This was released in March or somwhere around that time. They also promised to release another song which would be a bigger prog epic. So far everything is quiet on their front.
These days (last couple of years) they have only been releasing singles, there were a couple of others.
There is talk from time to time that they will eventualy release a new album (of which these songs would be part) but so far nothing concrete has been said.
These songs/singles are well made, but I would like to hear more regular news from them and more albums/releases/projects.
They sound like Chicago.
As far as my understanding goes, this does have a nod to Chicago. If I'm not mistaken, even some members of that band were guest musicians on this. Also Trent Gardner helped Robert Lamm on his solo record, so...Originally Posted by Vic2012
But this is only one song. It's closer to their own Impending Ascension than Test of Wills or Impossible Figures.
Definitely intended. The music was written by Trent Gardner. The lyrics by Robert Lamm.(Hence the punny title of the header) Chicago's Lee Loughnane plays the Trumpet solo. I think the general idea is to create the prog album the rest of Chicago don't feel like bothering with. I really like this song.
I wish this video was a bit longer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=gR25bw6mbsM
I think that a lot of people who like specific band would like to see vids of them doing work behind the scenesWith Magellan I would be happy if they just made more updates of what they are doing and released music/albums more regularly.
When I first started getting into Magellen I heard where I thought Chicago should be going.I think that a lot of people who like specific band would like to see vids of them doing work behind the scenes
Chicago was my favorite band growing up, and their older "progressive" stuff (before the Cetera Ballads) was my love. I especially loved Robert Lamm's stuff. I always felt that although his stuff was the least commercial, it was the "best" they did.
When I purchased my first Magellen CD, I was amazed at the sound and remember turning to my wife and son and saying, "this is what Chicago's next CD should sound like."
Now Lamm and Gardner are working together and I love it. My only disappointment is that there is not more of it. I want more. Keep going until you have enough for a CD. Release it and I will buy it.
There was a time when Trent Gardner was really active - sometime in the late 90's and early 2000's when he did several Magellan albums, Explorers Club, Leonardo The Absolute Man, helped Steve Walsh with his solo record, did the ELP Tribute album, the Jack Foster albums etc.
The last Magellan record was in 2007 and then they were quiet for some 4 or 5 years. Last year they released the covers of Beatles and Kansas songs and did one original track called "Keep It". And this year "Good To Go".
As I understand it, he has worked with the guys of Chicago the last couple of years, if I remember correctly, there was even talk of some of Gardners composed songs making it on a Chicago record or doing something else with them together.
I would also like Magellan to make a new record or side projects with full albums. The thing is that so far they have released only singles. You can go to their homepage, there are some comments from Trent regarding the physical release of albums. There's blog or something like that called "Caprtain's Log".
This is the site http://www.magellansongs.com/
I'll be honest, I have so far never been able to get into Magellan but this is hugely awesome.
I know that some people think that they are too complicated. As I understand it, that means that they don't like the overall sound with twists and turns.
Trent has said that working with Lamm he learned some things. The ironic thing is that on the Lamm solo record Gardner wanted to be more prog while Lamm - more simple and to the point, with shorter songs (without prog). Maybe working with the guys from Chicago will give Magellan some new directions besides those that already exist.
To be honest, I don't know if I want too many changes because I liked Magellan a lot for what they were - no other band had this sound. Sure, they have influences from Kansas and Yes, but with their own flavour.
I like what they did in the past and this one I like too, so I'm not complaining. I just hope that they keep some of the elements which I liked on previous albums and also bring something new to the table (like this one).
Magellan's "Impending Ascension" was the first album I bought after I discovered Magna Carta Records (via "Tales From Yesterday")... which was the first indication I'd had that ANYONE besides Dream Theater or the "old guard" was making this kind of music anymore. As a result, I loved it. I felt like I was in heaven, a kid in a candy store. The other CDs weren't quite as stunning to me: Shadow Gallery was cool, but they've never been a big favorite; I didn't like Cairo at first but they've since grown on me; and Enchant was in their "sucky" stage, though they've gotten much better since. So I had a special place for Magellan for a long time until I discovered Spock's Beard. I still like "Impending," "Hour of Restoration" and "Test of Wills," but nothing else they've done since has really struck me. This one sounds interesting, though.
