mien_mo_man

 "Mike Scott, a flame that burns... And burns all the better when it’s underwater."

 "In the hands of another, many of his songs would have remained immortal."

Mike Scott's 1997 album Still Burning is a passionate blend of folk, brit-pop, and rock, showcasing his strong songwriting and authentic style. Tracks like "My Dark Side" and "Love Anyway" stand out as masterpieces, while the album overall reflects Scott's growth and fiery musical spirit. Though not a perfect masterpiece, it's a worthy listen for fans of heartfelt music and those interested in the evolution of an artist dedicated to authenticity. The review praises Scott's capabilities and hints at his later reunion with the Waterboys producing even greater work. Explore Mike Scott’s Still Burning and experience a fiery blend of folk, brit-pop, and rock that captures heartfelt songwriting and authentic spirit.

 The title-track, gritty and poignant, burns like seawater on a wound.

 Mike Scott has decided not to seek them out anymore, to stop his wandering, to settle down forever… And what does a traveler seek, if not his home?

This review praises Mike Scott's 'Bring'em All In' as a deeply emotional and authentic folk album. Highlighting Scott’s spiritual honesty, traditional songwriting, and stripped-down instrumentation, it celebrates the album's blend of pagan and Christian influences. The reviewer admires Scott's guitar skill and storytelling, noting the album’s poignant and relentless nature. Overall, it's portrayed as a heartfelt work reflecting the artist's personal journey and search for home. Discover the soulful journey of Mike Scott's 'Bring'em All In'—listen now and experience timeless folk storytelling.

 "Aurora was nothing but a mini-disc containing a track present on one of their LPs, and three b-sides from three 45s."

 "Aurora isn’t absolutely awful, but it’s the cruel and ruthless rule of the ‘music business’ that ensures the useless project gets a marvelous ‘1’."

This review uncovers the frustration behind Asia's Aurora EP, a Japan-only 1986 mini-disc that recycles previously released songs and lacks any new material or artwork by Roger Dean. Priced much higher than other CDs, the EP is described as a commercial cash grab rather than a valuable collector's item. The reviewer criticizes the absence of effort in both packaging and content, labeling the release a 'con' that fails to impress even dedicated fans. Discover why Asia's Aurora EP might not be worth your money before you buy—read the full review now!

 Todd Rundgren, with the ease and nonchalance of someone not aware of it at all, makes one album more beautiful than the next.

 ‘Long Flying Robe’ is better than ‘Saturday In The Park’ by Chicago.

This review praises Todd Rundgren's album 'Runt. The Ballad Of Todd Rundgren' as a flawless and timeless masterpiece. It highlights the diverse mix of soul, rock, pop, and jazz elements with deeply emotional melodies. The album is celebrated for its effortless creativity, comparing Rundgren's craft to legendary artists and emphasizing his unique ability to consistently produce exceptional music without struggle. Discover Todd Rundgren's 'Runt' and experience a timeless blend of soul and rock that continues to inspire music lovers worldwide.

 Despite the title, this is the least solemn and pompous album the Asia had recorded up to that point.

 Asia annexes Jamaica into their territory... but it’s all in vain: overwhelmingly prog keyboards obliterating the immense efforts of poor Aziz.

Asia's 1996 album 'Arena' presents a diverse blend of prog rock and pop-rock with skilled guitarists Elliot Randall and Aziz Ibrahim. The album features strong instrumental and classic prog influences but is hampered by overproduction and dated keyboards. While some tracks shine with vintage vibes and excellent vocals, others feel redundant or overly ornate. Overall, 'Arena' marks a modest but uneven progression for Asia. Dive into Asia's 'Arena' to experience a unique blend of prog and pop rock with remarkable guitar work and nostalgic vibes.

 The supergroup that was has definitively gone to ruin.

 If it continues to like itself as it is, without ever going too deep, it will never be able to hope to reach-return to success.

Asia's 'Aria' reflects the band's struggles after key lineup departures, especially Steve Howe and Carl Palmer. While John Payne's vocals and some choruses shine, many tracks fall into predictable or unconvincing territory. The album lacks the progressive spirit of earlier works and fails to revive the band's former glory, marking a continued decline. Explore Asia's 'Aria' and discover the challenging evolution of a prog rock legend.

 Astra, unquestionably the album with the ugliest cover in the entire history of the band.

 Did they ever have the impression that people like them could have done infinitely better than 'Asia' and 'Alpha'?

This review critically examines Asia's album Astra, noting the band's shift from their early 80s prog and pomp rock success to a less inspiring sound. The departure of key members like Steve Howe and the arrival of Mandy Mayer failed to revive their quality. While technically proficient, Astra suffers from uninspired songwriting and lacks the catchiness of prior works, resulting in commercial and artistic decline. Discover why Asia's Astra marked a turning point—listen and decide if this 80s rock album lives up to the band's legacy.

 Nothing Rundgren has released in his now forty-year career is incapable of making one fall in love with his music.

 'Runt' is a debut, the second debut of his career, and it can be acceptable as is. Todd, it is perfectly clear, is destined to be a star.

Todd Rundgren's 1970 solo debut 'Runt' showcases his early musical originality and versatility, mixing blues rock, power pop, and psychedelia. Though stylistically diverse and uneven at times, the album reveals Rundgren's strong songwriting and star potential. Despite criticism for its varied genres, 'Runt' remains an essential first step in a lengthy, successful career. Notably, it reflects both his youthful image and a promising musical future. Discover Todd Rundgren's versatile solo debut 'Runt' and experience the roots of a future rock star!

 Three years after Room To Roam and five years after Fisherman's Blues, will Mike Scott finally be over his Irish binge?

 Dream Harder, whose compositional quality is impeccable, is a disjointed album, where the stronger pieces poorly match with experiments of 'rearranged residual folk' and New York pop.

Dream Harder marks a shift for The Waterboys, with Mike Scott moving away from Irish folk influences to a more urban, spiritual rock sound. The album features standout tracks like "Glastonbury Song" and "The Return Of Pan" that blend mythology, rock, and lyrical depth. While some songs explore pop and experimental sounds, the strongest moments highlight Scott’s songwriting and guitar work. Despite a few disjointed tracks, the album remains an inspired and captivating listen. Dive into The Waterboys' Dream Harder and experience a unique blend of spiritual rock and urban poetry—listen now!

 Mediocre from the second to the last note, well-executed but little or no imaginative, predictable from top to bottom.

 If this is a charge to meet the enemy, in 'The Last To Know' they care for the (very few) wounded and celebrate the Heroes' return to the Homeland.

This review analyzes Asia's second album 'Alpha' as a less impressive continuation of their debut, highlighting the band's shift toward simpler, commercial AOR rock influenced by the eighties music landscape. Despite occasional originality, the album suffers from predictability and lack of imagination. The reviewer praises the musicians’ past work but finds 'Alpha' mediocre overall, reflecting a decline from the band's earlier progressive roots. The ironic tone adds humor while delivering a critical perspective. Discover the story behind Asia's 'Alpha' and explore the crossroads between prog rock and 80s AOR!