Jethro42: Progland M4 | Sputnikmusic

Jethro42 03.12.22	Good journey! Vote ends march, saturday 19 FOR SUPERSISTER, ONLY USE THE LINK ABOVE IN CASE YOU FIND AN EP VERSION'S LINK ELSEWHERE.
bgillesp 03.12.22	subscribed
Divaman 03.12.22	Sounds like a good match to me. I love flute, and soothing music.
SlothcoreSam 03.12.22	Is the Supersister just a 4 track EP?
Jethro42 03.12.22	@Sloth; It's the complete LP. Make sure you go with the link above.
SlothcoreSam 03.12.22	Ok, the Spotify version has shorter tracks
Mythodea 03.12.22	oh boy oh boy oh boy
Jethro42 03.12.22	@Sloth; It's LP's bonus tracks. No good.
Mythodea 03.12.22	Circus is beautiful. Love all the package so far
Jethro42 03.12.22	It promises to be a tight match again.
Jethro42 03.12.22	IMPORTANT MESSAGE: FOR SUPERSISTER, ONLY USE THE LINK ABOVE IN CASE YOU FIND AN EP VERSION'S LINK ELSEWHERE.
bgillesp 03.12.22	Good to know. Getting on circus now
Divaman 03.12.22	Think I'm going to vote for the one I like least this time, as so far, my votes are 0-3 this year, heh heh.
Scheumke 03.12.22	Nice, match 4 let's go!
kalkwiese 03.12.22	Hey Jethro, maybe you should add that info to the album description up there. It is important indeed
Jethro42 03.12.22	Will do, kalk. Good idea. LOL Diva!
Jethro42 03.12.22	@Diva, you would be accompanied then, finally.
bgillesp 03.12.22	Only 1 listen into each, but I do believe the Canterbury scene is more where my interest lessens
Jethro42 03.12.22	It's not pure Canterbury here. Usually, it's more jazzy with a prominent electric guitar, saxophones and/or horns.
Jethro42 03.12.22	Supersister is a blend of subgenres. Accessible here, and intricate there. It's a grower.
bgillesp 03.13.22	I did some more research as well and realized I didn't fully understand the term of Canterbury scene. Oh well, labelling isn't that important to me. I hope these 2 grow on me a good bit
Jethro42 03.13.22	http://www.progarchives.com/subgenre.asp?style=12 There it is, the best possible Canterbury definition. Listen to the first few Caravan albums to have a good idea.
Mythodea 03.13.22	Caravan's In the Land of Gray and Pink is 💛🧡💚💙💜
Jethro42 03.13.22	Their sophomore album too, and also For Girls Who Grow Plump In The Night.
Jethro42 03.13.22	My own simple Canterbury definition would be; Epic instrumental of analog keyboard's. Jazzy jams often accompanied by guitar, saxophones, horns and flute, in harmony with melodic vocals. Strong rhythm section.
Donchivo 03.14.22	wow, two interesting sounding participants. When I read flute festival I got excited because I assumed Steel Mill would be in this one. Really looking forward to these ones!
e210013 03.14.22	It seems this will be another great match. Another close one. About Supersister, I don't listen to it for centuries. I remember that I liked it very much. It's nice to see a Canterbury album here, despite it's not a typical album from that genre. About Circus, I'm very curious about it. I read great things about it. So, my journey will begins with Circus.
e210013 03.14.22	After a first listen of the album of Circus, I confirm my initial feel. This is a great work. Let's proceed with the listening of Supersister's work.
e210013 03.14.22	After a first listening of Supersister's album, I sustain my initial opinion. We are in presence of another great work. Both albums are great in their own way. I'm really divided again, as I expected. So, let's proceed with the second listening of both albums. Maybe it can clarify my choice. At least I hope that.
Friday13th 03.14.22	I already know Supersister and that it slaps, though it’s been years since I heard it. Will be interesting to go back and compare.
Friday13th 03.14.22	Thanks Jethro for the heads up to avoid hearing the truncated EP of Supersister!
kalkwiese 03.14.22	Just started listening to 2 You can't tell me they're not Mirage era Camel LOL They're earlier than CameL? Wow!
Jethro42 03.14.22	It's natural, Friday bro. And about Supersister, I'm glad you're gonna rediscover them. I checked to see if I'm the one who added the Supersister discog in the database, and it's the case :) I'm surprised you don't know the band yet, e21. They are so original; a Canterbury act not coming from UK, but from the Netherlands. The second track here, ''No Tree Will Grow'' is considered to be one of the best Canterbury song ever.
