Friday13th: Friday’s Prog Tourney Preliminary

Friday13th 02.25.16	Eligibility: You must be a regular/non-alt sputnik user to recommend a progressive rock album. The album must have fewer than 30 ratings and cannot be a repeat from the past two Elite/Obscure Prog Tourneys (check my lists). The album must also be readily available through a free, online streaming resource. HOW TO SUBMIT: Comment with your band and album name and WITH A SHORT DESCRIPTION ON WHY YOU LIKE THE ALBUM. PLEASE POST A LINK TO THE ALBUM STREAM. I will upload the information given on the list to confirm your admission. General Rules: You must listen to each album at least once before voting. You may vote for your own album when matched up. There will likely be 16 contestants locked into this tournament. By entering, YOU ARE SAYING “I’M GONNA JAM ALL OF THESE AND PARTICIPATE IN VOTING.” Failure to participate may lead to you being kicked out of the contest. EDIT: Non-contestant "spectators" can vote as long as they hear both albums, aren't alts, etc. Schedule: Each discovery (first time, head-to-head) match will last a week long starting and ending on the greatest day of the week, Friday. Nine weeks in all ending on April 29th. What we do with all this time? If you’re busy like me, 2 albums per week sounds about right. If you have more time, I suggest jamming the album multiple times, researching other similar albums, or commenting with your thoughts on the albums.
MrSirLordGentleman 02.25.16	Blops - Locomotora https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buKeXRq8ejg Chilean prog rock. Unlike other latin prog bands like Los Jaivas, Blops lack that "latin" flavour in their sound, which certainly isn't that good when you're focusing on originality, but it is a good sign for those that find too hard to get into Jaivas. Flute and bass driven instrumental prog that shows some excellent technique and creates a pretty relaxing atmosphere
SCREAM! 02.25.16	Arachnoid - Arachnoid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTOaPNANu0g Whacky French prog that will leave you scratching your head in that really satisfying way only a good, crazy prog album can.
Friday13th 02.25.16	Sweet picks, guys. I was about to choose Arachnoid and so glad it did make it.
JWT155 02.25.16	PROGMASTER
SCREAM! 02.25.16	I was caught between that and Goblin but picked them since they seemed more "obscure". Goblin is criminally underrated on here though and it makes me :(
TwigTW 02.25.16	Julian Jay Savarin - Waiters on the Dance: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Jvsa9iMcfzQ Give me a minute to write the blurb. I'm working on my phone, and the going is slow.
Friday13th 02.25.16	gotcha
bnelso55 02.25.16	Yeah Scream! Goblin is awesome. Looking forward to checking Arachnoid though.
SharkTooth 02.25.16	I was thinking about putting an album by the krautrock band Embryo but I just couldn't stop jamming Carmen
bnelso55 02.25.16	Pererin – Haul Ar Yr Eira Atmospheric folk-prog recorded in a cow shed near Caernarfon in North Wales and released in 1980. The band interlaces Welsh folk traditions with tinges of the 70s-era progressive music. Plenty of layered vocal arrangements to be had and flutes or Mike Oldfield-style guitar solos lead the many instrumental passages. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyPO_95f4aU&list=PL35vwhnhyoC8OlbaaJbi-2yHEkIyExLUi
bnelso55 02.25.16	^Maybe check this one Friday. I think this might fit the tourney criteria.
Friday13th 02.25.16	Cool yeah, it should be okay as long as you don't think it's straight folk.
wham49 02.25.16	didn't realize Utopia was obscure, most people know Rundgren How about Argus, or Captain beyond's Debut
Friday13th 02.25.16	I think it's obscure enough for modern audiences, even for those who know Rundgren. Wishbone Ash and Captain Beyond far exceed the 30 rating limit. I want the criteria to be somewhat objective, but yeah there may be cases in which something with few ratings still doesn't fly.
Friday13th 02.25.16	Forgot one. Onirium basically gave me his and a description.
