1972 Jazz & Prog Rock: Miles Davis, Frank Zappa, Aphrodite's Child & more | The Album Years Podcast

[@rileymckenzie6276]

so rare to hear such an articulate and interesting discussion of this kind of music in 2024

[@matthewcannon9699]

Great to hear Vangelis' Soil Festivities get a mention from Steve. It's a sleeper album that I didn't appreciate until I'd pretty much exhausted the Vangelis discography. One of his finest.

[@iansmith6166]

Agree 100%. I think that Movement One of that album is second only to Himalaya as my favourite piece of Vangelis music. So sublime. I would have loved to have been in the studio as Vangelis recorded that track. It must have been so magical.

[@willwalters8391]

If you watch this while under the influence the texture of the background becomes intensely hypnotic

[@michaelschulzodermath571]

666 - an absolute fascinating killer of an album, really top ten (or top five) of all albums ever!

[@adelsonaraujo2962]

Grand Wazoo is my favourite Zappa. Mainly by the harmonies and structure.

[@unchattytwit]

666 : 'A circus going around performing the apocalypse while the apocalypse is going on in real time... I may be confusing that with another progressive rock concept album.' LOL. Love Tim's drole humour.

[@massimogiachetti283]

Aphrodite's Child "The Aegean Sea" and " Break". Beautiful tracks from the 666 album !!! Thank you!

[@davidlaw689]

666 is a wonderful album. An absolute stunner of the Progressive Rock genre

[@kostasmad1431]

Steven's pronunciation of Vangelis is spot on. Said it as a Greek. 666 what an Amazing album! Demis Rousos also had a voice of an angel....

[@mattmckeon1688]

Wasn't his birth name Evangelos, which in Greek would be pronounced with the 'g' as Steven says it?

[@mattmckeon1688]

Ευάγγελος Οδυσσέας Παπαθανασίου 🇬🇷 😃

[@BlackBlofeld]

@@mattmckeon1688 His name is "Ευάγγελος" (pronounced "E'vaggelos") and "Βαγγέλης" (pronounced "Va'ggelis") is a diminutive of "Ευάγγελος". Go to Google Translate, choose Greek, write the word Βαγγέλης, click on the small speaker icon and you'll hear the correct pronunciation of the name.

[@innosanto]

Alla albums of aphrodite child were great the first album also great.

[@bertkarlsson1421]

Magicians Hat by Bo Hansson came out in 1972. One of the best instrumental albums ever made!

[@orchidcarpetcleaningrp6061]

Love that period of Santana. Rolie and Schon superb

[@orchidcarpetcleaningrp6061]

Love 666 Four horseman

[@Georgemeister777]

Vangelis was a True Maestro. Pioneer of electronic and New Age music

[@bmuhamad]

I used to take On The Corner to our house parties...😊

[@paulschumacher1263]

So glad for your long exposition of "666." One of my absolute favorites. I have stopped many a loud party by playing "infinity" from boisterous talk to absolute silence, as Irene Pappas sings, "I am to come I am, I am to come I am" to the banging percussion, and then howls "I AM!" Fun and hilarious and scary.

[@Eraser18574]

I always thought it is the personification of infinity. Where infinity is first playful and joyful, but steadily becomes more and more deranged and crazy in front of the vastness of time, the infinity of being.

[@mlblue5355]

Steven, your pronunciation is correct. People close to Vangelis pronounced it like you as well, especially Jon Anderson. I guess what is important in the end, is that his music made people happy and his influence flowed everywhere. Thank you for a great video! I really appreciate these talks about special albums!

[@jofa9495]

the Portuguese artist you're thinking is José Cid. Started in a pop-rock group, then went solo and created one of the best Symphonic-prog albums of all time ("10,000 Years After Between Venus and Mars") only to finally turn into a very popular pop/ballad singer.

[@josemaria8177]

He recently released another symphonic prog masterpiece called Vozes do Além (voices from beyond). Highly recomend it

[@Jellybeantiger]

Found the Aphrodites Child CD in a bargain bin here in Oz in the 90's for 99 cents. Played it and was blown away. It gets better after every listen also.

