Friday13th: Progday Tourney Preliminary

Friday13th 09.11.17	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 three Prog Tourneys (check my lists). The album must also be readily available through a free, online streaming resource (like youtube). 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. 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 November 17th. I suggest jamming the album multiple times, researching other similar albums, or commenting with your thoughts on the albums.
Papa Universe 09.11.17	Could it be a mixture of genres? Like Prog, Blues and Psych?
MrSirLordGentleman 09.11.17	801 - 801 Live Live album by Phil Manzanera's supergroup. Very influential as an early influence in electronic music thanks to Eno's keys and with one of the best productions ever in a live album, it almost feels like a studio recording with a fresh sound and a unique personality. The youtube version is missing Golden Hours and Fat Lady of Limbourg (the latter being one of the high points of the album imo), so if you guys happen to find a complete version of it, go for it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoLPtBvFcQw&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t42y7xwdP4s (Fat Lady of Limbourg) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zu6GO0e9pBo (Golden Hours)
Friday13th 09.11.17	@UniqueUniverse yes, but prog should be a predominant genre. At least to where I can verify on some website or other that it is, indeed, a prog album.
Papa Universe 09.11.17	Monarch (USA-CA) - Two Isles Full disclosure, I am not a keen follower of Progressive music, nor am I a man of particular knowledge of it. Nevertheless, a couple of years back I set out to find a modern Prog release that'd turn me from a skeptic into a die-hard, boiling-piss fanatic. I have not encountered such a record yet, but some have come close. One such precedent is this particular gem. Combining the traditional approach to Psychedelic music with all the songwriting essence of purist Prog, this album, in spite of its brevity, managed to enthrall me with its dizzying and inherently magical presence and musical finesse. Again, I am not exactly sure as to what percentage of the record can be considered Prog, but the throttling, magnetic guitarwork and the odysseyan atmosphere sure convinced me that its place here is earned. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F1vR0HEUnA
Friday13th 09.11.17	@Gentleman I've heard the "Tomorrow Never Knows" from 801, but I've been meaning to check out the rest for a while. I'm excited!
Papa Universe 09.11.17	hope this qualifies
MrSirLordGentleman 09.11.17	@Friday indeed. Album has an excellent guitar/synth work, a superb lineup and really one of the best productions I've seen, specially for a 70's live work
Friday13th 09.11.17	@UniqueUniverse Seems right on that edge of prog and psych where I have to make a judicial call. Most places label Two Isles simply labeled as psych rock. RYM does have prog as a secondary. It's not on prog archives. I listened to maybe 2 minutes and it sounded about as prog as Steven Wilson so...you're in :D
Divaman 09.11.17	Flash - Flash I actually reviewed this album on Sputnik this past February. Flash is an offshoot of Yes. Original Yes guitarist Peter Banks was one of the band's co-founders, and Yes keyboard player Tony Kaye was the keyboard player on this first album. At the time this first album came out, it was very well received, to the point where there was debate between music fans as to whether the spin-off might be better than the original. But the band only stayed together for a few years, and these days, many people are unfamiliar with them. The band has a playful quality about them. They have a solid vocalist in Colin Carter, and a good bass player in Ray Bennett. Kaye and Banks are as good as you'd expect. I've always particularly liked "Children of the Universe". Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo8FpSFUsbM
Papa Universe 09.11.17	well that was a rollercoaster of emotions I just went through. It's like hearing your doctor say "So that giant lump on your head is an odd occurance, most medical papers don't talk about it, but I looked into it and everything indicates an incurable condition... but you're good to go."
SCREAM! 09.11.17	Garolou - Garolou A hidden little piece from the Quebec folk/prog scene (think Harmonium). Although it may be easy to draw similarities to their more successful compatriots with their French crooning and strong use of acoustic instruments, Garolou do so in a way that is noticeably more light-hearted and jovial, conjuring up an atmosphere all of their own. The references to various Quebec folk songs and tales make it an all the more intriguing and engaging experience.