Jethro42 02.25.16	I'm the only one whose album is not from the 70s so far. I sent an email to Nagrarok and I shoutboxed e21 about the tourney. But I think we are on our way to get 16 contestants.
wham49 02.25.16	I was using them as examples as I feel the same, forgot we were using rating numbers, ok cool
Friday13th 02.25.16	yeah we're half way there
bnelso55 02.25.16	Thanks Friday. The record is on the folkier side, but I think the prog elements are definitely noticeable.
MrSirLordGentleman 02.25.16	The first rounds will be matches following the order of this list or you'll arrange them randomly?
Friday13th 02.25.16	It's never random ;) I usually pair similar albums judging from the description, date, location, etc.
Mythodea 02.25.16	An Ocean of Void - The Great Escape : https://anoceanofvoid.bandcamp.com/ Atmospheric and really heavy on times, flirts with post rock/metal but never plays fully on that field. One of the best albums to listen to during the late hours or when you feel down. It's the best catharsis you could hope for when all seem fucked up. It came out this year, so its sound is very refined and modern.
TwigTW 02.25.16	Prog, with a little psych thrown in. Savarin is the songwriter and keyboardist, so these songs are keyboard driven. Savarin put out two albums in the early seventies before he moved on to become a writer (still publishing today).
TwigTW 02.25.16	Blurb^^^
SharkTooth 02.25.16	The list isn't complete but I already know which album mine is going to face off against first
Friday13th 02.25.16	Okay, got it TWIG. @Mythodea Hm...a bit on the edge, Mythodea. RYM lists it as "atmospheric sludge metal." Other sources mention Pink Floyd influence. I'll take it, but let's not go any further, guys.
Mythodea 02.25.16	okay, I thought so, but I took the shot. Of course you can ignore it, but I wanted to mention it, as it's flown below Sput's radar and I think all users with similar tastes would love it.
Friday13th 02.25.16	It's in man, unless you have another option.
Jethro42 02.25.16	If it can help, Friday; The band I've chosen comes from Sweden. They are mainly influenced by early King Crimson, but they are a modern prog band from the 90s.
AnimalsAsSummit 02.25.16	Pascal Duffard - Dieu est Fou Beautiful zeuhl inspired prog that is very difficult to pin down; it transitions from complete strangeness to utter poignancy (in the vein of classical and chamber) with seamless ease. It was released in 1976, and does not sound like much else at that time; so odd, for the sake of description, its best not to compare to anything else. The closest comparison is if Harmonium decided to do zeuhl, or something even more bizarre. A hidden prog gem if there ever was one! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rN_SHeUgtvE
SharkTooth 02.25.16	Looks like Mythodea posted this year's Anubis
SCREAM! 02.25.16	"Looks like Mythodea posted this year's Anubis" Or worse, White Arms of Athena hahaha
Friday13th 02.25.16	hopefully not this year's White Arms of Athena amiright haha beat me to it SCREAM
bnelso55 02.25.16	Nice one, Animals. That's a cool record.
Mythodea 02.25.16	why do you guys think it's a bad album?
SharkTooth 02.25.16	I haven't even heard it, I'm just saying it sticks out in the sea of classic prog
SCREAM! 02.25.16	We don't, it's just that modern prog albums haven't had a good track record in these tourneys (but the albums were actually bad tho... Egonnon fared well because it didn't suck)
Friday13th 02.25.16	We've never heard it Mythodea, but last time we had that gut feeling about a heavy, modern prog album we kinda brushed it aside in the voting.
Friday13th 02.25.16	It's a bit of prog elitism but oh well. I don't mean to discount it just cause it's new and different.
Mythodea 02.25.16	meh, do listen first and then judge. Anyway, I just gave it a shot with the first album that came in my mind. I don't care if it wins or not, I just want people to learn about it.
SharkTooth 02.25.16	That's the spirit of this tourney so yeah I'm for it
Jethro42 02.25.16	I feel apart with my modern prog choice :[
Friday13th 02.25.16	still 90s compared to 2016
SharkTooth 02.25.16	I'm actually considering changing my album because the one I have is somewhat known already
Jethro42 02.25.16	But if you'd prefer, I can change it for something from the 70s instead.