[@robfractal6820]

I heard 666 when in Paris before it was even released or noticed in UK. Crazy LP but so original and powerful. I brought record back to uk and played it to my friends and it blew their minds! I saw Vangelis play Heaven and Earth live concert at Albert Hall.

[@waldorfstatler3129]

.....and let's not forget the greatest catalyst of early 70s jazzrock, the Mahavishnu Orchestra with their 1971 Inner Mounting Flame and 1973s Birds of Fire. John Mclaughlin came from the early 1960s British jazz scene and went on to Tony Williams' Lifetime and Miles Davis in the late 1960s. IMO, he, along with Graham Bond, Georgie Fame and Brian Auger, was the progenitor of jazzrock.

[@ctmdoh6542]

John McLaughlin/Mahavisnu were. Hugely influential

[@eirikasbjrnberg8753]

A best of PFM is good to have , in Italian . Banco is the best Italian prog. Off the rest i have heard , it sounds more derivative of something else. But I love Italian vocals so i will look for more

[@rasardo1]

Apart from UK, I really think the Italian Prog Scene is the still the more relevant, overall, in Europe, with excelent bands like "Le Orme", "Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso", "Premiata Forneria Marconi", and some more obscure, like "Quella Vecchia Locanda" or the masterpiece first album from "Picchio Dal Pozzo". Another jewel is Lucio Battisti - "Anima Latina", not forgetting Saint Just or the beautiful Jenny Sorrenti "Suspiro"... The portuguese artist mentioned is, I think, is José Cid. The first Quarteto 1111 is excelent (his band before solo work) and "10.000 Anos Depois Entre Vénus E Marte" is still very well regarded in prog circles.

[@sspbrazil]

That Les McCann album is one of my favorite jazz albums.

[@cremersalex]

The sound of the drums on The Four Horsemen! Play loud!

[@tiluriso]

Thanks for the picks, some I have yet to listen to.... If I may, I'd also like to offer my '5% for nothing'....Oregon's 'Music Of Another Present Era'....There's also at least a few noteworthy great Pop albums released in 1972, Marvin Gaye's 'Trouble Man', ( I'm glad you picked Milton Nascimento's 'Clube da Esquina' ) and here's another killer Brazilian 1972 release, Composer/arranger Arthur Verocai's self titled debut album.

[@金藤日陽-y6r]

This is the very first time for me to hear someone else talking about "Still" by Pete Shinfield!

[@isashax]

I first heard 666 because Steven mentioned it once. I had never expected Demis Rousos to have done something like this! He was popular in the 70's here as a melodic singer. He even sang in Spanish too!

[@bobharley2814]

I absolutely love this podcast.

[@richardsutton01]

I borrowed the 1972/73 Vertigo sampler album called "Suck it and See" which introduced me to Gentle Giant, Aphrodite's Child, Jade Warrior and Jim Croce. After returning the sampler to its owner, I purchased albums by all these bands, including 666, which was definitely a bit weirder that the "Four Horseman" track on the sampler but it's still an album I listen to occasionally. Richard

[@laurentlemoing6338]

Thank you Steve for giving Aphrodite's Child "666" the attention it deserves. It is a very unique and overlooked prog/concept album. I love all the Jazz-fusion album mentioned, but I have a lot of Italian prog-rock to discover. Thanks, cheers.

[@bassbymichele]

absolutely LOVE that podcast!! please keep it going guys! ❤

[@markgatland977]

Brilliant episode, and it's given me a load of new music, (to me), to listen to today... that's what it's all about 👍

[@LegsOnWheels]

Great albums all...Waka Jawaka is the gift that keeps on giving, so much to dig into it with each listen. On The Corner too...wild!

[@bakeone4406]

Downbeat gave On The Corner a two and a half star review. It's nice to see that a better informed assessment is now generally accepted. In the 70's it would have been heresy to suggest that this album shares some things w/ Can Ege Bamyasi. Dig the Focus/Akkerman acknowledgement, Fresh Air from his Profile (not mentioned here) may be his most furious recording. The discussion of Scandinavian bands unfortunately did not include Ragnarok, Finnforest or Samla Mammas Manna.

[@adamphillips6865]

Thank you for mentioning Supersister! Their first two lps are the best…. Definitely an extension of Soft Machine… almost more successfuly executed in a way. Get it!

