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Guldbamsen 
Special Collaborator
Retired Admin
Joined: January 22 2009
Location: Magic Theatre
Status: Offline
Points: 23104
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 Posted: March 30 2011 at 18:43 |
Captain Beefheart
Fish
Gabriel (Genesis days - where he painted pictures with words)
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“The Guide says there is an art to flying or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.”
- Douglas Adams
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Billy Pilgrim
Forum Senior Member
Joined: September 28 2010
Location: Austin
Status: Offline
Points: 1505
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Posted: March 31 2011 at 03:49 |
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"Snake behind me hisses what my damage could have been, my blood before me begs me open up my heart again"- Maynard Keenan
also, I can't believe Jon Anderson is mentioned here, I like Yes to some extent, but the lyrics were something I came to except, not something I marveled at.
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Mista-Gordie
Forum Senior Member
Joined: March 27 2011
Location: Canada
Status: Offline
Points: 282
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Posted: April 03 2011 at 15:34 |
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Richard Palmer-James is among the bests
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resurrection
Forum Senior Member
Joined: August 08 2010
Location: London
Status: Offline
Points: 254
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Posted: April 17 2011 at 09:36 |
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Almost a contradiction in terms, I would have thought; prog tends to be about the excellence of the music rather than the lyrics or any sensible concept. The best we can hope for is that the lyrics are at least coherent. Will need to root among the haystack to see if I can find any exceptions, though nothing springs to mind, other than proto-prog, that seems to the point where the music moved forward in inverse proportion to the lyrics.
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The Dark Elf
Forum Senior Member
VIP Member
Joined: February 01 2011
Location: Michigan
Status: Offline
Points: 13065
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Posted: April 17 2011 at 11:10 |
 resurrection wrote:
Almost a contradiction in terms, I would have thought; prog tends to be about the excellence of the music rather than the lyrics or any sensible concept. The best we can hope for is that the lyrics are at least coherent. Will need to root among the haystack to see if I can find any exceptions, though nothing springs to mind, other than proto-prog, that seems to the point where the music moved forward in inverse proportion to the lyrics. |
Hmmm...I would have to disagree and cite a couple primary instances where progressive lyricists are actually writing poetry beyond the scope of trite rock and roll statements such as "I wanna rock 'n' roll all night and party everyday."
For instance, Ian Anderson, particularly on such albums as Minstrel in the Gallery (which has some of the best poetry ever written in rock music) and A Passion Play (with its stunning word puns, allegory and allusions to 15th century stagecraft and Dante Alghieri, as well as snide commentary on contemporary governmental bureaucracy and religious observations).
Also, Peter Gabriel on Foxtrot runs the gamut from retelling medieval fables (Can-Utlity and the Coatliners) to the extravagant and allusive "Supper's Ready", which features Gabriel's take on The Book of Revelation, William Blake, vaudeville show tunes and even BBC children's programming. It is neither conventional rock lyricism, nor is it bland poetry; on the contrary, it is vital and well-written.
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...a vigorous circular motion hitherto unknown to the people of this area, but destined
to take the place of the mud shark in your mythology...
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colorofmoney91
Prog Reviewer
Joined: March 16 2008
Location: Biosphere
Status: Offline
Points: 22774
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Posted: April 17 2011 at 11:14 |
I'd go with either Peter Sinfield or Neil Peart.
Sinfield is more flawlessly poetic, but Peart more often reaches me emotionally.
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giselle
Forum Senior Member
Joined: March 18 2011
Location: Hertford
Status: Offline
Points: 466
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Posted: April 26 2011 at 16:14 |
Hammil is about as good as it gets, and that's not great. Too much pretension in most of it.
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jalist
Forum Newbie
Joined: November 20 2007
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 28
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Posted: May 05 2011 at 02:34 |
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Fish
Peter Hamill
Roger Waters
Peter Gabriel
Tony Banks
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Alitare
Forum Senior Member
Joined: March 08 2008
Location: New York
Status: Offline
Points: 3595
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Posted: May 05 2011 at 08:58 |
The Dark Elf wrote:
resurrection wrote:
Almost a contradiction in terms, I would have thought; prog tends to be about the excellence of the music rather than the lyrics or any sensible concept. The best we can hope for is that the lyrics are at least coherent. Will need to root among the haystack to see if I can find any exceptions, though nothing springs to mind, other than proto-prog, that seems to the point where the music moved forward in inverse proportion to the lyrics. |
Hmmm...I would have to disagree and cite a couple primary instances where progressive lyricists are actually writing poetry beyond the scope of trite rock and roll statements such as "I wanna rock 'n' roll all night and party everyday."
For instance, Ian Anderson, particularly on such albums as Minstrel in the Gallery (which has some of the best poetry ever written in rock music) and A Passion Play (with its stunning word puns, allegory and allusions to 15th century stagecraft and Dante Alghieri, as well as snide commentary on contemporary governmental bureaucracy and religious observations).
