The soundscapeprog’s Podcast

The title may be a little cheesy, but when I was putting this one together, I was needing a vacation. I still need one actually. At any rate, if there is music that can take you away from here, it's prog. In this case, the focus was on bouncy and inviting sounds. Summer prog- if that's a thing. We attempted, at times unsuccessfully, to stay away from the political stuff. So it is my hope that you enjoy this set of mostly upbeat and fun prog rock. Happy Progcation!

Progcation

• The Beatles- I've Got a Feeling

You see what I did there...revolution with a question mark. I remember stories of how the Beatles had different versions of the song 'Revolution'. Some vesrions said 'you can count me out', others that said 'you can count me in', and one that vacillated saying, "out, in". I think it came down to John knowing a change was called for but being uncertain if destruction or violence were called for under any circumstances. I mean it does not really ring true with the "All You Need is Love" sentiment. I have similar questions. I can see the need for change, but I am also very hesitant to say that my values are worth the sacrifices of the values of others. It's not my job or place to tell other people how to live their lives. Nevertheless, I think some of the things our governments are doing are morally reprehensible, and some people will die for the decisions of a few key players. So what I present here in this episode is neither a call for destruction nor a call for laisez fair tactics. If you get confused, listen to the music play. Perhaps you will hear a call to action, or perhaps you will hear something else that you need to hear. Hopefully, our set will feed some part of you. Hopefully, you will be able to stand for values of peace and care towards others. Maybe a song will turn you. I hope that it does.

Revolution?

• Chris DeBurgh- Revolution>Light a Fire

In this episode of Soundscape, we take you through several areas of prog. In the first few sets, we focus on music from 2018. Later we switch over to Greek Progressive Rock, and finally, we drop into new music from 2020. A pretty well-rounded show and I think you will thoroughly enjoy it, though I dare say, your DJ was distracted by a lot of things and may have sounded flighty at times. I think I leaned into it, rather than trying to avoid it. But perhaps I got away with it and you will just listen to the music.

In the midst of all the social upheaval in America and many other countries, I wanted to do an episode featuring black progressive artists. Unfortunately, there is no ready index of these musicians, so it will take some research, but I am determined to get this into the next episode. If you have ideas or input, please send email to [email protected] 

It's Greek to Me

2018

• The Tangent- A Few Steps Down the Wrong Rd

Grecian Prog

• Ciccada- Around the Fire

2020

• Pattern Seeking Animals- Raining Hard in Heaven

Part of the original idea, the early pictures of the Tardis made of speakers, was that we would travel in time. With prog at least, we have a pretty limited window of time travel. All time periods have an almost exotic nature to them. This seems especially true for 2018. We just very recently lived through that year, but most of what we play here on this episode has not gotten a ton of play. Nevertheless, we have worked with the chat group to deliver a phenomenal swath of 2018 music. This is neither a best of, nor is it a random walk through 2018. Much of what we uncover has not been played on Soundscape. As stated in the episode, there is a ton more to play and we will need to continue the exercise, just in smaller doses. So in the coming episodes, at least until we plum the depths, we will offer some small smattering of 2018 but still seek out new themes to address. Speaking of which, next time around we will get a dose of Greek prog rock in our first Escape Velocity episode of 2020. Here is the setlist if you wish to peek. Happy 2018!

Lets Fly 2018:

• 3.2- One by One

Live from 2018:

• Haken- Cockroach King

Back to the Studio:

• Spock's Beard- Have We All Gone Crazy Yet

Forget everything and enjoy Spring in whatever way that you can. This episode of Soundscape is about Spring. Have we done this theme before? Of course we have. Is this new? I think so. Am I talking to myself? Most assuredly, but I am doing so with you in mind. Yes, as there is a homonculi in me, there is also one in you, and you and I are just listening to them talk. About spring music, about new music, about fun, frivolity, and joy. May the 4 of us groove together as we take on this grand tapestry of amazing music and invite Spring to live in our homes and ear.

• Solstice- Return of the Spring

This episode was an attempt to photograph some of our experiences during social isolation. It was no small task to find songs that matched. Often when I take on a theme, I try very hard to make it work. It does not always, and whether you as listener feel it or not, I felt that we were not firing on all of our cylinders. We still had a great time, played some good music, and took some unexpected journeys throughout. Still if you catch a glint of anxiety in my voice, its because this did not go where I expected it to. Perhaps like all creative pursuits, the end result never matches your expectations. Your mileage may vary.

• Circa- Information Overload

In this episode of Soundscape, we take a journey far away. Mostly the show is a fly by the seat of the pants affair, but the goal however nebulous was to provide a set of music that took us to fantasy worlds and strange environments. Sometimes, this meant playing music even we did not know, others it was a nostalgic kick back, and also some very good songs were suggested by the listeners in chat. Either way we had some spills and thrills and we played a good show. Hopefully something here will brighten your day. Best wishes from your friendly DJs at Soundscape.

A Journey Far Away

• ELO- Ocean Breakup/King of the Universe

Hello my friends,

Soundscape returns in your hour of need. We know that many of you are having to avoid social gatherings, and you are likely looking for a voice to broadcast across the wasteland. An oasis of musical exploration and bliss in the virtual fields is what we are offering. I needed some rock and roll healing, and this set of music is here to offer that to the rest of you as well. While sometimes the set goes a little darker than I wanted, it is still a massive pile of awesome riffs, hooks, and intrigue and I believe you listeners will feel the excitement that a guitar chord can provide. So get your rock on and party with the progsters at Soundscape!

• Touchstone- Hear Me

Happy New Year to all of our Soundscape listeners. We threw some curveballs last year with reduction of shows, and talk of a new project. The fact is, its all in gestation and I am not yet sure what direction things will take. I know as I contemplate the very real possibility of closing down Soundscape- a show that has been running off and on for 16 years, I get wistful and don't want to let go. I have made incredible lifelong friends through Soundscape, and I have discovered countless songs and albums that have impacted my life. So, as we wait for the new to be born, I make a small commitment to the stalwart listeners who have flow with us so many years- Soundscape will not go away for a while, but you will see a reduction in episodes as a whole. The new project, is still a dream waiting to be born and I have the feeling that it will be worth the gnashing of teeth and anxiety it is causing me.

In the meantime, we have put together a show about musical resolutions. That said, this is not the right show to start your Soundscape voyages. If for some reason this is your first episode, this is not the place to start. On that fateful Sunday the powers of the random universe conspired against us, The show broke into about 15 parts and they are now all stitched back together, but there are gaps that are obvious in the midst of some really great music. So unless you are among the chosen, turn back and find an older episode.

New Years Resolutions 2020 Edition

• Bjorn Riis- Where Are You Now

With all of the ongoing projects and work I am doing, I have been slow in getting this podcast out. For that, I apologize. However, it's just as good today as it was when we made it. This episode is almost entirely music from the year 2008. That was a good year for Soundscape and for music as a whole and we hope that this episode will help you see that. We opened the show with "Find Your Way Back" from Jefferson Starship. I think this is more of a statement about being gone for a while and needing to find our way back to the good ship Soundscape. Honestly, dear listeners, we have not abandoned ship, but we have been on multiple away missions. What's to come at this point is uncertain. There is still a plan to launch a new podcast, but also to keep Soundscape around for new missions. So for those who are perhaps grieving the loss of Soundscape, know that we are not planning on abandoning it, just that it will come around much less frequently once our new show starts.

That should be enough ambiguity to keep you all coming back. Here is the setlist for this show: Enjoy!

Too Late it's 2008:

• Jefferson Starship- Find Your Way Back