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phillihp View Drop Down
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Points: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: 'smooth' prog recommendations
    Posted: October 25 2010 at 11:39
Gurus,
 
When I look at my humble prog collection, I realize the quantity of 'smooth' albums is rather low and I would even say almost inexistent. I think Marillion 'Marbles' would be the only album I own that would fit in that category. Well not true, Pink Floyd 'Wish You Were Here' might fit in as well.
 
For me it isn't a huge problem because I prefer music with some energy, although from time to time I like to listen to smooth, laid-back music, especially in the morning or late in the evening. ...And my wife prefers it too Confused... I'm probably not the only one in that case!
 
So, do you have any suggestions that would fit theses characteristics? BTW I prefer contemporary albums, let's say from the 90's and up. If it's from the 70s the sound should be top notch, which is rarely the case (for me).
 
Thanks in advance!
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Lozlan View Drop Down
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Points: 536 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 25 2010 at 11:56
Check out Camel's work in the 90's and 2000's.  I think A Nod and a Wink is about as laid back as a prog album can be...
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kenethlevine View Drop Down
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Points: 9067 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 25 2010 at 12:02
a group I just added to PA
 
 
but check out my reviews.  I tend to like prog on the mellower side, although certainly not exclusively. 
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phillihp View Drop Down
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Points: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 25 2010 at 12:10
Thanks for these recommendations!
 
I'm actually listening to some Nosound samples and I think it fits in the category as well. 
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chopper View Drop Down
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Points: 20032 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 25 2010 at 12:44
This is the one

http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=5833

I also recommend David Sylvian and the last NoMan CD.


Edited by chopper - October 25 2010 at 12:45
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kenethlevine View Drop Down
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Points: 9067 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 25 2010 at 12:46
oh yes David Sylvian, especially Secrets of the Beehive
what I heard of Popol Vuh would also qualify
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lazland View Drop Down
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Points: 13779 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 25 2010 at 13:04
Talk Talk was definitely a good recommendation.

I am, actually, a little bit confused over what "smooth" actually means, because I most certainly wouldn't place Marbles anywhere near that category.

I take smooth to mean ambient. In that case, definitely explore Fripp's solo stuff, Gabriel's classic Passion is a must in terms of world music and ambiance, any number of Anthony Phillips LPs, maybe Barclay James harvest for the lighter side of classic prog, or for newer stuff, try Panic Room's Satellite, which is excellent.
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kenethlevine View Drop Down
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Points: 9067 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 25 2010 at 14:06
I guess I should look into Talk Talk.  From their name and what I thought aboyut their time period, I put them in New wave

Edited by kenethlevine - October 25 2010 at 14:07
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chopper View Drop Down
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Points: 20032 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 25 2010 at 14:10
Originally posted by kenethlevine kenethlevine wrote:

I guess I should look into Talk Talk.  From their name and what I thought aboyut their time period, I put them in New wave


They started off as a synth pop band (I saw them supporting Duran Duran once) but changed completely later in their career.
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lazland View Drop Down
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Points: 13779 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 25 2010 at 14:15
Originally posted by chopper chopper wrote:

Originally posted by kenethlevine kenethlevine wrote:

I guess I should look into Talk Talk.  From their name and what I thought aboyut their time period, I put them in New wave


They started off as a synth pop band (I saw them supporting Duran Duran once) but changed completely later in their career.


Yep, a complete turnaround, and I think they became one of the most respected rock acts of recent years.
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phillihp View Drop Down
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Points: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 25 2010 at 14:16
Originally posted by lazland lazland wrote:

I am, actually, a little bit confused over what "smooth" actually means, because I most certainly wouldn't place Marbles anywhere near that category.
 
I know, 'smooth' is a vague term but I use it in place of any better term. And I'm opened to any recommendations. As for Marbles I know what you mean, although some of the songs on the album are smooth (I believe) while some others are emotionally intense but never hard or too rocking if you prefer. Hope that clears what I mean!
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lazland View Drop Down
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Points: 13779 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 25 2010 at 14:21
Originally posted by phillihp phillihp wrote:

Originally posted by lazland lazland wrote:

I am, actually, a little bit confused over what "smooth" actually means, because I most certainly wouldn't place Marbles anywhere near that category.
 
I know, 'smooth' is a vague term but I use it in place of any better term. And I'm opened to any recommendations. As for Marbles I know what you mean, although some of the songs on the album are smooth (I believe) while some others are emotionally intense but never hard or too rocking if you prefer. Hope that clears what I mean!


To a certain extent, yes. Marbles, BTW, is my favourite album of all time, and I would actually place it within the symphonic or crossover category on this site, rather than neo prog. They have moved on a lot since the Fish days. I regard it as an absolutely intense album, one that came direct from Hogarth's heart (he was going through a marriage breakup at the time).

Anyhow, I think the best recommendation i can make to you is to trawl through the best albums in each of the sub categories on the site. Read the reviews, and you will soon see the albums which contain the emotional tense and tone you are looking for.
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yanch View Drop Down
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Points: 3247 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 25 2010 at 15:33
Big Big Train's The Underfall Yard may be to your liking.
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phillihp View Drop Down
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Points: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 25 2010 at 15:35
-sorry double post-

Edited by phillihp - October 25 2010 at 15:37
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phillihp View Drop Down
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Points: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 25 2010 at 15:36
Originally posted by yanch yanch wrote:

Big Big Train's The Underfall Yard may be to your liking.
 
I already got it. Wink
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Proletariat View Drop Down
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Points: 1882 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 25 2010 at 15:39
The Craine Wife by The Decemberists I dont know how you will recieve it, but its what i listen to when i need to chill out and i find it quite smooth, plus my girlfriend loves it because of how relaxing and romantic it is which is great because its proggy enough for me but chilled out enough for her!!!
who hiccuped endlessly trying to giggle but wound up with a sob
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Points: 12 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 25 2010 at 16:18
Ambrosia's first album is a fairly smooth, sort-of prog-lite. Some proggy stuff, some pop - it's pretty good. It's a mid '70s release, but the sound quality is good.
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BrufordFreak View Drop Down
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Points: 8392 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 25 2010 at 22:40
Jan Akkerman's Jan Akkerman and Eli (with Kaz Lux)
KARDA ESTRA
HARMONIUM
Definitely NOSOUND and NO-MAN
EBERHARD WEBER's The Following Morning
Drew Fisher
https://progisaliveandwell.blogspot.com/
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aapatsos View Drop Down
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Points: 9226 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 26 2010 at 13:21
I second recommendations on Camel and Sylvian

You can also try Karnataka's latest album, somewhat folkish, but mainly "smooth" prog with female vocals
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The Wrinkler View Drop Down
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Points: 638 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 26 2010 at 15:40
To me, listening to Soft Machine's, Third! 
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