[@BrickWilliamsGuitar]

PFM deserves more respect than these two gave them. Phenomenal band.

[@jeffwhite3625]

1972 was the year that I became obsessed with music and collecting records. I own most of these records and remember when they were released. It was a great time to be alive and the music scene was incredible. These video's are fantastic and spot on with their reviews and insights. Thank you for these great videos.

[@stuartfishman1044]

The main culprit in the "Miles gone commercial" backlash was Stanley Crouch, who damn near had a coronary every time he detected even a whiff of electric or electronic instrumentation in Jazz. It was as if he imagined himself singlehandedly preventing the Visagoths from ransacking Rome.

[@unchattytwit]

Superb prog Vlog - best I've seen.

[@notreallydavid]

New here - great stuff. So much to fillow up on - thanks gents.

[@kenmeyerjr57]

appreciate the timestamps too!

[@mattymac1399]

Two albums from 1972 that are worth a mention: Vento Sul by Marcos Valle, and the eponymous debut from Manassas.

[@eirikasbjrnberg8753]

Zappa was then guitar god in student circles in Norway when I studied in the late 70s .

[@bobby666666]

Grand Wazoo is such a perfect album in my mind. It is such a shame Zappa did not release more like this. On second thoughts, maybe it's best not as it could have been more of the same but diluted.

[@curiousnomad]

Coincidentally I’m going to see the current version of Soft Machine tonight in Connecticut, US (9/2024). Not the original, but still can’t wait!

[@olivertromans]

absolutely love this podcast

[@borboletta]

My Top3 would be: Return to Forever, The Grand Wazoo, Caravanserai

[@stannousvortalux5655]

One of the things that artists from across the genres agreed on was the introduction of the new sound of fuzz. JHs pedals' Josh Scott's argument about new gear like Fuzz, Tape Echo Univibe, Rhodes Piano, Mellotron, etc., with Hendrix at the sonic distortion vanguard, made volume control/feedback its own instrument as well. Zappa talks about the new gear plenty.

[@orchidcarpetcleaningrp6061]

Got so into buying 60's Italian soundtracks. Artist like Piero Umiliani late 60's ,70's guess middle of the road experiment cheesy pop but to me very Progressive.

[@mattymac1399]

@orchidcarpetcleaningrp6061 You can't go wrong with a bit of Umiliani. Piero Piccioni is also fantastic.

[@notreallydavid]

People MADE A LIVING doing work like this! Where did we go wtong?

[@sonicart1808]

Capitalism....

[@mikerophone235]

On The Corner is BRUTAL. One of the Heaviest albums ever recorded

[@mrlions9100]

666 is amazing. My Dad won't let me borrow the vinyl to this day. He has burnt some CDs of it more than once 😂

[@louise_rose]

An extremely ambitious album, yes, with amazing musicianship and songwriting. I definitely think "Foxtrot" by Genesis and the eponymous debut of Return to Forever should be on the list though,

[@shadowstealer2790]

The Fetus album is very interesting, one track sounded very similar to the Human League's "Open Your Heart", only 10 years before! Thank you for this introduction.

[@ClichéGuevara-2814]

I don't think I've ever finished an episode of this 'cast without a list of albums to explore. As an only child, I seek elder siblings' advice where I may.

[@acousticglue]

Piero Umiliani is a treasure on Italian film composers.

[@gokhanaya]

you know, after Rick Wakeman left and before Patrick Moraz stepped in, Vangelis was considered as the new Yes keyboard man but it didn't work out -- too wild and wooly for a very "arranged" Yes :) But Anderson obviously had his eyes on him and they teamed up later as Jon & Vangelis :)

[@rabarebra]

Vangelis had a too strong character and was too strong of a composer by himself, and he didn't fancy the touring. He turned down the invitation.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you guys. great episode once again, and I'll be rewatching to get more recommendations!

[@pauldenby878]

I think I might love Ys because I'm such a huge fan of VdGG.. Weirdly the reasons that Steven gave for disliking it are the reasons I love it.. It's completely bonkers! I also love Area (prob my favourite Italian band). Nice to see Lambertland getting some love as well. I'm def intrigued by Franco Battiato.. Anyway great review and Tim's imitation of Hammill was a lot of fun! 😆

[@winstonschwarz1636]

The box set of On The Corner is pretty, pretty good. Doesn’t need remastering Steve btw!