MrSirLordGentleman 09.11.17	Oh, I've heard of Flash, mainly because of their work with Hipgnosis. Nice dig
SCREAM! 09.11.17	Will have a link shortly!
Frippertronics 09.11.17	Todd Rundgren - Todd (1974) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blF5Jve4i-o&t=843s The follow-up to the classic "A Wizard, A True Star", "Todd" is the little brother but further expands upon the progressive experiments of "Wizard" while featuring increasingly experimental synthesizer-dominated passages (which would reach its apex with 1975's "Initiation") mixed with soul, theatrics, and good 'ol fashioned rock and roll. Plus, like "Wizard", it closes with two incredible songs that you'll never shake. While "Wizard" is the one everyone flocks to, "Todd" may be the one for any beginner to Todd Rundgren's massive catalog.
Friday13th 09.11.17	oh Toddy baby haha Need a description, Fripper!
SCREAM! 09.11.17	Could only find the album is 2 parts but here are the links: Side 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyoNubG1zHM Side 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGSjAYBxEdU Hope that works :)
Frippertronics 09.11.17	done and done would've rec'd my boy Phil Ochs but he isn't exactly "prog" in the sense of the word but the album itself (Pleasures of the Harbor) is increasingly baroque in comparison to his prior albums.
Jethro42 09.11.17	I love you SCREAM for Garolou. It's another band from the 70's and 80's that I grew up with. It brings to me good memories. I'm for myself hesitating between 2 albums. One is rather accessible modern prog inspired by some symphonic prog of the 70s, and the other one that is also modern prog, but more ecclectic in the vein of Anglagard. The latter is harder to digest, but it's rewarding with each listens. I guess I'll have to toss a coin.
Sabrutin 09.11.17	I have a very cool album in mind that's not even in the database but unfortunately it's not on YouTube. Actually, there is a playlist with the songs but the vast majority of them isn't available in my country. It is streamable through Spotify though. Would it work? The album is A Fury of Glass by La Rossa (not RPI despite the name). Otherwise I can throw in some good old RPI. (haven't written a blurb yet because I'm not sure if it counts)
SCREAM! 09.11.17	@Jethro: It's my pleasure haha I only hope everyone else will like it as much as we do! I'm fortunate enough to understand the language and certain folk references given that I lived in Gatineau for 10 years and in Ottawa ever since. Read through the descriptions so far and this one is shaping up to be another great one
Friday13th 09.11.17	@Sabrutin Okay, that should be fine, just try putting it on the database and I'll put something else in for now. Spotify should be fine, since we have used it before.
Papa Universe 09.11.17	Where's bgillesp? Isn't he like a Prog pro?
Jethro42 09.11.17	That's cool, SCREAM. We were neighbours then. I live in Montreal. When you have a chance, try some Octobre, Morse Code, Pollen and Sloche. I think Maneige surpass them all. I know you dig them. Every albums are fantastic. Ange are great too. They're from France.
SCREAM! 09.11.17	I've heard and enjoy Octobre but I'll look into those other ones (likely after the tourney)! Maneige's Les Porches was actually my first entry in Friday's prog tournaments. I absolutely love that album (everything they've done is great but that album is a classic).
Jethro42 09.12.17	Ni Vent Ni Nouvelle is also a classic. Their first album also has a killer side, but I'm not a fan of the other side fully dedicated to ''Le Rafiot'' which is rather a weird, dissonant track.
TwigTW 09.12.17	Hard choice, but I'm going with Island (Switzerland) - Pictures... Give me a minute, and I'll write a blurb for it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS5XP4-gmuQ&t=2164s
Sabrutin 09.12.17	La Rossa - A Fury of Glass A French/German band that released their only album in the early 80s, but fear not, there is zero radio rock in here. Perhaps not mindblowing, still the album is rich and filled with a refreshing energy. The selling points are arguably an eccentric vocal delivery and the richness of keyboards. I hope you like the sounds of a piano, because this album is drenched with them (in a good way!). A more laid back and pastoral feel appears sometimes to contrast the hectic side of the material which can get pretty schizophrenic like in "This Unbreakable". Speaking of which, I believe the original tracklist ended with track 9, but a reissue expanded it to 12 by adding songs that were initially cut. Absolutely, don't miss out on them. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1vfOb3KV3brdSBPS9hXU9s (by the way, installing an adblocker should remove the audio commercials from the Spotify Web Player, or so it did when I used it before going premium)
Jethro42 09.12.17	I don't understand my Spotify. I mean, when I'm done with an album, another album starts to play right after it. Am I alone to go through this problem?
