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Puzzle City (AUDIOCRACY)


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Description
This is the second track from AUDIOCRACY's debut album, Revolution's Son. On the album, its full title is: Part II - The Hope: Puzzle City

It all began when Bob Piper shared a guitar demo of an instrumental he was contributing to the Audiocracy collaborative project, back when it was going to be a double album featuring one disc of vocals-driving prog and one of purely instrumental tracks. But I heard lyrics and sang a 4-part demo, returned it to Bob (through Alimar) and he gave the green light to develop it with singing and keyboards, etc. I played organ and synths over his guitar work and my son Anton (Twonicus) overdubbed most of my vocal parts.

Members of the band suffered many unforeseen maladies in the past two years. First, my son was accidentally electrocuted and lost the use of his left hand (he's left handed, luckily); he will never play bass again professionally. (So, on this track, I actually play bass on the keyboard, using the Trilogy plugin.) Then, the drummers mother died and he went into a major funk. (So, on this track, we have another drummer.) Then Darren Chapman had an back injuring and surgery, with a several month recovery period. (Bob Piper does all the guitar work on this track.) Then my father (who had fallen into dementia and was living with me) had a stroke and eventually died. Through all of it, Alimar (our nexus and engineer) was going blind. I'm sure something happened to Piper as well, but I can't recall. So, in order to keep the project going, I scuttled plans for a double album and concentrated on just finishing a single disc. It all worked out in the end.

The song fits really well into the concept of the album. It's upbeat feel is a perfect set up to the drama of what happens next.

Part I - The Dream:  Revolution's Son
Part II - The Hope:  Puzzle City
Part III - The Underground:  Escape into The Fray Zone
Part IV - The Confrontation:  Speak Truth To Power
Part V - The Extinction:  Gethsemane Again
Part VI - The Survivors:  When The Future Comes
Part VII - The Re-Emergence:  Dare To Sing

Guitars: Bob Piper
Vocals: Twøn
Vocals, organ, synths, Trilogy fretless bass: Tobin Mueller
Drums: Scott Rockenfield
Guitar Engineering: Al Ligammari
Mastering: Mike Rorick, Audio Magic Recording Studio

This track has since been remastered and appears on my 2008 release, AUDIOCDRACY: Revolution's Son, available through CDBaby. Reviews are available on the MJ BLOG: Member CD Reviews.

Other tracks shared from Audiocracy:
Revolution's Son
Puzzle City
Speak Truth To Power
Gethsemane Again
When The Future Comes
Date To Sing
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Lyrics
PUZZLE CITY

The City is phantom
The City is anonymity
The City is breathing
The City is where I come to be

Falling tiles from roofs
Falling angels beyond proofs
Like confetti made of stars
Falling pieces from the puzzle City

Falling

Fill in the glass
Fill the stones
Fill in the space between
Between mind and bones
Fill in the pieces shaken loose as you ran
Replaced on streets that you walk when you can

In the City

Falling tiles from roofs
Falling angels beyond proofs
Like confetti made of stars
Falling pieces from the puzzle City

Come take your fill
Be what you will
In the City

lyrics ©2006 Tobin Mueller
music ©2006 Piper/Mueller
Song Stats
Hits: 5917
Comments: 74
Fans: 38
Plays: 282
Downloads: 150
Votes: 19
Uploaded: Feb 26, 2008 - 07:43:49 AM
Last Updated: Apr 18, 2014 - 10:46:44 AM Last Played: Oct 11, 2018 - 07:15:00 PM
Song License
Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Creative Commons

