ellis@spar.UUCP (Michael Ellis) (03/07/85)
Reno, Nevada (UPI) - After months of secret negotiation between representatives of some of Reno's and Las Vegas's plushest establishments and the APPR (Academy for the Preservation of Progressive Rock), it appears likely that the early 70's heavy intellectual style rock may soon be taking its well deserved place alongside Tony Bennett, John Denver, and Frank Sinatra. According to Antonio `il Cazzo' Pupignio, proprietor of Reno's extravagant `Starlight Palace', the monumental splendor and sentiment of matured rock groups like Yes, Genesis, and Rush is "totally in tune with the glitter and extravagance of our nightly shows. Besides, this gives us a chance to put everybody in the orchestra to work... a recent Billboard survey showed bands like ELP faring exceptionally well among the 30-45/$30-60K bracket who typically patronize our establishment." APPR believes the unique opulence of Nevada's creative musical scene to be appropriate for the inspiration of future progressive rock masterpieces. Remarked an unidentified spokesman "You'll not just be seeing more rock operas! We'll have rock musicals, rock dance extravaganzas, rock beauty pageants, even rock symphonies -- for instance, ELP is totally restructuring the piano concerto for wind machine, chorus girls and possibly even the accompanying mime of Sammy Davis Jr." On the tail of this momentous announcement, rumors of a new Yes album tentatively titled `Far from the Edge' suggest this band is at its highest level of creativity in years. Consisting entirely of new arrangements from `Close to the Edge', this album is sure to please longtime fans, whose sensitivity is easily disturbed by unneccessary melodic and harmonic deviation from established progressive rock traditions. With the assistance of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Morman Tabernacle Boys Choir under the baton of Wayne Newton, Yes is reportedly planning to recreate a painstakingly flawless facsimile of their earlier work. Hopes that Frank Sinatra would assist on the vocals in `Siberian Khattru' have been soaring ever since tickets went on sale for their double bill at Reno's Gold City Palladium. Proceeds from the first week's concerts will be donated to the Academy.
rlr@pyuxd.UUCP (Professor Wagstaff) (03/12/85)
As a diehard primordial Yes freak from before some netters were born,
I just have to say that THAT was brilliant!!!!
The minute a new leading edge movement seeks "legitimacy" ("Look at us,
this is SERIOUS!!! We use an orchestra!"), it has died. Period.
While it is breaking new ground without any particular goal of "legitimacy"
or "respectability" in mind, it remains very much alive. Unfortunately,
"fans" often take hold, as does egotism (one look at R. Waters should serve
as evidence of that).
Mind you, "Close to the Edge", "Karn Evil 9 (some impression or other)",
"Lamb" all were great moments in the genre. But to those who would expect
more of the same, one can only make the suggestion "grow up". Music doesn't
stagnate just for you and your expectations.
Go get 'em, Ellis. Let 'em know that the new vanguard in music is bringing
forth shining newness and innovation whilst others stagnate in "When will
'Far From the Edge' be coming out?" nostalgia.
P.S. I've heard that the Clash will be reforming to play at the Resorts
International casino in Atlantic City, that U2 will soon be hosting their
own comedy-variety show on NBC (called "Me and U2"), that there will be
a docudrama on CBS called "Bob Marley: Life of a Ganja Man" starring
Eddie Murphy, that Jello Biafra is marketing a 12" doll in his likeness
(lifesize), that Billy Idol has a role as a sweet innocent teenager whose
life is corrupted by J.R. Ewing on "Dallas" next season, and that the
Residents are doing the score for a new comedy called "The Census Taker"
starring Garrett Morris. (I guess it beats REO Foreignstyxwagon...)
--
Meet the new wave, same as the old wave...
Rich Rosen ihnp4!pyuxd!rlr