Friday13th: Prog - A Beginning - Discovery Rd 4

Divaman 06.07.21	Ah, a trip to Argentina. Nice.
TwigTW 06.07.21	This is where I'd make an Aerosmith joke, if I wasn't still half asleep.
Mythodea 06.07.21	happy 4th round everyone
Jethro42 06.07.21	Olé! I'm curious. I'll probably get to it tomorrow.
MrSirLordGentleman 06.07.21	didn't even know about Alas existence, so I'm interested to check their sound
bgillesp 06.07.21	Excitement
e210013 06.07.21	Interesting. An Argentinian duel. Seems to be interesting. I'm going to begin the next journey tomorrow.
Jethro42 06.08.21	@e21, given your comment from the last round regarding The Waterboys, I'm glad someone else noticed the similitudes between early The Waterboys and song ''360 Degrees''. So true.
MrSirLordGentleman 06.08.21	Just as I sidenote, when I said Seru Giran was bluesy I meant it in the "melancolic bluesy feeling" kind of way, not that it is blues lol. It is jazzy. Also, the lyrics are one of the best aspects of the album for anyone that's interested in it and has some knowledge of spanish Alas really does remind me of ELP, but like a more tamed, calm version of it. That can be good considering how over the top ELP can get at times
someone 06.08.21	Commenting, so it's in my discussions and I remember to listen.
e210013 06.08.21	@ Jethro. Yeah, but as I said, I know very well Waterboys. Some years ago, during sometime I listened to them very often. I own a very interesting collection of CD's of them, "The Waterboys", "A Pagan Place", This Is The Sea" and "Fisherman's Blues", which are probably their best studio albums, and also "Universal Hall". I also have 2 live albums and 2 compilations. Do you like them too?
e210013 06.08.21	I found that the album of Seru Giran is also on Spotify, at least in my country. Here is the link for those who are interested: https://open.spotify.com/album/5lp7CMQbROn0mpFWZLaPf3?autoplay=true
Zig 06.08.21	Argentinian jazzy prog sounds interesting. Have a nice round, everyone!
Mythodea 06.08.21	Alas's album is magnificent! Two mammoth tracks, complex and adventurous, relying heavily on synths improvising on top of a tight rhythm section, don't hesitate to deconstruct and reconstruct the melodies througout the compositions long duration. There are moments where the mind kind of spins off, but there are enough moments that stick out so you can map out the architecture of the songs, like the middle section of the first track that's completely abstract, the subsequent saxophone passages, or the drum solo on the second. Great great great album!
Mythodea 06.08.21	DOUBLE POST
Jethro42 06.08.21	@e21, good collection you have there... I used to download individual Waterboys songs around two decades ago. I'm more familiar with Fisherman's Blues and This Is The Sea than the rest. My two favorite songs are probably ''The Fisherman's Blues, and 'The Whole Of The Moon''.
Zig 06.08.21	Alas: The record of the tourney so far. Very very good prog with jazz fusion, there's even some avant-garde moments. Everything is so well played, perfectly balanced. I really enjoyed very much this one. Thanks, normaloctagon! (4.5) Serú Girán: More like jazzy prog pop? The fletless bass is just killing it, highlight of the album. Wish they would jam a little more. That closing solo at Noche de Perros sounds so Pink Floyd's The Wall era. There's a good variety along the way. Good stuff, won't be surprised if this wins this round (3.5) My vote goes to Alas!
Mythodea 06.08.21	@Zig You nailed your Seru Giran description. I'm loving the bass tone and playing and I also got Comfortably Numb from the song you mention (or maybe some other, but probably that one) Still both albums are a strong 4 for me
Pangea 06.08.21	i wasn't feeling Alas on first listen but i will give it more time. 2 is very fun
Jethro42 06.08.21	I wish Alas offered punchier drumming a la Mahavishnu Orchestra, to contrast with the lighter passages. I don't find jazzy parts in there. It's more like ELP kind of symphonic stuff always centered around keyboards. It's too much nervous improv jam rock style at my first listen. Let's try Seru Giran later in the day..
Friday13th 06.08.21	@Jethro last time a band did have "punchier drumming a la Mahavishnu Orchestra," ie Tantra, you didn't like it. A bit hard to please, eh? ;)
bgillesp 06.08.21	Voting out Tantra round 1 was a crime :( Though it did lose to a good one
Jethro42 06.08.21	Tantra's rhythm section would fit perfectly for Alas. You make me revisit Tantra a bit, Friday. Its title track is similar to some great Mahavishnu Orchestra
Jethro42 06.08.21	You're right though, I'm hard to please for real.
bgillesp 06.08.21	Lol. Just finished my first listen of Seru Giran and I’m very impressed. That heavier sound which I think draws the Pink Floyd comparisons is quite nice. It could be one of my favorites this year
bgillesp 06.08.21	I think this is shaping up to be my favorite prog tourney year overall
Jethro42 06.08.21	I might bump down Tantra to a 3 despite its rhythm section. Great title track, and another great song, I don't remember which one.
