunday.com

HAMFATTER- FIREWORKS
This Pink Hedgehog release really lives up to all the hype. Described as intelligent pop it is actually much more than that. After you 'hook up with Dr No' on 'Saturday' (an irresistible line!) comes as spellbinding a trilogy of songs as you'll hear anywhere, the middle one's aching melodies you might imagine sung by Thom Yorke (The title is 'Bad Karma' after all!) but whose guitar arpeggios take you back to a classic 60s song. 'Another Young Brave' has some dark but powerful electric guitar chords. Lots of comparisons in style came to mind (names infuriatingly out of reach!) but the key feature of this release is humour. While obviously pleased that John Peel (On my Phone) is impressed the song is appropriately tongue in cheek with some entertaining barrel house piano that might have come from the repertoire of Andy Newman of Thunderclap Newman fame. The chorus 'Lord don't let me poor' is a side splitter and shows Hamfatter have their feet solidly on the ground. The 'bonus' is some nice Nyman style piano from composer/ bassist/ guitarist Eoin. Go on, treat yourself!
Pink Hedgehog Records www.pinkhedgehog.com
www.hamfatter.net

JONATHAN BOYLE- MAN FRIDAY
How can talent like this be unsigned? A semi autobiographical tribute to Isaac Guillory and a stunning 'blues/soul' vocal with a 'trip hop piano' treatment on 'Hope it Rains' are just two highlights of a marvellous album. Jonathan's vocal style would give the lad in the Stereophonics a real run for his money (Have a listen to 'Easy Chair') By the way, have the Stereophonics ever released an album as good as this? The press release with descriptions of each song were much appreciated and all lyrics are reproduced (worth reading!) Another triumph for the north of England- this is revealed by the accents on the hidden track at the end. Outstanding! A 2002 release. Contact: Dave McLean at dave@xgate.supanet.com

OMAR AND THE HOWLERS- BOOGIE MAN
This is one of the first places you'll read about this stunning album distributed by Rhino, a relative of Mystic Records, already much prasied for their excellent Family/ Chapman reissues in 2003. This is seriously good Texas Blues with no less than Terry Bozzio as a guest player showing you how highly regarded Omar Dykes is. In fact the informative press release reveals the astonishing fact that Omar sold half a million copies of 'Hard Times in the Land of Plenty' for Columbia Records in 1987. Carrying on in the fine tradition of T-Bone Walker and Bo Diddley this is an absolute must for blues lovers. Much more to be said about 'Boogie Man'. (Ruf Recrods- released on 26 January, 2004- www.rhinomusic.org)

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