RESULTS!! - Ultimate PA Album List 2016 - Progressive Rock Music Forum

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zravkapt

Special Collaborator

Honorary Collaborator

Joined: October 12 2010
Location: Canada
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Points: 6451

Posted: January 30 2016 at 22:48

Things are getting exciting now!

Magma America Great Make Again

Tom Ozric

Prog Reviewer

Joined: September 03 2005
Location: Olympus Mons
Status: Offline
Points: 15926

Posted: January 30 2016 at 23:02

It's a *lot* of hard work. Well done, all of you

Kazza3

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Joined: November 29 2009
Location: Australia
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Points: 557

Posted: January 31 2016 at 18:09

80. Miles Davis – Kind of Blue

514 pts 7 votes (#25 – jonross14) ▼ 46

“To me, all five of these pieces are among the pinnacle of jazz music, the epitome and distillation of the genre, and it is a record that anyone of any musical persuasions should hear at least once in his lifetime.” - Epignosis

79. Porcupine Tree – Deadwing

516 pts 4 votes (#5 – jonross14) ▼ 5

“There are very few moments of progressive music that I think could bring someone to tears, and there are quite a few of those moments in 'Deadwing’… the fact that this album is a masterpiece is undeniable.” – Conor Fynes

78. National Health – Of Queues and Cures

523 pts 6 votes (#13 – twseel) ▲ Unlisted (322+)

“For those that claim prog was dead by 1977 one merely has to hand such detractors a copy of this album and their mind shall be changed forever more… without question one of the major highlights of the Canterbury scene.” - Padraic

77. The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds

525 pts 5 votes (#4 – sublime220) ▲ Unlisted (323+)

“The group here reached a whole new level in terms of both composition and production, layering tracks upon tracks of vocals and instruments to create a richly symphonic sound… it immediately vaulted the band into the top level of rock innovators” – Richie Unterberger, AllMusic

76. David Bowie – Low

525.9 pts 6 votes (#7 – Guldbamsen) ▲ 115

“On side one you have a great collection of semi-punky art rock songs… On side two you have an excellent set of four semi-ambient mostly electronic pieces that almost flow together into one big post-classical tone poem. This is some of the best and most progressive music that has the named David Bowie attached to it… sheer genius.” – js (Easy Money)

75. Radiohead – In Rainbows

526 pts 4 votes (#7 – Polymorphia) ▼ 7

“It's so unassuming and sparse that it belies the complexity of the arrangements… one of the most well-crafted albums not only of the year, but of the new millennium.” – 1800iareyay

74. The Doors – The Doors

528 pts 6 votes (#8 – Guldbamsen) ▲ 9

“Jim Morrison and the Doors were light years ahead of anyone at this point… As influential and far reaching for the heavier and darker end of the rock spectrum as the Beatles were to pop music.” - ExittheLemming

73. Genesis – Trespass

536 pts 8 votes (#18 – addictedtoprog) ▲ 45

“Trespass was the perfect marriage of youthful naivety, sentimentalism, band chemistry, and great songs. Fantastic dramatic development and pastoral melodic grandeur are nearly non-stop throughout… the single finest Genesis album, at least if you are looking for heart.” - Finnforest

72. Mahavishnu Orchestra – Birds of Fire

540 pts 5 votes (#12 – Formentera Lady) ▼ 30

“Explosive and white hot and each member pushing the borders and creating this overwhelming intense music saturated in a complicit beauty… The precision of the instrumental pieces is almost unbelievable in execution” - Philo

71. Rush – Hemispheres

544 pts 4 votes (#11 – rushfan4) ▼ 26

“The music seems to arrive straight from the cosmos onto the playing fields of paradise, delivered by deities for our pleasure and sparkling with incredibly bright electrical power… Rush had finally found that ideal balance of hard-hitting power and disturbingly good musicianship” - Atavachron

Edited by Kazza3 - January 31 2016 at 18:27

Meltdowner View Drop Down

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Honorary Collaborator

Joined: June 25 2013
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Points: 10278

Posted: January 31 2016 at 18:16

sublime220 wrote:

I'm really surprised I had the highest vote (#44) for Per Un Amico. Where are the rest of the RPI folks around here?