AnimalsAsSummit 02.25.16	thanks bnelso!!! definitely one of my faves
SCREAM! 02.25.16	nah jethro, stick with the first that came to your mind.
Friday13th 02.25.16	Ugh, I don't want it to be about forcing conformity. Modern is fine, somewhat known is too. You guys can change if you want, but it should be naturally varied.
TwigTW 02.25.16	Yeah, almost put in last years Troyka, but I'm not not always sure where the line between obscure and just not interested is on Sputnik.
Mythodea 02.25.16	I have a second one, 70's prog rock the way we all like it, perfectly fits, but it's not that unknown, even if it's under 30 votes. I'll say it after the list is completed, so not to spoil it, in case someone wants to submit it.
Friday13th 02.25.16	That's fine, Mythodea.
Jethro42 02.25.16	That's actually my third choice, Scream. My first 2 were from the early 70s, but one of them were more like a rock 'n roll album, and for the other one, I thought it had no good replay value. And it's a pleasure for me to introduce Landberk. I think they deserve more recognition on Sput. Annd welcome to the tourney Scream! Hope you enjoyed your own BM contest!
Friday13th 02.25.16	Likewise, Jethro. I changed my album like 10 times because some were awesome at first listen but revealed some flaws after a few jams.
bnelso55 02.25.16	I'll second Landberk for you, Jethro. I think they deserve more recognition on Sput. [2]
manosg 02.25.16	Thanks for organizing this once again Friday! I'll be posting my entry in a couple of minutes.
Friday13th 02.25.16	Cool bro, glad you could make it again.
Jethro42 02.25.16	Cheers, bnelso. I really dig the mellotrons soaring and the spacey guitar playing of Fiske. Song writing is fabulous. Do you know this album well? @manosg, welcome man! And I'll invite you to listen to Landberk carefully, man (for the sake of eventually changing your rating haha)
manosg 02.25.16	Cheers guys! Oh yeah, Jethro I remember checking that album because of your rating. I'll definitely give it a more close listen haha.
Jethro42 02.25.16	It was an instant winner for me when I bought it during its release. 'Time', 'You Are', 'Rememberence' and 'Valentinesong' (you have to be patient with the latter but it pays off) are all ace songs. Everything else is also great. Let it grow on you. Let the guitar seduce you.
manosg 02.25.16	Oh I'm all for guitar seducing, no worries about that haha.
Jethro42 02.25.16	Sure, that I know :) I really think that you have a common point with KILL. Both of you guys are half metalhead, half proghead.
bnelso55 02.25.16	@Jethro - I wouldn't say I know it well, but the atmosphere is what draws me to Landberk in general. Their sound just feels so quintessentially Scandinavian. I love that, and yeah, Fiske is a monster. I haven't jammed the album for some time, but I remember digging Kontiki. I'm trying to remember the other highlights. It'll be fun to revisit it!
manosg 02.25.16	Agreed Jethro. I think that once I'm in the mood, because of the contest, I'll be able to enjoy the album more.
manosg 02.25.16	So, here's my entry. Really hard to choose just one as there's an album I enjoy a bit more but I think this one fits the contest better. Jade Warrior - Last Autumn's Dream Tranquil and experimental early prog rock with oriental tendencies. The fusion of East and West leads to some very interesting and dreamlike passages. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2tPuuQpSVA
Jethro42 02.25.16	Yes I get shivers in any apparition of Fiske. His guitar playing is so original. He often takes tortuous paths and it works well all the time. Here's a live version of Kontiki. The original is better, but it's great to see them live. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNRfrnR-Cyw
SharkTooth 02.25.16	Okay I got a replacement: Blue Effect - Modry Efekt & Radim Hladik A gem from Czechoslovakia, Modry sports amazing guitar solos, a tight rhythm section, and an amazing atmosphere due to the album being nearly all instrumental. In addition to that there's flutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q98Bx6ZePnU&ab_channel=MurodoClassicRock2.0
Friday13th 02.25.16	aw...no fandagos. Oh well, everyone check it on your own time.
