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Path: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!bloom-beacon.mit.edu!news-out.cwix.com!newsfeed.cwix.com!opentransit.net!proxad.net!news-hub.cableinet.net!blueyonder!internal-news-hub.cableinet.net!news1.cableinet.net.POSTED!not-for-mail Message-ID: <FAQ4_1008154800@news.blueyonder.co.uk> Supersedes: <FAQ4_1006945201@news.blueyonder.co.uk> Expires: 9 Jan 2002 11:00:00 GMT References: <FAQ1_1008154800@news.blueyonder.co.uk> From: Phil Kime <Philip@kime.org.uk> Newsgroups: rec.music.progressive,alt.rock-n-roll.metal.progressive,rec.answers,alt.answers,news.answers Subject: rec.music.progressive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Part 4/8 Followup-To: poster Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.EDU Summary: General questions that people who are beginning to explore under the umbrella of "progressive" music often ask. Includes answers to many questions that are posted by newcomers to rec.music.progressive. Archive-name: music/progressive/general Posting-Frequency: biweekly Last-modified: Thu Oct 18 21:53:17 2001 URL: http://www.kime.org.uk/PK/rmp_faqs.html Lines: 2234 Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2001 11:01:58 GMT NNTP-Posting-Host: 62.31.70.214 X-Complaints-To: http://www.blueyonder.co.uk/abuse X-Trace: news1.cableinet.net 1008154918 62.31.70.214 (Wed, 12 Dec 2001 11:01:58 GMT) NNTP-Posting-Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2001 11:01:58 GMT Organization: blueyonder (post doesn't reflect views of blueyonder) Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu rec.music.progressive:288830 alt.rock-n-roll.metal.progressive:32755 rec.answers:70453 alt.answers:59306 news.answers:220693 The most recent ascii versions of these FAQs are available at ftp://ftp.kime.org.uk/RMP The Web versions are available at: http://www.kime.org.uk/PK/rmp_faqs.html All mail addresses in these FAQs should be mailto: URLs so you can mail anyone mentioned in the FAQs easily. (That is, as long as your browser supports mailto: URLs). Newsgroup names should be news: URLs so you can read any newsgroup mentioned here by clicking them (again, providing your browser supports them). Also, some names are links to the Web pages of individuals. This file may be freely distributed as long as it is not modified in any way and contains this notice. *Please Note:* All ftp, and web addresses are given in standard URL format. If you are not familiar with this then read this short explanation. Simple URL format looks like this: ftp://*some.network.address*/some/path/ A URL as given above can be entered as it is into any Web browser. If you intend to use standard ftp, the starred part should be used as the address of the machine to which you should connect and the immediately following section as the directory to look in when you are connected. The part preceding the starred section can be ignored in this case. The following people have contributed to making this file what it is: Malcolm Humes (mal@emf.net) Peter Thelen (ptlk@netcom.com) John Lukes (John.Lukes@EBay.Sun.COM) Joerg Rhiemeier (rhiemeir@ibr.cs.tu-bs.de) Rob Walker (rgw@sunbar.mc.duke.edu) Marcelo Spindola Bacha (dronsz@if.ufrj.br) Peter Stoller (afcpeters@aol.com) David Rogoff (rogoff@std.teradyne.com) John Szpara (wings@holonet.net) Dan Barrett (barrett@cs.umass.edu) Ken Stuart (KEN.STUART@tigerteam.org) Jon Neill (lepautre@aol.com) Kent Gabrin (kent.gabrin@seb.se) Alan J. Mallery (ajmaller@ouray.Denver.Colorado.EDU) Phil Zampino (zampino@squidco.com) Mike Borella (cathmike@xnet.com) Phil Kime (Philip@kime.org.uk) ======================= About Progressive Music ======================= Are there different categories of progressive music? (Answer contributed in part from from Mike McLatchey) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Conventionally, yes. There are many sub-genres, and crossover genres. Here is a brief and necessarily incomplete listing of the genres frequently discussed on r.m.p (some text is taken from the *GEPR* (see FAQ 5, FAQ 7 and below)). Ambient ---------------------------------------------------------------------- As the name suggests, a form concentrating on ambience rather than normal characteristics such as melody, harmony and rhythm. *Examples:* Some Eno, Laraaji, much new age music. Art Rock ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A name that is used to refer to early explorative work that had roots in pop. Quite often a display of attitude in addition to any musical features. It is an abused term that seems to refer as much to appearence as to music in its more common coinage. *Examples:* Be Bop Deluxe, early Eno, Roxy Music Canterbury ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A region in England where a unique style originated. The region's name has now become the label for the style of music. One of the earliest forms recognised as progressive, Canterbury music emphasises laconic complexity and usually sounds identifiably English. The ideas resulting from this form of music were very original. Often quite jazzy in a light and airy sort of way, integrating jazz influences in unique ways. *Examples:* Caravan, Soft Machine, Hatfield The North, National Health Classical Rock ---------------------------------------------------------------------- More accessibly related, bands starting with The Nice that attempted to fuse classical music with rock structures. Often felt to be quite pompous yet were quite successful in their time. Often a three man format. *Examples:* The Nice, ELP, Le Orme, Ekseption, Trace, The Trip Electronic Progressive ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Often mis-categorized by being as "new age", much of this music was around far before that abused term was coined. Very explorative, this is a wide open field and is typified by the use of almost all electronic equipment, hence the name. There is often a concentration on sonority and texture over and above other musical attributes. Often very spacious and ethereal. Sometimes quite darkly powerful but not in the way that ambient industrial material tends to be. The sorts of sounds explored tend to be within the less extreme synthesiser range. *Examples:* 70's Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze, Steve Roach, some Popol Vuh, later Kit Watkins, Jean-Michel Jarre Experimental/Industrial ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Often hard core experiemental material. The fringes of music where almost anything can happen. Almost always difficult for the newcomer. Considerable use of noise, found objects, music concrete and sometimes even power tools. Generally focusing on texture and sonority to the expense of all else. A fascinating area for the adventurous. *Examples:* Einstⁿrzende Neubauten, Nurse With Wound, Hafler Trio, Main, Coil Fusion ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Explorative jazz-rock: a fusion as the name suggests. Maybe a little jazzier than most progressive music, but rockier than most jazz. Quite a established and exciting genre with often virtuoso playing. *Examples:* Mahavishnu Orchestra, Brand X, Iceberg, Arti+Mestieri Krautrock ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Slighltly politically uncorrect term used harmlessly to refer to a form of usually rather strange rock originating from Germany in the 70s. Typified by a loose, improvisational style with a large proportion of experimentation and slightly whimsical flavour. Often difficult to listen to, quite sinister and covertly intellectual. Very influential in all sorts of areas even today. Some people regard it as the precursor to industrial music proper which is fair: there are similarities but probably as many differences. See Chris Moon's informative Krautrock guide at: <URL:http://www.progrock.net/prog/Misc/german> *Examples:* Can, Amon Dⁿⁿl II, Faust, Xhol, Agitation Free, early Tangerine Dream, Ash Ra Tempel Neo-Classical Progressive ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Music that fused 20th century classical music with new rock structures. Sometimes referred to as "chamber rock, this can be difficult to appreciate at first as artists of this ilk were way out on a limb and quite different. Also, it tends to be very complex, requiring many listens to reach a fair appreciation. One of the least understood genres about which most people are completely oblivious yet one of the most rewarding. *Examples:* Univers Zero, Art Zoyd, ZNR Neo-Progressive ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Symphonic rock done in a typically simplified or more commercial format. Often rich and melodious but without the complexity of traditional progressive music. Mostly an 80's and 90's phenomenon. *Examples:* Marillion, iQ, Pendragon, Twelfth Night, Aragon, Jadis, Grey Lady Down Progressive Folk ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A variety of music that took simple folk songs and did something quite new with them. There were many forms of this. *Examples:* Emtidi, Witthⁿser Westrupp, Malicorne, Mellow Candle Progressive Metal ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Heavy metal that is influenced by symphonic rock or fusion. Usually is much more complex than standard metal and emphasising virtuoso instrumentalists. *Examples:* Dream Theater, Fates Warning, Watchtower, Siege's Even, Cynic, Atheist Rock In