Divaman 06.08.21	Geez, I haven't even started listening yet, and we've already got at least one vote in. Help!
Jethro42 06.08.21	I already know on which one you're gonna vote, Diva.
Divaman 06.08.21	Really? Heh heh. Are my tastes that consistent?
Jethro42 06.08.21	No, not really! You often surprise me, my friend, but you won't this time :)
Divaman 06.08.21	OK. Well, I'm glad you didn't tell me which. I like to be surprised myself. :)
Jethro42 06.08.21	I have to be careful myself before disclosing a preference. I have to trust my heart. Not my whimsical head.
MrSirLordGentleman 06.08.21	I think I'm ready to cast a vote. Alas has some great technical instrumentation and the long instrumental passages certainly do a good work showcasing that. It really is a compliment to be compared to a band as legendary as ELP but, as I said earlier, they sound like a more calm version of them, which is actually pretty good at times. However, I do feel like the albums lacks identity. Just like I said on the round between Jordsjo and Moose Loose, I feel that Alas sounds too much like standard prog, like any other cool prog album Seru Giran on the other hand has a more varied sound. It retains the great technical instrumentation, but it also has many more vibes thrown into it, creating a more distinctive atmosphere. Plus it has some great vocals and production. The lyrics are also a really strong point to the album as I said earlier. In the end, La Grasa de las Capitales has many more moments which get stuck in my head for a long time and I can certainly see why it is is such a big album in the spanish speaking world and a contribution to prog and rock music in general, whereas Alas feels just like any other album So yeah, I'll stick with my pick and vote for Seru Giran. Alas is still a great album from a band I wasn't aware of and that I'll certainly revisit from time to time
Divaman 06.09.21	Btw, I got an email today that tickets go on sale tomorrow for the 2022 prog rock cruise, Cruise to the Edge, next May out of Orlando. Both Marillion and Pendragon are scheduled to be part of the lineup.
e210013 06.09.21	It's seems to be a nice rock cruise.
e210013 06.09.21	After a first listen of both albums I must confess that I'm a bit confused with both. Non of them are pure jazz/fusion, yet one is more than the other. Both albums surpised me very much, especially one of them. And I don't know if that is a good thing. I'll see it with more listenings.
zakalwe 06.09.21	Seems like paradise!
e210013 06.09.21	Good thinking, man. Lol.
Mythodea 06.09.21	Seru Giran is something I would put on going for a walk, but Alas is the one album that you remember after a while and blast on your speakers. It's a tough choice!
e210013 06.09.21	I agree. Both are very different but very well performed.
Divaman 06.09.21	>It's seems to be a nice rock cruise. I'd love to go on one of these, but it's hard because my wife isn't really into prog and wouldn't be interested. Also, a lot of the bands they book tend to be a little bit long in the tooth these days, and/or are full of replacement players. (For example, who is playing with Marillion these days? I know that Fish is long gone.) Still, maybe some day.
Inoculaeted 06.09.21	I can confirm that both are excellent walking down the street jams.
Friday13th 06.09.21	yeah those cruises seem like a hard sell. You kinda have to be a retired boomer (think $$$) whose wife also digs prog for it to even be considered.
Inoculaeted 06.09.21	“Voting out Tantra round 1 was a crime :( Though it did lose to a good one” Gotta tell you that Holocausto has been on repeat for me. Your Tantra nomination was crucial!
Divaman 06.09.21	All right. Let's start listening to these puppies.
Divaman 06.09.21	Geez, you guys weren't kidding about the ELP influence on Alas.
Divaman 06.09.21	Some of the song elements on the Seru Giran actually remind me of some of Sting's solo stuff.
e210013 06.10.21	Yeah, Diva. We can say that Atlas is the jazz version of ELP.
e210013 06.10.21	Yeah, it's true Inoculaeted. Holocausto is another excellent album of Tantra a bit more jazier. Some prefer it to Mistérios E Maravilhas. I think you can also check their fourth album Terra, an album of 2002. It's also great and is in the same line.
e210013 06.10.21	After a second listen of both albums I'm a bit less confused. Both grown on me. But I'm still a bit confused with one of them. Probably I'm with the same strange sensation of paradise.
