Progressive Palaver

Episode 150 – Styx & Kansas Part 3, 1976 – Crystal Ball and Leftoverture In this episode, the group covers 1976 in the combo Styx / Kansas timeline. Crystal Ball sees the introduction of Tommy Shaw to the Styx lineup. Some of the results are immediately remarkable and some of the results are as uneven as the rest of the catalog to this point. Crystal Ball shows a band that is still working to perfect their formula. Leftoverture, on the other hand, is an album for the ages. Kansas were able to craft a timeless classic from a potentially devastating set of circumstances. Leftoverture was the album that broke Kansas as stars and the songs hold up. Enjoy our conversation on these two enjoyable albums from 1976. X (formerly Twitter): @progpala Email: progpala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3D8wbv-AcJ_7Z__w/featured Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt

Episode 149 – Styx & Kansas Part 2, 1975 – Song for America, Masque, and Equinox In this episode, the group covers 1975 in our combined Kansas and Styx timeline with three strong albums. Song for America, the sophomore effort from Kansas, shows a band that is racing ahead in their development behind the strength of the title track and Lamplight Symphony. Masque, Kansas’ third record later that year, is another step toward their breakthrough success in 1976. Masque has some of the flaws you would expect from an album produced so quickly after its predecessor, but is a great listen nonetheless. Styx’s Equinox is the last album Styx will make before the addition of Tommy Shaw and shows a band still searching for their true identity. The Styx sound is here, but there is still something missing. 1975 was an important year for both of these bands, setting them up for their huge successes. X (formerly Twitter): @progpala Email: progpala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3D8wbv-AcJ_7Z__w/featured Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt

Episode 148 – Styx - Kansas Part 1, Preamble and 1972 to 1974 In the start of our new combined segment on Styx and Kansas, we explore how we all got into these bands. Our plan is to cover these bands on a year by year basis, to the extent we are able. Family stories abound as we discuss our earliest experiences with these two American stalwarts. We then continue on to a brief, unfocused discussion about the first three Styx albums in the catalog. There are some moments here as Styx try to discover the magic that they will eventually have. Twitter: @progpala Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3D8wbv-AcJ_7Z__w/featured Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt

SCS32 – King’s X in Dallas, November 2022 Back at Thanksgiving of 2022, Joe and Sarah had the opportunity to see King’s X in Dallas. This was Joe’s first show with the band in a very long time and Sarah’s first show ever. A cold and rainy night combined with terrible club sound couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm. Both King’s X and the opening band, Bezel, provided some fantastic memories. X: @progpala Email: progpala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3D8wbv-AcJ_7Z__w/featured Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt

Episode 147 – Whitesnake Part 1, Whitesnake (87) We know! We know! Whitesnake is decidedly NOT progressive rock, but the lure was too great. Take a carefree trip back to the kooky times of 1987 with us as we relive our high school times. This is an album that is remarkable for many reasons (production, lineup drama, old song reinterpretations) and we have no regrets for spending some time discussing it. Tease your hair a bit and enjoy this look at a landmark album from another genre. X (formerly Twitter): @progpala Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3D8wbv-AcJ_7Z__w/featured Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt

Special Episode – Interview with Mark Anthony K of Projekt Gemineye – Feb 2024 For this special episode, we get to catch up with our friend Mark Anthony K (Projekt Gemineye, The Dark Monarchy, The Yes Music Podcast, and Kiss FAQ) to discuss the latest Projekt Gemineye release What’s On Your Mind?. Mark provides his usual fascinating level of detail behind his writing and recording process and gives us all insights into the songs on this latest release. Of course, we have to delve into a wide range of related/unrelated topics including recording gear and technique, how to successfully produce an album, upcoming projects from Mark. We even have time to consider Joe’s dream job of Pink Floyd archivist for a lark. X (formerly Twitter): @progpala Email: progpala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3D8wbv-AcJ_7Z__w/ featured Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt

SCS31 – The Cure in Philadelphia, June 2023 The Palaver takes a side trip off the prog road to consider Ken’s experience seeing The Cure in Philadelphia. One of the most anticipated tours of 2023, The Cure delivered a show worthy of the hype. Ken is able to share his thoughts on many aspects of the show including the band, sound, and the state of the band’s gear. While many wish they had seen this band, we are thrilled that one of our own had the chance. X: @progpala Email: progpala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3D8wbv-AcJ_7Z__w/featured Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt

Bonus Episode – Ranking the Albums from Episode 139 Through 146 Everyone knows that we here at the Palaver love to rank things. It seemed obvious then to rank the albums in our most recent “Less Old” segment. How does one compare recent releases from the likes of Yes and Marillion to those from Tears For Fears and Porcupine Tree? Where does King’s X fit into the conversation? We think this ranking episode is surprising in several ways with some pretty different opinions about records in some areas and almost unanimity on others. We hope you enjoy this lighthearted walk through this collection of releases. X: @progpala Instagram: Palaver IG Email: progpala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: Palaver YouTube Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt

SCS30 – Seal and The Buggles in Houston, April 2023 On a trip to Texas, Paul and Ken had to opportunity to catch a concert of Seal with The Buggles opening. Falling squarely in the prog-not-prog category, this show provided ample opportunity to the group to appreciate top-tier songs and musicianship. From the dual role of the Buggles band through the staying power of Seal’s voice, this concert was definitely one to experience. Paul and Ken even had time to check out the Rothko chapel (famous for inspiring the song Fourteen Black Paintings) and compare notes with Joe on his previous visit. X: @progpala Email: progpala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3D8wbv-AcJ_7Z__w/featured Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt

Episode 146 – Sound of Contact Part 1, Dimensionaut The Palaver finally gets to discuss an album that has changed our views of the world. Sound of Contact are deep in Palaver lore even if we didn’t know it at the time. We “discovered” this album long after SoC had gone their separate ways, but the impact is not in the least diminished. The quartet of Simon Collins, Dave Kerzner, Matt Dorsey, and Kelly Nordstrom were able to construct one of the all-time strongest prog albums. With deep songwriting, stellar performances, and sublime production, Dimensionaut is an album that continues to reward the listener with new perspectives and ideas even as the music continues to age perfectly. We found out after this episode about some of the trials the band went through while recording this, but the end product remains completely unmarred by any internal strife. X: @progpala Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3D8wbv-AcJ_7Z__w/ featured heme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt