Show 102

[Rick and Roll]

No fancy title this week, just happy to have had a show in the back pocket ready to go....the hits keep coming....

Ozric Tentacles - The Floor's Too Far Away (2006)

Bolshem
Armchair Journey
Jellylips
Vedavox
Spacebase
Disdots
Etherclock
Splat!
Ping

Two straight weeks starting off the show with space rock...mellowing? Hardly! Ozrics are into their third distinct period of their career. The 80's featured the freewheeling jam side, where period 2 I think was the best, starting with the awesome Erpland, continuing through Jurassic Shift, Strangeitude, Arborescence, etc. The last two releases have been more relaxed and even jazzy, in the case of Spirals In Hyperspace. Although their live sets of late are getting a bit stale, they continue to make solid records. Make no mistake, this one's almost all Ed Wynne. He plays most of the bass, the difficult keys, and of course the trademark guitar. Metro's on drums, and Ed's wife Brandi is around for the occasional bass, keyboard and silliness. A surprisingly fine record, they're still at it.

Platypus - When Pus Comes To Shove (1998)

Standing In Line
Nothing To Say
Rock Balls / Destination Unknown
Platt Opus
I'm With You
Blue Plate Special
Chimes
Willie Brown
Bye Bye
What About The Merch?

A fine collection of musicians, Derek Sherinian on keys, the great Rod Morgenstein on drums (and keys on Chimes), John Myung on bass, and Ty Tabor on guitar. Ty writes most of the songs, and while I think it keeps the record from becoming a true prog record, it gives the band cohesiveness. Too often great musicians who have success with their own bands make bland music when thrown together. This is one good record.

Edensong - excerpts from The Fruit Fallen (2006)

To See But Not Believe
Nocturne
Reflection

A myspace find, a big assist to Wojtek. They sent me a 3 song preview of their forthcoming debut CD. This is quality stuff...billed as Tull meets Dream Theater, it's much more than that. Excellent song structures and good musicians. they're based in New York and led by James Schoen. Check them out!

Ritual - Ritual (2003)

seven of the eleven songs....

The Way of Things
Typhoons Decide
A Little More Like Me
Solitary Man
Life Has Just Begun
Dependence Day
Big Black Secret

Debut CD featuring Patrik Lundstrom of Kaipa, the're Scandanavian but most of the muisic has a bit of Celtic influence. Lundstrom has an eerie similarity to Freddie Mercury in his singing.

Enjoy!