the newer stuff

[Rick and Roll]

Should we shift a bit of our focus to looking into newer releases? There is a lot of great new music out there, and I'm positive that for the selections I will state below, you can multiply that by each of the listeners who know of other fine newer CD's.

Here's my ideas: I know we are a bit deficient on say, Gentle Giant's catalogue. But in time, it will be filled in. There's enough on here though to get us through while we catch up to the times.

Also, there were a few glaring omissions on some hidden older classics, that Jim has done a great job of obtaining in the past year or two. Even though there are still some omissions (such as the individual National Health records), they are minor. Plus, one can always start a thread.

I just want us not to get bogged down with putting too much emphasis on donations of borderline music (being easier due to costs and time) and less on current affairs. If it means I need to pay a fee to contribute, great. Or I can donate, but I want to donate after hearing the PD's opinion. (my only Donation was Discipline-Live, all others purchased by Jim). In other words, I want to pimp music that others will like that I know is underrepresented (getting more bag for the buck). Vaxman's donations of the Izz was a good example of this done well. Filled a need, people like it, and it spotilghts a real up and coming outfit.

I don't have the 128 stream because my listening time is limited, but I like to know about and hear an occasional interesting song. Plus, I want to know and discern my favorites to purchase - I hate buying just very good stuff when something better is lurking.

Here's a funny example: I heard Sonus Umbra played on Gnosis once, and thought it was this exotic underground tune, turns out they're friends that I didn't know had that record out!

OK I'll stop now! But first my suggestions - I will donate these if agreed and available.

Salem Hill - Be
Eyestrings - Burdened Hands
Matthew Parmenter - Astray
Enchant - Tug of War

Others a bit older, but after 1990:

Echolyn - first CD
Discipline - Push and Profit
Frank Gambale - The Great Explorers

I'm sure there are many others, especially from the non-American contingent!