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December 2016 - Issue 121
Progressive Rock CD Reviews
Agitation Free - Fragments
Review by Gary Hill

This album brings more psychedelia and even some jazz to the table. It's still got a lot of space rock, though.

Agitation Free - Last
Review by Gary Hill

I really dig the trippy space sounds on this set. It's perhaps closer to something like Hawkwind than any of their other sets I've heard are.

Agitation Free - Last, Fragments and Live '74
Review by Gary Hill

This new box set includes three CDs that have been reissued.

Agitation Free - Live 74
Review by Gary Hill

This live set is strong.

Autumnal Blossom - Spellbound
Review by Gary Hill

This is an intriguing set. It's related to folk prog. It's related to classical music.

Carved Souls - Whispers
Review by Gary Hill

I know these guys get billed as prog in some circles. They are probably better described as dark electronic music. .

Colosseum - Colosseum Live
Review by Gary Hill

This new release is a deluxe reissue of an old album from Colosseum. There is a second CD with bonus tracks and to some degree, I think I like that disc better. .

Marcus Corbett - Every Little Spirit
Review by Gary Hill
The music here lands in the neighborhood of world music based folk prog. I like this set quite a bit.
Cure for Gravity - Cure for Gravity
Review by Gary Hill
Those looking for traditional prog rock will not find it here.

Dwiki Dharmawan - Pasar Klewer
Review by Gary Hill
I have landed this under prog rock, but it's definitely more fusion oriented.
Drop.Kick.Pop - Plastic Hallway
Review by Gary Hill
This might not land under progressive rock in the traditional usage of that term. However, this is very proggy stuff.
George Duke - Shine On: Anthology - Epic Years 1977-1984
Review by Gary Hill
This double CD compilation has some great music built into it. It focuses more on the soul side of George Duke's solo career.
DVR - California
Review by Gary Hill
This is an unusual album. The songs here don't always seem to mesh together all that well.

Pablo Embon - Funky Side of the Road
Review by Gary Hill
I love the mellow jazz on display here. You'll note that I've included this in the progressive rock section of Music Street Journal.
Gong - Rejoice! I'm Dead!
Review by Gary Hill
Daevid Allen was the heart and soul of this band. After his passing it might seem odd that a new Gong album would be released that captures the spirit of Gong.
Gravy Train - Second Birth
Review by Gary Hill

This is a new reissue of an album from 1973. It might not be full on progressive rock. 

Half Past Four - Land of the Blind
Review by Gary Hill
I really like this band. I've reviewed them in the past and always find them to be refreshing. 
Herbie Hancock - Sunlight & Feets Don't Fail Me Now
Review by Gary Hill
The discussion of progressive rock or not on this one is rather obvious.
Hawklords - Fusion
Review by Gary Hill
Hawklords is essentially a Hawkwind spin off band.
Hawkwind - Hawklords - 25 Years On
Review by Gary Hill
This album was released under the moniker of "Hawklords." Apparently there were some legal issues tying up the Hawkwind name, so the change was made.
Hawkwind - Quark Strangeness and Charm
Review by Gary Hill
The production on this is a bit unusual. There are also some punky elements. 
Hawkwind - The Charisma Years 1976-1979
Review by Gary Hill
This brand new set includes remastered versions of four Hawkwind albums.
Hawkwind - The RCA Active Years - 1981-1982
Review by Gary Hill
This new three CD set assembles three Hawkwind albums released from 1981-1982. I'm a huge fan of the third of those discs, Choose Your Masques, but I actually like all three. 
Izz - Ampersand, Volume 2
Review by Gary Hill
This new album is very intriguing. The music changes a lot from song to song.
Mike Keneally - Scambot 2
Review by Gary Hill
I have been impressed with Mike Keneally since the first time I heard him. Like King's X, Keneally can take music that's decidedly left of center and make it catchy.
Von Konow - Cosmic (digital single)
Review by Gary Hill
This is a brand new single from a Finnish art rocker.
Luna 13 - Dark Side of the Sun
Review by Gary Hill

I really can see someone arguing with this landing in prog rock. The dark electronic vibe here, though, lands near a lot of modern prog stuff.

