"Essential Prog" Article
Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Music Lounge
Forum Description: General progressive music discussions
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=38740
Printed Date: February 19 2025 at 19:58
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: "Essential Prog" Article
Posted By: maani
Subject: "Essential Prog" Article
Date Posted: June 06 2007 at 17:06
|
All:
One of the hottest podcast, music and culture sites around - Dusty Wright's Culture Catch - asked me to contribute an article on the most essential prog albums of all time. After six months of writing, editing and wrangling, the article has finally been published. I hope you all like it!
Peace.
http://www.culturecatch.com/music/essential-progressive-rock-listening-guide - http://www.culturecatch.com/music/essential-progressive-rock-listening-guide
|
Replies:
Posted By: chopper
Date Posted: June 06 2007 at 17:11
| Some interesting choices there maani, especially the last. This should generate some interesting discussion. Nice to see PA mentioned as "the number one prog website in the world" |
Posted By: Jimbo
Date Posted: June 06 2007 at 17:17
I disagree with some of your choices (naturally, compiling such a list is near impossible), but the article is brilliantly written, so congratulations on that! 
------------- 
|
Posted By: progismylife
Date Posted: June 06 2007 at 17:21
No Canterbury Scene?  Oh well...you do have some good choices though. |
Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: June 06 2007 at 17:21
|
Well written, Ian, and a great selection, which (as you indicate by referring to flying CDs) will not be anyone's.
------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: Atavachron
Date Posted: June 06 2007 at 17:32
|
Great maani, your choices are fine and it is really well written-- clean, authoritative and fun.
|
Posted By: Shakespeare
Date Posted: June 06 2007 at 17:50
| Great list. There are a few albums I'm not familiar with, but as for the rest, I very much like that list. Let us know when the next section is posted! |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: June 06 2007 at 19:05
|
A decent effort Maani and in fact a 'mission impossible' because choosing 12 essential progrock albums is always subjective and so you will receive critical remarks in this thread. My personal opinion: - I have problems with your analysis about Steve Hackett on SEBTP: "moody minimalist guitar work", that does harm to his creative and subtle way of playing guitar, way from minimal!
- Personally I had gone for a more adventurous way of choosing, not only UK bands but also bands like Ange (Guet-Apens), Triana (they speerheaded the Prog Andaluz) and I would have chosen an album by Rush (A Farewell To Kings or Moving Pictures) because of their innovative and adventurous blend of several styles.
- Marillion speerheaded the neo-prog movement so my vote had gone to their first album, that's such a pivotal album, the 'In The Court Of The Crimson King' of The Eighties!
Good luck Maani, thanks for this interesting thread
  |
Posted By: 1800iareyay
Date Posted: June 06 2007 at 20:17
| Out of all the lists I've seen on the internet for essential prog albums, this probably stands as the one I agree with most, though there are omissions as there always will be with such a small number to fill. Marillion's debut, Rush's Hemispheres, Ayreon's The Human Equation and a fair number of others could make their case, but as for capturing the spirit of pure syphonic prog it's a great list. |
Posted By: rushaholic
Date Posted: June 06 2007 at 21:07
|
Great article and a good job on a nearly impossible task. Naturally, I don't agree with every choice but a great list nonetheless. edit: I look over the list again and think that a couple of bands should have been included - namely Camel (Moonmadness, Snow Goose or Mirage) and VDGG (Godbluff, Pawn Hearts or H to He, Who Am the Only One). Personally, I would have chosen one of the great Rush albums (A Farewell to Kings or Hemispheres). BTW - I am listening to your Klaatu - Hope album right now. |
Posted By: Dean
Date Posted: June 06 2007 at 21:14
Talk about trying to get a quart into a pint-pot!
A Canterbury Scene example would have been nice, but at the expense of what? Tough call. ------------- What? |
Posted By: BroSpence
Date Posted: June 07 2007 at 02:10
| Very well done. I believe it is interesting for both a novice and one who is more experienced with prog (especially with those surprises at the end). Great job. Can't wait to read the next one. |
Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: June 07 2007 at 03:51
|
Nice article and a jolly good read. Thanks Maani
(although if I'm nitpicking then Brain Salad Surgery is the best ELP album and Wish You Were Here is the best Floyd album IMO..although its your choice of course not mine)
|
Posted By: Blacksword
Date Posted: June 07 2007 at 06:31
|
I would agree with ITCOTCK through to SEBTP (although I would probably replace 'Threshold of a Dream' with 'Days of Future Passed' I would say that was more 'important' as a prog album.
