Downes Braide Association – Suburban Ghosts (2015)

The first question that came to mind while listening to this album was “Does disco prog exist”? I’m sure some of the tracks on this album can be categorized as disco prog! All songs are created by Geoffrey Downes (Yes, Asia) and Christopher Braide, who does a lot of songwriting and producing for other well-known artists. Suburban Ghosts is the second album they made together, and it’s a wonderful album! It’s a concept album about isolation and loneliness in a small town suburbia, a subject that Christopher has experienced himself during his own childhood. You can hear certain themes and lyrics coming back from time to time in some of the songs. The album sleeve looks like it comes from the flashy eighties. The neon like colours, fonts and designs that are used make me happy.

Personal Playlist by Iris (29 June 2016)

I know, there’s a lot of new music released in the past few months, and I tried to listen to most of it of course… But sometimes you’re craving some older music again! Here’s my latest playlist, containing both recent and less recent albums…

CIRCA: – Valley Of The Windmill (2016)

The band consists of Tony Kaye, a former Yes member, and Billy Sherwood, who is a current member of Yes. Billy took over Chris Squire’s place as a bassist, who we sadly lost in 2015. However, mister Sherwood provides the lead vocals and guitars instead of bass on CIRCA:’s fourth album, named Valley Of The Windmill. Rick Tierney is providing the bass guitar parts, and Scott Connor does the drums and percussion.

Anderson/Stolt – Invention Of Knowledge (2016)

Jon Anderson of Yes and Roine Stolt of The Flower Kings, making an album together? Why not? I always had the feeling The Flower Kings are heavily influenced by (early) Yes. The two blokes surrounded themselves with guest musicians like Tom Brislin, Daniel Gildenlöw and Nad Sylvan, and (ex) members of The Flower Kings for this album.

Personal Playlist by Iris (6 June 2016)

So much (new) music out there, and I wish I had the time to review them all! Well, see this playlist as some sort of mini album review list! Here are some albums I’m recently listening to…

GTR – GTR (2015 special deluxe 2-disc edition)

GTR were a special, and sadly short-lived, super group between guitarists Steve Howe (Yes, Asia) and Steve Hackett (Genesis). Additional members are Max Bacon on vocals, Phil Spalding on bass guitar and Jonathan Mover on drums. Additional keyboards and synthesizers are provided by Hackett and Howe. The original GTR album was released back in 1986. This year Esoteric Recordings released a special 2-disc edition. The first CD contains the original album, including three bonus tracks, all digitally remastered. The second CD contains a live recording of the band performing live in Los Angeles on July 1986.