MeatSalad 02.25.16	Cressida - Asylum Bit of a toss up between this and their s/t debut, but this is a fantastic and easily digestible symphonic prog album that deserves far more recognition. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa8V1e0U20g Check out JT's review of this too
bnelso55 02.25.16	Yes I get shivers in any apparition of Fiske[2] haha Agreed. I really liked his contributions to Elephant9's music. Original would be the best way to describe his playing. You could pick him out of a crowd. He really has a recognizable style that is all his own. Thanks for the link! I'll check this out.
MrSirLordGentleman 02.25.16	omg meat's alive I think you'll like my nominee m8, sexy flute all over it
MeatSalad 02.25.16	Kinda surprised cressida hasn't been brought up in one of these things before actually
Friday13th 02.25.16	LOVE Cressida just heard it yesterday though haha
SharkTooth 02.25.16	"aw...no fandagos. Oh well, everyone check it on your own time." sorry to disappoint, but yeah the album's still one of my fave prog albums
OwMySnauze 02.25.16	Shoulda tried the WAOA album again. I bet it would win this time!
Friday13th 02.25.16	...
Friday13th 02.25.16	Surely you jest, Snauze.
Jethro42 02.25.16	''I really liked his contributions to Elephant9's music. Original would be the best way to describe his playing. You could pick him out of a crowd. He really has a recognizable style that is all his own. Amen to all this, bnelso. I heard bits and pieces by Elephant9, and I think that Fiske is appearing in their album Atlantis but i never heard it in full until now. I have to fix it if ever there's a link.
Friday13th 02.25.16	haha Sharktooth! I lol'd at your description "In addition to that there's flutes" like that alone should convince us.
bnelso55 02.25.16	@Jethro - It's true! Full-album streams of their music is not readily available online. Someone needs to fix that because they're excellent...
TwigTW 02.25.16	Wow, this tournement is moving fast . . . Fandangos was on the list when I went into the subway, lisened while riding, and now it is gone, Lol.
Friday13th 02.25.16	haha yup tricked ya ;) Best album ever though amiright
SharkTooth 02.25.16	"I lol'd at your description "In addition to that there's flutes" like that alone should convince us." Lol yeah I did put that in there just as a joke
Friday13th 02.25.16	haha yeah the joke was subtle but effective
TwigTW 02.25.16	Great album, glad I got to hear it ;-)
SharkTooth 02.25.16	It's perfect, but it just wasn't obscure enough
Friday13th 02.25.16	I dunno but the BASS on the second verse and second chorus of "Bullfight" is like the grooviest ever. https://youtu.be/1iAzD7skvKY?t=6m
zakalwe 02.25.16	Jade Warrior!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!!
bnelso55 02.25.16	Good call on the switch, Shark. Fandangos rules, but I've never listened to Blue Effect until now. It's great!
Friday13th 02.25.16	ZAAAAAAAK give us some love, homes.
Friday13th 02.25.16	Oh shit, I just deleted your comment, Sharktooth! Dude, my speakers are beats also. Go to control panel and crank that bass/lower that treb.
TwigTW 02.25.16	It's on Spotify, so I maybe it isn't obscure enough--but it was definitely good enough.
Jethro42 02.25.16	@bnelso, Atlantis can be found on Spotify. I'm enjoying it right now. Speaking about the Scandinavian bands, I saw that you rated the last Anekdoten, but what about 'Vemod', 'Nucleus' and 'From Within'? And I know that you wrote comments into some Anglagard's threads. Glad you dig them. But no ratings at the horizon ;)
SharkTooth 02.25.16	thanks bnelso also yeah now I hear the bass much better
eaglefan1998 02.25.16	Panama Limited - Indian Summer Some early folky prog https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRJUnjaQq1g
Friday13th 02.25.16	@eaglefan1998 good to have you join. I'm not seeing anyone calling that a prog album. Rym calls it "jug band/psychedelic folk." Ironically, I found a band called Indian Summer that is prog and released their debut in 1971. Sorry, you got another one?
