Alibi Jones runs across a gravel desert on Tek'Ti'Karn with two fellow escapees, the catlike alien Kit and the drunk-like human Piccolo. Pursued by Tek'Tah, will they risk using the dead race Domo's empty enclave as temporary cover? Will it even slow down their pursuers? Dive into Chapter Three of the novel Alibi Jones on this episode of Glow-in-the-Dark Radio and find out - it's the Adventures of Alibi Jones! Still the early going in Alibi's first adventure, written and read by your host Mike Luoma. Join us for free audio science fiction every week!
Join the mailing list: http://eepurl.com/0_Z7z
Mike's Top Ten Albums of 2016: http://glowinthedarkradio.blogspot.com/2016/12/top-albums-of-2016.html
Best of 2016 playlist: http://glowinthedarkradio.blogspot.com/2016/12/a-top-50-best-of-2016-mix.html
Home(s): http://mikeluoma.com - http://glowinthedarkradio.com - http://alibijones.com
Mike Luoma Writes Science Fiction, Comic Books, and This Blog...
Friday, December 30, 2016
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Escape!
Listen to the Adventures of Alibi Jones - free audio science fiction - on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio! Alibi's just met the catlike alien Kit and drunk-like human, Piccolo. They're cellmates on a hostile alien planet, about to attempt an escape! We're just beginning Alibi Jones' first adventure – you'll hear Chapter Two of the novel Alibi Jones on this episode - written and read by your host Mike Luoma.
Join the mailing list: http://eepurl.com/0_Z7z
Mike's Top Ten Albums of 2016: http://glowinthedarkradio.blogspot.com/2016/12/top-albums-of-2016.html
Hear the Best of 2016 playlist: http://glowinthedarkradio.blogspot.com/2016/12/a-top-50-best-of-2016-mix.html
Home(s): http://mikeluoma.com - http://glowinthedarkradio.com - http://alibijones.com
Join the mailing list: http://eepurl.com/0_Z7z
Mike's Top Ten Albums of 2016: http://glowinthedarkradio.blogspot.com/2016/12/top-albums-of-2016.html
Hear the Best of 2016 playlist: http://glowinthedarkradio.blogspot.com/2016/12/a-top-50-best-of-2016-mix.html
Home(s): http://mikeluoma.com - http://glowinthedarkradio.com - http://alibijones.com
Saturday, December 17, 2016
A Top 50 Best Of 2016 Mix
Just posted a new 50 track "Best of 2016" mix over at 8Tracks.com!
Free to give a listen...
Be Sure to Check Out My Top Ten Albums for 2016, too!
Here's the list:
1. The Love Within - Bloc Party
2. Quiet Americans - Shearwater
3. Never Going Back - Caveman
4. Love Letters to God - Nahko and Medicine for the People
5. Maybe - The Twilight Hours
6. These Words - The Lemon Twigs
7. Knowing - Anderson/Stolt
8. Auld Wives - Bear's Den
9. Morning Dew - The National
10. Catch & Release - Matt Simons
11. All We Ever Knew - The Head and the Heart
12. Face In The Moon - Springtime Carnivore
13. On Hold - The xx
14. Kaleidoscope - Arc Iris
15. True Sadness - The Avett Brothers
16. Love Is Melancholy (EP) - Vandaveer
17. First Try Johnnyswim
18. Biloxi - Hiss Golden Messenger
19. Lost On You - LP
20. Breath And Burning - Phish
21. Fire - Barns Courtney
22. It's My Feeling - Holy Sons
23. Upbeat Feelgood - Foy Vance
24. Back To The Start - Old Man Canyon
25. Friend of the Devil - Mumford and Sons
26. Changes - Charles Bradley
27. Red Earth and Pouring Rain - Bear's Den
28. Orange Color Queen - Ty Segall
29. Three Miles High - Travis
30. Some Sunsick Day - Morgan Delt
31. You and Me Ben Abraham
32. Apples and Oranges Laura Burhenn
33. Wristband Paul Simon
34. I Can't Believe I Found You In That Town Mike Doughty
35. Get Out Frightened Rabbit
36. Wildfire The Mynabirds
37. Turning Into Water - Maybird
38. Lay Down - DMA'S
39. Ways to Fake It - CRX
40. The Good News Bloc Party
41. The Roundabout - Ryley Walker
42. All My Life - Caveman
43. Loveless - Lo Moon
44. Under the Sun - DIIV
45. Both Sides of the Line - Dr. Dog
46. Back Against The Wall - Son Volt
47. Stand By Me - Florence + The Machine
48. Look At What The Light Did Now - Flo Morrissey and Matthew E. White
49. Love Is A Stranger - Sam Beam + Jesca Hoop
50. Fisherman's Blues - Dawes
Top Albums of 2016
Man. Two-thousand Sixteen. What a year! Been rough on music - lost lots of huge talents. Leonard recently, Prince a bit earlier and David towards the start of it all - to name only the biggest of too many. Hell, we lost two-thirds of ELP... 2016 has some major musical losses stacked against it!
And 2015? GREAT year for music - kind of hard for this year to measure up. Found myself STILL listening to some of my 2015 Top Ten albums well into this year, matter of fact. Blitzen Trapper's All Across This Land, Darlingside's Birds Say, and Blur's The Magic Whip all enjoyed extended play in my musical world into 2016.
As Music Director at The Point, I constantly receive new music from record companies and bands promoting their releases, trying to get on the radio. While listening for what works on the radio is a little different than listening for personal pleasure, one often leads to the other. Plus, I seek out new sounds, new bands, and so get exposed to a pretty broad variety of stuff. If I like it, I bring it home.
And I DID bring stuff home. 2016 wasn't a total loss! Not at all! What follows are the ten "best" of what I brought home in 2016. This "Top Ten" may not resemble another one you'll find out there. My personal taste in music is a little quirky. I've always kind of steered away from the most popular releases - especially ones I had to play too much on the air. Stuff I bring home needs to be a sort of escape from my radio world to entertain.
10. Bloc Party - Hymns
One of the first albums I got into this year, Bloc Party's Hymns, was preceded by a track I really dug - TWO tracks, actually. Both "The Love Within" and "The Good News" arrived as singles, videos or "teaser tracks" before the album's late January unveiling. The universal nature of the message in "The Love Within" hit me immediately - could feel the love rising! The video does a nice job communicating the universality with an ever-changing cast of characters portraying the dancing protagonist of the piece.
The pseudo-Christian spin of "The Good News" blurs straying from the "good news" of Christ (the Greek translation of "Gospel") with the loss of "my baby", the Good News that once was in his heart. The vaguely biblical allusions work well, as in the lines "I used to find my answers in the gospel of St. John / But now I find them at the bottom of this shot glass..."
These two solid songs stand out with some staying power. The rest of the album is wryly written, listenable pop, if occasionally a little repetitive. Good enough to make it into my top ten, mostly on the strength of the two tunes I've singled out here.
9. The Lemon Twigs - Do Hollywood
Sometimes you fall in love with a band the very first time you hear them. A couple of promo reps - record company promotional representatives - visited the radio station last summer to play us some new stuff. As The Lemon Twigs' "These Words" began to unfold, the sheer audacity of it - the arrangement, the changes, the harmonies - made it love at first listen. Echoing Queen, The Beatles, Big Star and Harry Nilsson via MGMT or maybe Flaming Lips, The Lemon Twigs go for it, all out, without compromise or concern in sounding too much like any one influence - with so many on display, the mixture is rich:
Then you find out the band is a couple of teenage brothers from Long Island and you say, "what?"
They're the D'Addario brothers, Brian (19) and Michael (17). According to their label - 4 AD - bio, "Brian and Michael have been playing rock music since they were old enough to walk and talk, mastering every instrument they could get their hands on and writing and performing everything together (they alternate writing credits and instruments on Do Hollywood)." They might be young, but their music verges on timeless.