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Keywords:
Audiocracy (8), The Lost Records (3), Townicus (1), Twon (8), Bob Piper (1), prog (53), progressive (220), fusion (213), The City (1), Hope (132), TobinMueller (61), Tobin Mueller (12), Tobin (86)
Comments
davisamerica said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
right then tobin
man ... heavy toll on this one eh? finished product is amazing.
Check out my latest song called ok char2(Vic and Flatrock mix)
TobinMueller said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
Heavy toll
...Just life intervening. Its what gives everything special meaning. Thanks for the early kudos.
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
Scott Carmichael said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
by Far
the most Authentic progressive post I've heard here... Yes sets the bar for me on this kind of work... and you have it all going on in this ... the textured layers that interweave to create the foundation... excellent vocals .. really excellent.. but even more compelling is the lyric... you must have tapped into your jones for NYC... there is a certain believability or trueness, and I suspect that it's autobiographical... my close friend work in and loves NYC and as I've grown older, I've also grown out of it... but this sounds very much like his defense's of NY when we mull it over.. and you've crafted wonderful word/pictures... fragments... but the accumulated effect is to paint a true picture... I love it when art does this... completely describe the thing, without ever saying it....
Check out my latest song called Dogwood
TobinMueller said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
Authentic Prog
Thanks. that's a real compliment. Its tough to work in a specific genre, satisfy the progheads, and still make music they way I hear it. I love the guitar work on this and being able to play vintage synths. It is really such fun!
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
I.G.M. said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
Hey Tobin :)
Sounds a lot like Yes-Zappa-Genesis-Jethro Tull. Amazing stuff, really!
One question: there`s something strange in my ear, is it live played? Don`t sounds like it is...

I.G.M.
Check out my latest song called Reflexions
TobinMueller said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
Drums last to join in
This track was done by sending pieces around to every guy via the Net. The biggest "weirdness" was that the drums were added after the guitar, instead of before, which is near impossible, if you've ever tried it. Nothing was played to a click track, only with natural feel. Playing it live, we won't sound any tighter, but at least the drumming would lead the way, instead of be a follower. Moral: build a file the right way: start with the composition, but start the recording process with the rhythm section! (Drums were added even after the vocal on this one!)
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
Roxylee said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
I'm impressed
with the band's ability to persevere through all the trials and get this done, and so perfectly. The guitar and vocals are amazing, and everything in here works together so well! You really paint a vivid picture of city life, withe the music giving the lyrics energy and edginess. It is evident this took a lot of time and effort to develop, and it was well worth it. Kudos to all!
Check out my latest song called Emma, by davisamerica
TobinMueller said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
The City
Thank you. We tried to bring an organic quality to each of the tracks, many of which are even more evolving and layered than this one. Storytelling was central, in both music concept and style. Yes, each track took tons of time to both write and arrange, let alone record/mix/master. Actually, with all the stuff that happened to everyone, this record took slightly more than 2 years. Thanks for making it seem like it was all worth it!
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
Doadars Uncle said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
Nice!
A bit of Yes.

Sweeping syncopation and rhythm. Real pleasurable and RICH!
Check out my latest song called Don't Leave (remix)
TobinMueller said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
Syncopation and time signatures
Thanks. I always love the use of unusual time signatures. But what we do a few times on this record is simply play without time signatures (altho ones are added to the sheet music afterward). Simply creating lines and stresses, like in the Renaissance before time signatures were invented, lines that play out what you want, say what you think, without regard to preconceived packets of 4s or 3s. I feel like it lets the music breathe, even tho it is much harder to remember!
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
Doadars Uncle said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
You are so right
I would like to try playing without a signature, but it may come out like spaghetti for me!
Check out my latest song called Don't Leave (remix)
dirigent said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
Outstanding
what a great and powerful, artful and supercool piece of progressive rockmusic. Awesome! great performance and georgious vibe and atmosphere, bravo!!
Check out my latest song called Flow My Tears
TobinMueller said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
Artful
Thanks, man. We are all wanting to make "art." Its a high goal when we can be playful and artful all in the same space. I really appreciate the comment.
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
echoroom said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
Stunner
The quality of musicianship on this is really stunning.... i can't even comprehend it! I have the album and it's fantatsic - very diverse, rich... as Scott says, true art.
Check out my latest song called Light Sleeper
TobinMueller said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
Quality musicianship
Thank you, Steve. Working with talented, giving musicians who know how to both create and listen is one of Life's great joys.
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
Godchaser said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
Textural Heaven.
Complete satisfaction.Beautiful piece of progressive rock.Stellar production,arrangements and perfromances.Top shelf for sure!

Blessings,
Check out my latest song called sOur GrapEs
TobinMueller said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
Textural heaven
There are actually about 4-5 guitar layers, slightly different, to bring out differing lines and feelings while creating an integrated texture of guitars. The bass is fretless, and sometimes plays high, lending to the overall guitar texture. The keyboards are nearly all vintage, adding to the genre-era. And becuz Anton and I are son and father, our vocals blend naturally.