Magnetic Ghost - Loss Molecules
Review by Gary Hill
I'm guessing some will argue with this landing under prog rock. It's certainly art rock, or perhaps post prog (whatever that means).
Lee “Scratch” Perry - Must Be Free
Review by Gary Hill
This is certainly progressive music. Is it progressive rock?
Anthony Phillips - Private Parts & Pieces V-VIII
Review by Gary Hill
Perhaps Anthony Phillips is best known as the original guitarist for Genesis. He really wasn't in that gig for all that long, though.
Anthony Phillips - Private Parts and Piece V: Twelve
Review by Gary Hill
A set of musical tapestries woven with acoustic guitar this is all instrumental. It makes its way through the months of the year in fine fashion.
Anthony Phillips - Private Parts and Piece VI: Ivory Moon
Review by Gary Hill
I think most people think of Anthony Phillips as a guitar player. With this album he turned his attention to solo piano.
Anthony Phillips - Private Parts and Piece VII: Slow Waves, Soft Stars
Review by Gary Hill
This set from the Private Parts and Pieces series is a bit less cohesive than some of the others.
Anthony Phillips - Private Parts and Pieces VIII: New England
Review by Gary Hill
This entry in the Private Parts and Pieces series is perhaps a bit better rounded than some of the rest are.
Poor Genetic Material - Absence
Review by Gary Hill
This is cool stuff. It's more modern prog, but there are definitely strong leanings toward old school folk prog.
Quiet World - The Road
Review by Gary Hill
This is a reissue of a 1970 release with a number of bonus tracks. This is not truly prog rock, but it is proto-prog.

Rogue Valley - Radiate Dissolve
Review by Gary Hill
I really like this album. The sound has a cool mix of elements.
Son of Man - Son of Man
Review by Gary Hill
This band is essentially a spin off of the group Man.
Steamhammer - Mountains
Review by Gary Hill
This album is quite cool. It's definitely a product of its time. It's not pure prog rock, either.
3rd Ear Experience - Stones Of A Feather
Review by Gary Hill
With this act you can always be sure that you'll get a lot of exceptional space rock. This disc is no exception.
Van der Graaf Generator - Do Not Disturb
Review by Gary Hill
This new disc from Van Der Graaf Generator is sure to please long time fans of the band. Personally, I don't think I'm the target audience for this.
La YnE - La Grande Illusion
Review by Gary Hill
I'm willing to bet that you've not heard anything quite like this. It's a cool disc that lands generally in the realm of progressive rock.
Metal/Prog Metal CD Reviews
Alcatrazz - The Ultimate Fortress Rock Set
Review by Gary Hill
This is  a massive box set from Alcatrazz. The band was essential Graham Bonnet's vehicle after his time in Rainbow.
Thadeus Gonzalez - Thadeus Gonzalez
Review by Gary Hill
I reviewed a previous disc from Thadeus Gonzalez. I remember liking it.
Queensrÿche - Rage for Order (Remastered and Expanded Edition)
Review by Gary Hill
This remastered and expanded edition includes four bonus tracks. There is one of those that I think was kind of a mistake, but the other three are cool.
Rudra - Enemy of Duality
Review by Mike Korn
There’s a whole world of heavy metal outside the usual West European/North American stuff that gets all the publicity.

Non-Prog CD Reviews
Adoration Destroyed - Ritual Damage
Review by Gary Hill

This album has a lot of good stuff. It's influenced to a large degree by things like Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson, but also Gary Numan.

Gregg Kofi Brown - Rock N Roll and UFOs; The Gregg Kofi Brown Anthology
Review by Gary Hill

This compilation is tasty. Personally, I wish there had been a bit more range from song to song, but everything here is effective.