Sabrutin 09.12.17	Are you using the downloadable app? In that case you may have the AutoPlay option enabled
TwigTW 09.12.17	Here is my blurb: It's prog, of course, but it’s is also labeled Avant-Prog, Jazz-Rock, and Rock in Opposition. The band is often compared to Van der Graaf Generator. There are no guitars at all (but oddly enough, you don’t miss them). It’s all percussion, Keyboards, and wind instruments. A unique but forgotten prog gem. It’s my favorite at the moment. ...And I vote for 801 Live ;-)
Jethro42 09.12.17	I'm not sure on what kind of spotify I have. Anyway, I just realized there are songs that are missing on the one I've chosen. So instead, my album will be (for now) Fabio Zuffanti - La Quarta Vittima. Could I change my mind, if in need, or you consider it like official by now ?
Friday13th 09.12.17	@Jethro42 um yeah you can change your mind but give me a blurb so I can put it up
Friday13th 09.12.17	Let's not overlook that #8 has album artwork from the infamous H.R. Giger!
Jethro42 09.12.17	Fabio Zuffanti is one of the most prolific musicians of our time. Bassman and songwriter, he's the man behind the success of bands such as Finisterre, La Maschera Di Cera, Hostsonaten and many more, but I named the most important. ''La Quarta Vittima'' is without a doubt his most successful album through his solo career's catalogue. This is modern prog, and it's for those who love vintage symphonic prog with mellotrons and sax throwing in. Relatively dark with couple of enthusiastic, up tempo passages, it's rather accessible, but definitely a delight for all kind of proggers.
Jethro42 09.12.17	Thank you Friday for adding my you tube link.
MarsKid 09.12.17	Goddamn, I'd do this if I didn't have a million recs already to sort through. Methexis needs some love :(
bgillesp 09.12.17	Slapp Happy and Henry Cow- Desperate Straights This album is an obscure progressive bit from some seriously weird musicians. It is apparent right away when putting on this album that those who created it truly have great musical minds. Despite that, the weirdness of the album may take a few listens to become palatable, but the songwriting is strong enough to keep you coming back for more. It's a witty and fun listen that grows every time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFWErjoJSPw
bgillesp 09.12.17	Im nowhere near prog "pro" yet @Unique. I don't have a ton of obscure favs yet but, ill be using this list for sure.
Friday13th 09.12.17	Six more to go!
TheSpaceMan 09.12.17	I would REALLY like to nominate: JW Farquhar - The Formale Female, since its relatively unknown and super good, but a lot of people may not consider it true prog since its flirting with prog along with other sounds (though I believe it was certainly part of the movement!) YT link if you wanna consider it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11CtnRMiQnA but since i totally respect a turn-down, here's my back up rec: Pan y Regaliz - Pan y Regaliz fun proto-prog album released under Spanish authoritarian rule. heavily psych influenced, along with Tull style flutes and acid rock vibes. YT link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkKe_nI0ZII
MrSirLordGentleman 09.12.17	List should get featured to get contestants
TwigTW 09.12.17	just asked the mods, we'll see what happens
Jethro42 09.12.17	I informed 17 users about the tournament. Hope it gets a certain impact.