If there is anything meant to stand out as contrast, it is the drumming. As opposed to going for the cohering/normal drumming thing, we decided to have the percussion be an equal soloing-type addition, bursting out in spurts and yells, more jazz than rock, and letting the momentum of the lines be the driving forward force, instead of a steady drum beat. That's my favorite aspect of the textures.

Thanks for noticing the details.
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
kclements said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
Nice work
Not really my style, but I really appreciate the textures and performances - top notch. Great interplay between the instruments and vocals and the harmonies are great. I really liked how you are able to blend in the softer sections with the main themes and give it variety.

Thanks for sharing - perhaps I could grow to like this style/album.
Check out my latest song called Finding Foster
TobinMueller said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
Interplay
Thanks for giving it a listen, even tho its not your normal style. We try and weave in, even within lines, a moment for each instrument. And since everyone emphasizes different styles in the band, there is a natural tension of musical style, which adds to the challenge for both the player and the listener. Hopefully, in the long run, it makes it more fun to re-listen/replay each song, since, what we want to achieve is a sense of continued discovery. I really appreciate that you are willing to give it a try.
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
jiguma said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
Hmmmmmmm!
I'm a huge fan of Yes, Genesis, Gentle Giant, Tull, King Crimson et al, so this is right up my alley. The Yes style on the vocals is uncanny, and where did you get Steve Howe from?!
The singing/playing/arrangement and production are awesome, and everyone deserves huge credit for the result.
I'm lost for words Tobin - amazing!
Neil
Check out my latest song called We End Up Being All The Same (42)
TobinMueller said 3941 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
Steve Howe
Just that sound he gets, let alone the great notes he plays, drew me in when I first heard the guitar-only music bed. On other tracks, he uses a bow, a Roland guitar synth box, and fabulous articulations to get some amazing sounds. Bob Piper is incredibly versatile and I am very thankful to have worked with him. Steve Howe has been a huge inspiration to so many prog players. Thanks for mentioning him.
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
Feter said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
PUZZLE CITY
ye nothing is easy .and I bless the giant work .
such precious friends gathered into building this
incredible work .Deep Bow !!
Check out my latest song called Roll with it
TobinMueller said 3458 days ago (June 25th, 2009)
PUZZLE CITY
Thanks. I know I never like to take the easy path, and sometimes trip over my self-complicating ideas, but I'm glad you think it all works in this one. I enjoy PROG becuz it calls for epic ideas. A natural fit into my puzzle brain. :)
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
peacepiano said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
progress
Superb progressive rock. Huge sound. Love this stuff!!

Thanks
Bill
Check out my latest song called Beat SoloMe-O
Vic Holman said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
everything prog
very complicated, yet flows so smoothly. and HUGE! this really sums up the best of ELP and Yes. Actually I hould say you picked up the torch and ran with it.

EXCELLENT!
Check out my latest song called Feeding The Sharks
TobinMueller said 3939 days ago (March 1st, 2008)
The torch
ELP and Yes were my two favorite bands in college. Thanks for the comment about taking the torch, which we obviously tried to do, self-consciously so, but also for "running with it" since part of the idea is to add and create something new from the direction those great bands started.
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
paul f. page said 3943 days ago (February 26th, 2008)
I have been...
...following the various posts of this collection. Tobin, every single piece is so impressive...very complex, smartly orchestrated, engaging and complicated vocals, and such attention to the recorded details. You set the bar...well...it's way up there, that's for sure. I am thinking that it's maybe only you who can reach it because your comps are so unique. I learn something new with each listen to a new number from you. Best of luck on this project.
Peace.
Paul
Check out my latest song called Caprice
TobinMueller said 3941 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
I learn something new with each listen
Thanks for that. Actually, I try to learn something new with each composition. I've always been drawn to what I've never done, to something I hear from someone else or inside my head that I'm not sure how to accomplish, so I pick a project in order to figure it all out. And I always try and make whatever sound I am learning into my own version of it, trying to give to a listeners a new take that they, in turn, can use for whatever thing they are striving for. Thanks for what you said, it made me feel great.
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
thetiler said 3942 days ago (February 27th, 2008)
Enjoy
all the music in this wonderful piece. It seems like this really shows your vocal talents to great degree. Harmonizations, high vocal sounds. Lots of really cool music going on here. I think the guitar in indeed very creative in the the descending lead sounds that go hand in had with the falling words etc.

