RIO/Avant Drop-In Centre

The Doctor wrote: Just recently purchased my first real RIO album in UZ's Heatwave, after hearing a discussion in one of the 80's polls about the song Funeral Plain.  Thinking of picking up UZed next.  Maybe checking out some Cow.

Nogbad_The_Bad wrote: Man With Hat wrote: RIOfest happening...certainly males in possession of headware not there. I was F'ing fantastic, I had a wonderful weekend. 30000 ft review Firstly - loads of wonderful friendly people there, met old friends and made new ones so a wonderful experience before the music even started. Day 1 Kafka - interesting experimental opening with ambience flowing to post rock power. Enjoyable B+ Caravan - strangely lacking presence even though I'm a big fan, loved the old stuff including epc 9ft Underground B- One Shot - wonderful instrumental zeuhl extremely heavy and in the pocket all night . Excellent A Day 2 Spoke Orchestra - French slam poetry would have been better if I understood French only lasted 2 songs as did many D We Insist - straight ahead good post rock with energetic vocalist drummer. Enjoyable B+ Thinking Plague - spectacularly wonderful performance, much stronger than Cuneiform where Elaine was I'll. Magnificent A+ Magma - speechless ....... A+++ Day 3 RIO movie - excellently received very well executed with cameo from Englishman in UZ shirt drinking beer C Vander masterclass - interesting FAT32 - high energy keyboards and drums duo with masses of energy and humor. Entertaining B Eric Baron - ambient electronic soundscapes - very Zen B

If you like Leg End, I'd say pick up its successor before Western Culture - Unrest is not only my favorite HC album, but it's also a bit of a smaller step into their later era.  Western Culture left me cold for a good while, originally, so I'd keep that in mind.  And if you like the darkness of Univers Zero, don't hesitate in finding a copy of the 2-for-1 of Present's first two albums.  The first album (Triskaedekaphobie) has my absolute favorite chamber prog piece (Promenade), one of my top pieces of music period. 

True, but Barbaro is also twice the price (approximately).  My absolute favorite rendition of Promenade is actually from the broadcast of last year's RIO Fest with Present/UZ/Aranis ALL on stage.  That one gave me goosebumps for HOURS. 

Worth the price if you like their style of music, though - I put it off forever because of the price, but once I got it I LOVE it. 

infocat wrote: SaltyJon wrote: Worth the price if you like their style of music, though - I put it off forever because of the price, but once I got it I LOVE it.  I do, but as you say, the price puts me off.  Especially since I never watch music DVDs.

I still need to dig into some French TV at some time.  I've heard some tracks here and there and enjoyed them all, but still haven't bought any of their albums yet.  Maybe they'll make it onto my Christmas list this year...

Man With Hat wrote: infocat wrote: SaltyJon wrote: Worth the price if you like their style of music, though - I put it off forever because of the price, but once I got it I LOVE it.  I do, but as you say, the price puts me off.  Especially since I never watch music DVDs.   I'm with you, but for what its worth it's probably the best DVD I've seen (quality & content wise).   Though I've only watched it about 3 times.

I put it off for ages as well due to the price, & I normally don't watch music DVD's either but this one is stunningly good. Probably watched it more than a dozen times and it's up there with Oldfield Montreaux as my favorite DVD.

SaltyJon wrote: True, but Barbaro is also twice the price (approximately).  My absolute favorite rendition of Promenade is actually from the broadcast of last year's RIO Fest with Present/UZ/Aranis ALL on stage.  That one gave me goosebumps for HOURS.

I was at RIO last year specifically for the Present-UZ-Aranis performance, it was stunningly good. One of my greatest concert experiences, I tried to sit back and let all 17 musicians wash over me simultaneously. My goodness I still get goosebumps thinking about it now.

SaltyJon wrote: Anyone else here going to get the miRthkon DVD?  I finally got it ordered today, really excited for that.  They're definitely one of my favorite Avant groups, past or present, and I'm looking forward to seeing what they've got in store for us on the DVD, not to mention future material...also ordered their new shirt.

It's on the list.