A look at the best prog albums through the years

Wow - I'm both amazed and delighted that Master of Puppets was runner-up for 1986.

Edited by Certif1ed - June 09 2010 at 06:07

halabalushindigus wrote: all I can say is AtomicCrimsonRush, you have made your mark. Well done

Thank you!!!!

Part 23: Prog Poll through the years 1989

 

Top 15 - Here is the prog poll for definitive albums of 1989.

Prog was suffering again and this is the best of the bad bunch.

 

Perfect Symmetry – Fates Warning

 

Naked City - Naked City

 

Reflections – 2066 & Then

 

Nothingface – Voivod

 

Passion – Peter Gabriel

 

 Control and Resistance – Watchtower

 

Sacred Baboon – Yezda Urfa

 

Gutter Ballet – Savatage

 

 The Girl Who Was... Death – Devil Doll

 

Season’s End – Marillion

 

Pungent Effulgent – Ozric Tentacles

 

When Dream and Day Unite – Dream Theater

 

Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe - Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe

 

Presto – Rush

 

The Best and The Rest of - Atomic Rooster

 

The results:

Perfect Symmetry – Fates Warning	5	[6.58%]
Naked City - Naked City	3	[3.95%]
Reflections – 2066 & Then	0	[0.00%]
Nothingface – Voivod	4	[5.26%]
Passion – Peter Gabriel	8	[10.53%]
Control and Resistance – Watchtower	1	[1.32%]
Sacred Baboon – Yezda Urfa	5	[6.58%]
Gutter Ballet – Savatage	2	[2.63%]
The Girl Who Was... Death – Devil Doll	4	[5.26%]
Season’s End – Marillion	9	[11.84%]
Pungent Effulgent – Ozric Tentacles	6	[7.89%]
When Dream and Day Unite – Dream Theater	0	[0.00%]
Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe - Anderson, Bruford, Wak	20	[26.32%]
Presto – Rush	3	[3.95%]
The Best and The Rest of - Atomic Rooster	1	[1.32%]
OTHER (specify in post)	5	[6.58%]

 

The Others:

 

Gretchen Goes to Nebraska - Kings X

  

Disintegration – The Cure

 

The Portrait Of A Boy - Horizont

I posted:

Great voting proggers, but this was a ridiculous year for prog and Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, and Howe are winners easily! 

 

AND THE WINNER IS...

 

My review is coming eventually:

 

 

Edited by AtomicCrimsonRush - October 20 2014 at 06:23

Rune2000 wrote: Why was the 1977 poll added the 1978 post? It's an excellent Blog nonetheless!

I can't understand this? Did i add 1977 albums to 1978 poll? I checked that on the PA and it seemed right.

Edited by AtomicCrimsonRush - May 27 2010 at 05:25

It's not a strong year according to my collection, even for this avant-prog lover (for my tastes, avant-prog is the strongest category throughout the 80's); however, I do like Art Zoyd's Berlin very much (which was my "other" choice).  Art Zoyd's under-recognised at PA, I feel, but that's according to my taste.
 

4.19 | 9 ratings
Berlin
1987

I also like Eider Stellaire's III (Zeuhl) a fair amount and some others.

Ugh, if people think that Marillion and Pink Floyd made the best albums of 1987, they're really clutching at straws.  I'd like to blame it on a momentary lapse of reason. ;)

(think I already made that joke in the thread -- oh well).

Ich bin ein Berliner.

octopus-4 wrote: Genesis? That's Freudian

Well spotted! Fixed - thanks

 

Part 21: Prog Poll through the years 1987

Top 10 - Here is the prog poll for definitive albums of 1987.

A more mainstream sound creeping into prog but these 10 albums still delivered in an ordinary year for prog.

