Partial Albums

[progdirjim(Admin)]

In another time and place, RickandRoll wrote:

And certainly, I wouldn't want to see a CD with some songs omitted (which is one of the very few complaints of mine of AM).

I was intrigued by this comment, and honestly wonder how many people agree or disagree with this.

In general, when we add an album to AM, we add the whole thing. That being said, there are numerous cases where either one or more songs is intentionally omitted, or where only one or more songs off of the album are added. If I omit a song, it's typically because it is signifcantly inferior, or else clearly not prog, in my opinion. If I add only one or two songs from an album, it's typically because I think I've found a worthwhile song from a non-prog artist. A good example of the latter is "And I Moved" from Pete Townshend - most of that album is clearly not prog, but I think that song is a prog gem.

Feedback? I'm not promising to change my approach, but I am interested in opinions. And feel free to point out specific disagreements in the 'Music Suggestions" forum.

[Rick and Roll]

As the PD, it is incumbent that you make those decisions. And, that explanation is good enough for me.

For any new addition, please note (in a thread or similar note) that some songs are deleted. That would a) keep someone from looking for a song, and b) get any dissension out of the way.

For an existing artist, I guess a listener can let you know when he/she sees an inconsistency.

The one that I think sparked my comment is "Cowboy Poems Free" by Echolyn. That release is very atypical of them, but the music is consistent. I'm not disagreeing with the songs on AM, but I would have liked to see "As The World" on AM in its entirety before a partial selection off of a CD that's not up to snuff.

Again, a minor complaint, and satisfactorily explained (from my perspective).

[progdirjim(Admin)]

Originally posted by Rick and Roll
For any new addition, please note (in a thread or similar note) that some songs are deleted. That would a) keep someone from looking for a song, and b) get any dissension out of the way.

Fair enough - I'll try to remember to do this. Should provide some lively discussions at some point - "hey, that's my favorite song you left off" or "why'd you include this POS?"

The one that I think sparked my comment is "Cowboy Poems Free" by Echolyn. That release is very atypical of them, but the music is consistent. I'm not disagreeing with the songs on AM, but I would have liked to see "As The World" on AM in its entirety before a partial selection off of a CD that's not up to snuff.

the one song from Cowboy Poems Free is an anomaly - I got that from the NEARfest website afew years back, so it wasn't a conscious decision to include only that song. You should see all of "As The World" and "Cowboy Poems Free" fairly soon.

[Rick and Roll]

Originally posted by progdirjim

You should see all of "As The World" and "Cowboy Poems Free" fairly soon.

I'm tingling...........


As for the "lively discusions", I was reluctant to suggest that (I hear Pandora's box opening)....

Nice job, Jim.

[Yesspaz]

this is a topic I've wondered about before. Considering that the following are my opinions, my two cents are (an this is from someone who is almost bankrupt):

1. Some artists should be added in their entirety just simply because prog is built on them. So albums like UNION, OPEN YOUR EYES, and THE WALL should be added in their entirety. Under this logic, TEST FOR ECHO, THE DIVISION BELL, etc. should be added.

2. I have no problem with only adding some songs from albums if the album is terribly inconsistent. As I've pointed out elsewhere, PC Genesis is a perfect example. Take the album INVISIBLE TOUCH for example. The songs "Invisible Touch," "In Too Deep," "Anything She Does," and "Throwing It All Away" should be left off. But no prog station would be complete without "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight," "Land of Confusion," "Domino," and "The Brazilian."

3. Some individual tracks should definitely make it from some artists, like PDJim's Pete Townsend example. Take for instance Grank Funk Railroad's classic "Closer to Home/I'm Your Captain." I think this song is a prog rock masterpiece and belongs on any prog station. Would I add the entire album, or for that matter, any other GFR songs? Nope.

That said, unless one song is an UNDENIABLE ABSOLUTE dud, add it all (if it's "close" to being a dud, but it's debateable, add it - one man's trash is another man's treasure). And if one song is great, don't add a whole crappy album in the name of completion.


Well, that's my non-sequestered opinion.... Yesspaz out.

