If anyone is interested, I am selling my Andrew Chalk collection as I need to cover expenses before my next roommate moves in. All these are for sale in the bundle:

(a now-not-so-complete Faraway Press discography)

FP 01 Andrew Chalk - Shadows From The Album Skies
FP 02 Andrew Chalk - The River That Flows Into The Sands
FP 03 Andrew Chalk - Vega
FP 04 Andrew Chalk, Daisuke Suzuki, Naoko Suzuki - Senshu
FP 05 Andrew Chalk - Blue Eyes of the March
FP 06 Andrew Chalk - Goldfall
FP 07 Andrew Chalk - The River That Flows Into…

A lot of power metal bands present an array of extremely catchy tunes. My favorite band of that genre, Edguy, probably is the best example. Other artists, such as Sonata Arctica, actually combine some pop-elements without sacrificing the integrity of metal (although this is debatable). Stratovarius and its NWOBHM predecessor Iron Maiden popularized catchy operatic vocals (although more so as the 20th century came to an end).

It amazes me every time that the base elements of power metal, catchy tunes and operatic vocals, were quite influenced by a band known as Uriah Heep. Heep possessed these…

Neu! is yet another band whose music I've recently acquired. The duo originated from the splintering of Kraftwerk years before the legendary Autobahn in 1974. Instead of going towards electronic music, they veered straight into the experimental krautrock that was the rage in Germany during early 1970s. They combine some elements of Can (most notably the vocals in Neu! '75) along with their own blend of a driving, addicting beat. Fans of piano-based progressive rock will enjoy their minimalist chords in songs like Leb' Wohl.

Another interesting aspect of their music is extensive resampling of their own music.…

Indeed it does. And despite such a morbid title, Atomic Rooster's sophomore album is surprisingly clear and lively despite the departure of drummer Carl Palmer to form the supergroup Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

For those who are not familiar with the album, Death Walks Behind You combines the liveliness of King Crimson with practically equivalent musical talent and ingenuity.

Most of the pieces are a mixture of distinct songs (including the odd single Tomorrow Night) and pure instrumental works. The piano has a strong presence, more so than organs found in most other early progressive acts. Very…

Upon listening to Rachel's Song from the Blade Runner soundtrack (for the first time in a while), I noticed that the vocal melody is structurally similar to The Council of Elrond.

Maybe I'm thinking of another track from the Lord of the Rings soundtrack… but there is an eerie semblance between the two songs (unless my mind is finally beginning to give away). I'm not sure how many people have heard both tracks, but comments about this oddity would be nice.

Anyway, I guess I'll be listening to more Howard Shore and Vangelis this week.

Speaking of Blade Runner…

Now, I haven't listened to much Stratovarius at all, save for their best songs (Eagleheart, Black Diamond, etc.). Don't misread: Stratovarius is (or was) a great band, but comparing Stratovarius to other acts of 2005-ish era (perhaps 2004's Reckoning Night or Hellfire Club), they seem to be a trivial Finntroll-turned-power-metal band (not deriding Finntroll, but their music is kitchsy).

Production of Stratovarius' albums (excluding Visions) must be poor or Timo Tolkki is lost for new interesting ideas. Perhaps both.

Although Stratovarius inspired much of the genre of power metal, they've devolved into a…

Recently I began perusing early progressive rock artists via a free good quality streaming service at http://www.progarchives.com. Of the selected artists, I enjoyed Gentle Giant, Caravan and Van Der Graaf Generator. Specifically, the best track I heard was Refugees; it is absolutely beautiful and amazing.

Also, through my perusal of an infamous mp3 distribution service, I discovered East of Eden and their debut album, Mercator Projected. I obtained all but the last track and will be continuing to enjoy their unique eastern- and folk-influenced progressive rock.

I have also been searching for eastern-influenced ambient music, and…

… is Wings of a Dream.

Not the original version from Kingdom of Madness, but the 2001 version which appears on extended versions of Mandrake. This version is definitely improved from the original yet retains all the tenets of power metal. I find it to be their catchiest tune without being overly pretentious.

Anyway, those of us with this track should be proud that they have an awesome song that many others neglected to obtain.

Nelson Everhart composed the music to the videogame Vexx (by Acclaim). Although Vexx lacks unique gameplay apart from games like Super Mario 64, it contains one of the most fabulous scores of music to be given to any videogame (barring music licensed for videogames). Everhart is no Jeremy Soule, but his music is comparable to him. Now, after Acclaim declared bankruptcy, Everhart wishes to spread the word of his best score around the videogame music community. I will be compiling a complete original soundtrack to Vexx as the only one available is hideously incomplete (and is unfortunately formatted poorly).…

Frank Zappa is sheer genius. I haven't ventured too much into his music, but "Hot Rats" is outstanding.

I remember when Rammstein was the only group I'd listen to. Now, I realize how hokey their music sounds. Yes, they are talented artists, but they certainly don't appeal to many people I know anymore.