But Zappa onward I would say are not 'seminal prog albums' Good but not seminal. I would say that Camels Mirage or Snowgoose should be in there, along with Rush '2112' VDGG 'Pawn Hearts' and a Cantebury album (I'm no Canterbury expert, but perhaps Caravans Land of Grey and Pink or Hatfields 'Rotters Club' could have covered that subgenre. Just my opinions.. 
|
Posted By: Rocktopus
Date Posted: June 07 2007 at 06:53
Hm. I know its subjective and all that, but completely leaving out Canterbury from the english-speaking scene? Klaatu more essential than Soft Machine: Third or Robert Wyatt: Rock Bottom? When you got Yes in there, there's really no need for a Rick Wakeman solo. ------------- Over land and under ashes In the sunlight, see - it flashes Find a fly and eat his eye But don't believe in me Don't believe in me Don't believe in me |
darqdean wrote:Posted By: MikeEnRegalia
Date Posted: June 07 2007 at 07:18
|
Nice article! I agree with most of your list, but I would have selected a different album for Zappa (Hot Rats or Grand Wazoo) which shows more of his Jazz-Rock/Fusion side, and I would have included Van der Graaf Generator's Pawn Hearts or H to He instead of the Moody Blues album. BTW: I recently bought Klaatu - Hope in a record store because I remembered the cover from your avatar ... nice album! ------------- https://awesomeprog.com/release-polls/pa" rel="nofollow - Release Polls Listened to: 
|
Posted By: fuxi
Date Posted: June 07 2007 at 09:19
Bravo! 
|
Posted By: maani
Date Posted: June 07 2007 at 14:08
|
All:
Thank you for your many kind comments. Yes, a "mission impossible" it was. Let me respond to some specific comments.
Chopper: According to a top Internet database, in 2006 Progarchives was among the top 100 most visited music websites - of ANY genre. And since it was the only prog site on the list, this makes it the #1 prog site in the world. I was not kidding.
Progismylife: Re Canterbury, even Dusty (the owner of the site) asked me about that. Yes, I was sad to feel the need to eliminate an entire "school" of prog. Certainly Camel and Caravan deserve mention (as well as Hatfield and National Health). But other "schools" also went unmentioned. Hopefully, I will be able to rectify this in a future list.
Erik: re Steve Hackett, although he can certain solo well and will occasionally use multi-note fills, I think of his general approach as "minimalist" - a "less is more" style; he prefers a few well-placed notes (often with bends, volume effects, etc.) to the Petrucci method (not to take anything from Petrucci, whose style is appropriate for that genre). Re Rush and Marillion, they will appear in the neo-prog list. Yes, I know Rush kind of predates neo-prog; they really straddle the line between seminal and neo. But I will be giving them top honors in the next list. As well, Marillion will be there, though I have not made an absolute choice yet.
1800iareyay: As noted, Marillion and Rush will appear on the neo-prog list. I am not sure I will include Ayreon, though I will try.
Rushaholic: As with the Canterbury scene, I was definitely sad not to include a VDGG album - though, at the risk of further debate (LOL), I am not certain they qualify as "essential" in the way I meant. True, they were early and important. But they had little or no influence on other groups - and, to be honest, if I am on a desert island, I am not certain that Hamill's personal angst and paranoia is what I want to listen to every day!
Richardh: I opted for ELP over BSS because of its historical significance vis-a-vis prog in general. I also happen to like it about equally with Trilogy and BSS. Re WYWH, this was another impossible choice. Again, DSOTM for its significance and brilliance. And although I chose Animals as second, WYWH and Animals are, to me, a tie.
Blacksword: Re Threshold v. Days, I was able to have my cake and eat it too by noting the importance of Days in the text, but choosing Threshold. I think the meaning is clear.