 

Clutching At Straws – Marillion

 

Killing Technology – Voivod

 

Within The Realm of a Dying Sun – Dead Can Dance

 

Hall Of The Mountain King – Savotage

 

Hold Your Fire – Rush

 

Crest of a Knave – Jethro Tull

 

A Momentary Lapse of Reason – Pink Floyd

 

Gaudi – Alan Parsons Band

 

Bi Kyo Ran Live I: Fairy Tales – Bi Kyo Ran

 

Joe’s Garage Acts I, II and III – Frank Zappa

 

 

The results:

Clutching At Straws – Marillion	21	[25.30%]
Killing Technology – Voivod	1	[1.20%]
Within The Realm of a Dying Sun – Dead Can Dance	3	[3.61%]
Hall Of The Mountain King – Savotage	3	[3.61%]
Hold Your Fire – Rush	7	[8.43%]
Crest of a Knave – Jethro Tull	7	[8.43%]
A Momentary Lapse of Reason – Pink Floyd	21	[25.30%]
Gaudi – Alan Parsons Band	0	[0.00%]
Bi Kyo Ran Live I: Fairy Tales – Bi Kyo Ran	1	[1.20%]
Joe’s Garage Acts I, II and III – Frank Zappa	11	[13.25%]
OTHER (specify in post)	8	[9.64%]

 

The others:

Tyger - Tangerine Dream

 

Sand – Allan Holdsworth

 

Big Generator – Yes

 

Berlin – Art Zoyd

 

The Perfect Prescription – Spacemen 3

 

Killing Time - Skip

 

 

 

The poll locked up as you can see for a while:

 

Marillion and Pink Floyd were battling it out. I would have rather Pink Floyd of the two.

However, this was the second draw and I love both albums so no harm done.

 

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

 

 

 

FOR THE SECOND TIME, WE HAVE A DRAW!

 

 

 

 

**** Neo-prog progenitors Marillion's followup to the “Misplaced Childhood” masterpiece certainly does not disappoint and features some of the tracks that permeated their live concerts. Fish was a commanding theatrical presence during this early era  and knew how to move an audience through an emotional experience using just the right dramatic intonation and costumes to evoke a response. He was a master vocalist similar to Peter Gabriel in the early Genesis phase.

Musically the band are legendary implementing into the songs intricate structures, the pleasant synths of Mark Kelly, strong melodies held together by the drums of Ian Mosley and the basslines of Pete Trewavas, and of course the powerful lead breaks of Steve Rothery. 

Of course the drawcard is the vocals of Fish; a key element to the brilliance of the early incarnation of the band. The band were the dominant force of the prog 80s. If it were not for bands like Marillion or Rush, prog would have suffered during the difficult 80s period.

 
Fish story telling vocals are prominent such as on ‘Hotel hobbies’, ‘Warm wet circles’ and ‘That time of the night (The short straw)’. The reverberated guitars and synths generate an ambience as Fish softly croons.

These first 3 tracks flow together seamlessly. Then the first power ballad comes with ‘Going under’. The vocals are exquisite, “I’m going under fast, slipping fast, am I so crazy”, and very spacey symphonic textures draw the listener in.

‘Just for the record’ has a faster tempo and heavier guitars and drums. The 80s synths are everpresent but this also has some heavy distorted guitar. The synth solo is terrific and it has a striking melody. A howling wind begins ‘White Russian’. Fish sings “where do we go from here” until a driving riff motors along and the next verses are sung more forcefully with images of terror, war, poppies on the cenotaph, the holocaust and uzzies on the street corner. Fish sings with insightful conviction “replace our faith in human rights” in this anti-war song that is a highlight on the album. It finishes with a musical box song, a nice touch.

 
‘Incommunicado’ is one of the fan favourites sung many times live, and it features a prevailing hook, and fast beat with progressive time sig changes. This one is a blockbuster, loud and brash, it breaks through the serenity with some stunning organ runs and Fish at his most roguish, singing aggressively and abrasively.

