“This is the day of the expanding man…”

And that brings us to Aja. More than anything that preceded it Aja represents the culmination of where the boys wanted to be. On the perch, high above the other music of the day and finally on the receiving end of the near-universal acclaim they deserved. They had delivered their masterpiece and a piece of work they would never top again. The level of sophistication and elegance in the arrangements was staggering, the perfectionism of the sound pushed to positively fascist degrees. There is absolutely no trace left of the musical five o’clock shadow that filled their earlier albums. Aja moved further towards fusion and introduced more progressive elements with longer pieces and more elaborate jamming and yet is retains the pop sensibilities that gave the band such a large audience. As mentioned in my Royal Scam review this is where the music turned much dryer for better or worse, the dry sheen would carry into Gaucho making the two albums twins in style.

The album took a year to record with Gary Katz at the helm. The process was sometimes grueling as they would do take after take with various musicians looking for the one that was just right. Five of the seven tracks are radio favorites which gives the album a bit of a “Rumours” overkill factor for some, yet the songs hold up very well today. Both Fagen and Becker love “Josie”, Fagen saying it reminds him of the great R and B he so loves, “stuff like Charlie Parker.” All of these classic songs are beneficiaries of nuance and precision yes, but with the mission of also being something you want to hear. That’s what they emphasized in the documentary I just watched. Yes, they were shooting for perfection, but they wanted to take it beyond that by loosening it up and making it an album that would be enjoyable to hear. Last, they noted that on their previous albums they were New York transplants in LA, writing songs about New York characters to help them deal with being homesick. They acknowledged feeling a bit like characters in a Woody Allen movie where LA made them neurotic and disoriented. Then by the time they were ready to head back to New York in the late ‘70s, they were writing songs about California and maintain that Aja captures that California vibe. You be the judge.

Lyrically the album is another ode to characters of all sort, women and nostalgic fountain drinks. They claim Deacon Blues is the closest to autobiographical as they would ever get. Familiar characters are discussed, some aspiring losers and fading hipsters they would acknowledge freely. But as Becker said, referring to his character’s philosophies in these songs: “whose to say they’re wrong?” Indeed.

by Finnforest


STEELY DAN Music Online:
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Steve Hackett's debut is very much likely to soothe anyone who has ever been a fan of Genesis. Like Chris Squire's sole solo album, Fish Out Of Water was called ''The lost Yes album'', this one quickly falls under the same comparison for the other progressive giants for the 70s. As many people know, Hackett was a somewhat outspoken force in the band and it only became apparent just how much Hackett brought to the table for the band when he left And Then There Were Three, some might say. Hackett's Genesis buddies just about all show up with the exception of Peter Banks and Peter Gabriel, and while the album definitely does not sound like a Genesis album in its purest form, it certainly has some moments where it comes close. The nice and most surprising thing about the album is just how much energy this album has. Many people may have a problem with Genesis and their lack of 'rocking' moments, but on this album no such thing can be said, even if the serene moments do exist on the album.

The best parts of the album are the ones where Steve really wants to show some flash as a guitar player. The album opens with what's likely the best of these purely ambitious prog rock tracks in the form of Ace Of Wands, which is surprisingly fast, energetic and with enough pure rock power to put a lot of other bands to shame. Like many songs on the album, this one is an instrumental and like most other songs on the album it has a wonderful melody that is bound to get stuck in your head. These melodies are reprised later on in the album, revealing its true nature as a concept album. A Tower Struck Down is not as hard rocking or as fast as the opening tune, but it certainly makes for a great story telling device with the sampled sounds and chantings which make it truly malevolent. This song is bookended by the two-part, brief but calm instrumental Hands Of The Priestess whose mood makes for a surprising contrast to the other songs on the album.

