24. Symphony X – Paradise Lost (2007)
Combining elements of thrash, progressive, speed, neoclassical and power metal in ways that Dragonforce & Dream Theater wish they could but fail at, Symphony X's
Paradise Lost is, like their 2000 release
V: The Mythology Suite, one of those rare works thats full of wankery but somehow
just works despite evidence to the contrary. Not sure exactly why I'm drawn to this particular album so much though; maybe its because vocalist Russell Allen doesn't sound like he's trying to be Bruce Di
ckinson or Dio every time he opens his piehole (the title track truly does justice to his range). Or perhaps its because I just like the idea of Milton's play getting the epic concept album treatment. Either way, its a keeper in my book, and although this album won't appeal to many, its one of my favorites and something I'd recommend even to folks who aren't keen on classical-metal schnookery. It may be a riff-fest, but its a top class one!
Track Highlights:
Paradise Lost, Eve of Seduction, The Walls of Babylon
23. Fever Tree – Fever Tree (1968)
This rather obscure debut release from the Texan psychedelic rock scene of the late 60’s holds quite a bit of sentimental value for me; my uncle on my dad’s side was this group’s keyboardist, and even now tells me stories about all the fun times he had while recording and touring back in the day. Still, even without the personal attachment, I think it’s a dynamic effort considering the place and time; for although its very much a product of the era at first glance, there are a surprising amount of classical touches that elevate it beyond the status of “60’s relic”. The symphonic touches on (Rainsong), opening overture ‘Imitation Situation I’ and a few of the other tracks sets a unique mood amidst the feedback, and the proto-prog sound is overall executed much more naturally than what groups like The Nice were doing at the time.
Track Highlights:
San Francisco Girls, Man Who Paints The Pictures, Come With Me (Rainsong)
22. Brian Eno & Robert Fripp – No Pussyfooting (1973)
When two masters of mood and ambience come together to collaborate on something, the result is going to be nothing less than spectacular. Eno was fresh out from leaving Roxy Music and had yet to start the solo career most of you known him for, while Robert was still muscling up with King Crimson. Still, it should be noted that it was really here on
No Pussyfooting, with the former's innovative dual tape-loop system (later known as Frippertronics) and the latter's ever enigmatic and distinctive guitar-style they singlehandedly laid the foundation which would determine both musicians' musical directions for the next thirty some odd years. The first track of the two on this record, "Heavenly Music Corporation" is a particular highlight; Fripp's guitar just builds and builds and buildsssss until you are disorientated by the ensuing cacophony, then slowly tears strips itself back down to a light drone base which vanishes into the distance as if nothing was there to begin with. Amazing!
In conclusion, this is my favorite ambient album and IMO has aged better than the majority of Eno's 70's output. Goes great with headphones too.
Track Highlights:
The Heavenly Music Corporation