It was on the top of my list but I didn't finish it before the deadline.

Kazza3

Forum Senior Member

Joined: November 29 2009
Location: Australia
Status: Offline
Points: 557

Posted: January 31 2016 at 19:59

70. Transatlantic – SMPTe

545 pts 4 votes (#7 – rushfan4) ▲ 31

“They successfully prove themselves to be more than just supergroup on paper -- they manage to actually deliver beautifully crafted music as if they have been playing together for years.” - kunangkunagnku

69. Marillion – Script for a Jester’s Tear

549 pts 6 votes (#10 – DarkLizzard) No movement!

“… an amazing album, most definitely one of the strongest debuts in the prog world, and historically the album that kicked the Neo-prog movement into high gear, even if it wasn't the first one there” – sleeper(#43)

68. Bubu – Anabelas

550 pts 5 votes (#2 – Magnum Vaeltaja) ▲ Unlisted (332+)

“This is musician's music and it's brilliant. During a time when a right wing military junta was ruling [Argentina] and cracking down on the left wing, Bubu was brewing up a silent revolution that was loud, raucous and beautiful as all hell… the most original, compelling prog effort the western hemisphere has ever produced.” – Magnum Vaeltaja

67. Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin

554 pts 5 votes (#4 – tamijo) ▲ 22

“…this is Led Zeppelin's strongest effort by far and easily the strongest debut album I have ever heard from a band. It is musically brilliant, adventurous, catchy, guitar- driven effort that has captivated me for years” -Zitro

66. Amon Düül II – Tanz der Lemminge

562 pts 6 votes (#6 – BaldFriede) ▲ Unlisted (334+)

“This is the point where it all came together for Amon Duul II - where the songwriting finally caught up with the band's always-impressive improvisational capabilities… densely-packed with musical ideas and talented musicianship” - Warthur

65. Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti

563 pts 8 votes (#28 – floflo79) ▲ 17

“Everything you could possibly want in progressive-tinged hard rock. Back is the granite-slab drumming, the extended, searing solos, the myriad of guitar effects, the pounding bass… four men at the top of their game, confidence at an all-time high” - russellk

64. Porcupine Tree – In Absentia

569 pts 6 votes (#15 – jonross14) ▼ 29

“Darker than any of PT's previous offerings, In Absentia is an album of contrasts… Wilson and company never let up the creativity and diversity throughout the entire album. From brutality to beauty and back again… a cornerstone album” - Melomaniac

63. King Crimson – Islands

576 pts 7 votes (#11 – Magnum Vaeltaja) ▲ 110

“If you love softer music, this album is essential. If you love music that has interesting genuine progressive features without trying too hard, this album is essential. If you have a morbid fascination with unusual 'tron, guitar, percussion and sax parts, this album is essential. If you're a fan of King Crimson, this album is essential.” – TGM: Orb

62. Black Sabbath – Paranoid

583 pts 6 votes (#18 – rushfan4) ▲ 32

“A definitive metal album in any sense of the word and quintessential Sabbath from start to finish with their best line up… The band were delightful in full flight and this album provides a massive spark for their fire.” -AtomicCrimsonRush

61. The Mars Volta – Frances the Mute

585 pts 4 votes (#1 – Kazza3) ▼ 4

“A towering achievement in the history of human endeavour, and the highest possible pinnacle of the musical art.” – Kazza3 (#1)

“A homogeneous sh*theap of stream-of-consciousness turgidity.- Pitchfork

Edited by Kazza3 - January 31 2016 at 20:05

Nogbad_The_Bad View Drop Down

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RIO/Avant/Zeuhl & Eclectic Team

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Posted: January 31 2016 at 20:02

This is an F'ing fantastic list.

Ian

Host of the Post-Avant Jazzcore Happy Hour on Progrock.com

https://podcasts.progrock.com/post-avant-jazzcore-happy-hour/

sublime220 View Drop Down

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Joined: January 21 2015
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Posted: February 01 2016 at 14:40

^as long as Selling England doesn't make it into the top five, I'll be happy

There is no dark side in the moon, really... Matter of fact, it's all dark...