Jethro42 06.10.21	2 is jazzy/funky here and there, but it doesn't contain many prog elements tbh. Good radio-friendly rock album.
MrSirLordGentleman 06.10.21	It is proggy on the same way one could say Supertramp is prog tbh. Lots of jazz elements, but nothing funky on it really it is labeled as prog anywhere I've looked, including music historians. Progarchives is the exception I think, but even RYM has more credibility nowadays lol
porcupinetheater 06.10.21	"Also, a lot of the bands they book tend to be a little bit long in the tooth these days, and/or are full of replacement players. (For example, who is playing with Marillion these days? I know that Fish is long gone.)" Long in the tooth covers it, but Marillion has a really stable line-up. Been the exact same people with 0 change since the late 80s, and even before that the only major switch up was Fish leaving after the first four records. And they've put out some sweet records with the not-Fish bloke
e210013 06.10.21	I agree with Jethro. When I mention that I've a problem with one of these albums, it's with Serú Girán. I think Mythodea put it in the right way. La Grasa de las Capitales is something I would put on going for a walk, and it would be a very nice album to hear. It has some lines of prog, but very few.
e210013 06.10.21	About Progarchives, Gentleman, the album is rated there and very well rated by the few reviewers. But it's listed as a Prog Related album, which means that it's only related to prog, and that it's not a pure prog album, which is for me a clear thing.
Jethro42 06.10.21	@Gentleman, it's not bad, given I find it similar to Solar Project - In time (I gave to it 4.5/5, but it's more bluesy prog. Blues can be close to jazz at some point)
bgillesp 06.10.21	Listened to both and very much enjoy both. Will do another round of both tomorrow on the road and that should be enough to finalize for me
MrSirLordGentleman 06.10.21	"About Progarchives, Gentleman, the album is rated there and very well rated by the few reviewers. But it's listed as a Prog Related album, which means that it's only related to prog, and that it's not a pure prog album, which is for me a clear thing." Yup I noticed that. Progarchives has lost a lot of my respect the last few years. I think it has turned into a somewhat elitist community that only deems worth listening to albums like what I said about Jordsjo on that match of the tournament: Standard prog, generic 70's sounding prog I mean, I always express my public hate for Rateyourmusic, but even they are better at labeling genres
e210013 06.10.21	Yeah, maybe you're right, but I disagree. I really think that prog, classical and jazz are elitistic things because very few people in the world listen to them. Actaully, it's interesting that you say that, but I read many opnions that Progarchives accepte to many albums and bands that shouldn't be there because they don't are true prog bands.
MrSirLordGentleman 06.10.21	"but I read many opnions that Progarchives accepte to many albums and bands that shouldn't be there because they don't are true prog bands." I've read quite the opposite actually. Progarchives uses a really weird and inconsistent criteria to label bands imo. While I agree that what the masses, critics or historians shouldn't be the only things to take into account, they really seem to go at it random at times. Progarchives sometimes feel like those "Pink Floyd isn't prog because its time signatures aren't prog enough" kind of guys hahaha
Jethro42 06.10.21	Progarchives sometimes may be severe in rating albums that should be classic. For instance, they give a 3 or a 3.5 when it worths 4 or 4.5. I don't think they're bad in rating classic albums at a good score. I think you classify some classic albums wrong, Gentleman. You said about Alas that it was sounding like standard prog. I think they're quite the opposite of standard. Maybe they sound like ELP, but they also have something from Patrick Moraz and also L'Uovo Di Columbo which are all original in their own rights.
e210013 06.10.21	I think you're a bit unfair. I'm not here to defend them, but they accepted bands such as Led Zeppelin, Queen, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Mettalica, The Doors and Japan, for instance and these are only few examples and you know that I can site hundreds of them, that aren't properly prog bands. So, I think that somehow they are very open, really.
Jethro42 06.10.21	Pink Floyd made their name into psychedelic with blues injected prog, and they evolved in symphonic prog with minimalistic drum playing. They didn't need odd time signatures in their prog, as we know it.
