Pure Psychedelic Rock. Kinda trippy, somewhat scary and also anxious. Besides album covers says it all. But(?) it's definitely worth listening. Some of the songs are covers for sure ( Nature Boy being the obvious one ) but they are arranged in completely new way. The others, well i feel like I've known them but I can't be sure after listening to this album for a few times.
Astronautalis - The Mighty Ocean & Nine Dark Theaters (Album)
I'm not sure if there's a point in posting anything here but I'm gonna do it anyway.
This is just one song from this album. Whole album is available via playlist on Youtube.
After a long break i finally stumbled upon something new. The band is described as "Abstract Hip-Hop" but you can easily find connections with other genres, mostly soft-rock. This record is also special for its lack of classical instruments, it was recorded using almost only human body. Overall, after listening to few albums I'm astonished by this bands work. It's new, pleasant, smooth, with good lyrics.
It might remind someone of American Football posted earlier.
Before I dig into this band I would like to present the song that got me hooked to them. Brilliant Jazz-Rock piece with catchy parts and groovy feeling. It will make everyone bounce on first listening. Vocals remind me a bit of The Who while instrumental parts are a mix of classic rock and more Jazz alike genre. Overall, definitely something new but also similar to King Crimson in a way.
Rush is not a widely loved band. They established somewhat "posh" image of themselves. It's mostly due to their complex songs which are not appealing to everyone. This is a quite fresh album (2012) which may change this image. It is certainly a good album while it isn't necessarily as hard to listen to as their previous albums. Oddly, at the same time it sounds a little too simple and too pleasant for Rush if this can be a disadvantage. Apart from vocal parts it's hard to recognize their style from previous records.
This won't be a biography, just a quick review on the whole work of King Crimson. The song is here just to provide something to listen to during reading.
First of all now that I have truly experienced their full discography I can honestly place them amongst my favourite bands. They are definitely a one-of-a-kind group, I've never encountered anything similar. It's nearly impossible to assign them to one genre not only as for their whole work but also for single albums. Even if I had to describe their early work I wouldn't say much. You really need to listen to this. It is progressive, it is sublime, it is orchestral, it is complex and psychodelic but perhaps most important it is beautiful. Later on they seem to expand more in the progressive way. Especially their live-improv albums are total chaos. Sometimes you could say their songs are Jazz, Rock or even, in some cases almost pop-alike and everything in between. Partially it is due to their squad rotations. Even if one was not interested in any of those genres I highly recommend listening to at least first albums to pay homage to a great band that influenced modern Music.
Golden Age (1969-1974)
Now, I assume that You already know ,,In The Court Of the Crimson King" as it is the most known and arguably their best album. It appears on all serious lists of best albums ever created regardless of genre. Sadly most people stop at this point. But really there is so much to explore. Posted ,,In the Wake of Poseidon" is an example of similar but not exactly the same piece. ,,Islands" are more peaceful and melodramatic like ,,Epitaph". Those are the "philosophical" albums with deep lyrics and enchanting Music.
There are also more "classic" progressive rock ( if something like this exists) albums like "Red" and "Starless and Bible Black" and more Jazz-like - "Lizard" and "Lark's tongue in Aspic",With more traditional structures and instruments. Although they are still pretty deep you probably won't feel them as some mythical-drama like two first albums.
I don't know is it just me but I authentically think that their live albums are much worse than studio albums. In some songs you can maybe hear more passion that in studio versions but overall I think this kind of Music was too complex to record live during that time. The things they came out with are amazing, no-name guitar chords with orchestral background and broken tempo played on sick drum beat. I think these are the most complex pieces that are still pleasant to listen too. Few, if any, bands came close to this.
King Crimson - Walking on Air
Later Work
Next Albums never came close to those created in early 70's. There was a lot of experimenting with new technology and New Wave - style Music was created. They still had that sense of beauty and courage to use new techniques but overall albums "Discipline" and "Beat" are far from perfection. They seem so "modern" and almost "easy" compared to older records. But they are definitely not to be considered as pop songs with catchy chorus.
Only albums truly worth mentioning (for King Crimson of course) are "Three Of a Perfect Pair" and "Thrak". First one reminds me of their old glorious pieces but with a fresh attitude. I still prefer old ones but this album is really solid. And lastly we have "Thrak" - In my opinion their last true album. It surely is different from their beginnings but the way they adapted new trends like Grunge or Pop into their style of play amazes me.
As I said in the beginning King Crimson is one of the best bands ever. In most cases albums rated as mediocre for them are still very good overall. I really think that listening to their first album is a must for everyone who claims to have interest in Music and I would be highly surprised if anyone after listening to it won't be willing to discover a little bit more.
This might be too well known to post in here. I wanted to write about something else but, unfortunately it wasn't available on Youtube. So here's the song, it's by far not the best by Pink Floyd but I find it surprising that so many people don't know the name.
Sorry for turning a little too mainstream but I have stuff going on and not so much free time to listen to new albums. But don't worry I probably won't go any moar "popular" than this.
