Grateful Dead- Not Even Prog-Related? Really?

So I'm listening to Anthem Of The Sun (1968) right now and what I can say is that though it lacks the "avantgarde" edge that JA's After Bathing At Baxter's has, I still think it would suit Proto-Prog.

harmonium.ro wrote: I'm surprised to see so little credit given to Jefferson Airplane. They were way ahead of their time. For example, in their 1967 album "After Bathing At Baxter's" they have a 9 minute + "avant" jam. Nobody did that!

Many others were just as far or even further ahead of their time. Just to mention some of the 9+ minute proto-prog songs that were recorded that year (not to mention all the extended versions played in the clubs):

While the point that some one got into prog from prog-related groups makes sense, I don't think anyone will find this site because of prog-related groups, and then discover actual prog. I really don't think the PR category serves any purpose other than allowing members to discuss non-prog bands they like. Obviously, if the majority of members want to do that, then it goes, but I am so sick of discussions about the merits of Metallica, the Dead, etc. who are already popular. NO ONE is going to discover those bands because of this site.

Certif1ed wrote: Lonnie Donegan next?       Actually, the GD make as much sense as Jefferson Airplane.     ...still looking for Spooky Tooth and Graham Bond Organisation in the archives...

Personally I think GD makes more sense than JA.
I totally missed out on the JA addition and not sure how they got here. In the words of our esteemed Ivan though, once an artist is here, not much point in arguing anymore, not that you were.

As I said before, I think there is a valid case for GD, there just aren't enough yes votes for them on the current PR or proto team. That could change later.

I haven't listened to all of the above samples, but Unbroken Chain is prog-rock, nice stuff.

Another band that I think deserves a serious look, and I know Dick Heath has said this too, is Simon and Garfunkel. Bookends could qualify as proto, and as Heath has pointed out, Save the Life of my Child is probably one of the first recorded prog songs.



Edited by Easy Money - February 04 2010 at 09:42

Lonnie Donegan next?

Sorry to divert the conversation for a bit, but Bitches Brew isn't even close to the first JR or fusion record.

This is revisionist history pushed by a massive publicity campaign by Columbia records.

You can read the PA definition of JR to learn about the first JR releases, the structure of the article needs to be fixed but the info is there.

Edited by Easy Money - February 04 2010 at 08:11

Negoba wrote: Oh Miles belongs here if we're going to have a jazz-fusion category, which we should. He basically invented the genre with the Bitches' Brew era albums. But that was the point. Then what do you rate "Birth of the Cool?" It's a masterpiece, just not of prog.   For my part I doubt I'll review either.

Yeah, Miles invented the fusion genre with Bitches Brew era albums, he shocked jazz purists and he won rock audience hearts. I rate Birth of the Cool so high. It's  '50s  jazz masterpiece, of course. It's nice thing that you gonna to review this album. His catalogue before that fusion would be to lighten also. I said that only prog related category would to contain the albums only; some albums by the bands as The Grateful Dead aswell.  Same with The Who, or Queen. Some bands have to have only one album @PA  as prog related (or proto prog) (i.e. The Stones' Their Satanic Majesty Request ) simply because their other works have absolutly nothing in common with Prog. I know it will never happen, but I though that's only way to avoid gibberish discussions. Regards;

Edited by ko - February 04 2010 at 04:32

Oh cool, well, I'm glad they got the official review and I'll respect the decision.  Thanks John. 

I love them, think they are actually more progressive than many of our bands on the site, but I'm perfectly happy to be my own personal deadhead

If we have a PR category, and the plan is for the site to retain it, then having discussions about acts to add to are perfectly legit and should not be stifled by anyone.

Now, if Admin has already reviewed the Dead, and rejected them after review, then I agree.....as with Judas Priest, let it go for a while. 

Can anyone tell us if Admin has reviewed the Dead formally?

You are right, Jeff, but I would be careful in saying that out loud... The last time I did, it didn't end up well.