New subgenres?!?!

I may a bit slow and have only realised this now but, why are there three new subgenres?

The Art Rock team have been working for some time on splitting up the sub-genre. At present it accounts for too big a proportion of bands on the site, who often have little in common with each other.

Well, this is good, though I think Rush should stay with Crossover prog, they are quite poppy, but I guess heavy prog might suit them too...

My immediate reaction was WHAT ARE THEY DOING?!?! But now that I see the motive, I think the change is for the best. 

I can only say WTF?  But what the hell...  Personally I think art rock should have been left as a category.

Edited by Slartibartfast - August 20 2007 at 17:01

strangely however, VdGG have been put into "Crosover Prog". I wonder how they fit the definition, especially when they have been listed as example band for "Eclectic Prog".

Here the definitions:

Crossover Prog definition

Crossover Prog contains progressive rock music that, though 100% progressive, may have a musical connection to popular music-- whether it be the lack of emphasis on extended compositions, or an influence from mainstream music in addition to classical, jazz and folk. Compositions, however, still exhibit a high degree of sophistication, sometimes outright complexity, and the musicianship and virtuosity is often on a par with established Prog acts. Much like their kin in the established prog sub-genres, these groups will incorporate many major parts of what defines prog rock: the fusing of rock with the structures and discipline of more traditional musics, the use of syntheisizers and new technologies, intelligent thematics, and the expansion of the form.

The defining characteristics of Crossover Prog are a pop music influence that is largely vacant in typical prog rock. Songs tend toward shorter, more concise presentations though still reach beyond the typical verse, bridge, chorus pattern. The harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic structures may be more easily digested in Crossover while not losing the musical integrity that a prog listener expects. Whereas Prog Related bands are generally commercial groups with certain prog elements or players that were involved in prog acts, Crossover Prog artists are predominantly progressive with elements of popular music.

The most representative examples for this genre include The MOODY BLUES, SUPERTRAMP, DREDG, CINEMA SHOW, RADIOHEAD.

Eclectic Prog definition

The term 'eclectic' in the context of progressive rock describes a summation of elements from various musical sources, and the influences and career paths of bands that take from a wide range of genres or styles. While progressive music can be, in a larger sense, eclectic, the 'Eclectic Prog' term is specially meant to reference bands that trespass the boundaries of established Progressive Rock genres or that blend many influences.

Eclectic Prog combines hybrids of style and diversity of theme, promoting many elements from different sources. The Eclectic category recognizes bands that evolved markedly over their career (in a progressive, evolutionary way), or have a plural style without a clear referential core.

The basic features lie within the music's variety, rich influences, art tendencies and classic prog rock elements. Among the representative bands are KING CRIMSON, VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR, and GENTLE GIANT.


so how come VdGG have been put into "Crossover Prog"?

holy hell the world's at an end

Also they have to be very meticulous about which band fits each category, being a few bands able to fit in all 3 ones. It's going to be interesting to see what happens.

I feel that I'm right to be a skeptic at first (I agree with what Ivan said as far as the terms go) but I'm confident that the art rock team will sort this out. I feel it's a necessary change that will certainly work out with time.

I see Crossover as a place for for artists like Howe, Gabriel, etc athat are too iconic for Prog Related but not totally Prog.