A quiet guitar begins ‘Torch song’ and Fish is temperate in mood, “burn a little brighter now”. There are some narrative sections over a chiming synth and guitar. It segues directly into the melodic ‘Slàinte Mhath’.Fish is excellent on this, “this is the story so far”, and the guitars of Rothery are hypnotic. The music on this album is truly infectious.  

‘Sugar mice’ is a Marillion classic with very serene passages in the verses and a commercial sound suitable or radio. In fact it was a single for the band. The lyrics are quite iconic, “I heard Sinatra calling me down through the floors”. The power ballads of the 80s are an 80s fixture and this is Marillion’s version. It builds in the mid section with loud lead guitar break, effective bassline and 4/4 percussion. The straight forward feel is welcome after the more intricate songs. The wonderful melody is soaring and easy to soak in to the system.  

‘The last straw’ closes the album and features Fish performing a duet with the powerhouse vocals of Tessa Niles. It closes the album with a soulful approach and the repeated phrase “we’re clutching at straws” is echoed by Niles’ “still drowning”. Thus ends a very effective album with consistent quality and some of Marillion’s best material. 1987was admittedly a weak year for prog but “Clutching at Straws” was one of the saviours as far as prog was concerned.  

Edited by AtomicCrimsonRush - January 07 2012 at 07:38

Part 20: Prog Poll through the years 1986

 

Top 15 - Here is the prog poll for definitive albums of 1986.

Music was getting heavier and metal was dominating so prog survived another difficult year with these 15 albums.

 

Awaken The Guardian – Fates Warning

 

Rage For Order – Queensryche

 

So – Peter Gabriel

 

Underwater Sunlight – Tangerine Dream

 

Les Morts Vont Vite – Shub-Niggurath

 

Heatwave - Univers Zero

 

The Colour of Spring - Talk Talk

 From Hell – Frank Zappa

 

And Close As This – Peter Hammill

 

Green Desert – Tangerine Dream

 

Skin - Peter Hammill

 

Master Of Puppets - Metallica

 

Live Chronicles – Hawkwind

 

Pergamon - Live at the 'Palast der Republik' GDR – Tangerine Dream

 

Does Humor Belong In Music? – Frank Zappa

 

 

The results:

 

Awaken The Guardian – Fates Warning	3	[3.75%]
Rage For Order – Queensryche	2	[2.50%]
So – Peter Gabriel	23	[28.75%]
Underwater Sunlight – Tangerine Dream	3	[3.75%]
Les Morts Vont Vite – Shub-Niggurath	4	[5.00%]
Heatwave - Univers Zero	2	[2.50%]
The Colour of Spring - Talk Talk	11	[13.75%]
Jazz From Hell – Frank Zappa	3	[3.75%]
And Close As This – Peter Hammill	4	[5.00%]
Green Desert – Tangerine Dream	0	[0.00%]
Master Of Puppets - Metallica	19	[23.75%]
Live Chronicles – Hawkwind	0	[0.00%]
Pergamon - Live at the 'Palast der Republik' GDR – Tangerine	1	[1.25%]
Skin - Peter Hammill	1	[1.25%]
Does Humor Belong In Music? – Frank Zappa	1	[1.25%]
OTHER (specify in post)	3	[3.75%]

 

The others:

 

Third Stage - Boston

 

Peter Gabriel and Metallica were neck and neck - we needed a winner I posted. Then the results came in:

 

AND THE WINNER IS...

 

 

So – Peter Gabriel

 

 

 

My review: (one of my shortest)

 

*** 'So' is a great album, not excellent like 'Melt' or 'Up' but worth a listen.

The highlight of the album is the quintessential Gabriel track 'Sledgehammer'. One of the best rock songs of the 80s along with its mind-blowing video clip that was the benchmark for special animated, claymation and beyond, effects in the 80s. Kate Bush once again features in the beautiful 'Don't Give Up' that is one of the greatest duets. I also enjoyed 'That Voice Again' and 'In Your Eyes'.

