Welcome
to the Minstral Show, the program that spotlights the very best music from
around the world, made exclusively in the 21st century.
Eleven
new songs by signed, unsigned and Independent artists in the spotlight this week featuring, The Dream Syndicate, Arbouretum, Squids
out to Sea, Medicine Boy, Amarante, Ian Alexander, Agnes Obel, The Vacant Lots,
Mt Mountain, MARIUSZ DUDA and The Happy Fallen.
As
the COVID lockdown moves into May, stress levels are beginning to build in anticipation
of the consequences…But no matter how dire these events may be or seem to be, the
human spirit will endure and overcome whatever hurdles are placed in front of
us. After all, our communities have experienced much worse and survived whatever
was thrown at us. So, I believe a little flu and an economic change are things
we can handle and get through together.
Creativity
through music, art and poetry are great ways to let in the light while the
darkness passes over us, and so; As we “Dust off the Rust” and “Let it All In” “Till
the Stars Go Out”, we see through “A Window” to the “Mountains”, and “Hesitate”
while the “Camera’s Rolling”, as the “Rescue” “Tassels” “The Song of a Dying Memory”,
we “Can’t Be Lonely”…here are this weeks songs, made just for you.
Welcome
to the Minstral Show, the podcast that spotlights the very best music from
around the world, made exclusively in the 21st century.
With the World under lock down due to fears
of COVID-19, many artists and musicians have been turning their free time into creative
works. Indeed, it’s safe to say that we’re entering a new age of awakening and renaissance.
I can attest to this because my inbox has been filled with hundreds of emails
from artists sharing their latest thoughts, ideas and creations.
It
is a time when the lights are on, when people are focused and at their most
creative and attentive. Although
things in the world may look bleak at the moment, they will get better.
There
is a Japanese proverb that says, “fall down 7 times, get up 8” ...and so that’s
what we shall do collectively once this COVID Medical Martial lock down is over.
We’ll pick ourselves up and evolve to the next phase. I’m quite confident that
we will make it to the next round.
With
that said, there’s a lot of great music being created this year which I am very
happy to share through a new version of the Minstral Show. Here are 11 new tracks
to get you through the lock down by signed, unsigned and Independent artists
from around the World featuring, The Dream Syndicate, Ojibo Afrobeat, Kevin
Morby, Roadkeeper, The Flamingo Jones, The Psychic Ills, The Hanging Stars, Deep
Purple, The Spacelords, Ulver, and Darknight.
Have
a great day / evening, stay safe and we’ll catch you on the next episode of The
Minstral Show.
Welcome
to the Minstral Show, the podcast that spotlights the very best music from
around the world, made exclusively in the 21st century.
Eleven great tunes to take you away from an
insane world that has truly gone over the edge… I mean, how many spears of greed,
oppression, racism, political insanity, fake news, war, censorship or
miscarriages of justice can we take…
Let’s remedy that
with good music, to once again, bring us back to reality and relieve the daily
pressures with new music by HEAT, Yuri Gagarin, Rick Miller and The Greek
Theatre, and also great music by Deep Purple, Calexico, Marta Wiley, Klone,
Katherine Aly, Josh Garrels, and Phil Common. Their combined message reads as
follows;
We’re on Dangerous
ground,
on the outskirts
of reality,
and all I got is
you,
and you me.
We’re correct to
the core,
and it’s the end
of the night
where we need to
open up
and communicate
from a different place.
Yonder are the
sunny days
where sleepers
awaken
and where love is
not a waste of time…
THAT, is the music
you’ll hear on today’s show. Musical medicine to reverb around the world and
free our spirits…and oh yes, while we are at it, let our voices sing and be
heard in solidarity to FREE Julian Assange, Aamir Aziz, Daniel Hale and Chelsea
Manning…catch the wave on the Minstral Show.
The World United Music Podcast was carried on 11 different platforms including Anchor FM, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Radio Public, Castbox, Breaker, Google Podcasts, Overcast, PodBean and of course on our World United Music Blog. You can still find the show on Breaker & PodBean linked below. Hey, “Catch the Wave!”