MrSirLordGentleman 06.10.21	"I think you're a bit unfair. I'm not here to defend them, but they accepted bands such as Led Zeppelin, Queen, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Mettalica, The Doors and Japan, for instance and these are only few examples and you know that I can site hundreds of them, that aren't properly prog bands. So, I think that somehow they are very open, really." Oh no yeah, you're right on that, but I think that kind of proves what I'm trying to say. They accept bands that don't make that much sense, but they also reject bands which would fit in. Just like I said, I think their criteria is inconsistent and extremly subjective. Metalarchives suffers a little bit from the same (though not as much, since there isn't that much of a debate of what constitutes "metal", unlike what happens with prog). I suppose is part of the problem when you aim to restrict the site to one specific style of music That been said, Queen II is really proggy imo and as far as I'm concerned many Maiden albums are labeled as prog metal. Zeppelin, Sabbath and METALLICA tho? lol yeah that's just how random the site gets at times "Progarchives sometimes may be severe in rating albums that should be classic. For instance, they give a 3 or a 3.5 when it worths 4 or 4.5. I don't think they're bad in rating classic albums at a good score. I think you classify some classic albums wrong, Gentleman. You said about Alas that it was sounding like standard prog. I think they're quite the opposite of standard. Maybe they sound like ELP, but they also have something from Patrick Moraz and also L'Uovo Di Columbo which are all original in their own rights" Oh yeah, that happens with RYM as well, which is the main reason why I hate it. I don't know about the Moraz comparisons. It really is a more tamed ELP imo and not much more imo. It lacks the ELP wankery which can get a little bit unbearable at times, but I'm starting to think that's just because they couldn't handle such a complex technique rather than a conscious choice
MrSirLordGentleman 06.10.21	"Pink Floyd made their name into psychedelic with blues injected prog, and they evolved in symphonic prog with minimalistic drum playing. They didn't need odd time signatures in their prog, as we know it." Absolutely agree, but I've seen plenty of people in sputnik, RYM, progarchives, etc, that associate prog with time signatures and nothing else Anyway, Alas rules hard. I downloaded it to my library and it will stay there, so I don't want people to think I didn't like it lol. As for Seru Giran, it is as prog as Supertramp, ELO or 10cc imo. The plenty of jazz fusion elements and more complex instrumentation actually making them even proggier for me And lol sorry for the long comments, didn't notice that
Jethro42 06.10.21	Gentleman, stop underrating ProgArchives and classic albums please. Elitists are in your head. Albums are classic because they deserve it.
Jethro42 06.10.21	Your entry is all right Gentleman, Alas is all right, Progarchives is all right and above all, life is all right :)
MrSirLordGentleman 06.10.21	"Gentleman, stop underrating ProgArchives and classic albums please. Elitists are in your head. Albums are classic because they deserve it." Oh I don't think I'm underrating classics m8. As I said, I defend Floyd against those kind of comments. I apoligize if it seems as the opposite. As for progarchives, it's really what I've seen. The bands that e210013 named are evidence of that. There are plenty of elitists outside of progarchives though, it's not like it is an issue with just that one site
MrSirLordGentleman 06.10.21	"life is all right :)" ❤️
Jethro42 06.10.21	You back up your points well, Gentleman! And you too e21!
Inoculaeted 06.10.21	As a brief return to Argentina... I vote for Serú Girán, disco funk and prog-light as it may be. Alas is too meandering and aimless for my taste.
e210013 06.10.21	Guys, we are all friends here. So, this isn't personal, Gentlemen. As we all know, the opinions are very personal and all are great if they are sustained, which I think happened with all of us. Besides, isn't easy to define what is prog or not. Prog is a very deep and an immense world, which is that makes of it so beautiful. And our criteria are always very personal. So, let's go ahead and keep on proggin'.
Divaman 06.10.21	Certainly if some of those old codgers on the prog cruise can keep on progging, we can too! :)
Jethro42 06.10.21	Prog is also a way of life. Each of us choose our prog color, taste and movement. We can also appreciate if music is close to prog without never touching it. And who cares if some clame it's prog, and others say the contrary. The important is our love for music in general, and seeing prog proudly emerging through it. Prog comes from The Beatles in the first place, after all. Keep on P/
MrSirLordGentleman 06.10.21	Oh yeah I agree. What I wanted to express was exactly that, that prog is a very diverse and broad concept. Sorry if it seemed like anything else guys! :]
Divaman 06.10.21	Well, time to head back to Argentina. (Singing:) "Oh what a circus!/Oh what a show!/ Argentina has gone to town/Over the death of an actress called Eva Peron."
Divaman 06.11.21	I don't really know for sure which way I'm leaning in this contest so far, but I've got one negative for Alas -- I could really live without that spot about two minutes in or so where the sax sounds like a goose being stomped to death. Thankfully, if memory serves from my first listen, they don't repeat this act of animal cruelty.
MrSirLordGentleman 06.11.21	"I could really live without that spot about two minutes in or so where the sax sounds like a goose being stomped to death." lmao. I assume you don't like avant-garde jazz?
Divaman 06.11.21	You assume correctly.
