Jethro42: Progland M5 | Sputnikmusic

Jethro42 03.19.22	Good journey everyone! Vote ends march, saturday 26
Divaman 03.19.22	Oh my.
Jethro42 03.19.22	Oh no, not jazz related, Diva. But don't worry, you could be seduced by them both!
Divaman 03.19.22	Anything could happen.
porcupinetheater 03.19.22	Fucking prog jazz alright Tween the last round and this the tourney's pickin' UP
e210013 03.19.22	I like very much of Brand X, in spite I'm not very comfortable with this album, yet. About Axis, I admit that I'm completely in ignorance. So, let's see what this new journey can will bring to us.
Jethro42 03.19.22	There are well crafted Brand X tracks here. We can find classics from this band. Axis makes avant jazz, free jazz, psych and experimental stuff. You will like them, e21.
Friday13th 03.19.22	Nice, more Greek prog! I’m sure the Brand X is good, hopefully as good as their first two.
Jethro42 03.19.22	You're in for a treat, Friday. This Brand X is surely not at Unorthodox Behaviour's level, but I think it's my third favorite. There are some gems, you will see. Axis is really pleasant. Jazz meets classical at times . Adventurous album for the least.
Scheumke 03.19.22	Oeh I like the description of both! I need to make sure to get my votes in early in this tournament lol, don't need the pressure of breaking ties all the time haha. I just want to keep blindly voting for my favorite. It's crazy how close all four matches have been so far!
Jethro42 03.19.22	Yes, and it saddens me to see one losing in each and every matches. And no, I wouldn't like to be a tie breaker, never!
Mythodea 03.19.22	Yup, this is my round, and it's pretty likely I still won't know which one to vote, because you beautiful proggers pick the best stuff for this tournament !
bgillesp 03.20.22	I neglected to read wham’s blurb before checking and I’m glad I did not. I jammed brand x a couple times on a long drive today and kept thinking the first 3 tracks sounded like 80s Genesis, but it’s quite obvious why now. The record was interesting for sure. It was almost like it was written by 2 different bands though, and I’m not sure how I feel about that. I do find it interesting that this album’s average on sput is so much higher than 80s Genesis ratings
Sabrutin 03.20.22	Digging that psychedelic boogie that starts Axis
Jethro42 03.20.22	@bgillesp, Brand X don't necessarily have the same public as Genesis fanbase. That would explain that big difference in the ratings. We must also consider the low amount of ratings for Brand X. And finally, Phil Collins surely had his place in the Brand X' songwriting department. We can detect his signature on the albums that feature him.
kalkwiese 03.20.22	This could be the first round I find easy tbh. On first listen I have an easy favorite, but prog is not the genre for early judgments
Jethro42 03.20.22	Word.
Jethro42 03.21.22	I show total respect for Brand X, a band I know since forever. They record their albums live, so they know how to jam hard. Plus they have in their aligment bassman Percy Jones, one of my fave musicians. I love their jazz fusion style. It's like they have no limits. Axis are versatile. They're mastering jazz and symphonic prog. It's a good treat of variety for an ear. It's busy, adventurous music. Axis might be my best discovery so far in the tourney.
e210013 03.21.22	I know very well Brand X since many years, especially their first studio albums and their debut live work. However and despite I have listened this album before, I've a CD copy of it despite many others of their albums, I must confess that I didn't remember very well of it. Still, I think that I liked it very much at the time. But now after my listen of it again, I confirm that I was right. The album is amazing. I really love it. I agree with Jethro. It's a bit different from their debut, but remains still great. It only confirms how great Brand X was. Like bgillesp, I can also find some Genesis vibes in the first tracks of the album. We mustn't forget that Phil Collins participates here as composer, player and vocalist too. Of course it's not Genesis, but it's also great in their own way.