Rocktopus: My choice of Klaatu was admittedly a personal one. Clearly Klaatu is not as influential or "essential" as Soft Machine, VDGG, Caravan et al. However, having chosen 12 top-notch albums, I felt I had the right to make one personal choice, even if it was highly controversial. After all, as the text notes, if I am going to be on a desert island and can't bring any Beatles, and want something "light" but proggy, Klaatu fits the bill perfectly!
Thanks again for all your marvelous comments!
Peace to all!
|
Posted By: Vibrationbaby
Date Posted: June 07 2007 at 14:54
|
Perfect beginner`s guide to prog I couldn`t do it because I`d be including all kinds of wacked out s*** like Vangelis-Beauborg, Guru Guru-UFO, Hawkwind - Space Ritual etc. etc.
------------- |
Posted By: rushaholic
Date Posted: June 07 2007 at 15:00
Only if your island stay was short! |
Posted By: Atkingani
Date Posted: June 07 2007 at 15:12
Great article, fine list, Maani... 
It's obvious we won't agree 100% since every sincere prog-fans have their own list and to compress all stuff we like into a 10-piece list is an almost "mission impossible". The most important is to provide more exposure to see our beloved genre better understood. ------------- Guigo ~~~~~~ |
Posted By: thellama73
Date Posted: June 07 2007 at 23:09
|
I have to say, I found your list quite refreshing. It's nice not to see the same albums over and over again. I applaud the variety of your selections (although I have to admit I am disappointed not to see any Rush)
------------- 
|
Posted By: Dim
Date Posted: June 07 2007 at 23:34
|
Although I do disagree with some choices, It is very good you are stick up for the progressive rock community somwhere other than here! ------------- 
|
Posted By: Seyo
Date Posted: June 08 2007 at 06:06
|
Great article! Bravo!
This kind of list is always subjective and it should probably be (I also note VDGG missing!). But I like this part:
“Progressive rock is a mindset, a conscious and deliberate approach to writing rock music based on certain elements, which usually include some or all of the following: incorporation of Western (classical, jazz et al), Eastern (Indian, Middle Eastern, et al.) and/or “world” (African, Latin, et al.) influences; use of non-standard (for rock) chord progressions; use of odd and/or shifting time signatures; use of non-standard (for rock) instrumentation (from sax, flute, or violin to sitar, bagpipes, or African percussion); an “orchestral” (i.e., “scored”) approach to arrangement; extended compositions, often including extended instrumental passages; virtuoso musicianship, often including extended solos; lyrics that tend toward the esoteric or fantastical and/or include numerous literary references; and the use of keyboards (Mellotron, synthesizers, etc.) and the recording studio itself to create effects, textures, and atmospheres."
It is not easy to "define" artistic genre or culture in general, but this is perhaps the best one can do.
|
Posted By: infandous
Date Posted: June 08 2007 at 11:59
|
Very nicely done Manni. Naturally, I don't agree with everything, but I think this is a good starter for someone new to prog. And I'd only change about 4 or 5 of the albums you list for my island Just one point, Genesis was formed in 1967, not 1970. And the band was started by Gabriel and Banks, so it wasn't really founded by just Gabriel. (I know, just nitpicking details but I thought I should point this out) |
Posted By: The Acolyte
Date Posted: June 08 2007 at 12:42
|
As everybody has said, that's a tough situation. I personally exclude Rick Wakeman and Gentle Giant ones and include Caravan's In the Land of Grey and Pink (Canterbury Scene...sorry, but that miss....um, i don't know...) and Camel's Moonmadness (the finest symphonic prog ever). ------------- "…but would I leave you in this moment of your trial?" |
Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: June 08 2007 at 14:47
|
