Show 52 - "Sean's Talking Porcupine Head found by the Riverside"

[Rick and Roll]

Hopefully I've baited you in with the the slightly strange title. Four discs, each a different sound....

A) Sean Edward Ghannam - "Fusia"

The Time Machine
Fusia
Andromeda M31
Sonic Playground
Galactica
Planetarium
Starfleet Patrol

Here's a disc I've had for a few years, and enjoy it greatly. It's a svelte 38 minutes, and is all instrumental. Mr. Ghannam plays bass, guitar, and most keys. He gushes praise on Alex Lifeson and Rush, and his playing reflects that. (On his website, Bill Connors is listed as an influence, also). Rush fans will notice the direct "Hemispheres" note for note playing in "Starfleet Patrol".

What I like about this record is that he kicks ass but doesn't wank. The songs are in a Brand X mold, which is always a good thing. There's a definite Goodsall thing happening.

B) Riverside - "Out Of Myself"

The Same River
Out Of Myself
I Believe
Reality Dream
Loose Heart
Reality Dream II
In Two Minds
The Curtain Falls
OK

It's a shame they didn't get over for Nearfest...I only recently found out what the Polish people have known for awhile. This is a fantastic band. Thanks to Dinosaur and Wojtek for suggesting them... I love the guitar sound and the vocals. A hint of thrash, ala Sylvan, but more succinct and a bit angrier.

C) Talking Heads - "Remain In Light"

Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)
Crosseyed and Painless
The Great Curve
Once In A Lifetime
Houses In Motion
Seen and Not Seen
Listening Wind
The Overload

Reeking of Eno and Belew, I have never owned this on CD until just recently. Along with "Fear of Music" and "Speaking In Tongues", this is the best of their work. My favs are "Crosseyed" and "Houses", which are just groovin' songs! A nice bridge from the alternative quirkiness and heavily guitared of "Fear of Music" to the all out funk of "Speaking In Tongues".

D) Porcupine Tree - XMII

Shesmovedon
Fadeaway
Trains
Hatesong
Russia On Ice
Last Chance To Evacuate Planet Earth Before It Is Recycled

Missing two tracks (due to time), this is an XM radio broadcast from 7/21/03. Sent to me by good friend Jeff, it's reallllll good. I was never a big PT fan, even after the 2001 Nearfest show, but they've grown on me, especially after seeing them live this year.

Enjoy your four-course meal!

[sharcnorris]

Again the recording equipment must come out, PT i don't have, RIVERSIDE!, Wish I could get more CD's but $$$$$$$, thank Goodness for the tastes of the RICKTER SCALE! Only trouble is that damn Announcers voice ringing in my head when I drive...........Sheesh