Covid-19 Invitational Tournament-Heavy Hitters #1
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Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Polls
Forum Description: Create polls on topics related to progressive music
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=123560
Printed Date: April 25 2024 at 20:32
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Topic: Covid-19 Invitational Tournament-Heavy Hitters #1
Posted By: rushfan4
Subject: Covid-19 Invitational Tournament-Heavy Hitters #1
Date Posted: July 22 2020 at 08:07
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Hello and welcome to the Covid-19 Invitational Tournament. I have selected 120 songs from 120 different artists and I have "invited" them to participate in this tournament. The concept is that you are "The Man" and you have the power to influence the mainstream world to fall in love with a song from a progressive rock band. Whilst I know that we would prefer that this hit song be a 25 minute epic or a 3-minute masterclass in dissonance all of the songs that I have chosen are of the 5 minute or less variety (I cheated and picked a couple of slightly longer songs but most of them are 5 minutes or less). All of these songs have been released in the last 3 years (a couple that I chose that were released in 2017, so may be slightly more than 3 years). I have broken the songs into 24 brackets of 5 songs each. There are 6 different categories and 4 groupings of each category. Once the totals are tallied the 4 winners of each bracket plus one wild card will move on to the next round. I have chosen the songs either because they are catchy, they have good lyrics, they can be danced to, they have a good hook, or mostly just because I like the song. This means that most of the songs are from crossover, symphonic, or Neo, but hopefully there will be a few surprises along the way. I will add one poll per day for the next 24 days. My thought is that the polls will remain open until the end of August at which time I will start the 2nd round. My goal is to hopefully introduce you to something new that maybe you have not heard. I hope that you have as much fun participating as I had listening and creating this tournament. The number of new songs released in the past three years is ridiculous and I could not possibly have heard all of them so I apologize if I miss songs that you think might be better choices or if you think that there are better choices of songs from a band that I selected. Please share other options, and who knows, if people enjoy this tournament, a follow up can be created using songs that you suggest. Anyhow, to get started here are five songs from what I am calling the Heavy Hitters bracket. These are all well-known bands, many who may have had mainstream success or at least very popular within the prog community. Please try and have fun with this. If you are a PA lurker, please sign up and add your votes. The more the merrier. ------------- 
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Replies:
Posted By: Man With Hat
Date Posted: July 22 2020 at 13:31
I somehow get the impression this will not be a contest for me.  ------------- 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. |
Posted By: Manuel
Date Posted: July 22 2020 at 13:44
| From this list, Phideaux. |
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: July 22 2020 at 14:21
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Man With Hat wrote:Posted By: Man With Hat
Date Posted: July 22 2020 at 14:40
I wouldn't go as far and say I hate them (although that SW track is particularly garish), and I certainly don't love to hate anything. It's just this type of stuff is generally not what I look for in music. I will keep poking my head in to the future ones nevertheless.  ------------- 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. |
Posted By: Raff
Date Posted: July 22 2020 at 16:44
Great idea ! In spite of what some people may believe, I do like a well-written, catchy song. I actually liked three out of five songs in this poll: Phideaux and SW I was already familiar with, and APP was a pleasant surprise. On the other hand, Muse didn't do a lot for me, and Neal Morse is just not my cup of tea, even when he's not preaching  . I think this time I'll go with APP, though I am also tempted to vote for SW, whose Beatles-influenced song I have always liked. |
Posted By: Sacro_Porgo
Date Posted: July 22 2020 at 17:01
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I love Muse. Their new album is great. Algorithms is yet another showcase of Matt Bellamy's beautiful arrangements. ------------- Porg for short. My love of music doesn't end with prog! Feel free to discuss all sorts of music with me. Odds are I'll give it a chance if I haven't already! :) |
Posted By: iluvmarillion
Date Posted: July 23 2020 at 00:15
| Ok, I admit I love Permanating. |
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: July 23 2020 at 07:53
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Alright, so day one didn't exactly "shock the world" but maybe it'll pick up steam as we go. Thank you for those who have voted and commented. There has to be an audience out there for these songs. I know that the crowd gets pretty excited for Permanating on the Steven Wilson live DVD. There's gotta be some folks from Manchester that are like "dude he's singing about us! *devil horns*. I love listening to the epics and the complex chord changes as much as the next PAer, but I've always felt that our prog friends can also write damn fine catchy "pop" tunes as well. I think that the feeling amongst all of us old-timers is that this forum has grown really stale with all the conversations about Genesis, Jethro Tull, Yes, Rush, King Crimson and all the 70's bands. There is room for discussion about other artists and that is really what I am trying to start with this tournament. I am trying to "introduce" you to songs from the last three years. I get there are those of you that are going to hate these songs because there are no out of tune saxophones or oboes or that they aren't using vintage mellotrons or moogs and that there are those of you who heard Genesis play in 9/8ths so nobody else is allowed to do that because they are just being but hopefully, there are some of you out there who just like to hear a good song. Anyhow, here's hoping for more discussions and I will be adding the next bracket soon. Cheers! -------------
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Posted By: Meltdowner
Date Posted: July 23 2020 at 08:50
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I only knew Permanating but voted for Phideaux, it's easily the best one. The rest sounds too artificial to me. I have no problem with Wilson making Pop though, I really like Stupid Dream and Lightbulb Sun.
