I've been spinning these three CDs for about a week now.

1. Safe by Collage. This is an outstanding neo-prog CD similar in style to IQ and Pendragon. It didn't do much for me on the first few listens, but now I can say I like it from start to finish. Very melodic. Doesn't break any new ground, and I prefer both IQ and Pendragon to Collage, but they are worth a listen.

2. This is Gracious - Gracious. This album came out in 1972 after the band broke up. It's early '70's prog pop, with no clear direction. There are horns on some songs giving them a Chicago or BS&T flavour, others have a more Canterbury feel. Side one of the album was four songs joined together into one 20 minute track, but each song could have been its own separate track.

3. Souvenirs - The Gathering. This is their latest release and it was on JC's top 10 of '03 list. Again, this one takes some time to get into, but it's highly enjoyable. Lead female vocalist carries the day with the band grinding it our a considerable distance behind her in the mix. It works well. The album has an industrial flavour, and crosses the lines between alternative guitar-based "rock" and alternative "progressive" rock. The songs do not jump out at you at first, but have a more subtle effect as they burn into recognition over repeated listens.