Of course, Steve's compositional prowess also shows through on the album. Star Of Sirius is likely the best example of this, and arguably the best song on the album. Phil Collins makes an appearance on this track on the microphone, but he does so in his dreamy Trick Of The Tail voice, which when mixed with Steve's soundscapes makes for a crazy-good track ripe with melody, symphonic bombast and familiarity thanks to the reprisal of Ace Of Wands. Other songs which follow this kind of structure are also on the album, but both of them are a lot more toned down. The Hermit ends off side one impressively, and on side two The Lovers is voiced gently by Sally Oldfield and makes for a very tranquil track. The album ends with the storm-gathering Shadow Of The Hierophant, a somewhat repetitive song which is simply a build to its peak and then a decline into silence signaling the end of the album. Used more for mood than anything else.

In the end Steve Hackett has created an emotional and technically impressive ride which will thrill fans of his other projects and interest just about everyone else. This album is considered a symphonic classic for a reason, and while not essential is certainly deserving of a strong 4 stars of sirius out of 5. Very much recommended.

by King By-Tor


HACKETT, STEVE Music Online:
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The music is quite heavy and little melodic as one could have imagined. While the musicianship is solid, the vocals aren't quite of the same level. This is probably why I prefer the first part of their suite called ''Journey To The Inside Of The Sun''.

It is called ''Sweet Leaf'' (huum, I've heard this before…) and is a pure jamming and good effort for over eight minutes. Actually, this might well be part of a so called suite (or epic) but none of the parts are linked whatsoever. It is more a collection of three songs than a one-piece unit. It falls a bit flat during ''The Rocket Ride'' and ''I'm Comin' Home'' (second and third parts).

Their heavy music is tinted with blues and psychedelia (''You Mystify''), but this no big news for the period of release. It was quite conventional for such a trio to play this type of music. But they are probably more personal than a band as T2 for example who was too closely related with Hendrix Experience.

Nothing as such here. There is a definite prog feel when you listen to ''Tool Of My Trade''. It is not a ballad of course, but it swaps nicely between heavy passages and more sophisticated music. A highlight, for sure.

The more the album advances, the more diversified is the music. ''My Heaven'' demonstrates some Eastern influences delicately painted with some fine psychedelia. Some acoustic guitar is even featured and the interplay with distinct percussion is just perfect. To have reached this level at the age of eighteen is quite impressive. The album closed on some sort of heavy Tull piece (''Birdcatcher''). Aren't these fine references?

Three stars.

by ZowieZiggy


CLEAR BLUE SKY Music Online:
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Lauren Harris, daughter of Iron Maiden founder member Steve Harris, will be releasing her new single, “Your Turn”, worldwide at one second past midnight as the first OFFICIAL release of 2009.

Lauren Harris on amazon.com

Lauren Harris on amazon.co.uk

This groundbreaking event, in conjunction with worldwide music distribution giants, The Orchard is the brainchild of Quite Great Communications’ marketing team, Redlands, and is the first of its type.

The single will be released at 00:00:01 in every major territory across the planet and it’s already creating considerable industry buzz worldwide.

Joe Arditti, Redlands chief marketing consultant, said of the venture:

“The recent global success of American female rock/pop artists such as Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus and Pink has opened up the rock genre to a far more mainstream market. More importantly, there is a gap in the British market for our very own Rock Goddess. We are proud to be working alongside Demolition Records and The Orchard with a British artist who can rival these American acts. What better way to bring in 2009, than with a new star born at midnight!”

Taken from her critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Calm Before The Storm’, which features performances from her father, Iron Maiden founder and bassist, Steve Harris on a number of tracks - the first time he has played on anything besides a Maiden track, ever!

An original rock chick, Lauren is no stranger to touring around the world. She has already performed in front of millions worldwide and will again be wowing audiences with her energetic stage presence on her upcoming world tour.

‘Calm Before The Storm’ is an eclectic mix of high-energy pop-rock tracks and has already received rave reviews in the alternative press. Lauren is now launching a full on assault on the British public.