The Cavalry - Build Your Own Empire
Review by Gary Hill
With a sound that's based in modern pop, there is a healthy dosage of alternative rock, country and more here. This is a solid set.
Alex Di Leo - So We Go
Review by Gary Hill

This an effective and accessible collection of songs. There are a number of pieces that land in modern pop territory.

Katie Ferrara - Dream Catcher
Review by Gary Hill
This is a cool set of music. I suppose the most obvious comparison would be to Jewel, but Katie Ferrara has her own sound. 
Gunhill - Nightheat / One Over the Eight
Review by Gary Hill
Gunhill was a band that featured John Lawton as the lead singer. They released two albums in the 1990s.
John Lee Hooker - The Modern, Chess & Veejay Singles Collection 1949-62
Review by Gary Hill
This four disc set is packed full of great music. There is a tendency of the blues to be a bit samey
Matt Hurray - Unnecessary Commentary
Review by Gary Hill

This rocking album lands in the surf guitar territory.

Stefanie Keys - Open Road
Review by Gary Hill
I like this album quite a bit. Stefanie Kyes has a great classic voice. She's also got a good range in terms of moods conveyed.
Max Fite - Shake It On Down
Review by Gary Hill

This EP is an intriguing release. It has a lot of alternative rock along with roots music and more.

Mazz XT - At the Brink of Eternity
Review by Gary Hill

I dig this hard rocking set. The mix of sounds lands in the vicinity of alternative rock, but there is metal, punk and more here.

Kenny Neal - I'll Be Home for Christmas
Review by Gary Hill
This blues holiday album is great stuff. I have to say that it was actually released last year.
Neon Alley - Neon Alley
Review by Gary Hill
If you like your rock with a classic sound, you'll be interested in this. It you enjoy music that's not particularly challenging or original, but just plain catchy, you'll like this.

Phantom Phunk - Arboles Ossific
Review by Gary Hill
This set is an intriguing one. There is a lot of alternative rock along with punk and much more.

RedBelt - Beautiful Surround
Review by Gary Hill
The musical concept here is nothing unique or overly original. This is hard rocking, punk based stuff that just works pretty darned well.
Reid the Martian - Excuses Not To Sleep
Review by Gary Hill
This is a hip hop set that has a pretty decent range. There is quite a bit of electronic, house kind of sound built into the arrangements here.
Silverhead - 16 & Savaged
Review by Gary Hill
Silverhead was a band fronted by Michael Des Barres. Purple Music has just reissued three of their albums with a lot of bonus tracks.
Silverhead - Micheal Des Barres and Silverhead - Live at the Rainbow London
Review by Gary Hill
This is a new reissue from Sliverhead. The first tracks are the original live album.
Slaughter and the Dogs - Vicious
Review by Gary Hill
Punk rock and roots rock seem to meet here.

           

James Lee Stanley - Alive at Last: In Philadelphia
Review by Gary Hill
James Lee Stanley's music occupies a territory in the area where folk and singer/songwriter and rock all meet.
Telamor - Good Bad Love
Review by Gary Hill
There is a movement in music toward what is called "indie" or "DIY" music. This falls into that zone.
Dave Vargo - Burning Through
Review by Gary Hill
This is a very accessible release. It's music lands mostly in the range of singer/songwriter stuff.

Various Artists - Best of Rockpalast
Review by Gary Hill
"Rockpalast" was a German television show that broadcast concerts from a wide range of musical artists.
Various Artists - Joey Stuckey Presents: Ladies of the South
Review by Gary Hill

The title pretty much describes this set. The mix of sounds here leans more often toward bluesy rock, but there really is quite a range. 

