Scissorkick Making Prog-ress
I'm going to start off the post-Independence day posts by revealing one of my deep, dark secrets. Scissorkick loves prog. There, I said it, and now that half of you have already closed your browsers and headed toward the latest Wonkette gossip, the remaining, truly brave souls who may or may not be fans of prog rock -- Rush, ELP, King Crimson, Genesis, Hawkwind, Ozric Tentacles, and of course Yes -- get some truly classic nuggets. Look, scissorkick is all about great new music; our commitment to posting new tracks is unflagging and although we've sort of stumbled into this downtempo niche, we really do love so much of everything that it would be treasonous to deny ourselves the occassional trip down memory lane. Plus, as much as I love bands like Jaga and Mars Volta, I am simply growing tired of journalists' lazy associations of these groups and classic prog traditions. They might have some elements but they are certainly not prog bands. Bottom line: You need unicorns and wizards to be prog.
Today's Two-for-Tuesday post is a serious double play of classic Yes tracks inspired by a recent viewing of the fantastic Buffalo 66. Vincent Gallo may be a fucking narcissistic asshole but he has undeniably great taste in music and the soundtrack is filled with gems from King Crimson and Yes, especially "Heart of the Sunrise" an epic nearly 12-minute track that jumps from fiery, hellspawn prog-ness to a mellow, deep funk cinematic groove and back again. It's not supposed to work but only musicians as talented as Yes can pull something like this off. I hope you Rare Groove afficianados will be psyched to add this track to your archives if you haven't done so already. The second track is a huge, emotive rock anthem, "Love Will Find A Way" that I just recently rediscovered and am so excited by I simply had to post it. Vintage big 80s sound with just enough time signature complexity and virtuoso playing that its undeniably prog, yet delivered in a vintage pop package. Was a favorite when I was 12 and addicted to bands like Rush. Its pure emotive quality blows away about 99% of your typical alt-folk or indie "Summer Mix" fare. So grab your broadsword, saddle up on your winged steed and get ready to fly toward the sun. The battle for Middle Earth has begun.
Yes :: "Heart of the Sunrise"
Yes :: "Love Will Find a Way"
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