MarsKid 09.12.17	I would join, I've just got too much to listen to already.
neekafat 09.12.17	Looks cool man! I just don't know enough prog to submit haha
MarsKid 09.12.17	(submit Methexis for me)
Friday13th 09.12.17	@TheSpaceMan the Formal Female looks like a cool album. RYM does have prog as a primary, but I had to listen a bit to make the call. I think it sounds eclectic enough to count. BUT it's not on the sput system (neither is Pan y Regaliz). If you can upload it I'll take it.
e210013 09.12.17	As this is my baptism in this, here I am hoping to be useful to this tournament. I'm going to accept the suggestion of SirLord, about a prog album from my country and pratically unknown here. I suggest that you take a look to my review about it. So, I would like to nominate: Quarteto 1111 - Onde, Quando, Como, Porquê, Cantamos Pessoas Vivas This is perhaps the best prog album ever made in Portugal in the early 70's. At least it's one of the best and most representative prog albums with the synts and mellotron ever. It's a must have for all tron maniacs as I am. Besides that, this is an album very important to my country. It's based on an original text by José Jorge Letria, "Cantamos Personas Vivas", which has everything to do with the end of the dictatorship and the beginning of the democratic system in Portugal in 1974 and what would became known as the "Carnation Revolution". It's a pity that the lyrics are in portuguese and pratically all of you can't understand them. But believe me, they're almost as important as the music is. So, don't miss this mellotron drenched Portuguese Prog Classic album. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOgr0zowR5M&t=162s
MrSirLordGentleman 09.12.17	Since Onde Quando Como's first half is literally one of the best things ever, I know this will be a tough contest. It makes me have doubts even of my own nominee lol
TwigTW 09.12.17	welcome e21
e210013 09.12.17	I'm very glad with your doubts SirLord. This is really a classic prog album, one of the best in terms of mellotron. At least, I really hope that it can be more recognized and praised, as it deserves.
e210013 09.12.17	Thanks, Twig.
Friday13th 09.12.17	@TheSpaceMan you had better upload either one of those albums, or the practical jokes will not cease! ;D
Papa Universe 09.12.17	Do we need to give our opinion to each album or just a vote will be fine?
Friday13th 09.12.17	If you recommended an album in the tourney, you only have to listen to each pair and then vote. You can talk about them all you want in the comments (which is half the fun), but it's not required.
MrSirLordGentleman 09.12.17	I cringed for a second when I saw White Arms of Athena lol
Jethro42 09.12.17	Yeah are you sure White Arms was not a part of another of your tourneys, Friday?
MrSirLordGentleman 09.12.17	it's a joke m8
Jethro42 09.12.17	phew!
SCREAM! 09.12.17	"I cringed for a second when I saw White Arms of Athena lol" Haha this so hard. Had to check the comments to make sure it hadn't somehow gotten recced again (I hadn't read the desc)
Friday13th 09.12.17	Where's gagnonov? Just so everyone knows who to thank for this tourney, here's gagnonov's message in my shoutbox: "do another prog tourney you ****" lol
Papa Universe 09.12.17	Seems persuasive...
wham49 09.12.17	i'm in man, what di I do, the Album is The FLock/ Dinosaur swamps has 1 vote, just picked it up on vinyl last friday
Friday13th 09.12.17	@wham49 Nice, just give me a short blurb about why you like the album.
Sabrutin 09.12.17	Nice pick wham! I remember I heard it once and it was cool
Jethro42 09.12.17	Piglet disappeared too...He had chosen an album and all, and no more news from him since then.
smaugman 09.12.17	Gandalf - Gandalf pretty sweet psych rock with lighter pop elements in some songs. it's not really that proggy, but it's still got a spacy feeling that kicks ass https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55cqTqGF_Oc
SCREAM! 09.12.17	I'd accept it for the name alone
MrSirLordGentleman 09.12.17	It seems I'll have to finally check Gandalf. Cool nominee
Jethro42 09.12.17	Agreed SCREAM. Someone rec'd me Gandalf once, and I totally forgot about it.
smaugman 09.12.17	it's an old record from 1968
Frippertronics 09.12.17	wasn't white arms of athena in another tourney a few years back though?
