Gentle Giant is one of the most unique progressive bands ever. Very much underrated. Because they did not play for commercial success and even disbanned for ever when they considered that chapter of music was finished (due to punk). Their musicianship is so advanced, that, yeah, one may need to have played some instrument to really understand it. As about the heart, wow, there is a lot of heart in their music. As you said in your prior video (part 1) one needs to listen a few times to this complex music to get into it and become part of your soul. I suggest you do that as well with Gentle Giant. I used to play 4 instruments, also sung in a choire on occasion and I can say Gentle Giant, together with King Crimson, Van Der Graaf Generator, Yes, Genesis and Jethro Tull are the best Prog rock ever produced. For the mind and for the heart the same. Their best albums in order (subjective preference of course): 1. In a glass house 2. Octopus 3. Aquiring the taste 4. Three Friends 5 The power and the glory 6. Free hand 7. Gentle Giant (first) Those first 7 a close call 8. Civilian 9. The missing piece Decent considering comparisons with any other group 10. Interview 11. Giant for a day Decent as well, but somehow less inspired and trying to be updated to late 70's sound (not entirely successful). This comes from someone who listened to all GG albums since they were issued and still does, summing hundreds of times of full album auditions. And I like Big Big Train, Porcupine tree, Marillion, Anglagard, Tool and such, as well. Also, ELP, Renaissance, Pink Floyd, Harmonium, Focus, Camel, Rush, Supertramp, Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and many others. With all that said, Gentle Giant is still one of the top best, together with King Crimson and Van Der Graaf Generator (can't decide among those three). For anyone interested: www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=118 www.progarchives.com/top-prog-albums.asp?salbumtypes=1
Kudos to you for your love of Gentle Giant. All these band inspire dedication, and most are worthy of it. GG not quite 'my cup of tea', but I'm still glad they were around. I keep going back to them, despite the limits on their emotional impact (to these ears, at least). 👍🏻
I've heard David's head/heart argument a lot over the years. (It's been directed at me more than once). It makes sense, but only superficially I think. I think it misunderstands what is being said by the 'intellectuals'. It's not that say, the handing off of one soloist to another is applauded for its cleverness, but that the musical event creates an emotional reaction in the listener that has to be described in musical terms to someone who missed it. How else could you? It's like poetry. You can have a really emotional reaction to a poem or a lyric, but if you try to describe why, you'll soon be talking about the hypnotic rhythm of each verse, or the way it distils what would in prose be a paragraph into a couple of lines... "That's what I've always thought, but it's all so clearly said in just a few words." It immediately sounds like you're having an intellectual reaction, when you're just trying to say why you're having an emotional reaction.
The lucky few who know Gentle Giant are privileged. Fantastic variety and heroic effort put in by these lads. There is humour in there too, like 'Bet You Thought We Couldn't Do It', which is a rather different take on a rock track and not typical GG (hence the title).......or the start of a track (Runaway) on the 'In a Glass House' album that starts with, you guessed it, breaking glass. There is so much in their music that, if you listen carefully, you might even hear the kitchen sink included !!
Thank you for that explanation of Gentle Giant. I have tried so hard to get into them over the years, one of the main reasons being that it's the only "band" that I know of that my mom listened to in the past (she listenes exclusively to classical music) plus I know that they're very highly regarded musicians... but even just today I put on that Interview album (funny enough, I hadn't seen this video yet) while I was at work and listened through the whole thing and I was just like "I don't really like this. I want to like it so badly, but I'm just not feeling it." I think you did a good job explaining why it hasn't connected with me. All the albums from your first video are top tier.
Part 1 and 2 was an honest review of the best of Prog music peppered by rock, folk, jazz and metal influences. I am of a similar age to the author and I have many of the albums listed. Naturally everyone won’t agree with the choices or reasoning for inclusion/exclusion but I’m looking forward to listening to those albums I’m not familiar with. I love ELP and like Focus but I never ever thought they were similar and I love Dream Theater, I think they are the premier band for carrying prog into the 21st century. Thanks for two most enjoyable reviews.
Thank you for the excellent videos. A few days ago, I was looking for radio-like company and decided to look for prog rock on UA-cam. What a surprise to find such a fun, balanced an honest video. I was also quite pleased to find out that some of my opinions are not out there by themselves. Cheers!
@@georgejacob9099 Ha ha. It happens! Thanks for the tip, but surely Tiktok is mainly for teenagers?! A few shorter vlogs on YT might be a good idea though.
Really like those two videos on Progress Rock! Pink Floyd's Meddle seems to be the most underrated album! I fully agree with you! In terms of Tangerine Dream I would not call them Prog Rock but more electronic music, like Kraftwerk, Klaus Schulze, etc.. If a German band would make it I would suggest CAN. Also Gentle Giant, did not touch my Heart either. There are Lots of YT Videos tackle this genre but most of them do not mention one of the best groups in my opinion which ist UK! Perhaps they came up when Prog Rock had more or less disappeared and they had brought out only two studio albums.
There was a 2021 series on the BBC about a true story of a murderer who lived in Thailand called "The Serpent" and killed backpackers. Some of the background music was Rare Bird. I recognised it straight away after all these years.
Ok , thanks just watched ... glad you talked about GG , also wishbone ashe , strawbs ... being an American and teen growing up in western NY I didn't get to see a lot of these bands in person so I bought albums I honestly would hear friends talk about or play at a party . Being a drumer ( not a good one ) and growing up in concert band in school marching band and also part of a Drum & Bugle corp my ear went to the more complex, complicated music ... just loved it I don't even think of the prog rock over here as prog to an extent though I loved Rush , Kansas , Triumph, Heart , Alice Cooper, and the great Frank Zappa to name a few . ( I used to see live at a bar many times Billy Sheehan ( Talas ) just blow us away with his Bass , so progessive on a Bass I'd ever seen and in a place that you might get 75 - 100 people in jam packed ...
Great Video. Lots of good listening choices. I think you may have given up too early on Marillion. They have some great albums post FISH era that may surprise you - BRAVE, Afraid of Sunlight, Marbles, FEAR...are all worth a listen.
Hi Mary, I have most of Marillion's albums, right up to F.E.A.R. I like Marbles in particular. There is much to discover in their extensive catalogue. Perhaps there's too much for the casual listener to digest. Hogarth was a real catch once Fish had gone. Great vocalist.
Hi Caravan are one of my favourite bands. The best album for me is The Land Of Grey And Pink nearly as good is For Girls That Grow Plump In The Night. To me the vocals are very English with Pye Hastings having as you say the weaker voice and Richard Sinclair having the more distinctive voice also a fantastic bass player. Richard Sinclair also in the band Hatfield and The North that didn’t get a mention
I actually love Richard Sinclair's voice (in Caravan, Hatfield and the North and Camel), and can't understand how anybody could consider his singing "weak"... But hey, different strokes for different folks.