Divaman 06.11.21	After my first listen of both albums, I felt that neither was totally in my own personal prog sweet spot, but they both had their moments. After the second listen of Alas, unsurprisingly, they definitely do best with me when they're either in that ELP-Tarkus zone or in one those lovely, quiet moments they have with the gentle male harmonies and poignant little synth riffs. Time to eat, and then on to Seru Giran once again.
Jethro42 06.11.21	I probably know which one to take, will vote tomorrow. And after revisiting each one several times, I don't know anymore which one you're gonna take really, Diva!
Divaman 06.11.21	Yeah, me either. I'll take tomorrow off and give them each another listen over the weekend.
Mythodea 06.11.21	The wailing on Alas's track is actually very frantic and energetic, I like it. Also, the quiet saxophone solo reminds me of ''Islands'' by King Crimson, so soothing and dreamy. I still have no favourite, though, as we're comparing quite different albums. Alas is more standard prog and has some amazing moments, while the direct approach Seru Giran take is lovable, and the bass, oh man, the bass, it really elevates everything. Plus the great guitar solos. Shit, this is an awesome week.
Divaman 06.11.21	I prettied up the bio pages for each of our first eight bands, and made sure each had at least a one-line band bio and five artists in the "Similar bands" section. I'm going to try to remember to do that every round as we move on.
MrSirLordGentleman 06.11.21	Diva doing some necessary public service right there
e210013 06.11.21	After 4 auditions of both albums: Alas - Alas: This is a very interesting album with some originality. The band was able to fuse the Argentinean folklore into their prog sound. And their prog sound is influenced by the classic jazz rock/fusian bands of the 70's, mainly Weather Report and Return To Forever. This cocktail was completed with the massive energy bring by the keyboards in the style of ELP. We can say that we are in presence of an originality, ELP performed in the jazz rock/fusion style. The two lenghty tracks are two mammoth tracks that are simply amazing. Serú Girán - La Grasa De Las Capitales: This is a good album, a very cohesive work, whitout real weak points and with great satirical lyrics, which are in the vein of the cover of the album. What impressed me most was the quality of all musicians, with an especial emphasis to the bassist. This is an album with a bit too commercial sounding at times. The album is closer to the standard rock, keeping a considerable jazz fusion element in the music, and to a lesser extent, some prog along the way. That is especially noted on the side 2, which has my favourite tracks. "Alas" rated with 3.5. "Grasa De Las Capitales" rated with 3.5. Both albums are very good, but once I'm more in the vein of the standard prog style, more akin to my taste, my vote goes to, "Alas".
Jethro42 06.11.21	Damn, I lost my comments that justified my choice. I'll try to regroup my ideas, holy crap. Definitely Seru Giran for me. I'd prefer more prog injected into it. That fretless bass is prominent and distracts from the rest of the music. It's radio-friendly and has lots of hooks in the commercial equation. But It has prog moments in the second half. My fave song is when it's similar to some good Supertramp (Noche De Perros). For Alas, nothing interesting to be found aesthetically. Making an alternance between aggressive movements and quiet ones is a good idea, but they're only scratching the surface composition-wise. No hooks at all for me. A good album that comes to mind, similar to this one with many hooks is L'Uovo Di Colombo - L'Uovo Di Colombo. I lost my text, but I retained some of my ideas. Seru Giran for me.
Friday13th 06.11.21	1:2 e21 Gentleman Jethro
Jethro42 06.11.21	@Friday, Zig had voted for Alas.
Inoculaeted 06.11.21	@Friday I voted Seru Giran. Noche de perros is my jam.
Friday13th 06.11.21	2:3 Zig e21 Gentleman Inoculaeted Jethro
Divaman 06.11.21	I see that the bio I added for Alas has gone through, but the bio I added for Seru Giran, which I added just a few minutes later, has not yet. Sputnik servers are like a finicky, living beast. I'll give it another day.
bgillesp 06.11.21	I really like both albums. I get the ELP comparisons for Alas and even think Alas did that sound better, but I’m not much for ELP to begin with. The variety in Seru Giran is the biggest selling point for me so it will take my vote. Both grew off me a little on repeat listens though :( I vote Seru Giran
MrSirLordGentleman 06.12.21	I've heard Alas' second album is much more interesting since it has tango vibes in it. I'll probably check that one as well since that might fix my problem with the standard sound of the debut
TheIntruder 06.12.21	This is a curious but also weird round. Probably only Monday I will take my final decision.
Mythodea 06.12.21	It might be the first round where so many people haven't made up their minds two days before the end
Jethro42 06.12.21	Alas is so bombastic, pompous, it's nearly impossible to absorb, even after several listens. Musicians are proficient but in the songwriting department, they are rather ordinary.
