Wilson, Steven - The Raven That Refused To Sing and other stories

What expectations do the name of an artist give you? Is that a reason to blindly buy an album? What about Steven Wilson? He has built up a considerable reputation in music. It is a fact, his name sells. I am a fan of Steven Wilson, but mainly of his work with Porcupine Tree. His solo work is something different and didn't grab me as much as PT did.

So when his third solo album was announced, I was a bit sceptical. Nevertheless, I have tremendous respect for him as composer. After having heard one of the tracks, I was hooked and took the plunge. Watch this video review and plunge with me in this musical piece called The Raven That Refused To Sing.

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District '97 - Trouble With Machines

Trouble With Machines is the second album by the Chicago based District '97. This young band impressed the world with their stunning debut and this album shows again what an incredibly talented musicians they are. Excellent songwriting and a great front lady, Leslie Hunt, who in 2007 made it to the top 10 of American idol.

It is fantastic to see such young people write and perform this amazing songs. Follow me in this video review, as I wil tell you more about this band, that is the future of prog.

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Nisus - Electronic Medication

One of the ways to discover new music, is to just jump in and buy an album, on a hunch, without having heard it. There's a 50% chance you'll like it. In my journey through the world of Electronic Music, I have done that several times.

This way I discovered a lot of worthwhile, interesting and good music. And of course I alsways share my findings with you. So please tag along and watch this review, as I tell you all I know about the album Electronic Medication by Nisus.

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Panic Room - Skin

Skin is the third album by Panic Room, yet it is the first album I hear of them. Panic Room comes forth from Karnataka, as four of the members also were a part of that band. I was familiar with Karnataka, but that band never clicked with me. For that reason I was in doubt whether or not to review the album.

But while listening to the album, I discovered it's inner beauty. The band won me over with their intimate, subtle atmosphere and well crafted songs. Simply by listening to this album, I discovered the strength of the band and what makes them standout. If you watch my review, I hope you will discover that too.

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Landmarq (Tracy Hitchings)

Back in 2003 I saw Landmarq for the first time. Now, some 10 years later, they returned to Holland for a few shows and I was happy to see them at the Rock ITtervoort festival. The band delivered a stunning performance and Tracy Hitchings showed what an amazing singer she is!

The past years have been an eventful period for the band, but especially for Tracy, but also a happy period, as they recently released their long-awaited new album, Entertaining Angels and are back on stage. So I was happy to catch up with Tracy and look back on the past years, but also ahead, to the future.

Nolan, Clive - Alchemy

Clive Nolan is a man of many talents. He is well-known of his work in Shadowland, Pendragon, Arena and many more progressive rockbands. But in 2005 he took a different direction, when he started writing his first musical, She. And now Clive Nolan brings his second musical: Alchemy.

Alchemy is entirely written and composed by Clive Nolan (She was based on a book) and features a stellar cast, with many familiar names and few unfamiliar. I personally thinkClive Nolan has outdone himself and this is the best music he ever composed. Follow me in this video review, as I tell you more about the music and the cast and why you should listen to this album.

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Twelfth Night - Live and Let Live (The definitive Edition)

Twelfth Night is a legendary band and they released many memorable albums. But one album is a real classic, an album you simply must own: Live and Let Live. It was my introduction to TN and I was, and still am, impressed by the fantastic atmosphere of the show and the amazing performance by Geoff Mann.

The Definitive Edition feautures the entire show, played by the band on those two nights in November 1983. It marked the departure of Geoff Mann from Twelfth Night, so the show is very emotional. In retrospect, it is a grand legacy Geoff Mann left us. To this day a very powerful and captivating album.

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Cosmograf - The Man Left In Space

Robin Armstrong is the man behind Cosmograf. An independent musician, with a love for concept albums and his fourth release, The Man Left in Space is no exception. It is an absolute masterpiece! Well composed music, with a hint of Pink Floyd a la Dark Side of the Moon.

Well performed as well, by Mr. Armstrong, who takes care of most instruments, but also by a number of guestmusicians. These all add a lot of flavour to the music, making it stand out above the crowd. Amazing guitarwork to be enjoyed, but everything on this album fits perfectly, the vocals, the music, the backing vocals, and even a recital of a poem. This album is a must have!

This the the 200th video review I bring you since May 2010. A real milestone and I am very happy I got this far. Let's see when and what the next milestone will be :-)

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Emmens, Gert & Ruud Heij - Lost in the Swamp

Lost in the Swamp is the 6th album by Dutch EM musicians Gert Emmens and Ruud Heij. A very good concept album, where they explore the feeling of being lost. The music is in the style of the Berlin School of electronic music.

Both musicians have a solid background in EM, yet have different strengths. Ruud Heij brings the sequences, while Gert Emmens brings the melodies. Their combined effort results in a very beautiful album.

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