Hi - enjoyed the videos, certainly took me back a good few years. I’ve not read all the comments, so they might have already been mentioned, but a band I still love and think of as the “French Genesis” would be ANGE. They did a trio of classic prog albums in the 70s starting with Au-Dela Du Delire but I would heartily recommend Guet Apens a fine album indeed and the band continue to this day. Good to see Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso mentioned in the comments too - I saw them blow Curved Air off the Salford University stage many years ago! :-)
I enjoyed both of your Prog Rock videos and took notes on a few suggestions I was not familiar with (i.e Transatlantic and Greenslade). I would like to mention three albums that I never hear mentioned that deserve to be heard: 1) "The Machine That Cried" - String Driven Thing 2) "The Miraculous Hump Returns from the Moon" - Sopwith Camel 3) "Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus" - Spirit I've been acquiring records for more than 60 years and these three virtually unknown classics are the crown jewels of my collection.
Interview is by far their best album, I still listen to it today. You really should give Octopus a listen, it's pretty cool but what do I know I'm an 65 yr old stoner who has a pair of JBL L100's which are the bestest speakers for 70's Prog rock as well as 70's fusion Jazz, ever made.
I loved your first Prog video, but I feel you really missed the mark with Gentle Giant. I completely disagree with the often shared view that they lack emotional resonance. People who say this aren't really listening or hearing the right albums IMO. Listen to Moon Is Down, Black Cat, Schooldays, Raconteur Troubadour, Proclamation, Playing the Game, Aspirations, On Reflection etc., and tell me there is no emotional resonance? Shorter tracks don't always equate to less emotional impact. Also Interview is probably their weakest of the prog period albums (mediocre at best). The other thing I would highly disagree with is that Jethro Tull is more folk/rock than Prog, especially considering you had Supertramp in your top 10 who are definitely more rock than prog. Otherwise, your comments are spot on. I especially like your plug on the GO album, which is massively underrated!
Hi David, your channel popped up from You Tubes recommended list. Thanks, loved your two reviews on Albums. As A Manchester lad also (now living in OZ) never got around to listing to BJH in my time. Oh yea, sure do remember Fluffs show on a Saturday after noon while I was doing my paper round. Happy days. Im also a cyclist to BTW.
Nice video. Totally agree with your points about Gentle Giant. Also - nice to see you giving props to the Go album, I don't think I've heard anyone else mention it.
Enjoyed the video and especially great to see you pick PFM 'Chocolate Kings'. It's easily my favourite of theirs and often gets ignored in favour of the first two Italian language albums. The BBC live concert from that tour is absolutely phenomenal too. I love Gentle Giant too but thought you explained why you don't very well and I can see the merit in your position on them. The only omission for me was England 'Garden Shed' but that isn't widely known.
I obviously loved your video!! from the same reasons that there is are lot of comments!! which proved your statement: this great music passed the filter of time". I feel very comfort with all comments!! yes, each one has some personal preferences, however, all appreciate really fantastic music and musicians. It is a good feeling somehow that other people from all around the world feeling the same about music. I was on a cruise with some of these heroes (Steve Hacket and Focus) and they were such nice persons!! I definitely going to look into every record and band that you introduced and I didn't know, and obviously look for your other videos. Thank You!!
Well, regarding Gentle Giant, I think you missed the emotional content of their superb Free Hand, the album prior to Interview. This is my favorite album of theirs and melds gregorian chant-like vocals with jazz rock stylings and complex time signatures. The title track, when cranked, is a total and powerful knock out. Steven Wilson thought enough of this album that his remixed version is incredible. Also, I think you also missed the fact that Jethro Tull's Thick As A Brick and Passion Play albums, that proceeded Aqualung, are great progressive rock albums with single track per side productions.
I like your comments on vocalists. So many of the lesser known prog bands suffered from poor vocalists, However, I disagree re Caravan love their vocals. Try the latest Styx album - very prog and great melodic prog
My first '70s rock concert was Wishbone Ash and Camel. They were promoting There's the Rub and Mirage. Didn't hear Argus until much later. Really love Strawbs' Ghosts album, Porcupine Tree : The Sky Moves Sideways, Pendragon : Masquerade Overture. I'll be watching more of your channel. Cheers!
Great overview . I can see where you’re coming from with Gentle Giant . I tend to go back to Free Hand as opposed to their earlier albums . A nice shout out for Living in the Past , which is a great album . I will need to investigate that PFM album. Thanks !
Great to find your site! I love that 1969-75 period when there was so much great prog. My number one album is Ambrosia's first. Never get sick of early Genesis. Have you ever heard of Il Baricentro Trusciant? Wonderful!
Oh Caravan are so cool....love them....Girls Go Plump In The Night is my fave...I guess you don't like high pitch voices much? I think it's very fine...uplifting prog and the Canterbury scene ruled!
Enjoyed your very personal view of Progressive rock. Many old faves and a few new titles for me to explore. PFM's CHOCOLATE KINGS is now on my list. Your comment of the lead singer's "over-excited Peter Gabriel" reminded me of Roger Chapman, lead singer of the band Family. I'd put them in the Prog Rock camp because of the diverse instrumentation, deep subject matter and dynamic delivery. Chapman's voice is a 'love it or hate it' proposition but, for me, works in the context of the overall sound. Their album FEARLESS (which also features John Wetton) is excellent.
I've never been able to overcome my dislike of Chapman's vocals. I even say him perform with Streetwalkers, but his voice put me off exploring Family's catalogue with any enthusiasm. Probably my loss.
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 I totally get that. I was once buying a Family compilation with a friend and he asked me to describe their sound. I made a kind of goat-like braying and he laughed, of course. Wetton's voice on FEARLESS (and subsequent BANDSTAND) help leaven the abrasive vocal attack. Both "Larf and Sing" and "Spanish Tide" (from FEARLESS) are especially melodic. Of course, I'll defend the whole album, especially the anthemic "Save Some for Thee" and the stand alone single "In My Own Time" as being both catchy and powerful. Funny thing about vocalists: two of the more recent bands you recommended in Part I (Big Big Train & Flower Kings) have vocalists that slavishly reproduce the Gabriel-Collins vocal style. As pleasant as that is, it certainly gets in the way of getting into the songs. Do enjoy the sound, though.
Glad to hear me too of Wishbone Ash. Live Dates a very good album. Another band not mentioned was Uriah Heep. Not exactly prog, but sort of, and very good
Well the 2nd or 3rd band I ever saw. First were Genesis, then BJH or Heep in quick succession. Some proggy elements in Heep, but definitely a hard rock band. Love the first live album, and of course the two studio classics 'Magician's Birthday' and 'Demons and Wizards'. I bought the single 'Easy Livin' (one of my first records). Still have it. Immense.
For me Gentle Giant, in prog terms, are right up there. Their approach ticks the boxes for me over Yes or Genesis. Seems to me they had a purity of approach.
We were in a band, as far away from prog as you get, but we did the all swap instrument thing ( usually to kick the rigid minded guitarist off lead ). The difference with us was we were limited in ability.
You should check out the band Izz. They are from New York. Like a mix of Genesis, Yes, Renaissance, and Gentle Giant. Recommend "My River Flows" and "The Darkened Room" as a place to start. My favorite of the newer prog bands.
New to your channel, Hemispheres is the Rush album I play the most. Have a dig into their 80/90/ 2000s albums, you won’t be disappointed. Great videos cheers
I think my next music video will focus on classical pieces for rock fans. It's a fringe interest, and whilst a lot a classical music is like wallpaper for the ears, some of it I absolutely love.