Tammy Wynette - I Still Believe in Fairytales / Til I Can Make It On My Own
Review by Gary Hill
This is a new reissue of two classic Tammy Wynette albums on one CD.
Jesse Colin Young - Song for Juli (Vinyl)
Review by Gary Hill
I've heard of the Youngbloods, but I don't really remember hearing them. Jesse Colin Young got his start as the lead singer of that band. 
DVD/Video Reviews
Bryan Adams - Wembley Live 1996 DVD
Review by Gary Hill
Considering that this concert was twenty years ago, great audio and video quality are not a given. Fortunately, this is really quite good in both departments.
Joe Bonamassa - Live At The Greek Theatre DVD
Review by Gary Hill
I previously reviewed the audio set of this concert. As good as that was (and it was very good), this is so much better.
Drivin' N Cryin' - Scarred But Smarter (Life N Times of Drivin’ N Cryin’) DVD (2016 Edition)
Review by Gary Hill
This is a brand new release from Drivin' N Cryin' on the one hand. The other way to look at it, though, is that this is the same as a previously released DVD with a different cover.
The Everly Brothers - Harmonies from Heaven DVD
Review by Gary Hill
I was a bit underwhelmed by this documentary. A lot of that has to with the fact that Everly Brothers aren't really "my thing."
Eric Gales - Night on the Sunset Strip DVD/CD Set
Review by Gary Hill
I really wasn't sure if I should do this as a DVD review or CD one. Ultimately I chose to go with the video.
Journey - Live in Manilla DVD/CD
Review by Gary Hill
I love DVDs that include the music on CD. This is one such set, with a two audio CD set along with the video.
Don McLean - Starry Starry Night DVD
Review by Gary Hill

This is a newly remastered edition of a 1999 Don McLean concert. The thing is, if you didn't know better, you'd probably think it was from the 1970s.

Mötley Crüe - The End BluRay
Review by Gary Hill
Mick Mars' health has become increasingly troublesome for him over the years. For that reason Mötley Crüe made the decision to call it quits.
Rainbow - Memories in Rock - Live in Germany DVD/CD
Review by Gary Hill
In 2016, Ritchie Blackmore pleased his more rock oriented fans by assembling a new version of Rainbow and making his return to hard rock music.
The Rolling Stones - Havana Moon BluRay/2CD
Review by Gary Hill
The Rolling Stones recently played their first concert ever in Cuba. This BluRay is a record of that show.
Santana - Santana IV - Live at the House of Blues Las Vegas DVD/CD Set
Review by Gary Hill
The original version of Santana was a powerhouse band. They broke up several decades ago.
Dave Stewart and Spiritual Beggars - Live at Rock Palast DVD
Review by Gary Hill
It's a safe bet that a lot of people only know about Dave Stewart from his time as one half of the Eurythmics. Don't expect this to sound like that.

The Tubes - Live At German Television: The Musikladen Concert 1981 DVD
Review by Gary Hill
Since this concert was done for TV, the sound and video are not bad. Mind you, it's not up to modern standards.
Various Artists - All Things Must Pass: The Rise and Fall of Tower Records DVD
Review by Gary Hill
First things first, this is not actually a "Various Artists" release. Other than some music playing and some interview clips, it really isn't about musicians.
Interviews
Cure for Gravity
Interview by Gary Hill
Interview with Cure for Gravity from 2016
Edensong
Interview by Gary Hill
Interview with Tony Waldman of Edensong from 2016
Gong
Interview by Gary Hill
Interview with Kavus Torabi of Gong from 2016
Izz
Interview by Gary Hill
Interview with John Galgano of Izz from 2016
Mike Keneally
Interview by Gary Hill
Interview with Mike Keneally from 2016
Tony Levin
Interview by Gary Hill
Interview with Tony Levin from 2016
Rudra
Interview by Mike Korn

Interview with Simon of Rudra from 2016

Concert Reviews
Marillion - Live in Chicago, IL, October 2016
Review by Greg Olma
When Marillion rolls into town, it’s a special event.  Ever since their tour in 1997 for This Strange Engine, I have not taken Marillion touring the US for granted.  
 
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