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micky 
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 Posted: July 08 2006 at 19:58 |
 Penumbra wrote:
Then again, it took me several listens to really love Tales from Topographic Oceans. Now I am attached to it. :)
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you're a good man... once you proclaim it as one of the great albums of
prog... we'll induct you into our secret little society. Not much
too it... you have to play TFTO once a week, pledge to play it through
headphones to any children you have in the future, and we meet once a
week and get hammered and tell old war stories...
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The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip
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Penumbra
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Posted: July 08 2006 at 20:07 |
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And Ghandi 2, I know what you mean. I don't necessarily concentrate on completely "light, cheery" music; however, I do *prefer* the lighter sounds. For example, the strings on "A Change of Seasons" are too... heavy sounding for me. I'm not sure what the actual material is (nylon, steel, nickel, etc), but prog metal doesn't do as much for me as prog ROCK.
Sure, P.M. is good, but it's not as high for me as P.R. There we go! I have looked intensely at this site's "Symphonic Prog" subsection, and I notice that my favourite Yes albums make up the core of this :). I hope to become an expert solely in Symphonic Prog, also, as I just heard Harmonium's "If we had a Fifth Season". Very beautiful; Camel does not seem to have a very large selection around here. I cannot find any albums by them :(.
I believe the reason I like Symphonic Prog ROCK more than Metal is the fact that metal has come from a distinctly American background; not that this is bad, but I grew up listening to the strains of European classical music such as Mozart, then Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Holst/Vaughan Williams. Since my favourite prog comes largely from Britain, it seems only logical that I prefer the European style, which is progressive rock. Heck, I even prefer The Who, The Beatles and other big British acts to American acts.
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Penumbra
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Posted: July 08 2006 at 20:10 |
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I am honoured Micky. You know what, I am not exaggerating when I tell you that I have listened to TFTO at least 50 times in the past month; I actually cannot get enough of the utterly sexy bass playing on Ritual, the awesome light-heartedness of The Revealing Science of God, the percussion work on The Remembering, and, of course, the great experimentalism and acoustics at the end of The Ancient.
Pure prog. <3
Edited by Penumbra - July 08 2006 at 20:10
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micky
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Posted: July 08 2006 at 20:10 |
Penumbra wrote:
Sure, P.M. is good, but it's not as high for
me as P.R. There we go! I have looked intensely at this site's
"Symphonic Prog" subsection, and I notice that my favourite Yes albums
make up the core of this :). I hope to become an expert solely in
Symphonic Prog, also, as I just heard Harmonium's "If we had a Fifth
Season". Very beautiful; Camel does not seem to have a very large
selection around here. I cannot find any albums by them :(.
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hmmm.... you need to start exploring the Italian section then.. if you
are looking for pure T symphonic that's where you need to be....
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The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip
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micky
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Posted: July 08 2006 at 20:11 |
Penumbra wrote:
I am honoured Micky. You know what, I am not exaggerating when I tell
you that I have listened to TFTO at least 50 times in the past month; I
actually cannot get enough of the utterly sexy bass playing on Ritual,
the awesome light-heartedness of The Revealing Science of God, the
percussion work on The Remembering, and, of course, the great
experimentalism and acoustics at the end of The Ancient.
Pure prog. <3
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good deal... I've got my eye on you hahah. Let me know where your explorations take you.....
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The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip
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Penumbra
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Posted: July 08 2006 at 20:20 |
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Well, it's not that I prefer the use of symphony orchestras in symphonic prog. By symphonic prog, I mean the use of prog instruments (guitar, mellotron, bass, vocals, percussion, piano and A SPRINKLING of strings) in a symphonic form. TFTO is a perfect example of this: There are four movements, like a traditional symphony, yet not utilizing *a* symphony.
This is what I want people to understand.
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micky
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Posted: July 08 2006 at 20:31 |
Penumbra wrote:
Well, it's not that I prefer the use of symphony
orchestras in symphonic prog. By symphonic prog, I mean the use of prog
instruments (guitar, mellotron, bass, vocals, percussion, piano and A
SPRINKLING of strings) in a symphonic form. TFTO is a perfect example
of this: There are four movements, like a traditional symphony, yet not
utilizing *a* symphony.
This is what I want people to understand.
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exactly... and that ^ is why you need to, at some point, and the sooner
the better...check out Italian Symphonic. You WILL be blown
away... think King Crimson is heavy... listen to Osanna.... think that
Emerson is a genius and love how the keyboards dominate ELP's sound...
listen to Gianni Leone on YS. Think Genesis and Tull are great...
listen to Locanda Della Fate and Quella Vecchia Locanda. Best of
all.... your first exploration into Italian Symphonic Prog.... Museo
Rosenbach's Zarathustra.. I promise you won't stop with that one...
