And so, 2022 grinds slowly to an end. It has been another wonderful year of music.
We have covered as much of the progressive and otherwise music world, that we possibly can in a year. These interviews for me have been a highlight. I wasn’t sure they would even happen, but I have been surprised beyond my wildest dreams.
Thank you to all of the musicians and performers who gave of their time to talk with us, or send their music for review, here at Progressive Rock Central.com. I plan to continue doing as many interviews with bands that I review, as they will allow me the time.
To close out 2022, something special. A casual, end of the year chat with one of my favorite bands who created one of my favorite albums of the year.
The Blackheart Orchestra. We talked about their favorite albums of the year and their future plans for 2023. I plan to ask more of these questions in future interviews, because bands love a lot of music, beyond their own. They can introduce you to music you might have missed. (As the Blackheart Orchestra did for me in this interview).
So, join us in posting your favorite bands and albums of all time. As Rick Pilkington suggests here, “what if you were stuck on a deserted island, which albums/songs would you hope to have taken with you?”
And what were your favorite bands/songs of 2023?
Thank you, the readers and consumers of music, for spending time here reading reviews and listening to these interviews.
Finally, in order to improve coverage of the bands that you want to hear about; what are some bands that you would like to see covered more on Progressive Rock Central? Is there a band or bands that you know of that will be releasing an album next year; that you would like us to do a review or interview with, before you buy?
Let us know by posting.
Everyone have a wonderful and Happy New Year 2023!
Part I
Part II
The Blackheart Orchestra’s picks for favorite albums of 2023:
Black Midi – Hellfire
Track Sugar Tzu
Nick Fletcher – The Cloud of Unknowing
Track – Sampler Reel
Iamamiwhoami – Be here soon
Track – Don’t wait for me
Olafur Arnolds – Some Kind of Peace (piano reworks)
Track – Loom
Ludovico Eindaui – Underwater
Track – Underwater (live)
Nerina Pallot – I Don’t Know What I’m Doing
Track – Cold Places
KT Tunstall – Nut
Track – I Am The Pilot – (Band’s favorite “Nut” – no video available – yet)
Weather Station – How is it that I should look at the stars
Track – Endless Time
Kathryn Joseph – For you who are the wronged
Track – Until the truth of you
Zola Jesus – Arkhon
Track – Lost
The Unthanks – Sorrows Away
Track – The Old News
And the band asked what was my favorite song of all time. So, here it is. The most complete piece of rock music I have ever heard. The lyrics include everything from the religious connotations of the subject couples’ last supper, to, economic class struggle, violence, hate, love, war, and of course, the struggle of good over evil – the Apocalypse. This song encompasses all music. Every type of music gets its chance on this classic: classical, rock, progressive, metal, jazz, pop, carnival – (“Willow Farm”); as well as multiple instruments, percussion, flute, and varied guitar and keyboard types. Massive in every way. For me, only Peter Gabriel could sing it, though I think Phil Collins did the best he could. The best part for me is the ending. One of the best in rock history. Get comfortable, it is a long one. Listen, and see if you agree.