THE BEST SYMFO ROCK

This 3-CD set is sponsored by Arrow Classic Rock, the Dutch radiostation that is embraced by all Dutch progheads because they are the only radiostation that frequently plays many progrock classics and every week on Tuesday the known rock-journalist/producer Kees Baars (he is a personal friend of Geddy Lee) is the host for a two hour progrock show. In my opinion this is a comprehensive symphonic rock/progrock 3-CD: it includes compositions from the symphonic rock dinosaurs Yes, Genesis, ELP (2 songs) and Yes (but to my surprise no King Crimson, perhaps Mr. Fripp didn't agree?), the neo-prog featuring Pendragon, Marillion,IQ and Arena (no Twelfth Night, an inclusion would have been done justice to their unique sound), many known progrock acts like Camel, the Dutch section with Supersister, Kayak and Focus, Jethro Tull and Manfred Mann's Earth Band (I miss The Strawbs and Barclay James Harvest), heavy progressive delivering Kansas, Rush, Rainbow, Uriah Heep, Queensryche, Dream Theater and Angel (two times, "Fortune" is one of my favorites, what a mindblowing keyboards!) and new acts like Mostly Autumn and Opeth. Of course these kind of compilations always evoke discussions about the choices (in my case: I prefer the missing bands I mentioned above Mike And The Mecanics, Toto, Asia or Fish solo but on the other hand I'm pleased with Colosseum, I hope that many progheads will discover this very overlooked band by buying this wonderful 3-CD set!