A good beginners' guide, as has been said. Personally, I think I would have not limited this to English-language albums, but to albums from the UK (makes it easier). Since the listener is going to listen to this music for a very long-time, I think one should choose as much variety as possible, and one can choose some of the more "challenging" (takes more time to appreciate) albums. There is time to acquire the taste, and since one is on a desert island, and assuming that person who is being exposed to Prog doesn't have a considerable CD collection of his/her own (hopefully there is no reciprocal deal that you must listen to all of that person's Menudo CDs), that person will probably be happy to hear whatever you have. Anyway, I also miss the inclusion of Canterbury bands (perhaps The Rotters' Club would have been a good one to choose, or something from Gong). I personally would have included a Henry Cow album. I happen to prefer Acquiring the Taste to Octopus, but whatever. Thick as a Brick is too drawn out I feel (it doesn't hold my interest). I'd rather Aqualung from Jethro Tull. Actually, for my listening pleasure (from the Prog Folk category), I'd rather Comus' First Utterance, but bringing that along would be asking for trouble. Wouldn't want you cohabitant getting any bad ideas. Gryphon's Midnight Mushrumps would be a good substitute. Or a Spirogyra album.... St. Radigunds. As for Yes, I prefer Fragile (and a very easy album to get into, and with more songs there's more variety). I find parts of Close to the Edge rather boring. None of those would be my desert island picks (but then selfish me wouldn't be thinking about what music that other person would enjoy  ), but good job. I would avoid really depressing music, and that which may incite violence, however.You did get many of those essential albums for novices, but none of them have stood the test of time for me very well (but I guess I did start by enjoying them before moving on to other stuff on the whole, so...). A good choice for acquiring the taste for Prog, but, while historically very important, for me it doesn't represent the best choices for a long-term adventure in Progressive realms. Subjective. Note: I am in no way trying to say that my picks are in any way better than yours or more challenging. I guess I would have gone about it in a different way (rather than "desert island with someone interested in Prog". I might have tried to highlight the different aspects of Prog by choosing representative album examples from the different categories of classic Prog. Canterbury, RIO, Folk, Jazz Fusion, Raga..., Symphonic etc. I do think that a wider representation of styles and attitudes would be better for the task at hand, too. But I understand where you're coming from, and you've done a very good job of it. |
Posted By: Rocktopus
Date Posted: June 08 2007 at 14:58
|
Logan. You wrote something very similar to what I could have written, if I had been less stupid and lazy.
------------- Over land and under ashes In the sunlight, see - it flashes Find a fly and eat his eye But don't believe in me Don't believe in me Don't believe in me |
Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: June 08 2007 at 17:13
|
Rocktopus: Unlike me, you succinctly brought up good points. So please excuse me everyone for an unnecessary drivel-dribble post {EDITED to clarify, I mean this post, not the previous one which was rather good. Partially repeating myself here, I know}.  I too, was surprised, by Maani's inclusion of Klaatu (passingly wondered if the double-a was the attraction or pure coincidence ). and Rick Wakeman when Yes is included (to the exclusion of the Canterbury scene, and RIO I like to think too). A wider representation of styles/movements under the progressive umbrella would be warranted, I too feel (coupled with fairly strict geographical, rather than just language, limits since the "world of Prog" is so large, and there are so many styles to choose from as it is). What makes progressive music so exciting, and a lasting passion, is that there is so much variety. It's eclectic. We don't master Prog; Prog masters us... to be glib. If this was simply framed as as a beginners album guide, it should highlight that diversity as much as possible (with fairly representative examples). As long-term desert island picks, major diversity will be wanted to hold the interest. And at least that person will probably find something they like if, say symphonic doesn't appeal that much (though there's plenty of variety in Symph. Prog too). But as I said, that person will probably be receptive to hearing the music no matter what under the circumstances (assuming that desert island doesn't have a radio, TV and DVD player, internet, Nintendo, more of his or her albums, lots of board games, a fully-automated theme park on a deserted island etc.). Best would be to have progressive bands that sound very dissimilar. But a good job indeed, and there is variety there. Come to think of it: I think would have preferred this scenario if both were locked in a Swedish massage parlour with only thirteen Prog albums and a hundred masseuses to entertain the two... Then I might suggest Samla Mammas Maani, erm I mean Manna. Did they ever do a version of "Let's get it on?"