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The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip
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Penumbra
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Posted: July 08 2006 at 20:38 |
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To those who mentioned Genesis to me, thank you! I found that my father has CDs of them: Selling England by the Pound mostly is what I have found, and some foxtrot. Truly great and almost equal to Yes in beauty.
I am looking for Italian Symphonic as we speak, Micky! I'm going to go full flight into Symphonic Prog; I want to hear IT ALL!! :)
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micky
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Posted: July 08 2006 at 20:44 |
Penumbra wrote:
To those who mentioned Genesis to me, thank you! I
found that my father has CDs of them: Selling England by the Pound
mostly is what I have found, and some foxtrot. Truly great and almost
equal to Yes in beauty.
I
am looking for Italian Symphonic as we speak, Micky! I'm going to go
full flight into Symphonic Prog; I want to hear IT ALL!! :)
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that's the spirit... and a word of advice... if Erik Neuteboom give you
a recommendation... take it... he's batting 1.000 on recommendations
with me... not a bad or even less than stellar album yet...
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The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip
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bhikkhu
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Posted: July 08 2006 at 22:30 |
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You are on the right track my brother. If you are into TfTO (one of my new passions), then you are ready for just about anything. For Genesis, I believe "Foxtrot" is a must. You may want to explore more KIng Crimson. The John Wetton era is fantastic ("Lark's Tounge in Aspic," "Starless and Bible Black," and "Red"). I will agree with Ghost Rider, and also suggest Transatlantic. I love both albums. You also may be interested in Marillion's first four albums. Their direction changed with the loss of Fish, and I don't care much for it. I also highly reccomend taking up Micky's suggestion on Italian prog. He got me into it, and it is amazing.
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Rando
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Joined: April 08 2006
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Posted: July 08 2006 at 22:35 |
Penumbra wrote:
Hi everyone, just to tell you I'm new, and hello!
Anyway, I recently (a few months past) became interested in Progressive Rock, more specifically lighter, symphonic progressive. I also find the post-rock sound of Godspeed You! Black Emperor to my immense liking. Take examples such as "Storm", "Sleep", and "Dead Flag Blues" as symbolic of my interests. I prefer very long pieces of music, usually in true symphonic form, utilizing several movements with transition between them. Close to the Edge is probably the archetype of my list; it is just ME.)
So, I'd like to challenge the people of this great site: can any of you help me (and others who read this topic) to find more pieces of music in the vein of 1969-1976 music? I'd greatly appreciate input; for example, I know that Genesis and King Crimson were quite progressive, but I simply can't find any very long tracks such as Supper's Ready and Moonchild. I also know that ELP made something called "Brain Salad Surgery", and I'm wondering if this is symphonic like Tarkus.
Greetings to all of you from Penumbra! :)
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Greetings! And Welcome!
Well, you've certainly picked a great list of great Prog music. In regards to finding "longer tracks," remember, isn't a guarantee for great music.
Genesis were one of a few that were able to give epic proportions to a single song, or within a song. I'd recommend the Genesis album "Nursery Cryme" and listen to "The Musical Box," The Return Of The Giant Hogweed," and "The Fountain Of Salmacis."
I know The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway and Selling England By The Pound albums have already been mentioned.
King Crimson - I recommend the album "Lizard." Probably the most symphonic of the early Crimson, with Jon Anderson (YES) doing guest vocals. Some great mellotron playing, real brass and woodwind playing (English Horn solos). Mixes jazz and symphonic styles only Robert Fripp coud come up with
Also recommend "Moving Waves," by the Dutch band FOCUS. The last track, "Eruption" is a very long track, (takes up all of side 2 on the vinyl Lp version).
Even Jethro Tull's "Thick As A Brick" which is essentailly one whole song, concept in one album, CD...
Good Luck and Have fun listening to this great music. 
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- Music is Life, that's why our hearts have beats -
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micky
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Posted: July 08 2006 at 22:55 |
bhikkhu wrote:
You are on the right track my
brother. If you are into TfTO (one of my new passions), then you are
ready for just about anything. For Genesis, I believe "Foxtrot" is a
must. You may want to explore more KIng Crimson. The John Wetton era is
fantastic ("Lark's Tounge in Aspic," "Starless and Bible Black," and
"Red"). I will agree with Ghost Rider, and also suggest Transatlantic.
