Mike Keneally - Progressive Rock Music Forum

I'd say HolyMoly's assessment is fairly close to my own.

Trust me. I know what I'm doing.

What a coincidence -- I'd pulled out a bunch of my Keneally stuff just today. Here's a quick capsule review of the ones I have --

"HAT" - the debut. Mike at his wackiest. Lots of Rundgren and XTC influence mixed in with a few complex guitar instrumentals. Some of his most ridiculous and childish songs can be found here. I get the feeling he was trying to make his own hybrid of "A Wizard a True Star" (Rundgren) and "Sheik Yerbouti" (Zappa) here.

"BOIL THAT DUSK SPECK" -- Similar, but darker and more serious. His father died around this time. 30 or so songs. More instrumentals this time, and a bit of metal in there too.

"SLUGGO" -- This one integrates the complexity into more elaborate songs. No more short joke tracks for the most part, and the insane compositions are a lot more subtle and complex. Credited to Mike and Beer For Dolphins.

"NONKERTOMPF" -- Absolutely stunning. If you're interested in pure instrumental progressive rock in a multitude of styles, this is the on. Recorded/overdubbed entirely by himself - piano, guitar, bass, drums, everything.

"DANCING" -- Similar to Sluggo, another elaborate Beer for Dolphins effort

"WOODEN SMOKE" -- haven't heard this one much, but it seems a bit like a "normal song" album for him. Just him showing he can play it straight too.

"THE UNIVERSE WILL PROVIDE" -- electric guitar plus orchestra, music composed by Keneally. Got great reviews but I don't really get it yet.

Recommendation to start:

If you're into absurd humor and eclectic insanity, Hat is a real hoot. If you're more into complex rock songs, try Sluggo. If you love instrumental stuff, Nonkertompf.

My other avatar is a Porsche

It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle if it is lightly greased.

-Kehlog Albran

I second ZombyWoof's inquiry.

Being such a fan of Frank Zappa, Ive been meaning to check out Keneally's stuff for a long time now. I will be watching this thread.

My Last.fm

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Evolver Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Crossover & JR/F/Canterbury Teams Joined: October 22 2005 Location: The Idiocracy Status: Offline Points: 5482	Posted: May 15 2012 at 06:26
	I'd say HolyMoly's assessment is fairly close to my own.
	Trust me. I know what I'm doing.

Man With Hat Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Collaborator Jazz-Rock/Fusion/Canterbury Team Joined: March 12 2005 Location: Neurotica Status: Offline Points: 166178	Posted: May 14 2012 at 23:06
	^ A good summary. If you want something along the lines of what he'll most likely play at Nearfest the best bets are Bakin' @ The Potato, Sluggo, Dancing. For me, the best albums are The Universe Will Provide, Nonkertompf and Boil That Dust Speck.
	Dig me...But don't...Bury me I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect.

HolyMoly Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Retired Admin Joined: April 01 2009 Location: Atlanta Status: Offline Points: 26133	Posted: May 14 2012 at 22:13
	What a coincidence -- I'd pulled out a bunch of my Keneally stuff just today. Here's a quick capsule review of the ones I have -- "HAT" - the debut. Mike at his wackiest. Lots of Rundgren and XTC influence mixed in with a few complex guitar instrumentals. Some of his most ridiculous and childish songs can be found here. I get the feeling he was trying to make his own hybrid of "A Wizard a True Star" (Rundgren) and "Sheik Yerbouti" (Zappa) here. "BOIL THAT DUSK SPECK" -- Similar, but darker and more serious. His father died around this time. 30 or so songs. More instrumentals this time, and a bit of metal in there too. "SLUGGO" -- This one integrates the complexity into more elaborate songs. No more short joke tracks for the most part, and the insane compositions are a lot more subtle and complex. Credited to Mike and Beer For Dolphins. "NONKERTOMPF" -- Absolutely stunning. If you're interested in pure instrumental progressive rock in a multitude of styles, this is the on. Recorded/overdubbed entirely by himself - piano, guitar, bass, drums, everything. "DANCING" -- Similar to Sluggo, another elaborate Beer for Dolphins effort "WOODEN SMOKE" -- haven't heard this one much, but it seems a bit like a "normal song" album for him. Just him showing he can play it straight too. "THE UNIVERSE WILL PROVIDE" -- electric guitar plus orchestra, music composed by Keneally. Got great reviews but I don't really get it yet. Recommendation to start: If you're into absurd humor and eclectic insanity, Hat is a real hoot. If you're more into complex rock songs, try Sluggo. If you love instrumental stuff, Nonkertompf.
	My other avatar is a Porsche It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle if it is lightly greased. -Kehlog Albran

Zombywoof Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: November 26 2009 Status: Offline Points: 1217	Posted: May 14 2012 at 20:30
	Certainly an interesting, highly talented and creative musician. Edited by Zombywoof - May 14 2012 at 20:40
	Continue the prog discussion here: http://zombyprog.proboards.com/index.cgi ...

darkshade Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: November 19 2005 Location: New Jersey Status: Offline Points: 10964	Posted: May 14 2012 at 20:16
	I second ZombyWoof's inquiry. Being such a fan of Frank Zappa, Ive been meaning to check out Keneally's stuff for a long time now. I will be watching this thread.
	My Last.fm

Zombywoof Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: November 26 2009 Status: Offline Points: 1217	Posted: May 14 2012 at 20:05
	Calling all Keneally experts ... where do I start and why? Help me prepare for the show this June!
	Continue the prog discussion here: http://zombyprog.proboards.com/index.cgi ...