The Prog Rock Album Club

Big Ears · 11-12-2012, 05:14 AM

I read everybody's comments with interest. Here are mine:

1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?

Hard to remember, as I heard it when frst released, but probably as a masterpiece of restraint (even a decade before the over-production of the nineteen-eighties).

2. What did you think of the opening tracks?

Dancing Madly Backwards (On a Sea of Air) is probably their best known track and exemplifies their subtleties.

3. What did you think of the later tracks?

I absolutely love all of them. I could eulogise for hours.

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?

Rod Evans was cruelly treated by Deep Purple and is a criminally underrated singer in my view.

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?

No, I specifically love every track.

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?

Captain Beyond starts on a high, which is maintained throughout.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?

A good question. The lyrics are ethereal and do not really mean anything, but are effective nevertheless. When drummer and co-writer Bobby Caldwell left the band, they were cast adrift without him.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?

Indeed. They play as a band, all excellent, with no-one stealing the limelight. Larry Reinhardt on guitars is a paragon of good taste, Caldwell is all-pervasive on drums and bassist Lee Dorman adds one nifty riff after another.

9. What did you think of the production?

If I have a criticism, it sounds slightly dated. Even in 1972, it was dated! The echo-y vocals and the Fifth Dimension harmonies are more a product of 1968, but the band's playing throughout pre-dates many bands who followed in their wake. If nothing else, they were highly influential.

10. How well do you already know the band/artist?

They were one of the first hard rock bands I ever heard in the early seventies.

11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?

Captain Beyond do their best to defy classification, but they are hard rock, with psychedelia, progressive rock, space-rock and careful harmonies.

12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?

More. It rewards repeated playing and I never tire of hearing the album. It is brimful of ideas.

13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?

Thousand Days of Yesterdays (Time Since Come and Gone) and both parts of As the Moon Speaks. They have infectious melodies, intricate harmonies and an indefinable sense of other-worldliness.

14. And the one you liked least?

I honestly cannot think of a weak track on the album.

15. Did the fact that this album is a debut/sophomore/middle period or later period allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated?

They debuted on a high-point, which they could never reach again.

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?

I might listen to the follow-up, but really this is all I need. I would like to hear other material by the members of Captain Beyond, such as Iron Butterfly.

17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?

With hindsight, one can see what they intended, with lots of variety and experimentation - all of which worked.

18. Did the album end well?

Very abruptly and probably appropriately.

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?

Not really. Although influential, it was a product of its time. A remaster would not go amiss in my opinion.

20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?

The album is one hundred percent cohesive. Cohesion being the key word here. Without it, they were finished.

Overall Album Rating: 9 out of 10. Nothing's perfect, but this comes close.

I have drafted a review, which I will post in my journal.

Big Ears · 11-12-2012, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unknown Soldier

BTW just to let you know, that if you ever submit a Phil Collins era Genesis album, I'll have the knives out for it asap.

If I write another diatribe against Collins-era Genesis or his solo stuff, I'll explode!

Trollheart · 11-12-2012, 11:33 AM

Just a point: I think question (5) was misunderstood. I didn't mean did only the music appeal to you and not the lyrics. What is meant by that question is, putting the lyrics aside (even if you love them) were you impressed by the music on the album too? In other words, there are album whose lyrics are great but the music is a bit pedestrian, or that lets it down, just as it can happen vice versa. So I guess what I'm asking is, were this an instrumental album, would you like it just as well/hate it as much?

Just so everyone's clear.

Big Ears · 11-12-2012, 11:55 AM

I love the lyrics/vocals and instrumentation equally. Rod Evans is a great singer, but the music is full of ideas and constantly changing. This contrasts with many modern progressive rock bands, who tend to be instrumentally adept, but are let down by poor singers.

Unknown Soldier · 11-12-2012, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Ears

If I write another diatribe against Collins-era Genesis or his solo stuff, I'll explode!

Good to see you back, sometimes when newbies disappear they're never heard from ever again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trollheart

Just a point: I think question (5) was misunderstood. I didn't mean did only the music appeal to you and not the lyrics. What is meant by that question is, putting the lyrics aside (even if you love them) were you impressed by the music on the album too? In other words, there are album whose lyrics are great but the music is a bit pedestrian, or that lets it down, just as it can happen vice versa. So I guess what I'm asking is, were this an instrumental album, would you like it just as well/hate it as much?