[@rhubarb_runner2]

Love much of PFM's music.

[@arnaudb.7669]

Impressive knowledge.

[@douglasstruthers8307]

Despite being a Santana fan I had never listened to CARAVANSERAI - until now! Your podcasts are constantly pointing me into music that I have never listened to and now much appreciate. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I appreciate the heads-up on Le McCann's INVITATION TO OPENNESS. It does have a bit of that IN A SILENT WAY feel to it. The Neu! debut is currently spinning serenely on my turntable. Great year, 1972.

[@David-mo5jw]

I think you could also argue that the Grateful Dead’s Anthem of the sun would fit with its participants using their liking of jazz improvisation and modern classical references as well as extended rock impro with limited vocals, at 1968 they sound light years ahead of the Moody Blues and and much else other than Zappa and Hendrix

[@unchattytwit]

Focus 3. One has to listen to the whole album, all the way through. Although I see your point about the double album v one album, I find the double album-ness exciting and edgy even now, especially now. I even like the drum solo on Anonymous 2. Focus 3 - one of my favourite albums - has got almost everything (except vocals which is another reason why I like it): a fantastic, killer mix of prog/rock/jazz forms. I find Anonymous 2 terrific much more listenable to me than most of the jazz-rock albums mentioned. I love Van Leer and Akkerman as instrumentalists whilst Ruiter and Van Der Linden keep time perfectly. It's also a chance for Akkerman to go haywire on his bluesy solo which frankly brought me into the joys of prog rock. Van Leer has his classic/classical, immaculate, ethereal, distinctive organ sound. The instruments are distinct, there's the continuous Focus 1 Anonymous theme, the humourous Henry VIII, rapid, Greensleeves theme at the end, exciting flute and a rock aggression. This bit of craziness amongst the other superbly structured songs on the album. A product of its time and sadly never to be repeated.

[@ThomLieb]

Great overview of an amazing year!

[@KanakarisGeorge]

Great talk.

[@joaocalladomusico]

Best 3 albums from 1972, for me: Foxtrot - Genesis Talking Book - Stevie Wonder Clara, Clarice, Clara - Clara Nunes

[@GenrePeak]

I went through a fusion phase briefly in the mid 1980’s, really liked Allan Holdsworth, Chic Corea, Ornette Coleman, the 2 Mahavishnu albums in the mid 1980’s. I’m glad Steven used the word “slick” to describe some these albums. Cheers guys!

[@ΑπόλλωνΘηρευτής]

Irini Pappa once said about infinity (666): They are the words of the beast trying to get out of the belly...

[@iansmith6166]

That IS scary. You've now changed how I'll listen to that song forever. Thank you. .... I think.

[@JohnMilller]

This is my favourite music channel - i'm investigating records I've never heard of now. Like Ian Carr. Oh, and Steven keep your activism via T shirt going, love it.

[@pauldenby878]

Ian Carr and Nucleus are pretty wonderful - there's a nice bunch of vinyl re-issues as well.

[@JohnMilller]

@@pauldenby878 Thanks for this tip, I also just got the Miles Davis biography, if its the same Ian Carr

[@pauldenby878]

@@JohnMilller Yes - the very same. It's a really good read

[@eirikasbjrnberg8753]

My view on 666 is a mix of both yours. I really enjoyed parts when I bought it in early 70s but it is a mess .I will try to find it in vinyl again

[@IanYoung-u3v]

"666" by Aphrodite's Child was inspired by the horror of Altamont, regarded by Vangelis to be the manifestation of the devil at a rock concert (hence the crowd noise on the opening track "Babylon", and the similarity of "The Four Horsemen" coda to "Sympathy for the Devil"). Recorded in 1970, just a few months after that horror, it was denied a release by the Greek government who weren't about to spring a pop record about Satan on their innocent youth. However, this is Greece we're talking about and the natural Greek election process, a military coup, ensued in 1971. All works of art designated as subversive by the previous administration were, naturally enough, freed for the public to enjoy, and the album was released, almost two years after it had been recorded. And it still sounded ahead of its time, the remarkable production at Europasonor studios in Italy influenced Pink Floyd amongst others, who went there to mix the "Live at Pompeii" recordings.