|
Posted By: Minimalist777
Date Posted: June 08 2007 at 23:41
|
Very interesting, good begginer's guide! Ill be interested to read the Neo-Prog one! ------------- WWOSD? What Would OliverStoned Do? |
Posted By: Peter
Date Posted: June 09 2007 at 01:46
|
Way to go, Maani -- great list, & great article. Kudos! ------------- "And, has thou slain the Jabberwock? Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!' He chortled in his joy. |
Posted By: maani
Date Posted: June 09 2007 at 11:32
|
Logan: Good comments all. Yes, if I had started with a different premise, perhaps some different choices might have been made. But, to paraphrase Herr Rumsfeld, "you work with the premise you're given." LOL. Also, are you certain you've thought through your suggestion to pick one album from each subgenre? Tell me, could YOU pick between Yes and Genesis? Caravan and Camel? Pink Floyd and Tangerine Dream? Etc. I don't really think that approach would suffice; although it would definitely provide a broader range of prog, it would not necessarily lead to "essential" choices given the parameters of the exercise. Yes, I rue mostly the exclusion of the entire Canterbury school. However, at the risk of being lambasted, I have to admit that, as much as I like much of it, I don't see it as nearly as "essential" to prog listening (and learning) as other things. Certainly Mirage, Land of Grey & Pink, Rotters Club (among others) all deserve consideration. But over the majority of albums chosen? I don't think so. [As an aside, after my neo-prog list and my non-UK/U.S. list (i.e., mostly non-english-speaking), perhaps I can find a way to do a list that would include everyone from Caravan to Gong to Tangerine Dream to Eno to Henry Cow. We'll see.] I agree with you re First Utterance: an absolutely brilliant and important album. But, as you suggest, it might be only slightly less continuously listenable than Hamill's personal angst and paranoia. LOL.
Re Klaatu, again, that was a "personal pick" that I felt I was entitled to given the insanity of the exercise and my right to include at least one album just for me. LOL.
Re Wakeman in the light of Yes, as noted in the text, I consider Myths among the most perfect albums to introduce someone to prog rock, given that it satisfies almost every single aspect of the definition of "prog rock" I provided. Indeed, if one had to choose only one single album to introduce someone to prog as a genre, Myths is among a very few albums I would consider.
Finally, thankfully I will NOT have listen to my companion's collection of albums, which not only included Menduo, but (Yecchhh!) John Tesh. LOL.
Re my neo-prog list, I want to remind everyone ahead of time (because I KNOW so many of you will disagree with my choices) that (i) I am using the same parameters (desert island, someone unfamiliar with it, good after repeated listenings), and (ii) my definition of neo-prog is vastly different than most of yours. By the way, I got the go-ahead from Dusty to create the neo-prog list for publication on Culture Catch.
To all who have weighed in here, thank you. Whether or not you agree with my choices - or even the parameters under which they were made - I sincerely welcome the comments and debate. It is one thing that separates proggers from most other fans: cogent, knowledgeable, thoughtful discussion and debate. Can you imagine two people having a serious, thoughtful, intelligent conversation re the relative merits of Britney Spears vs. Christina Aguilera? LOL.
Peace.
|
Posted By: bluetailfly
Date Posted: June 09 2007 at 14:07
Wow! What a fun yet daunting task you had to undertake. I realize it's really down to your choices. So why am I commenting on it? Why can't I let you just enjoy what you've done and not comment on it? I don't know, but I can't. Maybe it has something to do with . . . something in the past . . . I can't quite remember it now . . . something . . . some argument . . . Ah! Anyway, to the point:
Whoa! The Moody Blues and Mahivishnu Orhestra deserve consideration over Caravan, Soft Machine, Hatfield? I think most critics consider the MB to be more a precurser to prog rock, not a core prog band. And Mahav Orch, similarly, fits more in the jazz-rock genre, not prog rock in the classic sense. If the task was to turn people on to prog rock with twelve choices (admittedly an laughably impossible undertaking) I think they would have been better served being turned on to "In the Land of the Grey and Pink" or Soft Machine's first LP (or second) than the MBs.
And I think your stereotyping of VDGG, while amusing of course, discounts the amazing music the band puts out. It's not all Hamill's vocals, especailly Pawn Hearts, which I would have put on list as well (if I could fit it).