Everything you put out to my ears seems at a high level of musical craftsmanship.

Thanks for sharing!
Check out my latest song called They Went Underground
TobinMueller said 3941 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
Harmonizations
Thanks. I truly dig harmony. And I'm am continually surprised how high my son can sing. I have a falsetto that goes pretty high, but when layered with Twon's voice, it doesn't sound so lame anymore. He adds great energy to the music. (You should hear him on several other tracks, pretty astounding energy and emotion conveyed.) Thanks for listening and enjoying.
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
said 3942 days ago (February 27th, 2008)
Set the bar?
Yeah, I'm pretty sure you have for this genre. Wow. Never a dull moment. Sure, Gentle Giant and Yes come through here and there, but it's unique and special. Very evocative lyrics as well.

So sorry to hear about all the misfortunes along the way.
TobinMueller said 3941 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
Evocative lyrics
Thanks for the comments about the words. I tried for poetic, impressionistic lyrics throughout this project, trying to tell a story in a non-musical-theatre way (since that is what I do in my day job), but in a way that I found more compelling internally. And for open vowels and words that sang well. In many ways, this song is a set-up for things that follow. But I'm glad you think they stand on their own as well.
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
stephendavis said 3941 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
swell
Very nice! Cool sound. Interesting all the way through. The guitar is sweet here.
Check out my latest song called Didn't See
said 3941 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
This is way too cool
I love this one a pro mixing/playing and singing.
I have some other fave on this CD and one is "Speak Truth To Power"
but this one is also a fave and some day I think I'll buy your CD.

Stay cool that's the rule you guys ROCKS.
---
Kenta
TobinMueller said 3939 days ago (March 1st, 2008)
Speak Truth
Thanks. I think "Speak Truth To Power" is our track that's closest to a potential single. It is more mainstream hard rock and has a streamlined straight ahead architecture. But this one is a shortest, so we'll try and get it some air time too. I love the way all the tracks flow into a cohesive unit when listened to back to back. I hope you do decide to buy the CD soon! (Buy it from The Lost Records and Alimar gets all the profits!)
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
thoddi said 3941 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
Tobin
This project is very cool. The power of using the internet as an interface to collaborate on music is manifested in this CD.

The song here is energetic and very suited as the companion to the words "The City is phantom, The City is anonymity, The City is breathing, The City is where I come to be.

I just wrote a little contribution to a forum post about the CD release here: http://www.macjams.com/forum/viewtopic.php?forum=4;showtopic=117200


Check out my latest song called The King has left
TobinMueller said 3940 days ago (February 29th, 2008)
Forum
Thanks for the very generous comments in the forum about the album release on The Lost Records. Much appreciated. As we begin to circulate the CD, reviews are coming in and are very encouraging. Thanks for helping, being such a great listener, and a valued friend and contributer to many other recordings of mine that you've played on. I always look forward to your own music submissions and comments.
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
stephendavis said 3941 days ago (February 28th, 2008)
wow!
I just felt like I had to comment again... this song has been running through my head all day. LOVE it!!!
Check out my latest song called Didn't See
TobinMueller said 3940 days ago (February 29th, 2008)
Return costumer
How cool is that. Thank you. You know how often one of us listens to our own tracks during the writing, arranging, performing, mixing and mastering process. It is great to know someone else listens more than once, integrates it, if even for a while, into themselves. Very appreciated comment.
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
CharlyDeeCynthius said 3941 days ago (February 29th, 2008)
Great Song!!!
Very appreciated!Tune so cool, remind me to the 70's and early 80's Tony Banks compositions...Very good!
CharlyDeeCynthius|Italy|
Check out my latest song called Charlie 1 Music_Jingle
TobinMueller said 3940 days ago (February 29th, 2008)
Tony Banks
Very cool, thanks. I've always enjoyed his stuff. I once put together a compilation tape of solo recordings by guys who played in Yes. Discovered some great Tony Banks tracks. I called the compilation "No - the solo works of one-time Yes men." I have to go dig that up...
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
The Infinites said 3938 days ago (March 2nd, 2008)
Prog-proper
This is the real deal, as big and grand as the genre should be!

