It was always going to come to this: finally, an episode on “prog.” We’ve been touching on “progressive rock” almost from the beginning, with crossovers that include yacht rock acts like Ambrosia. But what is prog rock, and how is it defined? More importantly, for our purposes: Which prog rock artists of the 70s made the successful turn into the 80s and continued to stand the test of the time they were now in? Let’s explore…

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Author of a relished tweet, lifelong musician, and accomplished music blogger/journalist Mike O’Cull joins Tom and John to expand and expound upon a brief “manifesto” we read in a prior episode: the notion of “forward momentum” throughout the history of music.

Does there still remain forward momentum when it comes to artistry in music? Or did we get stuck in a rut around the turn of millennium? When did this momentum start, and can it be regenerated?

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Once again, John and Tom go searching for the perfect album side. Will Boston’s Third Stage, Side 1, pass muster?

Leave us your comments and observations on Facebook!

PLUS: What would you say is the perfect album SIDE…just a side; not the whole album. In fact, perhaps (like those we’ve taken on so far) the other side is decidedly NOT perfect, which makes your pick all the more spot-on for “perfect album side!”

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The tournament continues. John and Tom return to the hi-fi highways on their way toward the Road to the Vinyl Four. Join us for a tournament featuring 64 of the best and most important albums from 1975 to 1985 (roughly), to be concluded in March 2025.

Did they get it right? Were there any upsets and Cinderella stories? You be the judge. Next time, we’re inviting guests to take it from here…

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Who are the best front men and women of our time? No, not today…not of all time…but of “our” time. Think mid-70s to mid-80s. No solo acts allowed. Stay within the genres we cover.

John and Tom each choose their top 10. Now let’s hear yours!

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On the heels of the release of his first new album in 46 years, Dane Donohue returns to the podcast to celebrate and discuss the release of “L.A. Rainbow.” Tune in to hear all about his production collaboration with none other than John Nixon himself. A story that began in 1978 finally gets its encore.

Don’t miss our prior interviews with Dane to hear all about the entire story:

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At long last and by persistent listener request, John and Tom run down the debut Toto album (aka “Toto I” to some) and bask in the genius that started it all. Tune in for John and Tom’s analysis of the first in the legendary group’s deep catalogue, and follow along the track-by-track dissection and discussion. As always, leave us your own thoughts on this record on Facebook when/where we post the episode announcement! 

Interested in "Forward Momentum? in music? Follow Mike O'Cull on X (Twitter).

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Mark Donnelly returns to the podcast last week to finish off our in-depth coverage of the history of Journey. This week, he and the guys rank all of the studio albums during the Steve Perry years to jointly determine which of this section of the catalogue reigns supreme. As we did with our Prince ratings earlier in the season, we invite you to play along and offer your own personal scorings.

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Mark Donnelly, on loan to us from Fireworks Magazine across the pond, joins the podcast to help educate us and our listeners on the history of the band Journey — one of the greatest to come out of the era we love. From the days before Steve Perry (including connections to Santana and Steve Miller Band), through the Steve Perry heyday, and beyond to present day (including Schon’s stint in Bad English), we’ll cover it all…and hopefully share a few buried treasures along the way…

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Songwriter Kenny Nolan, the man behind the pen for so many hit songs from the 1970s to today, joins Tom and John to discuss the art and history of songwriting, starting with “My Eyes Adored You,” which Frankie Valli took to number one. Hear how “Lady Marmalade” was born, learn what came of his lyric “Blue Eyes in Georgia,” and maybe even offer a “Penny for Your Thoughts,” among much. much more!

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