e210013 03.21.22	After to have checked Axis, I must confess that I was absolutely surprised with it. The album is simply amazing it terms of musicianship. I can partially agree with Jethro about this is one of the discoveries of this tourney. I already discovered another one. I'll tell you latter. This is probably the besy Greek album I heard so far, beyond of "666" of Aphrodite's Child. This is a very eclectic album with a very well ballanced fusion between hard rock, psychedelia and jazz fusion, with some hints of symphonic prog. So, let's check it some more times to have a final opinion. Again, I suspect that we are in presence of another great tight journey. Enjoy it, my friends.
wham49 03.21.22	well boys, this is going to be tough because mine is going up against a killer album. other Brand X albums I would be more confident but the one that fits the criteria for this tourney will make it a close call
e210013 03.21.22	Absolutely wham. I myself thought about one of them. But all of them that I was more confident weren't available. Still, we have here great stuff, my friend.
SharkTooth 03.21.22	I've never heard Brand X before, looking forward to this
Jethro42 03.21.22	Great album right here. There are gems in all first 4 Lps plus Livestock.
kalkwiese 03.21.22	Got to say, I am not as crazy about Axis as most other posters here seem to be
Jethro42 03.22.22	It's eclectic music. At first I just remarked habitual, straight jazzy sections and I liked it. With more listens, couple more music styles have surfaced, and I liked it still more.
Divaman 03.22.22	Hmm.
Donchivo 03.22.22	I am really excitedly looking forward to listen to Axis, never heard about them. But I love early Aphrodite's Child... I listened to another Brand X record sometime ago and remember not to have been that particularly hooked. But the description sounds nice and Phil Collins obviously is a hell of a drummer. So I am excited once again for this matchup!
Zig 03.22.22	prog just got jazzy
e210013 03.22.22	I agree Zig. It seems that till now prog just got jazzy in this tournament.
Jethro42 03.22.22	Yeah, prople are just choosing between jazzy prog and proggy jazz :)
Divaman 03.22.22	After my first listen, I found that the one I liked the most was also the one I disliked the most.
kalkwiese 03.22.22	That's a very prog statement tbh
Jethro42 03.22.22	LOL, Divaman cannot bear jazz. It's normal he struggles with it.
Divaman 03.22.22	When I was younger and more active on the local music scene, we used to frequent a lot of acoustic clubs. There was a folk singer we saw often named Kathy Fleischmann. When she played, as happens, every once in a awhile, she would flub playing a chord, resulting in a sour, discordant sound. And whenever this happened, she would smile at the crowd and claim, "That was jazz!"
Jethro42 03.22.22	Hahah! Good way of getting out of trouble! Are you a musician yourself?
Jethro42 03.22.22	Axis can play whatever they wanna play. That piano and the synths are really tight and inventive. I like every corners off of the album. That Brand X album is really impressive. It has character, and it's consistently good. It's more accessible than Axis, and same if compared to the first two Brand X albums.
Divaman 03.22.22	>Are you a musician yourself? No, sadly. I took guitar lessons when I was a kid, and I can fake it playing some of the easier Bob Dylan or Paul Simon songs. And on a (very few) songs, I did some backup singing for my wife's old band. But no one sane would ever consider me a musician.
CottonSalad 03.22.22	the write-up for 2 sounds hype - will check
Jethro42 03.22.22	Ah I see, Divaman. And who is the diva? Your wife? @CottonSalad, tell us what you think about the album.
SharkTooth 03.23.22	Just did a full listen to Brand X, reminds me very much of the SBB album I submitted, which is great. Now to check out Axis
Scheumke 03.23.22	Another one where there is no clear winner after two spins of both. On the one hand, Brand X is the 'easy' one to go to. It's very approachable and goes down super easy. I love the fantastic bass playing and Phil Collins is a staple and can do no wrong. Axis on the contrary I find a lot more complex and harder to get into. This doesn't mean the quality is not there though, it's just less approachable. I need to get used to the heavy reliance on dissonance at certain songs and the less slick production. It's hard, because Axis needs more spins to fully appreciate, but Brand X is the one that I want to put on because it's so fun and easy-listening.
bgillesp 03.23.22	I haven’t had a lot of time this week, but I have a clear distinction in my mind right now. I’ll confirm with a couple more listens the next few days though
Divaman 03.23.22	Exactly, Jethro. That's where my name comes from. She is the diva and I am her man.
wham49 03.23.22	I always thought you were chick who wanted to be a man Diva. LOL
Jethro42 03.23.22	@Scheumke, I think the same. Brand X is complex in its own way (funky jazz), but it's true, it's an easy-listening compared to Axis which is more experimental. @Diva, I knew your wife was a singer, so I deduced she was your diva.