Jethro42 03.14.22	Nice try kalk :)
MrSirLordGentleman 03.15.22	Circus has a more unique style while Supersister's is your classic canterbury vibe Supersister has some really great jazzy vibes that Circus lacks though Tough choice
e210013 03.15.22	I didn't say that I didn't know Supersister yet, Jethro. I said that I didn't listen to this album for centuries, probably for more than 30 years, and that I remembered to like it very much, at the time.
Scheumke 03.15.22	I got a bit of a prog upbringing through my parents enjoying Genesis and the like. Yet as a dutchy, the fact that I hadn't even heard of Supersister baffles me. I blame my parents haha. Had two listens of each so far and quite enjoyed both. Both are really solid options with soft vocals that are hard to dislike, but neither album has really blossomed for me yet. Needs more spins to see if any of the two will race ahead of the other.
Jethro42 03.15.22	@e21, I misread you, sorry.
e210013 03.15.22	No problem pal. Our problems with a foreign language. Lol.
e210013 03.15.22	After the second listening of both albums, I feel this will be another tigh journey. However, I think I'm coming to have gradually a fave one. I'll see it on my two last reviews of both albums.
Jethro42 03.15.22	Both albums have their highlite songs, it's clear. Now I have to approach them in an album context. [Edit] ''Our problems with a foreign language'' I even have issues with my own native language sometimes lol.
bgillesp 03.16.22	Managed to get a lot of listens in early for these. I feel safe voting for Circus this round. Neither of these are particularly my cup of tea and both are around the 3.5-4 border (so I still enjoy both, but neither truly impressed me). Some parts of Supersister just felt strange to me (and not in the usual way of strange prog that I enjoy). Hard for me to describe exactly what I mean but that is my deciding factor. Circus is relatively tame, but the lighthearted feel over much of it made it a more enjoyable listen for me.
Divaman 03.16.22	Death to bgillesp! Or not. I'm not really sure yet.
Donchivo 03.16.22	I only tried Circus so far and heard it three times in a row as I was strongly impressed. This is COMPLETELY my cup of tea... interesting flow of the album, being mostly accessible in the beginning (surprising me in the context of being seen as Canterbury), becoming wilder and weirder throughout it's course. I don't particularly dig the vocals but EVERYthing else. Winds and bass are so yummy and so wonderful sounding!
Zig 03.16.22	hope to check these today
Divaman 03.16.22	After three listens a piece, neither of these albums completely hits my sweet spot. Having said that, my vote is for Supersister. I liked the Circus album early on, but they kind of lost me when they hit the long instrumental spot in the middle, especially the part where the flutes get all sour. Supersister also had a spot like this, but they had a lot more parts that were melodic, interesting (to me) and up my alley. Again, my vote is for Supersister. (Which probably curses them, as my picks are 0-3 so far this year. Sorry about that, guys.)
bgillesp 03.16.22	Death to Diva!
Divaman 03.16.22	: O
bgillesp 03.16.22	Love you Diva
Jethro42 03.16.22	1:1 bgillesp Diva
kalkwiese 03.16.22	Really liking both of these Every round has been pretty tough so far
Jethro42 03.16.22	I don't want anybody to lose, but at the end of the day, one of the albums has to leave :/
Divaman 03.16.22	Love you too, bgillesp.
Jethro42 03.16.22	A beautiful friendship is emerging between bgillesp and Diva. A hate and love relation :)
Mythodea 03.16.22	>hate and love relation >looks up on dictionary >''Toxic''
Jethro42 03.16.22	Dynamics from both albums are similar. It's probably why they're hard to choose. Circus offers some King Crimson winks mainly from the Lizard era, ''Pictures of a City'', ''Starless'' and ''Easy Money'' as well. There is also a wink to Maneige in the second part of the t/t (the vibraphone section). Circus is perhaps more cohesive than Supersister, but they only scratch the surface when it comes to songwriting, so as a whole, I prefer Supersister, an album that I know for a decade at least. I see me revisit more often Supersister. Both are good jams, but i'm voting Supersister. My choice could have been either way.
Jethro42 03.16.22	@Myth, as long as both are into a toxic relation, it's not that bad :)
Jethro42 03.16.22	1:2 bgillesp Diva Jethro
Zig 03.17.22	Circus surely is a great listen, it captures the likes of Yes, Genesis, and early 70s King Crimson. Very atmospheric and complex music with some experimental sounds along the way. On the other hand, Supersister has a superior songwriting with Zappa-esque chord progressions, and jazzy keyboards clearly inspired by Soft Machine. It's a great record with some humour, and some avant-gard. My vote goes to Supersister.