A very pleasant album, extremely mainstream, but still has some prog elements hidden within.

 

The runner up was ‘Masters of Puppets’ – Metallica, which should have won this.

 

***** 'Master of Puppets' is one of the best metal albums in history, along with Slayer's 'Reign in Blood', Iron Maiden's 'Powerslave' and Megadeth's 'Rust In Peace'.

Every track is a killer with innovative guitar riffing, stop start precision timing and lengthy instrumental sections with a progressive feel. While the album is not purely prog, there are moments that transgress into this territory.

The time signature changes of 'Battery''s brutal riff and the title track's instrumental section and bizarre time signatures surely must rate highly as the best of progressive metal. Both are instant classics are undisputed live favourites. There is not much more to say about these songs - quintessential Metallica and utterly brilliant.

'The Thing That Should Not Be' has a chunky off kilter rhythm and is pure bliss.

'Welcome Home (Sanitarium)' has a metrical pattern that moves from light and dark tones and is regarded as a classic. Hetfield's vocal performance shows his dexterity as a singer, that would later be emphasised on 'The Black Album'.

'Disposable Heroes' is an 8 minute journey into the mind of the war hero, a common theme in their work, such as 'One' - the soldier who returns from hell to a new hell - disposable and wasted.

'Leper Messiah' features innovative riffs that disturb the ear as they move in patterns that never seem right but Metallica makes them right. I just love how the band takes metal to a new level with their virtuoso musicianship.

A real highlight is the instrumental 'Orion' that is as progressive as anything they have tackled. It was a track I used to shun or avoid when I was a metal head in the 80s, but I can actually appreciate the nuances and texture of this now that ranges from acoustic beauty to relentless fury. Magnificent! The album finishes with the breakneck 'Damage, Inc' to remind us that they are speed thrash masters.

In conclusion, this is as about as good as it gets. 'The Black Album' would surpass this in later years, but this was the beginning of true greatness from arguably the most influential metal band, Metallica.

 

 

Edited by AtomicCrimsonRush - November 24 2011 at 16:43

 

Part 19: Prog Poll through the years 1985

 

Top 15 - Here is the prog poll for definitive albums of 1985.

Prog was in its rebuilding phase and neo prog was in full swing so more bands felt comfortable to experiment again as this top 15 shows.

 

Misplaced Childhood – Marillion

 

Metal Fatigue – Allan Hodsworth

 

The Wake – IQ

 

Le Poison Qui Rend Fou – Present

 

Energetic Disassembly – Watchtower

 

Brother Where You Bound – Supertramp

 

Power Windows – Rush

 

Summer In Town – Horizont

 

The Jewel – Pendragon

 

The Chronicle of the Black Sword – Hawkwind

 

Behaviour – Saga

 

The Spectre Within – Fates Warning

 

A Classic Case – Jethro Tull

 

Myths Et Legends – Magma

 

A Compact Compilation - Camel

 

I was so starved for good choice I had to include that Camel compilation to make up 10 albums. I think Marillion could not be beaten so the other albums were mere decoration.

 

The results:

Misplaced Childhood – Marillion	41	[47.67%]
Metal Fatigue – Allan Hodsworth	2	[2.33%]
The Wake – IQ	9	[10.47%]
Le Poison Qui Rend Fou – Present	7	[8.14%]
Energetic Disassembly – Watchtower	1	[1.16%]
Brother Where You Bound – Supertramp	3	[3.49%]
Power Windows – Rush	9	[10.47%]
Summer In Town – Horizont	0	[0.00%]
The Jewel – Pendragon	3	[3.49%]
The Chronicle of the Black Sword – Hawkwind	1	[1.16%]
Behaviour – Saga	0	[0.00%]
The Spectre Within – Fates Warning	0	[0.00%]
A Classic Case – Jethro Tull	1	[1.16%]
Myths Et Legends - Magma	0	[0.00%]
A Compact Compilation - Camel	2	[2.33%]
OTHER (specify in post)	7	[8.14%]

 

Others that were mentioned were:

 

Hounds of Love - Kate Bush

 

Ily A Des Jours - Hellebore

 

Marillion absolutely mowed down the competition cutting it to shreds and it is a deserved winner.

