Hidden Treasures (Eloy)

[Scott]

I've been on somewhat of a Progressive bend lately.  It happens periodically that when something strikes me I ride it out until something else pulls me away.  This time its hanging around longer than normal, and as a result I've really went into deep research mode.  Ive done things like spending time on Amazon updating my preferences, wish lists, and purchases all to make my recommendations stronger.  It was this activity that produced this discovery.

A German band named "ELOY", thats right "E-L-O-Y, Eloy".  These guys have been around since 1969 and this is the first time Ive encountered them.  And what a hidden treasure they turned out to be!  18 Studio Albums, various greatest hits volumes and even some box sets, all undetected by the average classic rock loving American!  If you know them, then step up and comment, we need to hear from you!

Here s a bit of info on the band...

Founded in 1969 by guitarist Frank Bornemann, the band has endured several line-up changes, with Bornemann being the only consistent member of the group. In the 1980s, after a series of major splits in the group, Bornemann pursued a more commercial direction. Despite attracting a large following in Germany, the band never gained popularity in the United States. However, in later years, former members of the band re-joined, and in 1998 released the album Ocean 2, a return to the classic symphonic progressive rock genre for which the band was well known.

Bornemann described the origin of the name of the band thus: "The name Eloy is based on the book 'The Time Machine' by H.G. Wells. Wells describes in his book the situation of mankind about 800,000 years later, and 'Eloy' is a human race in his story. The Eloy in Wells' story have made a new start with the help of the time traveler. In a way, it was a new beginning for the human race. German rock bands in the late 1960s played mainly covers from other bands instead of playing their own compositions. Record deals for German bands were absolutely rare and German bands generally were considered to be second class bands in their own country. At that time it was a strong effort for a German band to come out with only their own compositions. It was a start into an unknown future, and from this point of view, comparable to the human race in Wells' story. That is why I got the idea to name the band 'Eloy'."

When I concluded my research it was easy to see that an album named "Ocean" had the most favorable ratings and positive reviews.  So that was my starting point.  And so today, it is also yours ...  The entire album consists of 4 songs and since that's my typical posting, you get a Hidden Treasure bonus - 4 tracks and a whole album experience.

Check this out!

PLAYLIST --> http://snack.to/auiaglfm

OCEAN
1977

1. Poseidon's Creation
2. Incarnation Of Logos
3. Decay Of Logos
4. Atlantis' Agony At June 5th-8498, 13 P.M. Gregorian Earthtime

[Niels (Mod)]

I skim the bullshit, ocasionally.

[RJhog (Admin)]

[RJhog (Admin)]

Yes...everyONE.  

[Niels (Mod)]

It's actualy pretty good music, but I'm with RJhog on the vocal front. Too much accent. But it sometimes sounds like a french accent?! Charles Aznavour, anyone? Not faultless like my english off course. "The Wörld", no, he's german all right.

Let's throw in a few bands, shall we? Musically this sounds a bit like Jethro Tull from around the same periode. And Genesis, off course. I don't know much about King Crimson, but I'll bet they sound like this too.

I truly understand why you listen a lot to this band at the moment, Scott (and Jon), but you'll have to be in a special mood really to appreciate this.

Ojjj, the last track has kind of a start similar to 2112, from the year before this was released.

In fact this band SHOULD ring a bell, because I was buying german Pop-magazine's in 1977, becuase of the KISS-posters and article's, but it doesn't.

Jon has turned me in to a Devin Townsend-freak, and that's practically all I'm listening to at the moment, and most of it has got just a tiny bit more "action" to it, than this music.

But it's very good prog-music. I like this album better than the other one. Maybe I'll go back and listen some more one of these days. Is this supposed to be their best album?

As for the album-covers, yes they have some fine idea's, but it's not the best drawings I've ever seen.

[RJhog (Admin)]

If you are listening to Devin Townsend, you are definitely a freak.

[Jon]

Say what?

[Scott]

Thanks Niels!  This was a great read and you heard at least bits and pieces of what I did as well.  I hope more will login and give this a chance!

[Gordon Williams]

I'm well into track two...and while it's not horrible...it's just music to sleep by. Can't sleep?? Too wired? Put on some Eloy and drift off to slumberland very quickly...

Now on track 3, and the tempo has changed...but it's still just bland with no redeeming value...

The best thing about this is the cover...but the music is about as plain and bland as it can be. But glad some of you like it...my opinion is not right, not wrong...it just is.

[Scott]

Thanks Gordon? An honest listen and honest feedback is always welcome.

[Gordon Williams]

I'll check out the other Eloy post this week, and see if that one is better for me.

I must say I admire the "diversification" in yours and Jons tastes of music. But this one really did make me sleepy...and I prefer music that generates a burst of energy into the listener.

[Mike Mills]

I finally got around to listening to the Eloy. Musically, it's very pleasing. The have a very nice sound, I like the mystical quality of it. My first thoughts on the vocalist was that he sounded like John Whetton & the music had an Asia feel to it, which I like. But, as I listened more the Wishbone Ash guy came to mind. Something about his voice triggered that thought, but I diidn't find his voice annoying. Ok, I've reached the prophecy section of this post......I feel like I'm listening to an old Sci-Fi tv show or instructional video. But the music's excellent, I love the Sci-Fi feel. Oh wait, I hear John Whetton again. I like this!!! He's counting again, I feel like I should be excercising. This music would be great for a Dr. Who episode!!! Oh yeah, he did mention the ocean. I forgot this was supposed to be an Atlantis themed song. A journey into the depths of the unknown!!! Good stuff, I enjoyed it!!! Thanks Scott, now I have to find time to listen to Jon's post. 

[RJhog (Admin)]

So I claimed not to really "get" this because of the vocalists accent, but I have decided that's not fair at all.  After all, I like Riverside and Volbeat, and their singers have an accent.  So with that in mind, I gave this another shot today.  

It's better than last time.  I noticed at times the vocalist actually reminds me of Riverside's vocalist.  Then at other times, I can picture him fronting the employee band at Stalag 17.  But other than the long spoken part at the beginning of the last track, this is decent.  

I'm gonna listen to Jon's Eloy post again as well.