Donchivo 03.17.22	My vote goes to Circus. I like Supersister too but there are way more parts that fail to grab my attention.
Donchivo 03.17.22	Interestingly a continuity of the whole contest so far is that vocals aren't great. Some were dragged down by the vocals (Frogg Cafe, Novela) or were still great despite the vocals (Mezquita, Circus). I think for me just Sisare had vocals on par with the instrumental part. Not a single album thus far was elevated by the vocals... What's your thoughts?
MrSirLordGentleman 03.17.22	Prog has never been characterized by great vocals There certainly are exceptions
e210013 03.17.22	I didn't was present in the two first rounds, so I have no opinion bout them. In relation with the last two rounds, I think you're right, Don. Non of them has a noteworthy vocal work.
Jethro42 03.17.22	Vocals were all right everywhere for me. Even for Novela (grower) and for Frogg Cafe.
Jethro42 03.17.22	2:3 bgillesp Donchivo Diva Jethro Zig
e210013 03.17.22	After 4 auditions of both albums: Cicus - Movin' On This is an album that surprises me much. This is a great album. I agree with Jethro, this is an album with a clear aproach to King Crimson's style. This is an album with some complex music and it's very experimental in some parts too. I can also see some jazzy parts on it. The band certainly knows how to write good melodies and knows how to arrange their ideas with some improvised moments. Supersister - To the Highest Bidder This is another excellent album. With it, Supersister proves to be one of the three best Dutch prog acts with Focus and Finch. Its music is overtly inspired by Canterbury's jazziest self. I agree with Zig. I also see clear hints of Zappa's sophisticated absurdity and the distinctive dynamics of avant-garde free jazz. Musically they blend keyboards and flute over some melodic bass lines and intricate percussion. "Movin' On" rated with 4.0. "To the Highest Bidder" rated with 4.0. Both albums are different, but excellent. As happened with me in the last round, I was a bit divided between both too. I really like both. And as happened in the last round and since I need to chose one, both could have been my choice. I really wouldn't have minded. So, my vote goes to Supersister - To the Highest Bidder. It's probably a more ballanced work.
Mythodea 03.17.22	Okay, so the results are in... Circus's ''Moving On'' (4.5ish) is a sonically engaging experience, with each consecutive track being even more ambitious than the previous one, closing with the grandiose magnum opus of the same name. I loved the rhythm section on this one, vocals nailed it (indeed some parts sound like Hammil), and the flutes and saxophones knock it out of the water. Amazing album, start to finish, and an iconic album cover, simple yet characteristic. Supersister's ''To the Highest Bidder'' (3.5) is more energetic and vibrant, perhaps it's the cover's fault that I think it's more straightforward (gives off a more rockish feel), but I find it quite repetitive and dispersed. Keys are very prominent, and I love how both albums incorporate silly vocals a la scat singing, though I still prefer's Circus's approach to Supersister's (and yet, the latters' version reminds me of a Vangelis piece, who I love). Supersister's is still a good album, but leaves me waiting for that big moment that will grab my attention.
Jethro42 03.17.22	@Myth, yes I agree, the rhythm section of Circus is stunning. The vocals a la Hammill too. I listened a lot to this album, waiting for that ''big moment'' . and with each listen, my interest decreased. I wish there were more songs like ''Laughter Lane''. The t/t had its moments, but it feels disjointed to me.
Sabrutin 03.17.22	I instinctively thought I would have preferred Circus because I just loved the minimal artwork haha, and indeed the first song is masterful. However I feel like the album perhaps loses a bit of steam going forward. Supersister's instead caught me off guard. It's loose and atmospheric, psychedelic you could say, constantly engaging even when they are playing along. Some transitions are sudden while others are perfectly gradual. The darker feel of the third track is just delightful, between the keyboards and the rhythm section. I think this might be my favorite album of the tournament so far, it's like a music treasure chest. I liked both but I have to side with To the Highest Bidder.
Jethro42 03.17.22	3:5 bgillesp Donchivo Myth Diva Jethro Zig e21 Sab
Sabrutin 03.17.22	Also I might be crazy but the final short song of To the Highest Bidder has an almost "electronic" feeling to it, mainly thanks to the drum beat but also the subdued vocals. Really interesting.
Jethro42 03.17.22	Yeah especially because of the rim shots. You're right. Perhaps the vocals too.
Mythodea 03.17.22	@Jethro I don't feel like it loses steam, because I take the last song to be a musical journey, and from that point of view, it's just taking me places.