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Posted By: Rick1
Date Posted: July 23 2020 at 08:57
| Wow! A prog song about Manchester? Get's my vote! |
Posted By: suitkees
Date Posted: July 23 2020 at 09:22
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Thank you for your efforts, rushfan, it'll pick up steam. Took me to find the right moment to listen to them. Voted for Phideaux, more because of lack of originality with the others and also because I am discovering Phideaux only very recently. Hesitated a moment with Muse though; this incites me to listen to their album. Never got into neither Neil Morse nor Steven Wilson's solo efforts - theses songs won't change that. And Alan Parsons is quite disappointing here, imho, a bit too cheesy. I will try to follow and vote in this tournament ! ------------- The razamataz is a pain in the bum |
Posted By: Grumpyprogfan
Date Posted: July 23 2020 at 10:22
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The Wilson tune is the worst. Phideaux, the best. Never been a fan of Muse. Neal and APP meh. Thanks for doing this and I hope more members join in. Current music is severely overlooked here. Any chance others can suggest some tunes? |
Posted By: mathman0806
Date Posted: July 23 2020 at 10:23
| I like the Wilson tune and Phideaux. Voted Wilson. |
Posted By: Raff
Date Posted: July 23 2020 at 10:47
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Though I sincerely hope these polls will pick up steam (and I intend to participate in all of them), I think the number of responses so far for a poll based on new prog music is quite good. Of course, it would be nice if people who have no interest in this, or just don't find the music to their taste, kept it to themselves. This is a general remark, not aimed at anyone who posted here. |
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: July 23 2020 at 11:05
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Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: July 23 2020 at 11:12
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Having taken the time to listen to all of these, the Phideaux really stood out as my clear favourite. I found it excellent. ------------- Just a fanboy passin' through. |
Posted By: Olape
Date Posted: July 23 2020 at 11:20
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I only knew Phideaux and SW. After listened to the others, I have to say that the APP was a really good suggestion, but... Phideaux +1 ------------- 
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Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: July 23 2020 at 12:10
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I was listening to Phideaux's Infernal the other day and while I really enjoy the album this song just really stood out for me as the song that would have been the huge hit back in the day. Kind of the Another Brick in the Wall of Comfortably Numb of today so to speak. It was kind of the inspiration for me for the entire tournament. Muse are a band that have had some mainstream success, hence their inclusion in this bracket. I could have gone for something like Dig Down or Something Human, but Algorithm kind of stood out for me. Something about the rhythm made my toes tap. Steven Wilson's Permanating song is one of my "cheat" songs, as it is from 2017, but it fit exactly for what am kind of going for with these polls. As he openly announced this was his shot at the big time audience. I know that Neal Morse is one of those artists that greatly divides the forums with his religious preaching. I for one, love his music, especially his concept albums. I'm not religious and don't care for the preaching but I guess I tend to look beyond that and enjoy the stories. Maybe listening to his music will score me points with THE BIG GUY. I found his solo album Life and Times to just be a fun listen. There are a number of really good songs on there. Manchester just stands out for me, probably because of the humor to the song. It is truly bubblegummy and reminds me of some 60's music with its' harmonies. Anyhow, just to share another song that I really like from that album, but it brings a tear to my eyes I will share this one. I didn't include it in the poll because it was over 5 minutes, but it is a really touching song and I think could have made it to the mainstream.With Alan Parsons' latest album the theme of all the songs revolves around magic. The song that I think that would most likely appeal to PAers is the the first song on the album The Sorcerer's Apprentice, but I chose One Note Symphony for the tournament because I just find it to be a very catchy tune. If your interested in checking out The Sorcerer's Apprentice, I have included it here. Steve Hackett guests on this song and as you might guess, Mickey Mouse makes an appearance. -------------
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Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: July 23 2020 at 13:02
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Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: July 23 2020 at 13:03
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By the way, can anybody tell me what "permanating" is? Sounds like getting your hair done while you are dining. -------------
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Posted By: suitkees
Date Posted: July 23 2020 at 13:56
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Not me, but it rhymes to "celebrating". Quite silly lyrics, btw (but that has never stopped a song from becoming a hit...). ------------- The razamataz is a pain in the bum |
Posted By: Epignosis
Date Posted: July 23 2020 at 20:35
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I think I'll follow along with this one, Scott. That Phideaux track sounds fresh and yet reminds me of Chupacabras. The instrumental section is the highlight. I've never cared much for Muse. This doesn't move the needle. The Steven Wilson song was not anything that I was expecting, but that is a thing that should be on XM / FM radio no doubt. It's very ELO-esque. An unexpected treat. I like Neal Morse, but there's some occasional artificial grittiness he adds into his vocals that doesn't suit him. This song has that, and while I don't mind the lightheartedness, there are too many other good "pop" Morse tracks that make me biased against this one for sure. The musical arrangement of The Alan Parsons Project piece is engaging, but the gimmick of singing one note (and even cheating in that regard) isn't. Like the Wilson track, I think of ELO here musically. Catchy songs should be fun to sing though. This one just isn't. My vote goes to Steven Wilson. I was not expecting that.
