Is ProgArchives too progressive for its own good?

I understand your point, but you're wrong in assuming that people rate low certain prog classics because they're fans of other kinds of progressive music, or not progressive fans at all (speaking of this, I don't believe there is anyone who reviewed albums on PA without being a fan of at least one of the categories on PA; punkers don't come to PA to rate down prog classics, that's stupid). Many of the people here who don't like, say, ITCOTCK or Close To The Edge don't rate them low because they're not prog fans, but because they don't like those albums. I can't understand what's not to like about them, but I can definitely accept the idea. De gustibus! 

I think some people just get very excitable with their ratings. I generally only use 2, 3 and 4. And some people have got into a section of prog that they like, but then trash other sections very easily. This is the danger of websites that get big, I suppose! It starts to attract too many people.

I have only reviewed one album on ProgArchives. It's one of my favourites and I only gave it a 4 because this is ProgArchives...if it had been a metal site I would have given it 5 straight away, no doubt about it. And then there are others who are very prolific with opinions based on only 1 or 2 listens :S This is probably a case of those who make themselves heard the most...and it doesn't represent the number of people, I don't think?

But yeah, I hear you. The site is so broad that I actually pretty much left the forums a little confounded for about a year. But I'm creeping back a bit...so it has got some things going for it ;) Progressive music is just so broad!


Edited by popeyethecat - February 03 2011 at 09:42

The divergence of opinions is what makes this kind of websites interesting, Without it, internet forums like this one wouldn't have a reason to exist,,, Yeah, there might be some people who love or hate certain bands or records, and they express those feelings through the reviews posted here, but you can do that too... We have the right to decide and show our opinions, obviously with the appropiate respect... As far as I'm concerned, we still live in a democratic society.

But isn't the point of a community that not everybody has the same opinions?

Edited by JS19 - February 03 2011 at 09:58

friso wrote: I don't think many of the prog classics are underrated. A low rating once in a while won't hurt to much, though I myself like the classic prog era very much. Perhaps the problem has indeed more to do with the expansion of the progressive genre and the huge amount of new bands that has been added (often rightfully). I myself would wish you could put PA in 'classic prog' mode, which would exclude every band from after '79. I don't think it will every come to existence.

Add ten years to reach 1989, and you could almost be Walter in disguise

Being "progressive" I think any new members should really check out the free download albums we offer and really branch out in all possible directions. I entered ProgArchives as symph prog fan, but I am now mostly into everything I did not like before I became a member here.

In short; become a member and then branch out into all possible genres we offer. Check my signature, btw. That's the honest truth about ProgArchives. 

isn't the point of prog being progressive anyway?  i would think you'd want a huge forum of varying opinions. i was talking to tricertopsoil the other day as to why my girls tori amos and bjork were on this site, ive been a fan of both of them for fifteen plus years and they are def not prog rock but he explained to me that they were progressive artists, so i get it now and i see nothing wrong with a growing site where people learn other types of music if they are so inclined. i came here because i wanted to understand prog more so i came to the best :)

I don't think some people 'trash' classic albums. Or atleast, I don't think it's a problem. Everyone has a right to an opinion, and when you get too addicted to prog, you don't accept that some other people simply don't like some albums that are considered "classic". For example, I'm in love with all the prog from the 70s (and this comes from a guy who has more than 500 prog albums); I love the first 3 King Crimson albums, but I really don't like "Red" and "Discipline" which are somewhat considered "classic" albums. However, I would  only give them 2 stars (maybe 3).

Edited by Curutchet - February 03 2011 at 10:25

Interesting question, and I do know what you mean - many of us regard a certain period - early to mid 70's as a "Golden Era of Prog" and many of my favourite albums are from this era.

But as time goes on and younger members join I guess their perspective will be different - some probably look back to their youth when the music of the "good old days" that they love would have been (say) the early Marillion, Pallas, Pendragon albums etc. For them the likes of Fragile, Selling England... etc will mean nothing, and I don't think that really matters.

Add to that the fact that "Prog" has become an umbrella term for so many sub genres some of which have very little in common with each other, and so I think it's not surprising that opinions are going to differ so much.

Although I tend to favour the "classic prog" era more I have found ProgArchives essential as a guide to help track down newer music that I am likely to enjoy. I just think it's a question of using a bit of common sense - you can usually tell from peoples reviews whether a particular album is likely to appeal, whether the reviewer likes it or not.

I say "come one come all!!

I think when people give a low rating to a time-defined classic, it's basically either because they think it's cool being contrarian, or probably don't realize that a rating something's quality is not the same thing as rating it for personal likability. I personally don't like growl, so Haken's "Aquarius" this year is not in my own top ten list. BUT, I would never say it isn't a four-star album. I've listened to it a few times, read the reviews, and understand completely why it deserves those accolades. I feel the same way about Univers Zero's "Clivages"-- GREAT album, but I don't like it. Maybe it's a generational thing? Equating value with subjectivism?