Divaman 03.23.22	Interesting deduction, wham. Not many "chicks" on Sputnik, though, heh heh.
Jethro42 03.23.22	@Sharktooth, the third SBB song (Strategia Pulsu) could easily be a Brand X track.
Divaman 03.23.22	I'm ready to vote, although I'm not exactly over the moon about either of these albums. For me, the Brand X LP is harmless, but bland. After three listens, there weren't any parts I hated, but none that I really loved either. The Axis album, on the other hand, is an album of highs and lows for me. I liked the intro song and the "Axis goes to church" bit at the 34-minute mark. There's also something in there that reminds me vaguely of ELP's "Just Take a Pebble". On the other hand, there were parts that struck me as kind of sour. Nevertheless, I'm going to vote for the one that had more high spots for me rather than the one that played it safer. My vote (and also probably the Diva curse) goes to Axis.
Jethro42 03.23.22	@Diva, the Diva curse hahah... I noted the wink to ELP as well. Cheers! 0:1 Diva
e210013 03.23.22	After the usual 4 auditions of both albums: Brand X - Product Product is another excellent album of Brand X. It's true that it isn't as good as Unorthodox Behaviour, wich is a masterpiece. Maybe it's not as good as Moroccan Roll or Masques, but still remains to me a classic album from the band. It's also true it has two more commercial tracks, Don't Make Waves and especially Soho. But, I haven't no problem with that. I like both. They sound great to me. Axis - Axis Axis was a great surprise to me. One of the albums of this tournament, so far, that most surprised me. This is an album with great musicanship, very eclectic with a very well ballanced prog mix between hard rock, psychedelia and jazz fusion, with some hints of symphonic prog. I'm sure it's one of the best prog albums released in Greece. And I'm not talking only about the 70's, but also of today. "Product" rated with 4.0. "Axis" rated with 4.0. I agree with Scheumke and Jethro. Both albums are complex in their own way but Product is esier to listen and Axis is more difficult because is more experimental. Anyway, both are great works. Again, I could have chosen any of them. But, I decide to vote on Product of Brand X, maybe because I'm more familiar with its sound. Besides, I always loved Brand X.
e210013 03.23.22	I hope my vote can contribute to Diva curse. Lol.
Jethro42 03.23.22	Good write-up, e21. Same here, I love them both. Hard task to make a decision. 1:1 e21 Diva
e210013 03.23.22	Thanks Jethro. It's true. But, I start getting used to hard decisions in all matches, which is at the same time great but difficult too.
Divaman 03.23.22	Curses, e! Foiled again!
Sabrutin 03.23.22	Product is a very enjoyable album but I think Axis is a different beast, especially in the lenses of prog. So my vote has to go to Axis' adventures, especially now that we've lost Supersister.
bgillesp 03.23.22	Long Live Diva! I vote Axis... Brand X was nice, but the vast difference in styles between the vocal and instrumental focused tracks was very jarring for me which hurt the overall experience. Axis was had that good good jazzy stuff going on that get you moving, and was very much my cup of tea. A couple weird spots, but still a great album.
Divaman 03.23.22	Hmm. The band of my choice is now out front 3-1. Where have I seen this before? Oh yeah. Just about every other round.
Jethro42 03.23.22	@Diva, yes but the other way around :) @bgillesp, Brand X vocals are not their strenght, but instrumentally, they don't give their place. 1:3 e21 Diva Sab bgillesp
SharkTooth 03.23.22	I think I'm gonna vote for 2, 1 was fun but I found it rather... bland? Just kinda felt devoid of personality Axis more or less made up for that I'm not in love with either record though
porcupinetheater 03.23.22	[2] to pre much everything Diva said. Brand X did nothing for me, good musicianship but without any sort of interest in its approach to melody or composition, just a bunch of scales thrown together, even if the timbres (bass in particular) where nice, or some of the most half-assed pseudo-pop songwriting on the likes of Soho I've heard in a minute. But I also can't stand Collins-led Genesis or Collins solo so that makes sense. No thank you. Axis pre much the opposite, in that it's perpetually doing interesting things and somehow falling on its face and doesn't have anything really in the way of an emotional core to it (horseshoe theory comin' at ya), but it's got some bits that are a lot more fun than anything Brand X comes up with. Doubt I'll be spending time with either record once the tourney wraps, but I def wasn't checking how much time was left 4 times a song with Axis. Easy winner for me
Jethro42 03.23.22	1:5 e21 Diva Sab bgillesp Shark porc I don't have the same vision about Brand X, probably because I'm used to their first few winner albums and their overall sound. Unfortunately, virtuoso bassman Percy Jones only plays on 3 tracks on here. Album sounds like a demo, but composition-wise, there are certainly classic cuts. 2-4-5 and 8 are killer tracks. Unorthodox Behaviour (classic) is the place to go when it comes to Brand X.
porcupinetheater 03.24.22	Tbh listened to Unorthodox Behaviour this week before this one and I didn’t love that one either
Jethro42 03.24.22	That's your fault, mon ami.
SharkTooth 03.24.22	upon relisten, Brand X is growing on me, but it's still not grabbing me as much as I'd hoped it would if I had to guess it's either the flat production or the time signature changes that's turning me off but I can't really put my finger on it
Donchivo 03.24.22	I am voting Axis too (and hope this is the time that the mighty curse will be broken). I quite like Axis and the different tones and moods they use and create, especially the psychedelic undertone. For Brand X, I agree with what Diva, Porc and Shark said... I love a lot of Jazz and I love a lot of Rock but this is mixing these two in a way (as unfortunately a lot of Jazz Rock / fusion does) that seems to just reproduce bland Mainstream pop rock aesthetics, just using more technical playing to achieve them. How far is that removed from, say, Miles Davis early 70s electric phase that turns fusion of Jazz, Rock and funk into cathartic, deep and intense trips. That said, there is definitely interesting musicianship (especially the bass) and some nice parts by that. While Phil Collins' drums sound way less creative, expressive and imaginative than during peak Genesis times, that might also be a bar set too high as his performance on those albums are just up there with the best drumming in all of prog. But I hoped for some more of that magic.
kalkwiese 03.24.22	Okay, upon further listens I neither albums give me much. A lot of stuff happens, but without much impact on me. It that the thing people hate about prog?
TwigTW 03.24.22	Not gonna wait till the last minute to vote this week... My vote goes to Axis. I'm glad I finally got a chance to listen to Brand X (a band I've been hearing about forever), but I don't see myself returning to it. Axis is the band I want to hear again in round two.
wham49 03.24.22	my typical first round beat down. thanks for listening boys I still can't find the right combo to work in these tourneys. I went with very obscure, very proggy, less proggy less obscure, band you have heard of, band you don't. Never find the right album. I probably would have went with another Brand X but the others don't qualify.
kalkwiese 03.24.22	I'll go with Axis too It's just the album I can see grow on me more in the next round
e210013 03.24.22	No problem wham, it's not your fault. You enter with what you like most, and this is the right thing to do. You mustn't be worried with the tastes of the others. What is important with these tournaments is bring here some obscure great albums, which is the case of yours, in my humble opinion. But, as you know, the taste is a very personal thing. Last year it happened the same with me with my Strawbs album. Still, both are great albums, in my view.
Jethro42 03.24.22	1:8 e21 Diva Sab bgillesp Shark porc Donchivo Twig kalk
Jethro42 03.24.22	@wham, It saddens me when such score happens. It's not because of your entry, it's more because against whom knight you rivalize. Also, if I had matched you up with another candidate, it could have been a game changer. I second what e21 just said.