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Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: July 23 2020 at 21:22
Nice of you to join us Rob. I am glad you enjoyed the Steven Wilson song.  -------------
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Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: July 23 2020 at 21:39
Totally agree, we need more Rob's around here . Scott you should have put up one of his songs from Refulgence For this poll I picked Steven Wilson, till I saw it live it was just an ok song on the album. A higher appreciation for it now, it is pretty tough to write and perform a song like that. -------------   
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Posted By: Epignosis
Date Posted: July 23 2020 at 22:30
Refulgence came out in 2011. Not eligible.
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Posted By: geekfreak
Date Posted: July 23 2020 at 22:47
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Love the song "Manchester" but like the "Steven Wilson Song" a little more ------------- Friedrich Nietzsche: "Without music, life would be a mistake." Music Is Live Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. Keep Calm And Listen To The Music… < |
Posted By: someone_else
Date Posted: July 24 2020 at 07:14
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Phideaux easily. I like Parsons as well. The Muse song is rather crappy than catchy. ------------- 
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Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 24 2020 at 11:38
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My take on the songs: Phideaux: “We Only
Have Eyes For You” Not familiar with much material by him, did some early
investigating when I first started exploring the prog scene in depth
(currently, that is). Didn’t catch me
right away, and then I heard something off of “Chupacabras,” and I got it! Well crafted song, this, and interesting
video, very psych-leaning. MUSE: “Algorithm” Definitely another well crafted song here. A lot of building tension in the song. Great vocalist, I am not very familiar with them and may check out further. Steven Wilson: “Permanating” He’s got such a lot of work available, of course I’m familiar with him, but don’t know everything by a long shot. This one, I don’t like so much, but love the Bollywood thing going on in the video. It’s too poppy (in this style of pop, anyway) for my taste. Neal Morse: “Manchester By The Sea” Also not a big fan of Neal Morse, seems like most people either like him or not. Also too poppy in a way I don’t like. APP: “One Note Symphony” I remember this, Alan Parsons did work with people I knowin the past, so always kind of kept tabs on him. Interesting concept song and he pulls it off. All being said, and not voting for something I know, I am going with Phideaux. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: July 24 2020 at 16:36
| Steven Wilson - Permanating out of these |
Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: July 25 2020 at 13:23
Good music is timeless........ -------------
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Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: July 25 2020 at 13:27
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Posted By: dr wu23
Date Posted: July 25 2020 at 14:39
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Steve Wilson-Permanating.....been a fan since the very early days of PT.... sure it's a pop song......it's supposed to be. Wilson talking about the tracks on To The Bone ..talks about Permanating starting at 6:22 I also like the Phideaux track, the others are ok.
------------- One does nothing yet nothing is left undone. Haquin |
Posted By: Dopeydoc
Date Posted: July 26 2020 at 14:05
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Phideaux by a mile. |
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: August 12 2020 at 08:55
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This is where it all began. In hopes of introducing new music from the past three years to PAers and trying to get some more interest in this tournament and getting some more votes, I am bumping the Heavy Hitter threads from the first three rounds. I will be ending the first round at the end of August so I am really hoping for some more participation. I believe that many of those who have participated have discovered at least one good new song in each batch. Give it a shot, maybe you too will find something that you like! -------------
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Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: August 23 2020 at 09:29
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This one was the first of the polls to start the tournament and seems to have the most participation so cool! Hopefully, we can drum up a few more listens and a few more votes. This poll will remain open for 8 more days and then I will began the 2nd round. -------------
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