Jethro42 02.25.16	The last Landberk' album was called Indian Summer too.
Friday13th 02.25.16	lol what is that like an expression? edit: guess so
bnelso55 02.25.16	@Jethro - Yeah. I do not rate as often as I should, especially considering how much I like the bands you mentioned. Anglagard has never really disappointed me, and Anekdoten's latest was a lot of fun. I'd put it up there with "Vemod" and "Nucleus". Their other albums didn't resonate with me quite as much, but I should probably revisit them. Do you have a favorite Anglagard/Anekdoten?
SharkTooth 02.25.16	I looked it up and apparently it is "Indian summer is a period of unseasonably warm, dry weather that sometimes occurs in autumn in the Northern Hemisphere"-Wikipedia
Jethro42 02.25.16	@bnelso, I have a soft spot for Aekdoten's ''From the Within''. Vemod and Nucleus are excellent and essentials, mainly Vemod, but I think From the Within is more consistent, even if the first half (a killer half) beats the second one. Nearly flawless album. As for Anglagard, I think Hybris is their best. Check out its bonus track. Maybe it's surpassing the other songs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAZz1o86iaM I dig their last album too, but I think that some songs drag on a bit. There is a perfect song though, I don't remember if it's the 2nd or 3rd one...
Jethro42 02.25.16	...out of 4 epic songs yeah. There are still great passages in each and everyone of them...
wham49 02.25.16	dude you guys got rid of Carmen, I listened to it already, was pretty awesome
Friday13th 02.25.16	Dude, if you wanna join you can rec it and we'll all be happy haha
bnelso55 02.25.16	@Jethro - Nice. I'll revisit "From the Within" and see how I feel. It has been sometime since I've listened to it. I bet it'll grow on me. I'll check that Hybris bonus track, too. Thanks! I can agree that Anglagard can be a little long-winded, but man, when they're at their best they're up there with the very best of modern prog.
zakalwe 02.25.16	Can I throw in Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso - Io Sono Nato Libero There's prog, there's Italian prog and then there is this thing. Brace yourselves.
MrSirLordGentleman 02.25.16	But Banco ain't obscure m8 :[
zakalwe 02.25.16	Tut. Gandalf's Fist it is then.
Jethro42 02.25.16	@bnelso, you shouldn't regret ''From the Within''. Let me know what you think. Also, my absolute favorite song from Anglagard's latest is the longer one :) It's called ''Snardom'' There are beautiful guitar breaks, beautiful flute of course, quiet strings and lots of clever tempo shiftings but hey, it's Anglagard haha.
Friday13th 02.25.16	Follow the rules, zakalwe. Album + description + link I'm also saying no to Banco as awesome as they are.
MeatSalad 02.25.16	http://www.music-bazaar.com/album-images/vol3/207/207055/1369505-big/Banco-cover.jpg
Jethro42 02.25.16	@Friday; "Indian summer is a period of unseasonably warm, dry weather that sometimes occurs in autumn in the Northern Hemisphere"-Wikipedia I'm late at it but I've just seen you were wondering about ''Indian Summer'', Friday. Shark got it right. To call it an Indian Summer, we have to pass through a minimum of 3 warm, comfortable days (I dont remember in degrees) in a row during Autumn. I guess it doesnt concern the USA.
Jethro42 02.26.16	@Meat; Hello sir :) Nice cover art pick from an English release I think. Also RIP Francesco.
Friday13th 02.26.16	Yeah my dad had that English release growing up. It's like the PFM English versions.
Jethro42 02.26.16	PFM have 3 English albums. Banco have this one plus the English version of Come in un Ultima Cena (As in a Last Supper) which is not in the database yet.