I love both albums. You also may be interested in Marillion's first
four albums. Their direction changed with the loss of Fish, and I don't
care much for it. I also highly reccomend taking up Micky's suggestion
on Italian prog. He got me into it, and it is amazing. |
hmm...
thanks for the kind words...
that said, do you consider the Wetton-era King Crimson symphonic... I
admit I had my hands in on the move to art-rock for them. That
era is more characteristic of a less symphonic more avant-garde
style which of course is what sort of put them on a pedestal above many
of the other groups.. like Yes.. they were never content to hit a
stride in a style and perfect it.. they were always...looking over the
horizon so to speak IMO. Those albums are essential.. but if he
is truly looking for only symphonic... he should look elsewhere... like
Transatlantic hahah 
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The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip
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Paulieg
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Posted: July 08 2006 at 23:16 |
Italian symphonic must haves:
Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso:
1) Darwin
2) Io Sono Nato Libero
Le Orme:
1) Felona E Serona
2) Uomo Di Pezza
PFM:
1) Per Un Amico
2) Storia Di Un Minuto
Quella Vecchia Locanda:
1)Il Tempo Della Gioia
Celeste:
1) Celeste
Alphataurus:
1)Alphataurus
La Maschera Di Cera
1) LuxAde
Finisterre:
1)La Meccanica Naturale
Ubi Maior:
1) Nostos
Maxaphone:
1) Maxaphone
Metamorfosi:
1) Inferno
Nuova Era:
1) Il Passo Del Soldato
2) Dopo I'infinito
There are a lot more Awesome Italian Symphonic must haves. This should be a good start. I'll post some more from other countries later, I have to take a quick ride to Newark now. Peace.
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richardh
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Posted: July 09 2006 at 03:08 |
Refugee - Refugee (1974). One off album featuring the wonderfull Patrick Moraz (just before he joined Yes) with 2 ex members of The Nice ,Brian Davison (drums) and Lee Jackson (Bass and vocals).For my money this is one of the best symphonic prog albums out there ,perfectly showcasing the dazzling keyboard skills of Mr Moraz.Check out the reviews on this site..they don't lie!
If you were to decide to check out some modern stuff then I would recommend the American band Glass Hammer.Shadowlands or Lex Rex would be the place to start with them.They are on the lighter side of symphonic prog using female vocals quite a bit and are very melodic.
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dalt99
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Posted: July 09 2006 at 03:10 |
You sound like you are in the boat I was in a couple years ago - though I grew up with Yes, Genesis and so it's a bit different with me. I just didn't know about the symphonic prog from other countries besides USA and UK. I agree with pretty much every recommendation you have gotten so far. Let me add a few if I may:
- Solaris (1984 album - awesome classical symphonic prog!)
- Anglagard - "Hybris" (A MUST OWN CD for ANY symphonic prog lover. Maybe the BEST symphonic prog album of the last 20 years. Also, if you love the bass style and sound of Yes, the bass on this album will send shivers down your spine)
- Neuchwanstein
- Genesis - "Trespass" (This is a very underrated album with very beautiful melodies. I think you will like this)
- Los Canarios - "Ciclos" (Great symphonic rock put to a suite)
- Gentle Giant - "Three Friends" and/or "Octopus". (GG is a very good group with skilled musicians with awesome vocal interplay similar to Yes though more intricate.
- Cathedral - "Stained Glass Stories" (One of the best USA prog albums ever. The bass on this album is also VERY similar to Yes. Awesome stuff!)
- Epidaurus - "Earthly Paradise"
I agree that you should look into the Italian scene as well. Fantastic symphonic prog to be had!
Edited by dalt99 - July 09 2006 at 03:13
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Best of 2006 that I've heard:
PFM-Stati Di Immaginazione
Zenit-Surrender (Best "unknown" album)
Oaksenham - Conquest of Pacific
2007:
Phideaux - Doomsday Afternoon
La Torre Del Alchimista - Neo
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Paulieg
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Posted: July 09 2006 at 03:45 |
Wobbler:
1) Hinterland
Renaissance:
1) Scheherazade and other Stories
2) Turn of the Cards
Novalis:
1) Sommerabend
White Willow:
1) Storm Season
Opeth:
1) Damnation ( Though a progressive metal band this release is all mellow symphonic, kind of the bands tribute to the prog bands that influence them. )
Fates Warning:
1) A pleasnt shade of Grey ( You mentioned liking Fates Warning and though they are in no way mellow symphonic, this album is a masterpiece of progressive rock/metal.