A great Channel. Found it watching the Genesis album ranking .... Here's one I would like to recommend to you (If no one possibly did before) ist, Stomu Yamashta - Go Live From Paris, which is a great double album. The line-up are the three fantastic musicians that are also on the album you showed plus Klaus Schulze and Al Di Meola and others. I still have the old pressing from '77 I guess, which (in my opinion) sounds quite good. May be there a better and newer releases.
Guess, I overheard that, sorry. Musst check what albums I die mit have a try to complete the Yamashta Collection. Gave the Live Album a spin today and have to admit, it is quite a while ago that I listened to it. At the moment I am listening to VdGG's La Rossa. My current favorite track of VdGG. Hava a nice weekend with lots of great music.
Thanks David. You present what I think is a well balanced and rational critique of the classical prog rock genre. Back then (1960's, 70's, 80's), technology was not able to hide poor musicianship like it can today. I am a fan of Jan Akkerman, Roland Orzabel (not prog!) and most recently discovered Jem Godfrey's Frost* (a bit too prog-metal). I guess our tastes change over time, but I do love to just sit/lie down wearing cans, close my eyes, and just listen. Life is a bit less self-indulgent these days, but the memories that these albums recall, does not change! A great era!
I love Tears for Fears too, and I think their music will last for many years to come. Roland is a very mature and creative musician. I tried the first Frost album, and it just didn't grab me.
Great video! Thanks. I am a huge Marillion fan (so glad they got a mention). Song For America is the Kansas album to go back to if you have time. Also, did you ever hear Mei by Echolyn? It's got heart!
Hey, thanks for doing these videos (the second one in particular). You mentioned many bands that I knew I liked but had not really explored much. Now I am and I have many more hours of enjoyment ahead. Cheers, Eric
I enyoyed these 2 video's very much, even found some new records to listen to. I completely dig you on Dream Theater, Tool, Mars Volta but I am a big fan of Ayreon. Try Into The Electric Castle as a starter. And besides Pendragon I also like IQ (start with The Seventh house e.g.).
I have the 'Timeline' box set from Ayreon. I remember it being very enjoyable, but sometimes albums get lost in my collection and this is one of them. Time to dig it out again!
I bought 'Day for Night' and pretty-much gave up on them after that. I think I switched my allegiance to 'The Flower Kings' soon after. You've tempted my to have a listen to 'The Light' at least. Thanks.
Great video! Way back in 1976 at university I met a guy who became a life-long friend. We bonded over music, particularly bands like Man, Hot Tuna, Floyd, Genesis, Crimson, Rush, Zappa and Beefheart. But he spent many hours trying to convince me of the merit of Gentle Giant. I distinctly remember telling him on many occasions that I appreciated their undoubted virtuoso musicianship but that I didn't "get" the music. Now I know that what I should have been telling him was that I appreciated the band as an intellectual exercise but that the output was not emotionally fulfilling! Still time to set the record staright! Thank you!
A great follow up, thanks for including bands mentioned in Part I comments. Don’t always agree (focus vs ELP) but you are always thought provoking. Definitely will try PFM from Italy. Many thanks
agreed. I find I cant really stomach much of the ELP portfolio, but find the first 4 or so Focus Albums to be genius, very different style and track construction.
I discovered your channel today and watched these two parts. Will certainly watch more. I love that you gave a second choice too! From Ommadawn I would go to Incantations. Very nice that you included Even In the Quietest Moments, it usually gets forgotten. Ricochet is also my favorite Tangerine Dream album. And there are some “better” PFM albums but Chocolate Kings has a great playfulness to it. When it comes to Italian prog Maxophone is a more recent discovery. Great compositions in melodic _italiano_ style. My favorite band is Gentle Giant and I agree, it’s music for the brain not for the heart. How about ranking the Joni Mitchell albums?
Hi mate I’m Paul from Herne Bay Kent Great prog video’s 1 & 2 your on my page completely I’ve been a prog fan since 1967 my favourites are moody blues Procol harem pink Floyd genesis Mike Oldfield tangerine dream my favourite band of all time Rubycon is a swirling masterpiece I love all prog bands from 70s to today wobbler and haken and frost great band’s I agree with your comments on part 2 about gentle giant and caravan clever but a hard listen particularly octopus but free hand. Steve Wilson remix awesome I also love Manfred Mann earth band solar fire and roaring silence brilliant Part 1 loved your top ten great choices Prog rock forever 👍🎹🎵🎸🎶🎧🤘💿👏
The only prog metal I've come to appreciate is Opeth. Sorceress is pure Deep Purple Mach 1 stuff. I love it. The earlier Death Metal phase is of interest for the dynamic dialogue between the death growl and standard vocals. I appreciate your thoughts on gentle Giant. As much as I like the band, I believe your criticisms are valid. Thanks for your thoughts.
Enjoyed your prog videos and was waiting for kudos to Giant. Was intrigued by your thoughts on them, and cant say i disagree. You never mention Aphrodite's Child and 666. This is about the only prog LP I return too nowadays, even though back in the day i owned about 40% of the albums you mention. Hope you continue to do music videos, maybe British bands that never made it in the states. like The Groundhogs, John Martyn, Alan Hull, etc. Keep up the good work!
For me the number one progressive rock album is 666 by Greek band Aphrodite's Child followed by Gentle Giant's Glass House and Acquiring the Taste. But that's my opinion.
"Hero and Heroine" is a great album, but I'm not sure it's The Strawbs best record. There's "From the Witchwood," "Bursting at the Seams," and "Grave New World" to contend with as well.
Those are all great albums. 'Witchwood' is quite different from the others though. I do like their earlier albums, as the years pass. I adore 'Lay Down' and always enjoy 'Part of the Union' from the 'bursting' album. Fine band.
David...is that a Lenco table there to your left? If so, you need to show us your system. Another music suggestion...how about showing your favorite obscure albums that most people might not have heard of? There are so many hidden gems that sold squat but deserve to be known. Thanks!!
That's a good idea Jeff. There are several albums I can think of that few people know are out there. No quite sure how interesting it'll be for people though. I'll have a think. That turntable is a Lenco 75, and very good it is too. I have a couple of other, even better, systems. Might show them off at some point!
Very nostalgic seeing all those bands that were part of may youth pubs and clubs, exciting times I thought would never end (70) any way do you recall Peter Banks the first guitarist for Yes later Flash he went to school with my brother in Barnet and he was actually named the architect of prog rock but you don't see much about him. Thanks ✌
For me other prog rock albums are: Soft Machine - Third ('cause of the track The Moon In June), Stray - Saturday Morning Pictures, T2 - It'll all work out in Boomland, Amon Düül II - Tanz der Lemminge.
Great reviews on both your prog videos, it's good to listen to someone who knows what they're talking about, rather than just say ' I really like this album, it's very good'
Surprised you have not mentioned one of the greatest prog bands ever, UK with Bruford, Wetton, Jobson and Allan Holdsworth. Probably one of the most influential and underrated bands ever, but with masters of their own instruments. Maybe if you did a video on UK many people would be very happy
Fabulous band. Saw them live when they were promoting their first album. Brilliant musicians. Main shortcoming was that, in Wetton, they only had one 'song' writer. Beyond 'In the Dead of Night' it was mostly instrumental. I put them in the same bucket as Brand X, another great band who stretched away from prog and towards jazz rock.