Glad you put this up because as an excerpt - it really does make me want to hear the next bit of the story (same feeling as Rush 2112).

It's all been said, Yes, Genesis - but wow! To be doing this now using gear from back in the day gives it a feeling of a newly discovered 70s masterpiece.

Very powerful music, but also in images from the lyrics - your words just take me straight downtown. Lest we forget.

Stunning production and how you managed to knit it all together is beyond me; just as well that you have a jazz ear and can deal with the crazy timings!

Nice work Tobin, you should be proud.

Jim



Check out my latest song called Divorce
TobinMueller said 3937 days ago (March 3rd, 2008)
jazz ear
I'm really glad you want to hear the rest of the story. The whole "jazz ear" thing is something I enjoy employing. Alongside my classically trained sensibility and my homespun folk roots. Thanks for the compliments.
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
ktb said 3938 days ago (March 2nd, 2008)
gentle giant
wow, to read all the adversity you guys had to overcome to make this makes it all the more remarkable. Glad you stuck with it. The amount of passion that went in to this really shows.
Check out my latest song called Blackwater (by Tokai)
TobinMueller said 3929 days ago (March 11th, 2008)
passion
Thanks. Passion can cloud the judgment when it comes to music choices, sometimes, make things sound way better in your head then it does to everybody else. I'm glad it translated in the right way. I appreciate the listen.
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
Bowman said 3936 days ago (March 4th, 2008)
A New Genesis
Liked the passion and energy from this. I'm from New York - born and raised. Living there in the 70's listening to progressive rock was in many ways mind blowing and growing. This in a wonderful fresh way takes me to that time and place. Thanks for the trip Tobin.
Best,
Charlie
Check out my latest song called HAVE HORN...WILL TRAVEL (take 2)
TobinMueller said 3929 days ago (March 11th, 2008)
Thanks for the trip
New York City is definitely in this song. Thanks for coming along for the ride.
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
Warren Smith said 3936 days ago (March 4th, 2008)
One person's intrepretation ....
I don't know the story of Audiocracy ("State of Music"?), but this song suggests it's going to be a philosophical/religious journey about putting the pieces of a life puzzle together.

Your language is concise, yet simple phrases are loaded with mulitple meanings.

Like: "The City is where I come to be" can be read simply as this is the place where I happen to find myself at this particular point and time ... yet it also can be read as a place of expected fulfillment.

That second verse is especially potent. Falling tiles and falling angels are lumped together as physical objects, yet "angels beyond proof" suggests a metaphysical explication. One might anticipate a "fallen Angel" of the Miltonian variety, but here the angels, with a lower case "a," are still in the act of falling, having, apparently, not yet hit bottom. "Confetti made of stars" is a great visual for the night sky ... and it also fits nicely with the idea of falling (as in falling stars). And all of these images are a part of the City's big puzzle ... which will have to be assembled and integrated in order "to be."

Excellent writing!


Check out my latest song called I'll Be On My Way
TobinMueller said 3929 days ago (March 11th, 2008)
Lyrics
Thanks so much for mentioning the lyrics, listening to them, letting them swirling around in the impressionistic way they are supposed to be heard. When I write musical theatre, I craft lyrics in a careful, collaborative, tethered way, always subordinating them to story, character and meter. But when I write stuff like this, I have a concept and then just let words roll out, not trying to be precise and rational, but, rather, emotional and under-conscious. I often don't write anything down and edit myself audioly (instead of on paper). If I don't like it while re-listening (when creating the demo track of the pre-recording version), then I overdub a new lyric. Like building a puzzle, connected more to specific music sections of the song, and the motion of the lines, than to a stanza or meter. Way more fun. (Writing lyrics is the hardest thing for me.) So glad you liked them.
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
said 3936 days ago (March 5th, 2008)
Great
Wow... What a great rhythm... This sounds good... And your vocals are fantastic... Sounds amazing.... Thanks for sharing this song...
said 3934 days ago (March 6th, 2008)
Great!
Sir Tobin, this is amazing progressive rock piece. I haven't always been a huge fan of that Genre, but I listen a lot to Dream Theater, Queensryche and some other bands (my brother's favorite genre, Petrucci is his guitar god!!) and this piece has much of Rudess keyboard stuff. Much enjoyed the work here and especially the background sound. Amazing .... KUDOS!

