Magic of Prog Rock
Humble beginnings
I started, probably like most modern Prog Rock fans, with Pink Floyd. It’s by far the most accessible band. And the most popular.
Their albums are easily accessible on many (perhaps all) streaming platforms. Wish You Were Here, The Dark Side of The Moon and Animals are considered the most influential albums of the 70s. I listened to the hell out of those albums.
Although Pink Floyd is outstanding, I’ve discovered better bands since then.
Deep waters of Prog Rock
A lot of bands flew under my radar in those years. Some came and went, and some stayed. Here are some of the ones that stuck around.
Rush
For starters, the perfect band of all time - Rush. At least for me. For 40 years, they set the standard for how bands should look and play. They have never had any argument or dispute. They held as friends to the very end.
They played somewhat nonchalantly - similar to Pink Floyd. So their music is very accessible to the average listener.
Here are my albums suggestions:
- Moving Pictures - their most recognisable and most acclaimed masterpiece;
- Permanent Waves - this album blends elements of progressive rock and new wave;
- A Farewell To Kings - an album known for its rich and varied sound, with one of my favourite lyrics.
Yes
Yes probably plays the most typical Progressive Rock sound of all the groups mentioned. When someone thinks of prog sounds, they think of Roundabout - Yes’ most mainstream song. But it does not mean that they played simple music.
Yes is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of progressive rock. Yes’ lineup saw changes over the years, but their sound evolved with each iteration. Throughout the years, Yes continued to tour and release new music, staying true to its progressive roots while adapting to changing musical landscapes.
Here are my album suggestions:
- Fragile - showcases the band’s musical dexterity and ability to blend complex arrangements with memorable melodies. It features songs written by individual members as well as group creations.
- Close to the Edge - Widely regarded as one of their greatest works, this album contains three epic tracks, including the 18-minute title track. It is a masterpiece of progressive rock, exploring intricate themes and musical landscapes. My personal favourite by them.
- Tales from Topographic Oceans - A concept album with four lengthy tracks, each taking up one side of the vinyl. It is a bold and ambitious work, showcasing the band’s willingness to explore extended musical ideas.
King Crimson
Widely considered the grandfather of Prog Rock. King Crimson has been a driving force in pushing the boundaries of progressive music, combining intricate compositions, unconventional structures and a constantly evolving line-up to create a sound that remains both enigmatic and influential.
Formed by guitarist Robert Fripp, King Crimson’s debut album, In the Court of the Crimson King, was a groundbreaking work that helped define the progressive rock genre.
One of King Crimson’s defining characteristics has been their ever-changing line-up, with Fripp as the consistent driving force.
In recent years, King Crimson has continued to tour and release new material, proving that its artistry remains as relevant and vibrant as ever. Their live performances are particularly renowned for their improvisational prowess, with each show being a unique experience.
Here are my album suggestions:
- In the Court of the Crimson King - their debut album and a landmark in progressive rock history. A must-listen for any fan of the genre;
- Red - considered by many as one of their best works, “Red” showcases a powerful and intense sound, with tracks like “Red” and “Starless” becoming iconic pieces in their discography;
- Larks’ Tongues in Aspic - this album marked a significant shift in their sound, with a more experimental and improvisational approach.
Some fans might say that I used the most popular bands of the genre. That is true. I wanted to show the genre to a wide variety of people. I know these bands can do that best. In future blog posts, I’ll try to add some more variations.