OwMySnauze 02.26.16	@Friday. You know it's true hehehehehe
zakalwe 02.26.16	How about el sputniks fascist bastardos :D I'll go with Stark Naked - Stark Naked Psych, prog leanings and keyboards from '71. Imagine Aqualung but stark bollock naked. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ay_Z5ToJz78
Jethro42 02.26.16	We would only miss KILL and CaptainDooRight to be complete. I still don't have the answer of Nag nor e21 though.
Friday13th 02.26.16	Alright, two to go.
Onirium 02.26.16	Nice, I've only ever heard of 7; I'm expecting many interesting discoveries
Jethro42 02.26.16	Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends...
Frippertronics 02.26.16	I am ready for some good ol' disappointment when Utopia gets the shaft early like with The Enid. let's get this started, bros
Jethro42 02.26.16	You made a great choice, Fripp. I only heard bits and pieces of it, like I did for all the contestants. 11 is too weird. I don't think it will do the trick honestly.
MrSirLordGentleman 02.26.16	Oh c'mon fripp dudeguy, the point of this is to get to know some obscure quality shit, not to win m8
Jethro42 02.26.16	10 seems out of place with its metal and screams and all.
SharkTooth 02.26.16	Jsyk Friday the link on 11 is not a stream but just a single song, the full stream can be found here https://myspace.com/pascaldieuzeuhl/music/songs
SharkTooth 02.26.16	@Jethro but is it as much an outlier as White Arms of Athena?
Jethro42 02.26.16	I don't remember of that one at all, it's not a good sign...brb
Jethro42 02.26.16	White Arms sounded like a kind of post hardcore lol. wow.
SharkTooth 02.26.16	Yeah they reminded me of Dance Gavin Dance
Frippertronics 02.26.16	"Oh c'mon fripp dudeguy, the point of this is to get to know some obscure quality shit, not to win m8" is it really, i forgot
Jethro42 02.26.16	Shark if I had kept my first choice, you would be the ideal match up for me. I removed it because I thought it was much more rock'n roll than prog. But I kind of regret that one. It's an album I 5'd. edit; Procession (ITALY) - Frontiera that is.
Friday13th 02.26.16	K thanks, Sharktooth. I switched the link.
SCREAM! 02.26.16	damn the first 14 spots filled up so fast, what's taking so long for those final 2!
Friday13th 02.26.16	Yeah, we do have a solid group already but I don't want to cut it off early. It's gonna be a Friday thing, so if I'll finalize it tomorrow and start the match whether we get the last two or not.
MrSirLordGentleman 02.26.16	I bet nag and e21 would participate, the thing is they probably haven't checked jethro's messages yet, KILL would participate too I think, don't know if someone has already shouted his profile
Friday13th 02.26.16	yeah let's hope they get the message by tomorrow.
OwMySnauze 02.26.16	@Shark Ummm what? LOL. White Arms sound nothing like DGD. White Arms are the sleeper prog elites!
MrSirLordGentleman 02.26.16	They're all average for me tbh
SharkTooth 02.26.16	I'll take your word for it Snauze
gagnonov 02.26.16	hard to choose since i'd like to enter quite a few.. but i think i'll go with Juha Kujanpää - Kivenpyörittäjä (Tales And Travels) https://eclipsemusicrecordlabel.bandcamp.com/album/kivenpy-ritt-j-tales-and-travels great album, mixes instrumental prog rock with jazz and traditional folk. this is nothing like the classic prog rock you're expecting to hear though. just like last tourney's winner, i uploaded this one to the database, so you can be sure it's obscure as fuck. one of the few modern prog rock acts i greatly enjoy.
manosg 02.26.16	Glad to see gagnonov participating. McLuhan - Anomaly was one of my favorites of the previous contest.
SCREAM! 02.26.16	McLuhan is one of my fave discoveries from both prog tourneys. Still listen to it on a semi regular basis
Friday13th 02.26.16	Welcome, gagnonov! Okay, now we really need one more contestant.
TwigTW 02.26.16	TGIF!
SCREAM! 02.26.16	started listening to some of these and we're in for another great one!