Just so everyone's clear.

Will do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Ears

I love the lyrics/vocals and instrumentation equally. Rod Evans is a great singer, but the music is full of ideas and constantly changing. This contrasts with many modern progressive rock bands, who tend to be instrumentally adept, but are let down by poor singers.

I also think Sufficiently Breathless is as good as the debut.

Big Ears · 11-12-2012, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unknown Soldier

Good to see you back, sometimes when newbies disappear they're never heard from ever again.

Thanks US. I've been busy, but I'm still here. I might give Sufficiently Breathless another listen.

Trollheart · 11-12-2012, 04:09 PM

Yeah welcome back BE. Great review of the CB album in your journal, even if I did hate it (must be the only person on the planet who doesn't like it).

Are we on for Big Big Train next then?

Edit: I mean hate the album, NOT your journal, of course....

Big Ears · 11-12-2012, 04:26 PM

Thank you TH. I'm ready for Big Big Train, if everyone else is happy.

Trollheart · 11-14-2012, 02:15 PM

Okay, I think we've all had our say on the Captain. Time to move on.

In the absence of the insect-devouring one, here's our next project, suggested by him:

Seventh album from British progrock band Big Big Train, "English Electric (Part One)" released last month.

Anyone who doesn't have it drop myself or Anteater a PM and we'll set ya up!

Big Ears · 11-24-2012, 10:56 AM

Here goes:

1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?

I did not like the album at first, it was too Genesis-like and too gentle.

2. What did you think of the opening tracks?

It (the opening track) is the most Genesis-like and exemplified the problems I had with the album. Having said this it is catchy and D'Virgilio's drumming is excellent. Thankfully, on the second track, they move away from the overt Genesis influences.

3. What did you think of the later tracks?

Uncle Jack tries to be evocative, but is too cold and clinical. I like the device of repeating associated compound words.

Winchester From St Giles' Hill is a bit overwrought, but is influenced by the Bee Gees, as were Genesis, and employs a George Benson-style guitar solo for good measure.

Judas Unrepentant has some sparkling keyboards and strong use of strings.

Summoned By Bells is my favourite track. Lead singer David Longdon finally has a good shout. The use of brass is outstanding.

Upton Heath is probably my next favourite and is beautifully sung.

A Boy In Darkness, cleverly uses instruments to portray dark and light.

Hedgerow is almost a Genesis SEBTP bookend as it returns to Uncle Jack.

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?

Peter Gabriel-like, with greater technical ability, but less 'character'.

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?

The playing is technically adept, but needs more oomph.

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?

It definitely improved - a lot.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?

In some cases very faithful to the story and they make a refreshing change to all the love songs.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?

Yes. Nick D'Virgilio's playing stood out. The instrumentation is very meticulous as you would expect from this band, but the clinical production made it seem flat. The band need a punchier bass player in my opinion.

9. What did you think of the production?

Clear and sharp, but too cold.

10. How well do you already know the band/artist?

I know them moderately well and have heard other albums. This was the first time I have worked at listening to them.

11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?

To me, they are new progressive. They describe themselves as part progressive and part post-rock. I have no idea what post-rock means. It strikes me as jargon, but perhaps someone could enlighten me.

12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?

Definitely more. I had to work at this album. Early on, I switched to Heaven and Hell's Devil You Know as I was desperate for music with bite.

13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?

Summoned by Bells, the album's epic, and Upton Heath, the opposite in being quiet and gentle.

14. And the one you liked least?

There wasn't one.

15. Did the fact that this album is a debut/sophomore/middle period or later period allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated?

I am not certain if this band is improving by becoming more Genesis-like.

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?

I am looking forward to part two, but whether I continue listening to this album, remains to be seen.

17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?

Yes, the Victorian notion that the countryside is redemptive, is one I agree with wholeheartedly. However, their attempt at being pastoral tended to fail with the clinical production. This is what you get when you sing about the countryside and record with computers.