Frippertronics 09.12.17	yep, the one from two years ago
MrSirLordGentleman 09.12.17	it's a joke m8 [2]
MrSirLordGentleman 09.12.17	also, two years ago? DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMN, time flies
TheSpaceMan 09.12.17	Lol it's been added Friday, funny reactions in this thread
Friday13th 09.12.17	@smaugman Sorry for being a stickler, but I couldn't find any good source saying Gandalf was progressive rock. It has 1 vote against 13 for prog as a secondary on RYM (ouch). Sounds fantastic as I'm listening tbh, but it's clearly psych pop/baroque pop like the Zombies. You're gonna have to rec something else.
TheSpaceMan 09.12.17	Don't worry smaug I'll check it out, I luv the zombies and Friday says its good. since Formale Female was acceted, I'll offer a better description: Released by a one-man-army, Farquhar wrote the concept of The Formale Female in response to the end of his decade long marriage. Ironically the divorce left him without the funds to record the album with proper equipment/studio, and thus led him to create one of the first "lo-fi" records ever, which unintentionally drives the thesis further. Eccentric and dynamic as a prog album should be while also being conceptually driven, the record equally flirts with folk, acid and psych rock. Quite the interesting experience and an example of prog rock 'progressing' outside its own bubble.
Friday13th 09.12.17	@TheSpaceMan got it
Jethro42 09.12.17	@Friday, the link you put for my album only shows up the first track... Is there a way to fix it? Yet it's the good link, that's weird...
Friday13th 09.12.17	@Jethro42 does it work now? I just changed it.
Jethro42 09.12.17	Bingo, thanks! I did the same yesterday, and it didn't work. Internet, sometimes ishhh!
Friday13th 09.13.17	EY! That's a feat! Thanks y'all.
bgillesp 09.13.17	Let's hope the feature gets the last few recs in. I've already started jamming them
Frippertronics 09.13.17	todd's gonna be delayed to the last round like last year, isn't he??????????????????????
Friday13th 09.13.17	What are you talking about. Utopia was match #4.
Frippertronics 09.13.17	was it?
Friday13th 09.13.17	mhm haha There was one time you were last and you've been nagging ever since.
bgillesp 09.13.17	Hey Fripp, you may hate me for this but I may like Todd better than Wizard
bgillesp 09.13.17	I'll be giving both more listens though for sure
Divaman 09.13.17	Looks like a tough field. I see that both Jethro and MrLordsirGentlemen have racked up previous wins. This is elite prog company.
Friday13th 09.13.17	@bgillesp I freakin' love Wizard too, so if Todd is even comparable I'll be a happy progger. I didn't really like Something though.
Divaman 09.13.17	The London oddsmakers have made them the co-favorites.
Frippertronics 09.13.17	"I may like Todd better than Wizard" Todd grew on me over the summer so I've no problem with that really. Wizard is only .5 better, so Todd's not too far behind.
MrSirLordGentleman 09.13.17	"Looks like a tough field. I see that both Jethro and MrLordsirGentlemen have racked up previous wins. This is elite prog company." And I've also lost on the first round so yeah, anyone can win
SCREAM! 09.13.17	Where did the sput proggers go?? Just a few spots left!
Friday13th 09.13.17	yeah idk. Waiting on smaugman to rec something else. If we don't get two more by tomorrow we'll just start with 14.
e210013 09.13.17	Yeah, there is some interesting stuff here already. If we haven't more names we can go ahead only with these ones.
Jethro42 09.13.17	"Looks like a tough field. I see that both Jethro and MrLordsirGentlemen have racked up previous wins. This is elite prog company." I was never sure to win with the choices I've made, trust me... My search for proggers was not effective :(
zakalwe 09.13.17	I'm not going to be able to compete, I've a hefty few weeks coming up but prog on dudes.
Friday13th 09.13.17	@zak :{
e210013 09.13.17	"Looks like a tough field. I see that both Jethro and MrLordsirGentlemen have racked up previous wins. This is elite prog company." Hey! You're forgetting me?