Kazza3

Forum Senior Member

Joined: November 29 2009
Location: Australia
Status: Offline
Points: 557

Posted: February 01 2016 at 18:27

60. Pain of Salvation – Remedy Lane

605 pts 5 votes (#3 – infernalfrog) ▲ 3

“As you can imagine, the overriding feeling of this album is very bleak and sad… Once again Pain of Salvation prove that it's the blend of deep emotional connection from the lyrics augmented by powerful, complex and feeling driven music that makes this such a great album” - sleeper

59. John Coltrane – A Love Supreme

608 pts 6 votes (#7 – Kazza3) ▲ 124

“…his pinnacle studio outing, that at once compiled all of the innovations from his past, spoke to the current of deep spirituality that liberated him from addictions to drugs and alcohol, and glimpsed at the future innovations of his final two and a half years… his emotional, searching, sometimes prayerful journey is made abundantly clear.” – Sam Samuelson, AllMusic

58. Genesis – A Trick of the Tail

613 pts 7 votes (#12 – emigre80) ▼ 28

“The sound on this album is organic and very un-forced, stylistically flowing from one section to the next. Collins adopts a bit of Gabriel style in his vocal delivery, but to Phil's credit the emotional factor is a little closer to the surface here… highly recommended.” – James Lee

57. Talk Talk – Spirit of Eden

645 pts 7 votes (#4 – Dayvenkirq) ▲ 280

“Like the flawless strokes of a master painter's brush, Talk Talk creates here a vivid tapestry of soulful beauty and elegance. Ceaselessly artistic and emotional, Spirit of Eden is more poignant than nearly anything else I've heard, and its blend of sounds and mood transcends classification or simple description-- they are an experience which everyone interested in life, love, and music should take.” - http://www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=280151

56. The Who – Who’s Next

670 pts 6 votes (#17 – justin4950834-2) ▲ 51

“'Who's Next' is a collection of great tracks from The Who that flow together smoothly, creating a great opus of 70's rock music… It really shows the band maturing their sound… this album has probably stood the test of time more than any other album by the band.” – Conor Fynes

55. The Rolling Stones – Sticky Fingers

702 pts 7 votes (#2 – ten years after) ▲ Unlisted (345+)

“It manages to have a loose, ramshackle ambience that belies both its origins and the dark undercurrents of the songs…. With its offhand mixture of decadence, roots music, and outright malevolence, Sticky Fingers set the tone for the rest of the decade for the Stones.” – Stephen Thomas Erlewine, AllMusic

54. Kayo Dot – Choirs of the Eye

704 pts 5 votes (#1 – sleeper) No movement!

“ an avant-garde album that blends metal with jazz, classical and the odd hint of post-rock, and incorporated that into a framework that's both composed but also feels part improvised, dissonant but making plentiful use of harmony… five unique compositions that have helped to build up an amazing album” – sleeper (#1)

53. Gong – You

719 pts 7 votes (#5 – BaldFriede) ▲ 18

“Theater has always been a big part of the best prog, and Allen makes Gong one of the most theatrically entertaining in the history of the genre… The massive challenge of getting these parts to meld into a cohesive whole is better achieved on [this album than the previous ones]… I don't think anything can prepare the Gong naïve listener to what is coming their way.” - Negoba

52. Mike Oldfield – Tubular Bells

721 pts 9 votes (#14 – floflo79) ▲ 7

“When it was released "Tubular Bells" was a real breath of fresh air, totally original, and bursting with energy… while music critics and Oldfield himself will now point to many flaws in the product, to the casual listener these are either transparent, or now form an integral part of the piece. In all, a remarkable effort, which is rightly acclaimed as a landmark album.” – Easy Livin

51. Caravan – In the Land of Grey and Pink

725 pts 8 votes (#26 – Magnum Vaeltaja) ▼ 28

“A lovely, carefree release at a time when the majority of rock bands were trying to either impress or depress. And the songs... let's just say these guys could write… Comforting and friendly but always musical, this is a special record, to be cherished, protected and passed down.” - Atavachron

A really strong group of 10 here, pleased to see Coltrane and Talk Talk so high.

emigre80

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Joined: January 25 2015
Location: kentucky
Status: Offline
Points: 2223

Posted: February 01 2016 at 19:33

I for one really appreciate the time you're putting into this - this list is fascinating and I can't wait to see the top 10.