Welcome
to the Minstral Show, the podcast that spotlights the very best music from
around the world, made exclusively in the 21st century.
Today’s
episode brings you great new music by The Rembrandts, James Parker, Smoke Stack
Rhino, Peter Buffett, The Claim, Gandalf’s Fist and Fink; along with exceptional
music by Lusitanian Ghosts, David Grey, David Roberts, The Steams and
Blackberry Wednesday.
Three
great sets of music coming at you with positive Pop to Progressive Rock and
everything in between. A Variety of music played the way it’s supposed to be. So,
sit back, and enjoy the waves, on The Minstral Show.
The World United Music Podcast was carried
on 11 different platforms including Anchor FM, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pocket
Casts, Radio Public, Castbox, Breaker, Google Podcasts, Overcast, PodBean and
of course on our World United Music Blog. You can still find the show on
Breaker & PodBean linked below. Hey, “Catch the Wave!”
Welcome
to the Minstral Show, the podcast that spotlights the very best music from
around the world, made exclusively in the 21st century.
Today’s
show brings the deep flowing, connected and conscious atmospheres of
Psychedelic Rock, Progressive Rock and Alternative Folk, featuring new music by
Lucy Kruger & The Lost Boys, Kim Thompsett, Blkk Bones and a new cover of
an old Pink Floyd song by Mordecai Smyth.
Also
featured are great tunes by Raise Hell Over the Summer, New Candys, SECRET
COLOURS, Mirror Mirror, Rising Appalachia, Art Ceilidh (Art Kaley) and Michael
on Fire.
A
fantastic group of artists with awesome music, put together for you, on the
Minstral show.
The World United Music Podcast was carried
on 11 different platforms including Anchor FM, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pocket
Casts, Radio Public, Castbox, Breaker, Google Podcasts, Overcast, PodBean and
of course on our World United Music Blog. You can still find the show on
Breaker & PodBean linked below. Hey, “Catch the Wave!”
“At
the Edge of Light” is a new ten track album by Steve Hackett which covers a
wide variety of genres and sounds in a progressive experimental matrix.
The
album projects, at its core, a concept of morality that is, in my opinion, an
awakening of sorts that clearly sees that mankind has strayed
from the path in the forest of life to a point where there is darkness surrounding
us; while also seeing the light ahead on a path we should be travelling.
The
titles of the album’s 10 tracks lend us the intuition of what to expect from
this record; from fallen walls of ancient empires to the beasts in our time, to
the conflicts within, resolution and peace.
ALBUM: At The Edge
Of Light (54:25)
TRACKS
1. Fallen Walls And Pedestals
(02:16)
2. Beasts In Our Time (06:21)
3. Under The Eye Of The Sun (07:07)
4. Underground Railroad (06:23)
5. Those Golden Wings (11:20)
6. Shadow And Flame (04:24)
7. Hungry Years (04:34)
8. Descent (04:21)
9. Conflict (02:37)
10.
Peace (05:02)
(Album released by record label “Inside Out Music” January 25th, 2019) - Order Album at this link
The
music is consciously expressive of the World around us, past and present and
comes after months of touring on top of Steve Hackett’s last two albums “Wolflight”
(March 27th, 2015) and “The Night Siren” (March 24th,
2017), Two great albums in their own right that also play a part in 2019’s “at
the Edge of Light”.
“At
the Edge of Light” is just what it implies…it gives the impression of humanity
existing at the edge of twilight, racing to catch up with the sun, to shed the
cloak of darkness that is quickly consuming the world…while at the same time
revealing that there is hope and peace if together, we choose it make it happen.
And
so, in this context, here is my review and perception of the 10 tracks on “At
the Edge of Light”.
10 Tracks:
01 – Fallen Walls
and Pedestals
“At
the Edge of Light” continues where the “Night Siren” left off and opens with
the sounds of the “Tar”, a Persian instrument shared by many cultures in the
Middle East and Caucasus region. The instrument is fitting to express almost
empathically the ancient and current conflicts in the cradle of humanity.
The
song then moves quickly to thundering drums projecting a storm that leads into
an orchestral story of conflict and despair depicted by the brilliant lead
guitar expressions of Steve Hackett.
