'Reality' Doesn't Bite After All

<p>Just got my advance copy of <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Woolgather">Woolgather</a> bands second CD, titled <strong>Programmes ll - The Reality Principle.</strong></p><p>Casey and the guys have went with a little different sound on some of the new songs. Don't let that worry you though; the songs simply have more energy, with a clear and recognizable <em>Woolgather </em>sound. It's immediately obvious, the guys have grown musically and spiritually, giving <em>Woolgather</em> a more mature and even more enjoyable sound. The new album will be available to the public on November 30, 2010, so save your dollars and euros <em>Woolgather</em> fans, because this one is essential, a must have CD in any progressive rock, music collection.</p><p><em>Programmes ll</em> contains 7 tracks in total, ranging from 3 minutes to 9 minutes in length. I will be reviewing just a few here, so as not to spoil the whole experience for everyone reading this. Want you to be pleasantly surprised, as I am sure you will be.</p><p><strong>The Kite</strong>, has a slightly faster rhythm than what we fans are used to on Programmes l, with hauntingly beautiful vocals, thoughtful lyrics and sensational keyboards. Uh-hm, these guys know how to arrange music, with cymbals at the correct spots and something I haven't heard from Woolgather before - accompanying, growling vox, but they have done a superb job with this, keeping it suttle and well placed, heard but not overpowering. Over all, I would rate <em>The Kite</em> a near perfect track, giving it a 9.6 of 10. This one is pre-released as a single. You can hear it in full on My Space, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/woolgatherband/music/songs/the-kite-76495290">at this link</a>.</p><p><strong>The King's Ransom</strong>, will take you back somewhat, to that signature <em>Woolgather</em> sound we all know and love, but with a slightly heavier rhythm guitar and some really cool backing vox, in my opinion. This track is another gem out of the jewelry box everyone. I will be playing this one until my hard drive melts! 9.3 of 10.</p><p><strong>Pre-Flight Candidacy</strong> is an intro to <em>The Kite</em> and an instrumental song on <em>Programmes ll</em> and it's a perfect mood for a perfect album. It leaves me wanting more and already waiting in anticipation for a Fourth CD from Woolgather. This starts with a nice intro, that may remind you ever so slightly, of <em>Ghost Riders In The Sky</em>, by <em>Marty Robbins</em>, covered later, by <em>Johnny Cash</em> and also <em>The Outlaws</em>. However, <em>Pre-Flight</em> smoothly morphs into something very new and unique, with some really clever instrumental work going on, with chimes, walking cymbals, prancing piano and a familair rhythm and bass. 9.1 of 10.</p><p>Over all album rating - 9 of 10. A must have CD!</p><p>Woolgather are:<br />Smooth Operator, Casey Tipton - lead vocals/guitar<br />Good Vibrations, Eric Stephens - Bass <br />The Diamond Cutter, Matthew Eads - Drums</p><p>Read more about Programmes l &amp; ll in <a href="http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&amp;friendId=112522113&amp;blogId=539905415">Woolgathers My Space Blog</a>.<br />Get yourself a nifty T-shirt from <a href="http://woolgatherband.com">Woolgathers official website</a>.</p>