Kazza3

Forum Senior Member

Joined: November 29 2009
Location: Australia
Status: Offline
Points: 557

Posted: February 01 2016 at 19:57

emigre80 wrote:

I for one really appreciate the time you're putting into this - this list is fascinating and I can't wait to see the top 10.

Thanks!

50. Magma – Mekanik Destruktiw Kommandoh

731 pts 7 votes (#2 BrufordFreak) ▼ 24

“I LOVE the reckless abandon, the feel of near insanity of this music. And yet it is controlled, it's constructed, it's orchestrated, it flows, and it helps to tell a cool story… nothing can truly compare to MDK. A true musical, psycho-spiritual masterpiece.” – BrufordFreak (#2)

49. Camel – Mirage

733 pts 10 votes (#7 Magnum Vaeltaja) ▼ 16

“Imagine a symphonic group with a stellar keyboardist, a rock- solid rhythm section and a profoundly soulful guitarist who doubles as a virtuoso flautist. Now imagine that these four are masters of not only creating vivid, mellow instrumental sonic palettes but can also write fantasy poetry comparable to that of David Byron. And on top of that, they can even turn on a dime and rock… you'll fall in love right away.” – Magnum Vaeltaja (#7)

48. Il Balletto di Bronzo – Ys

733.6 pts 7 votes (#7 micky/andreol263) ▲ 111

“I have recommended this album to many people who like me were unaware of the serious quality of Italian progressive rock, and have left many people muttering... oh my god. If you [like albums that are heavily keyboard oriented], and like being musically bludgeoned for 40 minutes, you will love this album almost as much as I do… a complete masterpiece of progressive rock.” – micky (#7)

47. Robert Wyatt – Rock Bottom

736 pts 6 votes (#20 – twseel) ▲ 161

“Wyatt contemplates his own personal drama and learns to re-value life under new terms… This album is simply stunning, beautiful: the way that it portrays an air of dreamy melancholy in each and every pore of its textures, melodies and vocal lines, is cathartic without getting depressive, compelling without getting too overwhelming. There is a sense of constant liberation that develops in a recurrent basis as the repertoire goes on right until the ultimate relief, when the final notes of the last song vanishes into the void.” – Cesar Inca

46. David Bowie – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars

744 pts 7 votes (#4 – justin4950834-2) ▲ 188

“For a brief, spellbinding time the album takes us into a world where everything is about the present, the thought where we'll be five years from now seems impossible to contemplate, and glory is just a guitar chord away… a bittersweet celebration of the redemptive power of rock and roll and the destructive power of fame” - Warthur

45. Gentle Giant – In a Glass House

755 pts 7 votes (#13 tamijo) ▲ 31

“IN A GLASS HOUSE, then, is the masterful issue of that happy marriage of utter freedom and creativity with outstanding musicianship… the fully-realized product of a band at the height of their creative and musical powers.” - Peter

44. Pain of Salvation – The Perfect Element, Part 1

756 pts 5 votes (#2 – sleeper) ▼ 5

“The Perfect Element is one of those strange albums that proves to be the easiest starting point for the band in question whilst holding such huge reserves of emotional and musical depth that it remains as a fast favourite… Pain of Salvation have created the perfect album.” – sleeper (#2)

43. Steven Wilson – The Raven That Refused To Sing

768 pts 6 votes (#1 – RoeDent) New release

“"Raven..." transposes Wilson's genius for composition into a realm that he has never dedicated himself so fervently towards… it is widely defined by this sense of 'tribute' to other artists… and though the homages are often noticeable, no one influence ever takes over completely… intelligent, classic and as musically proficient as a listener could hope for.” – Conor Fynes

