Episode 151 – Styx & Kansas Part 4, 1977 – The Grand Illusion and Point of Know Return The year of 1977 is a huge one in the Styx / Kansas timeline. Point of Know Return is the album that sent Kansas into the stratosphere. With the title track and the timeless Dust In the Wind, Point of Know Return is truly a classic album that you should listen to before you die. The Grand Illusion shows Styx as a band finally showing some of the focus that will define them for the next several years. Another great title track opens the record. Come Sail Away showcases Dennis DeYoung while Fooling Yoursel ..read more

SCS33 – King’s X in Houston, May 2023 Joe gets a chance to share his experience seeing King’s X for a second time as they toured to promote Three Sides of One. This show was in Houston in the spring of 2023. From the venue and the opening acts, it was a show to remember. Watching from the pit, Joe got to experience the full glory of King’s X as they tore through their standard set. Luckily the sound was MUCH better than the last time Joe saw them in Dallas. X: @progpala Email: progpala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3D8wbv-AcJ_7Z__w/featu ..read more

Special Episode – Interview with Brian Heaton and Brian Naron on Roads to Madness Progressive Palaver are thrilled to welcome back authors Brian Heaton and Brian Naron to discuss their new book Roads to Madness: The Touring History of Queensrÿche (1981 – 1997). Following on the heels of their first book Building an Empire, Roads provides a comprehensive look at all the tours for the original band lineup. Brian and Brian give us a peak into their process and how this magnificent tome came into being. This is a rare opportunity to hear from these two exceptionally insightful authors. We even man ..read more

Episode 150 – Styx & Kansas Part 3, 1976 – Crystal Ball and Leftoverture In this episode, the group covers 1976 in the combo Styx / Kansas timeline. Crystal Ball sees the introduction of Tommy Shaw to the Styx lineup. Some of the results are immediately remarkable and some of the results are as uneven as the rest of the catalog to this point. Crystal Ball shows a band that is still working to perfect their formula. Leftoverture, on the other hand, is an album for the ages. Kansas were able to craft a timeless classic from a potentially devastating set of circumstances. Leftoverture was the ..read more

Episode 149 – Styx & Kansas Part 2, 1975 – Song for America, Masque, and Equinox In this episode, the group covers 1975 in our combined Kansas and Styx timeline with three strong albums. Song for America, the sophomore effort from Kansas, shows a band that is racing ahead in their development behind the strength of the title track and Lamplight Symphony. Masque, Kansas’ third record later that year, is another step toward their breakthrough success in 1976. Masque has some of the flaws you would expect from an album produced so quickly after its predecessor, but is a great listen nonethele ..read more

Episode 148 – Styx - Kansas Part 1, Preamble and 1972 to 1974 In the start of our new combined segment on Styx and Kansas, we explore how we all got into these bands. Our plan is to cover these bands on a year by year basis, to the extent we are able. Family stories abound as we discuss our earliest experiences with these two American stalwarts. We then continue on to a brief, unfocused discussion about the first three Styx albums in the catalog. There are some moments here as Styx try to discover the magic that they will eventually have. Twitter: @progpala Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala ..read more

SCS32 – King’s X in Dallas, November 2022 Back at Thanksgiving of 2022, Joe and Sarah had the opportunity to see King’s X in Dallas. This was Joe’s first show with the band in a very long time and Sarah’s first show ever. A cold and rainy night combined with terrible club sound couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm. Both King’s X and the opening band, Bezel, provided some fantastic memories. X: @progpala Email: progpala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3D8wbv-AcJ_7Z__w/featured Theme music provided by: Dave DeWhitt ..read more

Episode 147 – Whitesnake Part 1, Whitesnake (87) We know! We know! Whitesnake is decidedly NOT progressive rock, but the lure was too great. Take a carefree trip back to the kooky times of 1987 with us as we relive our high school times. This is an album that is remarkable for many reasons (production, lineup drama, old song reinterpretations) and we have no regrets for spending some time discussing it. Tease your hair a bit and enjoy this look at a landmark album from another genre. X (formerly Twitter): @progpala Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3D ..read more

Special Episode – Interview with Mark Anthony K of Projekt Gemineye – Feb 2024 For this special episode, we get to catch up with our friend Mark Anthony K (Projekt Gemineye, The Dark Monarchy, The Yes Music Podcast, and Kiss FAQ) to discuss the latest Projekt Gemineye release What’s On Your Mind?. Mark provides his usual fascinating level of detail behind his writing and recording process and gives us all insights into the songs on this latest release. Of course, we have to delve into a wide range of related/unrelated topics including recording gear and technique, how to successfully produce a ..read more

SCS31 – The Cure in Philadelphia, June 2023 The Palaver takes a side trip off the prog road to consider Ken’s experience seeing The Cure in Philadelphia. One of the most anticipated tours of 2023, The Cure delivered a show worthy of the hype. Ken is able to share his thoughts on many aspects of the show including the band, sound, and the state of the band’s gear. While many wish they had seen this band, we are thrilled that one of our own had the chance. X: @progpala Email: progpala@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProgPala YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_Xxit3D8wbv-AcJ_7Z__w/featured ..read more