"As Long As We're Together" and "These Words" were released together as a lead "single" in early July. The album followed in the fall, mid-October. It's ambitious, fun, cleverly crafted pop rock.
8. Shearwater - Jet Plane and Oxbow
Shearwater's Jet Plane and Oxbow was the first new album to muscle its way into my listening this year. I'd already gotten into the lead track "Quiet Americans" - it arrived just before the end of last year. The rest of the album proved equally impressive - good driving music! Became my commuting soundtrack for a bunch of weeks.
It sort of surprised me that this album didn't take off. Developed a theory that the album didn't do as well as it might have because of how Bowie-esque it sounds at times. Check out the aforementioned "Quiet Americans":
In years past this might not have been a problem, but when your album comes out two weeks after a surprise-release by The Man Himself - and then he dies? Your album MAY be a bit overshadowed. It's too bad - songs like "Pale Kings" are pretty awesome.
7. Arc Iris - Moon Saloon
I'd been going out to see Providence, RI based Arc Iris whenever the band returned to town, after seeing them open for FREEMAN at Higher Ground in the fall of 2014. The brainchild of former Low Anthem member Jocie Adams, aided and abetted by Zachary Tenorio Miller and Ray Belli, Arc Iris doesn't easily fit any categorization or genre.
Adams' compositions range across realms of progressive rock, art rock, show tunes, folk and jazz... sometimes in the same piece. Structures and sounds shift with the intent of the song - everything serves to build the feeling of the idea expressed, inventive explorations not restrained by conventions.
In performance, Adams has a flair for the theatrical, a la 1970's Bowie or Peter Gabriel, appearing in a gold or silver lame' jumpsuit, wearing bejeweled makeup, and usually, at some point in the show, employing giant silver unfolding fan wings to great effect.
The songs on Moon Saloon are ones I enjoyed seeing performed live in 2015. Without knowing actual titles, those tunes became known in my mind by a significant phrase in the song - such as "...Give the Worried Man A Rose". Turned out that song was actually called "Kaleidoscope" - and it was the first track released from Moon Saloon. Check out those wings...
Given their sense of showmanship, you know their videos will be good - check out the AMAZING VIDEO for the title tack as well:
You know, it sort of feels strange to call Moon Saloon a new album - I've heard some of these songs for over a year now. Although it is great to finally have a recorded document of them in my hands. One I can share with you!
6. Caveman - Otero War
Caveman's Otero War rose up on my radar early this year . The lead track "Never Going Back" arrived at radio on Leap Day - 2/29 - and I was able to get my hands on the entire album in late March. It didn't actually come out until June 17th - woo-hoo!
I'd been watching and waiting for new material from Caveman - one of the bands I'd filed away as a personal "one-to-watch". Saw them open for Phosphorescent in Burlington and was blown away. Checked out their first two albums. Pretty good. Wanted to hear what the band I saw live was cooking up. And here it was.
This is one of those times when the access you get from working in radio is both good and bad. I had the album, Otero War, two-and-a-half months before it was released. And that IS kind of cool. But it also means you're getting into an album you can't share with anyone nor tell anyone about for a couple months. Had to wait a while before telling folks how good it was, and that they needed to check out more from the album, like "All My Life":
Really enjoyed the album!
5. Various Artists - Day of the Dead
It's surprising - even to me - to include a cover compilation, a tribute album, in my Top Ten. Not a usual occurrence. But, then again, Day of the Dead isn't your usual covers collection. Mumford and Sons covering 'Friend of the Devil'? Kurt Vile and the Violators (featuring J Mascis) doing 'Box of Rain'? The War On Drugs covering "Touch of Grey"? Very quietly over the last four years, the Dessner brothers, Aaron and Bryce (of The National fame), assembled a giant beast of a compilation - a 5 CD, six-hour, 60+ artist Grateful Dead Tribute, a new entry in the Red Hot Organization's series of fundraising discs.
Check out Phosphorescent with Jenny Lewis and Friends doing "Sugaree". There's also the Dessner's band The National's cover of 'Morning Dew':
And 2015? GREAT year for music - kind of hard for this year to measure up. Found myself STILL listening to some of my 2015 Top Ten albums well into this year, matter of fact. Blitzen Trapper's All Across This Land, Darlingside's Birds Say, and Blur's The Magic Whip all enjoyed extended play in my musical world into 2016.
As Music Director at The Point, I constantly receive new music from record companies and bands promoting their releases, trying to get on the radio. While listening for what works on the radio is a little different than listening for personal pleasure, one often leads to the other. Plus, I seek out new sounds, new bands, and so get exposed to a pretty broad variety of stuff. If I like it, I bring it home.
And I DID bring stuff home. 2016 wasn't a total loss! Not at all! What follows are the ten "best" of what I brought home in 2016. This "Top Ten" may not resemble another one you'll find out there. My personal taste in music is a little quirky. I've always kind of steered away from the most popular releases - especially ones I had to play too much on the air. Stuff I bring home needs to be a sort of escape from my radio world to entertain.
10. Bloc Party - Hymns
One of the first albums I got into this year, Bloc Party's Hymns, was preceded by a track I really dug - TWO tracks, actually. Both "The Love Within" and "The Good News" arrived as singles, videos or "teaser tracks" before the album's late January unveiling. The universal nature of the message in "The Love Within" hit me immediately - could feel the love rising! The video does a nice job communicating the universality with an ever-changing cast of characters portraying the dancing protagonist of the piece.
The pseudo-Christian spin of "The Good News" blurs straying from the "good news" of Christ (the Greek translation of "Gospel") with the loss of "my baby", the Good News that once was in his heart. The vaguely biblical allusions work well, as in the lines "I used to find my answers in the gospel of St. John / But now I find them at the bottom of this shot glass..."
These two solid songs stand out with some staying power. The rest of the album is wryly written, listenable pop, if occasionally a little repetitive. Good enough to make it into my top ten, mostly on the strength of the two tunes I've singled out here.
9. The Lemon Twigs - Do Hollywood
Sometimes you fall in love with a band the very first time you hear them. A couple of promo reps - record company promotional representatives - visited the radio station last summer to play us some new stuff. As The Lemon Twigs' "These Words" began to unfold, the sheer audacity of it - the arrangement, the changes, the harmonies - made it love at first listen. Echoing Queen, The Beatles, Big Star and Harry Nilsson via MGMT or maybe Flaming Lips, The Lemon Twigs go for it, all out, without compromise or concern in sounding too much like any one influence - with so many on display, the mixture is rich:
Then you find out the band is a couple of teenage brothers from Long Island and you say, "what?"
They're the D'Addario brothers, Brian (19) and Michael (17). According to their label - 4 AD - bio, "Brian and Michael have been playing rock music since they were old enough to walk and talk, mastering every instrument they could get their hands on and writing and performing everything together (they alternate writing credits and instruments on Do Hollywood)." They might be young, but their music verges on timeless.
"As Long As We're Together" and "These Words" were released together as a lead "single" in early July. The album followed in the fall, mid-October. It's ambitious, fun, cleverly crafted pop rock.
8. Shearwater - Jet Plane and Oxbow
Shearwater's Jet Plane and Oxbow was the first new album to muscle its way into my listening this year. I'd already gotten into the lead track "Quiet Americans" - it arrived just before the end of last year. The rest of the album proved equally impressive - good driving music! Became my commuting soundtrack for a bunch of weeks.
It sort of surprised me that this album didn't take off. Developed a theory that the album didn't do as well as it might have because of how Bowie-esque it sounds at times. Check out the aforementioned "Quiet Americans":
In years past this might not have been a problem, but when your album comes out two weeks after a surprise-release by The Man Himself - and then he dies? Your album MAY be a bit overshadowed. It's too bad - songs like "Pale Kings" are pretty awesome.