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 Love Brand X also, had all their albums together with at least 2000 other LP's. Once decided to retire in Thailand unfortunately I had to sell every album with my Thorens TD160 record player but now thanks to UA-cam I can listen to anything I want so it ain’t too bad although I miss my collection. Back in the 70's my friends thought I was a bit wierd because one minute I was listening to Led Zeppelin and then I would put Miles Davis Bitches Brew or Shakti and then flip back to Soft Machine or Gong. I loved the Canterbury period with Dave Stewart National Health, Hatfield and the North and Gilgamesh, loved and still do to this day the early Genesis, especially Nursery Cryme and Foxtrot. But the guy who has always been very close to my musical heart has to be Allan Holdsworth, maybe because I also knew him personally and loved his incredibly modest and down to earth charachter. Allan always gives me the chills but as you say, music can be very personal and not everyone will feel the same emotions. Nevertheless, I believe that if if someone listens carefully to Allan on Nevermore with the classic intro and the electric solos, I am sure that he or she would be moved as much as I am every time I listen to it and as much as anybody should be when listening to Supper's Ready or Confortably Numb. Great job by the way
From the accent I guess you must have seen most of these bands at the city hall. We were so fortunate in the northeast to have such a great hall that most (if not all) bands visited Newcastle on their tours. Did you catch the Chrysalis tours with Genesis and lindisfarne?
Hi Michael, I might bee being unfair, but I've filed Spock's Beard under prog-metal and I've left their albums on the shelf. Neal Morse's solo stuff sounds great, but most of my expose has been through listening online rather than seeking out his albums. So, I'm only partially familiar, insufficiently so to include them amongst my favourites.
Hi, David - I really enjoyed both parts of this 2-part series! If I could throw in a couple of bands that were not mentioned (though I'm sure you're aware of them) that, to me, personify Prog.. First would be Henry Cow. "Western Civilization" is a landmark album. I think they were more of the 'musician's musician' type band; people that were/are into composition and sheer originality. Perhaps not the band for the person that identifies themselves loving the beautiful melodic aspect of a band. They were not an easy band for me to get into but I guess being a musician helped me understand what they were trying to do. Plus I'm widely into experimentation. The other band/album, and completely on the flip-side, is Ambrosia "Somewhere I've Never Travelled". I've always loved this band and admittedly, always loved their big hits. But a friend of mine, whom appreciated most all of their work, made me aware of this album which I find very progressive! It's an album that holds my attention from beginning to end and is quite varied from song to song. If you've never listened to it, I hope you check it out sometime. Cheers!
I remember Henry Cow from that old Virgin compilation 'V' - on Side 3 with Slapp Happy, etc. (I think the musicians played on each others' bands). I was tempted to buy their 'Complete' box set last year, but it seemed too big an undertaking. But I'm now tempted again! Don't know Ambrosia, so will check them out. Thanks.
David, Rush are often referred to as prog metal. If you saw them play 2112 and Xanadu, which no one had heard before, then you saw them June 1977 on the All the World's a Stage tour. This was just prior to them recording A Farewell to Kings, which is why nobody had heard Xanadu before. A Farewell to Kings was released later that year, and the UK tour for the album was in February 1978.
Camel would be my all time favourite (Prog ) Band .. Andy Latimer is the only guitarist that can reduce me to tears with the emotions he has in his playing ..
His tone is marvellous, but I think it's a bit samey. But over the years he's come up with some fantastic melodies. I know he's still touring, and I'm ashamed to say I haven't seen them live since the 1970s!
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 I also saw Camel three times in the 1970's but not since. I love Andy Latimer's playing and he always reminded me of Dave Gilmour so I wasn't surprised to read that Roger Waters actually auditioned Andy Latimer when Pink Floyd split.
Sorry but Jethro Tull is prog , this band combines fusión Jazz, Folk , hard rock, symphonic rock, classic rock , sometimes blues , and the Albums Thick as a Brick and Passion Play are defined as operatic Prog rock , this is the band that have varied more the different styles, which fits exactly on what is the definition of progressive rock.
Mate we hear you on jethro , you carry on why ? I like Tull But they are never going to appeal to everyone. They are tight. But heavy blues and some Bloke( yeah I know he wrote it. ) whips out a flute. It’s different for sure. But come on.
I forget to mention the influence of blues on them. I know people give them the 'benefit of the doubt' regarding their 'prog status', and I'm happy to go with the flow. Nevertheless, Ian Anderson was sniffy about any association with prog for many years (probably based on JT's reputation in the USA), and he's only acknowledged their prog connections, now that it's only 'Prog' magazine that's writing about them. Regardless, I like them.
Cardiacs - Sing to God After Crying - many albums worth exploring (neo prog era) Egoband - Italian neo prog Cliffhanger - Netherlands neo prog Echolyn - USA Mei and a few other albums of interest Cast - Mexico - 20 studio albums neo prog 'What about Tangerine Dream?
Dear David. Thanks a lot for your reviews. I would suggest to include a neo-prog band with a long history: IQ... Records? Tales from the Lush Attic, The Wake, Ever, Subterranea, ....
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 Hi David. You have to keep on trying!!! I suggest Ever, The Seventh House, Dark Matter or The Road of Bones. To my taste, they're better than Marillion...and more consistent through time. Thanks for your videos and best regards!
Just finding your post...love it. Was wondering what your thoughts are on Jean-Luc Ponty. ? I always think he crosses into the Prog arena with his jazz-fusion/rock/funk combo.....his stuff is very melodic. Hard to classify...which is the stuff I like most. Also I was wondering if you ever have had exposure to Kings X, one of my favorite bands which are a super trio that all sing with a fantastic guitarist Ty Tabor. "Gretchen Goes to Nebraska" by Kings X is a great album which a lot of music teachers use to demonstrate all the layers which can be done by 3 guys. Cheers from Colorado !!!
I can't honestly say that I know the music of Kings X. Apart from tripping over them in compilations or online, I've not been drawn to them. I'll take a listen to that 'Nebraska' album. As regards, Jean-Luc Ponty, I have a couple of vinyl albums, but I'm not so familiar with them that they would make a list of my faves. I also have lots of Return to Forever, Mahavishnu, Brand X, Weather Report, Zappa, none of which I would squeeze into my definition of 'Prog', despite their music encroaching on the genre.
Vocal by Caravan are not bad. When Richard Sinclair sings, it's wonderful. This man is the top canterbury musician in my advice. When he's not there Caravan, becomes just a good band from having been a determinant force in a musical genre.
Apart from the actual content, which is straightforward and informative, I would like to commend your clear, fluid diction. No "umming" and "erring", and no think-pause phrases.
I really enjoy your music videos David. They always have great ideas and almost always remind me of artists that I haven't listened to for years or occasionally have never even heard of at all. Only thing on this one that I would quite strongly disagree with is your opinion on Caravan's vocals. I like the lead singer's voice and they also did great harmonies. Still, we can't all agree on everything. I look forward to the next one. Very best wishes, Steve
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 i suppose you could say caravan took a humorous approach to prog what with jokey lyrics & song/album titles ( still amazed they got away with "Cunning Stunts" tho ).... so the vocal deliveries reflect this lighter feel to the music i guess ....and also i think the main reason people keep coming back to their records !
