Christmas Video #1: I BELIEVE IN FATHER CHRISTMAS

I have been posting a daily Christmas/Holiday related video on my Facebook page, every day for the past week. Today, I posted GREG LAKE's classic, "I BELIEVE IN FATHER CHRISTMAS", and found this wonderful new rendition done by U2, with a release (from what the video shows) of last year. It has a surprisingly small amount of views, and I (being a rather big U2 fan) had not previously heard of it, so I thought I would post it here... not that I think that will change the relatively small amount of viewers. ;-)

BIG BIG TRAIN: The Return of "Classic" Prog Rock

First and foremost, I need to once again give credit, where credit is due. My older brother, Ray, has always been the bastion of Progressive Rock. From our days in junior high, he has been a champion of bands like Yes, Genesis and Emerson, Lake and Palmer. While I had embarked on my 1980's foray into New Wave music, Ray would continue listening to Progressive Rock, even when it wasn't necessarily that cool, at least on the American side of the Atlantic. I remember in the Autumn of 1985, (while Ray was serving a mission for our church, in Leeds, England), I was blessed with a cassette copy of "MISPLACED CHILDHOOD", by MARILLION. I enjoyed the sounds of this band, but will admit that it took some time to fully digest the album. Such is the way with good Prog Rock. His keen ear has introduced me to several great bands, including DREDG, RIVERSIDE and PURE REASON REVOLUTION.

Just last evening, while over at my house, working on a plumbing problem, Ray mentioned another band that I had never before heard of... BIG BIG TRAIN. The thing about Big Big Train, Ray mused, is the fact that they are being hailed as the (current) band most loyal to the classic Progressive Rock of the 70's. Another great bit, is that they hail from Bournemouth, England... our mother's home town. Bournemouth, it seems, is a hotbed of great Progressive Rock. Among the musicians to hail from Bournemouth are Greg Lake (of Emerson, Lake & Palmer). Andy Summers (of The Police) was raised in Bournemouth, and the collective known as King Crimson was formed in Bournemouth. Perhaps you've heard of them.

So, to wet your appetite, Ray has informed me of a free download available on their website: http://www.bigbigtrain.com/

The download is the title track of their sixth album, THE UNDERFALL YARD. And, in keeping with classic Prog Rock... this track is just under 23 minutes, in length.

The band draws comparisons to early Genesis, and this latest album includes guest performances by Nick D'Virgilio of SPOCK'S BEARD and TEARS FOR FEARS fame, as well as help from Dave Gregory of XTC.

I am eternally grateful for the musical recommendations of my brother, Ray... as well as the increasing ease to acquire some of this great music... and in many cases, at NO CHARGE. So, check out the website... download some music... and tell me what you think.

NO-MAN: MIXTAPED

The most recent addition to my DVD library is from the British duo, NO-MAN. This project is the 20+ year old collaboration of Steven Wilson (of Porcupine Tree fame) and vocalist Tim Bowness. What started as Steven Wilson's main project (he has gone on to perform under six different monikers and/or names) remains a mostly obscure Art Pop project.

The earliest recordings of No-Man were defined as the sounds of the New York Ghetto clashing with the Classical world, which was a (mostly) accurate statement. While the band utilized programmed rhythm methods, they also utilized a full time violinist (Ben Coleman... the original third member of the group), for the first two albums. Over time, the (now) duo of Wilson and Bowness explored different sounds and genres, settling on an ethereal Art Pop sound, based in the world of spacey Jazz.

This DVD offering is for fans, as well as those who have an appreciation for great music. It does not boast a plethora of effects, or a brilliant light show. It simply showcases the beautiful music of these two, complete with a handful of guest musicians. In addition to the nearly 90 minute concert, it also comes with a second disc featuring a smattering of No-Man videos, as well as a 90 minute documentary about this great band.

Whether or not it is still available, I don't know... but my version (a limited pressing) came with an additional CD, complete with 6 tracks taken from the concert (a total of 40 minutes of music). I can't get enough of the beauty found within the confines of this digital video disc... or it's accompanying CD... and I'm not libel to get over them any time soon.

ANDY LYNNER: A truly artistic Murray High Alumnus...

It was just brought to my attention that a former high school class mate was on our local news, promoting a new CD release party/concert, this weekend. I was moved by his performance, and felt the need to post it.

The artist of whom I speak, is ANDY LYNNER. No, the name won't ring a bell. You may have heard of another popular singer to grace the halls of Murray High School, one David Archuleta, former "runner up" on American Idol. However, Andy has something that David hasn't demonstrated... the ability to WRITE a lovely song.

The following is the link to his FOX-13 performance, including a musical selection.

http://www.fox13now.com/videobeta/watch/?watch=f60e6dd3-f8cc-451d-a1bc-19f6852aac7f

I will do research on Andy's sister, Lori, who is also a touring/recording musician. They both hail from a truly talented family. But that's my opinion... why don't YOU be the judge....

My Latest Obsession: DREAM THEATER

I don't even need to write anything.... just watch!

Happy Belated HALLOWEEN!

Last Saturday (Halloween), I spent a half hour posting videos to my Facebook wall. Several with Halloween ties.... Oingo Boingo (Dead Man's Party), Ministry (Revenge) and let's not forget "TIME WARP", the classic song from Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Well, put all that aside, this last couple weeks I have really been delving into my library of Neo-Prog/Metal music. Dream Theater has become a real motivation for this. Anyhow, thanks to my iTunes "Genius" playlists, I was reminded of one of my favorite Neo-Prog bands.... Poland's RIVERSIDE. Today, I decided to search their video base and see if there was something I could post on Facebook.... just for the pleasure of it. But, what to my eyes did appear? A perfect video for Halloween.... albeit three days late.

The following is the song, "PANIC ROOM" by RIVERSIDE. This track is found on their RAPID EYE MOVEMENT album, and I am sure some of you will really like it. The rest of you? Well, click on the previous post and enjoy that TRASHCAN SINATRAS video. It'll probably be more to your liking....

Video o' the Week: TRASHCAN SINATRAS "PEOPLE"

Yes, ladies and gentlemen... it's been a while since I have posted a Video o' the Week. I shall try to do better. I had a hunch to hit the Trashcan Sinatras website, (http://trashcansinatras.com) today, and sure enough... they DO have a new video. This is the video for the new single, "PEOPLE". I hope you enjoy it's happy feel as much as I do...