Opposition (RIO) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A name coined by ex-Henry Cow drummer Chris Cutler. This type of music consistently defies categorization (except for "RIO") and is extremely challenging and often hard to listen to. However, it is very rewarding in the long run. The lyrical bent is often political, especially for those bands Cutler has a hand in. Technically, bands like Art Zoyd and Univers Zero are RIO as they subscribed to Cutlers broad musical ethic in its original conception. However, the label has outgrown its original political connotations and is now used to refer to artists potraying a similar approach to the seminal Henry Cow, the central RIO band. See Q's and A's below for a better description of RIO. See Phil Zampino's (zampino@squidco.com) Web site for much information on RIO labels and artists at: <URL:http://www.panix.com/~zampino/rer/> *Examples:* Henry Cow, Art Bears, Samla Mammas Manna, News From Babel, Thinking Plague, Etron Fou Leloublan etc. Space Fusion ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A rough term given specifically to the superb band Gong for their unique blend of jazz fusion and extended sweeping ambience. Often very energetic and concentrating on long jams of psychadelic tinged soloing. Generally a high level of musicianship in tight restraint to give a clean, atmosphere of bright and effervescent fusion. "Swooshy" is a perfect adjective. *Examples:* Gong, Ozric Tentacles, Neo, Carpe Diem, some Djam Karet Space Rock ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Like the above but without the jazz edge, more of a straight forward type of space rock. Hawkwind were almost the be all and end all of this genre and were the innovators. *Examples:* Hawkwind, Amon Dⁿⁿl (the English line-up) Symphonic Progressive ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Characterized by rich keys/synths and very melodic vocals and often structured like a piece of classical music, arranged for an extended rock instrumentation. Very much stretching the limits of the rock format. If someone derides progressive music, this is almost always the sort of thing they are talking about. You will often hear this genre mistakenly used as a synonym for the entirety of progressive music and called "pretentious" or "overblown". Criticisms that completely miss the point and often belie some misguided idea that all good music must either display a certain feature or must be simple and "direct". *Examples:* Yes (early), Genesis (early), Camel, Atoll, Mirthrandir, ─nglagσrd Zeuhl ---------------------------------------------------------------------- One of the truly unique and little-known areas of music typified and largely due to the incredible French band Magma. It is a term used to refer to a particular brand of jazz fusion, sometimes with heavy Coltrane influences but adopting a grandiosity and harmonic language from certain classical works, particularly Stravinsky's "Les Noces". Unlike anything else and a personal favourite of the present FAQ maintainer. Often powerful beyond words. *Examples:* Magma, Weidorje, Zao, Shub-Niggurath, Honeyelk, Musique Noise ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ What countries does progressive music come from? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Just about everywhere. Most people reading r.m.p are familiar with the famous British progressive bands, and most have at least heard of progressive acts from France, Italy, Germany and the USA. Progressive music is truly international though. There are progressive artists from just about every continent, as well as from many places you would not think of. In Europe, there are artists from Poland, Sweden, Finland, Spain, Switzerland, The Czech Republic, Austria, and Greece. In South America, there are quite a few notable acts from Argentina, Brasil, and Chile. Even the Middle East is represented with Zingale from Israel. Japan has always been very strong and in Korea, progressive music even gets radio airplay. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Is there a difference between "progressive" and "good"? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Obviously. Many progressive music fans (myself included) have been guilty at some time of either considering all the bands they like "progressive", or defining progressive to mean music that they consider "good". While this seems to be a human error that many of us make, please think twice before posting to r.m.p about a band just because you like them. For example, I would consider bands like Deicide "progressive" in important ways: they push the boundaries of rhythmic interplay, play very complex music with technical skill etc., but discussions about them do not really belong on r.m.p. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Just because an artist has released one or more progressive albums, does that mean that everything they do is progressive? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- No. This is a common misconception. Though we call them "progressive music artists", the artists themselves are not progressive - the music is. Once progressive does not means always progressive. There are many examples of bands that once made great progressive music, but have turned to churning out worthless pop music. There seems to be a trend from progressive music to a more accessible form of music in many bands' histories, and unfortunately, they rarely return to what many perceive to be their best work. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Does lyrical content count towards progressive-ness? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Well written lyrics can never hurt any form of music, but there are no rules that progressive music has to have good lyrics. Many bands that display progressive music also display extremely poor lyrics. In the same sense, many progressive bands are instrumental. Of course, just because a band has good lyrics, it does not automatically make them progressive. In other words, progressive music and intelligent lyrics have little or no obvious correlation. Another issue to consider is progressive music and progressive politics. While these are two different things, there is some crossover. However, one does not necessarily imply the other. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ But didn't this form of music die in the late seventies? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- No. FAQ 8 was specifically designed to give a quick overview of some currently active artists. Please look at it. True, bands like Yes, ELP, and Genesis have lost most of their "progressiveness", thus making it seem like the fan base for progressive music disappeared around 1979. However progressive music is still extremely strong. In the eighties it was largely underground, though many artists put out music equally as progressive as in the seventies. Now, in the nineties, progressive music has had a revival of sorts, as dozens of independent labels have been signing new and exciting artists. There are hundreds of progressive, experimental and innovative bands currently active, recording, and/or touring. In fact, today, we have some of the finest music in the genre being made: it is just harder to spot and find. To combat this, look at FAQ 2, FAQ 6 and FAQ 8. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ How did rec.music.progressive start? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussions of progressive music used to occasionally happen on newsgroups like alt.rock-n-roll and rec.music.misc, and on mailing lists like Gibraltar as well as others dedicated to specific artist. In mid-1992, Scott McMahan started alt.music.progressiveand gradually a number of people wandered in and started offering reviews of new and old music in this genre and a helping hand to new and old fans of progressive music interested in broadening their musical horizons. With the general degeneration of the alt.* heirachy coupled with its limited distribution, rec.music.progressive was proposed and passed its CFV on May 2nd 1995. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Can I talk about Yes on rec.music.progressive? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- alt.music.yes exists and is the place to discuss Yes on the net. However, since Yes was one of the more influential progressive bands, it only makes sense that Yes should be talked about on r.m.p. However, not everyone can agree about the "progressiveness" of newer Yes, and many flamewars have erupted over this issue, and related issues. So, alt.music.yes was created. While a.m.y is still a relatively new newsgroup (created in June, 1994), it still is not certain whether all discussion of Yes will go to a.m.y or not. Probably not. If you are not certain which newsgroup to post Yes material to, here is a handy guide. Yes that has nothing to do with prog in general -- alt.music.yes Yes in context with some other prog band(s) -- both (r.m.p and a.m.y) A reference to Yes when discussing another prog band -- r.m.p Pre-Rabin Yes -- a.m.y and maybe r.m.p (use your judgement) Rabin-era Yes -- a.m.y How much you hate Trevor Rabin or Yes in general -- neither The point is that many people want to be able to discuss Yes in detail without being flamed for liking the 80's and 90's version of the band. Others would like to be able to state their (negative) opinions about Yes without being flamed. Other prog fans do not listen to Yes, and are tired of 90% of the discussion on r.m.p being about Yes. The advantages of a.m.y include (hopefully) taking care of these three issues. One possible disadvantage is that people who might have developed an interest in other progressive rock bands via Yes discussion on r.m.p may not get that chance any more. In any case, these are tenative guidelines to follow. What you post and where you post it is up to you. If you would like to avoid starting flamewars and useless discussions, following these guidelines may help. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I read a review on rec.music.progressive and it made the band sound good. But when I got the album, it was awful!! What should I do? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Nothing. People who write reviews should not be held responsible for whether everyone reading the review agrees with them or not. Since everyone has a different idea of what is good and what is not, take that into consideration before buying. When reading reviews, you may want to read as much as you can by a particular author to see if that person's tastes seem to be close to yours. If you disagree with the author's opinion 50% or less of the time, then you should think twice about buying something on that person's recommendation. In general, it is better to get a consensus of more than three opinions before you make a purchasing decision, or even better, try to listen to the music before buying it. While it can be very hard to find obscure progressive music to buy, much less to listen to, you can listen to a friend's copy first, or ask someone to tape a copy for you. I have bought things based on minimal information (usually in the grip of a CD frenzy at a fair with cash in my hand) and it has been truly awful when I listened to it at home. You should expect some misses, even ones that cost consideralbly, in such a diverse field. Actually, since reading r.m.p and the *GEPR* (see FAQ 5, FAQ 7 and below), my misses have become much less #frequent. r.m.p saves you money. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ There is a progressive band I really do not like, but I do not want to post a negative review of them because some people reading the newsgroup might like them, or the band themselves may eventually read the review and get mad at me. What should I do? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Post it. Negative reviews are a positive thing. Not all progressive music is as good as the rest or even good at all. It is important to differentiate between the excellent, good, mediocre, and poor, especially since the average cost of a CD is $15-$20 (US) or ú12-ú20 (UK). While not everyone will agree with your point of view, if you present your arguments in a non-inflammatory manner, most people will respect you for it. The deification of some progressive artists brings a lack of perspective that in turn hurts the fans more than helps them. By writing a negative review, even on a progressive "sacred cow", you may make both new and experienced listeners alike re-assess their viewpoints, which is always good. But, of course, this does not mean you should always write negative reviews. Be fair, but firm. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Somebody said that people without formal musical training cannot appreciate progressive music. I am a non-musician who really enjoys progressive music, and I am insulted by this person's "elitist" attitude. Why do people say these things? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sometimes because of silly ideas about classical training and sometimes because of valid insights. Training is neither necessary nor sufficient for "real" appreciation, mainly because there is no such thing as "real" appreciation. There are many aspects to appreciate and everyone has their nuances. However, I will say that an understanding of music can greatly aid your understanding of a piece and I have found that, for example, an understanding of rhythm greatly enhances my appreciation of much music. However, I know classically trained musicians who adore Status Quo exactly because analysis is so pointless there. Musical training cannot hurt. There are no guideliens for this. Some people find that an appriciation of the exact music score of a piece ruins their na∩ve appreciation. I have found this on occasion: learning to play a line you admire can spoil its mystique. This question has no answer. Experiment for yourself. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Are there any proggresive musicians on the net? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Many, including Kit Watkins, Allan Holdsworth, Episode, Now, Anekdoten, Yezda Urfa, Echolyn, Kurt Rongey, Marco Olivetti (TNR), Mind Gallery, Kalaban, Tony Levin, Mastermind and many others. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ So what are their addresses? I want to write to them! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- If they want people to write, they will advertise the fact. However if they post to r.m.p, you can always reply. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Are there any mail order sources or record label representatives on the net? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Many and the number is growing. See FAQ 2. For example, one of the first net mail order outlets was started by Ranjit Padmanabhan and Ken Golden of Laser's Edge can take credit card email orders. Expect this to become more and more common with mail order outlets putting their catalogues on-line. There are a few reputable outlets currently interested in this. Keep your eyes open for anouncements. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Is it true that Phil Collins has not always been the vocalist in Genesis? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yes. There were 6 Genesis albums before Phil Collins took over on lead vocals, although he did the occasional song and backing vocals before this. Peter Gabriel was the lead vocalist from 1969 until his departure in 1974. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ What is the relation between Renaissance and Illusion? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The definitive place to find out about Rennaissance is Northern Lights - The Renaissance Web Page ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I have heard that Magma created their own language. Is this true? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yes. Magma's drummer (and leader) Christian Vander created the language "Koba∩an", which is what you are hearing sung on most Magma albums. Recently, work has gone into compiling a phrasebook of Koba∩an worlds and their Engligh translations. You can find this on the Magma home page at <URL:http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Alley/8366/> From Marcelo Spindola Bacha (dronsz@if.ufrj.br): Koba∩an is not exactly a Vander idea, it was based in an original project from Klaus Blasquiz, as results of some of their studies about representing graphically other kind of phonemas ... Koba∩an is not really a language, it is quite incomplete, and it is always changing, as Vander says. It sounds rather Germanic and slightly Russian. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ What is "The Progressive Music Survey" that people talk about? What is its relation to the Gibraltar Encyclopedia of Progressive Rock? How do I get a copy? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- They are the same thing. It is a huge listing of progressive bands, with their discographies and reviews and overviews of their releases. It was originally compiled by Dave Markfield in late 1991, but a more recent version was put together by Mike Taylor in early 1993. It is an A to Z dictionary of progressive music, and though it is still incomplete, it contains info on over 1100 artists. Phil Kime originally put it on-line and it has now moved to a new home, maintained by Fred Trafton at: <URL:http://www.gepr.net/> NOTE: If you are looking for an idea of what particular bands sound like, or are new to prog and want to get an idea of what is out there, I strongly suggest perusing the GEPR. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Are bands like Pink Floyd, Supertramp, Styx, Kansas and Rush progressive? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- That depends on who you ask. There are many people who do consider them progressive, and many who do not. There are albums by each of these bands that may generally be considered progressive, but even some die-hard fans of the aformentioned groups will admit that each has put out non-progressive material as well. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I saw an album by a band called Area, but it did not seem like it was from the Italian fusion band ... ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- There are two Areas, the one you saw is probably the US band. The Italian band is the progressive one. Keep in mind that there are a handful of bands that have "namesakes". Here is a list: Abraxas ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) '76 Belgian offshoot from Cos (2) Polish '90s neo-prog Ain Soph ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Canterbury style band from Japan (2) Gothic band from Italy Albatross ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) From Italy. One "s" (2) '76 USA prog (3) Guitar psych band Aragon ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Australian neo-progressive band (2) US metal band Area ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Italian progressive fusion band (2) US trio Asia ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) UK group with Steve Howe and John Wetton (2) Late 70s Midwest USA progressive band Cathedral ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) The Current neo-progressive band from the US (2) The Defunct progressive band on Syn-Phonic (3) A doom metal band from the UK Dark ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) early UK 70s psych band (2) USA/Switzerland? mid-80s fusion/space/prog Delirium ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Italian progressive band (2) Mexican progressive band (3) Ambient/Trance duo based in Canada Deus ex Machina ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Recent Italian progressive band (2) Mexican "cyberpunk" band. Dragon ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) '70s Belgian band (2) '70s New Zealand Band Dragonfly ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Hard-rock psychedelic band from LA circa 1971 (2) Swiss progressive band circa 1978 (3) UK band that put out *Almost Abandoned* Eden ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Large Austrian band with folk and classical influences (2) French duo comparable to Spring, Gracious and Bo Hansson Fantasia ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) From Finland (2) Post-Kaipa Rione Stolt Swedish band Finch ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Netherlands prog (2) Australian hard rock I Flashman ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) USA Art-rock (without the "I") (2) Italian pop/rock band with one prog album Full Moon ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Belgian mid 70s fusion (2) Norwegian mid 80s prog/metal Galaxy ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Prog from Switzerland (2) USA heavy psych Gandalf ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Austrian synthesist/guitarist (2) Psychedelic band from early 70's Genesis ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) The one everyone knows (2) Some satanic band?? (3) Argentian prog band?? Haze ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Early 70s from Germany (2) 80s UK band Horizant(e) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Swedish late '70s (without the "e") (2) Argentinian band Iconoclast(a) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Mexican prog (2) Avant-garde /industrial band (no 'a' in the name) iQ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) British neo-progressive band (2) German hip-hop Arthur Brown's Kingdom Come ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Avant-weird-psych-prog band from early seventies. Victor Periano's Kingdom Come ---------------------------------------------------------------------- US spinoff of the above, more like keyboard-oriented stadium rock. Kingdom Come ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Late eighties Zeppelin influenced metal band. Lethe ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Italian '90s band (2) early '80s Netherlands prog Magdelena ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) mid to late '80s Japanese band (2) early '80s Spanish band Magma ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) French Zeuhl band (2) Argentian prog band (3) Korean band Masque ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) From Japan (2) From Sweden Nirvana ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Old British band with progressive tendencies (2) The popular US band Now ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) From Belgium (2) From US (3) From Japan Octopus ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) German mid-'70s prog (2) British psych/prog band from 1969. (3) US psych/blues band, one album from 1969 (4) Norwegian symphonic band, one album in 1981 Phoenix ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Romanian from '73-'75 (2) UK '76-'80 commerical prog Providence ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) '90s neo-prog from Japan (2) UK from '71 folky prog Sand ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) '70s German band (2) '70s US band Sirius ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) German euro symphonic style band (2) Japanese precursor to Mr. Sirius Shadowland ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) British neo-progressive (2) something else, put out an album named *The Beauty of Escaping* on Geffen in 1990 Solstice ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Canadian band, style unknown (2) UK band, cross between Renaissance and Marillion Victor ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) '90s Canadian Rush guitarist solo project (2) mid-'70s symphonic prog Wild(e) Flowers ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Early Canterbury progressive band (2) Mainstream US band?? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Are there any progressive rock radio shows? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A few. Descriptions are not by the FAQ maintainer. ::Show:: Alternative Oldies ::Location:: New Orleans Metro Area ::Station:: WTUL 91.5 FM ::Time:: Saturday, 6-8pm ::DJ:: Mike Taylor ::Comments:: Music Played: Any rock recorded 1985 or prior. Most shows feature at least some progressive rock and often are entirely prog and fusion. Occasionally, the show focuses on psychedelia and blues-rock. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Show:: Aural Moon ::Location:: Wichita, Kansas (Internet Broadcast Only) ::Station:: <URL:http://listen.to/auralmoon> ::Time:: 24 hours a day/7 days a week ::DJ:: Davin Flateau, Jim Brennan ::Comments:: Since we're a broadcast, we play a wide variety of progressive rock, including old and new. We love to play some more obscure stuff, and guide people into some great groups they never knew about, forgot about, or were too young to experience. We tend to shy away from Dream Theater, its clones, and metal in general (although there are exceptions). We add new music to our playlist almost every day. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Show:: iRock ::WWW:: <URL:http://www.irock.com> ::Comments:: A Web radio station ... you can download the shows and listen to them using RealAudio Player. See bottom of FAQ 5. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Show:: Exposure ::Location:: Key West, Florida ::Station:: See below ::Address:: 43553 Ellsworth St. Suite B, Fremont, CA 94539 ::WWW:: <URL:http://www.microserve.net/vradio/vr/html/nv/exposure/exposure.html> ::Time:: Every Monday evening 9PM - Midnight ::DJ:: John Szpara ::Music Played:: General progressive rock, from the early seventies on up. ::Comments:: *Station information* WOZN 98.7 FM Key West, Florida Sunday Evening 10PM-Midnight WPLT 93.9 FM Plattsburgh, New York Sunday Evening around 8PM-10 WOUI 88.9 FM Chicago, Illinois Wednesday Evening 6PM-8PM Playlists for the previous week are posted each week on r.m.p. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Show:: The Sheltering Sky ::Station:: WBGU, 88.1 FM ::Location:: Bowling Green, OH ::Time:: Wednesdays from 7pm to 9pm ::DJ:: Doug Maynard ::Music Played:: Broad. Anything I can get my hands on. Classic groups (Yes, ELP, Marillion, Kansas, Crimson, Rush, Tull, Gentle Giant, etc...) as well as newer or lesser known groups (Ozric Tentacles, Iluvatar, Witsend). My collection is modest, but growing. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Show:: Sleepless ::Station:: WCWM Williamsburg, VA 90.7 FM ::Time:: Sunday 10am-noon ::DJ:: Bill Maciejewski ::WWW:: <URL:http://cs.wm.edu/~wmmaci/> ::Music Played:: I often play King Crimson, Brian Eno, Frank Zappa, Wire, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Discipline, David Sylvian, etc. and a lot more obscure stuff. I tend to like wierd instrumentals a lot and probably play a lot of things people might not consider progressive (but I do, so I play it. Ha!). See Web page for setlists etc. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Show:: Watcher of the Skies ::Location:: Central Arkansas, USA ::WWW:: <URL:http://www.magic105fm.com/> or <URL:http://beakerstreet.com> ::Station:: KMJX Magic 105, 105.1FM ::Time:: Every Sunday night at 9PM for approximately 30 minutes ::DJ:: "Wil Warren" (real name: James J. Warren or JJW) ::Email:: wwarren@beakerstreet.com ::Music Played:: This prerecorded program is available (live over the radio and the internet) every Sunday evening at 9PM Central Time (USA) in the middle of the famous Beaker Street radio show with "Clyde Clifford." Each Watcher of the Skies segment is devoted to an artist or subject concerning any category of progressive rock. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Were there not US releases of some Italian progressive albums with the same music but lyrics in English? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Yes, there were several. Most notably, PFM released *Storia d'un Minuto*, *Per Un Amico*, and *L'Isola di Niente* in Italian. Manticore (I think this was Peter Sinfield's label...he did write the lyrics for the English verison but I have also heard ELP started it) released *Photos of Ghosts* and *The World Became the World* with remixed instrumentation and English vocals and titles. These partially cover the three Italian albums. *Photos of Ghosts* is basically all of *Per Un Amico*, plus `Generale!' which is from *Storia d'un Minuto*. *The World Became the World* is *L'Isola di Niente* plus the title track, from *Storia d'un Minuto*. Both of the English versions are poor pressings, and in general, people agree that the original Italian versions are far superior, both technically and performance-wise. Other bands to do the same are RDM (*Contamination* is the English version of *Contaminazione*) and Maxophone (English version has the same title). ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Which Focus album(s) contain "Sugar Island" and "House of the King"? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Although "House of the King" was originally released on *Focus III*, it's now available on the CD release of , *In and Out of Focus*. "Sugar Island" is also available on *IaOoF*. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ What is the Mellotron and how does it work? What are related instruments? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From afcpeters@aol.com (Peter Stoller): The Mellotron is a keyboard instrument in which the sounds are produced by strips of prerecorded analog tape dragged slowly over playback heads. Think of it as a mechanical, analog sample-playback device. Tape `patches' were usually of strings, choirs, flutes and such. The Beatles were probably the first to use them, but the Mellotron was popularized by King Crimson, the Moody Blues and Genesis. (Wakeman used them with Yes, but they were rarely dominant. Emerson never used one.) Songs such as Crimson's "In the Court of the Crimson King" and Genesis' "Watcher of the Skies" are good examples of the Mellotron sound. The Chamberlin was a similar instrument from a different manufacturer, and Wakeman had someone build him an improved version of the Mellotron called the Birotron. Patrick Moraz played a Vako Orchestron, which was the same principal, but using the playback technology employed in film projectors, rather than tape. From rogoff@std.teradyne.com (David Rogoff): For each key there is a 5' length of tape (= 8sec @ 7.5''/sec). One end rests on a capstan (rotating metal cylinder that runs the width of the whole keyboard. On each key is a pinch roller. When you press the key down, the tape is pressed against the capstan and starts moving. This is exactly the same as in a cassette deck. Also under the tape (again one for each key) is a tape playback head. So, the tape is pulled across the head, generating the sound. If you hold the key for more than 8 seconds the sound (and the tape) just stops. When you let go of the key, a spring pulls the tape back. This takes about a 1/8 second, so you can't play 64th note trills on the thing. In fact, you never want to hit the keys: you sort of push them down. The action takes some getting used to. Also, Each tape is 3/8" wide made up of 3 1/8" tracks for 3 different sounds. A big lever moved the whole tape head assembly from side to side to chose the different sounds. If you have access to a 1/2" four track reel-to-reel you can make your own tapes pretty easily. It just takes a long time! I've been describing the Mellotron-400, the most common and most "portable" model. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Eddie Jobson is credited on the King Crimson album USA. Was he ever in the band? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- No, Jobson was not a member of Crimson, but he did get called in to do overdubs on *USA*. Apparently Fripp had fired Cross by that point and needed someone to do the overdubs. The majority of what you hear on the album is Cross. Jobson did not perform the material live. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I do a lot of tape trading in order to find out about more obscure (non-bootleg) progressive music. Is this legal? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Note that this response only applies to US copyright law. As of this writing there has not been a specific legal precedent set. In other words, a case has not been brought before a court involving taping of non-bootleg material. The current status of the law regarding home taping is best summed up by Terry Carroll's Copyright FAQ at: <URL:http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/Copyright-FAQ/top.html> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Suppose I tape an album or a CD for a friend anyway. Is this helping or hurting the artist of the work? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- It depends who you tape it for. If you are taping it for somone who will buy the original if they like it, then it is basically free advertising and can only help the artist. The other person would not have bought it anyway if they had not heard it. However, if you are taping it for people who will just keep the copy even if they love it, you are hurting them. It is not a clear cut help/hurt ... it depends on the idiosyncracies of the people involved. Seeing as prog is a minority area where artists need support (and generally deserve it), I personally make it a policy to buy every album I hear and like on an original format. Consider it an act of tribute. I have even baought back catalogue material when I have tape copies that I rarely listen to. I consider it an honour to own good music on an original format, you may be different. Use your own discretion but be aware that what you choose to do may well be illegal and this FAQ is certainly not suggesting any such behaviour. Tape trading in minority music simulates, to an extent, the existence of a decent radio network, not dominated by irrelevant financial concerns. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ What does RIO stand for? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From afcpeters@aol.com (Peter Stoller): Rock In Opposition. It was an assemblage of European progressive bands who were defining a style "in opposition" to the English language domination of the pop music industry. Key elements were that groups sang in their native languages (or, in Magma's case, created their own), and they drew much of their source material from their own national folk, popular and classical musics, instead of using the American blues-based model. RIO started as the name of a festival in London organised by Henry Cow in 1978 and featuring groups from Italy, Sweden, France and Belgium. After the concert, they decided to formalize the coalition. They organized tours and festivals in each others countries. According to Henry Cow drummer/lyricist Chris Cutler, RIO as an organization failed due to political and philosophical differences: there is no longer an official RIO, and has not been for some time but it succeeded and has continued to grow as a cultural phenomenon. The original RIO artists were Henry Cow, Samla Mammas Manna, Univers Zero, Art Zoyd, Stormy Six, Art Bears, Aqsak Maboul, and Etron Fou Leloublan. Associated artists include Magma, Albert Marcoeur, ZNR, Feliu y Joan Albert, Musica Urbana, Goebbels Harth, Kraldjursanstalten, Unrest, Work Play, The Residents, Faust, L. Voag, Mnemonists, This Heat, Cassiber, Thinking Plague, Haniwa Chan, and John Oswald. (There are, of course, many others.) This information was derived from Cutler's book, "File Under Popular" (see FAQ 3). From Mike Borella (cathmike@xnet.com): The term RIO is now used as a way of describing some of the more indescribable musics created today by artists that are influenced to some degree by the original RIO artists. The "new" RIO influenced bands would include U Totem, Thinking Plaugue, 5UU's, Lacrymosa, and maybe Banda Elastika. So when someone says that a new band sound like RIO, you know that maybe be influenced by RIO or are just weird/elcectic or just strange. See Phil Zampino's (zampino@squidco.com) Web site dedicated to RIO artists and labels at: <URL:http://www.panix.com/~zampino/rer/> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ How many versions of Gentle Giant's ---------------------------------------------------------------------- *Free Hand* have been on CD, and what are the differences? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From barrett@cs.umass.edu (Daniel Barrett): There have been 4 versions on CD: two from One Way Records in the USA, and two from Terrapin Trucking, a.k.a. Road Goes On Forever (RGOF), in Great Britain. Summary: there are large differences between the first three versions, and the Terrapin/RGOF versions are acknowledged by fans to be the best. Now for the longer answer. The first CD came from One Way Records, number CDL 57338. This disc was mastered from inferior American master tapes and sounds very muffled. If you turn up your treble control, the disc sounds almost normal, but overall the sound is mediocre. In response to complaints from fans, One Way recalled all the old CD's from stores, sought out better master tapes, and rereleased *Free Hand* with the SAME identification number, CDL 57338. It is not possible to distinguish between the first and second *Free Hand* CD's from the packaging. The only way to tell by eye is to open the package and examine the code number stamped on the disc rim. The old disc says "AM6/CDL 57338", and the new disc says "ESK 1 <010> CDL 57338". The second One Way disc has much better sound. The master tape that One Way used, however, is a very strange one. It is not the same tape that was used for any previous release of the album, and the music is actually different from the original! In "Time To Kill", Derek Schulman sings some of the lines instead of Ray Schulman; for example, `And with no questions then, he finds his way'. In "On Reflection", the drums come in half a verse earlier than in the original. And worst of all, at the climax of "On Reflection", when the full band comes crashing in, the drums are barely audible! This CD is worth owning because it is different from any previous release, but it is notrepresentative version of the album. Next, Terrapin/RGOF released their first *Free Hand* disc, identification number RGF CD 1004. It uses the correct master tapes and has very good sound quality. I find it a little bit bass-heavy, but it is much better than the other versions. Some fans complained that the disc had too much hiss, and Terrapin/RGOF remastered it to remove hiss, giving the disc a new identification number, TRUCKCD 004. Reportedly, the differences between the two Terrapin/RGOF discs are minor. If you own only 1 *Free Hand* CD, get this one. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ -------------------- This FAQ is maintained by Phil Kime(Philip@kime.org.uk). Comments, questions, and criticisms are positively always welcome. This text was taken in part from the previous versions of this FAQ, which were maintained by Scott McMahan, and Mike Borella. The FAQs were brought into being originally through the sterling efforts of Malcolm Humes. Many thanks go to all of these gentlemen for their excellent work.-------------------- ::Comments:: Adventurous and excellent newsletter ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Publication:: ExposΘ ::Editor/Contact:: Peter Thelen ::Address:: 6167 Jarvis Ave #150, Newark, CA ::Email:: ptlk@netcom.com ::WWW:: <URL:http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/1831/expo-nl.html> ::Phone:: (510) 791-6186 ::Scope/Musical Domain:: "Exploring the Boundaries of Rock" ::Language:: English ::Format:: Newsletter, A4, 60pp+, BW ::Subscription Rates:: Price format is (Single issue/4 issue subscription). USA - ($4.50/$18), please see web page for overseas and other prices. ::Frequency:: Quarterly ::Comments:: ExposΘ is carried by: Wayside Music, Ranjit, Musea, Of Sound Mind (?), Sights Sounds, and occasionally Ultima Thule. Also by the following California record stores: CD Warehouse (Newark Sunnyvale), and Rhino (Claremont). It's also carried by "Le FreeSon" in Montreal, QuΘbec. Now also carried by: Rush-Mor Music (Milwaukee), Vinyl Solutions (Grand Rapids), Twisted Village (Cambridge), World Disque (Tokyo), Record Runner (Brazil) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Publication:: Synthesis ::Address:: 219 Napfle St., Philadelphia PA 19111 ::Scope/Musical Domain:: Electronic oriented ::Language:: English ::Subscription Rates:: $5 per 4 issues, $7 overseas. ::Comments:: Electronic oriented. Claims not to be interested in art rock but has had info on Kit Watkins. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Publication:: Lullabye Letter ::Editor/Contact:: c/o North American Robert Wyatt Apreciation Society ::Address:: 9690 NE Adolf Rd., Newberg OR 97132-7000 ::Scope/Musical Domain:: Robert Wyatt ::Language:: English ::Comments:: Grass roots zine on Wyatt. Supposedly very good. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Publication:: Option ::Address:: 2345 Westwood Blvd Suite 2, Los Angeles CA 90064 ::Scope/Musical Domain:: Independent acts, including progressive artists, mostly Canterbury and RIO ::Language:: English ::Subscription Rates:: US$15.45 per 6 issues ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Publication:: Progression ::Editor/Contact:: John Collinge ::Address:: PO Box 7164, Lowell, MA 01852 ::Scope/Musical Domain:: Progressive (mostly mainstream) ::Language:: English ::Subscription Rates:: 4 issues per year. US, Puerto Rico and Canada - $18. Rest of world - $23. Sample issues $5 for US etc., $6 for rest of world. ::Comments:: About the publication: PROGRESSION is an 80-120 page, quarterly magazine devoted to news, reviews, interviews and features involving progressive rock artists new and old, in the United States and overseas. We cover the so called "mainstream" progressive acts such as IQ, Yes, ELP, Jethro Tull Marillion, etc. We include occasional features and reviews on more "serious" prog artists such as Univers Zero and Richard Pinhas. And we strive to highlight emerging talent in the progressive realm: Echolyn, Prometheus, Ozric Tentacles, Episode, Cairo, Djam Karet, Ancient Vision, Anglagard, Witsend, Kalaban, plus many, many others. A typical edition of the magazine includes exclusive, in-depth interviews with progressive rock artists (past issues have featured the likes of Keith Emerson, Greg Lake, Jordan Rudess, Mastermind, ─nglagσrd, Bill Bruford, Marillion's Mark Kelly, Nik Turner's hawkwind, etc.), plus dozens ofconcert and album reviews, tour intineraries and information on new album and video release. Photographs accompany the articles. Ample advertising provides a forum for those wishing to buy and sell progressive recordings and other items. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Publication:: Tone Clusters ::Editor/Contact:: Ken Egbert ::Address:: 5648 Riverdale Av., Suite 105, Bronx, NY 10471 ::Phone:: 718 562 4982 ::Language:: English ::Comments:: Ken is a former employee of Pantasia Mad Platters, and has produced TC sporadicly for 15 or 20 YEARS!! Although thoroughly diverse in his interests, his particular love is the Canterbury scene, groups like Caravan, Hatfield, etc. Very knowledgeable in the English, French, German, Italian, domestic prog scene of the 70's 80's, and continues to expose folks to new interesting stuff. Sample copies $2.50 well worth it. You may also phone through the Nowhere music store (see FAQ 6) at 914 962 6274 or mail through said store at nowhere247@aol.com ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FromMike Borella: The basic publication list data is mostly courtsey of Musea, via Yannick Lallement (lallemen@ese-metz.fr or lallemen@loria.fr). Many thanks for their sharing this information so that others can benefit from it. Also, Kurt Rongey, who runs the Long Dark Music label, compiled much of the list. The comments and information is mostly originally from him, though some of the information was condensed or paraphrased. -------------------- This FAQ is maintained by Phil Kime(Philip@kime.org.uk). Comments, questions, and criticisms are positively always welcome. This text was taken in part from the previous versions of this FAQ, which were maintained by Scott McMahan, and Mike Borella. The FAQs were brought into being originally through the sterling efforts of Malcolm Humes. Many thanks go to all of these gentlemen for their excellent work.-------------------- CD Distributions ::Address:: Postbus 460, 3990 GG Houten, The Netherlands ::Phone:: 31-30-6341682 ::Fax:: 31-30-6341682 ::Comments:: Apparently filling in the gap left by the defunct SI Music outlet. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Compact Disc Services ::Address:: 40-42 Bruntwood Avenue, Dundee, DD3 6EW, Scotland ::Phone:: (01382) 776595 ::Fax:: (01382) 736702 ::Comments:: Their main specialty is electronic and new age synth music: what they don't know about the availability of T.Dream, Kit Watkins, Gandalf, etc, etc, isn't worth knowing. They are also very helpful with all manner of progressive stuff, including Gong, Canterbury, Bruford, Camel, etc, etc. These were the guys who, when I called up about a CD of Pink Floyd's Relics, instantly knew that it was only ever available from Australia, its legality was in some doubt, and has been out of print for about two years. They will get imports from anywhere in the world, and if you're thinking about a Japanese import, they will often have a good idea whether it's likely to soon become available from elsewhere, and therefore be much cheaper if you wait a while. Their prices are not discounted, and they do charge postage, but they give a good service (recorded delivery within the UK), and always seem to know how to try and get obscure stuff. Very good outlet, reliable with reasonable prices (for Britain :-). This months ad shows releases by Anyone's Daughter, Asia Minor, Cannata, Circus, Cirkel, The Enid, Ivory, Kaipa, Kayak, Mercy Train, Mythos, Pendragon, Red Jasper, SRC and Summer Indoors all for around $17.00. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Compact Huset ::Address:: Austmannav. 9, P.O.Box 1756, 5501 Haugesund, Norway ::Phone:: +47 52 71 61 70 ::Fax:: +47 52 72 98 19 ::Comments:: They deal in all kinds of music, if interested in special things, talk to Arnstein (manager) who know most about everything. They are very helpful. They release 2 main catalogs and 10 updates pr. year. Catalogues can be subscribed for 5-6 pounds for one year, 9-10 for two years. Most of the catalog is printed in norwegian, but there are some english columns as well. Their normal prices are around 13-14 pounds of which 18.02% can be deducted (norw. VAT). Special offers, discounts etc. are also obtainable. Orders for foreign customers are at minimum 500 nok (45-47 pounds), orders can be phoned, faxed or mailed (snail-mail). Note that it is the cost of the total order that is important, not the actual cost (if any records are unavailable). They prefer payment by creditcards (VISA, AMERICAN EXPRESS and MASTERCARD), but pre-payment is also accepted through a proforma invoice. If things are out of stock, and therefore the delivery takes some time, they will inform you on your order-status if you call them. A very helpful bunch of people. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Cranium Music ::Address:: PO Box 103-09, Te Rapa, Hamilton, New Zealand ::Phone:: +64 7 8299 840 ::Fax:: +64 7 8299 980 ::Email:: richard@cranium.co.nz ::WWW:: <URL:http://http://www.cranium.co.nz/> ::Comments:: Import and sell Progressive, Space Rock,Psychedelic, Electronic Experimental music. Stock totals some 1000 items with 99% being CD's. Labels that we deal with: Acme, Cyclops, Delerium, Dovetail, Emergency Broadcast System, Mystic Stones, Voiceprint (all UK) Crimsonic, Foxtrot, Xotic Mind (Sweden), Erdenklang, Manikin, Music Is Intelligence (Germany), Art Sublime, Lasers Edge, Wild Places (USA) plus Spalax (France). We are sole distributors for some of the above labels we are starting to get some shops stocking Prog etc. By the way I think we can SAFELY say we are the largest stockists of Prog, Psychedelic etc in NZ (and POSSIBLY Australia). ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Delerium Records/The Freak Emporium ::Address:: PO Box 1288, Gerrards Cross, Bucks, SL9 9YB, UK. ::Tel:: +44 (0)1753 893008 ::Fax:: +44 (0)1753 892879 ::Email:: delerium@mail.bogo.co.uk ::WWW:: <URL:http://www.delerium.co.uk/> ::Comments:: Extensive mail-order list combining new releases and reissues. Concentrates mainly on psychedelic and underground titles, ltd edition reissues from 60s through 90s. Send E:Mail, SAE or IRC for current list. Updated lists of new stock also available on request. Our tastes are quite diverse: Prog-rock, Space-Rock, Kraut-Rock, Psychedelia, Garage, Folk-Psych, Ambient, Rave - and everypoint inbetween. We also run our own label, dedicated to releasing new progressive/psychedelic and underground music by new artists; and a Porcupine Tree information service. Credit cards accepted, but there is a 5% surcharge. Order turn-round is usually 24 to 48 hours, and goods are dispatched the same day payment is received. Double CD "Pick Mix" label sampler available for ú5 UK, ú6 Europe, ú7 (or $12 US Cash) elsewhere. Cheques/PO's payable to "Delerium Records". ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Diffusion I Media ::Address:: 4487 Rue Adam, Montreal (QC), Canada H1V 1T9 ::Comments:: Carry some Canadian emusic indie artists like Michel Redolfi, Bernard Parmaging and others. Only accept US postal MO, IMO or check drawn on a Canadian bank. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Discipline Global Mobile ::Address:: PO Box 1533, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 5ER ::Fax:: (+44) (01722) 781042 ::Fax:: (+44) (01722) 780165 ::Email:: DGM@disciplinegm.demon.co.uk ::WWW:: <URL:http://www.discipline.co.uk/> ::Comments:: Official outlet for King Crimson/Robert Fripp projects in the UK as part of Fripp's new distributed distribution project. They now take credit card orders by email for which they need your full name (as apearing on the card), full postal address, card number and card expiry date. You can also order by credit card from the World Wide Web page given above. A very nice Web site now with lots of information on DGM artists, full ordering facility, news etc. Well worth looking at. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: G.A.S. - Gong Appreciation Society ::Address:: PO Box 871, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 9FE, UK ::Comments:: GAS in the UK carries a number of tapes of rare Gong and Gong related folks, LPs, CDs, tshirts, posters, lyrics, newsletters, tour info and other goodies. Also see the US GAS listing above. As of 1990, GAS Membership costs 8 pounds per year. You receive atape of unreleased material, a discount of 10% on anything ordered, and quarterly newsletters to which you are welcome to contribute. I suspect rates may have changed. I'd recommend sending an IRC asking for more info. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Electronic Dreams ::Address:: c/o Clive Littlewood, Silverton Villa, Higher Bugle, St. Austell, Cornwall, PL26 8PY, UK ::Phone:: +44 (01726) 850232 ::Fax:: +44 (01726) 69135 ::Comments:: Phone contact should ask for "Cleve" and aim to phone between 5.30 and 6.30pm. Electronic Dreams is a label and outlet for new electronic music. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Eventyr Record ::Address:: PO Box 12319 - 00135, Rome, Italy ::Phone:: +39-6-3326 2264 ::Fax:: ::Email:: eventyr@farm-it.com+39-6-3326 2654 ::Comments:: Mail order home of the Progland label. Also carries things from the following labels: Seventh, Ageness, Ciclo, Briskeby, Kalemegdan, WMMS, Mezzo Disctribution, Progressive Rock Worldwide, Vinyl Top and Ars Mundi. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: GFT ::Address:: 33a Tolworth Park Road, Tolworth, Surrey, KT6 7RL ::Phone:: +44 (0181) 339 9965 (Monday to Friday answerphone at weekends) ::Fax:: +44 (0181) 399 0070 ::Email:: info@gft-cyclops.co.uk ::Email:: sales@gft-cyclops.co.uk ::WWW:: <URL:http://www.gft-cyclops.co.uk> ::Comments:: Good reputation. Run by Malcolm Parker who is really friendly on the phone and very helpful generally. In addition to being a pleasant place to order from, their prices are superb (modulo the UK!) ... I have not seen a cheaper place in the UK. Their catalogue has a good range, nothing too esoteric, plus special sections devoted to Canterbury, `Head' music etc. P and P rates are very good indeed and they seem to send orders of 3+ CDs recorded delivery. Very quickly too ... I often get next-day service even if I ring in the afternoon! They have a special offers list that includes currently favoured material that's offered at an all-in rate which includes P and P. They also send out an update with end-of-line items. A very good mail order outlet. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Tim Holden ::Address:: 139 Hawkfield Crescent NW, Calgary, Canada T3G 1Z4 ::Phone:: (403) 241-9073 (5-9 PM PST) ::Comments:: Tim is a guy who deals mainly in used LPs and works shows in his area, he's got good contacts with a lot of other dealers collectors in his area, and seems to have no trouble finding rare and out-of-print stuff if you give him a little time. He found me 6 o/p albums by Maneige over the course of the last year, and found the whole FM catalog for a friend of mine, including the rare first album "Headroom", all for very reasonable prices. His service is extremely good, turn-around-time is quick, and he's a really friendly chap to talk with on the phone. Recommended for o/p stuff. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Mike Lloyd Music Mail Order ::Address:: 14-20 Brunswick Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 1DR, UK ::Phone:: (01782) 269012 ::Comments:: Formerly known as Lotus Records, these guys have specialized catalogs for Canterbury, Zeuhl (Magma), and other stuff. I've only ordered from them once, but I got both Paga CDs as well as the 2CD version of Magma Live. These three discs are nearly impossible to get in the US, but I called Mike Lloyd's and got them with no problem. Shipping did take about a month, but it was well worth the wait. When you call, ask for Andy or Clarey, as they handle the mail order division. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Mirage ::Address:: 612 Southmead Road, Filton, Bristol, BS12 7RF, UK ::Comments:: Last I checked (several years ago) this was a one man operation, Martin K Reed. He has a decent variety of British indie electronic musicians like Ian Boddy, Steve Frost and Mark Shreeve. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Musea ::Address:: 68 La Tinchotte, 57117 Retonfey, France ::Fax:: (33) 87366473 ::Email:: musea@id-net.fr ::WWW:: <URL:http://www.id-net.fr/musea/> ::Comments:: Musea is a label with over 200 productions to its name including many prestigious groups such as Minimum Vital, Atoll, and Pulsar. The Musea catalog has a thousand titles including independent productions from all over the world as well as imports from Japan, Brazil, Korea, Italy, Germany, Poland, etc.. The label also publishes the French-language Musea magazine. Musea take credit card orders by email and aim for a 3 to 5 day turn around. They have an excellent Web catalogue and ordering service. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: The Music Specialists ::Address:: 50 Raffles Place, #03-011 Shell Tower, Singapore 0104 ::Phone:: (065) 734-3775 ::Fax:: (065) 224-2785 ::Comments:: Carries a lot of live and bootleg CDs. Similar to the CD Connection in Germany, but supposedly more reliable per one friend who has used both. They'll send lists for $2. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Normal Mail Order ::Address:: Bonner Talweg 276, 5300 Bonn 1, Germany ::Phone:: 228-22 06 55 ::Fax:: 228-22 16 56 ::Comments:: Excellent selection of bands on tiny labels. Lots of really obscure punk, Australian, New Zealand and German bands. They are very prompt at answering fax enquiries and will probably mail you a catalogue for free. They are also capable of locating out of date obscure vinyl and CD's. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Ohrwaschl ::Address:: Papenheim str. 11, 80335, Munich, Germany ::Fax:: 089 5504112 ::Email:: ohrwaschl@t-online.de ::WWW:: <URL:http://www.c-lab.de/~rms/ff/ohrwaschl.html> ::Comments:: The famous Krautrock label's mail order outlet. They specialise in, surprisingly, Krautrock, 70s progressive and world-music. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Orage Rock Progressif Enr. ::Address:: C.P. 58058 QuΘbec, QuΘbec, Canada, G2B 5H4 ::Phone:: (418) 847-1116 ::Comments:: This is a very convenient source for Canadian prog. rock fans, with reasonable prices (in Canadian dollars). ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Store:: Pan y Musica ::Address:: C/ Ros de Olano 12, 08012, Barcelona, Spain ::Phone:: (93) 237-6568 ::Fax:: (93) 415-0219 ::Email:: pany@nexus.es ::WWW:: <URL:http://www.thesaurus.net/panymusica/> ::Comments:: Pan Y Musica's online mail order site. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Pastel Blue ::Email:: Mike@pastel.demon.co.uk ::WWW:: <URL:http://www.demon.co.uk/pastel/> ::Comments:: Here is some of the blurb you get when you send the body "help" to the above email adress: Pastel Blue is a mail order CD and video shop, located in England. At the last count we had 35000 CDs, 3500 CD singles, 4200 videos and 900 games in our database, which you can search by email using commands described below. We accept orders by email and payment by cash, cheque or credit card, and can export to any country. Large collection (incl. > 100.000 american import cd's), good prices and shipping rates, reliable, but quite slow (they don't have anything in stock). On their list there's p.e. Anglagard, Brand X, Happy the Man, Gryphon, National Health, Yezda Urfa, ... ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Store:: Philippe Collignon ::Address:: 6 Avenue Du Site, 1200 Brussels, Belgium ::Phone:: 2-7725680 (10am ro 10pm) ::Fax:: 2-7711222 ::Comments:: This guy is one to best places to head for that really rare LP you can't find (especially European). He's expensive, certainly, but has the largest stock (and catalogues) of rare and wonderful vinyl I've come across. Covers all rock from the mid-60s on, but with a slight emphasis on psych and prog. He also does catalogues of CD issues. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Store:: Piccadilly Records ::Address:: 5/7 Brown Street, Manchester, M2 1DA, UK ::Phone:: +44 (0161) 839 8008 ::Comments:: Not actually visited this outlet but I have had things bought for me from there. Said things were quite obscure and had hand-written stickers giving details of genre and links to other artists which impressed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Possible Productions ::Address:: Avenue Sana Fe 3044-1, 1425 Capital Federal, Buenos Aires, Argentina ::Fax:: 010-54-1-8211372 ::Comments:: "Official" outlet for King Crimson/Robert Fripp projects in South America. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Recrec Laden+Mail ::Address:: Rotwandstr 64, 8004, Zurich, Switzerland ::Phone:: +41-1 - 291 46 60 ::Fax:: +41-1 - 291 46 62 ::Comments:: The RecRec label has lots of quirky European releases like Fred Frith, Bruniferd, Nimal and so on. They run a respectable shop front and, from the same address, a mail order service. Obviously they have all the RecRec releases in stock, but they have a generally good selection. Their catalogue is not free. It's a paperback about an inch thick and full of amusing opinions. They are probably only amusing if you can read German. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: RΘR Megacorp ::Address:: 79 Beulah Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey, CR7 8JG, UK ::Phone:: +44 (0181) 771 1063 ::Fax:: +44 (0181) 771 3138 ::Email:: jf23@dial.pipex.com ::Comments:: Label/business set up by central RIO musician/composer Chris Cutler in 1978 that's still going strong. The RΘR label covers a huge diversity of musics from all over the world. What the label covers and what the mail-order side stocks is decided purely on Cutler's perception of musical merit. It therefore doesn't "carry labels" as such. Issues a catalogue with frequent updates. There is a lot of obscure and fantastic music in the RΘR catalogue ... highly recommended that you take a look at it. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Sonic Bilby ::Address:: PO Box 884, Mt Waverly, Vic, 3149, Australia ::Email:: sonique@mail.pcmicro.com.au ::WWW:: <URL:http://www.pcmicro.com.au/~Sonique/sb> ::Comments:: My mail order business was formed with the aim of promoting and distributing international progressive, psychedelic, and similar recording artists in Australia for the lowest possible price. Undertake promotion, distribution etc. of music in addition to maintaining a mail order catalogue. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Stanislav Hapla ::Address:: Jungmannova 7/692, 736 01 Havirov-Mesto, Czechoslovakia ::Comments:: A possible source for East European CD releases. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Super Records M.B. s.r.l ::Address:: Centro Commerciale S. Maria Novella, Firenze, 50123, Italy ::Phone:: +39-55-2349526 / +39-55-287592 ::Fax:: +39-55-2349527 ::Email:: superecords@superecords.cominfo@rarevinyl.net ::WWW:: <URL:http://www.superecords.com><URL:http://www.rarevinyl.net> ::Comments:: Alternative music store: from vinyl rarities to new releases, collector's item, records auction sales, import/export from all over the world. Credit card on line payment. Progressive rock, Canterbury rock, Beat Psychedelia, Prog-metal, Kraut rock, Hard Heavy, Death Black, NWOBHM,... All the vinyl rarities that you think you'd lost, on line sale. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Taxim Records ::Address:: Postfach 10 11 43, 2900 Bremen 1, Germany ::Comments:: I originally got referred to Taxim when I wrote directly to Line Records looking for a distributor for their product. I've ordered from them a bunch of times and have always had very good luck (they accept major credit cards as well, which simplifies things a lot when ordering from overseas). They apparently no longer carry the entire Line label and as such I've had difficulty finding things in their catalog that I couldn't find from a domestic distributor, so I haven't ordered anything in a year or so. Prices are very good. Catalog is a glossy mag, all in german. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Terrapin Trucking Company ::Address:: 2 Park Road, Crouch End, London, N8 8TD, UK ::Phone:: (0181) 342-8851 ::Fax:: (0181) 341-5174 ::Comments:: I regularly fax orders to them using my Mastercard - if they don't have it they don't charge for it! Shipping to America costs about $3.00 for the first disc and $1.50 for each subsequent one. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Ultima Thule ::Address:: 1 Conduit Street, Leicester, LE2 0JN, UK ::Phone:: +44 (0116) 2854545 ::Fax:: +44 (0116) 2854555 ::Email:: ultimathule-audion@ukonline.co.uk ::Comments:: Ultima Thule is a store and mailorder business affiliated with Audion Magazine and thus run by two extremely knowledgeable gentlemen. Large A4 catalogue every year with a great deal in it. They send out update lists regularly to active customers. You need to subscribe (not expensive) to these if you are not an active customer. A superb selection, covering the whole range of progressive and new music. A little expensive compared with other UK outlets. They take just about any form of payment and offer various mail schemes including listen-and-return if you do not like it and all of this internationally. If you live in the UK, next day delivery is the norm. I often order by phone in the afternoon and receive goods the next morning. Very highly recommended indeed. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Vinyl-Virus ::Address:: P.O. Box 1164, 7526 U-Weiher, Germany ::Comments:: Supposedly a source of bootlegs - I saw the address in a post to rec.music.gdead where someone was asking for any more info on this place. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ::Name:: Voiceprint ::Address:: P.O. Box 5, Derwentside, County Durham, UK, DH9 7HR ::Phone:: (0191) 512 1103 ::Email:: Rob@vprint.demon.co.uk ::Comments:: Mainly new Canterbury-related releases. Including stuff by Daevid Allen, Robert Wyatt, Jakko Jakszyk and Rick Biddulph. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Frederic Dannen quote at the top of this file is from a very interesting book about the music industry and the "Powers broker and fast money inside the music business" and the greed and ambition and occasional mob and other illegal connections of the industry. It's pretty ugly stuff and worth reading for a better understanding of why the artist is often the victim of the industry. - Malcolm Humes -------------------- This FAQ is maintained by Phil Kime(Philip@kime.org.uk). Comments, questions, and criticisms are positively always welcome. This text was taken in part from the previous versions of this FAQ, which were maintained by Scott McMahan, and Mike Borella. The FAQs were brought into being originally through the sterling efforts of Malcolm Humes. Many thanks go to all of these gentlemen for their excellent work.-------------------- 