In addition to DT, I knew about Echolyn and Spock's Beard, but Magellan was among the first "prog resurgence" bands I became aware of circa the turn of the century. Trent can write some great melodies and chord progressions, but it was always a mixed bag for me. I got four albums before I gave up on them. There are always some great moments, but not enough to hold my interest. Out of the albums I have, I could put together a one disc compilation that would be worthwhile. My favorite Magellan tune is "Walk Fast, Look Worried," but even that one is almost ruined by the way it ends.
Anyhow, "Good to Go" does sound like a cross between Chicago and Magellan. If the whole album is up to that quality, I might be interested in getting it.
I initially thought that Enchant are very good, but when I listened more to them, I did not like their music very much. It's too raw and a bit dry for me. Also Ted Leonard sounds better in Affector and Spock's Beard. Cairo are OK, but some of their songs tend to drag without much interesting going on. From Shadow Gallery I like their last two albums the most, fantastic vocal harmonies. Glass Hammer is also usually mentioned among the bands that re-started prog in the 90's. Their second and third CD's are still my favourites.
About Magellan - a lot of people really like "Impending" and "Hour". I like "Test Of Wills" a lot - heavy but with those keys and vocals it's such a gem. I also like "Impossible Figures". Infact, I like all the albums - some more, some less. Also those Explorers Club and Leonardo CD's are great as well.
I guess it all comes down whether one likes this style of composing music. Initially there were songs which I liked a lot and some others less but with time I developped my taste more and actually like the majority of their material. There is maybe a small amount of tracks which are so so for me. But most of the material I like a lot. Much more than some of Echolyn, Spock's Beard or Enchant. It all comes down to taste
I actually like the ending but I see why others wouldn't. To me, that song was such an obvious Tull homage that the ending sort of blended into that general feel. (When I played it for a friend, they immediately sang "Really don't mind if you sit this one out..." after a few bars.)
The lyrical theme of that is really deep, though... explaining death to a young child... and I think the song touches on all the mental bases one goes through in that process.
I get the impression Lamm's pretty much a pop guy, though more sophisticated pop than Chicago did in the '80s. Chicago is currently making their first real album in years, so hopes are up.
I found "Test Of Wills" in a used shop about 10 or more years ago. Most reviews of Megellan I read were that TOW was their best, or one of their best albums. I snapped it up. God I hated it. Got rid of it so fast it made my head spin. All I remember was one track called "Jacko" or something. I couldn't stand it. Now, otoh I really like what Trent Gardner did with Steve Walsh on Glossolalia. That is one hell of an album. I've always wondered what these two brothers could do with Kansas (as producers and contributing songwriters and musicians).
Wouldn't be surprised if Gardner is involved in it in one capacity or another. I'm not a big Chicago specialist, but if they make an album and it has some proginess, I'll be interested.
I really like that album. There are a couple moments which are not top notch, but those are only moments, not whole songs. I doubt that there are records on which everybody likes absolutely everything.I found "Test Of Wills" in a used shop about 10 or more years ago. Most reviews of Megellan I read were that TOW was their best, or one of their best albums. I snapped it up. God I hated it
I have heard/read over the last couple of years people saying that Gardner could have been involved with Kansas. Maybe around the time when they made their 2000 album because then he helped Walsh with his record. Lately some say that he could do good things with Chicago. And also some years ago there were suggestions that he could have been the Dream Theater keyboardist when Sherinian left and they were looking for somebody else. At that time he was making a lot of records with those guys so some wondered if he was approached. If Kevin Moore wrote some stuff, then Trent could have done it too, it would be a good balance.
You're in luck my friend,Soundcloud has an 8 min. tune called The Better Suite,featuring Keith Howland of Chicago. Go to www.magellansongs.com . I have yet to hear it but taking care of that right now.
Last year they also released this one:
http://www.magellansongs.com/keep-it.html
There's only small clip of it on Amazon, don't know if anywhere you can hear the whole track online.
Maybe Trent can play trombone on the next Chicago record? The only Megellan CD that I have is Hundred Year Floor. I bought it because I thought the story about the oldest Gardener brother dying in war was touching(I have one brother in the marines, and one in the army). Also, you can't go wrong with a guest appearance by Ian Anderson. I do like the CD, but I haven't played it in years. Maybe I should change that. Btw(according to Wiki), they have an album called Inert Momentum coming out.
Theoreticaly Inert Momentum should contain these individualy released singles. It is a title for the next album, if it will be made. Trent hasn't clearly said when and if it will be done.
Hundred Year Flood has two tunes which I like a lot - Family Jewels and Brother's Keeper.
You can buy this for $1.29. in any format you desire pretty much.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks