Just Good Music

Thick As A Brick 2

Fractals — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:14:00 +0000

I had missed that Thick As A Brick 2 had been written and recorded – and looks like it is available in April. Love the original album. Love the idea of revisiting Gerald 40 years on. Stand back.

Ian Anderson in Interview with American Songwriter – on this and more.

XTreme Manufactured Music

Fractals — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:49:06 +0000

… my thanks to : http://frgt10worldofet.blogspot.com/2010/11/cobain-state-of-mind.html – for borrowing the image – great blog BTW

This just in from JP (the other one) – thanks JP. I have posted stuff before about manufactured pop music – and how I abhor it – but really – I did not know it could get this bad …. Categorized in ‘Business Model’ – because it is – though not – IMHO – a good one !

Black Pond | Winter Count

Fractals — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:21:38 +0000

Black Pond | Winter Count

New music due to emerge this March from NYC – nice feel to the two tracks on band camp.

Mars Volta – Noctourniquet

Fractals — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:13:08 +0000

I have a couple of the early Mars Volta – and then lost track – time to re-engage I think.

The Mars Voltas sixth album, “Noctourniquet,” will blow your mind on March 27th

Douglas Blair To Lead Whole Music’s Rock and Guitar Department

Fractals — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:07:09 +0000

“I’ve taught on the North Shore for more than 10 years, and many of my students have gone on to Berklee and into the music scene with their own groups. I think that musicians should never stop learning – I am constantly seeking inspiration from others, including my students. It keeps me current and keeps the circle spinning” says Blair. He cites Steven Wilson of the British band Porcupine Tree, New Yorker Charlie Hunter, as well as classic rock guitarists Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix as artists that influence his work.

via Douglas Blair To Lead Whole Music’s Rock & Guitar Department.

My Top 6 Albums of 2011

BobbyG — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:39:08 +0000

In no specific order

Radiohead. The King of Limbs. A masterpiece, clocking in at less than 40 minutes. If not for Kid A, this would have been a watershed moment. As it stands, it will simply go down as an album that marks their continued genius in the studio (and the fact they can perform it live? well, amazing)

Wilco. The Whole Love. As much a statement as Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. This album just grows, and grows, and grows. The bookend songs are truly works of art that will eat into your brain.

Opeth. Heritage. The best album never made by Deep Purple. A true heritage – unspoiled classic rock

Steven Wilson. Grace for Drowning. Another masterpiece from 2011. Clearly, Steven learned something from his tedious remaster efforts of classic King Crimson. The playing (and players) is impeccable. The writing from another world.

Kate Bush. 50 Words for Snow. Ahhh, Kate. and Elton John too. Who knew he could sing in that register?

PJ Harvey. Let England Shake. One of her best. NME’s #1 album of the year. And I missed her at the Royal Albert Hall

Grammy Nominations 2012

Fractals — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:06:30 +0000

Mixed about the Grammy’s when you review the list – there are the usual characters that span every category possible. Lovely as he is – Bruno Mars – 9 times ? And of course it wouldn’t be complete without Lady Gaga … however delighted to report

1) Mumford and Sons in there with The Cave – song and album – and best Rock performance ( haven’t seen them live – but what I have seen on screen – deserved)

2) The Decemberists – just in for a song – but in they are

3) Adele – DELIGHTED she is one of those that is all over the lists – and rightly so – including ’21′ – which if you haven’t got – get it

4) Our very own Maui resident – Peter Kater

The Foo Fighters, Radiohead and a few like that have their representations

and of course Mr. Steven Wiison – in there for his Grace For Drowning opus magnus – STUNNING album(s) – this is his third nomination – and just like the other two – is again for

Best Surround Sound Album

Classical or non-classical. For vocal or instrumental albums in any genre. Must be a commercially released on DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, SACD, Blu-Ray or surround download and must provide a new surround mix of four or more channels. Award to the surround mix engineer, surround producer (if any) and surround mastering engineer (if any).

Well deserved in my humble – he must be in any ones list of great sound engineers …..

But the saddest list :

Category 13

Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance

For new vocal or instrumental solo, duo/group or collaborative hard rock or metal recordings.

Dream Theater, Foo Fighters, Mastodon, Megadeth and Sum 41

Really ?

How sad

Here Is What Is

Fractals — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:22:37 +0000

Absolute pleasure to sit down with my good friend Randall last night and watch Here Is What Is – the movie. I cannot believe that I had never heard of Daniel Lanois until last night, but great movie, great music, great person.

Amazing who he has worked with as well.

Great Mix for the Weekday Morning

Nick Parker — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 17:45:39 +0000

Here is a really mellow mix from an amazing up-and-coming DJ, Peo De-Pitte. He hails from Germany but has settled in England and has caught the attention of Record Label Proprieter, Elite Force. Known for his hard and dirty style, this mix is very out of character for Peo. But Burner Mixes usually are just that, and I believe he pulled it off very well. Expect no surprises in this mix until very late into it. Great for tuning out, or relaxing to. Enjoy!

Peo De-Pitte (Weekday Morning Mix)

Grace Under Pressure – An Interview with Steven Wilson

Fractals — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:09:53 +0000

This I am convinced is going to be a STUNNER.

On his second solo album, Grace for Drowning released September 27 on K-Scope, the frontman of the rock band Porcupine Tree has forged an unusual sonic alchemy of progressive rock, textural electronica, piano-pop balladry, soundtrack-like soundscapes, doom rock . . . and jazz.

full article is here Grace Under Pressure: An Interview with Steven Wilson < PopMatters.