Her catchy power-pop songs draw comparisons to American acts such as The Donnas and Paramore as well as more mainstream artists such as Avril Lavigne and Pink but with a distinctly British attitude and sound.

“She has the lungpower and poise to roam the heartland of American rock radio” - Kerrang!

“Watch out - there’s a new rock chick in town!” - Rock Sound Magazine

“Lauren’s star is on the rise… There’s definitely a storm brewing.” - Big Cheese Magazine

Lauren Harris 2008/2009 tour dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

NOVEMBER 27th 2008 Zurich, Ohstoflager Switzerland
NOVEMBER 28th 2008 Zoe Club, Milan Italy
DECEMBER 2nd 2008 Barcelona, Mephisto Spain
DECEMBER 3rd 2008 Madrid, Heineken Spain
DECEMBER 5th 2008 Uden Nieuwe Pul Holland
DECEMBER 6th 2008 Kerkrade Rocktempel Holland
DECEMBER 8th 2008 London, The Underworld UK
DECEMBER 9th 2008 Leeds, Rios UK
DECEMBER 10th 2008 Glasgow, Cathouse UK
DECEMBER 11th 2008 Peterborough, The Park UK
JANUARY 19th 2009 Halsinki, Tavista Finland
JANUARY 21st 2009 Stockholm, Mosebacke Sweden
JANUARY 22nd 2009 Oslo, John Dee Norway
JANUARY 23rd 2009 Copenhagen, The Rock Denmark

Lauren Harris MySpace

I began to realize a decline in creative diversity after Wish You Were Here, with Animals. Animals was still great but there was something about it... it seemed that it was more for the lyrics and less ambient and diverse than previous things like Echoes and Shine on You crazy Diamond. Animals is still a great album and so is the wall, but this feeling I got with Animals became prevalent in the Wall and I knew what was happening. Roger Waters was beginning to take over most of the writing. When I look at all my favourite Pink Floyd songs, Interstellar Overdrive, Careful with that Axe, Eugene, A Saucerful of Secrets, Atom Heart Mother, Echoes, Shine on You crazy Diamond, Dark Side of the Moon, etc, I see a pattern in that most of those songs are written by the band working collectively in the group. But during the Wall Roger had his dominance over the band, and much of that old ambient artistic style of the music had faded. To make up for that, the lyrical style of the album sky rocketed in Creativity, obviously because the wall is a Rock Opera, telling a story concept across all of the songs. And the story is very enigmatic and cool to hear. But the music continued to lack that great creativity of the old stuff. The wall does have progressive moments, but when compared to songs like Echoes, The Wall is almost totally mainstream. I would say that the wall is good for a rocker who recently discovered he might be into the more progressive stuff like Yes and all that. Buy the Wall, it's a good standard for Pink Floyd, and then if you like it, see if you can handle the earlier stuff.

The band were having some problems while recording, particularly with each other and many things happened including Richard Wright being fired.

The Wall is a great and wonderful album. I recommend it to any progressive rock person... it's one of the essential albums. But in my personal opinion, Pink Floyd has done way better than this in the past, and will do way better with their last album, The Division Bell

by HammerOfPink


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The opening number is a great Sabbath song. OK, there is no Ozzy here, but the riff and the guitar solo could have come from the mind of maestro Iommi. Even if there is a popish interlude during Pondhillow's Finest, the band comes back with some doom metal while performing The Spellweaver. Vocals are quite weak and when you analyse the music, the band sounds not as powerful as his model.

Burning Saviours sounds as smooth version of Sabbath. Maybe not bad per se, but rather disturbing. One could have expected some more juice coming out of this band.

They even sound as Tull during the heavy-rock ballad Woodnymph. Peaceful and aerial vocals combined with heavy instrumental parts. Not too bad after all. What's for sure is that you won't fall asleep while Dreaming Of Pastries is being played. Some heavy punkish rhythms with a great Pyykko on the lead guitar. This is maybe cliché, but it is one of my fave.