BTW: I am going to buy that Klattu album, though. Thanks for turning me on to it. I think it's time for Klattu. Time to give Klattu their due. Time to pop on the disc, snuggle into bed with the noise-reducing phones on, shut my eyes, and let Klattu work their magic and take me away into a magical prog soundscape. I can't wait, but I have to get paid first.  ------------- "The red polygon's only desire / is to get to the blue triangle." |
Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: June 09 2007 at 16:12
|
Excellent response, Maani! And I certainly do think you did a very fine job with it -- not just the picks, but all of it. Indeed, unlike all the thought, time, and research you put into preparing that, I was speaking impressions/ thoughts more of the cuff -- and not intended as a criticism really, just thoughts for the sake of discussion in this thread. Given the basic premise and aim of your article, I'm not really sure which music I would ultimately decide on (and I know I'd second, third, fourth... guess my choices). You do make excellent points which I'll try to address later when I'm not dealing with my kids. I just wanted to thank you for your excellent response at this time. Edited to include multiple missing words from what should have been a simple final sentence.  |
Posted By: Tony R
Date Posted: June 09 2007 at 19:47
I agree. In any case Wakeman's solo efforts really aren't innovative or essential. Good effort though Maani, and your reply to Erik about a certain band has saved you a flurry of irate PMs... |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: June 09 2007 at 19:53
|
Tony R30, you are right about 'that certain band' but in my opinion you are missing some very exciting prog when you conclude that Rick Wakeman is not innovative or essential as a solo artist because he has released some solo efforts in his early years that are superior to many progrock efforts in those days, a big hand for Rick Wakeman solo
|
Posted By: Tony R
Date Posted: June 09 2007 at 19:58
I meant in the context of an essential 12 prog albums...I have all 4766 of Rick's albums in my collection Erik |
Posted By: gong
Date Posted: June 10 2007 at 02:48
i agree with Roctopus and Tony R.
for example - probably Todd Rundgren's Initiation (or his previous Utopia the album!) is going to describe much better some essential and / or innovative Prog album than Rick Wakeman's The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur ;
not only because Yes Close To The Edge is already on Manni's list , IMO.
but anyway, congrats & many thanx to Maani for his great article!
|
Posted By: Greg W
Date Posted: June 10 2007 at 10:50
|
I had a problem with the article. While I thought it was well written, I couldn't make up my mind whether Ian was writing a list of key essential prog lps or a beginners guide. IMO, there's a big difference.
I ,for one, wouldn't want to be trapped on a desert island thinking yeah, this isn't great or essential, and not necessarily what I would want to listen to, but the animals and fish won't be offended.
|
Posted By: Tony R
Date Posted: June 10 2007 at 10:52
that rules out your VDGG collection then bro!  |
Posted By: maani
Date Posted: June 10 2007 at 11:31
|
Bluetailfly:
You really know how to hold a grudge, don't you?! LOL. And re Klaatu, I always thought you were more open-minded than that. True, they are not for everyone. But I think if you put aside your preconceptions and ingrained biases, and simply listen to it for what it is, you might even find yourself liking it.
Tony:
Re Wakeman in light of Yes, I agree with Erik, but would add that the solo work of artists associated with particular bands can be as good as - if not better than - what they did with that band, or what the band did. I think Wakeman is a good example: at least a few of his solo efforts (particularly Six Wives and Myths) are every bit as good - even "essential" - as some of Yes' efforts.
Another excellent example is Neal Morse: it is almost unarguable that all four of his solo efforts (Testimony, One, ?, Sola Scriptura) are every bit as good - and often better - than anything Spock's Beard ever put out (and I love Spock's Beard).
Peace.
|
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: June 10 2007 at 11:48
| Maani, I am curious to your opinion about albums like El Patio by Triana and Guet-Apens by Ange, I would like to name these albums 'essential prog albums' because of their huge influence (Prog-Andaluz and development of French progressive rock) and a level mighty close to the symphonic prog dinosaurs. |
Posted By: bluetailfly
Date Posted: June 10 2007 at 12:52
Well, I don't know about holding a grudge, but let's just say it tipped the scales (really, I was kidding) :) I enjoyed the argument; I don't think I've ever so perfectly articulated the moral high ground.
And actually, I meant what I said about Klattu. I was serious when I wrote that. I am hoping they really turn me on.
Now, granted, I am just a sole voice in the wilderness of life and easily discounted by those in well-established social hierarchies, and I know that . . . but I would like to interject something at this juncture, if I may...
