Music is often regarded as the universal language (or at least one of the universal languages-don't want to upset those math fans out there!). We find it everywhere we turn: in our homes, in the car, in stores and businesses, the movies, on television. In fact I would go so far as to say that music has now permeated just about every aspect of our lives. It is obvious that it is important to our lives, otherwise it would not be so prominent. So this begs a question: Why does the popular mu...
Link According to CNN.com, this year's celebration of musical mediocrity and sales figures were the second lowest in history. Very interesting. As I read the title I was filled with hope. Could this possibly mean that, even to a small degree, the masses are catching on? Could they finally be opening their ears and minds to realize that so much of the music we are spoon fed by the industry is simply uninspired (and uninspiring), formulaic, pre-packaged marketing? Could we all final...
Untitled THE HUMAN EQUATION By: Ayreon Year: 2004 Click here for the artist's site Arjen Lucassen has built quite a reputation for himself in the realm of progressive rock/metal. Frequently called a genius by fans, the buildup on the net for the latest Ayreon release was nothing short of monumental. The release of names of some of the guest vocalists was stirring up quite a buzz, long before the album ever reached stores. And with good cause. As background fo...
As I have often professed, I love music. Following Dusk411's lead (and with her gracious permission) I decided I wanted to take that love of music, and my desire to improve my writing, and begin writing music reviews. So here, at The Prog Geek, I will be showcasing many albums, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Just one note, each review will have two scores. The first score is an attempt at an objective score, judging the album based on its own merits, and trying to leav...
Just dropped by Dreamtheater.net (looking forward to their new album!) and saw the press release for GIGANTOUR 2005. Heh, silly name, probably a silly tour. Then I looked at the bands. Megadeth, Dream Theater, Fear Factory, Dillinger Escape Plan, and Nevermore. Holy crap. Holy, stinking crap. With the exception of Fear Factory (I am not sufficiently familiar with them), those are some amazingly talented, rocking metal bands. Dave Mustaine, long maligned for getting the boot fro...
I often hear (and read) comments about musicians "selling out". I have my own notions of what constitutes selling out, and, having listened to lots of this music that supposedly sold out, I have come to a conclusion. Frankly, I think the phrase sell-out has become a tool for the lazy critic. Don't misunderstand me, there are most certainly examples of musicians/artists/people who have sold out. But there are a lot of artists who get the label of sell out and don't deserv...
So, over the break, my bro and I have had a bit more time to opine on some musical offerings. Feel free to stop by and tell us what you think. Porcupine Tree: Deadwing : Porcupine Tree released a progressive masterpiece with 2003's "In Absentia". Can they repeat the feat with their newest offering? Linkin Park: Hybrid Theora : One of the biggest of the rap-metal offerings from the school of nu-metal, do either of these albums have anything to offer the discerning listener? Are th...
I realize I have had little of substance to post lately. Perhaps I have just been saving up . There are two new album reviews up over at our music site. Stop by, check them out, and throw a few tomatoes if you disagree! G3: Rockin' in the Free World : Put three guitar gods together on one stage and you should get an amazing show for sure, right? Well, it certainly becomes a guitar wankfest, but is that a good thing? Check the review to find out. Kamelot: The Black Halo : ...
My brother has his first album review over up at our blog. Check it out. It is a great review of an album I had been torn over whether or not to get. Now I know the answer! "Adam and Eve" by The Flower Kings
My brother and I have decided to work together on a music blog. It will be a repository of sorts for reviews, rants and raves about anything musical we desire. I know that some here enjoy music, and may find it remotely interesting, so I will be linking here when there is an update, but I won't be cross-posting the reviews. I may cross post articles, but that will be about it. So, to start, we have a new review up. The album is "Ocatvarium" by Dream Theater. Check it out here ...
Ghost Reveries By: Opeth Year: 2005 Click here for the artists site With the release of "Blackwater Park" Opeth did something that has damaged the careers of many other bands: They released a perfect album. Other bands release what is often considered their greatest work and then spend the rest of their careers trying to recapture that moment. Opeth, wisely, refuses to do that. They have continued to evolve, to experiment, and to craft excellent music. Each new album sin...
Untitled Trans-Siberian Orchestra RBC Center, Raleigh, North Carolina November 21, 2005 Click here for the artists site Grow my hair out (it would be very straight and blonde) give me a black, sleeve less shirt and toss a denim jacket on the top and I could head bang with the best metal-heads. And I have a soft spot for some of the more talented metal acts to make it through the dark and dreary guitar solo-less wilderness of the 90's. One of those bands I still e...
FWX By: Fates Warning Year: 2004 Click here for the artists site For many years, Fates Warning was an enigma to me. I was sufficiently prog savvy to know the name, and had heard one rather pedestrian live track. But that really was the extent of it. Then, in 2002, things changed. I listened to 'Disconnected'. I was astounded. I was blown away. I needed more. And so I began to explore the back catalog of this amazing band. Then I explored some of the side proje...
Untitled VAPOR TRAILS By: Rush Year: 2002 Click here for the artists site After the 1996 release of 'Test for Echo' tragedy struck. Painful, personal losses in the life of drummer Neil Peart left the future of Rush uncertain. Alex Lifeson kept himself busy with some producing and his restaurant The Orbit Room. Geddy Lee released a solo album that helped to tide some of us over. And Neil rode his bike, trying to find some healing on the road. Faithful fans wa...
With the current glut of hip-hop acts, what is an up and coming band to do to set themselves apart? The answer is decidedly simple: write actual music. Meet JC Ronikal , a four piece band hailing from the great Down Under, looking to make their mark on the music scene by doing what they love. The beginning of 2006 saw them completing the recording of and polishing their first EP, Thus Far... Since that time, they have been working hard to get their music out to the public with a revamp of...