Epics #2 - Octavarium - Dream Theater

So we've finally come to one of my top seven albums of all time: Octavarium. As the name may lead you to believe, this is Dream Theater's eighth album, and my second favorite. Before I begin, let me assure you that I've done my best to keep this synopsis brief, as I could probably write a short book about this album.
The album starts off with what I said in an earlier review was one of the best openings an album can have. The first track is "The Root of All Evil." It's a continuation of the AA suite Mike Portnoy is writing (see my Six Degrees post for more info). It starts off with the last note of the previous album, Train of Thought, continuing that little tradition. Then, in the background, you hear the pounding drum rhythm of "This Dying Soul" (the previous segment of the AA suite). As this comes to the foreground, it gets accompanied by a guitar chord that changes from echoing to screeching... and then the band blasts through with a metal riff that will rip the breath right from your lungs. The song doesn't let up, either. YOU CAN'T KILL THE METAL! This song is through and through a powerful hit that shouldn't be missed by any fan of the genre. Also, at the end, the piano soars through with a theme that will be heard time and time again, often referred to as the "Octavarium Theme." That gives a really nice transition into "The Answer Lies Within." This song is a really beautiful piece that slows things down and proves Dream Theater's capability to be diverse. After shredding it up again in "These Walls," the band goes into a song that's a little bit out of their norm: "I Walk Beside You." This song really reminds me of a U2 song. Nevertheless, they really add a definite Dream Theater edge to the tune, and it ends up really growing on you as you listen to it more and more. You want more metal, you say? Well look no further than "Panic Attack." The band really unleashes on this one, showing they've still got the darker edge they pushed through on Train of Thought. The 5/8 time almost makes the listener anxious, and greatly complements the lyrics. "Never Enough" sounds a lot like a Muse song with a little heavier edge. The songs lyrics are really fun to listen to as well, as Mike Portnoy wrote this one as a backlash at his ungrateful fans. Finally before our epic, we have "Sacrificed Sons" which is about the attacks of 9/11. At 11 minutes, it's a really involved listen, but worth it.
And so, after 7 (relatively) shorter songs, we come to track 8: the reason I've chosen this album. I challenge you all: find me a song that builds like this one and I'll be forever in your debt. I say this because I don't think there exists a song that is a bigger build than "Octavarium." The song starts out with a very spacey Continuum Fingerboard solo and steel guitar that hearkens back to Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd. Then, around 4:30 into the song, acoustic guitar and flute present the "Octavarium Theme." The beginning is very haunting. When James LaBrie starts singing in the section, 'Someone Like Him,' you might just get a chill down your spine. At the end of that section, the volume and tempo start picking up, only to drop the listener in a new section: 'Medicate (Awakening).' It's very funky, with bass and drums really feeding off of each other well. This flows into a wicked-awesome keyboard solo as the song kicks into the next gear. As it continues to build, it comes to the climax section, 'Intervals.' As the final climb happens in the background, we're presented with a 2-line synopsis of each song on the album, that ends with the screamed line, "Trapped inside this Octavarium!" I've listened to this song more times than I could possibly keep track of, and it never ceases to send that familiar shiver down my back. There really is nothing like it.
What I've left out of this post is all of the musical and lyrical references found all over the album. I highly recommend you check out this site to learn more.
So, as you can see, I really, really like this album. It should go without saying that I think you should all go give it a listen. Coming on New Year's Day, my number one epic of all time!

Free link to the album on Napster:
http://free.napster.com/view/album/index.html?id=12009581

