Flower Kings Appreciation Thread

Well, I like  to be contrary, and in the case of the new Kaipa it's pretty easy.  I will say it's better than the last one I had bought (Mindrevolutions), but on the whole I find it a bit too frilly and safe.  I love overblown symphonic excursions normally, but for some reason the Kaipa just seems so light weight and I really find it is a weaker copy of their first two albums (which I still think are great).  Anyway, just my opinion of course, but the Kaipa won't be making my list for best 2010 albums, that's for sure.  Of course, it's not bad by any means, but just seems like they are going through the motions despite the excellent musicianship in the band (still love the drumming, however).  I'll give it some more listens though, just in case it grows on me.

And yes Roj, still looking for a better price on the new Agents.  For me in the USA it would be in the 18-20 US dollar range, which I'm just not willing to pay (now if it was a new Flower Kings album, I might not care about the price).

^ That's a great interview Nov, thanks very much.

He comes across very nicely, doesn't he?

M27Barney wrote: i'm in Nowich during the week - the first five of my cd's arrive last week and I only listened to two of the Galleon and the K2 - the SB cd wll arrive this week and i'll give it a spin when I get home on friday. I will give this new batch a few spins before I pass judgement, te problem with mass purchasing is the tryiing to take in loads of new stuff. Looks like Riverside, Kaipa, all four n a couple of others ?

Roj M30 wrote: M27Barney wrote: i'm in Nowich during the week - the first five of my cd's arrive last week and I only listened to two of the Galleon and the K2 - the SB cd wll arrive this week and i'll give it a spin when I get home on friday. I will give this new batch a few spins before I pass judgement, te problem with mass purchasing is the tryiing to take in loads of new stuff. Looks like Riverside, Kaipa, all four n a couple of others ?   I know the problem.  It's known as new cd overload .  Just as I'm getting familiar with (most of) my recent purchases, my birthday comes along (next weekend), which hopefully will lead to a glut of new cds .  That should keep me going til Christmas.   Rob (or anybody else for that matter) have you got the latest Classic Rock Prog magazine?  You get a free cd with each issue of this mag and on the latest there's a brilliant track by The Lens which I'm sure you'd love .   Are you going to Frost at the Academy in Dec?  If so, we'll have to meet up and have a chat and a beer. How's Norwich by the way?   On the subject of gigs, I saw Joe Satriani last week.  The guy is a phenomenon, surely he must be technically the best guitarist to walk the earth.

Cant do frost because i'll be in Norwich! Norwich is ok, i just stay in my room at nights - watch telly - should listen to my mp3 player more. The only reason I agreed to this contract was the extremely good daily rate, I work here till xmas and I can afford to go without work for 12 months!

Sadly for us in the USA, Dramaramma is not at all cheap at the price you mention.  However, Radiant Records had it for $14, the cheapest I've been able to find it anywhere (well, Roine put it on CDbaby for the same price).  Anyway, only one listen but I quite like it.  It still seems there are a couple "lesser" songs, but perhaps more listens will work that out.  The first album, of course, seemed like it was mostly "lesser" songs, until I gave it more time and saw some of them live.

Also, the TA deluxe DVD/CD box set is fabulous.  Haven't heard the CD's yet, or watched the bonus material (except the Hogweed with Hackett), but it's a fantastic DVD.  Great performance, great sound, great video.  Almost makes up for not seeing them on the tour.

Roj M30 wrote: Still not received the new AOM album .  Caerllysi are just a joke with their dispatch times .  Order placed 12 days ago, no sight of the items and no e-mail to say any problems.  That's the 4th time I've ordered from them and there's been problems each time.  He will be getting a strong e-mail from me that's for sure.  Never again.  Beware.   The new Glass Hammer has really grown on me.  Extremely Yes-ish in parts, like a cross between GH circa Shadowlands and mid-70s Yes, with a (excellent) singer who sounds like he's from a Yes tribute band  he's that similar to Anderson.  Sure, it's very derivative but the music is really excellent.

I'm very tempted to get the new Glass Hammer, but while they always seem, on paper anyway, like a band I would love, I have yet to connect with them really.  The exception are Chronomotree and their epic track on The Odyssey project.  Their Age of Ascent album left me pretty cold, especially the longer tracks (which is usually not the case for me as I love epic tracks usually).  I may check it out in the end though.

That's a long wait for an order, that's for sure!  Still haven't gotten to listen to Dramaramma since that first listen, will give it another after work today I think.

 

^ Agreed on the Spock's Beard CS, by far, their most impressive release in some time.  As it turns out, I'm listening to it at the moment.  Let us know what you think of Riverside.

^Hey presto!  My order from caerllysi finally arrived yesterday .  P'raps I've just been unlucky but each time I've ordered from caerllysi there's been problems.  Once the package went astray (twice) , once he sent it to the wrong address and the other times it's took ages, as opposed to amazon when the order arrives in about 2 days.

Okay, so this is kind of relevant:

Karmakanic will be performing at Nearfest 2011! 

This kind of bums me out since I doubt I'll be able to attend this year.  May have to find a way for this though.

Also, Jonas reports a new album is in the works and will be released before Nearfest!!!

Hmm, This intrigues me, though the tickets are a bit pricey at first glance.  I'd need to see a few more /big name' bands to go though I would love to see them again.

Very excited about a new album by them.