BIGELF (ABO #232)

BIGELF
HIDDEN INSIDE

Here we go. Final post from Baistophe's Progressive Month and, this time again, you're up for something juicy.
BIGELF are an american band from California which came up with a mix of Black Sabbath, The Beatles and King Crimson. Achieving such a tour de force made them one of the finest Progressive Metal acts ever. These lads don't hide their influences, they wear it proudly and shamelessly which makes 'em even more entertaining. Sure, it's not anything new and could easily be labelled "retro-something" (actually, progressive stoner would be quite accurate) but, who cares, it's good and that's all there is to know.
Some of you will be lucky enough to witness their live act during the Prog Nation festival in Europe, make sure not to miss them and, until then, enjoy this Baistophe spanning their four albums.

My BIGELF List
1 - Hex (2003)
2 - Money Machine (2000)
3 - Closer to Doom (1998)
4 - Cheat the Gallows (2008)

GROBSCHNITT (ABO#231)

GROBSCHNITT

SCHNELL GEMACHT, GUT GEMACHT

1972-1987

Formed in 1970 the band existed till 1989, GROBSCHNITT (which translates to ROUGH CUT) was the best German band from the mid-Seventies (ELOY were then in a more PINK FLOYD... and ambient style). All of the members of the band adopted pseudonyms, namely "Eroc", "Mist", "Wildschwein", "Lupo" and "Popo". The band was created by Joachim "Eroc" Ehrig (drums, percussion), Stefan "Wildschwein" Daneliak (guitars & vocals), and Gerd-Otto "Lupo" Kühn (guitar, vocals). This nucleus was later completed by Wolgang "Popo" Jäger (bass) and Volker "Mist" Kahrs (keyboards, Mellotron, synthesizers). They were best known as a clone of YES (symphonic progressive group), but they also explored other progressive rock styles (either psychedelic prog or more cohesive "Krautrock" with some stunning instrumental passages that will be familiar to anyone into the likes of MAN, AMON DUUL II, WISHBONE ASH and many similar bands). Their sound was characterized by sometimes long suites allowing ambitious composition developments, with intermingled themes, rhythms, climates changes and symphonic passages. A very compelling brand of musical moods: haunting melodies, funny voices (by Eroc), wonderful guitar work, great synthesizer sounds, strange drumming/effects man, and sophisticated arrangements. This eclectic German band became one of the most popular live acts in German history. (progarchives)

My Grobschnitt TOP3:

1- Ballerman (1974)

2- Rockpommel's Land (1977)

3- Grobschnitt (1972)

My Grobschnitt BOTTOM3:

1- Fantasten (1987)

2- Razzia (1982)

3- Kinder & Narren (1984)

KANSAS (ABO #230)

KANSAS
PARADOX
1974-2000

About Kansas, Wikipedia says: "Kansas is an American progressive rock band which became a popular arena rock group in the 1970s, with hit singles such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind". They have remained a classic rock radio staple and a popular touring act in North America and Europe".
Quite accurate if a little short, isn't it? Kansas certainly deserves a larger, deeper introduction as they were, after all, the greatest American prog' act in the 70s. What made Kansas special was their unique way to sound smooth, accessible yet always progressive or (hard) rock. Whatsmore, they had lovely ballads (Dust in the Wind being the best known of the lot). Hélas, in the 80s, this witty mix turned into an AOR swamp, the too few progressive songs sounded forced, the ballads became a bit corny and the rockers turned into radio songs. Actually, and surprisingly, these singles are the best part of that awful period which, fortunately, came to an end with "Always Never the Same" an album on which they covered their old songs with an orchestra and, even more with "Somewhere to Elsewhere", their best album since 1979's Monolith.
Well, that was the year 2000 and, since then, Kansas have always failed to re-enter the studios and release new material. I chose not to include material from Proto-Kaw's albums, 2004's "Before Became After" and 2006's "The Wait of Glory". True, it was often said to be the "new Kansas," and they released in a "Early Recordings from Kansas 1971–1973" with the name Proto-Kaw so to prove it, but it doesn't have the name on the cover. Sure, if you like Kansas, you might want to check it out but know there isn't any on this Baistophe.
Now, click where you know you should and you'll get a taste of some very fine American prog', much better than any prog' act from there released nowadays actually.

My KANSAS Top 3
1 - Leftoverture (1976)
2 - Point of Know Return (1977)
3 - Song for America (1975)

My KANSAS Bottom 3
1 - Drastic Measures (1983)
2 - Power (1986)
3 - Vinyl Confessions (1982)

LE ORME (ABO#229)

LE ORME

CAPOLAVORI

(1969-2005)

Another band, anorther country. After the Netherlands with Focus and Canada with Saga, the trip goes on with the italian prog. In the 70s, with Germany, Italy has been one of the major countries for the Progressive music. Very smart, clever and less obscur than german or some english bands, that kind of music in Italy remains one of the finest and favourite style for many prog fans. Le Orme is one of those influencial italian bands, with Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso and Premiatta Forneria Marconi. Their very first album, In Gloriam, issued in 1969 sounded very psychedelic and 60s-pop, far from the progressive identity the band would have later.

Soon, with their third album Collage (1971), Le Orme reached at their peak and made music that any prog fan couldn't miss, until Storia O Leggenda (1977).

But one thing has to be remembered: contrary to their compatriots, Le Orme never really made crapy albums... Just less good. Maybe is that a reason why you should begin with italian prog by listening to Le Orme.