TwigTW 02.26.16	Sampled them all last night, and they all sound interesting, can't wait to get into it.
SCREAM! 02.26.16	it's Friday, Friday gonna get progged on Friiiiiiday
Friday13th 02.26.16	lol proggin proggin YEAH fun fun fun fun I hope some people are spared that reference.
Jethro42 02.26.16	I gave heads-up to Beefshoes, Smaugman, KILL and CaptainDooRight. Hope it will unblock.
Friday13th 02.26.16	Cool, let's give them a little time. If no one responds, we can start up while still leaving it open to one more contestant.
Jethro42 02.26.16	Did you match most of the albums already?
wham49 02.26.16	didn't knows I had to "join", what the hell, you guys trying to be elitist, whatever enjoy
Jethro42 02.26.16	wham, read the very first comment posted by Friday. Everything is there.
Friday13th 02.26.16	wham bro, it's not like that. Join just means be a contestant in the competition. You can jam and comment that's fine. I did forget to mention you can vote even if you're not in the competition, but rarely has that happened in the past.
SCREAM! 02.26.16	wham, more like whaaaaa
wham49 02.26.16	I did, it said to "join you needed to listen to the albums", that is what I was going to do, when I commented on one that I listened to and was dropped, I asked where it went, Friday said basically that I needed to "join" to have an opinion. so that is fine, like I said, enjoy
Friday13th 02.26.16	You misunderstood, wham. Fandangos was dropped much to our chagrin because Sharktooth wanted another more obscure album. I didn't know if you wanted to be in the contest or not. I was just suggesting if you liked Fandangos so much it's a free frontrunner we'd all be happy to have in the contest.
SCREAM! 02.26.16	I'm not sure what you're even trying to say. SharkTooth submitted a nominee and changed his mind and replaced his nominee with something else. Friday then told you you could nominate it yourself if you were interested
MrSirLordGentleman 02.26.16	dude, wham, you're gettin too paranoid
SharkTooth 02.26.16	I, being the one who submitted it and switched it, can confirm what Friday/SCREAM said
manosg 02.26.16	haha wham, I think all the guys on here are the opposite of elitist. Just a communication breakdown between you and the guys, I think. Of course you're welcome to have an opinion; it's much appreciated. Now just join the conversation and have a good time!
OwMySnauze 02.26.16	All this miscommunication and back and forth would've been prevented if the epic prog masterpiece WAOA album were on this list.
SCREAM! 02.26.16	ugh Friday this Friday is over half done gimme my round 1 damnit!
MrSirLordGentleman 02.26.16	we'll need at least one more album for that
Friday13th 02.26.16	I could start. We do need another contestant for even matches, but technically as long as the last contestant joins in time to vote for the first match then it shouldn't make a difference.
SCREAM! 02.26.16	throw in a goblin album and tag it as a CPU player and let's get this smash game started
Friday13th 02.26.16	wombo combo
Sabrutin 02.26.16	I can be your last contestant if you need it, I can propose a pretty interesting album too.
Friday13th 02.26.16	By all means, most welcomed sir. You're not thinking Camel though, are you?
Jethro42 02.26.16	There we go! Welcome Sabrutin!
manosg 02.26.16	Do it Sab!
Sabrutin 02.26.16	Alan Sorrenti - Aria Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ptg0vtxa09o&list=PLZZNcS6O1bVIO6A70ldvY3lH_uY7REE1x Spotify: https://play.spotify.com/album/1xxlAUbIcKOfL0354PpNkG Sorrenti's exceptional vocals are one of the most appreciated in the Italian progressive rock area. United with the genre's classic instruments plus extras like violin to create a dreamlike atmosphere, the album sounds just like its cover artwork. Calling it a collection of ballads would be reductive, the huge title track will show what I mean. Also, there is no electric guitar... but wait until you hear what the man does with his voice. I am terrible at blurbs hahaha.
SCREAM! 02.26.16	AND WE ARE OFF
Friday13th 02.26.16	Perfect! WE DONE HERE!