7. Arc Iris - Moon Saloon
I'd been going out to see Providence, RI based Arc Iris whenever the band returned to town, after seeing them open for FREEMAN at Higher Ground in the fall of 2014. The brainchild of former Low Anthem member Jocie Adams, aided and abetted by Zachary Tenorio Miller and Ray Belli, Arc Iris doesn't easily fit any categorization or genre.
Adams' compositions range across realms of progressive rock, art rock, show tunes, folk and jazz... sometimes in the same piece. Structures and sounds shift with the intent of the song - everything serves to build the feeling of the idea expressed, inventive explorations not restrained by conventions.
In performance, Adams has a flair for the theatrical, a la 1970's Bowie or Peter Gabriel, appearing in a gold or silver lame' jumpsuit, wearing bejeweled makeup, and usually, at some point in the show, employing giant silver unfolding fan wings to great effect.
The songs on Moon Saloon are ones I enjoyed seeing performed live in 2015. Without knowing actual titles, those tunes became known in my mind by a significant phrase in the song - such as "...Give the Worried Man A Rose". Turned out that song was actually called "Kaleidoscope" - and it was the first track released from Moon Saloon. Check out those wings...
Given their sense of showmanship, you know their videos will be good - check out the AMAZING VIDEO for the title tack as well:
You know, it sort of feels strange to call Moon Saloon a new album - I've heard some of these songs for over a year now. Although it is great to finally have a recorded document of them in my hands. One I can share with you!
6. Caveman - Otero War
Caveman's Otero War rose up on my radar early this year . The lead track "Never Going Back" arrived at radio on Leap Day - 2/29 - and I was able to get my hands on the entire album in late March. It didn't actually come out until June 17th - woo-hoo!
I'd been watching and waiting for new material from Caveman - one of the bands I'd filed away as a personal "one-to-watch". Saw them open for Phosphorescent in Burlington and was blown away. Checked out their first two albums. Pretty good. Wanted to hear what the band I saw live was cooking up. And here it was.
This is one of those times when the access you get from working in radio is both good and bad. I had the album, Otero War, two-and-a-half months before it was released. And that IS kind of cool. But it also means you're getting into an album you can't share with anyone nor tell anyone about for a couple months. Had to wait a while before telling folks how good it was, and that they needed to check out more from the album, like "All My Life":
Really enjoyed the album!
5. Various Artists - Day of the Dead
It's surprising - even to me - to include a cover compilation, a tribute album, in my Top Ten. Not a usual occurrence. But, then again, Day of the Dead isn't your usual covers collection. Mumford and Sons covering 'Friend of the Devil'? Kurt Vile and the Violators (featuring J Mascis) doing 'Box of Rain'? The War On Drugs covering "Touch of Grey"? Very quietly over the last four years, the Dessner brothers, Aaron and Bryce (of The National fame), assembled a giant beast of a compilation - a 5 CD, six-hour, 60+ artist Grateful Dead Tribute, a new entry in the Red Hot Organization's series of fundraising discs.
Check out Phosphorescent with Jenny Lewis and Friends doing "Sugaree". There's also the Dessner's band The National's cover of 'Morning Dew':
You get Bruce Hornsby's and DeYarmond Edison's take on 'Black Muddy River' and Courtney Barnett doing 'New Speedway Boogie'. Plus Jim James & Friends - Candyman, The National - Peggy-O, Lucius - Uncle John’s Band, The Lone Bellow & Friends - Me and My Uncle, Daniel Rossen, Christopher Bear and The National (featuring Josh Kaufman, Conrad Doucette, So Percussion and Brooklyn Youth Chorus) - Terrapin Station (Suite), Wilco with Bob Weir - St. Stephen (live), Phosphorescent & Friends - Standing on the Moon, Charles Bradley and Menahan Street Band - Cumberland Blues, The Tallest Man on Earth & Friends - Ship of Fools, Local Natives - Stella Blue, Bela Fleck - Help on the Way, Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Shakedown Street, Hiss Golden Messenger - Brown-Eyed Women, The Lone Bellow & Friends - Dire Wolf, Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks - China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider, The Flaming Lips - Dark Star, and many more.
The epic scope and scale of this collection merits its inclusion in my Top Ten. Impressive. Most impressive.
4. Anderson/Stolt - Invention of Knowledge
As a fan of their main bands, I was excited and curious to see Jon Anderson of Yes and Roine Stolt of The Flower Kings were working together. Their first collaboration arrived this summer. Invention of Knowledge is impressive, evoking Tales from Topographic Oceans-era Yes. Stolt's instrumental backing of Anderson's spiritual lyrics echoes the complex arrangements of that golden era of progressive rock, though Topographic... is such a singular and unique work it's perhaps folly to draw too close a comparison. Plus, this effort stands well on it's own.
The album is in the tradition of Jon's older Yes music. Invention of Knowledge occasionally sounds like a new Yes album, or perhaps a newly discovered lost Yes album released some time around the mid 1970's. And that's pretty awesome! Some old Yes fans complain about the "aping" of Steve Howe's guitar style, or Rick Wakeman's keyboards, or Chris Squire's bass lines... seems petty to me. Though fondly evocative of their approaches, I don't find the performances slavishly imitative.
Take a listen to this official release of "Knowing" and see what you think...
Of course, the ornate instrumentation and arrangements of Prog Rock aren't for everyone... if this piece suits you, pick up the whole album and enjoy some of the finest Yes music* made in years!
*One note... If Chris Squire were still alive, I wouldn't call this Yes music, out of respect for Squire. With him gone, for me it's Jon who carries this torch now, even if he's no longer in the touring line-up of the band. Jon Anderson has always been the spiritual core of Yes - which is where this album resides.
3. Nahko and Medicine for the People - HOKA
Wasn't familiar with Nahko and Medicine for the People before this summer. Noticed they had two dates booked in the big room of our largest club in northern Vermont, Higher Ground. Who were these guys that they could book a big venue for two days like that? Went and sought out the first single from their new album HOKA, their third, released June 10th - "San Quentin".
From the album's Press Release: "San Quentin" is "an important song in the telling of Nahko's story. It was inspired by Nahko's visit with the imprisoned man who murdered his father - a father he had never met.'Its about forgiveness,' says Nahko, 'I went there to forgive this man and in forgiving him, I freed myself. It only hurts yourself to hang onto hate. Forgiveness empowers you to create change.'" Wise words!
2. The Twilight Hours - Black Beauty
The Twilight Hours are Matt Wilson on vocals, keys and guitar, and John Munson on bass - both former members of Trip Shakespeare in the late 80s/early 90s. Munson was also in Semisonic (most famous for "Closing Time") with Matt's brother and fellow TS alumni Dan Wilson. Matt and John have been performing together since the early 2000's, first as The Flops, and then as The Twilight Hours.
They announced the new album in late spring. As a HUGE Trip Shakespeare fan, my anticipation was high for hearing what Matt and John were up to. Supported their Pledge Music project and received my download codes for The Twilight Hours Black Beauty on July 12th, after their successful campaign ended - the physical CD soon followed. I'd really been digging the cut "Maybe" they'd released as a teaser track/lead single:
Happily, the rest of the album measured up well! The Twilight Hours Black Beauty is both a bit like Trip Shakespeare and a progression from that era and sound, as you can hear on the closing track "Anymore":
There's something here... undefinable though it may be, there was a certain magic to Trip Shakespeare only occasionally captured on Matt's solo album Burnt, White and Blue or the first Twilight Hours release Stereo Night (though "Queen of Tomorrow" is still a favorite. But I digress...). On Black Beauty, the magic has returned! It's great having quality new tunes from these guys.