The remaining songs are just a repetition of what can be heard previously. A Sabbath (the good Trinity)/ Tull combo (Hillside Mansion). The closing Exposed... is another fave of mine. A doomy start and middle part which are pleasantly interchanged with speedy riffs and beat. A very good heavy metal track (but be prepared that this album is more a metal album than a prog one).

This album is not essential of course. It is a fine moment of nostalgia and should be only considered as such. You have been warned that the music can't be considered as highly creative but I enjoyed it when I discovered it though. Three stars.

by ZowieZiggy


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A Saucerful of Secrets is great mainly because of the diversity of all of its songs. However this same thing makes it kinda strange and awkward. Sometimes 2 pieces of music sound so different you wouldn't imagine that it's on the same album. This was at a point where different members were writing differently and contributing their own stuff. Richard Wright wrote psychedelic rock songs reminiscient of the Piper days, Roger Wrote more space Rock (with a humourous piece about war called Corporal Clegg) and Syd Barrett wrote a few songs for the album. The only song he wrote that was featured on the album was Jugband Blues which is a very diverse song, fitting in several different sounding parts in 3 minutes. The Rejected songs are Scream Thy Last Scream and Vegetable Man both of which are amazing songs, and I don't know why they weren't included. There's only 7 songs, and none are of extremely epic length, the longest being about 12 minutes. The whole album is around 39 minutes, I think.

The Magnum Opus of this album is the title Track, A Saucerful of Secrets. It is very much Avant Garde and Experimental. This song is more like a piece of art... and depending on your appreciation for it, it might be easy or hard to understand as such. I like to compare it to Picaso Paintings... they look weird, oddly shaped, strangely coloured, etc. But it's art, just a different way to look at them. Some people do not understand this, because they are expecting to hear traditional rock music... that is bass and normal guitar, keyboards drums and singing, choruses, etc. And these people often criticize A Saucerful of Secrets for being nothing but Noise. But the noise is organized in a way that it's experimental and epic. It features menacing percussion, howling feedback, crashing cymbals, and at the end, a chorus of eerie wordless vocals. It sounds like the soundtrack to some strange sequence. Roger Waters says it symbolizes a battle.

This piece is much more for fans of really avant garde and experimental music... music that is not just rock and roll, but is a totally new genre in itself. But I find that this song is amazing, and I hope you do too.

I totally recommend A Saucerful of Secrets... but it's a risk to buy if you are not used to very strange and experimental things. I think that it's more for Pink Floyd fans who know the band and are sure they're going to like it. But it is a great musical piece and I'm sure anyone who can at least understand the art of it will enjoy it a lot. It's not their best album, but by far not their worst either.

by HammerOfPink


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The instrumental (as many tracks from this work) opening and title number is a bombastic glory, an ode to ELP most of the times. It is a gorgeous orgy of keyboards well sustained by a furious guitar work and an excellent backing band. To tell you the truth, I was really charmed while listening to Ciclotimia. Maybe somewhat regressive, but the verve of this band is so huge that I really enjoyed it.

At times, the high technicity of the band can bring it to almost an eclectic territory (El Vacío I). They are maybe searching too many difficulties and sounds as if they were trying to be a keyboard-oriented KC.

The first song with lyrics is Tu Eternidad. Fully neo-prog oriented, it is not my fave of the whole. The voice from Agustín Amaya is soft and pleasant but the whole sound a bit too much borrowed; although the closing guitar from Juan Cruz Sanabria is just excellent.

I also have to say that these rather basic lyrics encountered during Todo Lo Que Pueda Ser are not really on par with their music. Hopefully, there are many instrumental tracks and Fabulas De Un Títere completely erases the average feeling. The guitar is more present during this number. So far, it was really almost a keyboards affair. The wild beat from the closing section is almost inviting us to get up and substantially move. An excellent number and a definite highlight of this album.