Jethro42 06.12.21	This is pompous and accessible in the same time. Superb album. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3P3Fy2Cbzlk
SharkTooth 06.12.21	I loved the first 2 tracks in 1, but the shorter tracks didn't grab me as much, I'd put it as a high 4 if it was just the first 2 tracks, rn I'm feeling low 3.5
MrSirLordGentleman 06.12.21	Well, the shorter tracks are bonus tracks, so I don't know if we are supposed to count them or not
Jethro42 06.13.21	As far as I can see, we don't count bonus tracks. @Shark, when you're talking about the first two tracks, you probably mean the entire album. One 15 min track, and another one 17 min.
Divaman 06.13.21	I've already stated most of my thoughts about he Alas LP. The album annoys me in parts where it gets harsh or very jazzy. It also entertains me in parts where the band enters the ELP-Tarkus zone, or in those quiet parts with the gentle male harmonies and tasteful, quite synth. It's not totally in my prog sweet spot, but it successfully hits some of the buttons. On the other hand, I just can't seem to click with the Sure Giran LP. It doesn't have a lot of negatives (except perhaps for having too many high-pitch/fasletto vocals for my taste.) But it also isn't doing anything much FOR me. The musicianship is definitely good, but after three listens, I just haven't gotten interesting in the songwriting. (If it moves onto the next round, I'll give it another listen then, as always, and maybe it will start to make more sense to me then.) So do I go for the one with the higher positives AND the higher negatives, or go for the one that just kind of hangs there for me? In this case I choose passion, both positive and negative. My vote is for Alas.
SharkTooth 06.13.21	Aight re: bonus tracks upon relisten I'm feeling a bit more mid about the thing, between 3.5 and 4
Friday13th 06.13.21	3:4 Zig e21 Divaman Gentleman Inoculaeted Jethro bgillesp
Friday13th 06.13.21	Alas had some moments but a lot of very dense and difficult music on both sides A and B. We get a little Moonchild free improv on Side A and drum solo on Side B. Neither are to my liking. I liked the sung intro part on Side B but it never capitalized on it. It’s a decent album. Seru Giran is almost the opposite, progressive rock/art pop in the vein of Supertramp and Todd Rundgren with maybe a bit of Yes. I also am reminded of Stevie Wonder on classic albums like Innervisions and Songs in the Key of Life. Good flow and accessible songs that manage to stay interesting with a few funny quirks. The disco “Don’t stop dancing” in the first track and the reference to “on broadway” on the final notes of the album show these guys were having fun with this one. But it is seriously good. Another great one, Gentleman. I vote Seru Giran.
Friday13th 06.13.21	3:5 Zig e21 Divaman Gentleman Inoculaeted Jethro bgillesp Friday
Jethro42 06.13.21	@Diva, skip at least the first two of Seru Giran, and maybe you're gonna appreciate more. If you have trouble with the fretless bass, try not focusing on it, and it's gonna be tolerable. You talked about the vocals. I personally find them very good.
Jethro42 06.13.21	Good analysis Friday!
MrSirLordGentleman 06.13.21	"@Diva, skip at least the first two of Seru Giran" San Francisco y el Lobo might certainly be the weakest track on the album, but the t/t is easily one of the best imo
Mythodea 06.13.21	So, it's high time I voted as well! A week's long enough and I don't think giving it more time is going to change anything. The problem I had with this round is that the albums are admittedly quite different, so I couldn't compare them. Alas was majestic, I thought so from the very first listen, and I still hold on my opinion. The keys are perfect, the rhtyhm section is fire, the soundscapes are diverse and meticulously crafted. If the scattered improv is reminiscent of ''Moonchild'', then the saxophone part that follows immediately after is similar to ''Islands''. With the instrumental side being highlighted, it is easy to overlook the vocals, both as a listener and as a composer, but this isn't the case with Alas, as their vocal harmonies are soft and fragile, and are quite right another plus when they take the lead. Of course, it's not a '70s prog album without overindulgence, and I admit to getting lost sometimes when they're playing, but then out of the chaos they rise up again. The flashy jazz squeals, the synthesizer acrobatics, the drum solos, all are where they need to be. So I can't give this album less than a strong 4. It's a shame that Serú Girán participated in this round, because I find them at least as much interesting as Alas. The instrumentation is phenomenal and the fretless bass might be one of the highlights of this whole tournament. It's as energetic as it gets with this kind of prog, with awesome moments, like the opening track which is one of my most listend to due to its vocals and gimmicks, or the amazing Floyd-esque solo on Noche de perros. It's definitely a band that I need in my life and I am making sure to explore their discography (and a very interesting live album from what I've seen) after this tournament is over. If only they let themselves lose more often, they might had a chance to win over Alas. Their difference is nill, as I have to give them another strong 4. But, since it's a tournament and I have to eliminate one participant, I'm afraid that is Seru Giran. My vote goes to Alas - Alas. Thanks to both MrSirLordGentleman and normaloctagon for their top notch suggestions!
