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Pre orders now be taken for the new album.  The preview sounds fantasic.
http://www.bigbigtrain.com/

Its a really interesting album, been playing it a lot this week.

Lots of good albums this year, my favourites are

Sean Filkins -War and peace and other stories
Steven Wilson - Grace for Drowning
Haken - Visions
Yes - Fly from Here
Dec Buke - Paradigms and Story Lines
Blackfield - Blackfield 3
Tin Spirits - Wired to Earth

Been playing Visions for a weeks now, every bit as good as Hakens debut imo.

I'm really rather excited about the new DeeExpus album due out next month. Mark Kelly from Marillion is playing keyboards and Nik Kershaw is providing vocals for one track. The album sampler sounds great.

http://www.kingof33.com/the-king-of-33.htm

Ordered my copy today, looking forward to hearing what Dec has cooked up for us.

Great news, I'm big fan of the first Haken album.

I've been struggling a bit with my take on the whole Jem finishing with Frost* business. My main feeling is disappointment that the band seem to be no more, I've loved both albums and when Milliontown came out it got excited about music in way I hadn't been for years. After going to both the Derby and Bilston shows at Christmas I had a real feeling that the four piece version of the band had really gelled and promised much for the future. Jems blogs have also been a real source of enjoyment and the communication he had with the Frost* fans was a real joy. I completely understand though how tiring all this was for him and its no surprise that he needed a break.  It just seems a bit sad that he seems to have fallen out of love with Frost*. Saying this I'm still intrigued to hear what his new direction will sound like as I'm sure he will continue to write great music.

Its corker of an album, really exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended to all prog fans.

Anathema - We're Here Because We're Here

My favourite album of 2010. Stunning stuff.

Big Big Train - The Underfall Yard, and it features Jem on the title track.

It's a great shame BUT I had the best time at the gig and really appreciate Jem explaining everything so honestly and in depth. I'm sure the planned DVD shoot will be a rare treat.
I would also like to say a thank you to Jem for reminding me how much fun music can be, Frost* really has been a breath of fresh air and for that I'm very appreciative.

It's a shame that Phil Collins seems to be in an unhappy place, by contrast Tony Banks comes across as a happy chappy, he and Phil almost swapping places on the personality front. I saw Ray Wilson on the CAS tour and thought he did a good job in a difficult situation. I think that this might be the last we see of Genesis, maybe we will have to make do with the new Mike and the Mechanics album and tour with Andrew Roachford.

Got my copy on Saturday and have been hugely impressed. Master of Time is superb while The Wide Open Sea gets beter and better with each spin. BBT have become one of very favourite bands, I just wish they would do the odd live gig

It was a really good show, I noticed a few Defence of the  Realm t-shirts throughout the night. First time I've been to the Albert Hall and found the venue to be impressive. I remember seeing PT in a firkin pub in B'ham around 15 years ago, wonderful that they've come so far.