Jethro42 09.13.17	@e21, wait for your participation...You can't win before giving it a try lol Also, we ideally need 16 contestants, and 13 is an ''impair'' number.
SCREAM! 09.13.17	"Uneven" is the word you're looking for jethro ;)
e210013 09.13.17	I've no problem with number 13 or impair numbers. Do you have, Jethro?
SCREAM! 09.13.17	makes for uneven matchups so ideally it should be even (really ideally a multiple of 4, hence the 16 target) But hey, if we can only get 13 then the show must go on and we'll make it work (or Friday will anyway)
bnelso55 09.13.17	Thanks for bringing this back, Friday! Sorry I didn't notice this list sooner. If I'm not too late, I have a nomination.
Jethro42 09.13.17	@SCREAM, I was almost sure ''impair'' wouldn't fit in English :) Thanks! @e210013; hahah 13 is all right my friend, except Fridays the 13th, with all the respect I have for Friday13th :D
e210013 09.13.17	I always loved Fridays the 13th, my friend.
Jethro42 09.13.17	I'm superstitious, what can I say... Movies are all right though :)
Jethro42 09.13.17	bnelso sighting! Welcome back, buddy!
bnelso55 09.13.17	Thank you! It's been a little while. I'm so glad I noticed this list. I always look forward to this tourney.
wham49 09.13.17	nice I am included, did not give review because honestly I am working through it myself, but seems cool, there s/t debut was good
bnelso55 09.13.17	Again, only submitting this if I'm not too late. I'll be following the tourney one way or another. There's a lot here that I look forward to jamming. Universal Totem Orchestra – Mathematical Mother The 3rd outing from this adventurous Italian band delivers a sleek, dark sound characterized by sensitive operatic vocals, sprinklings of funky fusion, and miles upon miles of rock-solid, infectious groove. Ambient segues recalling Dead Can Dance (Elogio del Dubbio) fuse seamlessly with Zeuhl-like flights of rhythmic fury and atmospheric jazzy passages. The wildly varied whirlwind of an opener is worth the price of admission alone and the playful album centerpiece "Architettura Dell'Acqua" is every bit as jam-packed with expansive, symphonic Orffian bombast as any of the territory covered on Mekanïk Destruktïẁ Kommandöh. That is not to say, however, that any of the other songs should be skipped! If operatic vocals are not an immediate deterrent (I find them to be tastefully employed here), UTO’s creative arrangements and superb instrumental interplay are bound to leave you floored. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bN5xaCLY2Lo&list=PLPkwBDPzPdxBdIDOJ-ZscFnzHSIl0trxU
TwigTW 09.13.17	So close to 16!
wham49 09.13.17	got through it all, like it because it is kinda prog/country rock/jazz fusion all mixed for a cool flowing ALBUM, which is why I like most prog this especially because like the best Grateful Dead it meshes all forms of music seemlessly into a new form.
Jethro42 09.13.17	We are going to make it Twig...
Mythodea 09.13.17	Mother Turtle - II Mother Turtle are part of the uprising prog rock scene in Greece and are excellent at what they do. Long compositions with great maturity and melody, nicely added details and much emotion. This album came last year and was included in my 2016 list. From the first song, 70's prog influences become apparent. Production is outstanding, and the musicians are all utterly proficient (THAT violin). Really can't find a flaw. https://motherturtleband.bandcamp.com/album/ii
SCREAM! 09.13.17	Oh damn, that brings us to 1 away from the target!
Friday13th 09.13.17	Smaugman, get your act together and rec a real prog album! Almost there. Everyone, compare the length of blurbs starting with the "Elite Prog" 2014 contest to now. They get longer with every tourney. Before long, we'll have full reviews for each haha
Friday13th 09.13.17	BTW you guys are doing a phenomenal job picking obscure stuff. I've only heard of like 4 of these and listened to 2 including my own.
Jethro42 09.13.17	From my prospect list, only 4/18 joined the tourney. It somehow makes a difference. Good choice, Myth. I heard the album only once, but it's great.