Take Care
- Yeman A. Al-Rawi
TobinMueller said 3930 days ago (March 10th, 2008)
Queensryche
Did you notice who played the drums on this track? Thanks for all the great kudos.
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
said 3929 days ago (March 11th, 2008)
I did...
... notice who played drums right away!
How did you get Scott to play for you?
Killer track, also.
I definitely hear the Genesis and the Yes going on.
Amazing that so many musicians can come together from so many places and create something like this. It's hard enough for Allen and I do to it, and that's just TWO people, let alone all the hands in this cookie jar.
Excellent work by all. Triumph through adversity!
Well done!
sschedra said 3929 days ago (March 11th, 2008)
Wow! and WOW Again!
Tobin, your tastes and talents are here in full. I haven't heard music like this in years. This is really great stuff. And hearing all that you guys endured, you have my respect and my support. I must sample some more of your work. You are a very gifted person. I am particularly touched by your son's trauma as I am a bass player (amoung other jack trades). I also have a son who plays. I pray that he will find a way around this (playing opposite handed?) so that he may continue his passion.
Stephen
Check out my latest song called Cheap Tricks (LSP2)
TobinMueller said 3902 days ago (April 7th, 2008)
son's trauma
Thanks for your empathy. He's found a silver lining, which is one of life's great lessons, as a singer (who can now sing much harder lines since he doesn't need to play difficult bass lines) and song-writer. If he can ever play bass again, you can bet I'll put the song up on MJ.
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
magnatone said 3926 days ago (March 14th, 2008)
Puzzle City
Holy Smokes - you're incredible. Love everything about this sound - and so different from your solo piano (of the few I've heard so far) This is so reminiscent to me of my all-time heart-fave band YES - you must've been a fan? This is great - thanks
Check out my latest song called Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen) and Variations
TobinMueller said 3902 days ago (April 7th, 2008)
YES
Yes, I was and am a huge Yes fan. They are as influential as any one of my mentors, from Chopin to Brubeck. YES opened a whole new section of my brain, unlocked it, when I first heard them.
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
woofer3 said 3905 days ago (April 4th, 2008)
Forsooth -
An excellent and clever work, well written and well performed, and well produced. Really love it.The intro reminded me a bit of a Frank Zappa piece but can't bring to mind which one, - possibly something from The Man from Utopia ?

John.
Check out my latest song called Drunken bakers [08-01]
TobinMueller said 3902 days ago (April 7th, 2008)
Frank Zappa
Zappa was so versatile, so explorative. I was so disappointed when he bowed out of a run for president as a Libertarian in late 1980s. His early death was very sad. A marvelous mind and personality.
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
Jarvoid said 3876 days ago (May 4th, 2008)
Roundabout
the second minute I was completely hooked. Yes,completely,this is the type of prog rock that is so evocative of the 70's and I believe will become the "classical" music of that era.....Howe you have done this track here squire I do not know but it will keep me aWakeman, listened and downloaded..........ever been influenced by Genesis?

Jarvo
Check out my latest song called Port Arthur Blues
TobinMueller said 3243 days ago (January 26th, 2010)
Yes/Genesis
I am very influenced by Yes, even when playing jazz or classical music. Genesis never held the same enthusiasm or attention for me, altho I followed Peter Gabriel and really enjoyed (and learned from) what I did after leaving the group. I am always hoping for a progressive rock revival (and there have been a few minor ones) that brought it to the center of attention in the popular culture, but doubt that will ever happened. When in college, I had thought prog was the music of the future. But it is just too complex, lacks danceability and hooks, and will never rival more accessible styles. Still, I love it. Thanks for enjoying this as much as I.
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
Jarvoid said 3875 days ago (May 4th, 2008)
Roundabout
the second minute I was completely hooked. Yes,completely,this is the type of prog rock that is so evocative of the 70's and Mor az I believe will become the "classical" music of that era.....Howe you have done this track here squire I do not know but it will keep me aWakeman, listened and downloaded..And er son........ever been influenced by Genesis?