PFM were the support band for Pete Sinfield's first solo gig at the Sadlers Wells theatre in London, that included an appearance of Greg Lake for the song 'Still' which Lake also sang on Sinfield's album of the same name. I think John Wetton also made an appearance, but my memory is fading. However, I do remember Mike Rutherford being in attendance to witness the event. (Sinfield's Still, not to be confused with ELP's 'Still, You Turn Me On)
David Atkinson...Thanks for directing me here, as I mentioned before PFM "Chocolate Kings" glad to see you've have them, but, if you haven't heard the other 2 Italian bands I mentioned... Acqua Fragile (self titled lp) and "Mass Media Stars" are a must listen. Interestingly, they had Bernardo Lanzetti as lead vocalist too. And Maxophone was a truly great band and musicianship. It's sad they didn't make more than one album back then (1975). They finally did release another album in 2018! but sadly (for me) it's Italian lyrics only, the music is great though.
I maybe off base here but almost all the reviews I have seen no one mentions Colliseum . Those who are about to die we salute you . As good as any I have seen here .
Very good stuff. Can't really fault your selection. For me prog at its best is aural Romanticism. It feeds and enhances your imagination. For that very reason it is prone to bombast and teetering on absurdity. I recently discovered Steven Wison and his song " Drive Home". I was impressed.
Just finished watching the two parts. That was a great prog lesson Sir, wrote down many notes... Now, i was wondering if you came across the band Opeth, Steve Wilson produced some of their albums, they started as a metal band with progressive elements but their last 4 albums are full on progressive. I would really really appreciate if you give these later albums some time and talk about them. Have a good day/evening 😊
Oops my mistake, you already mentioned them in the last few minutes of the video, should have waited till the end before i comment, my mistake 😄... Anyway, still i appreciate if you make a video about them... All the best Sir 😊
In regard to Gentle Giant not being emotional enough. Songs like, 'Aspirations' and 'Three friends' says otherwise in my mind. Especially the former. It's incredibly beautiful. Not sure if you have heard that one or not though.
I got over Geddy Lees vocals eventually.. ...now love it....I avoided Rush for far too long for that reason....don't be put off everyone.... especially if you are also a Darkness fan🤘😎 falsetto heaven!
Well done sir, you mentioned in passing, Hawkwind ( 2nd LP In Search of Space, was a step to the different), and the best prog' of all The Enid If you've not heard them try, (Something Wicked this way Comes).
I saw The Enid live way back in the 70s, but sadly I was drunk at the time, so didn't appreciate them enough. I have a few albums. I should listen to them more.
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 thank you for replying - -I've seen them (Enid) many times, (they are like a well kept secret), and they are still going, sort of, and are worth revisiting the aforementioned 'Something Wicked - - -' was a bit of a breakthrough as they used vocals (that has continued). I came to them a bit late and was blown away when I saw them in Bristol. Especially the encore which was Elgar's Nimrod, bloomin' stunning you know one of those moments, - - - because when they ended there was complete silence for a few seconds as we all took it in then the place erupted! Sorry to have babbled on and been a wee bit evangelical. Keep up your great work! All the best AS!
Camel, Aphrodite’s Child, Focus, Sebastian Hardy….. Great to hear GO get a mention. The track Crossing the line introduced me to their music (Al Dimeola’s guitar solo magnificent)
Great videos! I may have missed it, but who could talk about Rick Wakeman without talking about Strawbs. They are like the unwanted stepchild of rock, but if you look where they started, and where they peaked in 1974-75 with Hero and Heroine, and Ghosts, the band is a cut above, dark tones and lyrics, but in my book, very much prog.
I’m probably about your age and when it comes to prog no doubt I think of camel and marillion right off the bat! To me it’s hard to say who started but in my mind from coming from that era I believe it’s the combination of king crimson, moody blues and Pink Floyd that defined the genre then yes and genesis to follow up!
Hi David, thx for your beautiful videos about prog. They take me back (sigh) to my musical era, to the music I grew up with. I'd like to share with you, if interested to dig deeper, a quick personal guide to the most significant Italian prog albums all released in the early 70's: “Banco del Mutuo Soccorso” and "Metamorfosi" by Banco del Mutuo Soccorso (Francesco Di Giacomo amazing voice) “Storia di un minuto” by Premiata Forneria Marconi (1st album( “Palepoli” by Osanna “Felona e Sorona” by Le Orme “Crac” by Area (more jazzy or jazz rock) Check them out, they deserve Ciao Alberto
Never thought of Wishbone Ash as a prog band but yes, more than just British blues rockers. I saw them playing in a club in Dallas, Texas in the early '80s, past their prime popularity wise I guess but I was very impressed with the sound of the guitars. You could tell that these guys were the real deal, much better than the guitar playing I would generally hear in the clubs.
Camel is the group I always come back to. Camel's music is so beautiful, light and uplifting! And it is very emotional!
Camel. Brilliant band, only recently got into them by chance (where on earth have I been) and really love the sound.
Gentle Giant is one of the most unique progressive bands ever. Very much underrated. Because they did not play for commercial success and even disbanned for ever when they considered that chapter of music was finished (due to punk). Their musicianship is so advanced, that, yeah, one may need to have played some instrument to really understand it. As about the heart, wow, there is a lot of heart in their music. As you said in your prior video (part 1) one needs to listen a few times to this complex music to get into it and become part of your soul. I suggest you do that as well with Gentle Giant. I used to play 4 instruments, also sung in a choire on occasion and I can say Gentle Giant, together with King Crimson, Van Der Graaf Generator, Yes, Genesis and Jethro Tull are the best Prog rock ever produced. For the mind and for the heart the same. Their best albums in order (subjective preference of course):
1. In a glass house
2. Octopus
3. Aquiring the taste
4. Three Friends
5 The power and the glory
6. Free hand
7. Gentle Giant (first)
Those first 7 a close call
8. Civilian
9. The missing piece
Decent considering comparisons with any other group
10. Interview
11. Giant for a day
Decent as well, but somehow less inspired and trying to be updated to late 70's sound (not entirely successful).
This comes from someone who listened to all GG albums since they were issued and still does, summing hundreds of times of full album auditions.
And I like Big Big Train, Porcupine tree, Marillion, Anglagard, Tool and such, as well. Also, ELP, Renaissance, Pink Floyd, Harmonium, Focus, Camel, Rush, Supertramp, Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and many others.
With all that said, Gentle Giant is still one of the top best, together with King Crimson and Van Der Graaf Generator (can't decide among those three).
For anyone interested:
www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=118
www.progarchives.com/top-prog-albums.asp?salbumtypes=1
Kudos to you for your love of Gentle Giant. All these band inspire dedication, and most are worthy of it. GG not quite 'my cup of tea', but I'm still glad they were around. I keep going back to them, despite the limits on their emotional impact (to these ears, at least). 👍🏻
Op pi, I love you for giving Giant it's due.