Divaman 06.13.21	I know I'm being Captain Obvious here, but close round.
MrSirLordGentleman 06.13.21	"It's definitely a band that I need in my life and I am making sure to explore their discography" You should check La Maquina de Hacer Pajaros, another of Charly Garcia's projects. I had a really hard time picking between La Grasa de las Capitales and Peliculas by La Maquina de Hacer Pajaros for the tournament. Some really quirky prog right there
Mythodea 06.13.21	You got it chief ;)
Jethro42 06.14.21	I don't know Gentleman, I find the album slow to start so I've tried a shortcut, and it makes an easy way to go through the album with an ease. I just wanted to give a tip to Diva. As for the fretless bass, i'd personally like it with moderation. Not everywhere.
Divaman 06.14.21	I can't not count the first two songs, though, anymore than I can not count the goose stomping in the Alas.
Jethro42 06.14.21	Hard times, Diva :)
wham49 06.14.21	when In doubt go with the jazz fusion, I go with Seru Giran
Pangea 06.14.21	Sorry maybe a bit of a short one this time, it has been a busy week. 1 wasn't really my thing, a couple of cool moments but i felt myself gettting lost in those 2 mammoth tracks. i did enjoy 2 quite a bit, felt it was melodically strong & the vocals were nice. my vote is for Seru Giran
MiloRuggles 06.14.21	Alas was fun as all shit and super consistent across it's runtime. Seru Giran had me wincing right off the bat, but the album as a whole really sold me. So many moods, so many big moments, some really deft and flexible musicianship. Seru Giran gets my vote.
TwigTW 06.14.21	Long story short, although I'm a fan of the fretless base, I love the sound of ELP noodling more ...my vote goes to Alas.
Friday13th 06.14.21	5:8 Zig e21 Divaman Mythodea Twig Gentleman Inoculaeted Jethro bgillesp Friday wham Pangea Milo
bgillesp 06.14.21	Get them votes in yall
someone 06.14.21	gimme a moment
zakalwe 06.14.21	Seru Giran for me Noche de Perros
TheIntruder 06.14.21	As I said, this is a curious and weird round. Both albums are not my favourite cup of tea. Atlas is a jazz rock/fusion work that does not belong to one of my favourite prog styles. La Grasa de las Capitales is an album with very few prog lines. It is essentialy a commercial album made in the end of the classic prog era that suffers of that, as happened with many albums made in those times. Probably the best example of that is Genesis. Still, I exected much more of them according what all I read. Probably they needed to wrote music to sell as happened with many other bands. After all we need to survive in those troubled times for prog. In spite of all I said before, I go with Alas. I like the vibe way of ELP all over the album. I loved the keys work on it. It saved the album. Besides, La Grasa de las Capitales is an album that, I am pretty sure, I am not going to check very often.
Friday13th 06.14.21	7:9 Zig e21 Divaman Mythodea Twig normaloctagon Intruder Gentleman Inoculaeted Jethro bgillesp Friday wham Pangea Milo zakalwe
Divaman 06.14.21	Hmm. Still tight, although we're getting toward the end.
TheIntruder 06.14.21	Yes I hope the same till the last breath.
e210013 06.14.21	Yeah, it's nice to have a tight journey through the last breath, indeed. Nice thought, pals.
Mythodea 06.14.21	the end of this round also signifies the end of the first month of the Prog Tournament. I want to wish to all of you another great month ahead! Cheers!
e210013 06.14.21	Yeah. I agree. The same for all.
Jethro42 06.14.21	I thought it woud have been a one way round. Always funny when it's tight. Good continuation for the tournament guys.
farmerobama 06.14.21	Uhh I hope I'm not too late, it's still monday in Germany haha. My vote goes to Seru Giran, really dig the latin and jazz influences on this, refreshing style
Friday13th 06.14.21	7:10 Zig e21 Divaman Mythodea Twig normaloctagon Intruder Gentleman Inoculaeted Jethro bgillesp Friday wham Pangea Milo zakalwe farmerobama
MrSirLordGentleman 06.14.21	@normaloctagon lol thanks buddy. Alas truly was a pleasant surprise. There are not many prog albums I don't know of that manage to catch my attention nowadays, but Alas did. Really dig it and will keep listening to it in the future. It was an awesome rec! @TheIntruder I don't think radio friendly is the same as commercial tbh. Yes, Seru Giran is certainly catchy, but the lyrics, the way the instruments are played and the overall sound in general make for a way more innovative and original sounding album than most prog, which follows a standard, predictable sound. The only bands I oculd compare them to are Supertramp and 10cc, both of which were already among the quirkiest bands of their period
MrSirLordGentleman 06.14.21	Also, this round is so close that I don't feel like Seru Giran has won. I still think it could change in any second, but that's what makes the tournament interesting!