Epics #3 - V - Spock's Beard

Number three on my list comes from my second favorite modern progressive rock band: Spock's Beard. V is their fifth album, (appropriately) and it may just be my favorite. The whole album is something you could listen to over and over and never get bored of.
It opens with a song of considerable length: "At the End of the Day." The way the opening chords melt together is a really beautiful thing. Then it builds to a drum intro that unleashes the main hook of the song. Criss-crossing instrumental and vocal sections, you see how talented each member of this band really is. Neal Morse, the singer, however, tends to steal the show. You can't blame him, though; his voice is one my favorites in all of prog rock. The song is a thouroughly enjoyable listen, and if you don't have the patience for today's epic, I'd start with this one. "Revelation" is an interesting song for its changes in attitude and emotion. When the refrain kicks in, it's very powerful and heavy, but it instantly switches to the softer, mellow verse and even a vibraphone-esque solo. "Thoughts, Pt. 2" is another really interesting tune. It also switches between those smooth and rough passages, but this time, its got a twisty instrumental line and a multi-part chorus. The sound combination is just awesome. Oh, and if you're wondering, there is a song "Thoughts" that's on their earlier album Beware of Darkness. The other couple of songs on the album are really great as well, but I want to jump ahead to the last track, The Great Nothing.
This track's got it all. With references to Rush, Yes, and even a hip-hop section, this epic represents exactly what epics should be. It's 27 minutes long, but you'd never know it, because it's so involving. You can get lost in the flow of this song very easily. As a tribute to that, I'm listening to it as I write, and I stopped writing for a second because the song will just pull at you like that. As I said before, Spock's Beard is a great modern prog band, and I feel like this song is the best example I can give to the average reader as support for that claim. Mixing classic with modern, this song is not to be missed.

Unfortunately, I was unable to find a link to this album, but iTunes does have those little 30 second clips you can listen to.

Epics #4 - Unfold the Future - The Flower Kings

Coming in at number four on my top five epics is "The Truth Will Set You Free" from the album Unfold the Future by The Flower Kings. This album is the longest studio album I own at 2:31:22, and this song is the longest single-track epic I own at 31 minutes (EDIT: I now own Light of Day, Day of Darkness, which is 60 minutes). First, a little about the album:
The album is solid, to be sure. Every song is a delightful little listen. The only thing I might say negatively about this album is that its length makes it difficult to listen to in its entirety. If you have the time and focus for it, though, it's really great. I would consider The Flower Kings to be at the very front of modern progressive rock. Their sound is very fine-tuned, and yet still carries elements of the roots of the genre from bands like Yes and King Crimson. One thing that's cool is that this album is a lot more jazz-oriented than other Flower Kings material, so even those who aren't as into prog will get a kick out of it. I'd like to talk about the epic, though, so I won't mention details about the rest of the songs.
"The Truth Will Set You Free" is a great example of an epic. When I say that, what I mean is that if someone wanted to know what an epic sounds like, I would lead them to listen to this track. It weaves between genres left and right, keeping it interesting. However, the theme keeps showing up, and the refrain keeps coming back when things start getting pretty far from usual. The track has instrumental sections that will make any listener immediately think Pink Floyd, Emerson, Lake, & Palmer, and Yes. If you close your eyes, you might just think that Jon Anderson is singing. I know I'm talking a lot about other artists, but that's what I think makes this epic so..... epic. It's really some of the band's best, and I think that's because they've sampled some of prog rock's best. I really don't have much to say specifically, but I encourage you to sit down with a cup of tea and listen to this great piece of music. Just be thankful I'm not asking you to listen to "Garden of Dreams." That song is nearly 60 minutes!

Free link to the album on Napster:
http://free.napster.com/view/album/index.html?id=12289818

Epics #5 - Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence - Dream Theater