Jethro42 03.17.22	@Myth, like I said, the t/t has its moments, but it also has random patterns, kind of a sonic collage. My fave song is ''Laughter Lane''. [Edit], after another listen, the t/t is better than I thought. It doesn't change my verdict.
porcupinetheater 03.18.22	Been parsing Circus for a bit the last few days before moving on to Supersister and it's prob my fave record of the tourney so far. Love how much time they give to negative space/soundplay/tension building, especially in the title track. Supersister's got an uphill battle Plus the bass tone is gnarly, which always gets me weak in the knees
Mythodea 03.18.22	yes, the bass is so good on Circus, and it's a nice contrast to the swift and precise drumming
zakalwe 03.18.22	This was a hard one for me but Circus takes it because of Loveless Time
Jethro42 03.18.22	5:5 bgillesp Donchivo Myth porc zak Diva Jethro Zig e21 Sab
Scheumke 03.18.22	Pff this has really been a cointoss for me, the hardest one so far up until the very end. Managed to get quite a few listens in on both. I feel that Circus has the better production and the more modern feel, with some great instrumentation and nice smooth vocals when they appear, albeit nothing spectacular. Supersister took a little longer to get into and there are parts that I think missed the mark slightly (it deserved a better ending I think, now I feel it just.. ends; the laughing scetch didn't work for me and pulled me out). Nevertheless I think the album as a whole flowed better and made me want to come back to it sooner than Circus did. Very very close one, but my vote goes to Supersister.
porcupinetheater 03.18.22	Woah wait Jethro I haven’t voted yet, haven’t proper heard Supersister, just love Circus so much that Supersister’s got its work cut out for it
Jethro42 03.18.22	Ah I see it now, porc. I rectify. 4:6 bgillesp Donchivo Myth zak Diva Jethro Zig e21 Sab Scheumke
Jethro42 03.18.22	@Scheumke, good analysis!
SharkTooth 03.18.22	I don't think I'll have the time to vote this week, sorry bout that
Jethro42 03.18.22	Priorities first.
kalkwiese 03.18.22	Still haven't made up my mind. It's gonna be a gut decision, I guess
wham49 03.18.22	this was hard, I dont love either of them tbh, but I am going with 1 becasue I like it better. LOL
kalkwiese 03.18.22	These quieter albums are really refreshing after the more crazy ones
Jethro42 03.18.22	Both albums are growers. And they are important for prog of the 70s. 5:6 bgillesp Donchivo Myth zak wham Diva Jethro Zig e21 Sab Scheumke
hansoloshotfirst 03.18.22	tight one... but I'm going with "To the Highest Bidder". Overall it offers to me the more rewarding listening experience.
MrSirLordGentleman 03.18.22	I think both albums suffer from the "this is building up to something great but it never happens" problem Supersister's jazzy vibes are awesome and it has some really memorable moments but Circus' has some incredible instrumentation and feels like the more accomplished product in the end for me with its ability to build a personal sound while at the same time being clear about its influences My vote goes to Circus
Jethro42 03.18.22	@SirLord, ''I think both albums suffer from the "this is building up to something great but it never happens" problem'' I have to agree. I don't know if it's because I know Supersister for a long while that I'm biased, or if it's because Circus is too busy to totally absorb, but even after repeated listens, I feel I'll never see the light through Circus. I really like ''Laughter Lane'' and the epic t/t is better and better with time.
Jethro42 03.18.22	6:7 bgillesp Donchivo Myth zak wham SirLord Diva Jethro Zig e21 Sab Scheumke hansolo
Divaman 03.18.22	Damn, another tight one.
Jethro42 03.19.22	My chosen match ups must have something to do with it...
bnelso55 03.19.22	Gah! This is such a difficult choice. They're both keepers. I think I'm going to go with Supersister, though.
Jethro42 03.19.22	6:8 bgillesp Donchivo Myth zak wham SirLord Diva Jethro Zig e21 Sab Scheumke hansolo bnelso
kalkwiese 03.19.22	My vote goes to Circus, because I like the xylophone parts (or whatever instrument that is) so much
SlothcoreSam 03.19.22	I'm going with Supersister, I feel like I want to listen to it again
Mythodea 03.19.22	if this trend continues, I'll have 1/4 winning choices
Scheumke 03.19.22	And I'll be at 4/4 lol. There hasn't been one that was not close has there?