Also, Peter Gabriel on Foxtrot runs the gamut from retelling medieval fables (Can-Utlity and the Coatliners) to the extravagant and allusive "Supper's Ready", which features Gabriel's take on The Book of Revelation, William Blake, vaudeville show tunes and even BBC children's programming. It is neither conventional rock lyricism, nor is it bland poetry; on the contrary, it is vital and well-written. |
We all had this conversation before on another thread just a day or two ago. I'd love to start it again, because I love nothing more than a bout of rampant, free-floating hostility, but it's all relative, mack. Since when was Kiss the gold-standard by which all rock bands are considered? Since when are they the quintessential rock band? I hate the band, and sure Genesis' lyrics are more enjoyable to me, but it seems to me some folks think ALL prog lyricists are better than ALL non-prog lyricists, which is a psychotic delusion.
On topic, though, I dearly love Ian Anderson's lyrics, as do I enjoy Pain of Salvation, Pink Floyd, Devin Townsend, maudlin of the Well/Toby Driver, Tim Rice, and more.
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FloydZappa
Forum Newbie
Joined: April 19 2011
Status: Offline
Points: 11
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Posted: May 06 2011 at 15:46 |
Roger Waters
Neil Peart
Frank Zappa
Ian Anderson
Peter Gabriel
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The Dark Elf
Forum Senior Member
VIP Member
Joined: February 01 2011
Location: Michigan
Status: Offline
Points: 13065
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Posted: May 06 2011 at 21:49 |
Alitare wrote:
The Dark Elf wrote:
resurrection wrote:
Almost a contradiction in terms, I would have thought; prog tends to be about the excellence of the music rather than the lyrics or any sensible concept. The best we can hope for is that the lyrics are at least coherent. Will need to root among the haystack to see if I can find any exceptions, though nothing springs to mind, other than proto-prog, that seems to the point where the music moved forward in inverse proportion to the lyrics. |
Hmmm...I would have to disagree and cite a couple primary instances where progressive lyricists are actually writing poetry beyond the scope of trite rock and roll statements such as "I wanna rock 'n' roll all night and party everyday."
For instance, Ian Anderson, particularly on such albums as Minstrel in the Gallery (which has some of the best poetry ever written in rock music) and A Passion Play (with its stunning word puns, allegory and allusions to 15th century stagecraft and Dante Alghieri, as well as snide commentary on contemporary governmental bureaucracy and religious observations).
Also, Peter Gabriel on Foxtrot runs the gamut from retelling medieval fables (Can-Utlity and the Coatliners) to the extravagant and allusive "Supper's Ready", which features Gabriel's take on The Book of Revelation, William Blake, vaudeville show tunes and even BBC children's programming. It is neither conventional rock lyricism, nor is it bland poetry; on the contrary, it is vital and well-written. |
We all had this conversation before on another thread just a day or two ago. I'd love to start it again, because I love nothing more than a bout of rampant, free-floating hostility, but it's all relative, mack. Since when was Kiss the gold-standard by which all rock bands are considered? Since when are they the quintessential rock band? I hate the band, and sure Genesis' lyrics are more enjoyable to me, but it seems to me some folks think ALL prog lyricists are better than ALL non-prog lyricists, which is a psychotic delusion.
On topic, though, I dearly love Ian Anderson's lyrics, as do I enjoy Pain of Salvation, Pink Floyd, Devin Townsend, maudlin of the Well/Toby Driver, Tim Rice, and more. |
I used the KISS lyric as an example of banal rock lyricism (how you could have gotten the idea I was making it some "gold standard" is absurd). I could have just as easily rattled of inane lyrics from the Ramones, The New York Dolls or Journey. Or even Led Zeppelin, who I adore musically, but have to admit have some rather trite lyrics.
The original poster I replied to, Alitaire, made the comment that the most one can hope for is that prog lyrics are "coherent", which I disagreed with and cited two examples of exemplary lyricists (and I would add Roger Waters as well). Is such excellence a hallmark of the prog genre? Certainly not. But there are specific artists who are some of the greatest in any genre.
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...a vigorous circular motion hitherto unknown to the people of this area, but destined
to take the place of the mud shark in your mythology...
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AtomicCrimsonRush
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
Joined: July 02 2008
Location: Australia
Status: Offline
Points: 14258
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Posted: May 07 2011 at 09:58 |
BlindGuard wrote:
Hammill!!! |
THIS!
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esky
Forum Senior Member
Joined: March 12 2009
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Status: Offline
Points: 643
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Posted: May 07 2011 at 19:07 |
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Hammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmill!!!
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Slaughternalia
Forum Senior Member
Joined: February 17 2011
Status: Offline
Points: 901
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Posted: May 07 2011 at 22:00 |
Anthony H. wrote:
runner-ups include Neal Peart, Steven Wilson, John Anderson, and Kevin Moore.