I've heard David's head/heart argument a lot over the years. (It's been directed at me more than once). It makes sense, but only superficially I think. I think it misunderstands what is being said by the 'intellectuals'. It's not that say, the handing off of one soloist to another is applauded for its cleverness, but that the musical event creates an emotional reaction in the listener that has to be described in musical terms to someone who missed it. How else could you?
It's like poetry. You can have a really emotional reaction to a poem or a lyric, but if you try to describe why, you'll soon be talking about the hypnotic rhythm of each verse, or the way it distils what would in prose be a paragraph into a couple of lines... "That's what I've always thought, but it's all so clearly said in just a few words."
It immediately sounds like you're having an intellectual reaction, when you're just trying to say why you're having an emotional reaction.
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 You haven't listened to 'Three Friends' enough 😉
The lucky few who know Gentle Giant are privileged. Fantastic variety and heroic effort put in by these lads. There is humour in there too, like 'Bet You Thought We Couldn't Do It', which is a rather different take on a rock track and not typical GG (hence the title).......or the start of a track (Runaway) on the 'In a Glass House' album that starts with, you guessed it, breaking glass. There is so much in their music that, if you listen carefully, you might even hear the kitchen sink included !!
Awesome list on both vids! A list that probably every prog fan should have! Okay...Pert is shampoo...Peer-t is the way you pronounce Neil's last name.
Thank you for that explanation of Gentle Giant. I have tried so hard to get into them over the years, one of the main reasons being that it's the only "band" that I know of that my mom listened to in the past (she listenes exclusively to classical music) plus I know that they're very highly regarded musicians... but even just today I put on that Interview album (funny enough, I hadn't seen this video yet) while I was at work and listened through the whole thing and I was just like "I don't really like this. I want to like it so badly, but I'm just not feeling it." I think you did a good job explaining why it hasn't connected with me. All the albums from your first video are top tier.
Sorry for the late reply Dan, but thank you. I always wanted to love Gentle Giant, but I think like I say in the video, they're easier to admire.
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 Exactly. Spot on!
Part 1 and 2 was an honest review of the best of Prog music peppered by rock, folk, jazz and metal influences. I am of a similar age to the author and I have many of the albums listed. Naturally everyone won’t agree with the choices or reasoning for inclusion/exclusion but I’m looking forward to listening to those albums I’m not familiar with. I love ELP and like Focus but I never ever thought they were similar and I love Dream Theater, I think they are the premier band for carrying prog into the 21st century. Thanks for two most enjoyable reviews.
You’ve got a great musical background. Very interesting choices and comments.Thank U.
Thank you for the excellent videos. A few days ago, I was looking for radio-like company and decided to look for prog rock on UA-cam. What a surprise to find such a fun, balanced an honest video. I was also quite pleased to find out that some of my opinions are not out there by themselves. Cheers!
You should start a TikTok page. I really would like to hear your opinions on TikTok and your Volga would suit the short TikTok videos.
yes!
Absolutely!! A great idea!
What is my 'Volga'?
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 I meant vlogs. I think my autocorrect corrected it sorry
@@georgejacob9099 Ha ha. It happens! Thanks for the tip, but surely Tiktok is mainly for teenagers?! A few shorter vlogs on YT might be a good idea though.
Really like those two videos on Progress Rock! Pink Floyd's Meddle seems to be the most underrated album! I fully agree with you! In terms of Tangerine Dream I would not call them Prog Rock but more electronic music, like Kraftwerk, Klaus Schulze, etc.. If a German band would make it I would suggest CAN.
Also Gentle Giant, did not touch my Heart either. There are Lots of YT Videos tackle this genre but most of them do not mention one of the best groups in my opinion which ist UK! Perhaps they came up when Prog Rock had more or less disappeared and they had brought out only two studio albums.
One of the British bands you missed was the original Rare Bird, and for me their album “As your Mind Flies By” is a classic, and is worth a mention.
That is a great album!
The two "Fields" albums are pretty good too!
There was a 2021 series on the BBC about a true story of a murderer who lived in Thailand called "The Serpent" and killed backpackers. Some of the background music was Rare Bird. I recognised it straight away after all these years.
I thought this was supposed to be "greatest" not "worth a mention" but he's doing it why shouldn't you.
Have a listen to Airbag from Norway
Influenced by Floyd but I think excellent
Ok , thanks just watched ... glad you talked about GG , also wishbone ashe , strawbs ... being an American and teen growing up in western NY I didn't get to see a lot of these bands in person so I bought albums I honestly would hear friends talk about or play at a party . Being a drumer ( not a good one ) and growing up in concert band in school marching band and also part of a Drum & Bugle corp my ear went to the more complex, complicated music ... just loved it
I don't even think of the prog rock over here as prog to an extent though I loved Rush , Kansas , Triumph, Heart , Alice Cooper, and the great Frank Zappa to name a few . ( I used to see live at a bar many times Billy Sheehan ( Talas ) just blow us away with his Bass , so progessive on a Bass I'd ever seen and in a place that you might get 75 - 100 people in jam packed ...
Another great show, with amazing choices.
Greetings from Brazil.
Great Video. Lots of good listening choices. I think you may have given up too early on Marillion. They have some great albums post FISH era that may surprise you - BRAVE, Afraid of Sunlight, Marbles, FEAR...are all worth a listen.
Hi Mary,
I have most of Marillion's albums, right up to F.E.A.R. I like Marbles in particular. There is much to discover in their extensive catalogue. Perhaps there's too much for the casual listener to digest. Hogarth was a real catch once Fish had gone. Great vocalist.
Love their most recent album An Hour Before It’s Dark as well. So beautiful.
Hi Caravan are one of my favourite bands. The best album for me is The Land Of Grey And Pink nearly as good is For Girls That Grow Plump In The Night. To me the vocals are very English with Pye Hastings having as you say the weaker voice and Richard Sinclair having the more distinctive voice also a fantastic bass player. Richard Sinclair also in the band Hatfield and The North that didn’t get a mention
Love Caravan. I play their cds in the car
Have you seen that CD box set that's out? Costs a fortune, but has loads of CDs in it. Worth getting I'm sure, if Caravan is a particular favourite.
I actually love Richard Sinclair's voice (in Caravan, Hatfield and the North and Camel), and can't understand how anybody could consider his singing "weak"... But hey, different strokes for different folks.
Hi - enjoyed the videos, certainly took me back a good few years.
I’ve not read all the comments, so they might have already been mentioned, but a band I still love and think of as the “French Genesis” would be ANGE. They did a trio of classic prog albums in the 70s starting with Au-Dela Du Delire but I would heartily recommend Guet Apens a fine album indeed and the band continue to this day.
Good to see Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso mentioned in the comments too - I saw them blow Curved Air off the Salford University stage many years ago! :-)
I enjoyed both of your Prog Rock videos and took notes on a few suggestions I was not familiar with (i.e Transatlantic and Greenslade). I would like to mention three albums that I never hear mentioned that deserve to be heard:
1) "The Machine That Cried" - String Driven Thing
2) "The Miraculous Hump Returns from the Moon" - Sopwith Camel
3) "Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus" - Spirit
I've been acquiring records for more than 60 years and these three virtually unknown classics are the crown jewels of my collection.
Sopwith C. !
