I find the “Rock” in “Prog Rock” to be very masculine indeed. Take away the raw energy of Rock from Prog and instead of Prog Folk, Jazz Rock or Symphonic Prog you get Folk, Jazz and classical music, all styles much more likely to please the ladies.

I suppose there must be something wrong with me - I'm a woman, but I've always hated dance music, romantic ballads and all kinds of chart fodder. On the other hand, I quite like straightforward rock (even heavy metal, though not the more extreme varieties) and prog has always been my favourite.

As to the initial question about machismo and aggression, while it may be true that males tend to be more aggressive for biological reasons, women are not all sweetness and light. As a matter of fact, I don't subscribe to the theory that the world would be a better place if women had more power. Women may be less aggressive or violent than men, but they sure as hell know how to be mean to others.

Of course, there’s always the odd female who likes action films, so it must be the same with Prog and Rock in general. Btw, welcome to the club Ghost Rider: I’m female too and have always loved Rock’s raw energy – crooners and whiners make my skin crawl.  

As for this crazy world, I hear you. A world ruled by women would be just as messed up as the present one, only with a different set of problems. Balance is the key. Maybe that’s why I like music so much: it gives balance to everything. And so far, I’ve got to admit it’s the guys who have brought us the most exciting music around: Rock and Prog.

It’s a lonely world out there for female Progsters, but I wouldn’t have it any other way .

Hibou wrote: l... As if there was guy-music and girl-music, the same as there are chick flicks and dick flicks. At least, that’s my theory.

Okay, you know, I talk to people, I stay in touch with the world outside, I read extensively, I travel, I tune into what's around me, but for the life of me, I have never heard the expression "dick flick."

Is this an expression that has worked itself into the lexicon of informal conversation? I must be out of touch. I'm mean, I'm not saying that it's bad or offensive or anything; I just haven't heard it uttered.

If you take ELP as an example, there was also Greg Lake who supported the more feminine side of the band with his dreamy ballads. Keith was a real man, rough and rugged, Greg was cultural and clean. Now, where does that leave Joe Jackson  ?

But seriously folks, maybe ELP, Rush, Dream Theater and a bunch of others accentuate the more masculine side of prog, and Camel, Caravan and Renaissance the more feminine side. Just a wild stab in the dark.

And maybe it's just all plain common nonsense what I say  . Still, prog offers an interesting mix of masculine and feminine, where electric instruments may be associated more with the masculine side of music, and acoustic instruments more with the feminine side. Metal is primarily masculine, singer /songwriters with their acoustic instruments and introspective lyrics more feminine. Prog offers a mix, and maybe the best prog offers the best mix. Bands like Yes and Genesis, I'd say.

Now, how about all these nice little theories? Okay, I'm off to bed  .

Moogtron III wrote: If you take ELP as an example, there was also Greg Lake who supported the more feminine side of the band with his dreamy ballads. Keith was a real man, rough and rugged, Greg was cultural and clean.

Now, I'm no ELP basher (in fact I just bought "In the Hot Seat" - used, of course), but Greg Lake "cultural and clean"??? He strikes me as one of the bawdiest overly-sated womanizers in the prog world. I see his "feminine side" as his best-developed LP and stage persona.

bluetailfly wrote: [Okay, you know, I talk to people, I stay in touch with the world outside, I read extensively, I travel, I tune into what's around me, but for the life of me, I have never heard the expression "dick flick." Is this an expression that has worked itself into the lexicon of informal conversation? I must be out of touch. I'm mean, I'm not saying that it's bad or offensive or anything; I just haven't heard it uttered.

To be honest, I can’t remember where I first heard the expression myself but I know I’ve seen it, and always in relation to the other. I found it rather funny because it rhymes and describes the type of films most “chicks” stay away from (I’m sure you’ll find references if you google it). Now I just hope I haven’t offended anyone …

Moogtron III said: “…maybe ELP, Rush, Dream Theater and a bunch of others accentuate the more masculine side of prog, and Camel, Caravan and Renaissance the more feminine side..”  My thoughts too. Prog can wear so many different colours but it’s all prog in the end. As for the best masculine/feminine mix resulting in the best Prog, I imagine this would apply if your preferred genre is Symphonic or melodic Prog, but not if you’re into the more abrasive genres. What one considers “best” is always highly subjective and so vehemently challenged on any prog site – we progheads are such a passionate lot we’re likely to start WWIII one of these days .

bluetailfly wrote: Moogtron III wrote: If you take ELP as an example, there was also Greg Lake who supported the more feminine side of the band with his dreamy ballads. Keith was a real man, rough and rugged, Greg was cultural and clean. Now, I'm no ELP basher (in fact I just bought "In the Hot Seat" - used, of course), but Greg Lake "cultural and clean"??? He strikes me as one of the bawdiest overly-sated womanizers in the prog world. I see his "feminine side" as his best-developed LP and stage persona.

It was a bit of a joke. I was only quoting Joe Jackson's song Real Men.

"What’s a man now?

What’s a man mean?

Is he rough or is is he rugged?

Is he cultural or clean?..."

So don't take too seriously what I said. I agree with you, and I was only referring to that LP and stage persona. On stage Keith was the macho performer, and Greg was a lot of times the dreamy bard, singing softly with his acoustic guitar.

What Greg did in the real world... Well, we're talking music aren't we