Jarvo
Check out my latest song called Port Arthur Blues
TobinMueller said 3060 days ago (July 28th, 2010)
Moraz & Wakeman
Ah, such great music to grow up with. Such a lucky generation, we...
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
BossHook said 3866 days ago (May 13th, 2008)
I am way
late to the Tobin party but I will catch up. Reading the "liner notes" here while listening gave me a bit of nostalgia for records. Not to trivialize the tragedies befallen but the story of how it came together despite the setbacks was a cool insight. Thanks for sharing the experience - it certainly breathes like a studio recording done with everyone there so your talents in producing are high ranking.
TobinMueller said 3060 days ago (July 28th, 2010)
Backstory
Thanks for the sympathy. Always appreciated. Sometimes finishing a track is a story in itself that colors things for those involved in a special way (both for and against the actual music achieved).

Really glad you could listen. You have such a great ear...
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
asconejar said 3849 days ago (May 30th, 2008)
tsada
very honest music, human touch is very evident, raw, jazzy, chic korea type of keyboard. Very happy to hear this song but also my sincere sympathy to the troubles you all experience in completing this song.
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TobinMueller said 3611 days ago (January 23rd, 2009)
Prog combines it all
Thanks for your comments. I try to bring my jazz sense to each prog tune, and I always hope it modifies other players slightly, as it did for the drumming on this, I think. This track started with the guitar, tho, and that early Yes sound was what really pushed things forward.
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
Kori Arashi said 3822 days ago (June 26th, 2008)
Awesome!
This seriously is overly professional and I like it! Keep up the good work!
Check out my latest song called 8-Bit 80s (Demo)
TobinMueller said 3458 days ago (June 25th, 2009)
"overly professional"
Ha, that phrase made me laugh. Prog is often about self-indulgent writing that displays virtuosity and chops, so I think my band members would love your praise. Thanks a ton!
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
AJerkin_Progress said 3433 days ago (July 20th, 2009)
Shinning!
This is right up my alley, Tobin! I'll echo what others have said. I'm a big fan of YES and this (to me) has the sounds of 2 of my favorite(r) Yes albums combined. Big Generator and Relayer. Big Generator and the song "I'm Running" because of the vocals and cleaner sound and Relayer for Jazzier timing and the tones of your keys. Great job and a very moving story you provided in the description.

Onto the iPod you go!
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TobinMueller said 3432 days ago (July 21st, 2009)
Relayer
Each YES album is so precious, so unique. I love going back to their music, am continually inspired and astounded at how entertaining they are, how much I learn as I listen, how they make me want to make more music. Thanks for reminding me of Relayer, one of those I less frequently revisit. I'm off to do just that...
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
Kori Arashi said 3156 days ago (April 23rd, 2010)
Wonderful Prog Rock!
Nice work Tobin! I love how all the instruments and parts of the song are on their own beat detached from being homophonic. It's polyphonic which is super hard to do and rarely heard for most people. It comes out as musical bliss and satisfies my hunger for prog rock! It reminded me of Glass Hammer and Man on Fire. Thank you for sharing this with us! :3
Check out my latest song called 8-Bit 80s (Demo)
Kori Arashi said 3156 days ago (April 23rd, 2010)
:3
See I had to listen to it again because it's so awesome! :3
Check out my latest song called 8-Bit 80s (Demo)
TobinMueller said 3153 days ago (April 26th, 2010)
polyphonic
Thanks. Several pieces in the AUDIOCRACY catalogue I write without being tethered to any time signature at all (or, parts of them, at least). I always enjoyed how Renaissance pieces just laid down a phrase, never trying to repeat a phrase length or time signature (before time signatures were invented). This guided me a few times during this journey through the City.
Check out my latest song called Momentary Undertow
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Name: Tobin Mueller
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I am a professional musician, composer, playwright and director. I've led a charmed life. I'm married to fellow MJer Suzanne and MJer Twonicus is my son, who currently sings and writes for rock bands in the NYC, D.C. and Cleveland areas. My second s... [see more]

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Progressive rock (shortened to prog, or prog rock when differentiating from other "progressive" genres) is an ambitious, eclectic, and often grandiose style of rock music which arose in the late 1960s, reached the peak of its popularity in the early

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