1. Bear's Den - Red Earth and Pouring Rain
Loved their debut Islands and was really looking forward to the second album from UK folk rockers Bear's Den. We'd get it July 22nd; Red Earth and Pouring Rain was announced at the start of June and the first track was released - the mesmerizing "Auld Wives" - with a heavier synthesizer sound than the band had displayed on Islands:
Though I receive a great deal of music for free in my capacity as Music Director for The Point, I do seek out - and purchase - music that might not otherwise come my way. When I discovered they were releasing the album in the US by themselves, I bought the Bear's Den album direct from the band on it's release, for example. Although, eventually - as they tried for radio play - we were sent complimentary copies at the radio station (full disclosure, I suppose...).
We played "Auld Wives"at The Point for a while, then switched to the title track. Listen to "Red Earth and Pouring Rain" to get a taste of Bear's Den. These two songs merely scratch the surface of a deep, atmospheric and amazing album:
Lush, sweeping, emotional, poignant, song after song unfolds, shifting in scale from majestic grandeur to pulsing intimacy and many points in between. Still listening to this one - one of the standout albums of the year. "Gabriel" is another beautiful number, and includes some of the banjo not found on the rest of the album, in contrast to the predominant banjo on Islands:
Part of the reason there's less banjo on this new one is that Joey Haynes - primarily on banjo and vocals - left the band as they began to make this album. Bear's Den is now a duo, with Andrew Davie on lead vocals, electric guitar, and acoustic guitar and Kevin Jones on vocals, drums, bass, and guitar. The sound has shifted subtly, accordingly, the alchemy of the new duo leading the band in new directions. Worth a listen!
So... that's my "Top Ten" for 2016! Though "Top Ten" implies ranking and liking one better than another, many of these albums could switch places were I making this list on another day - they're more of a group than in a hierarchy. Hope I've turned you onto some music you hadn't yet heard - hate for you to miss out on any of the best of 2016!
I've also put together a Top 50 playlist of 2016 tracks over at 8Tracks.com!
4. Anderson/Stolt - Invention of Knowledge
As a fan of their main bands, I was excited and curious to see Jon Anderson of Yes and Roine Stolt of The Flower Kings were working together. Their first collaboration arrived this summer. Invention of Knowledge is impressive, evoking Tales from Topographic Oceans-era Yes. Stolt's instrumental backing of Anderson's spiritual lyrics echoes the complex arrangements of that golden era of progressive rock, though Topographic... is such a singular and unique work it's perhaps folly to draw too close a comparison. Plus, this effort stands well on it's own.
The album is in the tradition of Jon's older Yes music. Invention of Knowledge occasionally sounds like a new Yes album, or perhaps a newly discovered lost Yes album released some time around the mid 1970's. And that's pretty awesome! Some old Yes fans complain about the "aping" of Steve Howe's guitar style, or Rick Wakeman's keyboards, or Chris Squire's bass lines... seems petty to me. Though fondly evocative of their approaches, I don't find the performances slavishly imitative.
Take a listen to this official release of "Knowing" and see what you think...
Of course, the ornate instrumentation and arrangements of Prog Rock aren't for everyone... if this piece suits you, pick up the whole album and enjoy some of the finest Yes music* made in years!
*One note... If Chris Squire were still alive, I wouldn't call this Yes music, out of respect for Squire. With him gone, for me it's Jon who carries this torch now, even if he's no longer in the touring line-up of the band. Jon Anderson has always been the spiritual core of Yes - which is where this album resides.
3. Nahko and Medicine for the People - HOKA
Wasn't familiar with Nahko and Medicine for the People before this summer. Noticed they had two dates booked in the big room of our largest club in northern Vermont, Higher Ground. Who were these guys that they could book a big venue for two days like that? Went and sought out the first single from their new album HOKA, their third, released June 10th - "San Quentin".
From the album's Press Release: "San Quentin" is "an important song in the telling of Nahko's story. It was inspired by Nahko's visit with the imprisoned man who murdered his father - a father he had never met.'Its about forgiveness,' says Nahko, 'I went there to forgive this man and in forgiving him, I freed myself. It only hurts yourself to hang onto hate. Forgiveness empowers you to create change.'" Wise words!
"Love Letters to God" was the follow-up track, another paean to understanding and spirituality, powerful stuff! And evidence as to why Nahko describes the album as "the soundtrack of the movement for a better planet."
Nahko has an unusual mixed heritage - according to his bio, he was adopted at an early age and raised by a caucasian family in Portland, OR, though he's 1/3 Native American Apache, 1/3 Filipino and 1/3 Puerto Rican. As his bio states, "He has been channeling this ancestry through his music ever since."
There's a higher consciousness at work in Nahko's music, a spiritual wisdom shining through. The mix includes world beats interpreted a la Talking Heads, Native American chants and flavors, and straight-ahead rock, all brought together with a jam band's sense of experimentation and recombination. Guests abound, from the sisters from Joseph, to Xavier Rudd, Trevor Hall, Zella Day and more.
HOKA is an impressive introduction to a brilliant emerging musical and spiritual voice!
Nahko has an unusual mixed heritage - according to his bio, he was adopted at an early age and raised by a caucasian family in Portland, OR, though he's 1/3 Native American Apache, 1/3 Filipino and 1/3 Puerto Rican. As his bio states, "He has been channeling this ancestry through his music ever since."
There's a higher consciousness at work in Nahko's music, a spiritual wisdom shining through. The mix includes world beats interpreted a la Talking Heads, Native American chants and flavors, and straight-ahead rock, all brought together with a jam band's sense of experimentation and recombination. Guests abound, from the sisters from Joseph, to Xavier Rudd, Trevor Hall, Zella Day and more.
HOKA is an impressive introduction to a brilliant emerging musical and spiritual voice!
The Twilight Hours are Matt Wilson on vocals, keys and guitar, and John Munson on bass - both former members of Trip Shakespeare in the late 80s/early 90s. Munson was also in Semisonic (most famous for "Closing Time") with Matt's brother and fellow TS alumni Dan Wilson. Matt and John have been performing together since the early 2000's, first as The Flops, and then as The Twilight Hours.
They announced the new album in late spring. As a HUGE Trip Shakespeare fan, my anticipation was high for hearing what Matt and John were up to. Supported their Pledge Music project and received my download codes for The Twilight Hours Black Beauty on July 12th, after their successful campaign ended - the physical CD soon followed. I'd really been digging the cut "Maybe" they'd released as a teaser track/lead single:
Happily, the rest of the album measured up well! The Twilight Hours Black Beauty is both a bit like Trip Shakespeare and a progression from that era and sound, as you can hear on the closing track "Anymore":
There's something here... undefinable though it may be, there was a certain magic to Trip Shakespeare only occasionally captured on Matt's solo album Burnt, White and Blue or the first Twilight Hours release Stereo Night (though "Queen of Tomorrow" is still a favorite. But I digress...). On Black Beauty, the magic has returned! It's great having quality new tunes from these guys.
1. Bear's Den - Red Earth and Pouring Rain
Loved their debut Islands and was really looking forward to the second album from UK folk rockers Bear's Den. We'd get it July 22nd; Red Earth and Pouring Rain was announced at the start of June and the first track was released - the mesmerizing "Auld Wives" - with a heavier synthesizer sound than the band had displayed on Islands:
Though I receive a great deal of music for free in my capacity as Music Director for The Point, I do seek out - and purchase - music that might not otherwise come my way. When I discovered they were releasing the album in the US by themselves, I bought the Bear's Den album direct from the band on it's release, for example. Although, eventually - as they tried for radio play - we were sent complimentary copies at the radio station (full disclosure, I suppose...).
