Prog’s Keith Emerson tribute appears this month. It’s a great cover but hopefully there won’t be another like this very soon.
A nice bit of news to start the New Year. Pre-orders are now being taken for Big Big Train’s Blu Ray documentary about how they prepared for their return to live performance. It contains a mix of studio “live” performances and four songs from the momentous London shows back in August.
Pre-orders can be made here.
I took part in the Pledge campaign to help get this thing produced. I’ve had my name in the booklets of a few CDs now but seeing my name scrolling past over the end credits of a concert DVD induces a different feeling altogether. It’s very strange.
It’s the time of the year again when we get to pick from a limited pool of artists/events in the Prog Magazine Awards. There are a few strange additions to the nominees which smack of commercial pressure more than a genuine reason for them being there. It’s all good publicity for the magazine and the music though so I’m taking part again and here are my votes for this year.
Limelight Award – A Formal Horse
Vanguard Award – Trojan Horse
Anthem – Wassail by Big Big Train. Once again the Big Big Train song is the only one that could be called an “anthem” in my opinion.
Live Event – The Enid Present the Bridge. No contest really.
Album Of The Year – Hand Cannot Erase by Steven Wilson. Best of the nominees by far. Could change in the real end of year poll though.
Band/Artist Of The Year – Steven Wilson is the only nominee I could vote for here rather predictably. I’ve never heard of one of the bands nominated.
The Storm Thorgerson Grand Design Award – Starless Box Set by King Crimson. The deluxe edition of Hand Cannot Erase was a very close second choice