Show 42 - Queensryche

[Rick and Roll]

Before I bring you more new Moon music the next two shows (see other thread, requests welcome), I want to spotlight a band that truly is in between the realms of prog and rock. I like to balance out the fusion and styles of prog I regularly play with the heavier form of progressive music. This band fits that bill.

We'll hear the songs from each CD as a group, but not chronologically. When I do my Rush shows in August (ooh another cat out of the bag!) for instance, that will be in straight date order. But this show will be grouped similar to the Djam Karet show a few weeks ago. We'll bookend the show with some outstanding prog hardrock music from two great releases, "Empire" and "Operation:Mindcrime" (the latter in its entirety).

from Empire (1990)

Best I Can
The Thin Line
Della Brown
Empire
Hand On Heart
Anybody Listening?

This is a CD I play at home as much as any other. Note the absence of "Silent Lucidity". I figured most of you have heard that one. Della Brown has some high-quality guitar from Chris DeGarmo, a great songwriter.

from Rage For Order (1986)

Walk In The Shadows
I Dream In Infrared
Gonna Get Close To You
Neue Regel

The last of their heavier trio of early releases (with a bit more vocals in the higher register ), there's some quality songs on here. "Gonna Get Close" is a look at a stalker's point of view.

from Hear In The Now Frontier (1997)

Sign Of The Times
Hero
Anytime/Anywhere

More song-oriented, a step down from the second trio of truly great records (this is their seventh release). Here's three nice cuts.

from The Warning (1984)

NM 156
Roads To Madness

Their second (and first full-length release). Heavier, yet very structured and high-quality.

From Qk2 (1999)

The Right Side of My Mind

Minus uber-writer and guitarist DeGarmo, this record suffers. The only tune I really listen to from this one.

from Promised Land (1994)

I Am I
Out of My Mind
Bridge
Lady Jane
My Global Mind

Pales in comparison only because of the stellar quality of Mindcrime and Empire before, this record is still pretty damn good. As is the two prior records, Promised Land is very political. It's very uncompromising musically also. "Bridge" will make you think, especially for anyone who has had a strained family relationship.

Operation:Mindcrime (1988)

I Remember Now
Anarchy-X
Revolution Calling
Operation:Mindcrime
Speak
Spreading The Disease
The Mission
Suite Sister Mary
The Needle Lies
Electric Requiem
Breaking the Silence
I Don't Believe In Love
Waiting For 22
My Empty Room
Eyes Of A Stranger

One fantastic CD......a concept recording of the highest order. Lyrically, they take on politics, big business, religion, all the usual suspects. Musically, it's a powerhouse of connecting themes and songwriting genius.

from the EP (1983)

The Lady Wore Black

An early one to end the show with.....