Sting for Prog Related

I've yet to come up with a better one Bob.

This basically leaves us, those who are single and lonely, prog-less, as we don't have someone to use as measuring tool...  (that sounded so bad...)

Edited by The T - August 05 2008 at 19:32

Now keep in mind that Sting is a great musician, but that doesn't mean he has to be a prog musician. He has one or two songs that are almost prog-related, but he's to poppy to be called even prog related. Same thing with Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, and Elton John. Great musicians with a few proggy songs but they're still pop musicians. Overall, I don't think Sting should be in the forum, but if he was I wouldn't be mad because of his few proggy songs.

Well none of Sting's songs are actually prog, but even though they are pop songs, some are still relitively complex for pop music, but I do agree that Sting is still not prog.  

progrocker2244 wrote: Well none of Sting's songs are actually prog, but even though they are pop songs, some are still relitively complex for pop music, but I do agree that Sting is still not prog.

ahhhh.... read this... and give me your thoughts on this... is it valid.. or complete bullsh*t

Crossover Prog contains progressive rock music that, though 100% progressive, may have a musical connection to popular music-- whether it be the lack of emphasis on extended compositions, or an influence from mainstream music in addition to classical, jazz and folk. Compositions, however, still exhibit a high degree of sophistication, sometimes outright complexity, and the musicianship and virtuosity is often on a par with established Prog acts. Much like their kin in the established prog sub-genres, these groups will incorporate many major parts of what defines prog rock: the fusing of rock with the structures and discipline of more traditional musics, the use of syntheisizers and new technologies, intelligent thematics, and the expansion of the form.

The defining characteristics of Crossover Prog are a pop music influence that is largely vacant in typical prog rock. Songs tend toward shorter, more concise presentations though still reach beyond the typical verse, bridge, chorus pattern. The harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic structures may be more easily digested in Crossover while not losing the musical integrity that a prog listener expects.

Atavachron wrote: oh I think he has more than just one or two proggy songs, the first album and the live Bring on the Night were pretty progressive, a first-rate jazz band behind him and compositions that outdo many pop artists today (or then) ..and some of the material on subsequent albums has merit, plus Man Erg's post about Sting's relation to - or association with - Prog.  I don't support addition but he was certainly one of the more progressing of the 80s chart toppers

as I said...  merits discussion at some point.  He is much more than just a famous pop-star  'name' who is into  tantric sex and saving the Amazon  the music deserves a bit of discussion and evaluation.  No idea if I support him or not..never really considered him.... but he intrigues me.


Edited by micky - August 09 2008 at 23:19

I think a lot of this has to do with the shifting definition of progressive rock over the years. I'm juat a bit older than you (ha ha), but when I was young, prog-rock bands were expected to have a British, or at least European (mostly Italian and German) flavor. Too much American flavor (blues, RnB, country etc) could be the kiss of death.

Judging from what I see on this site this is changing. When I was young we never would have called Capt Beefheart or Zappa prog-rock.

Another thing that has shifted over the years is lyrical emotional content. When I was young 'real prog-rock' had a very introspective, "I'm a misfit and no one understands me because I'm on a quest for the meaning of life and the rest of you are plastic phonies" quality to it.

To sum up all these things together, because of their lyric content bands like The Doors, Pink Floyd and Black Sabbath, who all used blues riffs, sounded more 'proggy' than bands like The Allman Brothers and Cream, with Hendrix falling somewhere in the middle and the blues based Deep Purple staking out their own territory because of Lord and Blackmore bringing in their classical and jazz influences into their 'mini-compostion' solos.


P.S. This really ties in with that other thread. Master of Puppets, when it came out, was the first album I heard in a long time that captured that early prog introspective feeling, that along with their obvious Sabbath, Purple, Floyd, Genesis influences. I don't neccessarily support Metallica on PA, but I can see why some do.

Whew ... is anybody still awake.

Edited by Easy Money - August 10 2008 at 00:34

Yeah, actually listen instead of being quick to judge based on labels that were applied in the past. Right on!

Good debate  but first reaction is I would have to say no ( This has nothing to do with Sting's repeated playings in elevators, hotel foyers, telephone " Line is busy" filler either!)

Chris Stacey wrote: Good debate  but first reaction is I would have to say no ( This has nothing to do with Sting's repeated playings in elevators, hotel foyers, telephone " Line is busy" filler either!)

Which songs did you hear in such situations? I don't remember that ... maybe Englishman in New York, but that's about it.