46. Live - Secret SamadhiAnother odd choice from a well respected artist here. I was a huge fan of Live back in the mid ninties when they were popular, and you can see why they were simply a terrific band. Throwing Copper was of course classic, no one can deny that, but it was 1997’s Secret Samadhi that was my fav from Ed and co. A very dark album here which even has some slight metal undertones at times. Ed’s bizarre lyrics fits the moods and atmosphere perfectly and really, some of the lyrics really make you step back and say WTF? Take the line in Century “Puke stinks like beer” or the line in Graze, “Forget your mother and your father, they aren’t important son,” needless to say shocking words regardless of the context they were written. That’s one of the great things I loved about this album. Ed’s occasional use of profanities in Freaks and Unsheathed really compliment the songs too. I just love everything about this album and even the softer songs are dark as hell and drip with atmosphere. Lots of variety too and some superb concepts and melodies. A shame the band couldn’t continue in this fashion.
Best tracks: Lakini’s Juice, Graze, Unsheathed, Heropsychodreamer, Freaks
Lakini’s Juice:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnFKaU8H4v8Heropsychodreamer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SE91wkpqI845. Vanishing Point - Embrace the Silence (2005)The first melodic prog entry in my top 50 and it comes from Australian band Vanishing Point. An extremely underrated band that I am proud to support and spread the word of a fellow Aussie band. Mason is a big fan, and Chad is getting a good grasp on them too. Vanishing Point play a more atmospheric, melodic progressive style of music more focused on melodies than musical technique. Saying that, they are extremely accomplished musicians and do throw a lot of flashy solos and time signatures in from time to time, but melody is the key, and that’s what makes Embrace the Silence an entry in my top 50. A long album with 13 tracks nearly maxing out the cd time, every track drips with melody. There is not a huge range of variety between the songs, but I love the sheer consistency of the record. Silvio’s vocals are smooth, pleasant and easy to listen too with a great deal of melody in his voice. Great harmonies from vocals and guitar and a solid rhythm section too. Not much more too say, really, the atmosphere of the album is incredible and was one of those albums I loved listening to at night while driving, great mood. The band haven’t been active for a few years and I hope they can release some new material at some stage. All their other albums are worth checking out too.
Best tracks: My Virtue, If Only I, Seasons of Sundays, Once A Believer, Somebody Save Me
Once A Believer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2EMDB-uYNESomebody Save Me:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdY5e4VxjQs