SharkTooth 03.24.22	@wham Yeah I know that feeling, most of my submissions tend to die in the first round. I'm sure you'll get your W one day
Sabrutin 03.24.22	My submissions always get killed off pretty fast too
e210013 03.24.22	It seams that are many other curses here. Lol.
Mythodea 03.24.22	@wham, your entry was killer, man, don't worry about it. It also doesn't mean shit that it's not promoted to the next round, because that would mean half of all the albums submitted ever are sub-par, which is not the point! I aways participate with greek bands, and this is the first time I (supposedly) win first round, so.. The point is to learn and enjoy. I never knew Brand X, honestly, and I was amazed by the musicianship (and indeed, that bass frightened me). All the love, @wham, dude 🧡💛💚💙💜
Zig 03.24.22	My vote goes to Axis, mostly because Brand X sounds very standard. it's a good record, but there's nothing new and the ones with vocals don't go very well with me. (I wouldn't call it experimental/avant-garde at all). 3.0 about Axis, amazed how the band got to balance jazz, prog and some avant so well. also, the inner gatefold art is way more interesting than the album cover. 4.0
Zig 03.24.22	@wham, for two years straight my entries didn't make through the first round. the one for this tourney passed only by a thin hair. it surely sucks, but hey just have fun and enjoy some good prog, ma man!
Divaman 03.24.22	I was gone before the tourny really even started this year, the first one ousted.
bgillesp 03.24.22	Lol wham, I don’t fully remember, but I think my first year ever participating was the only time I made it out of the first round, so I understand somewhat
Jethro42 03.24.22	1:9 e21 Diva Sab bgillesp Shark porc Donchivo Twig kalk Zig
SharkTooth 03.24.22	upon relisten I've realized I'm not really into either album all that much, Idk if I actually prefer one over the other
Jethro42 03.24.22	I'm waiting for two other votes in favor of Myth before I call it. @Shark, yes it happens frequently that one changes his mind.
Mythodea 03.24.22	I haven't voted, but I'm voting for mine, not only because it's my entry, but because honestly I enjoy this album so very much (opening track's ''Ooooooh I've been waiting a loooooooong tiiiiiiime'' is an ear-worm, and the almost djenty part later is mind-twisting), and while Brand X's album was instrumentally phenomenal (that bass!), and I like that Genesis-infused prog/jazz, I think I might prefer their previous ones
Jethro42 03.24.22	Their first two Brand X are memorable. No pop at all, and a refined jazz rock. Out of what I remember, Masques have some killer tracks as well. Collins is absent this time. Listen to Unorthodox Behaviour first. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
Jethro42 03.24.22	1:10 e21 Diva Sab bgillesp Shark porc Donchivo Twig kalk Zig Myth
Jethro42 03.24.22	I show total respect for Brand X, a band I know since a long, long time. They all record their LPs live, so they know how to jam live. Plus they have in their alignment bassman Percy Jones, one of my fave musicians. I love their jazz fusion style. It's like they can accomplish anything. In their previous albums at least. I enjoy Product as well, but the gems don't cover half of it. We must be attentive to absorb it all. Axis are versatile. They're mastering jazz and symphonic prog. It's a good treat for an ear. It's busy, adventurous music. The pianist/keyboardist have fun to play, and I have fun to listen to him/them. There are clever patterns everywhere. Music transports me elsewhere. I'm voting for Axis by a thin marge. I'm calling it for Axis. @wham, no worries, half of us don't pass to the second round.
Jethro42 03.24.22	I'm preparing the next match.
hansoloshotfirst 03.24.22	yeah, just for completion's sake I'm also voting for Axis. "Product" was pretty decent, a couple of cool tracks here and there but overall rather unremarkable. (their older albums are better)
zakalwe 03.24.22	Blimey. An absolute trouncing! Makes my vote for Brand X a touch sweeter.