Jethro42 06.14.21	That Seru Giran reminds me of Solar Project - In Time, in several aspects.
MrSirLordGentleman 06.14.21	If that's the case, then I'd definitely check
porcupinetheater 06.14.21	Toughest choice so far, both cultivate super solid moods, a little iffy on the songwriting here and there (prog, baby!), but like y'all saying, in totally different wheelhouses. Feel like Alas is coming in at a disadvantage in a week listening comp by being the sort of record that obviously has a lot of growing potential, but it also gets a little lost down it's own trails at points. Big respect on the ambition 3.5 Seru Giran is way more immediate, some beautifully tranquil moments with some moments that get just a little too comfortable being melodically kind of bland, but those bits are definitely in the minority. 3.5 I vote for Seru Giran because that bass tone is EROTIC
Mythodea 06.14.21	FYI, we're already 36 minutes into Tuesday here
TheIntruder 06.14.21	@Gentleman "I don't think radio friendly is the same as commercial tbh. Yes, Seru Giran is certainly catchy, but the lyrics, the way the instruments are played and the overall sound in general make for a way more innovative and original sounding album than most prog, which follows a standard, predictable sound. The only bands I oculd compare them to are Supertramp and 10cc, both of which were already among the quirkiest bands of their period." I agree that radio friendly is not the same as commercial. But what you said can be true with 10cc, but Supertramp is much more prog than Serú Girán. You can see it with the lenghty tracks of Supertramp.
e210013 06.14.21	Since everything is ok to close this journey, and one hour late after the comment of Mythodea, I say the same: FYI, we're already 36 minutes into Tuesday here, right now. So, can you let us see the next albums of the next journey, please.
Jethro42 06.15.21	@Gentleman, I don't know if it's just me, but both Seru Giran and Solar Project use mid tempo most of the time, rhythm sections are similar and both have a sense for melodies and emotions. Found on Spotify. I don't have the link probably cos I have the regular Spotify.
Friday13th 06.15.21	7:11 Zig e21 Divaman Mythodea Twig normaloctagon Intruder Gentleman Inoculaeted Jethro bgillesp Friday wham Pangea Milo zakalwe farmerobama porcupine Okay, I am calling this one for Seru Giran.
Inoculaeted 06.15.21	L'Uovo Di Colombo is a great jam. Nice rec Jethro!
Jethro42 06.15.21	Yeah, that organ/keys...It's an instant win and a grower at the same time. Glad you like it, dude.
SharkTooth 06.15.21	I agree with the winner here, I was late but 2 is a far more interesting album sonically, which gives it the edge both are excellent choices though
Mythodea 06.15.21	Tbh, I'm sad that Alas didn't make it, but I'm definitely waiting to see Seru Giran again later in. So, win-win.
Divaman 06.15.21	So it seems that I can't insert a bio for Seru Giran without screwing up the art work on all of the lists and the review. The bio won't go through because the site gets very cranky when bands have accents in their names. (It's already eaten two bio attempts.) So to insert a bio, I would have to rename the band without its accents, which would then screw up the album art pretty much everywhere. I told Jom I'm inclined to leave well enough alone. So unless the mods overrule me, I think I'm just going to leave it.
MrSirLordGentleman 06.15.21	God this site works like shit
Divaman 06.15.21	Think of it as though it were an old car. The site has character. :)
MrSirLordGentleman 06.15.21	and just like an old car, it could be fixed and improved if it was sold to someone who actually cared and took care of it lol
Divaman 06.15.21	You dream, my good Sir Lord.
someone 06.15.21	sorry for not participating this week, the workload's been brutal but i will listen to these anyway
Divaman 06.15.21	Jom wanted for me to submit the bio anyway, and he's going to paste it in there. He felt that if we didn't put one in now, inevitably someone would do it later and blow the page up. (So if anyone has any Scotch tape, we might need some momentarily.)
Divaman 06.16.21	Sowing managed to set the bio in there for Seru Giran without destroying the album art on either the review or on Friday's lists. Yay team!
Storm In A Teacup 06.16.21	My dad would probably love going through this series of lists