Coming in at #5 is a song from my fifth favorite Dream Theater album... what a coincidence! The song is "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence" off of the album of the same name. First, though, I want to talk a little bit about the rest of the album.
When I say that this is only my fifth favorite album by this band is not at all a negative thing. This album really is a great set of songs. As a concept album, the band was trying to put together a collection of songs that represent the turbulence in all of us, whether it be alcoholism, losing one's faith, death, or moral judgment. They also kind of divided their fans with this album. Many liked the individual singles of the first CD, and others preferred the epic that was the second disc. First, a little about the former:
The first song, "The Glass Prison" opens with the last sounds of the previous album, a tradition that would be carried through until their eighth album, Octavarium. After a quiet guitar intro, the song explodes into a fast-paced metal riff. The song is actually just the first 3 parts of an unfinished suite by Mike Portnoy, the band's drummer. It describes the first three of twelve steps in the Alcoholics Anonymous program. It has been continued throughout the rest of their albums, and is expected to be finished on their upcoming tenth album. This is the haviest song on the album, and could also be considered an epic in itself. As the album goes on, you get some other really great songs: "Misunderstood" is a great slow song that explodes with power about halfway through. The lyrics are amazing as well. I also highly recommend "The Great Debate," a song about stem-cell research. The song takes a neutral stance and weighs the arguments in a very thought-provoking, and yet entertaining song. However, what I really want to talk about is the sixth track... the one that makes it onto my little list.
"Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence" is the second longest piece of music I have in my iTunes library (although it's broken into 8 tracks), weighing in at over 41 minutes long. This song is broken up into an intro, finale, and six stories of different mental disorders. These include: Bipolar disorder, PTSD, Schizophrenia, Post-Partum depression, Autism, and Dissociative Identity Disorder. I won't go into the real details of all of the sections, but the way they're represented is extremely well done. For example, in 'About to Crash,' which is about Bipolar disorder, the band uses 7/4 time signature to describe her manic episodes, and then a more relaxed 4/4 to describe the depression. These musical characteristics are found all through the piece, though. What I really like most about this that some of the more famous epics are missing is that this really feels like one piece. If you're interested in hearing a good prog epic with some metal thrown in, this is a great choice.
If you're in the mood for some interesting music, please give this album, or just this song, a listen. What else have you got to do? ;)

Free link to the album on Napster:
http://free.napster.com/view/album/index.html?id=12856424

P.S.: I also recommend listening to the orchestrated version they did live:
http://free.napster.com/player/?play_id=17450900&type=track

Still to come:
A song about nothing
An album where the epic is the only good song
A song whose relative minor is F
A song from the longest studio album I own

How many can you guess?

Winter Break of Epic Proportions

During this winter break period I want to do something a little different. Although some of you will boo and turn away, I want to review the albums that contain my top five favorite epics. What is an epic, you say? What? You didn't say that? oh... well pretend you did... jerk... In progressive rock, epics are usually defined as pieces that sometimes run as long as 20 minutes or longer. Sometimes they are part of concept albums, and sometimes they are just an opportunity for the artist to write music without the restriction of a "radio-friendly" time limit. From now until the new year, I want to bring you my favorite 5 epics. In doing so, I'll also be reviewing the albums they came from. Hopefully you'll all be bored over break and have the time to listen to these great tunes!

Origin of Symmetry - Muse

Muse is a great band. I don't know too many people that will disagree with that statement. However, ask Muse fans what their favorite album is, and you'll most likely have a fight on your hands. I won't try to make any inter-album comparisons, but I will tell you, fair reader, that Origin of Symmetry is a great piece to add to anyone's collection.

I don't exactly know why, but I've always been obsessed with the way that bands choose to open their albums. I personally feel like the opening to that first song is a huge part of the way I view the album as a whole. Not that an album that starts poorly can't be good, but it makes a difference to me. From the haunting three-note guitar part of Black Sabbath to the pulsing heartbeat of Dark Side of the Moon, to the crushingly awesome metal riff in Octavarium (I'll get to all of these eventually, I'm sure), it really does make an impact. Well, Muse does not disappoint in this aspect. "New Born" starts out with a brisk little electric piano line that follows into a smooth vocal intro (complete with the signature over-exaggerated breathing of Matthew Bellamy)... then the ROCK BEGINS!!! When that distorted bass kicks in, you know you're in for a great time. This first song is a real gem. What else can I say? Oh, and doesn't the chord progression sound similar to "Knights of Cydonia?"
The intro is great, but the album doesn't have a single song I would consider skipping. I feel like this album really shows Muse at their most distinguished. Musically, I absolutely love their sense of layering and focus. Bellamy's long, drawn-out vocal lines stretch over the faster, more complicated instrumentals in a way that makes you have to just say "ooh, that's good."
I also find it to be a really diverse album by them. On one hand, you have "Plug in Baby," which is very alternative, but then Muse shows off a little metal in "Micro Cuts," and continues on to prove that they can carry that focus even when the music gets softer in "Screenager." Overall, this leads to an album that keeps your attention the whole way through.
There's plenty more I could say about Origin of Symmetry, but I'd rather you just take a listen. Enjoy!