Although Yann Tiersen is a composer and he is mostly known for his score for Amelie I don't think I've ever watched any of "his" movies. I did listen to some of his work but this duet is particularly interesting. After listening to whole album I pictured Shannon Wright as a somewhat small and fragile singer, but after some research it didn't turn out to be accurate.
I know that this piece won't please everyone but give it a try and if You like it, check out whole album.
I am really displeased with my knowledge of Jazz Music. Of course I know Miles Davis and maybe few more bands/songs but there are not many of them. I'm planning to improve in the next months depending on my schedule.
I encountered this album while browsing 70's (what a surprise) work. I'm not claiming it's the best Jazz piece I've ever heard but I found it very peaceful and pleasant to listen to especially later parts.
Recently I've been listening to whole King Crimsons Discography. Unfortunately most of great songs are already well known so I won't post them here and other are not so great. Especially first two live albums ( Earthbound and Great Deceiver ) disappointed me very much.
I'm glad to say that album Thrak changed this bad streak. Whole thing is very different from previous Crimsons work. This track sounds even kinda grungy maybe due to reminding me of Them Bones by Alice in Chains mostly because of similar chorus part.
Hopefully soon I'll discover more "new" King Crimson and to whoever reads this blog sorry for long pause.
I'm almost 100% sure that everyone has heard this song at least once. Yesterday I finally found its name. Everlast is a mix of Rap-alike vocals and Rock or even sometimes metal instrumental section.
He also uses some electronics and acoustic guitars.
First things first: I've heard about this band years ago, but never really listened to any of their work.
Now this changed.
I can't speak French but i believe the album name can be translated as "The sea of names"
On first sight it sounds very much like Tool, especially vocals (wonder why), but it's not exactly the same thing. It is more "versatile" with some more metal-like songs and some really alternative.
Great album overall.
Also this, Tool and Puscifer have the same vocalist - Maynard James Keenan.
Lately I've been listening to classic rock artists like Elvis or REM, after hearing few not astonishing albums found this one. Up is definitely more electronic and "fresh" than any other REM albums I've heard so far.
This record is particularly interesting because I feel like it could be played on the radio today, it's so nowadays like. Both electronic parts and vocals connects what's best in classic Rock and electronic Music. Also this record features one of my favourite instruments - Steel Drum.
This song is so unique I can't think of any similar ones.
Another Post-Rock, ambient-ish piece by a fairly young band - Hammock (2004). As one of these calm Post-Rock songs, it captivates me with its slow tempo and that strange, hard to describe feeling when Music is connected with images.
If You enjoyed this listen to the whole album and if you are looking for something with faster tempo try Lemon Jelly.
When I first heard this song I was sure I've heard it before, then I looked at the artist.
Yep, Fleetwood Mac is a classic and I'm sure most of You can also remember this song playing on the radio ages ago.
Still, this one of the most beautiful songs I know and it didn't require a whole orchestra to record. Just 2 guitars and marvellous vocals by Stevie Nix.
I've just stumbled upon this while digging Youtube, and honestly I have no idea who is this guy. I'm not an expert in country Music. But still, this is pretty awesome.
I don't think it's "classic" country as it has something from Rock n Roll and Blues. On the other hand i don't know anything more folk-country as a this guy with strings.
I'm aware of the fact that I already posted a song from this album, but in case you missed it or are too lazy to look it up here's another, maybe it will finally encourage people to listen to this album. And also I needed a song with totally different atmosphere than Leonard Cohens piece posted below. So, it's a very pleasant, much easier to like song. Again, as in previous song from this album, it has nice guitar track and catchy vocals.
Leonard Cohen is a well known classic, I know that. But not everyone knows same songs and if he does he might not know the names. So, one my favourites from this artist, and at the same time one of the most sad-positive songs there are. In a way, words describe my experience of this summer. Sadly those are "Youre living for nothing now".
Great, great song. Slowly building up intro and amazing guitar solo. Again its considered progressive rock but it is such a wide statement. If you enjoyed it listen to whole album, its reaaally good.
I've posted too much similar songs. So this one quite differs from previous ones. Neil Young, his guitar and his mellow voice. Not my favourite song from this album but the "easiest" one. If You like this folk-rock-ballad style listen to the whole album, you wont regret it.
This Will Destroy You - This Will Destroy You ( Album )
After reading the band name I thought it will be some kind of dubstep. But, fortunately, it turned out to be something different. After listening to whole album I decided to take a look at the genre it is classified as - Post-Rock. I would personally call it Ambient-Rock as it reminds me of Sigur Ros and Godspeed You!, which was posted earlier.
It may be not an innovative album but definitely pleasant to listen to and maybe it can be used as background Music to some inspirational shit.
It's really hard for me to define genre of this song. This is a perfect mix of modern electronic Music with heavy rock/metal riffs. If more modern bands were heading this way I would be sooo happy. Be sure to check whole album if this song pleases your taste. Sadly I don't know anything similar to this piece.
What if two great grunge groups: Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam were to jam together?