We played "Auld Wives"at The Point for a while, then switched to the title track. Listen to "Red Earth and Pouring Rain" to get a taste of Bear's Den. These two songs merely scratch the surface of a deep, atmospheric and amazing album:
Lush, sweeping, emotional, poignant, song after song unfolds, shifting in scale from majestic grandeur to pulsing intimacy and many points in between. Still listening to this one - one of the standout albums of the year. "Gabriel" is another beautiful number, and includes some of the banjo not found on the rest of the album, in contrast to the predominant banjo on Islands:
Part of the reason there's less banjo on this new one is that Joey Haynes - primarily on banjo and vocals - left the band as they began to make this album. Bear's Den is now a duo, with Andrew Davie on lead vocals, electric guitar, and acoustic guitar and Kevin Jones on vocals, drums, bass, and guitar. The sound has shifted subtly, accordingly, the alchemy of the new duo leading the band in new directions. Worth a listen!
So... that's my "Top Ten" for 2016! Though "Top Ten" implies ranking and liking one better than another, many of these albums could switch places were I making this list on another day - they're more of a group than in a hierarchy. Hope I've turned you onto some music you hadn't yet heard - hate for you to miss out on any of the best of 2016!
I've also put together a Top 50 playlist of 2016 tracks over at 8Tracks.com!
Sunday, December 04, 2016
And So It Begins...
The perfect place to begin listening - Alibi Jones' first adventure! There's free audio science fiction every week. Hear Chapter One of the novel Alibi Jones on this episode of Glow-in-the-Dark Radio! Written and read by your host Mike Luoma.
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Friday, November 25, 2016
Wish You The Merriest!
Just in time for Black Friday, a new mix of Holiday Tunes! Free to listen without downloading or joining anything - gotta love 8Tracks.com!
Sunday, November 20, 2016
The End?
It's all come down to this - the final chapter in Alibi Jones' latest adventure - Chapter Thirty-Seven of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest on this episode of Glow-in-the-Dark Radio! Written and read by your host Mike Luoma. Free audio science fiction every week - The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue!
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Sunday, November 13, 2016
Not Himself, You See...
Can Kat and his friends free Alibi Jones' body from the possessing, invading consciousness of one of the Ancient Enemy? Find out in the penultimate chapter - Chapter Thirty-Six - of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest! Free audio science fiction every week with your host, author and narrator Mike Luoma. The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue on this episode of Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
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Sunday, November 06, 2016
Out of Body, Out of Mind...
Alibi Jones' body is possessed by one of the Ancient Enemy... and that's just the beginning of his problems. Alibi's actual energy is separately being kept "alive" by the Rhoday – they're now threatened by a SAIF Dreadnaught group! The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue - Free audio science fiction every week. Host, author and narrator Mike Luoma brings you Chapter Thirty-Five of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest on this episode of Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
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Sunday, October 30, 2016
Coming Together, Blowing Apart...
Alibi Jones is inside the Rhoday's Great Ship battling the Hunger as Solar Alliance forces reappear in force, ready to attack! The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue on this episode of Glow-in-the-Dark Radio - listen as host, author and narrator Mike Luoma brings you Chapter Thirty-Four of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest. Free audio science fiction every week!
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Monday, October 17, 2016
"Introducing... RED HOT!" Issue Three At ComiXology Wednesday!
New Press Release!
GLOW-IN-THE-DARK
RADIO COMICS "RED HOT!" THREE @ comiXology
Climactic Third and Final Issue of Comic Book
Mini-Series -
Graphic Novel Now Available In Print
BURLINGTON, VT, October 17, 2016 –
Glow-in-the-Dark Radio Comics proudly
presents the third and final issue in the comic book mini-series
"Introducing... RED HOT!" This young super-hero's
coming-of-age story written and lettered by Mike
Luoma, featuring art by noted Argentine illustrator Juan Carlos Quattordio (FIERRO,
GPS del AMOR), sees RED HOT forced to confront his own
mortality as he fights THE TEAM's
founder MIND MAN, seemingly gone mad
and intent on wiping out all super-powered heroes!
"Happy to be releasing Red Hot three – great to be finishing with Juan Carlos what Rhys ap Gwyn and I began," Luoma said. "With his introductory story now complete with this issue, we hope comic book readers will give RED HOT a chance!"
"Introducing...
RED HOT!" Issue Three is now available digitally at comiXology! Also at Drive Thru Comics and Indy
Planet - where you'll find it in print as well. Indy Planet is also the home of the "Introducing... RED
HOT!" Graphic Novel, out now. Download a review copy of "Introducing... RED HOT!" #3 HERE. Click here for Issue One and Issue Two. Go
HERE for pre-release art and pages.
"Playing on the ideas of legacies and what makes a superhero, Mike Luoma has plotted a story that has to do fifty things at once and convey it all subtly... a surprisingly well-rounded comic-book... " - MCMBuzz.com (review of RED HOT #1)
”... a good take on the "legacy" hero... ...has a really great twist that makes the book a little bit more readable than the usual young-hero-proving-himself fare." – BlogThis,Pal.com (review of RED HOT #1)
Glow-in-the-Dark Radio
is a Vermont-based creative collaborative comic publisher. We also share news
and fiction on our weekly Glow-in-the-Dark
Radio podcast. More at http://glowinthedarkradio.com.
# # #
If you would like more information, please contact Michael Luoma at glowinthedarkradio@gmail.com .
Sunday, October 16, 2016
A Battle in Space Like No Other...
Hear what one reader called "the most unique space battle in all the thousands of sci fi novels I've read in my 65 glorious years..." as Alibi Jones and the Rhoday battle the Hunger for control of the Rhoday's Great Ship! Host, author and narrator Mike Luoma brings you Chapter Thirty-Three of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest on this episode. Free audio science fiction every week - listen as The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
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Sunday, October 09, 2016
Living In Parasite
Can Alibi Jones help the aliens known as the Rhoday defeat their foe the Hunger trying to take them over? And why should he want to help that parasitical species anyway? Get the answers from host, author and narrator Mike Luoma in Chapter Thirty-Two of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest! Free audio science fiction every week - The Adventures of Alibi Jones on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
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Sunday, October 02, 2016
Showdown!
Showdown with the Solar Alliance! Alibi Jones was trying to rescue his Aunt Anita but now two Stinger ships have arrived on scene. Are they friend or foe? Find out in Chapter Thirty-One of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest! Free audio science fiction every week as Mike Luoma, the host, the author and narrator brings you The Adventures of Alibi Jones on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
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Saturday, September 24, 2016
Possessed!
Possessed!? Alibi Jones was taken over by something! As our last installment ended, he left the bridge of his Cruiser headed for the airlock - at the same time a giant alien ghost ship reappeared! Who or what has Alibi in its grip? Find out as The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue in Chapter Thirty of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest! Free audio science fiction every week from your host, the author and narrator Mike Luoma, on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
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Sunday, September 18, 2016
Where Is My Aunt?!
Speaking with the enemy? Alibi Jones is on the line with Nikko Constantine trying to find out where Alibi's Aunt Anita has disappeared to – on a mission Constantine sent her on! Chapter Twenty-Nine of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest - The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue! Mike Luoma, your host, the author and narrator brings you free audio science fiction every week on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
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Monday, September 12, 2016
Now In Print - "Introducing... RED HOT!" - The Graphic Novel
76 pages - Full Color.
Digital $2.99 - Print $11.99
How Do You Prove You’re A Hero?
Using inherited fire powers, Red Hot is hoping to figure that out as he follows in the footsteps of his father and grandfather – the original and second “Red Hots”. It’s not easy! Red Hot stakes out a bank when he’s tipped off that it’s supposed to be robbed. The thief, however, is the last person Red Hot expects. They turn the tables and leave Red Hot to take the blame!
“Introducing… RED HOT!” is a super hero coming-of-age story and an introduction to a whole world of heroes. You’ll meet THE TEAM, the premier group of powered people working today, and their founder Mind Man. Only… Mind Man isn’t quite himself right now! As Red Hot tries to find out why that is – and tries to prove himself to THE TEAM in the process – his actions will have lethal consequences.
Writing, Letters, Editing & Layout by MIKE LUOMA.
Character Design and Part One Art by RHYS AP GWYN.
Parts Two and Three Art by JUAN CARLOS QUATTORDIO.
Part Two Colors by BETTINA FERTITTA
**Bonus Section** Check out early designs of the heroes by Mike and Rhys and page art in various stages from Rhys and Juan Carlos at the back of the graphic novel!
Direct Link: http://www.indyplanet.us/product/141743/
Shining A Light On... Arc Iris
Opening bands can be welcome surprises or simply annoying... it can be worth heading to a show a little early to catch the opener - you may discover something new worth listening to and checking out further. Love it when that happens! Mentioned in my write-up on Caveman that I'd seen them opening for Phosphorescent in Burlington. Saw Arc Iris open for FREEMAN - Aaron Freeman of Ween's new band at the time - back in September of 2014 at Higher Ground in South Burlington. To say I was intrigued is putting it mildly!
The band made an instant impression as they appeared onstage with a sense of theatricality and an awareness of creating a presence. Band leader Jocie Adams often appears in a shiny silver or gold body suit, and the band occasionally displays exotic face make-up including gems and other glittering enhancements. Adams uses several props including a ladder - useful when she deploys giant silver wings during their performances. Their music veers from old-timey show tune sensibilities to expansive experimental electronic rock - no sound is out of bounds if it contributes to the effect of the song and the performance.
Adams' sense of theatricality and performance permeates the Arc Iris live show, recalling both the art-rock and glitter era of David Bowie and the prog rock, costumed era of the Peter Gabriel-led Genesis. Adams and company are fearless in service of their art - they go for it, even as an opener, or during their later residency the next spring at Burlington's Skinny Pancake when they seemed to be chasing out the dinner crowd Friday nights. Check out this UK performance from that early period:
Adams is joined in Arc Iris by keyboard maestro Zachary Tenorio-Miller and percussionist Ray Belli; cellist Robin Ryczek also played the live shows I caught that first year (total digression - Ray has a cool podcast - check out his Words for Granted on the development of individual words in our wacky English language). Over their residency and as the band built a following in Vermont and began appearing more often in town, one could hear new songs being developed and worked out.
Without knowing actual titles, the songs became known in my mind by a significant phrase in the tune - such as "...Give the Worried Man A Rose". Turned out that song was actually called "Kaleidoscope" - and it was the first track released from Arc Iris' brand-new album Moon Saloon:
Moon Saloon is out now - check out the AMAZING VIDEO for the title tack as well:
If you're intrigued, do a YouTube search for more. Check out the rest of Moon Saloon. And? The band puts so much into their performance - it's worth seeking them out to see them perform live. There are Eastern US dates, European shows in October and November, and Western US dates after those - more info over on the Arc Iris site.
UPDATE: Arc Iris just played live for NPR - Check out the performance!
The band made an instant impression as they appeared onstage with a sense of theatricality and an awareness of creating a presence. Band leader Jocie Adams often appears in a shiny silver or gold body suit, and the band occasionally displays exotic face make-up including gems and other glittering enhancements. Adams uses several props including a ladder - useful when she deploys giant silver wings during their performances. Their music veers from old-timey show tune sensibilities to expansive experimental electronic rock - no sound is out of bounds if it contributes to the effect of the song and the performance.
Adams' sense of theatricality and performance permeates the Arc Iris live show, recalling both the art-rock and glitter era of David Bowie and the prog rock, costumed era of the Peter Gabriel-led Genesis. Adams and company are fearless in service of their art - they go for it, even as an opener, or during their later residency the next spring at Burlington's Skinny Pancake when they seemed to be chasing out the dinner crowd Friday nights. Check out this UK performance from that early period:
Adams is joined in Arc Iris by keyboard maestro Zachary Tenorio-Miller and percussionist Ray Belli; cellist Robin Ryczek also played the live shows I caught that first year (total digression - Ray has a cool podcast - check out his Words for Granted on the development of individual words in our wacky English language). Over their residency and as the band built a following in Vermont and began appearing more often in town, one could hear new songs being developed and worked out.
Without knowing actual titles, the songs became known in my mind by a significant phrase in the tune - such as "...Give the Worried Man A Rose". Turned out that song was actually called "Kaleidoscope" - and it was the first track released from Arc Iris' brand-new album Moon Saloon:
Moon Saloon is out now - check out the AMAZING VIDEO for the title tack as well:
If you're intrigued, do a YouTube search for more. Check out the rest of Moon Saloon. And? The band puts so much into their performance - it's worth seeking them out to see them perform live. There are Eastern US dates, European shows in October and November, and Western US dates after those - more info over on the Arc Iris site.
UPDATE: Arc Iris just played live for NPR - Check out the performance!
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Don't Shoot!
Alibi Jones is hurtling towards and about to get shot at by a Solar Alliance starship's large guns. He'd like to avoid that! Can he? Listen to Chapter Twenty-Eight of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest and find out, as The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue. Mike Luoma, your writer, host and reader brings you more on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio - free audio science fiction every week!
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Sunday, September 04, 2016
Patient Or Prisoner?
Alibi Jones has to wonder – is he a patient or a prisoner on Ceres Central? As they're talking about amputating his leg without asking his opinion, he's beginning to feel more like the latter – and a lab rat! Can his old friend Krish help him "escape"? Find out in Chapter Twenty-Seven of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest! Mike Luoma, your writer, host and reader brings you more of The Adventures of Alibi Jones on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio - free audio science fiction every week!
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Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Shining A Light On... Caveman
Another in my occasional series looking at bands and music - this time it's Brooklyn's Caveman and their new album Otero War, released in June. Seems like it's been longer, but that's because the first single "Never Going Back" came our way back in February. They're a band I'd been looking out for, so I listened to the song first day it was released. Good Stuff! This kind of "throwback" video came out in May:
Caveman opened up for Phosphorescent two years earlier when he played his 2nd show in Burlington on the Muchacho tour, at Arts Riot. They were great! Immediately got my hands on their first release Coco Beware and their self-titled second album. Liked Coco Beware better, but both were just good indie rock - lot of promise, not a lot of polish. And not exactly what I'd heard live, either.
"Never Going Back" showed their promise fulfilled with strong songwriting, and the production was certainly more polished - vocals more up front, less murk in the mix. Great smart pop with a nice edge. When the album arrived it was nice to discover the entire project was a great step forward for the band. I give you "All My Life" from near the end of the album as further proof of their pop mastery.
Lest you think they've sold out, they close right after that with "I Need You In My Life" which recalls their earlier indie styles... passion and pounding and murk galore! The rest of the songs fall somewhere between the smart-pop and indie-murk, with a well-crafted intensity. It's a good listen as an album - stands up as a nice overall piece of work!
Caveman opened up for Phosphorescent two years earlier when he played his 2nd show in Burlington on the Muchacho tour, at Arts Riot. They were great! Immediately got my hands on their first release Coco Beware and their self-titled second album. Liked Coco Beware better, but both were just good indie rock - lot of promise, not a lot of polish. And not exactly what I'd heard live, either.
"Never Going Back" showed their promise fulfilled with strong songwriting, and the production was certainly more polished - vocals more up front, less murk in the mix. Great smart pop with a nice edge. When the album arrived it was nice to discover the entire project was a great step forward for the band. I give you "All My Life" from near the end of the album as further proof of their pop mastery.
Lest you think they've sold out, they close right after that with "I Need You In My Life" which recalls their earlier indie styles... passion and pounding and murk galore! The rest of the songs fall somewhere between the smart-pop and indie-murk, with a well-crafted intensity. It's a good listen as an album - stands up as a nice overall piece of work!