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Jon Anderson? Seriously? I'll have to go with Ian Anderson
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Harry Hood
Forum Senior Member
Joined: August 15 2005
Status: Offline
Points: 1305
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Posted: May 07 2011 at 22:52 |
Jon Anderson might not be the "Greatest Prog Lyricist". But you gotta admit he writes some damn pretty nonsense. And every once and a while within the pretty nonsense lies something incredibly profound.
Close To The Edge is especially filled with moments like this.
"In charge of who is there in charge of me Do I look blindly on and say I see the way? The truth is written all along the page How old will I be before I come of age for you?"
Really that whole album is just pure lyrical beauty. Yes even the part about the seasoned witch rearranging your liver.
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Alitare
Forum Senior Member
Joined: March 08 2008
Location: New York
Status: Offline
Points: 3595
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Posted: May 07 2011 at 23:13 |
The Dark Elf wrote:
Alitare wrote:
The Dark Elf wrote:
resurrection wrote:
Almost a contradiction in terms, I would have thought; prog tends to be about the excellence of the music rather than the lyrics or any sensible concept. The best we can hope for is that the lyrics are at least coherent. Will need to root among the haystack to see if I can find any exceptions, though nothing springs to mind, other than proto-prog, that seems to the point where the music moved forward in inverse proportion to the lyrics. |
Hmmm...I would have to disagree and cite a couple primary instances where progressive lyricists are actually writing poetry beyond the scope of trite rock and roll statements such as "I wanna rock 'n' roll all night and party everyday."
For instance, Ian Anderson, particularly on such albums as Minstrel in the Gallery (which has some of the best poetry ever written in rock music) and A Passion Play (with its stunning word puns, allegory and allusions to 15th century stagecraft and Dante Alghieri, as well as snide commentary on contemporary governmental bureaucracy and religious observations).
Also, Peter Gabriel on Foxtrot runs the gamut from retelling medieval fables (Can-Utlity and the Coatliners) to the extravagant and allusive "Supper's Ready", which features Gabriel's take on The Book of Revelation, William Blake, vaudeville show tunes and even BBC children's programming. It is neither conventional rock lyricism, nor is it bland poetry; on the contrary, it is vital and well-written. |
We all had this conversation before on another thread just a day or two ago. I'd love to start it again, because I love nothing more than a bout of rampant, free-floating hostility, but it's all relative, mack. Since when was Kiss the gold-standard by which all rock bands are considered? Since when are they the quintessential rock band? I hate the band, and sure Genesis' lyrics are more enjoyable to me, but it seems to me some folks think ALL prog lyricists are better than ALL non-prog lyricists, which is a psychotic delusion.
On topic, though, I dearly love Ian Anderson's lyrics, as do I enjoy Pain of Salvation, Pink Floyd, Devin Townsend, maudlin of the Well/Toby Driver, Tim Rice, and more. |
I used the KISS lyric as an example of banal rock lyricism (how you could have gotten the idea I was making it some "gold standard" is absurd). I could have just as easily rattled of inane lyrics from the Ramones, The New York Dolls or Journey. Or even Led Zeppelin, who I adore musically, but have to admit have some rather trite lyrics.
The original poster I replied to, Alitaire, made the comment that the most one can hope for is that prog lyrics are "coherent", which I disagreed with and cited two examples of exemplary lyricists (and I would add Roger Waters as well). Is such excellence a hallmark of the prog genre? Certainly not. But there are specific artists who are some of the greatest in any genre. |
And by good god damn I agree with yeh. I just see a lot of folks who confuse Kiss, Lady Ga Ga, and the like with ALL NONPROG BANDS EVER, and I react accordingly. Some of my favorite lyricists are 'prog' artists, and on the same coin most of my favorite artists are not anywhere near progressive (usually residing deep within singer/songwriter).
Always remember that I over-exaggerative my replies to invoke the most wrath because I can't stand the calm, rational, sensible exchange of ideas. I also don't do small talk.
Hey Dustin, how's the weather? What do you think of abortion, Bob?
It makes finding new friends a hassle.
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georgetf
Forum Newbie
Joined: May 08 2011
Location: new jersey USA
Status: Offline
Points: 5
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Posted: May 08 2011 at 13:29 |
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Peter Gabriel !
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bucka001
Forum Senior Member
Joined: November 16 2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 864
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Posted: May 11 2011 at 09:16 |
Peter Hammill. I remember reading the lyrics of Undercover Man, from PH's book Mirror, Dreams, & Miracles, to a group of English/Creative Writing students back in grad school, and they couldn't believe they were lyrics to a song rather than pure poetry.
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jc
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JeanFrame
Forum Senior Member
Joined: December 01 2010
Location: London, England
Status: Offline
Points: 195
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Posted: May 11 2011 at 09:51 |
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Almost a contradiction in terms. The VDGG guy is about the nearest.
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Garden of Dreams
Forum Senior Member
Joined: April 26 2011
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 336
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Posted: May 13 2011 at 20:08 |
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I thoroughly enjoy Andy Tillison's cynical lyrics
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