I don't like to spam the forum with show info (that's what the mailing list is for ;-) ), but since it seems many of you don't subscribe to the list, I'll make an exception today. Culled from a few lists like this one, reviews, feedback from numerous mailing lists and message boards, and of course requests over the past year, we offer Interstellar Overdrive's look at the Top 10 prog releases of 2004, and some of the dissappointments as well. Sure to spur some controversy, as these things always do, tune in Wednesday, December 29 at 23: 00GMT.
Well, let the arguments begin. Here's tonight's playlist and rankings:
December 29, 2004
Top 10 Prog Albums of 2004
10. Dave Bainbridge - Veil Of Gossamer 9. Anathema - A Natural Disaster 8. The Tangent - The World That We Drive Through 7. IQ - Dark Matter 6. Sylvan - X-Rayed 5. White Willow - Storm Season 4. Knight Area - The Sun Also Rises 3. Magenta - Seven 2. Blackfield - Blackfield 1. Riverside - Out Of Myself
TODAY'S PLAYLIST Dave Bainbridge - Chanting Waves Dave Bainbridge - Over The Waters Anathema - Pulled Under At 2000 Metres A Second Anathema - A Natural Disaster Anathema - Flying The Tangent - The World That We Drive Through IQ - You Never Will IQ - Born Brilliant Sylvan - Given Used Forgotten Sylvan - This World Is Not For Me White Willow - Chemical Sunset White Willow - Sally Left Knight Area - Mortal Brow Knight Area - Moods Inspiring Clouds Magenta - Anger (Live) Magenta - Sloth Blackfield - Open Mind Blackfield - Blackfield (Live Unplugged) Blackfield - Scars Blackfield - Cloudy Now (Live) Riverside - I Believe Riverside - Reality Dream Riverside - Loose Heart Riverside - In Two Minds
Also, 2 prog high-5s. First, to Shawn Gordon and Jerry George. Jerry started progrock.com over 5 years ago, my intro to internet prog radio. Shawn took it over a couple years ago, together they started Prog Rock Records, which really hit its stride this year. Shawn also started a new d/l service called Mindawn.com, specializing in prog-related, DRM-free downloads.
Also, to my buddies Tom Smith and George Roldan, for having the balls to bring some of the top prog bands in the world to a new festival, namely Rosfest. Congrats to all for supporting and promoting progressive rock.
Most insignificant release of 2004 goes to The Flower Kings - Adam And Eve. Did anyone other than TFK fans even hear this thing? Came and went with a wimper.
Most disappointing news - the split of Karnataka. Looking forward to Rachel Jones resurfacing very soon.
And last - most disappointing release of 2004 - Marillion's Marbles. 3 years we waited... I don't understand. A fanbase who will basically buy anything they put out (including numerous bootlegs), and yet they keep releasing music that alienates they longtime fans (20+ years here), with hopes of cracking, of all things, Top Of The friggin' Pops, fans of which ignore them because of who they are. One song might appear on my best of Marillion disc, Fantastic Place. The rest is forgettable. Too bad, used to be a great band.
On that note, have a happy, safe New Year celebration, and thanks for supporting the show and the station.
JC, the only problem I've got with your list is that Neal didn't even break into your list somewhere. He's on mine. ......Happy New (prog) Year.
10) US***********The Ghost of Human Kindness
09) FISH**********Field of Crows
08) SYLVAN********X-Rayed
07) THE WATCH **** Vacuum
06) IQ *********** Dark Matter
05) RIVERSIDE **** Out Of Myself
04) BLACKFIELD *** Blackfield
03) MAGENTA ***** Seven
02) NEAL MORSE *** One
01) KNIGHT AREA *** The Sun Also Rises
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The Squonk is of a very retiring disposition and due to its ugliness, weeps constantly. It is easy prey for hunters who simply follow a tear-stained trail. When cornered it will dissolve~itself into tears. True or False?
I talked about that at the beginning of my show Frank. I originally had him at #10, but decided on something different with the Bainbridge release, rather than, while still a good album, the retreading of familiar ground by Neal with One.
I talked about that at the beginning of my show Frank. I originally had him at #10, but decided on something different with the Bainbridge release, rather than, while still a good album, the retreading of familiar ground by Neal with One.
Ok, my good friend, you predicted an argument... The more I hear his new 'One' almost makes me like it a bit more than Testimony. And there was no way I ever thought I'd ever be saying that! AND...one more thing, my Illinois neighbor from the west...You say he's treading familiar ground, I felt that way when I first heard the first couple of tunes also, then that thought quickly vanished further into the album. And furthermore...what glorious ground he is treading (so to speak) with this incredible disc. Too good not to be in the top 10 , imho.
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The Squonk is of a very retiring disposition and due to its ugliness, weeps constantly. It is easy prey for hunters who simply follow a tear-stained trail. When cornered it will dissolve~itself into tears. True or False?
I should have gone to 11 (like my headphones were during the show LOL). I agree with everything you said about "One", and we haven't even discussed the bonus disc ;-) Maybe I was looking to add more diversity to the list. Actually, someone on another list had "Veil Of Gossamer" as his Numero Uno, which gave Mr. Bainbridge bonus points in my (hehe) proprietary ranking system. Since I know you have VOG (cuz I sent you a copy), I'm sure you can appreciate where I'm coming from, my fellow prog chick lovin' friend from the great red state of Ohio ;-)
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......Happy New (prog) Year. 