42. Amon Düül II – Yeti

775 pts 9 votes (#5 – Guldbamsen) ▲ Unlisted (358+)

“It's satori, a musical meeting, where everything seems preconceived even if it's happening on a dime.....short moments of musical bliss that defy descriptions such as elaborate improvs and successful jamming… It pumps out of the speakers like a deranged explosive expressionism - transforming back and forth through wild psychedelic sections and alluring sprinkling acoustic bits… Yeti is truly in a class of its own.” – Guldbamsen (#5)

41. Supertramp – Crime of the Century

798 pts 9 votes (#9 – Formentera Lady) ▲ 3

“…the crime was that they were to become more famous, richer and more popular, but never to be as innovative, never to touch upon the musical alchemy of the philosopher's stone that would blend the perfect proportions of progressive rock and popular music again. It is not even greater than the sum of the parts - it is the total sum of the parts - communicating and harmonising, counterpoint and balance… the essential masterpiece of crossover prog.” – Dean (#61)

sublime220 View Drop Down

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Posted: February 01 2016 at 20:35

Raven took a high spot. Very surprised. Happy for Rock Bottom to make it in the top 50.

There is no dark side in the moon, really... Matter of fact, it's all dark...

RoeDent

Forum Senior Member

Joined: September 08 2009
Location: Wales
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Points: 850

Posted: February 02 2016 at 07:38

I kinda forgot about this. Interesting results so far. Great job organizing everything, Kazza3! :)

sublime220 View Drop Down

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Joined: January 21 2015
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Posted: February 02 2016 at 08:43

Micky will be glad to see Ys ahead of Mirage

There is no dark side in the moon, really... Matter of fact, it's all dark...

Kazza3

Forum Senior Member

Joined: November 29 2009
Location: Australia
Status: Offline
Points: 557

Posted: February 02 2016 at 17:52

40. Jethro Tull – Aqualung

817 pts 7 votes ▼ 8

(#6 - infernalfrog)

“Dirty urban imagery and ancient pastoral glimpses, blues-rock grit and folk whimsy, bitter social critique and tender domestic odes; so many contradictions and yet such a complete and seamless, almost effortless musical execution… Between the ragged immediacy of the preceding releases and the more polished and deliberate recordings that followed, "Aqualung" is the perfect balance.” – James Lee

39. Tangerine Dream – Rubycon

851 pts 7 votes ▲ 186

(#15 – Kazza3)

“Do yourself a favour and listen to this at night, whilst doing nothing else other than listening, because only then can you fully begin to appreciate how perfect this record is. Whilst the ingredients are more or less the same as on Phaedra, here they’re used much more as sophisticated, subtle elements of composition. Every single moment and flourish, every time an instrument enters or a dial turns, feels like the most satisfyingly placed change imaginable.” – Kazza3 (#15)

38. Can – Tago Mago

854 pts 8 votes ▲ 27

(#3 - Guldbamsen)

“[Can were] without exaggeration, one of the major creative forces of the 20th Century: a band so far beyond the usual genre pigeonholes of rock, jazz and/or classical as to defy any easy analysis or interpretation… Every CAN album in their pre-Virgin Record catalogue is arguably a masterpiece, but none deliver the impact of this monumental release.” – Neu!mann

37. King Crimson – Starless and Bible Black

880 pts 9 votes ▲ 67

(#6 – Dayvenkirq/Formentera Lady)

“This recording is just as mind-blowing, jaw-slacking and ear-bleeding [as Larks and Red]… The sheer contrasts of softness and power that is the KC signature after all is suitably demonstrated in spades; the quality of the performance and the material presented is simply extraordinary…. as modern sounding in 2012 as when it appeared on the scene” - tszirmay

36. The Beatles – Revolver

884 pts 10 votes ▲ 12

(#10 – justin4950834-2)

“The Beatles, now satisfied with being one of the most popular groups of all time, decided to try and become more experimental and different with their music… What we find on this record are a collection of very mature, well thought out songs. In my opinion, Revolver is The Beatles' most consistently good album.” – baz91