Free link to the album streaming from Napster:
http://free.napster.com/view/album/index.html?id=12063014

P.S.:
I've realized that between this and Point of Know Return that I tend to greatly disagree with what the review on Napster says, so don't believe them.... or don't believe me... I don't care. Just listen to the album!

Mass Romantic - The New Pornographers

I've come to the realization that I listen to too much music to make my choices on a weekly basis. From now on, I plan to choose 2 albums per week.

Most of you know that my favorite music genre is progressive rock. However, that's not the only thing I listen to. Throughout the course of a week, I really listen to a pretty varied selection. Today's pick is a fun indie rock/pop band from our neighbor to the north: The New Pornographers. With an impressive 8 member line-up and very diverse vocalists, the best way to describe this band is "fun."

Mass Romantic's toe-tapping hits just never stop coming. I could listen to this album over and over. If you want a perfect example, listen to "Letter from an Occupant." The surf-beat drums and catchy vocal line will make you smile every time you hear it come on. What I really love about this album (and the band, for the most part) is that it never takes itself too seriously. It seems that the New Pornos really knew what sound they were looking for, and kept it light-hearted the whole time. With songs like "The Slow Descent into Alcoholism" though, how can you take yourself seriously? Even "Breakin' the Law," the only slower song on the album, is fun and spirited. I'm also a big fan of the way the vocalists really bring their own flair to each song. Neko Case almost has a Joan Jett sound, which is a great match for the title track. Then, throw in the soothing sound of A. C. Newman (whose solo project is awesome, by the way) and the quirky tone of Dan Bejar, and you've got yourself a real winner of an album. Check it out; it'll make you happy during finals!

Unfortunately, Napster does not have a link to this album streaming: BOO! If anyone finds it online somehwere, let me know!

I do have for you a sample player:
http://www.7digital.com/artists/the-new-pornographers/mass-romantic/

Point of Know Return - Kansas

So what album could possibly get me motivated enough to create this blog? If you know a lot about me, you might be surprised. I've chosen Point of Know Return by Kansas.
First, a little history:
Kansas are most often categorized as a progressive rock band. The reason this is important is because at the time, progressive rock was primarily a British scene. Kansas was really the first band to push the genre into the American audience's ears. Songs like "Dust in the Wind" and "Carry On Wayward Son" were appealing because they were similar to the American sound of the time.
Now... why would I have chosen Point of Know Return? Kansas' most famous album is probably Leftoverture, which was released a year earlier, and my favorite album by them is Masque, which was still a year before that. The reason I chose this album is because it's just awesome.
It opens with the title track, which is a driving tune that does a great job of showing off everything I love about the band. The time signatures, dynamic phrasing, and noodly violin parts are fantastic. The very best part, though, is that the album, though diverse, never lets up in awesomeness. It continues with a similar second track, "Paradox," and then the extremely progressive instrumental, "The Spider." My favorite track is probably the fourth, though. "Portrait (He knew)" uses the 6/8 feel to switch between the bluesy verse and chorus to the twisty instrumental section at the end. It's really a must-hear.
I won't go on and on about each song, but they never cease to please. Although it goes without saying that I recommend all of my selections, I really think anyone that likes Kansas' hits should take a good look at this one.

Here's a free link to the album streaming from Napster:
http://free.napster.com/view/album/index.html?id=10665993

Introduction

Hello everyone! And by everyone, I mean mom, Chris, and that creepy internet guy (you know the one). I thought I'd fill some space in this introduction post to talk about what exactly is going to be posted in the weeks to come on this blog:
As most people know, I enjoy music. A lot. Every day, whether it be biking to school, or just sitting on my computer, I'm usually listening to something. What I'm listening to changes depending on what I'm in the mood for, or what I've been listening to recently. However, it seems that after a week, there's at least one album that was my favorite for the week. Now, the important thing to keep in mind is that the albums I pick for this blog are not necessarily the greatest albums on the earth, or even the best album by the artist; they are just the ones that I really enjoyed over the days. That in mind, I'm gonna go ahead and start by adding this week's Album of the Week!