Monday, August 29, 2016
Shining A Light On... Bear's Den
Posted the first of these earlier tonight. Not sure how often I'll do 'em, but given I'm just starting, thought another one right off might not be so bad. Already know for sure who my first four of these are about, anyway. Lead the series with Jon Anderson and Roine Stolt. Now, let me introduce you to Bear's Den.
You really should know Bear's Den.
The UK band's new album Red Earth and Pouring Rain was independently released here in the States a month ago on July 22nd. It brings a slight shift in sound for the band, who lost banjo player and vocalist Joey Haynes earlier this year and are now the duo of Andrew Davie and Kevin Jones. One of the best songs is "Auld Wives", their lead track.
First heard Bear's Den when they released a pair of EPs three years ago, Without/Within and Agape in 2013, soon followed by Islands in 2014, the band's full-length debut. "Agape" from that album and the like-titled EP remains one of my favorite songs of the last five or so years (that's the Greek term for transcendent Love and not the description of a wide-open mouth, by the way... ).
Start with Islands. It's a beautiful album. And if you're taken by it, pick up Red Earth..., but know that things have shifted to include more synth and beats for a less folky sound. Plus, there's less banjo and one less voice, makes it different. Still good, but perhaps a bit smoother and shinier than I liked my Bear's Den.
You really should know Bear's Den.
The UK band's new album Red Earth and Pouring Rain was independently released here in the States a month ago on July 22nd. It brings a slight shift in sound for the band, who lost banjo player and vocalist Joey Haynes earlier this year and are now the duo of Andrew Davie and Kevin Jones. One of the best songs is "Auld Wives", their lead track.
First heard Bear's Den when they released a pair of EPs three years ago, Without/Within and Agape in 2013, soon followed by Islands in 2014, the band's full-length debut. "Agape" from that album and the like-titled EP remains one of my favorite songs of the last five or so years (that's the Greek term for transcendent Love and not the description of a wide-open mouth, by the way... ).
Start with Islands. It's a beautiful album. And if you're taken by it, pick up Red Earth..., but know that things have shifted to include more synth and beats for a less folky sound. Plus, there's less banjo and one less voice, makes it different. Still good, but perhaps a bit smoother and shinier than I liked my Bear's Den.
Shining A Light On... Jon Anderson and Roine Stolt "Invention of Knowledge"
This is the first in my new Glow-in-the-Dark Radio series "Shining A Light On..." where I get into new releases you might not hear on traditional radio. As the music director of a very cool Adult Album Alternative radio station, The Point (http://pointfm.com), I receive a ton of new releases all the time. Only a fraction of those end up garnering airplay, even on a station as adventurous as ours.
This occasional column will cover those worth mentioning and checking out - even if they're not destined for radio airplay. I'll include videos where available and links to Amazon or other outlets for purchasing - as I'm in Vermont, which doesn't allow it, these are not affiliate links and I earn no money from them. Just so you know.
Wanted to begin with an album that came out at the end of June, Jon Anderson (Yes) and Roine Stolt (Flower Kings) have teamed up to create a new album in the tradition of Jon's older work - Yes music. And Invention of Knowledge in some ways does sound like a new Yes album, or perhaps a newly discovered lost Yes album released some time around Relayer in the mid 1970's. The Yes album it is drawing the most comparisons to, thanks to the instrumentation and lyrical content is Tales from Topographic Oceans, though that is such a singular and unique work it is perhaps folly to draw too close a comparison.
I'd rather not dance too much about architecture, so take a listen to this official release of "Knowing" and see what you think...
If that suits you, pick up the whole album and enjoy some of the finest Yes music made in years! One note... If Chris Squire were still alive, I wouldn't call this Yes music, but only out of respect for Squire. With him gone, it's really Jon who carries this torch now, and in some ways he's always been the spiritual center of Yes, which is where this album resides.
You can find Jon Anderson/Roine Stolt Invention of Knowledge now at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Invention-Knowledge-Anderson-Stolt/dp/B01EWEG7DS
This occasional column will cover those worth mentioning and checking out - even if they're not destined for radio airplay. I'll include videos where available and links to Amazon or other outlets for purchasing - as I'm in Vermont, which doesn't allow it, these are not affiliate links and I earn no money from them. Just so you know.
Wanted to begin with an album that came out at the end of June, Jon Anderson (Yes) and Roine Stolt (Flower Kings) have teamed up to create a new album in the tradition of Jon's older work - Yes music. And Invention of Knowledge in some ways does sound like a new Yes album, or perhaps a newly discovered lost Yes album released some time around Relayer in the mid 1970's. The Yes album it is drawing the most comparisons to, thanks to the instrumentation and lyrical content is Tales from Topographic Oceans, though that is such a singular and unique work it is perhaps folly to draw too close a comparison.
I'd rather not dance too much about architecture, so take a listen to this official release of "Knowing" and see what you think...
If that suits you, pick up the whole album and enjoy some of the finest Yes music made in years! One note... If Chris Squire were still alive, I wouldn't call this Yes music, but only out of respect for Squire. With him gone, it's really Jon who carries this torch now, and in some ways he's always been the spiritual center of Yes, which is where this album resides.
You can find Jon Anderson/Roine Stolt Invention of Knowledge now at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Invention-Knowledge-Anderson-Stolt/dp/B01EWEG7DS
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Opening the Red Hot Graphic Novel Print Proof
Check it out! The RED HOT Graphic Novel Print Proof arrived tonight!
Out Today! "Introducing... RED HOT!" #3!
Get your hands on a RED HOT comic book!! My "Introducing... RED HOT!" Issue Three is out today!
Coming Soon to comiXology!
In this action packed final act, The Team faces off against its former leader, Mind Man, as Red Hot discovers the Source of Mind Man's madness! Our young hero must decide if he can make the ultimate sacrifice in this climactic third and final issue of the Glow-in-the-Dark Radio Comics mini-series "Introducing... RED HOT!".
How do you prove you're a hero? Using inherited fire powers, Red Hot is hoping to figure that out as he follows in the footsteps of his father and grandfather - the original and second "Red Hots". It's not going so well...
Words, Letters, Editing & Layout by Mike Luoma.
Art by Juan Carlos Quattordio.
Sunday, August 21, 2016
You Call This Rehab?
Alibi Jones is in rehab on Ceres Central after his encounter with a giant, alien ghost ship. His estranged mother – who killed his father – has been released from incarceration. And though Alibi wouldn't take her call, she's now talking to the media... about him! A double-sized episode featuring Chapters Twenty-Five and Twenty-Six of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest! The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio as Mike Luoma, your writer, host and reader, brings you more free audio science fiction!
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Saturday, August 06, 2016
The Needle and the Damage Done?
Alibi Jones is under attack by a syringe-wielding scientist as The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio! Join Mike Luoma, your writer, host and reader, as he brings you more free audio science fiction. Chapter Twenty-Four of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest sees Alibi on Ceres Central, trying to recuperate from his encounter with a "ghost" ship when a Dr. Bially tries to... kill him?
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Monday, August 01, 2016
"Introducing... RED HOT!" Issue Three Out August 24th!
PRESS RELEASE
GLOW-IN-THE-DARK RADIO COMICS RELEASES "RED HOT!"
ISSUE THREE
Climactic Third and Final Issue of Comic Book Mini-Series
by Mike Luoma
BURLINGTON, VT, August 1, 2016 – Mike Luoma and Glow-in-the-Dark Radio Comics proudly present the third and final
issue in the comic book mini-series "Introducing... RED HOT!"
This third act in the young super-hero's coming-of-age story written and
lettered by Luoma and featuring art
by noted Argentine illustrator Juan
Carlos Quattordio (FIERRO, GPS del AMOR) sees RED HOT forced to confront his own mortality as he fights THE TEAM's founder MIND MAN, now seemingly mad and intent on wiping out all other
super-powered heroes!
