Regarding Bands Reviewed

My two cents worth:

I generally agree with VB (hope I can call you that!).  I would, however, support Peter's comment that I (and he, and probably others) would like to review many of the more "obscure" bands/albums, but have no access to them unless Max is able to provide downloads (which he graciously does whenever he can).  When Max is able to do so, Peter and I (and other "official" reviewers) do tend to try to review them.  For example, Max learned of my fondness for Italian symphonic prog (e.g., Deus ex Machina) and provided quite a number of downloads of both slightly lesser-known Italian and lesser-known European prog bands, all of which I reviewed - happily - and will continue to do so.  Indeed, I have tried to review every downloadable album that "caught my fancy" for any reason, which most of them do.

That said, I also support Peter's comment that - although it is true, as VB says, that many "canon" albums are "reviewed to death" - it is nevertheless important that "newbies" get a sense of the "history" of prog vis-a-vis the classic bands and albums.  And as "official" reviewers, Peter and I (and others) have something of a "moral obligation" to provide insightful, cogent reviews - lengthy if required - of these albums.  Because, hopefully, "official" reviewers are "official" because they have a greater sense of history (most of us are a bit "older"...), a greater command of the language, and (again hopefully) write insightful, cogent reviews.

Like Peter, while I would certainly like to be able to, I have neither the time nor the finances to buy lots of new (i.e., old) CDs of prog bands so I can review them.  In this regard, I (and I'm sure Peter, and maybe others, will join me) will ask Max that the next time he updates the download list, all of the bands he adds are lesser-known, or downright obscure.  This way, at least the "official" reviewers will have a chance to review some of them.  VB: can you provide us with a "wish list" of bands/albums in this regard?  At least it will be a start.

All of that said, anyone else reading this thread should take VB's general comment to heart: if you have access to albums of some of the more obscure (or at least lesser-reviewed) bands on this site, please try to see your way clear to providing reviews (as insightful and cogent as possible...) of them.

Peace to all.

Whoa! I think I struck a nerve with somebody here! I wasn`t attacking anybody personally here just making an observation, a  comment! I was just pointing out that certain albums have had the crap reviewed out of them (not only on this site but ever since they were released). I was only using Greenslade as an example of the many great prog bands whose work has been overlooked in the reviews section of this site. That`s all. I fail to see how what I wrote insults anyone`s writing. I guess if people start taking this TOO seriously we should just stick to the basic " best prog this and best prog that" polls.

 A valid point of view, Vibe. My aim in reviewing the "classics" is to introduce newer and younger listeners to the "canon," and to simply "go on record" as to my opinions of them. Also, not every older fan of, say, King crimson, will be familiar with the fine music of Tull or Gentle Giant.

We "Prog Reviewers" are reviewing more of the newer/obscure stuff these days (as we get to hear it) and anyway, sooner or later we'll run out of classics to review. We don't have infinite CD collections (nor, as a family man, can I afford to buy many new discs, alas) and can only write about discs that we've actually heard. We are not paid for our work, nor are we professional music critics, so when most of us review, say, CLOSE TO THE EDGE, it's for the first time (for us). I still have to review that particular masterpiece, and have been mentally composing a review of it for a few days now....

In any case, just read the reviews that interest you, and feel free to review any discs that you feel are neglected and worthy of notice.