Hello, is this thing on? It’s been awhile, and I apologize to any listeners who have been missing the show over the past few months. First, let me start with some good news; the best of 2016 lists and podcast should be available soon, so keep an eye out for that. In addition the year end wrap up show is scheduled for Wednesday, January 4th. The hours are yet to be determined, but as always it will exceed our usual 3 hour show, probably clocking in at 5-6 hours. It’s the one show a year I suggest people tune into more than any other, as we try best we can to cover all the great music released in 2016.

Speaking of which, one of the more recent 2016 releases was The Similitude of a Dream  from The Neal Morse Band. This is the sophomore release under that specific moniker, though it of course closely resembles a normal Neal Morse release. I really do think the more diverse songwriting does come through in the “band” setting, and it is very refreshing, especially on a two disc release to have multiple singers on the album, most notably guitarist Eric Gillette. I love Neal‘s vocals, but he has released such a large amount of music in a relatively short time that it’s always refreshing to hear other voices. This album was a grower, and it you dedicate the time to give it a few listens I have no doubt you’ll be enjoying it as much as I have. You can order yourself the album here.

Unlike a normal show, where I do try to get a somewhat thorough grasp on all the big pieces of news that have happened in the past week, I’m not going to pretend to present everything that has gone on in the last few months, and am simply going to hit on a few highlights. There are several early 2017 releases we can look forward to starting with In the Passing Light of Day from Pain of Salvation due out on January 13th. You can preorder that album here and check out the lead single below.

Next up we have a couple of live releases to talk about. Already released is A Stone’s Throw From the Line by Big Big Train, and you can grab that here. Coming out January 21st is Scrape Across the Sky from IQ, and you can see a full release about that here.  Also coming out sometime next year is the 2nd studio release from The Mute Gods, Tardigrades Will Inherit the Earth. Not much detail on that yet other than it’s expected in February.  And now in parting I leave you with a fresh Blind Guardian track, “Children of the Smith”, enjoy!

2016-12-14

Trans-Siberian Orchestra – Christmas Dreams

The Tea Club – The Magnet

Thank You Scientist – Rube Goldberg Variations

Blind Guardian – Children of the Smith

Pain of Salvation – Meaningless

The Dear Hunter – The Revival

The Neal Morse Band – Draw the Line

The Neal Morse Band – The Slough

The Neal Morse Band – Back to the City

No More Pain – Paging Mr. Spader

Jolly – Joy

Shadow Gallery – Christmas Day

Big Big Train – Wassail

IQ – The Road of Bones

Ayreon – Epilogue: The Memory Remains

Marillion – Slainte Mhath

The Mute Gods – Nightschool for Idiots