What was the best year for prog?

^ I appreciated your methodology, David, but of course there is going to be personal bias (subjectivity) in what method one chooses. Of course there were some years where Progressive Rock as we know it especially a narrower genre/style (less so approach methinks for this example) had peaked in output, prominence, and popularity.

As for the OP's intentions, I guess those often get clearer as the discussions with the OP develop and become more sophisticated and specific over time. Then one can hone in on different methodologies. 72 and 73 are often considered peak years (1973 especially). This kind of topic has been done many times (nothing wrong with that) and the results seem consistent with those done in the past from my memory.

Edited by Logan - September 13 2024 at 09:59

AFlowerKingCrimson wrote: David_D wrote: There have been many subjective answers here, but I have certainly the impression that the OP is asking for some more objective ones, meaning, not just based on personal tastes and preferences. I think it would be near impossible to not take personal tastes into consideration when deciding what is the best year. Of course ultimately it's subjective. That said, you are right in that one should try to be as objective as possible. So even if tales from topographic oceans is your favorite Yes album but you don't think it's their best and you think The Yes Album or Close to the Edge is then vote for the year that corresponds to that album. Then of course you would have to factor in albums from other bands as well.

Edited by David_D - September 13 2024 at 13:33

Hrychu wrote: Well, aside from the statistics, I still think the best period for prog in the so called classic era, strictly production-wise was 1975-1981 due to the advancement in synthesizers and recording technology. No longer was quality of the majority of recorded music (especially outside of the UK and US) brought down by the gritty "undercoked" sonics. From that point on, albums would sound much more defined and fat. In addition to that, a lot of prog bands had gotten equipped with new syntheziers, which resulted in richer and more colorful arrangements (take Rush or Kaipa for example).

^indeed

For synths I've never heard anything better than Gary Numan's Replicas album (1979) and also the single Cars by him. I've also always preferred the synths sounds that Vangelis and Tangerine Dream were getting around 1977-1983 more than any other era. The theme music for Stranger Things was also a nod to that era I think.

I consider 2023 the greatest prog year since the 70s...with a 73 sweet spot.  Don't get me wrong, 2023 does not top the 71-74 period.  

Edited by omphaloskepsis - September 19 2024 at 09:04

1973.  King Crimson's "Larks Tongues in Aspic" seals the deal for me.  

I voted 1973 because, within the greater tapestry of progressive music, from "Tubular Bells" to "Birds of Fire," that year stands out as a veritable zenith, where its most illustrious bands reached their creative apogee and progressive music gained commercial exposure without sacrificing its artistic sensibility. Both their vast artistic approaches and the improvements in recording technique contributed to the 1973 albums' superb sound quality.