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Articles by Gary McKenzie
“More accomplished and mature than might be expected… Surprisingly contemporary for a 41-year-old collection”: Solstice’s prog-folk classic Silent Dance returns
Solstice – Silent Dance. Originally released in 1984, Solstice’s debut album Silent Dance was the culmination of four years of writing and touring. More accomplished and mature than many might have expected, it became a much-loved record for those embedded in the era’s prog scene. However, bandleader and guitarist Andy Glass was never entirely happy with it – limitations and lack of experience meant that it didn’t capture the sound he was hearing in his head.
Spock’s Beard reference their own past and future on The Archaeoptimist
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Madfish Spock’s Beard’s new album will come as a huge relief to those who feared the silence since 2018’s Noise Floor wasn’t a good sign. Things have certainly changed in that time. The band have a new label; they’re joined by new drummer Nick Potters, keyboardist Ryo Okumoto appears as the de-facto bandleader; and they’ve welcomed a new writing partner into the fold.
“A forensic foray into an album that changed how many thought about recorded music”: The Alan Parsons Project’s I Robot: Super Deluxe Box Set
Alan Parsons Project – I Robot Super Deluxe Box Set. A classic album held in high esteem for its ambition, vision and adventurous use of then-contemporary recording technology, 1977’s I Robot was the second release from the Alan Parsons Project.
“Was air-drumming even a thing before Tom Sawyer?”: Neil Peart’s greatest moments with Rush
Neil Peart. He was influenced by Ginger Baker and John Bonham, but Neil Peart’s playing style expanded with his impressive drumkit. A visionary and inspiration to many, he had a significant impact on Rush and the drumming world over five decades. In 2020, drummer and Prog writer Gary Mackenzie explored Peart’s legacy and unearths 10 highlights from his career behind the kit. By-Tor And The Snow Dog (Fly By Night, 1975) Few live rock shows saw open displays of air drumming quite like a Rush concert.
“Was air-drumming even a thing before Tom Sawyer?”: Neil Peart’s greatest moments with Rush
Generate Key Takeaways When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Getty Images He was influenced by Ginger Baker and John Bonham, but Neil Peart’s playing style expanded with his impressive drumkit. A visionary and inspiration to many, he had a significant impact on Rush and the drumming world over five decades.
“Was air-drumming even a thing before Tom Sawyer?”: Neil Peart’s greatest moments with Rush
Rise and Shine with These 39 Delicious Breakfast Recipes! It’s hard to know someone’s favorite breakfast unless you know them well. Some people prefer toast, fruit, or a light meal, while others love bacon, …
“Darkness and bleakness still lurks - but the album offers light and hope”: IQ’s Dominion
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.Generate Key Takeaways When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Giant Electric Pea Since forming in 1981, IQ have established themselves as a veritable British prog institution.
“Joyously entertaining and utterly committed”: Solstice’s Return To Cropredy video edition
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Original neo-prog survivors Solstice took to the stage at Fairport Convention’s Cropredy Festival in 2023, almost exactly 25 years after they last appeared there. They’ve been experiencing something of a rebirth in recent years – but back in 1998, plans to record the set for a live album had to be abandoned when technical problems made the tapes unusable.
"A Frost* double concept album - who could quibble?” Life In The Wires is quite marvellous
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“Occasionally downbeat but there’s an excitement that’s uplifting”: Stuckfish’s IV
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: White Knight Records Stuckfish’s last album, 2022’s Days Of Innocence, garnered much positive feedback. Although healthily varied, it primarily delivered great melodic rock with strong prog roots.
“Steeped in 60s folk and psychedelia, exponents of Latin American, African and Indian elements - rare for European prog artists”: Jade Warrior’s Borne On The Solar Wind - The Vertigo Albums
While never as acclaimed as many contemporaries, Jade Warrior were at the vanguard of early 70s British progressive music. Steeped in the folk and psychedelic blues of the late 60s, they were also enthusiastic exponents of Latin American, African and Indian rhythmic elements – rare for European progressive rock artists of the time.
“A comprehensive celebration, impressively extensive”: Pallas’ Eyes In The Night 1981-1986
Given their mixed fortunes – including being unceremoniously cut off by EMI at the height of touring in support of 1986’s The Wedge – it’s a minor miracle that Pallas managed to survive their first few years of existence. This generous seven-disc collection brings together their first three full albums, recordings from both the Reading Festival in 1983 and an Aberdeen gig from 1985, tracks from a 1983 BBC Friday Rock Show session, along with The Knightmoves EP, B-sides and bonus tracks.
50 years on, Hans Lundin continues to produce rewarding music”: Kaipa’s Sommargryningsljus
Led today by keyboard player and sole remaining founder member Hans Lundin, Swedish symphonic prog exponents Kaipa have a venerable history. With five albums released between 1975 and 1982 (the first three featuring future Flower Kings frontman Roine Stolt on guitar), a two-decade hiatus and nine subsequent albums since 2002, they are a Scandi-prog institution.
Letter: North Dakota’s journey
James Leiman is North Dakota's commerce commissioner. Contributed / North Dakota Department of Commerce<br/> This week Gov. Doug Burgum shared with us the many advancements our state has achieved and is anticipated to reach within the next decade. One of the main points addressed is that our state is truly a land of opportunity. North Dakota possesses an abundance of natural resources that are fundamental in meeting the world’s production needs in a volatile global environment.
Letter: Republicans are seeking state-sponsored censorship
Over the last decade, individuals that call themselves Republicans have labeled anyone on the political center or left as snowflakes whenever they point out anything that has to do with racism or sexism. The usual line from Republicans is to just work harder or have thicker skin. Yet, if you have read the news over the past few months, the real snowflakes today are in fact Republicans.
Bran Van 3000 - Discosis
© 2001 Grand Royal LLC. The copyright in this recording is owned by Grand Royal LLC. ℗ & © 2001 Grand Royal LLC.
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