[@stannousvortalux5655]

Never heard this, but certainly a lot of events made Revelation relevent.

[@slackdude1]

For the Roses can’t be beaten. Aria is very strange and unique. Battiato is very unique. Hammill and co seemed to hibernate that year otherwise it would be very different indeed. Zappa is Zappa I think but I could be wrong.

[@McZorr0101]

Soul Zodiac is in fact the Nat Adderley Sextet and Rick Holmes, presented by Julian "Cannonball" Adderley. Julian did co-production and played sax on only two tracks and was the presenter. Because of the prominent production credit on the cover, the album is often mistakenly credited to Cannonball Adderley. Furthermore Soul Zodiac is not to be confused with Cannonball Adderley's Love, Sex, and the Zodiac that was recorded in 1970 but did not get released until 1974.

[@wesmarshall8137]

PFM. Great stuff.

[@Eduardo-Ferreira1982]

Despite having a folk matrix, you should listen to "Cantigas do Maio", by José Afonso. Considered the best all time portuguese album. 1971, though. It sounds so good and so ahead of its time.

[@iansmith6166]

666 is like an artifact from another planet. Incredible.

[@dirtharris]

From pop to extreme experimental has an American example (but has yet to come out the other side). Scott Walker's trajectory fits. 'Make it Easy on Yourself' to the incredible 'Epizootics' from the Bisch Bosch album?

[@SoundChaser83]

I totally agree with Bowness on "Ys", excellent description of VdGG meets a hellish ELP (but better) with traces of Bowie. Quite possibly my absolute favorite album of 1972, and as obvious from this series 1972 might just be the best album year of all time IMHO.

[@bazonics]

Miles may well have thought he was 'down with the kids' with 'On the corner.' Just a decade ahead of his time, as it was a big influence on the HIp Hop artists and was sampled to death. Also, though American he was an adopted Englishman: Scott Walker. Started with easy listening the Walker Brothers and was very successful, then went of on to an Avant Garde career. He never went back to 'pop' so he doesn't really count, I suppose.

[@bertkarlsson1421]

Haikara by Haikara from 1972 is one of the best prog albums ever made! Definitely the best finnish prog album.

[@mygicshow]

Great stuff!

[@MrChibras]

Il Balletto di Bronzo - Ys ... absolute prog master piece, I do agree... a little disapointed on Steven view on it, maybe he is just jealous he will never get to those heights

[@benjaminbourke8478]

I loved this episode especially the discussion of Aphrodite’s child and Vangelis. See you later is definitely at in the top 10 of my Vangelis Lps I own. Ys….what a banger!!!! Thanks guys loved it!!! D O I T !!!

[@AllMediaReviewsPodcast]

Il Balletto Di Bronzo were a HOOT at Nearfest in 2000.

[@harrybartok]

I was 15 in 1972. I love this series. Most music critics are clueless. Rolling Stone in the 1970s was xenophobic and they liked soft-rock and Springsteen. You often pick records that I own but also stuff I have never heard before. I bought Caravanserai in 1972, and it is still one of my favourite records. I love Focus 3. I loved the jamming, it was better than some of the jazz-rock jamming on Miles' records. I am playing On the Corner now. Not convinced it has aged well. The trumpet isn't a great rock instrument. I also own the Nucleus, PFM, Weather Report, and Zappa records. Really enjoyable podcast. Desert Island discs: Yes, Santana, Music of My Mind, Seventh Sojourn, ELP.

[@stuartraybould2574]

One thing that makes On the Corner so 'out there' that I don't think you mentioned, the great use of Sitar, brilliant album, my favourite Miles album. Nucleus and Ian Carr, great band. Not a fan of 666, I've tried, several times to like it but just can't, don't think much of it at all. Love Vangelis though, Heaven and Hell and 1492 soundtrack are my faves along with the obvious Blade Runner.