Wakeman's solo lps, while superficially exciting the first few times out, reveal their lack of substance in the long run, I believe. That is why even his best pale along side anything Yes has done. Anderson, Howe and Squire know how to compose music, esecially longer pieces with several movements. Wakeman never really could pull that off. He's is a great instrumentalist and knows how to profoundly contribute to the works of others, but he's not really a successful composer, imho. I collected every Wakeman lp up to White Rock, but after that (and even before really), the scales fell from my eyes.
Such is the life of a progger... ------------- "The red polygon's only desire / is to get to the blue triangle." |
Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: June 12 2007 at 10:41
Yes, I think I thought that through sufficiently for my list and approach given your parameters which present some problems (not that you needed to do it the same way as I offered as an alternative). I do see potential problems with this being both a beginner's guide, and a list of albums that will hold interest over a long time. For me that presents something of a conflict, but an interesting challenge. While a definitive list is impossible, I think one could come up with a broader list of essentials that will both serve as a good introduction to progressive music, and have enough diversity to hold interest over a long time. Time is on your side.
I find Canterbury very essential. You have a fairly captive
audience; I do think diversity makes sense (especially to alleviate
boredom).
My concern is that subjecting your desert island companion to that album might lead to some very unpleasant (carnal and violent) acts against you (or towards the partner). Drip, drip. Depends on your partner, and on you. I must admit, I've never fully gotten into VdGG even though there are quite a few songs I love (the histrionics can be a bit much for me). In such a desert island situation, I would want music that would not present a serious risk in compromising sanity, I suppose. Not for myself so much, as my partner. Crazy music can help me deal with my own psychoses to an extent.
I had read before in this thread, and understood (though it wasn't clear in your article). I personally wouldn't have included any albums from this band in an essentials list (the band is listed here as Prog-Related, but that's not saying this album isn't Proggy, though I don't think the band progressive enough).
Fair enough; I was just thinking of the limited space issue.
Not to mention Kenney-G's greatest hits. See, that's the kind of closed mind, and ears, that makes Prog fans alright in my books! I kid.
I'll be interested to see your definition.
I can imagine the heated arguments about who has the nicer t*ts (I know that Britney's are augmented). Anyway, thanks for the response. It's quite a challenge you took on. |
Posted By: Sofagrisen
Date Posted: June 12 2007 at 12:34
| I feel a main problem with the list is how all of modern prog is left out, it just spans from 1969-1977. I would very much like to add for example In Absentia and Lateralus to such a list. I think just one album from each band was a good idea though. |
Posted By: Vibrationbaby
Date Posted: June 12 2007 at 16:51
|
Just out of interest I`m wondering why you didn`t mention in passing something like : " ......and then there were the space freak bands such as Guru Guru, Brainticket and Hawkwind which were hippie residue from the sixties who persevered with their own drug cultured progressive rock explorations in the early seventies." Just out of interest of course. ------------- |
Posted By: yarstruly
Date Posted: June 13 2007 at 00:46
|
Excellent Article! A very enjoyable read! ------------- Facebook hashtags: #100greatestprogrockchallenge #scottssongbysong #scottsspotlight |
Posted By: Sean Trane
Date Posted: June 13 2007 at 05:11
|
Just saw this thread this morning. Will catch up!!
First impressions are good, Maani! ------------- let's just stay above the moral melee prefer the sink to the gutter keep our sand-castle virtues content to be a doer as well as a thinker, prefer lifting our pen rather than un-sheath our sword |
Posted By: Big Ears
Date Posted: June 13 2007 at 11:30
| If anyone understands Beauborg by Vangelis, I'd be interested to read it. |
Posted By: Vibrationbaby
Date Posted: June 13 2007 at 15:20
 ???------------- |
Posted By: Arsillus
Date Posted: June 13 2007 at 18:11
| Hey, good job maani. I certainly would have passed out given such an arduous task! I just think there are better Zappa album to choose from. |
Posted By: stonebeard
Date Posted: June 13 2007 at 18:16
|
Good one, maani. I look forward to your Neo-Prog article with anticipation and awaiting argumentation.
------------- http://soundcloud.com/drewagler" rel="nofollow - My soundcloud. Please give feedback if you want! |