This Week's Listen

Fragile - Yes (1971)

This intriguing album is probably the most well-rounded album Yes ever produced, and it could easily be labeled one of the best progressive rock releases ever. The band uses a great blend of short and long tracks that really showcase the band's overall range. Shorter tracks like "Roundabout" and "Long Distance Runaround" are probably the most well-known samples from the album, but the long player on the album, "Heart of the Sunrise," truly makes this album shine. Jon Anderson's vocals could not be any better, and Bill Bruford's drumming is top-notch, as usual. Legendary bassist Chris Squire is also in top form, giving many listeners a reason to place this album somewhere at the top of a "best bass albums ever" list (see his track "The Fish"). Steve Howe displays his unique guitar-playing style throughout the album, but my favorite bit is his solo composition "Mood for a Day," which is an emotional acoustic piece that is nothing less than absolutely peaceful. Keyboard legend Rick Wakeman does his thing, which is usually beyond complete comprehension.

A very solid album, and also a great introduction to the prog rock genre for any newcomers. Highly recommended.

Great video that really shows how awesomely bizarre these guys were:

This Week's Listen

Land of the Midnight Sun - Al Di Meola (1976)

One of my most-played fusion albums, Al Di Meola's first solo album is certainly one to remember. All of the material is quite original, and this album shows his level of depth and variety in playing. Di Meola is joined by a superb cast of guest musicians, including Stanely Clarke, Chick Corea, Jaco Pastorius, and an array of excellent drummers (Steve Gadd, Alphonse Mouzon, Lenny White). This album, along with his second "Elegant Gypsy," are absolute necessities from this Wizard's extensive discography.

This Week's Listen

Black Country - Black Country Communion (2010)


Just listened to this, and I have to say it is indeed quite awesome. The chemistry of this supergroup is simply great. Compared to other supergroups today, I'd say it stacks up to last year's Them Crooked Vultures, and absolutely annihilates Chickenfoot. So who's in the band and what do they play? This all-star lineup is one of the best I've seen, with Glenn Hughes (Trapeze, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath) on bass and lead vocals, Joe Bonamassa (solo) on guitar and vocals, Jason Bonham (various sessions) on drums, and finally Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, solo) on keys. This extremely unique lineup cranks out a whopping 72 minutes of hard-edged blues-rock on this fantastic debut album. I'd say Joe truly shines the most here, producing dazzling solos that demonstrate his talent beyond his usual bluesy work. Hughes is also a highlight because not only is his bass-playing noticeably top-notch, but his voice is also in exceptional form, with possibly more energy and better tone in comparison to his '70s work. Bonham does his thing, which mainly consists of pounding those drums like a true veteran. His father would be proud. And finally, Derek's part in this band seems to have been drowned out by everyone else, but still, he definitely does not take away from the experience.

All in all, this is a very unique release, and anyone into classic '70s blues-rock will be sure to enjoy this. Highly recommended.