[@vickyp.3274]

It never crossed my mind for a moment that it wouldn't be on your esteemed list one of the greatest prog album of all time..Afrodite's Child 666.. As a Greek woman I'm proud of this..💎📀💎 Thank you Tim and Steven from the bottom of my heart for your wonderful words!..🙏😌💎🎙💎🎸💎💖💞🌬🌊🎶

[@ΓιώργοςΠολυχρονίου-κ3ν]

I am one of those I insisted since late 70s about the position and the worth of the '666' by Aphrodites Child must be in the top five prog albums.

[@aandybandy11]

I remember "Break" by Aphrodities Child being record of the week on a mid morning radio 1 show when it came out....very unusual, what a great song , still got my original 666 on vinyl.

[@vickyp.3274]

@aandybandy11 certainly...you are a lucky guy!!..👍✌️💯💎📀💎

[@vickyp.3274]

@@ΓιώργοςΠολυχρονίου-κ3ν totally agree..👍💯💎📀💎

[@CesarAristocratWindmill]

Ys is so excessive that it turns out great. It has hellish qualities and end of the world lyrics. Probably the most ambitious effort Italian Prog produced

[@jedtulman46]

Mary Lou Williams released the Zodiac Suite in 1945. So there !

[@NSinghJ]

My friend’s dad played guitar on ON the Corner. Pete Cosey played with Miles from 72-74, which was Miles most misunderstood and experimental period. Weird, totally out music, especially by the time of Pangea. Pete was a Chicago avant guard musician who was a founding member of the AACM. He and Phil Upchurch played on Muddy Waters most controversial album, “Electric Mud”. Miles wanted someone who reminded him of Hendrix. Pete was the only one who could remotely qualify. In fact, Hendrix was influenced by Pete’s playing on “Electric Mud”.

[@cali22boi]

Pete Cosey was with Miles from April 73 until September 75 when Miles finally succumbed to burnout. Though an opinion, I don't believe Miles' music was difficult to digest, it was just rooted in James Brown, and along with the influence of Sly Stone and other black funk and R&B acts of the time period. It just wasn't marketed properly

[@coreymcd22]

Speaking of perfect Brazilian albums from 1972, Arthur Verocai! His self-titled record is a masterpiece of Brazilian psych pop and tropicalia.

[@Emlizardo]

Lots of people mention funk as an influence on Miles' electric period. It's there yes, but it is very reined in. He keeps his drummers on a tight leash, mostly avoiding a backbeat feel. A lot of the rhythms have a metronomic, almost martial aspect. It's as if he was anticipating drum machines a decade before they appeared.

[@Marwell_21]

I get proto Jungle/Drum n Bass vibes when I listen to On the Corner. It's a mind-bending album.

[@rolfjamne8922]

The Norwegian Prog Rock band Popul vuh had their debut album in 1972. One of the best prog debut albums I.M.O. The lead singer Jan Teigen was offered an audition for Genesis aften Gabriel left but he stayed loyal to his bandmates and turned down the offer. He later becom famous for scoring 0 points in Eurovision.

[@unchattytwit]

I'd love Peter Hammill to make a Eurovision song although I'm not sure he's quite camp enough in the present era.

[@kenmeyerjr57]

Talking about the inter-track intros on 666, I wonder if it inspired those intros of the instruments on Tubular Bells?

[@Veaseify]

I think Mike Oldfield got that from a song by the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band called 'The Intro and the Outro' where Vivian Stanshall does all of the introductions

[@kenmeyerjr57]

@@Veaseify ahhh yeah, that makes more sense

[@matthewcannon9699]

25:25 "It's Davros!" Ha ha 😅

[@thekeywitness]

I can’t believe you didn’t talk about Jean-Claude Vannier’s L'Enfant assassin des mouches - a French prog/psych masterpiece

[@bowness1]

I did mention this album (positively) in the episode, but as Steven doesn't know it there was no discussion.

[@thekeywitness]

@@bowness1 ah, that explains it

[@rockrecordreport7136]

"Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" must rate pretty high for that band, so far as taking the initial template and moving it forward. Such a good sounding mix, drums and guitars and deep sluggy bass as it should be. I think it's their best as an album.

[@guillaumechabason3165]

I wish Steven would let us know what he thinks about Knower and also Louis Cole and Genevieve Artadi solo works