 

 

***** This is one of the most influential, timeless albums of the neo prog 80s. Marillion effectively reinvented prog.

Misplaced Childhood is Marillion's magnum opus. Each track blends seamlessly into one overall powerful experience. It is the best the band have produced unlike the flawed Fugazi and Script for a Jester's Tear, this CD works on every level; musically, conceptually and vocally Fish has never been better.

It begins with the hypnotic keyboard motif that I had to learn after hearing this. A beautiful serene piece of art with the wonderful vocals that chime in instantly transports us in to Marillion's world. The narrative begins of a man who is attempting to revisit his innocent childhood days that have been lost in the sea of fire - the trials and temptations that have plagued his life robbed him of the innocence and thus his dreams have been squashed.

''Kayleigh'' is the bonafide single that all Marillion fans have heard. It was my introduction to the band, found on the best 80s compilation CDs. Steve Rothery blasts a memorable riff and the keyboards soar over the top with a crystalline sound that is essential mid 80s fair. The melody is wondrous and memorable and one of the best from the band as a result.

''Lavender'' is another single that takes on the theme of the nursery rhyme that is a childhood memory but the lavenders - the positive side of life - is gone robbed by negative effects on the life of the protagonist.

"Bitter Suite" features a beautiful piano with encircling guitar motifs that hook onto an infectious melody.

"Heart Of Lothian" begins with an incredible introduction and them locks into an off beat metrical pattern that shifts from 4/4 to 7/8 and back again. There is an ethereal ambience in the keyboards that compliments the vocal prowess of Fish. His vocal gymnastics never tire on the ear on these tracks.

"Waterhole" is an anthemic rocker that leads seamlessly into:

"Lords Of Backstage" is an effective short transition track that segues into:

"Blind Curve" and here is where the album really excels. The vocals are poetic and Fish's artistry is second to noe. There are dark overtones but it feels uplifting simultaneously. Listen to Fish build to the crescendo climax as he reflects on the dark memories - "the childhood, the childhood, the childhood, oh please give it back to me" and there is a significant break in the meter where the jagged guitar solo launches into full volume. It is an amazing track and one of the best I have heard from Marillion.

"Childhoods End?" has a very deep bass line that throbs throughout and is significant to the dark tone of the lyrics. It is the end or the beginning of innocence? The concept is heavy handed but the real star of the track is Fish who wails up a storm with an amazing vocal performance: "it was morning and I found myself mourning for a childhood that I thought had disappeared - I saw you... Hey you, surprised... to find the answers to the questions were always in your own eyes, do you realise.... for she's got to carry on with her life and you've got to carry on with yours..." Simple and direct but effective to touch on the theme of a love lost and how to survive "to be reborn in the shadow" to find "the leading light of destiny burning in the ashes of your memory..." Powerful. I love the guitar riffs and the lead breaks over Fish's vocals "There is no Childhood's End, There is no Childhood's End, oh lead me on". Then the iambic pentameter changes completely in order to segue immediately into:

"White Feather". A low key track that is a low point on the album but it certainly wraps it all up concluding the CD, fading away in true 80s style.

How to conclude this review is to simply state the fact. This is as about as good as Marillion gets. The first few albums are all great but this is the masterpiece make no mistake. I would even be bold enough to state that if this album does not appeal to you, Marillion is perhaps not for you. But on the other hand for those of us who have discovered the genius of this band, this CD is truly a pleasurable experience. Great headphone music and one of the best outright examples of Neo Prog.

 

Edited by AtomicCrimsonRush - November 24 2011 at 16:37