“Fallen
Walls and Pedestals” conjures up thoughts and feelings of the dark place the
world is in today but also the enormity and the tininess of an ancient fallen
empire, both empathically projected through the guitar playing of Steve
Hackett.
02 – Beasts in Our
Time
“Beasts
in Our Time” is a continuation of the first track, “Fallen Walls and
Pedestals”, that expresses musically, the ills and evils of our times. It begins
with orchestral notes of melancholy that intertwine with expressive lyrics,
into an amazing sax solo including Steve Hackett’s stunning guitar work which then
breathes life into every turn of the song along with an expressive
orchestration. Also, of note is the impeccable drumming, and base playing that carries
the flow and tight delivery of a supporting cast that makes this one of the
best Progressive Rock songs of the year.
Official Song Stream: Beasts in Our Time
03 – Under the Eye
of the Sun
“Under
the Eye of the Sun” emerges out from under the blanket of darkness that
pervades our world, to bring forth the light of hope in an upbeat, lively and positive
musical spirit, that invigorates an empathic reach for the stars…
Steve
Hackett reminds us that its not too late to change our fate and that we can
vanquish the darkness that covers the Earth if we decide to do it. Such is the
power we have within us, one which can also be found all around us in nature.
The
song is a choir of upbeat sounds carried by brilliant drumming, vocals and
guitar work that shapes the song into a euphoric expression…the music then
slows to capture the awe and amazement felt when standing before a cathedral of
natural history with the didgeridoo and viola shaping a humble acknowledgement
to the waves of truth calling from ancient times. I find the song uplifting and
reverent to the soul.
Official Song Stream: Under the
Eye of the Sun
04 – Underground
Railroad
“Underground
Railroad” is truly a fitting song to follow “Under the Eye of the Sun” in that
it presents hope for a better world as historically, the “Underground Railroad”
was a ray of hope for many, and a lifeline away from the barbaric world of
slavery.
The
harmonica and dobro guitar at the beginning of the song brings to mind a train
whistle and several people hiding in the shade, from the heat of the sun, with
elevated levels of adrenalin pumping through them in anticipation of escaping
their bondage.
The
unmistakable gospel voices of Durga & Lorelei McBroom soon kick in to give
the song a real taste of hope and freedom and then moves on to tell its story
with a far-off approaching dobro guitar and lyrics that capture the moment…and
then just as quickly, the song takes off with a drum kick and dobro buildup
that moves into a sophisticated progressive rock collage that musically describes
the conflict and struggle people endured. All of which is brilliantly portrayed
by the captivating guitar playing of Steve Hackett. The song then concludes
with moments of jubilation by choir like vocals and guitar work to then fade to
the train simulating dobro guitar, carrying an eerie reminder that the struggle
carries on…a brilliant expression in every way.
Official Song Stream: Underground
Railroad
05 – Those Golden
Wings
“Those
Golden Wings” opens with a symphonic portrayal of heaven, as if standing before
the creator with a lifetime on display in all its fullness, value and merit…the
song moves effortlessly to an acoustic tale with meaningful lyrics that builds into
an orchestral accounting with a telling and memorable chorus. The story then
continues through Steve Hackett’s captivating lead guitar that expresses the
emotional peaks and valley’s in the complicated turns of ones lifetime. Together,
they combine with the magical elements of cinematic surround and operatic choir
to encompass an expression of a full life lived and on display as part of a
greater realm.
I
love this song as it blends Classical elements, operatic highs, captivating
symphonic expressions, alluring lyrics and Steve Hackett’s brilliant signature
lead guitar to build an unbelievably great progressive rock tune. This is classic
progressive rock at its finest.
06 – Shadow and
Flame
The
song “Shadow and Flame” opens with a ping, an Indian sitar and drum with vocals
that vibrate an aura of the ancient past, as if part of the old silk road comes
back to life from its death to teach us that the answers to the future lay in
understanding the past.