Well, album "Above" is more or less just that. Pearl Jam guitarist and Layne Staley along with John Baker Saunders and Barrett Martin formed Mad season in 1994 after their rehab. Sadly only one album was released. This may not be the best song from it but it's hard to choose one because of variety of styles presented in this record. It's a mix of Rock, Blues, maybeeven some Jazz and definitely a lot of Grunge.
The band needs no introduction but the song may need it.
It's from less known album "Obscured by Clouds" created as a movie soundtrack to "The Valley" by Barbet Schroeder. It's mostly instrumental with vocals by the Mapuga tribe of New Guinea. It is unusual for artists to actually work with genuine tribes from tropical regions and they are the ones creating such unique atmosphere of this record.
This record is somewhere between progressive and classic rock. A good track to listen to during road trip. Very joyful, GREAT guitar solo. Not much to say about this song, it's just good.
Concept of this album was to make a parody of all progressive bands in that time. Ironically it turned out to be one of the best prog albums itself. Whole album is basically one 44 min song that contains many different parts. The band is known for its experimental approach to Music. Many instruments were used during recording of this album, but the flute seems to be most surprising.
This is an interesting and unconventional album that has nothing to do with sports. Especially Football. I personally think it could appear in some movie due to its light nature. It's just pleasant to listen to, nothing special about vocals or any instruments, maybe with exception for drums.
I'm not the biggest metal fan but this one is really good. Great guitar sounds, amazing solo and "catchy" chorus. In case you don't know them try Pantera or Iron Maiden.
Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble - Mary Had a Little Lamb
This song appears on Rodriguez's "From Dusk Till Dawn", but apart from that it's a great song itself. Nice solo and amazing guitar sound make this song one of my favourites guitar pieces ever.
From the beginning you may find these sounds familiar.
Lucifer's Friend - Lucifer's Friend (Album)
It's an interesting progressive metal/rock from the 70's. You can hear similarities between this and Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden or Deep Purple. These bands made a huge impact on today's Music.
Sadly this album, like many from the 70's, didn't get attention it deserves.
Before you say anything try listening to the first few song.
Burial - Untrue
It's definitely electronic Music, but really a good one. Interesting mix of ambient and modern dubstep. I'm not a huge fan of dubstep in general but I really liked this album.
If you enjoyed its calming atmosphere try listening to Moby.
This is a piece by Neil Young, composed for Jim Jarmush's "Dead Man" ( which btw i didn't quite understand ). Its a simple song, just guitar, no vocals, but this raw style creates something unique.
You may find yourself singing the chorus after first listening.
Caravan - Aristocracy
This band on the whole is much more "sophisticated" and complex, but this is by far my favourite song on this album. This song is somewhat similar to Beatles or early Pink Floyd, due to its joyful nature.
This is an interesting progressive piece, which sadly didn't get much attention since it was published in the 1970, when many other great records were released. It's a mix of psychedelic and hard rock, filled with marvellous guitar and drum solos.
This song is rather different from the previous ones I posted. It's a black metal piece from fairly new (2010) album called "Paracletus" by a French band Deathspell Omega. This is by far the best song from this album but it is also worth listening to as a whole record.
You might want to check Mastodon - Sparrow if you enjoyed this song, it's a bit softer but still similiar.
This is an unusual stoner piece. More like stoner jazz-blues than commonly known metal or rock.
The Re-Stoned - Crystals
Other songs from this band are definitely more "classic" stoner. This one has unique atmosphere.
If you enjoyed it, but wish for something harder check out "Stoner Kebab - Superdoom" - IMO the best stoner piece I've heard.
Now, I really doubt anyone of you might ever encountered this album, it's definetely not for everyone.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven
It's a strange record. Partially ambient, partially experimental rock, some dark stuff and much more. Really worth listening to, but might be hard sometimes. Vocal is mostly recorded speech so everything comes with Variety of instruments which were used during making of this album.
It's really hard to define its genre since songs differs from one another.
You might like this if you liked Pink Floyd's "Saucerful of Secrets". Also if you enjoyed mostly those lighter parts of the album try listening to Sigur Ros.
I don't want to discourage potential readers so I wont start with anything bizarre.
Morcheeba - Blindfold ( Big Calm )
While this song might seem obviously popular I know many people who don't know its name. I personally knew this song from my childhood, but I rediscovered it recently.
It's a pleasant, soothing song, I find very relaxing. Also, definitely one of the most positive songs I've ever heard, especially guitar solo.
I'm not familiar with this genre so I cant really recommend anything similiar, but I've heard it's called trip hop.
However if you are into female vocals with soft Music try Alanis Morissette
So, I am doing this to share my Music research with whoever finds it interesting or helpfull.
I will try to post some good, less known songs, artist and albums. There's no point in creating next charts with Pink Floyd, Beatles and other well known bands UNLESS to show something new from them. I'll try to give a short review and info about the piece I post and also to point out similar albums.
Also I would be very grateful if you could write if you liked posted song/album or not or any suggestions.
