Mick's Töp 15 Albums of 2022

In terms of my output to this blog, this past year felt like a 2021 redux. Not only did I devote an embarrassing amount of time digging through my video game backlog (Elden Ring is 100% deserving of all the praise it’s received) but I also traveled quite a bit more than usual to play more dodgeball while my body can still handle it. Yes…dodgeball. No…it’s (mostly) not like the movie. This double whammy left me with virtually no energy to write reviews. I can’t promise 2023 will see any fewer video games or less dodgeball but I’ll do my damndest to prioritize throwing together some more writing for around these parts. That all being said, 2022 had plenty of gems that are worth checking out!

 

We'll Do It Live Fridays: Porcupine Tree - Anesthetize

I've made no secret of my love of Steven Wilson on this here blog, and while I could gladly type out a few thousand words on Grace for Drowning, his incredible live performances, or what possible awesomeness could await us on his next album, but that's not what this is about.  This is We'll Do It Live Fridays, and you're here for some live music.  So here's Steven Wilson in his previous band Porcupine Tree (who we are also huge fans of), performing "Anesthetize" from their incredible Fear of a Blank Planet album.  Enjoy some proggy goodness, and have a great weekend.

Exclusive Interview: Steven Wilson

This past Friday, Mick and I had the extreme pleasure of sitting down and talking with the one and only Steven Wilson.  It was the longest interview we've ever done, clocking in at nearly thirty minutes (!) and encompassing a wide range of subjects, including his solo work, his responses to the public's responses to his albums, and his feelings on the term "prog."  Needless to say, it was a huge honor to get to speak with a living legend, and you definitely don't want to miss our interview below.

It's All About The Concept

While looking through the headlines over at RoadRunner's site I ran across something very interesting.  Too much does internet chat consist of popular arguments like I hate this band, I hate that genre, or just plain trolling.  Much to my rejoice, I found a discussion featuring Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree that goes over the concept of concept albums.  Finally we have some intelligent discussions to listen to!  The chat doesn't start until about 12:05 in the player.  You can listen to it via Roadrunner.

-Mick

In The Mood For Some Prog? You've Barked Up The Right Tree

I've been soooo hooked recently with everything about prog metal.  My headphones lately have been filled with everything along the spectrum of prog from Dream Theater to BTBAM to Intronaut.  But one song in particular has been stuck in my head and I have a feeling that it won't get out of there for quite some time.  In enters Porcupine Tree.  If the song above does not convince you that Steve Wilson is the effing man than I don't know what will.

- Vicious Mick