This is the bumper edition of my column. I am skipping out of a column next week as I am getting married this Saturday and the inevitable honeymoon follows on Tuesday. We have reserved Sunday for a jam at a local tavern as one does for all the musos who are attending. I even went as far as to buy a black Takamini acoustic for the occasion. Anyway enough excuses to the reviews we go.
John Wetton: Agenda & Amata
This pair of Wetton re-releases comes via Metal Mind Poland more renowned for the series of Roadrunner thrash/speed/death metal releases I have been working through of late. This two CDs are a more mellow affair especially Amata which features as acoustic performance of a mixture of Wetton's solo material, a few Asia hits and some King Crimson as well. Its a laid back affair with a three piece band. As you might expect there is a bit of doubling up between these two CDs, Agenda has 13 tracks with a full electrified band. On this one you have Wetton playing all the Asia hits in their full glory including "Heat of the Moment," "Smile has left your Eyes," and "Sole Survivor."
Both of these CDs are cracking examples of Wetton's talent and show him in full solo flow. What with Asia's full original line-up reunion, there is a bit of good timing about these releases. A Wetton live CD for whichever mood you are in — how convenient.
Marillion: Somewhere Else
This is one of those CDs that I didn't want to write a review for because it meant I would not be able to listen to it as much. Somewhere Else is a wonderful collection of tracks that does not outstay its welcome, as is common with so many prog/neo-prog releases. This is mostly rather mellow stuff but no complete background tunes. There is a level of talent here that is quite stunning as there is nothing even close to being considered a duff track. It's laid-back but full of nuance and imagery. Steve Hogarth is sounding better than ever, as is the rest of the band.
I shall not bother to mention any of the ten tracks on here as they are all great. If you are a Marillion fan its essential. If you like prog, it is close enough. If you just like finely crafted music played by talented musicians, you should probably get yourself a copy post haste.
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Article comments
1 - Frans
Cool blog! Keep up the good work!
2 - Dennis Chasden
I think what IS unique about Legend Heart, is that they are creating original music inspired from times when music was special and real. I also have to say that myself and many of my college mates think their music is VERY unique, and original. I think they are a cool change in an industry of massive amounts of commercial dung. Basically I think they are very talented people.
3 - Cleavon
Rush/Battlemore/Legend Heart/Chasing Victory.
My comments as a listener:
Rush: Not as good as Rush of old, but still good.
Battlemore: Very impressed with the sound, and the lead vocalist especially.
Legend Heart: A hell of a lot more than pub rock, and in some ways, very unique. Excellent.
Chasing Victory: I enjoyed hearing this band, It gave me the feel of some early alternative I really loved, with just enough modern flair to make it a winner
4 - steven y
not liking rush's snakes and arrows. sorry... just sounds like a rehash of album fillers, no inspired chops or passion. listened to tracks by elis, legendheart, and marillion, all three are very good. metal lost a great voice in Sabine, the album is powerful. i agree the production could have been better for the legendheart band cd, but the band and the songs are exceptional, hope to hear much more from them. marillion does come across on the softer side of things on somewhere else, but it's actually a pretty cool alternative. all the tracks on here are 1st rate!
5 - Steve
Thanks for the review of the Marillion album. I enjoyed their 80's stuff with Fish as lead singer but hadn't realised how good their post-Fish period was until I got their Best Of... a year or two ago.
Must confess, though I understand why folks like Rush's music, I just can't stand Lee's vocals alas.
6 - Larry Pontier
The Legend Heart CD was awesome, thanks for the advice regarding listening, although pub rock does not describe them at all. Hot does. They are some intensely talented people! Thank you again :)
7 - metaller212
legend heart gives 50% to charities? how cool. i listened to the album. production was a little on the green side, i think they produced it themselves, but the tunes are dope! great guitar work. in all, a very good band and album!