35. Led Zeppelin – Houses of the Holy

966 pts 10 votes ▲ 62

(#21 Polymorphia)

“I can understand some having a problem with the stylistic variety on this album. To me, however, that is one of the album's strengths. Houses Of The Holy has a lot in common with In Through The Outdoor in that both are not very hard rock-oriented, rather they explore different genres and sounds… In many ways this was the last great Zep album, proof that even big name rock bands wanted to experiment in the early 1970s… A great classic rock album” – zravkapt (#28)

34. Van der Graaf Generator – Still Life

966.5 pts 8 votes ▲ 6

(#6 sleeper/Kazza3, #7 addictedtoprog)

“This is one of those slow growing masterpieces. None of the tracks here really grab the attention immediately, but over repeated listens, they reveal depth and detail that truly astounds. Of all of Van Der Graaf's releases, this one is the one that I find I connect the most with emotionally. Every once in a while, I have to listen to the title track, and it can almost bring me to tears - very few songs I can say that about - and it is not even the best track on the album…” - TheGazzardian

33. Pink Floyd – Atom Heart Mother

970 pts 7 votes ▲ 186

(#2 Guldbamsen)

“With AHM, Floyd emerges from the spacey jams it was known for, and they jump on the prog train ambitiously (maybe a tad too much for their yet self-confidence), taking chances and mostly succeeding. While the album might seem that it hasn't aged as well as its successor, it is probably due to that then-refreshing naïveté that pervades through the album… certainly no less essential than the following masterpieces they will astonish the world with.” – Sean Trane

32. Pink Floyd – The Wall

1000 pts 8 votes ▲ 58

(#3 floflo79, #7 Cambus741, #9 justin4950834-2)

“Put simply, this is not just one of Prog's greatest moments, but one of the greatest works of Rock music in general. It's hard to deny the significant power this album has. From memorable, powerful songs, to pitch-perfect recording quality, to a all-together cohesion that is yet unmatched anywhere else, this is Pink Floyd's crowning acheivement, and that is saying a lot… everything a rock opera could hope for” – Conor Fynes

31. Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin II

1010 pts 11 votes ▲ 22

(#5 tamijo)

“Led Zeppelin ll showed a new mastery of studio sound and impact, a coming together of the bold spirit of the 60s with the discipline of working musicians led by a seasoned veteran who knew exactly what he wanted and how to achieve it. It also may be the single most influential album in rock history… Seminal, explosive, no wasted time or energy, this masterwork remains a rock 'n roll cornerstone... a perfect statement unimprovable by God or man.” - Atavachron

sublime220 View Drop Down

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Joined: January 21 2015
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Posted: February 02 2016 at 18:30

Good for Atom getting that high up.

There is no dark side in the moon, really... Matter of fact, it's all dark...

Lewian

Prog Reviewer

Joined: August 09 2015
Location: Italy
Status: Offline
Points: 15149

Posted: February 02 2016 at 19:20

Nice to see the Germans doing much better than in the PA top prog albums.

Kazza3

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Joined: November 29 2009
Location: Australia
Status: Offline
Points: 557

Posted: February 02 2016 at 19:38

30. The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

1030 pts 9 votes ▲ 20

(#2 Polymorphia, #5 sublime220)

“When this record hit the racks and airwaves in 1967 it changed the alignment of the planets... It is seamless and flows with sublime near- perfection from one song to the next. Just reading down the roster of songs leaves me shaking my head even now. It's got everything a great recording requires. And there may never be another song composed like "A day in the Life" ever again… This is the apex of the most influential band of all time.” - Chicapah

29. Can – Future Days

1042 pts 8 votes ▲ 112

(#7 zravkapt, #8 BaldFriede)

“This is maybe their most complete and organic work: a model of musical grace, subtlety, and near-telepathic rapport. It's certainly the easiest on the ears of all their early, more challenging efforts, but like any true Krautrock classic the album was always worlds away from anything resembling prototypical Prog Rock… a more optimistic side of the otherwise subversive Krautrock experience.” – Neu!mann

