My old friend, the near-legendary freak-psych guitarist Billy Tsounis, has a new album. From his Bandcamp site: “Pregnant Man Blues is the latest transmission from Billy Tsounis and The Amazing Androids, a band that lives where psychedelic rock, cosmic blues, and surreal sci-fi textures intersect. Entirely instrumental, the record plays Continue Reading
Progressive Rock
Brigitte Fontaine – Brigitte Fontaine Est Folle (Special Edition)
From our dear friends at Wewantsounds: “Wewantsounds is delighted to reissue French pop icon Brigitte Fontaine’s landmark 1968 album Brigitte Fontaine Est Folle, originally released on the cult label Saravah and arranged by Jean-Claude Vannier. approved by the artist, this reissue features the original album, newly remastered from the original Continue Reading
Tassi 水树 / Kesys – Sky Asset 天道酬勤
From Tassi’s Bandcamp site: “This album was born from a rare collaboration with Jeff Grimal (ex-The Great Old Ones, Prisme, etc.). For me, it is more than a meeting of artists—it is a dialogue between two dreamlike worlds, French and Chinese, a cosmic exchange where music carries mysticism, subtlety, and Continue Reading
Richard Leo Johnson – The Sleeping Porch
Thanks to the ever-wonderful Cuneiform Records for offering this album by the Georgia (USA)-based guitarist Richard Leo Johnson. You can hear flashes of John McLaughlin, Leo Kottke, Larry Coryell and Ralph Towner’s influence, but Richard has carved out his own niche. A great guitar disc.
Various Artists – Mellow Label Productions: Omaggio a Demetrio Stratos
Demetrio Stratos was an Egyptian-born Greek who lived in Italy and served as the frontman and vocalist of the legendary progressive rock band Area, as well as a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and music researcher. Mellow Label Productions, a venerable Italian record label, has produced a tribute to his work.
Layma Azur – La Fruta Perfecta, Vol. 1
Our beloved friends Layma Azur have released a magnificent concept album that balances progressive rock and metal beautifully. This is the first of three, so I am looking forward to the other two parts coming out. To Santiago and Amandine, you never cease to amaze me!
Cloud Canyons & Studio Kosmische – Under Neon Stars
After a rather tough week, I needed to hear something more cheerful. Thanks to Cloud Canyons for collaborating with the band Studio Kosmische on this two-track single, which is full of motorik grooves reminiscent of Neu! and Stereolab.
Anthony Pirog – Pocket Poem
Anthony Pirog is a guitarist from New York City whose album here, Pocket Poem, is a release that Cuneiform Records has featured on its $5 Fridays promotion. From his Bandcamp site: “Pirog has established himself engaging in genre-blurring activities in the disparate veins of indie rock, rockabilly, avant-folk, creative jazz, Continue Reading
Roz Vitalis – Dedication to BigNick
Roz Vitalis is a progressive rock band known for their exceptional technical skills on their instruments. However, they truly shine when they exercise restraint. Their music incorporates elements of Rock-In-Opposition, avant-prog, and a touch of arena rock, resulting in a brilliant album. The “BigNick” referred to is their producer, Nikolai Bogaichuk, who Continue Reading
Luciano Margorani – Dario D’Alessandro – Chris Cutler – Triangolazioni
Our friends at áMARXE have released a wonderful collaboration between Luciano Margorani, Dario D’Alessandro and the legendary Chris Cutler. From the label’s Bandcamp site: “This project started in April 2012 when I asked Chris to record six rhythmic parts on his own, suggesting he play six different drum parts as Continue Reading