The
song then moves forward, carried by brilliant drumming that easily shifts a
changing tempo with a sitar that is expressive as though telling a story
through its notes and vibrations…and always the symphonic surround sounds that emulate
concern and immediacy. There are also points within the song that connect to
“In the Skeleton Gallery” from “The Night Siren” which then evolves into the
sophisticated array of Roger Kings keys and Steve Hackett’s guitar as they
weave in and out of each other to the songs end. An amazing tale told through
music.
07 – Hungry Years
“Hungry
Years” is an upbeat popish tune that at times reminds me of “The Seekers” -
“I’ll Never Find Another You” and at other times reminds me of Mike Oldfield’s “Moonlight
Shadow”, but it goes where those songs could not. (For all you old school DJ’s
out there, that’s a hint 😉)
Wonderful
harmonies with a walk down memory lane and a genius solo on lead guitar. Who
say’s Steve Hackett can’t do pop?
08, 09, 10 –
Descent, Conflict, Peace
The
final 3 songs on the album “Descent, “Conflict” and “Peace” can be viewed as three
parts of one song that takes us through to the album’s conclusion.
“The
Descent” is a dark orchestral march and cinematic descent into the shadows
preparing to face the maw of darkness that is eating up all life and spiritual
connection to this planet.
“Conflict” – is coming face to face with the
darkness in a determined battle. Engaging orchestral and cinematic soundscapes
with an empathic lead guitar emulating the fight for survival and battle to
victory.
“Peace”
begins with simple piano and vocals to express the end of conflict, the
peaceful silence that comes after victory…a victory achieved by our unity to
confront the darkness.
In
the song, Steve Hackett leaves me with these final thoughts; Trust in your
intuition that love always conquers. Face your fears for it is half the battle,
as the darkness will dissipate upon your awakening to reveal that the sun does
indeed come up the next day and that thinking with your heart is truly the way
forward.
A
magnificent end to a brilliant album.
Conclusion:
“At
the Edge of Light” by Steve Hackett is both an intellectually and spiritually
crafted masterpiece of expression told through the empathic vines of music and
lyric.”
In
my opinion, the album is one of his best if not the best album that Steve
Hackett has produced so far, during his solo career.
Some
of Steve Hackett’s previous albums such as “Wild Orchids”, “Wolflight” and “The
Night Siren” place well on my favourites list, but “At the Edge of Light” for
me, tops them all for its well rounded and awakened concept in trying to make
the world a better place.
“At
the Edge of Light” receives two thumbs up from this old DJ. “A Fantastic
album!”
Psychedelic, Alternative, New Wave, Dark Wave – (2000 to 2019)
Psychedelic, Alternative, New Wave, Dark Wave – (2020 to 2029)
Rock, Alternative - (2010 to 2019)
Rock, Alternative – (2020 to 2021)
Soft Rock, Lite Rock, Alternative – (2010 to 2019)
Soft Rock, Lite Rock, Alternative – (2020 to 2021)
Pop Rock – (2000 to 2019)
Pop Rock - (2020 to 2021)
Folk Rock, Acoustic – (2010 to 2019)
Folk Rock, Acoustic – (2020 to 2021)
Hard Rock, Heavy Metal – (2000 to 2019)
Punk Rock, High Energy Rock n Roll – (2000 to 2019)
Southern Rock, Alt Country – (2000 to 2019)
Classic, New Age Classic
New Age Alternative
Ambient, Electronic, Relaxation
Music for the Revolutionary Mind
Welcome!
World United Music (W.U.M.) was dedicated to promoting a variety of music by Independent, Signed, and Unsigned artists. The goal of this project was to help artists gain recognition for their music by Fans across the World while also offering additional support to established artists that continue to create.
World United Music gathered the very best music and put it right here in one place to help listeners discover new music.
If you like what you hear, please consider sharing the music with friends and family.
I'm not in phase with what mainstream mediums have to offer, nor do I like being lied to. So I decided to build my own World where creativity, music, and truth prevail. Therefore I’m a photographer, Writer, Video Producer, News Reporter, Music Promoter, Radio DJ, Poet, Activist, Critical Thinker, and Problem Solver. Be sure to visit all my websites linked below for more of my world.
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