Jethro42 09.13.17	Still better; 5/18 from my list joined, sorry :)
bnelso55 09.13.17	Sweet! I'm in! Thanks, Friday. "Before long, we'll have full reviews for each haha" Yeah. Sorry about that. In my defense, my description was originally a soundoff. :-)
wham49 09.13.17	I'm too lazy to get too much into a review, plus I want to give people a chance at a first impression without preconceived ideas about what they will hear
bnelso55 09.13.17	^A good policy overall.
Divaman 09.13.17	Only one to go. Sweet!
e210013 09.13.17	Another two very interesting proposals of our days. Nice.
CusmanX1 09.13.17	If there's still one place I had one: Fiori-Seguin - Deux Cents Nuits A L'Heure After Harmonium's masterpiece "L'Heptade" their founder Serge Fiori dismantled them, and it dedicated to this prog folk duo. A superb release imo, every song is well balanced and the album is a perfect mix between feelings and technique. The whole thing is in the style of Harmonium, with soft arrangements and all, but this time more into pop rock rather than before. Like every true artist Serge Fiori managed to do something different (and solid) everytime, and this makes no exception. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OqSFC0pxAU&list=PLX0J8pvj3r1In14oUkudJQe628FZK39C2
Friday13th 09.13.17	!!! you're in, CusmanX1. Get ready to prog n' roll, y'all.
CusmanX1 09.13.17	Thank you :) (btw the production of that thing is godly, please get a non remastered print if you can)
Jethro42 09.13.17	Wow, Cusman! Wow, Deux Cents Nuits À L'Heure. I haven't thought about this one myself. I was 15 years old when it came out. I think I met this album in the same time I met Harmonium's music. It's like an Hermonium's lost album...Fantastic choice man. I wish I chose that one!
bnelso55 09.13.17	Nice, Cusman. You can't go wrong with Serge Fiori!
MrSirLordGentleman 09.13.17	First round is on guuuuuuuuuuuys
smaugman 09.13.17	Plini - sweet nothings Sweet modern prog shit without being all whiny and posh
CusmanX1 09.13.17	@Jethro: the fun thing is that I choose a canadian album, and you an italian one, it should have been the opposite!
Jethro42 09.13.17	You're so right, Cusman haha! I'm a sucker for the RPI movement, especially bands from the 70s of course. When you have time, check out Maneige, Octobre and Morse Code, all proggers from Canada. Maneige first :) In this actual tourney, there is Garolou, another solid band from the 70s.
BigHans 09.13.17	P/ Jethro
Jethro42 09.13.17	P/ Hans, haha I'm pretty sure you did visit that thread before with envy :P
BigHans 09.13.17	Nobody progs like Jethro, not even Nag. I miss ProgJect
Jethro42 09.13.17	Well, maybe it could reborn from the ashes for a review or two...Nag is sighting from time to time. I'm flattered you miss ProgJect...Let the good times roll :D
CusmanX1 09.13.17	@Jethro: "I was 15 years old when it came out" I just realized you could be old as my dad "It's like an Hermonium's lost album" Yeah, it truly could. I love the absolute intellectual honesty of Fiori, which made it dismantle Harmonium after they got their very best, but considering their constant evolutioning discography this could really be their 4th album "I'm a sucker for the RPI movement, especially bands from the 70s of course" I love 70s too, I find they are the most creative decades of the last 50 years @bnelso55: thank you!
Jethro42 09.13.17	Yeah Harmonium broke up after Serge Fiori realized they did their very best with ''L'Heptade'' and they couldn't get over it. Also the English press and probably the record labels as well, invited (rushed) Harmonium to pursue their career in English in order to conquer the world and to touch a gold mine. Under pressure, Fiori refused it, saying that he is French speaker himself and he would always compose in his language. Lucky we are, Fiori and almost the whole band Harmonium reunited with the famous songwriter Richard Séguin and the product is probably material from Harmonium's quality leftovers for the most part.
wham49 09.14.17	"I love 70s too, I find they are the most creative decades of the last 50 years" that statement is how I live my life
Mythodea 09.14.17	70's and 00's, if you ask me
gagnonov 09.14.17	fuck i missed this
Friday13th 09.14.17	Sorry, gag. I tried to give you the heads up, but the show had to move on.
MrSirLordGentleman 09.14.17	hey but smaugman rec'd another album maybe you could add them both and we'd have 18 contestants?
Friday13th 09.15.17	hm... @gagnonov what were you thinking of rec'ing?
gagnonov 09.15.17	no worries had a few in mind: Hatfield and the North, Ske, or The Enid (Touch Me)
Friday13th 09.15.17	Well if you're still up for it I could message smaugman and get you both in.
Voivod 09.16.17	I love 3 and more Sputnik residents should discover 15.
Jethro42 09.16.17	Yeah Voivod, buddy. God bless Greece :D Mother Turtle II is great. I relistened to it recently, and might bump it up to a 4. I still remember you presented to me their first album when it came out. Thank you again for that band!
Jethro42 09.21.17	For mellotron lovers, modern prog album Ingranaggi Della Valle - Warm Spaced Blue is close to the style of modern symphonic proggers Anglagard with their dynamic vintage 70's sounds, and with its mindblowing waves of mellotron and high caliber of musicianship. There is always something new to discover, even from the same song. It's that varied. Every songs offer quality climaxes and deliver intriguing atmospheres. Album is more melodic, more mature, lighter, less crazy or weird than Anglagard which are somehow from the same roots. http://progstreaming.com/extended/pages/play-album.php?activeAlbum=2016-09-28-05 - Ingranaggi Della Valle - Warm Spaced Blue Thank you for allowing me that change, Friday! And for all you fellow participants, I was unable to find a streaming for my first choice. Now someone found a link, and here I am with my initial choice.
Friday13th 09.21.17	FYI everyone, #9 has just been swapped out for Ingranaggi Della Valle.
Jethro42 09.21.17	I really appreciate it, Friday! Let's hope it's fine with everyone.
Onirium 09.24.17	I got in here too late. ;)
Jethro42 09.24.17	Ohhh Onirium...Where have you been? Long time no see. You're late to the party, but still you have the right to vote if you wish. You're very welcome dude!
Onirium 09.25.17	Thanks, I'll see what I can do! It's funny becasue I was actually looking forward to 8 and 16 finding their way to this contest. And a Garolou record is a pleasant surprise, I guess.
Friday13th 09.25.17	Good to see you around, Onirium. Join the fun!
Jethro42 09.25.17	''And a Garolou record is a pleasant surprise, I guess.'' Yeah, a bit more and we would have seen Paul Piché or La Bottine Souriante :D But unlike these artists, Garolou is not only ''folk/traditionnel'', but a blend of ''folk/ traditionnel'' and symphonic prog. I think it could easily match with number 16. A funny thing about Fiori-Séguin; it's nominated by Cusman who is Italian, and mine is an Italian album...
Jethro42 09.25.17	So yeah, a French guy with an Italian album, and an Italian guy with a French album!
Onirium 09.26.17	You're right, Garolou didn't age as well (in my opinion) as Harmonium, but they do deserve a place in here.
Jethro42 09.27.17	The beauty with Garolou is that most of their songs (or a fair amount of them) are an adaptation of very old folk/traditional songs rearranged in folk rock or symphonic rock to bring new life and new vibes to them...
CusmanX1 10.01.17	We need something like this, but with jazz
Papa Universe 10.01.17	start it then..
Friday13th 10.01.17	@CusmanX1 I really like jazz, but generally I've only listened to big names. It may be tough to rec something good and obscure, but I would definitely like to hear what comes up!
CusmanX1 10.01.17	Well, here on Sputnik a lot of excellent jazz albums just have a small number of votes or even zero, so I think it should be easy to find them. For example, today I voted Blues In Orbit by Duke Ellington, that here has only my vote and on RYM it has something like 300 votes and an avg of 3.84 (that's quite something on RYM). Maybe I'll organize something like this, if I'll find the time!