Pulsar:
1) Strands of the Future
The Watch:
1) Vacuum ( If you like Genesis then this band will blow your mind. )
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Penumbra
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Posted: July 09 2006 at 04:00 |
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Ah, I managed to find PFM's "Per un Amico". MY GOD!!! It is stunningly beautiful, and the mellotron baths I get in this album are purely orgasmic! I shall look more into the Italian Symphonic scene :).
My best friend happened to send me "Aurora Borealis", by Pelican. I simply love that song, too. Instrumental Progressive rock is quite good.
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Penumbra
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Posted: July 09 2006 at 04:05 |
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Actually, at the moment I think I like Harmonium's "If There Were A Fifth Season" much more than "Per un Amico". It appeals more to.. something. Not sure why. Hehe.
Infact, the more I listen to Per un Amico, the less it sounds Symphonic and the more it sounds... folkish.
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Raff
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Posted: July 09 2006 at 04:13 |
micky wrote:
bhikkhu wrote:
You are on the right track my
brother. If you are into TfTO (one of my new passions), then you are
ready for just about anything. For Genesis, I believe "Foxtrot" is a
must. You may want to explore more KIng Crimson. The John Wetton era is
fantastic ("Lark's Tounge in Aspic," "Starless and Bible Black," and
"Red"). I will agree with Ghost Rider, and also suggest Transatlantic.
I love both albums. You also may be interested in Marillion's first
four albums. Their direction changed with the loss of Fish, and I don't
care much for it. I also highly reccomend taking up Micky's suggestion
on Italian prog. He got me into it, and it is amazing. |
hmm...
thanks for the kind words...
that said, do you consider the Wetton-era King Crimson symphonic... I
admit I had my hands in on the move to art-rock for them. That
era is more characteristic of a less symphonic more avant-garde
style which of course is what sort of put them on a pedestal above many
of the other groups.. like Yes.. they were never content to hit a
stride in a style and perfect it.. they were always...looking over the
horizon so to speak IMO. Those albums are essential.. but if he
is truly looking for only symphonic... he should look elsewhere... like
Transatlantic hahah
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The three (or four, including USA) Wetton-era KC albums are anything but Symphonic, IMHO - and I was on board when they were moved to Art Rock. If you want Symphonic KC, get the first two - then it ends. The only Wetton-Brufore era track that can be defined as vaguely Symphonic is the mighty "Starless" - a must, an absolute masterpiece, but symphonic only at the beginning and at the end. That said, those albums are phenomenal (though "Starless and Bible Black" may be a bit harder to get into) - though they also require quite a bit of concentration.
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micky
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Posted: July 09 2006 at 09:12 |
Ghost Rider wrote:
micky wrote:
bhikkhu wrote:
You are on the right track my
brother. If you are into TfTO (one of my new passions), then you are
ready for just about anything. For Genesis, I believe "Foxtrot" is a
must. You may want to explore more KIng Crimson. The John Wetton era is
fantastic ("Lark's Tounge in Aspic," "Starless and Bible Black," and
"Red"). I will agree with Ghost Rider, and also suggest Transatlantic.
I love both albums. You also may be interested in Marillion's first
four albums. Their direction changed with the loss of Fish, and I don't
care much for it. I also highly reccomend taking up Micky's suggestion
on Italian prog. He got me into it, and it is amazing. |
hmm...
thanks for the kind words...
that said, do you consider the Wetton-era King Crimson symphonic... I
admit I had my hands in on the move to art-rock for them. That
era is more characteristic of a less symphonic more avant-garde
style which of course is what sort of put them on a pedestal above many
of the other groups.. like Yes.. they were never content to hit a
stride in a style and perfect it.. they were always...looking over the
horizon so to speak IMO. Those albums are essential.. but if he
is truly looking for only symphonic... he should look elsewhere... like
Transatlantic hahah
|
The
three (or four, including USA) Wetton-era KC albums are anything but
Symphonic, IMHO - and I was on board when they were moved to Art Rock.
If you want Symphonic KC, get the first two - then it ends. The only
Wetton-Brufore era track that can be defined as vaguely Symphonic is
the mighty "Starless" - a must, an absolute masterpiece, but symphonic
only at the beginning and at the end. That said, those albums are
phenomenal (though "Starless and Bible Black" may be a bit harder to
get into) - though they also require quite a bit of concentration.
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obviously I agree ahahha.. which of the three is your favorite... LTiA
always did it for me..albums wise though singular tracks like Fracture,
or One More Red Nightmare are way up on my favorites list...
Edited by micky - July 09 2006 at 09:13
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The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip
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Discussing "Symphonic" Rock; suggestions.