Mythodea 03.19.22	Nope, all have been tight races
Jethro42 03.19.22	7:9 bgillesp Donchivo Myth zak wham SirLord kalk Diva Jethro Zig e21 Sab Scheumke hansolo bnelso Sloth
Divaman 03.19.22	I'm 0-3 going into this one. My pick this round is ahead now. But I've also had the experience of my pick being ahead a couple of times only to lose in a late rush for the other choice, so I'm not counting anything until Jethro says it's over.
Jethro42 03.19.22	We have porc, Friday and Twig left, so everything could happen.
Jethro42 03.19.22	In waiting for the results, I've already prepared M5.
Friday13th 03.19.22	This is really tough. Supersister is one of the top 20 best prog albums of 1971, arguably the most pivotal year for prog. On the other hand, Circus is incredible. Gentleman is not overhyping it. Great mix of VDGG, Genesis, King Crimson and Yes. Both are in that sweet spot of accessible but not commercial. Either album could win one of these tourneys.
Friday13th 03.19.22	My vote goes to Circus because the epic track is in fact incredible. The singer is also top notch.
Jethro42 03.19.22	You speak the truth, Friday. Personally, I was late to savor the beauty of the t/t. Indeed, it makes a difference in that match. 8:9 bgillesp Donchivo Myth zak wham SirLord kalk Friday Diva Jethro Zig e21 Sab Scheumke hansolo bnelso Sloth
porcupinetheater 03.19.22	Ok yeah these are both my two faves in the tourney so far, great pulls Supersister does some really interesting work with this weird, subtle eerieness lurking underneath a lot of the tracks, like if you’re having a picnic with ya love but catch a glimpse of Comus out the corner of your eye That said, def voting Circus. The dynamics on that one kind of floored me, and the title track is a fucking masterclass of varied tension build and release in pretty unusual ways. Loved it Round was great; thx Mrsir, thx anonymous Supersister submitter
Jethro42 03.19.22	9:9 bgillesp Donchivo Myth zak wham SirLord kalk Friday porc Diva Jethro Zig e21 Sab Scheumke hansolo bnelso Sloth Lol porc. So yes, both are neck and neck. We need a tie breaker. It could be Twig, I shoutboxed him. If it doesn't work, either it will take an outsider player, or I'll proceed by another way of elimination.
Divaman 03.19.22	Hi this is SharkAttack in disguise. I'm ready to vote.
Jethro42 03.19.22	hahah, Shark cannot vote for this match, unfortunately.
TwigTW 03.19.22	OMG, I forgot it was Saturday... My vote goes to Circus, but just by a hair. I love both these albums, easily my favorite round!
Divaman 03.19.22	Geez. 0 for 4.
TwigTW 03.19.22	I'm glad I voted before I saw it was a tie--too much pressure!
Jethro42 03.19.22	10:9 bgillesp Donchivo Myth zak wham SirLord kalk Friday porc Twig Diva Jethro Zig e21 Sab Scheumke hansolo bnelso Sloth Nice Twig! We were waiting for you. Circus wins, bravo SirLord. Let's move forward.
Divaman 03.19.22	Do I get a special prize if go 0-10?
Friday13th 03.19.22	This round was epic. I went and bought hard copies of both online. Neither are terribly cheap.
Titan 03.19.22	man, i've been missing out on these.....i will listen in the coming days
Jethro42 03.19.22	@Divaman, I'd buy a lottery ticket in that case. @Friday, nice purchase! @Titan, welcome anytime, you can listen to the albums and vote with all of us.
Mythodea 03.19.22	Woah, this match was both tight, and with a twist before the end... Awesome pairings, @Jethro
Jethro42 03.20.22	I do my best, Myth. Thank you!
bgillesp 03.20.22	Oh wow, was not expecting that. Cool!
porcupinetheater 03.20.22	We did it Circus heads, 3 unanswered votes for the come from behind clincher, Twig you're our Rudy
Divaman 03.20.22	I'm so sad right now.
Jethro42 03.20.22	@Diva, did you find something to comfort you? Regarding your votes, take more time before voting. Remark that it's ok to not reaching the winning column. It doesn't mean much.
Donchivo 03.21.22	...and think about that juicy draft pick you'll be rewarded with!
e210013 03.21.22	Another great epic journey. It was really amazing. Both would be great winners. It seems is being another great tourney, as usual. The host is also great as we expected. Thanks Jethro. Let's go to next one.
Donchivo 03.21.22	Yeah, thanks Jethro! Amazing organization and facilitation!
Jethro42 03.21.22	Thanks for your kind words, guys! It's much appreciated!
Jethro42 03.21.22	Double post