"Happy to be releasing Red Hot three – great to be finishing with Juan Carlos what Rhys ap Gwyn and I began," Luoma said. "With his introductory story now complete with this issue, we hope comic book readers will give RED HOT a chance!"
"Introducing...
RED HOT!" Issue Three will be available digitally at comiXology and Drive Thru Comics and in print at Indy Planet.
"Playing on the ideas of legacies and what makes a superhero, Mike Luoma has plotted a story that has to do fifty things at once and convey it all subtly... a surprisingly well-rounded comic-book... " - MCMBuzz.com (review of RED HOT #1)
”... a good take on the "legacy" hero... ...has a really great twist that makes the book a little bit more readable than the usual young-hero-proving-himself fare." – BlogThis,Pal.com (review of RED HOT #1)
Glow-in-the-Dark Radio
is a Vermont-based creative collaborative comic publisher. We also share news
and fiction on our weekly Glow-in-the-Dark
Radio podcast. More at http://glowinthedarkradio.com.
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Alibi Jones and the Aliens...
Alibi Jones passed out from blood loss as our last episode ended. A tentacle from an alien ghost ship wrapped around his leg and penetrated his EVA suit, poking into his calf and ankle. Alibi cut it off, but it took some of his lower leg with it! See if Alibi wakes up, and what's happened to his leg, as The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio with Chapter Twenty-Three of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest! Join Mike Luoma, your writer, host and reader, as he brings you free audio science fiction every week!
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Saturday, July 23, 2016
In the Grip of Intergalactic Ghosts!
One crewmember is dead, and Alibi Jones' Cruiser can't seem to break free of the grip of the alien ghost ship as they try to leave! Can Alibi free their ship in time to escape from... whatever it is? The "ghost" on their bridge is changing form... Mike Luoma, your writer, host and reader brings you Chapter Twenty-Two of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest as The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio! A science fiction ghost story - free audio science fiction every week!
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Saturday, July 16, 2016
Ghost on a Starship
A ghost just appeared on the bridge of their ship in front of Alibi Jones and his crew. A science fiction ghost story? Alibi and his team are no longer hunting ghosts - one found them! Hear Chapter Twenty-One of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest read by your writer and host Mike Luoma. The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue - free audio science fiction each week on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
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Saturday, July 09, 2016
Silenced on a Ghost Ship
The psychic screamed, but then her scream stopped abruptly. Now, there's no answer from the haunted alien shipwreck... Alibi Jones and his crew are hunting ghosts. Maybe one found them! Join host Mike Luoma – your writer and reader – for free audio science fiction adventure each week on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio – and Chapter Twenty of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest as The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue!
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Sunday, July 03, 2016
On Board the "Haunted" Ship
A Xenobiologist and a psychic walk onto a haunted alien shipwreck... it's no joke - Alibi Jones and his crew are hunting ghosts! Free audio science fiction adventure - Chapter Nineteen of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest! Writer, reader and host Mike Luoma brings you The Adventures of Alibi Jones each week on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
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Check out the ALIBI JONES Timeline: http://www.glowinthedarkradio.com/#!alibijonestimeline/b6sbt
Get The Adventures of Alibi Jones and other comics: http://www.glowinthedarkradio.com/#!blank/rv46x
Home(s): http://mikeluoma.com – http://glowinthedarkradio.com – http://alibijones.com
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Home(s): http://mikeluoma.com – http://glowinthedarkradio.com – http://alibijones.com
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Little Power Plays...
Recovering bodies from an ancient, alien shipwreck that might be haunted is just another day on the job for Alibi Jones and his crew! Listen to Chapter Eighteen of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest - free audio science fiction adventure each week on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio – with writer, reader and host Mike Luoma and The Adventures of Alibi Jones!
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Home(s): http://mikeluoma.com – http://glowinthedarkradio.com – http://alibijones.com
Saturday, June 18, 2016
Approaching the Ghost Ship...
Alibi Jones and his crew approach a giant, supposedly haunted, ancient, alien shipwreck... hunting ghosts! Free audio science fiction adventure - listen as Alibi and company get ready to board the massive old derelict in Chapter Seventeen of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest! Writer, reader and host Mike Luoma brings you The Adventures of Alibi Jones each week on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
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Home(s): http://mikeluoma.com – http://glowinthedarkradio.com – http://alibijones.com
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Check out the ALIBI JONES Timeline: http://www.glowinthedarkradio.com/#!alibijonestimeline/b6sbt
Get The Adventures of Alibi Jones and other comics: http://www.glowinthedarkradio.com/#!blank/rv46x
Home(s): http://mikeluoma.com – http://glowinthedarkradio.com – http://alibijones.com
Monday, June 13, 2016
The Alibi Jones Timeline!
Check out what I've been up to - The Alibi Jones Timeline! Hard to write without some spoilers, so tread lightly if you haven't read through all the books. Not too spoilery, I hope. Includes my map of Alibi Jones' Universe...
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Alibi Jones - Ghost Hunter!
Alibi Jones and his covert-ops team are hunting ghosts! With the addition of a xenobiologist and a psychic from The Project, they head for a distant nebula to investigate a supposedly haunted, ancient, alien derelict in Chapter Sixteen of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest! Join writer, reader and host Mike Luoma for The Adventures of Alibi Jones. Free audio science fiction adventure each week on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
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Home(s): http://mikeluoma.com – http://glowinthedarkradio.com – http://alibijones.com
Friday, June 03, 2016
This Is NOT The 1980's...
New mix just posted via 8Tracks.com - 80's tunes NOT done by their original artists. Check it out!
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Glow-in-the-Dark Radio's 400th Podcast Episode!
Join the celebration in episode #400 of Glow-in-the-Dark Radio! Four-HUNDRED episodes is a LOT of free audio science fiction adventure. Writer, reader and host Mike Luoma has delivered his science fiction free nearly every week on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio since 2006. We're now into The Adventures of Alibi Jones! This special episode is custom-built for both new listeners and dedicated fans alike!
We'll check in on our current adventure - find out what's next for Alibi's covert-ops team - in Chapter Fourteen of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest. Happens to be a great jump-in chapter, too, good listening for new folks.
But first, as a SPECIAL episode 400 BONUS you'll hear two stand-alone short stories, the audio equivalent of a FREE comic book, as Mike reads audio adaptations of Alibi Jones: Vacation and Alibi Jones and the Wishing Stone, found in the brand-new issue two of The Adventures of Alibi Jones comic book, out now!
There are also episode 400 congratulations from fellow podcasters, and a sample of the very first episode of the podcast – sort of. Listen to find out what THAT means and for so much more on this special 400th episode of Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
Join the mailing list: http://eepurl.com/0_Z7z
Get The Adventures of Alibi Jones and other comics: http://www.glowinthedarkradio.com/#!blank/rv46x
Home(s): http://mikeluoma.com – http://glowinthedarkradio.com – http://alibijones.com
We'll check in on our current adventure - find out what's next for Alibi's covert-ops team - in Chapter Fourteen of Alibi Jones and the Hornet's Nest. Happens to be a great jump-in chapter, too, good listening for new folks.
But first, as a SPECIAL episode 400 BONUS you'll hear two stand-alone short stories, the audio equivalent of a FREE comic book, as Mike reads audio adaptations of Alibi Jones: Vacation and Alibi Jones and the Wishing Stone, found in the brand-new issue two of The Adventures of Alibi Jones comic book, out now!
There are also episode 400 congratulations from fellow podcasters, and a sample of the very first episode of the podcast – sort of. Listen to find out what THAT means and for so much more on this special 400th episode of Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!
Join the mailing list: http://eepurl.com/0_Z7z
Get The Adventures of Alibi Jones and other comics: http://www.glowinthedarkradio.com/#!blank/rv46x
Home(s): http://mikeluoma.com – http://glowinthedarkradio.com – http://alibijones.com
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