Why is Vangelis only considered Prog-Related?

Hi there.

Vangelis was actually in progressive electronic a while ago, but was moved (together with Jarre) upon the developement of genre, based on his commercial output (and general style) by the genre's main specialist.

While Vangelis's music is arguably not so onesided just on the commercial, new-age and all that - even myself think the early stuff, up to the electronic rock in Albedo or Spiral could be highlighted under prog credentials - the links to the core of what defines the genres are a tad loose, and, besides, it's been a change done a long time ago, with a certain permanent character.

Prog-related has always seemed to me a kind of catch-all category for music that doesn't quite fit into any of the others.  I have long considered Vangelis to be the epitome of Symphonic Prog since so much of his music is essentially symphonic in character.  He just uses electronics to create his soundscapes.

When compared with Mike Oldfield, Vangelis is worse. But when thinking only about what he has done, he deserves a place here. Look, The Beatles wouldn't describe themselves as proto-prog (or prog-related, whatever is there), but as pop-rock. Yet they were very influental and also a little bit prog, so they have place here.

Do you think that Vangelis would call himself prog artist ? Maybe, who knows. But as long as the artist is listed here, I'm satisfied, under whatever genre he is there.

He has spiral, I like this one. And my favourite Blade Runner soundtrack. Or should I say: "Do androids dream electronic sheeps?" as fan of Philip K. Dick.

It doesn't make any sense: Vangelis was Progressive!

The most important thing is Vangelis is here regardless of which genre tagging we apply. From the awesome Heaven and Hell, the splendid Spiral, the emphatically progressive China to the aural portrait masterpiece of El Greco, we are all the richer for it

AmericanProgster wrote: You know I might just be able to agree with that if it wasn't for one issue (with me anyway). The way prog-related is treated here you would think its meant as an insult. I mean some people see as a way for non prog bands to get on PA. Even this website doesn't treat it as prog! Look at the new rating system...excellent addition to any rock music collection...are you kidding me?!?! I think the Ghost Busters soundtrack is an excellent addition to any rock music collection, but that has nothing to do with prog and that's how it seems PA treats Prog-related and proto-prog. For me its simple...if its genre has the word prog rock in it anywhere, then its PROG!! Regardless if its less prog than lets say eclectic prog, ITS STILL PROG AND SHOULD BE TREATED WITH THE SAME RESPECT! Thanks for hearing my rant!

I'm afraid people don't see the issue in the same way. Those who have added bands to prog-related have often found themselves in the middle of controversy, sometimes with very unpleasant undertones (i.e. outright personal attacks). There are members who believe Prog-Related should be scrapped altogether, and the new rating system has been brought about by the habit some reviewers had of giving a lower rating to any PR or Proto-Prog album (something I have always refused to do).

Needless to say, I have never been in favour of creating a 'ghetto' for PP and PR, but mine is only one voice amongst many. However, I have to disagree with your final statement - as much as I love, for instance, Iron Maiden or Blue Oyster Cult, I don't think they are as prog as Yes or Genesis. I do, though, share your sentiments about respect - not only towards bands, but towards people.

I really like his first album called Earth, it still has some of the Aphrodites Child sound. If you enjoyed Spiral you should listen Heaven and Hell.

Another great album is Mask and i really like the two albums he made with greek actress/singer Irene Papas (Odes and Rapsodies).

^ L'Apocalypse

The Dragon and Hypothesis are good.