Another one is the beautiful and heavier Dislalia. Furious beat again and those mighty keys sounds. Nothing new at this point of the album (it is almost the closing number). It also offers some hectic moments, but this seems to be almost a trade mark for Amagrama.

This debut album is promising. It is a fine combination of neo-symph with a glimpse of eclectic prog. It is not a usual combination, but it works very well. The vocal department is probably a bit weak.

The cover from one of the best Nexus track (on their debut album) is another great moment from this work which offers plenty of those. Seven out of ten, but upgraded to four stars. Arriba Argentina!

by ZowieZiggy


AMAGRAMA Music Online:
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I can’t believe it. Guns N’ Roses is finally releasing the long awaited ‘Chinese Democracy’ on November 23, 2008. MySpace is currently streaming the album in its entirety - which I’m listening to now. Axl sounds good…at times great and sometimes not so good…and the band is tight - with some excellent guitar solos. Even if you’re just mildly curious, it’s worth checking out. There’s certainly a mixed bag of music, and I’ve found myself listening to some of the songs more than once to get a better feel for them.

Guns N’ Roses on amazon.com

Chinese Democracyon amazon.co.uk

Opening track “Chinese Democracy” has a cool intro, and rocks out with cool vocals - Axl sounds great, using the lower register of his voice.

The vocals are questionable on “Better”.

There’s a mix of the old, familiar “Axl voice” from the days of ‘Appetite for Destruction’ and ‘Use Your Illusion’ throughout ‘Chinese Democracy’, and a more… theatrical … voice, like on piano based “Street of Dreams” and “This I Love” - which includes a great guitar solo, and dare I say - a harp? Are they the new “November Rain”? Wow - “If The Word” grooves with a fat bass and a mix of funk, rock, contemporary jazz feel, an electric Santana/Slash-like guitar solo, an acoustic spanish-like acoustic guitar solo, and a soulful, high pitched vocal delivery by Axl. Hmmm. Different. I’m undecided on this one. There’s A LOT going on here. I *think* it could grow on me.

“Scraped” is a strong rock track. It has that old school Guns N’ Roses feel with catchy backing vocals. At times, “Sorry” is somewhat reminiscent of Pink Floyd, with its dark mood and lyrics. I like the laid back groove - with spanish style acoustic guitar subtly played throughout, and a beautiful electric guitar solo. Not sure about the vocal delivery during the first verse, but sounds much better as the song goes on. There’s even some whistling tucked back in the mix toward the end of the song, which brings back memories of “Patience”, however the song sounds nothing like it. This could be another grower. Actually the more I listen to it, the more I like it - and - according to information on Wikipedia, former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach, a longtime friend and supporter of Axl Rose, recorded backing vocals on “Sorry” at Electric Lady Studios, which is interesting, considering I’m a huge Jimi Hendrix fan (Electric Lady Studios was created by Hendrix).

I’m sure for those who sit down with this album and really take it all in, there will be a good mix of opinions regarding favorite and least favorite tracks. It certainly makes for good, maybe even heated, discussion, especially amongst old school Guns N’ Roses fans.

The entire album probably won’t be streaming on MySpace for long, so this is a great way to preview the album before you buy - if you decide to buy, that is.

It’s hard to believe that ‘Chinese Democracy’ is actually released. Whether it’s any good or not, could this have been the most anticipated album in the history of rock music? Has the fire burned out or has it been worth the wait?

Chinese Democracy Track Listing:

1. Chinese Democracy
2. Shackler’s Revenge
3. Better
4. Street Of Dreams
5. If The World
6. There Was A Time
7. Catcher N’ The Rye
8. Scraped
9. Riad N’ The Bedouins
10. Sorry
11. I.R.S.
12. Madagascar
13. This I Love
14. Prostitute

Guns N’ Roses MySpace

Guns N’ Roses Official Website

By: Jenny May