The ***Official*** Progressive Rock Thread
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I love jazzy Finnish prog. I'll have to check these guys out.
This thread put me in a prog mood
Uzva "Uoma", third album by this incredible finnish prog band that mixes jazz and folk elements. Good stuff!
Yeah the Uzva was pretty good, although the recording quality was not, a bit thin/shrill... Shame...
Now playing...
Tiger - Goin' Down Laughing (UK, 1976)
Possibly one of the most overlooked and forgotten albums in prog rock history. Tiger features Big Jim Sullivan, the greatest session guitarist ever in the UK. He apparently gave guitar lessons to Jimmy Page and Richie Blackmore. I have seen this album described as some Yes, early Ambrosia, Wishbone Ash, with some hard rock, jazz & funk. Alan Park from Beggar's Opera plays some really nice organ, piano, string synth, clavinet, and ARP. I don't believe this has ever been released on CD. With the horrid cover art, it's not surprising prog fans stayed away, as did everyone else. Perhaps a Roger Dean cover would have improved their fortunes. Despite that, I really enjoy this album. Check out the title track on Youtube.
Tiger - Goin' Down Laughing (UK, 1976)
Possibly one of the most overlooked and forgotten albums in prog rock history. Tiger features Big Jim Sullivan, the greatest session guitarist ever in the UK. He apparently gave guitar lessons to Jimmy Page and Richie Blackmore. I have seen this album described as some Yes, early Ambrosia, Wishbone Ash, with some hard rock, jazz & funk. Alan Park from Beggar's Opera plays some really nice organ, piano, string synth, clavinet, and ARP. I don't believe this has ever been released on CD. With the horrid cover art, it's not surprising prog fans stayed away, as did everyone else. Perhaps a Roger Dean cover would have improved their fortunes. Despite that, I really enjoy this album. Check out the title track on Youtube.
Here is my review of the new MFSL 45RPM 2LP - The Alan Parsons Project - I Robot
MFSL I Robot 45RPM 2LP Review
Other than Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon there isn’t an album I have more vinyl copies of. I have various Canadian & US copies that I bought mainly as backups, an original UK A1/B1 press, the MFSL 1-1084 (1982) and Classic 200g (2000). I haven’t pursued the MFSL UHQR, so I can’t speak to it.
Out of the ones listed, the Classic is my preferred pressing, then the UK A1/B1. The MFSL is better than my domestic CAN/US pressings as it does get more from within the grooves, but I’m a little indifferent about it as it’s also a little darker. Nine out of ten times I’ll play either the Classic or the UK.
So for the purpose of this review I’m going to use the Classic Records (CR) reissue as the baseline. Volume control has been set at -17.5dB for both. Balance is set to FLAT (it always is actually). Cleaning and maintenance (before & after each playing side) is identical.
I’m not going to make this very long and will tell you right up front that the MFSL 45RPM is now my preferred copy if & when I want to hear the best possible interpretation of this album on vinyl. There, I said it! Do not think though that I’ll be dumping my CR copy, because it’s close, really close, and has the advantage of longer sides….it’s perfect for those sessions when the sitting back and enjoying the music for the music is more important.
I could not really detect an over-abundance of sounds not heard before (real instruments or recording/technical artifacts) between the two, but there was a substantial difference in clarity. The MFSL is super, super quiet and IMO gave the impression there was. I went back and forth between several tracks to make sure I had this distinction correct.
With regard to imaging and soundstage the MFSL wins again, especially three-dimensionality. It is that much bigger, wider, taller and deeper. Instrument separation was close, but the CR couldn’t quite match the clarity, definition and positioning of each instrument as accurately. With the MFSL I could actually and truly imagine that the musicians were in my room and where in my room they were. I’ve not felt this closely connected to this album before, but there is one more thing.
Tonality.
No other pressing I’ve heard of this album conveys the tonal quality of instruments as well as this does. I could differentiate between the strum of a bass note and how it was plucked or the degree of intensity applied. I observed the same with cymbal work and the various parts of a full drum kit. Such glorious accuracy and weight one could only dream to get on all of our recordings. It sounded (sounds) so real!
In summation….this is a must-have pressing for I Robot fans. 10/10
MFSL I Robot 45RPM 2LP Review
Other than Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon there isn’t an album I have more vinyl copies of. I have various Canadian & US copies that I bought mainly as backups, an original UK A1/B1 press, the MFSL 1-1084 (1982) and Classic 200g (2000). I haven’t pursued the MFSL UHQR, so I can’t speak to it.