Interview is by far their best album, I still listen to it today. You really should give Octopus a listen, it's pretty cool but what do I know I'm an 65 yr old stoner who has a pair of JBL L100's which are the bestest speakers for 70's Prog rock as well as 70's fusion Jazz, ever made.
I loved your first Prog video, but I feel you really missed the mark with Gentle Giant. I completely disagree with the often shared view that they lack emotional resonance. People who say this aren't really listening or hearing the right albums IMO. Listen to Moon Is Down, Black Cat, Schooldays, Raconteur Troubadour, Proclamation, Playing the Game, Aspirations, On Reflection etc., and tell me there is no emotional resonance? Shorter tracks don't always equate to less emotional impact. Also Interview is probably their weakest of the prog period albums (mediocre at best). The other thing I would highly disagree with is that Jethro Tull is more folk/rock than Prog, especially considering you had Supertramp in your top 10 who are definitely more rock than prog. Otherwise, your comments are spot on. I especially like your plug on the GO album, which is massively underrated!
Enjoyed the choices you made in part one. Looking forward to part two. You hit the mark on my favorites in the fist one.
Hi David, your channel popped up from You Tubes recommended list. Thanks, loved your two reviews on Albums. As A Manchester lad also (now living in OZ) never got around to listing to BJH in my time. Oh yea, sure do remember Fluffs show on a Saturday after noon while I was doing my paper round. Happy days. Im also a cyclist to BTW.
Nice video. Totally agree with your points about Gentle Giant.
Also - nice to see you giving props to the Go album, I don't think I've heard anyone else mention it.
I find the channel today ! And l enjoy very much the clear analises of your reviews. Fabulous the way you explain. Paulo wilson. Miami.
Enjoyed the video and especially great to see you pick PFM 'Chocolate Kings'. It's easily my favourite of theirs and often gets ignored in favour of the first two Italian language albums. The BBC live concert from that tour is absolutely phenomenal too.
I love Gentle Giant too but thought you explained why you don't very well and I can see the merit in your position on them.
The only omission for me was England 'Garden Shed' but that isn't widely known.
'Garden Shed' great call, had forgotten that
I can’t believe that you have/covered the “Go” album. I had that album in the 70’s. Thanks for the videos on Prog Rock! 🌞✌️😎🎻
I obviously loved your video!! from the same reasons that there is are lot of comments!! which proved your statement: this great music passed the filter of time". I feel very comfort with all comments!! yes, each one has some personal preferences, however, all appreciate really fantastic music and musicians. It is a good feeling somehow that other people from all around the world feeling the same about music. I was on a cruise with some of these heroes (Steve Hacket and Focus) and they were such nice persons!! I definitely going to look into every record and band that you introduced and I didn't know, and obviously look for your other videos.
Thank You!!
Well, regarding Gentle Giant, I think you missed the emotional content of their superb Free Hand, the album prior to Interview. This is my favorite album of theirs and melds gregorian chant-like vocals with jazz rock stylings and complex time signatures. The title track, when cranked, is a total and powerful knock out. Steven Wilson thought enough of this album that his remixed version is incredible. Also, I think you also missed the fact that Jethro Tull's Thick As A Brick and Passion Play albums, that proceeded Aqualung, are great progressive rock albums with single track per side productions.
As a master of atmospheres ,you can also add Klaus Shulze to Go's stellar lineup .
I like your comments on vocalists. So many of the lesser known prog bands suffered from poor vocalists, However, I disagree re Caravan love their vocals. Try the latest Styx album - very prog and great melodic prog
Caravan has one great song with terrific vocals - The Love In Your Eye.
I agree, I really like Sinclair´s voice and the new Styx album is fantastic
Richard Sinclair has a great voice
He's not a great vocalist compared to some of the best in prog rock, but I reckon his vocals are perfect for what they do.
My first '70s rock concert was Wishbone Ash and Camel. They were promoting There's the Rub and Mirage. Didn't hear Argus until much later. Really love Strawbs' Ghosts album, Porcupine Tree : The Sky Moves Sideways, Pendragon : Masquerade Overture. I'll be watching more of your channel. Cheers!
Great overview . I can see where you’re coming from with Gentle Giant . I tend to go back to Free Hand as opposed to their earlier albums . A nice shout out for Living in the Past , which is a great album . I will need to investigate that PFM album. Thanks !
Love Free Hand especially the recent Steven Wilson remix.
Great to find your site! I love that 1969-75 period when there was so much great prog. My number one album is Ambrosia's first. Never get sick of early Genesis. Have you ever heard of Il Baricentro Trusciant? Wonderful!
I haven't heard Il Baricentro Trusciant. Any tips you can give me?
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 you can find the album on youtube.....Albeit broken up with each song separate.
Oh Caravan are so cool....love them....Girls Go Plump In The Night is my fave...I guess you don't like high pitch voices much? I think it's very fine...uplifting prog and the Canterbury scene ruled!
You might be right about high-pitched vocals. I do like Les Holroyd's voice though.
Caravan, the best
Grey & Pink is a great album too!
Enjoyed your very personal view of Progressive rock. Many old faves and a few new titles for me to explore. PFM's CHOCOLATE KINGS is now on my list. Your comment of the lead singer's "over-excited Peter Gabriel" reminded me of Roger Chapman, lead singer of the band Family. I'd put them in the Prog Rock camp because of the diverse instrumentation, deep subject matter and dynamic delivery. Chapman's voice is a 'love it or hate it' proposition but, for me, works in the context of the overall sound. Their album FEARLESS (which also features John Wetton) is excellent.
I've never been able to overcome my dislike of Chapman's vocals. I even say him perform with Streetwalkers, but his voice put me off exploring Family's catalogue with any enthusiasm. Probably my loss.
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 I totally get that. I was once buying a Family compilation with a friend and he asked me to describe their sound. I made a kind of goat-like braying and he laughed, of course. Wetton's voice on FEARLESS (and subsequent BANDSTAND) help leaven the abrasive vocal attack. Both "Larf and Sing" and "Spanish Tide" (from FEARLESS) are especially melodic. Of course, I'll defend the whole album, especially the anthemic "Save Some for Thee" and the stand alone single "In My Own Time" as being both catchy and powerful.
Funny thing about vocalists: two of the more recent bands you recommended in Part I (Big Big Train & Flower Kings) have vocalists that slavishly reproduce the Gabriel-Collins vocal style. As pleasant as that is, it certainly gets in the way of getting into the songs. Do enjoy the sound, though.
Thanks for posting. I totally agree with your picks. Sadly I cant find the band Ekseption in your picks.
Glad to hear me too of Wishbone Ash. Live Dates a very good album. Another band not mentioned was Uriah Heep. Not exactly prog, but sort of, and very good
Well the 2nd or 3rd band I ever saw. First were Genesis, then BJH or Heep in quick succession. Some proggy elements in Heep, but definitely a hard rock band. Love the first live album, and of course the two studio classics 'Magician's Birthday' and 'Demons and Wizards'. I bought the single 'Easy Livin' (one of my first records). Still have it. Immense.
For me Gentle Giant, in prog terms, are right up there. Their approach ticks the boxes for me over Yes or Genesis. Seems to me they had a purity of approach.