My Le Orme TOP3 :

1. Felona E Serena (1973)

2. Collage (1971)

3. Uomo Di Pezza (1972)

My Le Orme BOTTOM3 :

1. Venerdi (1982)

2. Orme (1990)

3. Amico Di Ieri (1997)

Welcome to the World, FLORA (VAC #025)

WELCOME TO THE WORLD
FLORA

I just couldn't resist the temptation! Ayah had a happy event past saturday and I just had to celebrate.
What better way than music when you're at BAISTOPHE?
So, Ayah took care of the dreamy/caressing sounds (though the end of this one is lullaby-like enough to compete), but, well, I had to entertain the baby!
This compilation is for you Flora, may you parents make good use of it and cook you up fellow offsprings you can share it with.
Love does not weaken when it's shared, quite the opposite actually.

SAGA (ABO #228)

SAGA
ONLY TIME WILL TELL:

THE MICHAEL SADLER YEARS

Heavy on keyboards, sonicly related to the 80s new wave, Saga might very well be the less progressive act displayed in this month's "Progressive Rock Thema" at Baistophe.
Very skilled musicians and descendants of both Queen & The Sparks, the Canadian band Saga have always been a much discussed case among prog-heads. Many think they're too happy/poppy to even be considered while others claim they're progressive in their unique attention to the tiniest bit of their sound-bursts and work "proggingly" in the details. Both are right by the way but it all depends on the mood you're in when you decide to pop up this bad guy and make it swing your very ass (resisting "Humble Stance" is futile). And, even the prog-heads need, now and then, a little easy entertainment and why not relying on the witty craftmen Saga have been the last 30 years? Why not god? Why?
Don't be amashed, this music will not bite you, at worst it'll put a smile on your face which isn't something that common when listening to progressive-related music.

My SAGA Top 3
1 - Silent Knight (1980)
2 - Saga (1978)
3 - Generation 13 (1995)

My SAGA Bottom 3
1 - Wildest Dreams (1987)
2 - Steel Umbrellas (1994)
3 - The Pleasure and the Pain (1997)

SONGS FOR FLORA (VAC#024)

VARIOUS ARTISTS

SONGS FOR FLORA

Just a little excursion out of the progressive month. I could not wait until the first of july before posting this VAC. This selection is just an album to give an homage to my daughter's birth, last saturday. I'm really proud of her and find her so cute. That pride must be an evidence to any new dads. Now that she's here, I wanted to give her what caracterize me the most : Music! This baistophe gathers songs that can be considered as lullabies, even if there weren't made for.

80 minutes of complete sweetness and love to share with my beloved Flora.

FOCUS (ABO#227)

FOCUS

PLEASE READ THE SMALLEST LINES

(1969-2008)

One thing is noticeable with progressive music: it's one of the only musical style to have emerged famous bands from any country, not only anglo saxons ones. Focus is one of these examples. From the Nederlands, this band has managed to catch the interest of abroad music lovers. Fronted by crazy Thijs Van Leer, they mainly were popular for their famous guitarist : Jan Akkerman. His touch and feeling at playing the guitar was (and is) trully unique. However, Jan did not play on each and every Focus album. Amazingly, Jazz guitarist took his place for a while!

After a long break, Focus were back in the early 00s with only Von Leer as the original member.

Also featured in this baistophe, a song from the duet Thijs Van Leer / Jan Akkerman issued in the 1985 album simply named . . . Focus.

My Focus Top 3 :

1. Focus 3 (1973)

2. Moving Waves (1971)

3. Ship Of Memories (1975)

My Focus Bottom 3 :

1. Focus (1985)

2. Focus 8 (2002)

3. Focus Con Proby (1978)

SIGUR RÓS (ABO #226)

SIGUR RÓS
TENINGUR

SIGUR RÓS is not a Progressive Rock per se, I won't be denying it, but their aerial and cinematic qualities surely qualify them to be part of the progressive music scene.
Then what is SIGUR RÓS? A clever and witty mix of psychedelism and post rock which, with few pop undertones, became a reference not only in their homeland of Iceland but also worldwide.
Their will to experiment, evolve, certainly draws them close to the likes of Tortoise or Radiohead while still holding their own personality.
This "baistophe" covers their entire studio discography so that you can see what albums of theirs will be more fitting to your taste. I hope you'll like it.

My SIGUR RÓS Top
1 - Ágætis Byrjun (1999)
2 - Takk... (2005)
3 - () (2002)
4 - Hvarf/Heim (2007)
5 - Með Suð í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust (2008)
6 - Von (1997)

ARCHIVE (ABO#225)

ARCHIVE

ALL THAT'S LEFT

(1996-2009)

What a surprise to find such a band in the progressive month! Archive is indeed much more a Trip-Hop band. Archive was founded in 1994 in the great Trip-Hop vague begun by such bands as Massive Attack or Portishead. Their very first album, Londinium, really reminds of Massive Attack. After that first CD, the music began to be more gliding, until the You All Look The Same To Me album (2002) where anyone can easily compare their music with the Pink Floyd sounds of the Wish You Were Here era. That's why we suggested that Archive has something to do with the progressive genre. Long songs that evoluate with such structure so comparable with the Prog world.

By 2009, Archive has issued a new CD, Controlling Crowds that is much like Again than the previous ones.

Then one question remains : is Trip-Hop a sub-genre of progressive Rock? It's up to you to decide!

My Archive TOP:

1. You All Look The Same To Me (2002)

2. Take My Head

3. Londinium

4. Controlling Crowds

5. Lights

6. Noise

7. Michel Vaillant O.S.T.