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Thread: Picking A Favorite of your own Releases

  1. #1

    Picking A Favorite of your own Releases

    Maybe it's old age, maybe it's a creative restlessness, but I am now easily able to look back on four Pinnacle records I've drummed on and pick a favorite. Easily. Which got me wondering: There are a lot of band members and/or solo artists on this forum with multiple album releases. Do you have a favorite out of them and which one is it? (Whether or not you tell us why is completely up to you).

    Regarding Pinnacle, my favorite is 2012's A Blueprint For Chaos.

  2. #2
    Member BobM's Avatar
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    But why is it your favorite? Because of your performance? Because the music catches you? Because it all gelled? Because of the theme? Because you made more money on that one? Because you were in a good place at that time?
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  3. #3
    Member Sputnik's Avatar
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    Tough one.

    Of the two Eccentric Orbit albums, the first one, Attack of the Martians, will always carry meaning for me, partly because of the absolute hell it was to get the thing done, and partly because I composed every track and for me the album is an absolutely perfect expression of what I was shooting for. I think the second EO album has some music on it that is better than the first. It builds on the foundation of the first album, but is often more sophisticated and has a somewhat more organic sound. So I love them both. But that first album is just so utterly "me" I can't help but think fondly of it.

    Here they are on Bandcamp if anyone who hasn't heard them would like to sample: https://eccentricorbit.bandcamp.com/

    I'm now in a rock band called Brave Pursuit, playing bass and singing lead vocals. We did an album in 2018. This is a less "high stakes" game than the Prog stuff, just basic 70s-oriented classic rock. I'm not the best singer, but I'm having fun doing it, and I find I enjoy getting back to the roots a bit and doing something we can actually go to a local club and play, along with some covers (some of which we put our own spin on). So I'm also very proud of this album, but I don't really compare it to what I did in EO; I measure it by a different yardstick, if that makes any sense. We're working on a new album now.

    Here's Brave Pursuit, if anyone is interested: https://bravepursuit.bandcamp.com/album/the-road-ahead

    Bill

  4. #4

  5. #5
    I'm most proud of Between the Axiom and the Sigh.

    https://battema.bandcamp.com
    If you're actually reading this then chances are you already have my last album but if NOT and you're curious:
    https://battema.bandcamp.com/

    Also, Ephemeral Sun: it's a thing and we like making things that might be your thing: https://ephemeralsun.bandcamp.com

  6. #6
    Member Top Cat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by battema View Post
    I'm most proud of Between the Axiom and the Sigh.

    https://battema.bandcamp.com
    I will endorse John's( Battema's comment) regarding his most recent release.

    If you like soulful, intelligent electronic music(and no, I'm not going to cite comparisons , give it a listen, and because it's John's emotions and talent which make it completely fresh to me.
    It takes the listener on a journey from the first opening notes to the finish, so I recommend a penciled in listening time to devote to the entire album in one sitting without distractions. Of course most of the songs will stand out entirely on their own, but this isn't meant as snack music, but a full 5 course meal in one sitting.

    A terrific review by PE member rcarlberg can be read here: https://www.progressiveears.org/foru...ral-Sun)/page4
    Last edited by Top Cat; 01-02-2020 at 10:56 AM.
    Soundcloud page: Richard Hermans, musical meanderings https://soundcloud.com/precipice YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@richardhermans4457

  7. #7
    Member bill g's Avatar
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    I'd be interested in what many of the artists in our community would choose, as I enjoy many. As far as Cirrus Bay albums go, in our 6 cd career my personal favorite is 'Places Unseen', which unfortunately, didn't garner much interest Hence, the art of vanishing... Kay Syrah...

  8. #8
    Not a progressive artist, but there were a couple as we recorded them that I fell in love with, but then you move on. Like many artist, once you get them down, mixed and released, you tend to lose the love affair. Five albums in though, there is definitely one that has remained my favorite throughout. Lida Una - Already Know (from the album Contraption).

    I couldn't tell you why, but it has always been the one.

  9. #9
    I think I have played on about twenty releases in varying styles. The one that's closest to my heart is Tamandua - Eternal Anteater of the Universe because I am happy with my playing, but also was the main composer, bandleader and conceptual person for the project. Tamandua was a progressive rock/avant jazz/fake ethnic music band. Maybe.

    A close second would be the "Chamber Fusion" band Ra Quintet. I am happy with my playing and also proud of a piece I composed for the album. The piece is Intrinsic Nature (Going Far Means Returning).

    I also played some drums in Eccentric Orbit. Check out Bill's post above to hear some of EO's material.

    Here's the Tamandua album:

    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...A7hcbAtGfA7UyM

    And Ra Quintet:

    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...3fFv9rs-OegSYc

    There are a couple other projects that are pretty close to my heart, but I will stop here.

  10. #10
    It was the first record with our new lead singer and keyboardist and everyone seemed to be pulling in the same direction. It's got my best playing and there's not a song on it I don't love.

    Quote Originally Posted by BobM View Post
    But why is it your favorite? Because of your performance? Because the music catches you? Because it all gelled? Because of the theme? Because you made more money on that one? Because you were in a good place at that time?

  11. #11
    Quote Originally Posted by Top Cat View Post
    I will endorse John's( Battema's comment) regarding his most recent release.

    If you like soulful, intelligent electronic music(and no, I'm not going to cite comparisons , give it a listen, and because it's John's emotions and talent which make it completely fresh to me.
    It takes the listener on a journey from the first opening notes to the finish, so I recommend a penciled in listening time to devote to the entire album in one sitting without distractions. Of course most of the songs will stand out entirely on their own, but this isn't meant as snack music, but a full 5 course meal in one sitting.

    A terrific review by PE member rcarlberg can be read here: https://www.progressiveears.org/foru...ral-Sun)/page4
    Thanks Rick
    If you're actually reading this then chances are you already have my last album but if NOT and you're curious:
    https://battema.bandcamp.com/

    Also, Ephemeral Sun: it's a thing and we like making things that might be your thing: https://ephemeralsun.bandcamp.com

  12. #12
    Member nosebone's Avatar
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    The 30 minute epic High Street, from Helmet of Gnats third release titled High Street.

    I think it holds together nicely with enough diversity to hold ones attention.

    https://helmetofgnats1.bandcamp.com/track/high-street
    no tunes, no dynamics, no nosebone

  13. #13
    Oh, plus, there was this, a reply to my humbly sending the pre-release tracks to the mighty Dave Kerman to see what he thought. As a drummer, I am honored and unworthy of his kind reply:

    "There was a pleasant surprise in my inbox today: Recorded works by the band, Pinnacle featuring Karl Eisenhart, Greg Jones, Bill Fox, and Matt Francisco. This is keenly worked-out and performed “Progressive Rock” music, which all-too-often these days, falls flat by means of either having something to prove, or attempting to water itself down in the hopes of reaching as many tastes as possible. Thankfully, neither is the case here. Seemingly undaunted by the stigma or rules most would adhere to, this band can nimbly switch between a pedal-to-the-metal, stop-on-a-dime, balls-out boogie shuffle (think Kansas on steroids) to a thoughtful, ballad-esque plea, in no time flat. And do it so convincingly well that listeners may quite forget their own surroundings. This is a tricky, expertly presented joy to listen to, by a finely-honed band that deserves to be heard. Gentlemen, thank you for making my morning." - Dave Kerman

  14. #14
    Member Top Cat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by battema View Post
    Thanks Rick
    You're welcome John.

    I listened to cuts from most of the posters here and have to say, even tho some of the styles aren't my cup of tea, the talent and musicianship is clearly obvious.
    Thanks for the examples of your personal favorites.
    Soundcloud page: Richard Hermans, musical meanderings https://soundcloud.com/precipice YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@richardhermans4457

  15. #15
    Okay, to derail this thread and turn it into a "I want to know" thread.....

    I know the band that was called NEXT and released a song called EUREKA had some members on this site. I'm curious what they thought of this early release as a prep into other ventures. EUREKA was the song that caught my attention.

  16. #16
    Heard the first two tracks on Battema's release today. Really, really good. Uncategorizable (at least, for me) and honest. Can't wait to go back for more.

  17. #17
    Cool subject!
    Among my Farpoint releases, I'd have to say either COLD STAR QUIET STAR, because I love the concept and the instrumental consistency that runs throughout the album, and how for the first time I was able to "tell the story" without having to rely so much on lyrics, but at least to convey what I was hoping to convey musically in many cases...or PAINT THE DARK, for personal reasons...I wrote the bulk of that album in the months following my mother's death. I feel like strong emotions tend to shake stuff loose, and in that time period I almost couldn't pick up a guitar or sit at a keyboard without something I felt was musically worthwhile coming out of them. Opinions will of course vary on that!
    Beyond Farpoint I'm VERY proud of the Greyfeather album, for a couple of reasons...First of all, I got to work with a few musicians who had previously only been known to me as members of bands I looked up to and admired, and suddenly they became friends. Secondly, because I think the song "Greyfeather part 2" is the single best piece of prog rock I've ever written. Again, opinions will vary.
    Among my limited solo output, my 2 instrumentals "Southern Exposure" and "Hunter's Guitar" are my two favorites. I hear faint touches of some of my guitar heroes here and there in them, and I'm quite proud of them.
    "Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter" - Yoda

    www.farpointband.com
    www.greyfeather.net
    www.kevinjarvismusic.net

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