28. Gentle Giant – Octopus

1070 pts 10 votes ▼ 16

(#8 tamijo/floflo79)

“A wild, complex ride, Octopus is a succinct album, packing in as much punch as it can in its short 34 minute duration. The album is a great starting point for those new to Gentle Giant as it marks a turning point between the band's two stylistic eras… its songs are consistent in their inconsistency and controlled in their chaos… an excellent gem” – Magnum Vaeltaja (#31)

27. Radiohead – OK Computer

1089 pts 8 votes ▲ 14

(#3 Polymorphia, #6 zravkapt)

“The attention to detail is quite stunning, and is easily missed by a casual listen. Even the individual sounds made by each instrument have been carefully considered and honed so that the sound is pretty close to perfect. Melodically, harmonically, texturally, rhythimcally and formally it is one of the strongest and most consistent albums of all time.” – Certif1ed

26. Radiohead – Kid A

1106 pts 9 votes ▲ 30

(#1 Polymorphia, #6 sublime220, #7 Nogbad the Bad)

“This album takes the height of experimental rock music, multilayered sounds, bittersweet vocals, haunting melodies and depressing lyrics, and fused it with some mild electronica to create their weirdest and most experimental album yet… This is a stunning piece of music, incredibly original and accessible once you have got past the difficult change in style… Radiohead prove that they can follow a masterpiece with another masterpiece and are definitely one of the greatest bands in existence.” - frenchie

25. Pink Floyd - Meddle

1156 pts 9 votes ▼ 11

(#1 Dean)

“like [Atom Heart Mother], Meddle is an eclectic mix of space-rock, folk, and epic symphonic soundscapes. However, this album is more mature, sophisticated, and well-rounded than its excellent predecessor. At this point, Pink Floyd had completely shed the often uninteresting noddling that marked their early career and established themselves as a staggering musical force… I feel like I'm in some sort of oceanic bliss whenever I listen to it.” – Anthony H.

24. Yes – Tales From Topographic Oceans

1180 pts 8 votes (#1 emigre80) ▲ 57

(#1 emigre80, #9 micky/Kazza3)

“Never before in the context of rock has anything to this scale been done.. much less by a group on top of the music world… This album may have been more concise but at what cost.. the shear majesty and scope of the music that's what… and what we love progressive rock for is ambition, reaching for the stars, and exploding the popular notions of what rock is and should be. In that this album accomplishes in spades.” – micky (#9)

23. The Beatles – The Beatles (The White Album)

1195 pts 10 votes ▲ 38

(#7 floflo79, #8 jonross14, #10 Formentera Lady)

“The consistency and versatility featured on The White Album is truly remarkable considering its 90+ minute run… a collection of 30 compositions recorded at the peak of the band's creativity which doesn't necessarily mean that the individual moments here surpass any of their other classics. What this album offers its listeners is a continuous stream of quality material without once showing a sign of weakness… By far the longest and most ambitious project the Beatles would ever undertake.” – Rune2000

22. King Crimson - Lizard

1247 pts 10 votes ▲ 16

(#2 tamijo, #3 Formentera Lady, #8 Magnum Vaeltaja, #9 BaldFriede)

“"Lizard" ventures into largely unknown territory… some of the band's most beautiful, lyrical woodwind arrangements can be found counteracted by some of the funkiest, most refined heavy jazz soundscapes to be found in prog … Many other reviewers warn of this album being one of the more difficult King Crimson albums to get into though I couldn't find that to be less true… it delivers some of the most beautiful, most creative and most varied output in the band's catalog.” – Magnum Vaeltaja (#8)

21. The Mars Volta – De-Loused in the Comatorium

1248 pts 9 votes ▲ 15

(#2 addictedtoprog, #8 Kazza3)

“Two guys became famous in a post-hardcore band, got bored, and released all of their pent-up frustration and creativity in a crazed, genre-mashing explosion of sound and light- and then managed to pack that explosion into tight, polished, hook-filled songs that are bursting at the seams. Listen to it, preferably right now.” – Kazza3 (#8)

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