Out of the ones listed, the Classic is my preferred pressing, then the UK A1/B1. The MFSL is better than my domestic CAN/US pressings as it does get more from within the grooves, but I’m a little indifferent about it as it’s also a little darker. Nine out of ten times I’ll play either the Classic or the UK.
So for the purpose of this review I’m going to use the Classic Records (CR) reissue as the baseline. Volume control has been set at -17.5dB for both. Balance is set to FLAT (it always is actually). Cleaning and maintenance (before & after each playing side) is identical.
I’m not going to make this very long and will tell you right up front that the MFSL 45RPM is now my preferred copy if & when I want to hear the best possible interpretation of this album on vinyl. There, I said it! Do not think though that I’ll be dumping my CR copy, because it’s close, really close, and has the advantage of longer sides….it’s perfect for those sessions when the sitting back and enjoying the music for the music is more important.
I could not really detect an over-abundance of sounds not heard before (real instruments or recording/technical artifacts) between the two, but there was a substantial difference in clarity. The MFSL is super, super quiet and IMO gave the impression there was. I went back and forth between several tracks to make sure I had this distinction correct.
With regard to imaging and soundstage the MFSL wins again, especially three-dimensionality. It is that much bigger, wider, taller and deeper. Instrument separation was close, but the CR couldn’t quite match the clarity, definition and positioning of each instrument as accurately. With the MFSL I could actually and truly imagine that the musicians were in my room and where in my room they were. I’ve not felt this closely connected to this album before, but there is one more thing.
Tonality.
No other pressing I’ve heard of this album conveys the tonal quality of instruments as well as this does. I could differentiate between the strum of a bass note and how it was plucked or the degree of intensity applied. I observed the same with cymbal work and the various parts of a full drum kit. Such glorious accuracy and weight one could only dream to get on all of our recordings. It sounded (sounds) so real!
In summation….this is a must-have pressing for I Robot fans. 10/10
Nice review, John. Could you give me an idea as to how you think the new MFSL 45rpm differs from the original MFSL pressing ( i own a few of these..and I think they are pretty good). You mention darker...I think you are referencing the original MFSl ..is that correct?? If so, I would agree that this seems to be one of the few shortcomings of that reissue/pressing. ( The original MFSL).
Yes. I was referring to the original 33Mofi and to me that darkness or veil is the only negative of that pressing. The 45RPM is much more open and the veil was certainly lifted, which allowed me to hear a recording that was closer to what I assume was on the tape.
This Dutch symphonic prog band is new to me, but I like what I'm hearing from the YouTube selections. I'll be looking about at my local to see if I can secure one or more of their albums. If not, I have a friend in Holland who could help me out.
Great band! Stick to the first 3, the best of the lot being "Mountain Queen" (IMHO).
Their records should be relatively common, specially in Holland. Their records came out in other parts of Europe as well, so shouldn't be hard to locate.
There's another pretty unique dutch band called Kayak. Symphonic prog with classy pop touches. Most of their records came out in the US in the 70s, and are readily available.
cheers,
alex
Their records should be relatively common, specially in Holland. Their records came out in other parts of Europe as well, so shouldn't be hard to locate.
There's another pretty unique dutch band called Kayak. Symphonic prog with classy pop touches. Most of their records came out in the US in the 70s, and are readily available.
cheers,
alex
Going to see Brand X live next week. Yes, they are touring again after too many years retired. Worth checking out.
Also, Chic Corea is doing a big series of concerts in NYC this winter to celebrate an anniversary. Lots of special shows ranging from acoustic to electric to RTF reunion with John McLaughlin. I want to go to too many of them.
Also, Chic Corea is doing a big series of concerts in NYC this winter to celebrate an anniversary. Lots of special shows ranging from acoustic to electric to RTF reunion with John McLaughlin. I want to go to too many of them.
Johnny, thank you for sharing - I wasn't aware of this album but LOVE it. Vinyl ordered...
You're welcome!
My buddy in Holland said he has me covered in case I don't find one locally. Although I haven't heard it, I'll be looking for a copy of their second album (Mountain Queen), which apparently is their best album.
I know most people here know better to stay off CDs but do resist the temptation of ordering the CD of ALQUIN's first two albums, as it's missing one or two tracks. Pretty lame when labels do that...
but do resist the temptation of ordering the CD of ALQUIN's first two albums, as it's missing one or two tracks. Pretty lame when labels do that...
Great info to know!I know most people here know better to stay off CDs
BTW...how does that even happen?
I know most people here know better to stay off CDs
I'm not sure that's a reasonable complaint. First, the sound on this CD is excellent, and second, the only song left off is the shorter version of Mr. Barnum's Jr's...; the longer one from Mountain Queen is included
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