18. Did the album end well?

They almost used the Simon and Garfunkle, Carpenters and Genesis bookend technique. It worked reasonably well.

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?

In three words: add more punch.

20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?

The album is very cohesive in that it is thematic. The band like to throw in abstract ideas and it works very well.

Overall Album Rating: 7.5 out of 10. I would like to give it 8, but it is just too soporific.

I have drafted a review, which I will post in my journal.

11-12-2012, 05:14 AM	#171 (permalink)
Big Ears Music Addict Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Hampshire, England Posts: 434	I read everybody's comments with interest. Here are mine: 1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in? Hard to remember, as I heard it when frst released, but probably as a masterpiece of restraint (even a decade before the over-production of the nineteen-eighties). 2. What did you think of the opening tracks? Dancing Madly Backwards (On a Sea of Air) is probably their best known track and exemplifies their subtleties. 3. What did you think of the later tracks? I absolutely love all of them. I could eulogise for hours. 4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions? Rod Evans was cruelly treated by Deep Purple and is a criminally underrated singer in my view. 5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not? No, I specifically love every track. 6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)? Captain Beyond starts on a high, which is maintained throughout. 7. What did you think of the lyrical content? A good question. The lyrics are ethereal and do not really mean anything, but are effective nevertheless. When drummer and co-writer Bobby Caldwell left the band, they were cast adrift without him. 8. Did you like the instrumental parts? Indeed. They play as a band, all excellent, with no-one stealing the limelight. Larry Reinhardt on guitars is a paragon of good taste, Caldwell is all-pervasive on drums and bassist Lee Dorman adds one nifty riff after another. 9. What did you think of the production? If I have a criticism, it sounds slightly dated. Even in 1972, it was dated! The echo-y vocals and the Fifth Dimension harmonies are more a product of 1968, but the band's playing throughout pre-dates many bands who followed in their wake. If nothing else, they were highly influential. 10. How well do you already know the band/artist? They were one of the first hard rock bands I ever heard in the early seventies. 11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to? Captain Beyond do their best to defy classification, but they are hard rock, with psychedelia, progressive rock, space-rock and careful harmonies. 12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less? More. It rewards repeated playing and I never tire of hearing the album. It is brimful of ideas. 13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one? Thousand Days of Yesterdays (Time Since Come and Gone) and both parts of As the Moon Speaks. They have infectious melodies, intricate harmonies and an indefinable sense of other-worldliness. 14. And the one you liked least? I honestly cannot think of a weak track on the album. 15. Did the fact that this album is a debut/sophomore/middle period or later period allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated? They debuted on a high-point, which they could never reach again. 16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist? I might listen to the follow-up, but really this is all I need. I would like to hear other material by the members of Captain Beyond, such as Iron Butterfly. 17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one? With hindsight, one can see what they intended, with lots of variety and experimentation - all of which worked. 18. Did the album end well? Very abruptly and probably appropriately. 19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved? Not really. Although influential, it was a product of its time. A remaster would not go amiss in my opinion. 20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss? The album is one hundred percent cohesive. Cohesion being the key word here. Without it, they were finished. Overall Album Rating: 9 out of 10. Nothing's perfect, but this comes close. I have drafted a review, which I will post in my journal. Last edited by Big Ears; 11-12-2012 at 05:20 AM. Reason: Part 11 is niggling me

11-12-2012, 11:33 AM	#173 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,994	Just a point: I think question (5) was misunderstood. I didn't mean did only the music appeal to you and not the lyrics. What is meant by that question is, putting the lyrics aside (even if you love them) were you impressed by the music on the album too? In other words, there are album whose lyrics are great but the music is a bit pedestrian, or that lets it down, just as it can happen vice versa. So I guess what I'm asking is, were this an instrumental album, would you like it just as well/hate it as much? Just so everyone's clear. __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

11-12-2012, 04:09 PM	#177 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,994	Yeah welcome back BE. Great review of the CB album in your journal, even if I did hate it (must be the only person on the planet who doesn't like it). Are we on for Big Big Train next then? Edit: I mean hate the album, NOT your journal, of course.... __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

