BIG FIVE

SteveG wrote: rushfan4 wrote: When I first joined PA, the talk was of the Big 7, which also included Jethro Tull and Rush.  People who didn't like these bands or didn't feel they were prog enough, offered up their replacements, which generally consisted of the likes of Camel, Magma, Can, Gentle Giant, or VDGG.  Although all good bands, and all big within the umbrella of being important and influential within the prog community, none of these bands had the commercial appeal and success of the ones listed under the Big 7 umbrella. I never factor in commercial success when I think of these polls (socialist that I am) but that really is an important factor.

Agreed, but without some commercial success for some bands, all of these bands that we know and love would have wallowed in even more obscurity than they already currently do.  If a tree falls in a forest does it make a sound.  If a great sounding band never leaves their garage who would know their greatness.  There are many a great band that never made it further than playing in Joe's Garage, but the radio play and commercial success of the bigger bands is what inspired them to do so. 

And really by commercial success, much of the Big 7's commercial success came post-prog period, wherein, it is the period when many a progger doesn't even really like their output, but it is this post-prog period success that opened the doors for many fans to go back and discover the prog period and then discover the less successful bands of that period. 

Big 5 is - Floyd, Crimson, Yes, Genesis & Tull IMHO but thats just my preference for Tull over ELP.

Nogbad_The_Bad wrote: Big 5 is - Floyd, Crimson, Yes, Genesis & Tull IMHO but thats just my preference for Tull over ELP.   I can't see any of those being ousted by any of the johnny come lately's but if I had to pick some they would include   Radiohead MUSE Porcupine Tree Sigur Ros

I think I would have to give the nod to PT but they are all good 'recent' groups.

Edited by SteveG - June 23 2014 at 15:31

IMO

The Mars Volta

Everybody is going to have their own Big Five, but these are the clear leaders when it comes to the development of the genre. Tull, Rush, and VDGG should definitely get similar levels of attention for their contributions, which would make a Big Eight. I would be content with that. Maybe add Zappa and make it Nine? No one will ever fill their shoes and have the same impact. These are the bands who created Prog as we know it. Has Prog moved on? Are their great artists who came after? Yes, but it is all built on the foundations of these artists.

CryoftheCarrots wrote: Any modern list would have to include Tool. The sheer number of modern prog metal bands that incorporate the Tool sound is proof.

I'm not being cute here, but what exactly is Tool's sound? It's seems like something that went before.

SteveG wrote: CryoftheCarrots wrote: Any modern list would have to include Tool. The sheer number of modern prog metal bands that incorporate the Tool sound is proof. I'm not being cute here, but what exactly is Tool's sound? It's seems like something that went before.

Tool were influenced by King Crimson but I cant really say I had heard anything like them back in the early 90's when I first heard them.

Progosopher wrote: Everybody is going to have their own Big Five, but these are the clear leaders when it comes to the development of the genre. Tull, Rush, and VDGG should definitely get similar levels of attention for their contributions, which would make a Big Eight. I would be content with that. Maybe add Zappa and make it Nine? No one will ever fill their shoes and have the same impact. These are the bands who created Prog as we know it. Has Prog moved on? Are their great artists who came after? Yes, but it is all built on the foundations of these artists.

Mind_Drive wrote: i´d probably replace ELP with Tull (...)

I agree. ELP, formed as a "supergroup" in 1970, were released 7 studio albums in golden decade, and IMO three albums are essential masterpieces of the progressive rock - s/t debut, Tarkus and Trilogy . If you like, add Brain Salad Surgery and that's four.
Jethro Tull in the period from 1968 to 1979 were released 12 studio albums of which at least 8 albums are essential prog masterpieces. Nuff said.

p.s. Also, ELP never released so great live album that can be in comparision with outstanding Bursting Out

Edited by Svetonio - June 23 2014 at 22:45