SharkTooth 02.26.16	I wonder what 11 is gonna go up against
smaugman 02.26.16	how do you even find this shit
MrSirLordGentleman 02.26.16	youtube, prog archives, sputnik itself, personal recs, etc, etc
smaugman 02.26.16	but the source? fuckin american government.
Sabrutin 02.26.16	Random findings in the shops too. That said Alan Sorrenti became huge after leaving prog to turn into a pop artist so it's impossible to not know at least his hits here. His first prog albums are another story though...
MrSirLordGentleman 02.26.16	Yeah, as for my nominee they're well known in latin america
Onirium 02.27.16	Progarchives is an amazing resource - among the ugliest websites I know, but an amazing resource nonetheless
Jethro42 02.27.16	Yeah Prog Archives rules. Huge database, great reviewers, good description of every kind of prog rock, and all the essential prog rock albums and obscure ones exposed by categories, etc...It's true that it's a bit cold but w/e.
Onirium 02.27.16	Yeah, and their classification of records in subgenres is surprisingly accurate.
SharkTooth 02.27.16	it's a great place to find the kind of prog you're looking for. it's kinda ugly but it's straightforward as fuck and doesn't have the kind of bullshit ratings that RYM does
smaugman 02.27.16	lol agreed, progarchives looks like a 2001 website or some shit anyway, cressida's asylum rocks
beefshoes 02.29.16	Such an awesome list. I'm checking out the Duffard and Arachnoid albums later tonight for sure. Also, any other recs from France would be great.
SharkTooth 02.29.16	@beefshoes if you want french prog check Carpe Diem - Cueille le jour Atoll- L'Araignee Mal Alpha Ralpha's s/t
MeatSalad 02.29.16	Progarchives is about as web 1.0 as it gets. No idea how long it's actually been around though
MrSirLordGentleman 02.29.16	Its database is goat though
Jethro42 02.29.16	Prog Archives is one of my most frequented site. It's my reference number one to read professional reviews and to find interesting prog bands. @Beefshoes, here are some gorgeous French albums; Nil- Nil novo Sub Sole Morse Code - La Marche des Hommes Octobre - discog Ange - Par les Fils de Mandrin Ange - Au Delà du Délire Pulsar - Halloween Pulsar - The Strands of the Future
SharkTooth 02.29.16	I love how Progarchives has so many different categories of prog, I never even knew that Italian prog was its own special thing until I started going there
Jethro42 02.29.16	Yeah Italian prog rock (RPI) has its own distinctive soundscape, its own texture, but still it takes its symphonic influences from bands like Genesis or sometimes more in the vein of ELP, and it's always injecting that peculiar mediterranean folk rock and romantic flair into the mix.
Onirium 03.01.16	And Italian is such a beautiful, musical language in itself
TwigTW 03.01.16	But, for some reason, when Menawati entered classic Italian prog in the contest it did not fare so well. ;-/
Friday13th 03.01.16	I almost entered an RPI album like Semiramis or Quella Vecchia Locanda, but enough people have already heard them. I still ended up going for a non-English album so here's to music > lyrics!
TwigTW 03.01.16	^Nothing proves that quite like prog. ;-) One of the reviews I read for my contest entry read, "her voice is so beautiful it obscures how stupid the lyrics are." . . . and I more or less agree.
Jethro42 03.01.16	''But, for some reason, when Menawati entered classic Italian prog in the contest it did not fare so well.'' ;-/ But mena's albums had to rivalize with solid albums such as Triumvirat's Illusions and also Yonin Bayashi (The sloth) in another contest.
TwigTW 03.01.16	that's true--great albums
SharkTooth 03.01.16	mena's just not had great luck with this, but he seems cool with it, even voting against his own album
Friday13th 03.13.16	Looks like Snowdog808 is joining us. Lovely to see you again, my friend! XD Here's a cheesey Moodies song for the occasion: https://youtu.be/3T62FDHh56A
MrSirLordGentleman 03.14.16	If an album that's in spanish won the first contest, then everything's possible