[PlayingTheFool]

Originally posted by Yesspaz
this is a topic I've wondered about before. Considering that the following are my opinions, my two cents are (an this is from someone who is almost bankrupt):

1. Some artists should be added in their entirety just simply because prog is built on them. So albums like UNION, OPEN YOUR EYES, and THE WALL should be added in their entirety. Under this logic, TEST FOR ECHO, THE DIVISION BELL, etc. should be added.

2. I have no problem with only adding some songs from albums if the album is terribly inconsistent. As I've pointed out elsewhere, PC Genesis is a perfect example. Take the album INVISIBLE TOUCH for example. The songs "Invisible Touch," "In Too Deep," "Anything She Does," and "Throwing It All Away" should be left off. But no prog station would be complete without "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight," "Land of Confusion," "Domino," and "The Brazilian."

3. Some individual tracks should definitely make it from some artists, like PDJim's Pete Townsend example. Take for instance Grank Funk Railroad's classic "Closer to Home/I'm Your Captain." I think this song is a prog rock masterpiece and belongs on any prog station. Would I add the entire album, or for that matter, any other GFR songs? Nope.

That said, unless one song is an UNDENIABLE ABSOLUTE dud, add it all (if it's "close" to being a dud, but it's debateable, add it - one man's trash is another man's treasure). And if one song is great, don't add a whole crappy album in the name of completion.


Well, that's my non-sequestered opinion.... Yesspaz out.

I agree with this assessment, "The Wall" & " The Division Bell" should be added & those certain tracks from "Invisible Touch" should be added as well.

I also suggest to add some Robert Wyatt..."Rock Bottom" or his latest release: "Cuckooland" should definetly be added.

Alexander

[Rick and Roll]

Originally posted by Yesspaz


1. Some artists should be added in their entirety just simply because prog is built on them. So albums like UNION, OPEN YOUR EYES, and THE WALL should be added in their entirety. Under this logic, TEST FOR ECHO, THE DIVISION BELL, etc. should be added.

I don't want to open the Rush can of worms again. TFE is more prog than some other Rush on AM. I would agree with your entirety thing, except for your second point (see below).

2. Take the album INVISIBLE TOUCH for example. The songs "Invisible Touch," "In Too Deep," "Anything She Does," and "Throwing It All Away" should be left off. But no prog station would be complete without "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight," "Land of Confusion," "Domino," and "The Brazilian."

I agree 100% - now take that back to the Yes records you mentioned. I think Invisible Touch is better than Open Your Eyes. Leave 'em both out. I love the track "Fading Lights" from We Can't Dance. Not worth buying it for AM, though.

To summarize:

Good Yes not = Open Your Eyes
Good Genesis not = Invisible Touch.

Same argument.

3. Some individual tracks should definitely make it from some artists, like PDJim's Pete Townsend example. Take for instance Grank Funk Railroad's classic "Closer to Home/I'm Your Captain." I think this song is a prog rock masterpiece and belongs on any prog station. Would I add the entire album, or for that matter, any other GFR songs? Nope.

Love GFR - and Closer To Home is one of my ten favorite tunes. however, tons of examples of good prog songs by R&R bands. Some standouts - Achilles Last Stand, Green Eyed Lady, some older Maiden or Sabbath, some Who, Queen - not worth the trouble to me. Hell, I'm surprised Manfred Mann made it (and glad) - but lots of stuff is borderline prog.

That said, unless one song is an UNDENIABLE ABSOLUTE dud, add it all (if it's "close" to being a dud, but it's debateable, add it - one man's trash is another man's treasure). And if one song is great, don't add a whole crappy album in the name of completion.

I agree with all of that - good point.


Well, that's my non-sequestered opinion.... Yesspaz out.

[PlayingTheFool]

Originally posted by Rick and Roll
however, tons of examples of good prog songs by R&R bands. Some standouts - Achilles Last Stand...

Also Carouselambra From In Thourgh The Out Door & No Quarter from their live album: "The Song Remains The Same" would be good additons I suppose!

[Rick and Roll]

that live No Quarter is my favorite Page lead.....and Cauroselambra is so atypical but really intense.

[black max]

Agreed. There is no reason to include an entire CD for completion's sake if some of the material is inferior. I would include "Union" in that as well as material from lesser lights.

[Rick and Roll]

good point max, nice to hear from you.