11-14-2012, 02:15 PM	#179 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,994	Okay, I think we've all had our say on the Captain. Time to move on. In the absence of the insect-devouring one, here's our next project, suggested by him: Seventh album from British progrock band Big Big Train, "English Electric (Part One)" released last month. Anyone who doesn't have it drop myself or Anteater a PM and we'll set ya up! __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

11-24-2012, 10:56 AM	#180 (permalink)
Big Ears Music Addict Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Hampshire, England Posts: 434	Here goes: 1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in? I did not like the album at first, it was too Genesis-like and too gentle. 2. What did you think of the opening tracks? It (the opening track) is the most Genesis-like and exemplified the problems I had with the album. Having said this it is catchy and D'Virgilio's drumming is excellent. Thankfully, on the second track, they move away from the overt Genesis influences. 3. What did you think of the later tracks? Uncle Jack tries to be evocative, but is too cold and clinical. I like the device of repeating associated compound words. Winchester From St Giles' Hill is a bit overwrought, but is influenced by the Bee Gees, as were Genesis, and employs a George Benson-style guitar solo for good measure. Judas Unrepentant has some sparkling keyboards and strong use of strings. Summoned By Bells is my favourite track. Lead singer David Longdon finally has a good shout. The use of brass is outstanding. Upton Heath is probably my next favourite and is beautifully sung. A Boy In Darkness, cleverly uses instruments to portray dark and light. Hedgerow is almost a Genesis SEBTP bookend as it returns to Uncle Jack. 4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions? Peter Gabriel-like, with greater technical ability, but less 'character'. 5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not? The playing is technically adept, but needs more oomph. 6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)? It definitely improved - a lot. 7. What did you think of the lyrical content? In some cases very faithful to the story and they make a refreshing change to all the love songs. 8. Did you like the instrumental parts? Yes. Nick D'Virgilio's playing stood out. The instrumentation is very meticulous as you would expect from this band, but the clinical production made it seem flat. The band need a punchier bass player in my opinion. 9. What did you think of the production? Clear and sharp, but too cold. 10. How well do you already know the band/artist? I know them moderately well and have heard other albums. This was the first time I have worked at listening to them. 11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to? To me, they are new progressive. They describe themselves as part progressive and part post-rock. I have no idea what post-rock means. It strikes me as jargon, but perhaps someone could enlighten me. 12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less? Definitely more. I had to work at this album. Early on, I switched to Heaven and Hell's Devil You Know as I was desperate for music with bite. 13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one? Summoned by Bells, the album's epic, and Upton Heath, the opposite in being quiet and gentle. 14. And the one you liked least? There wasn't one. 15. Did the fact that this album is a debut/sophomore/middle period or later period allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated? I am not certain if this band is improving by becoming more Genesis-like. 16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist? I am looking forward to part two, but whether I continue listening to this album, remains to be seen. 17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one? Yes, the Victorian notion that the countryside is redemptive, is one I agree with wholeheartedly. However, their attempt at being pastoral tended to fail with the clinical production. This is what you get when you sing about the countryside and record with computers. 18. Did the album end well? They almost used the Simon and Garfunkle, Carpenters and Genesis bookend technique. It worked reasonably well. 19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved? In three words: add more punch. 20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss? The album is very cohesive in that it is thematic. The band like to throw in abstract ideas and it works very well. Overall Album Rating: 7.5 out of 10. I would like to give it 8, but it is just too soporific. I have drafted a review, which I will post in my journal. Last edited by Big Ears; 11-25-2012 at 03:00 AM. Reason: Put a 'w' in overwrought

11-12-2012, 11:55 AM	#174 (permalink)
Big Ears Music Addict Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Hampshire, England Posts: 434	I love the lyrics/vocals and instrumentation equally. Rod Evans is a great singer, but the music is full of ideas and constantly changing. This contrasts with many modern progressive rock bands, who tend to be instrumentally adept, but are let down by poor singers.

11-12-2012, 04:26 PM	#178 (permalink)
Big Ears Music Addict Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Hampshire, England Posts: 434	Thank you TH. I'm ready for Big Big Train, if everyone else is happy.