Tag: jazz rock

283. The Soft Machine

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(September 2020) Episode 283 is THE SOFT MACHINE.  Not well known, but quite influential as one of the first prog -rock and jazz-rock bands.  This UK outfit started out as a 60s psychedelic band, and their debut album is my favorite. “Third” is one of the definitive prog albums, but they didn’t linger long in that genre, moving on to jazz fusion. There are many spinoffs, but I only did the albums under The Soft Machine name.

Favourite album: The Soft Machine

Best album/magnum opus: Third

Favourite song: Why Are We Sleeping?

Compared to expectations: ↓

255. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

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(March 2020) Episode 255 is KING GIZZARD AND THE LIZARD WIZARD.  As I continue prospecting Australian psychedelic bands, I hit the friggin’ gold mine with KG&tLW (out of Melbourne, not Perth, this time). They are My New Favourite Band!  Strong prog-rock elements here, so I label their sound “Progadelic” (if no one else has coined the term).  Each album has its own personality and offers its own experience: melodic acoustic ballads, psych freak-outs, jazz fusion, thrash metal, microtonal tuning, garage rock, and a sci-fi concept album featuring vomit.  Their output is as prolific (15 albums and 2 EPs in less than a decade) as their music is propulsive, which often feels like skydiving after downing a case of Red Bull. Try it!

Favourite album: Nonagon Infinity

Favourite song: Head On/Pill

Possibly a Reincarnation of Olivia Tremor Control: Paper Mâché Dream Balloon

Special sauce: whoever’s on bass guitar

Compared with expectations: ↑↑

Nonagon_Infinity

189. Elvis Costello

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(November 2018) I have completed episode 189 of my “opus project.” This edition: ELVIS COSTELLO. I’ve always enjoyed his popular songs, but I never collected his albums. Arguably the most gifted living songwriter not named McCartney, Dylan or Simon, he is also incredibly prolific (a new release every 16 months over four decades) and diverse (rock, lounge, jazz, country, classical). He best work is in rock, and I find his crooner/lounge pop recordings to be almost unlistenable: ill-suited to his voice and soured by his tendency to melodic wandering.

Favourite album: Armed Forces

Favourite song: Veronica

Compared to expectations: ↓

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Worst album: Kojak Variety

Favourite late-period album: Momofuku

Best collaboration: Wise Up Ghost (with The Roots)

100. Traffic

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(October 2016) I have completed episode 100 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to an band’s full discography. This edition: TRAFFIC. I prefer the psychedelic first version of Traffic, but the second jazzier version has some good moments too.

Favorite album: Mr. Fantasy

Favorite song: Dear Mr. Fantasy

Best chord to end a song ever: Whatever Stevie Winwood lays down at the end of Low Spark of High Heeled Boys

It’s good for you: That good ole fashion medicated goo

Special sauce: Jim Capaldi

Compared to expectations:  ↑

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41. Steely Dan

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(October 2014) I have completed phase 41 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s full discography from beginning to end. This episode: STEELY DAN. I don’t think I would take up their jazz rock if I discovered it today, as I have grown to dislike all things fusion (food, music, thermonuclear). But they were in heavy rotation in my teens, and I still enjoy many of the songs. Donald Fagan’s wry voice and lyrics make it work, provide an essential counterpoint to the jazzy atmosphere. Otherwise, it would sound like Al Jarreau, which would be unlistenable.

Favorite album: Pretzel Logic
Favorite song: Any Major Dude Would Tell You
Favorite guitar solo: Kid Charlemagne (by Larry Carlton)

Compared to expectations: ↓

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