Jethro42 03.24.22	2:12 e21 zak Diva Sab bgillesp Shark porc Donchivo Twig kalk Zig Myth Jethro hansolo I'm oficially calling it. Axis is the winner.
Divaman 03.24.22	It's funny how the votes go. I didn't really feel there was a great deal of difference between them quality wise - I rated them both the same number. While I voted for Axis, Brand X deserved a better fate.
Jethro42 03.24.22	Every time I listen to Axis, I discover new details I never perceived before. Much of that Brand X album is an easy listening and we don't need repeated listens to fully catch it. That being said, I like Product, even if it's a bit inconsistent.
MrSirLordGentleman 03.25.22	lol I suppose my vote isnt' that important now but I'll go with Axis. Not totally my cup of tea but Brand X's feel a little bit too generic. Their first albums are way better
Jethro42 03.26.22	Yes I called this one earlier than usual for obvious reasons. Now let's go forward to match 6.
bnelso55 03.26.22	What a round!
Titan 03.26.22	Axis.....easily
Scheumke 03.26.22	Huh I indeed my vote doesn't matter anymore but I will give my opinions and vote anyway haha. I'm gonna take my gloves off for a second here (very personal hot take incoming). I don't think Axis was all that good. There were some really good songs here (the opener comes to mind) where I enjoyed the musicality and songwriting. Things went downhill for me once they started their.. Let's call it freestyle prog/jazz though. In my (again, very personal) opinion, these kind of long freestyle movements in music only really work when the can baffle me with either cool ideas or great musicality. As a musician myself I can usually tell if what the musicians are playing is impressive or not from a music theory perspective, even if I often don't follow what crazy things are going on. With Axis I felt like I continually knew what was happening and worse, I wasn't all that impressed and there weren't really any great parts that caught my attention. It therefore quickly gave me the feeling that 'they're not as cool as they think they are'. There's a very fine line between showing your skills and doing something incredible, or making it sound like a child is smashing keys on a piano. I often heard more of the latter than the former, annoying the hell out of me on repeated listens. Brand X was not my favorite of the tournament, but for me it became a lot more enjoyable in contrast and went down easy to begin with. My late vote therefore goes to Brand X.
SlothcoreSam 03.26.22	I'm voting for 2 as well.
Jethro42 03.26.22	@Titan, nice to see you giving your vote, bro. Have you listened to both albums at least once each?
Jethro42 03.26.22	Good write-up, Scheumke, really.
Divaman 03.27.22	What's the official final count for the Match, Jethro?
Scheumke 03.27.22	Thanks Jethro :). Just my two cents though, I get why people enjoy it a lot.
Jethro42 03.27.22	Do we really need to know, Diva?
Jethro42 03.27.22	3:15 e21 zak Scheumke Diva Sab bgillesp Shark porc Donchivo Twig kalk Zig Myth Jethro hansolo SirLord Titan Sloth
Divaman 03.27.22	Yeah, I like to put it in my blog. Thanks.
Jethro42 03.27.22	Can you give me the link of your blog, Diva? I somehow lost it.
Friday13th 04.02.22	Very late on this one, but yes, Axis gets my vote. Brand X was good though, just more of what we’ve heard from them other than the small taste of Phil singing which is nice.
Friday13th 04.02.22	I hear some Canterbury scene influence on Axis, but more King Crimson, ELP, and Return to Forever. It’s very good and a fairly original mix for its time, though one could criticize its occasional aimlessness.
Friday13th 04.02.22	@Mythodea I think you picked the best Greek prog album I’ve heard so far!
Jethro42 04.02.22	3:16 e21 zak Scheumke Diva Sab bgillesp Shark porc Donchivo Twig kalk Zig Myth Jethro hansolo SirLord Titan Sloth Friday I wish I could match Axis with Spidermilk. Both are quirky and they move a lot. Spidermilk doesn't touch jazz, though.
Jethro42 04.02.22	Axis are doing a nod and a wink to Black Keys, electric jazz (RTF), Canterbury jazz, free jazz, avant jazz, symphonic prog...They touch any kind of genres, so they're hard to follow.