We were in a band, as far away from prog as you get, but we did the all swap instrument thing ( usually to kick the rigid minded guitarist off lead ). The difference with us was we were limited in ability.
You should check out the band Izz. They are from New York. Like a mix of Genesis, Yes, Renaissance, and Gentle Giant. Recommend "My River Flows" and "The Darkened Room" as a place to start. My favorite of the newer prog bands.
Hi David. Really enjoyed both of these videos. Found your comments Frank and honest and very informative. All the best. Dave ✅✅
I think you mentioned Alan Freeman's Saturday Rock Show. He once played 'A Tower Struck Down' by Steve Hackett, so I rushed out to buy the album!
What a monster track, one of my all time faves.
New to your channel, Hemispheres is the Rush album I play the most. Have a dig into their 80/90/ 2000s albums, you won’t be disappointed. Great videos cheers
Hi, David. You should hear "Spartacus" an amazing album from a german band Triumvirat.
Very good stuff, you never hear of them. Any band that has a mouse in a light bulb on their cover has to be checked out!
Thanks for introducing me to The Tristan Chord. I'm amazed & am going to the explore.
I think my next music video will focus on classical pieces for rock fans. It's a fringe interest, and whilst a lot a classical music is like wallpaper for the ears, some of it I absolutely love.
A great Channel. Found it watching the Genesis album ranking .... Here's one I would like to recommend to you (If no one possibly did before) ist, Stomu Yamashta - Go Live From Paris, which is a great double album. The line-up are the three fantastic musicians that are also on the album you showed plus Klaus Schulze and Al Di Meola and others. I still have the old pressing from '77 I guess, which (in my opinion) sounds quite good. May be there a better and newer releases.
I love the Go albums. Live from Paris is wonderful, but even better is the studio one. The calm instrumentals are sublime.
In fact, I talk about it on this video!
Guess, I overheard that, sorry.
Musst check what albums I die mit have a try to complete the Yamashta Collection. Gave the Live Album a spin today and have to admit, it is quite a while ago that I listened to it.
At the moment I am listening to VdGG's La Rossa. My current favorite track of VdGG.
Hava a nice weekend with lots of great music.
Thanks David.
You present what I think is a well balanced and rational critique of the classical prog rock genre. Back then (1960's, 70's, 80's), technology was not able to hide poor musicianship like it can today.
I am a fan of Jan Akkerman, Roland Orzabel (not prog!) and most recently discovered Jem Godfrey's Frost* (a bit too prog-metal). I guess our tastes change over time, but I do love to just sit/lie down wearing cans, close my eyes, and just listen. Life is a bit less self-indulgent these days, but the memories that these albums recall, does not change! A great era!
I love Tears for Fears too, and I think their music will last for many years to come. Roland is a very mature and creative musician. I tried the first Frost album, and it just didn't grab me.
Great video! Thanks. I am a huge Marillion fan (so glad they got a mention). Song For America is the Kansas album to go back to if you have time. Also, did you ever hear Mei by Echolyn? It's got heart!
Hey, thanks for doing these videos (the second one in particular). You mentioned many bands that I knew I liked but had not really explored much. Now I am and I have many more hours of enjoyment ahead.
Cheers,
Eric
I enyoyed these 2 video's very much, even found some new records to listen to. I completely dig you on Dream Theater, Tool, Mars Volta but I am a big fan of Ayreon. Try Into The Electric Castle as a starter. And besides Pendragon I also like IQ (start with The Seventh house e.g.).
I have the 'Timeline' box set from Ayreon. I remember it being very enjoyable, but sometimes albums get lost in my collection and this is one of them. Time to dig it out again!
I think you would really enjoy the early Spock’s Beard albums as well. Especially The Light and V.
I bought 'Day for Night' and pretty-much gave up on them after that. I think I switched my allegiance to 'The Flower Kings' soon after. You've tempted my to have a listen to 'The Light' at least. Thanks.
Great video! Way back in 1976 at university I met a guy who became a life-long friend. We bonded over music, particularly bands like Man, Hot Tuna, Floyd, Genesis, Crimson, Rush, Zappa and Beefheart. But he spent many hours trying to convince me of the merit of Gentle Giant. I distinctly remember telling him on many occasions that I appreciated their undoubted virtuoso musicianship but that I didn't "get" the music. Now I know that what I should have been telling him was that I appreciated the band as an intellectual exercise but that the output was not emotionally fulfilling! Still time to set the record staright! Thank you!
Nice one. 👍🏻
Really enjoy these reviews
A great follow up, thanks for including bands mentioned in Part I comments. Don’t always agree (focus vs ELP) but you are always thought provoking. Definitely will try PFM from Italy. Many thanks
ELP is one of my all-time favorite bands and also love Focus's Moving Waves - but never even thought of ELP and Focus sounding the same - at all.
I acn't understand how you can compare Focus to ELP, they may be both classically influenced but their music and style is completely different.
agreed. I find I cant really stomach much of the ELP portfolio, but find the first 4 or so Focus Albums to be genius, very different style and track construction.
Hi, great review ! see too "Stomu Yamashta - Go" and Ozric Tentacles.
Stomu Yamashta is mentioned in this video!
I tried the Ozrics, and have a few of their early albums. 👍🏻
I discovered your channel today and watched these two parts. Will certainly watch more.
I love that you gave a second choice too! From Ommadawn I would go to Incantations. Very nice that you included Even In the Quietest Moments, it usually gets forgotten. Ricochet is also my favorite Tangerine Dream album. And there are some “better” PFM albums but Chocolate Kings has a great playfulness to it. When it comes to Italian prog Maxophone is a more recent discovery. Great compositions in melodic _italiano_ style. My favorite band is Gentle Giant and I agree, it’s music for the brain not for the heart.
How about ranking the Joni Mitchell albums?
Hi mate I’m Paul from Herne Bay Kent
Great prog video’s 1 & 2 your on my page completely I’ve been a prog fan since 1967 my favourites are moody blues
Procol harem pink Floyd genesis Mike Oldfield tangerine dream my favourite band of all time Rubycon is a swirling masterpiece
I love all prog bands from 70s to today wobbler and haken and frost great band’s I agree with your comments on part 2 about gentle giant and caravan clever but a hard listen particularly octopus but free hand. Steve Wilson remix awesome I also love
Manfred Mann earth band solar fire and roaring silence brilliant
Part 1 loved your top ten great choices
Prog rock forever 👍🎹🎵🎸🎶🎧🤘💿👏
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The only prog metal I've come to appreciate is Opeth. Sorceress is pure Deep Purple Mach 1 stuff. I love it. The earlier Death Metal phase is of interest for the dynamic dialogue between the death growl and standard vocals. I appreciate your thoughts on gentle Giant. As much as I like the band, I believe your criticisms are valid. Thanks for your thoughts.
Me too. Opeth is the only one I keep going back to.
Enjoyed your prog videos and was waiting for kudos to Giant. Was intrigued by your thoughts on them, and cant say i disagree. You never mention Aphrodite's Child and 666. This is about the only prog LP I return too nowadays, even though back in the day i owned about 40% of the albums you mention. Hope you continue to do music videos, maybe British bands that never made it in the states. like The Groundhogs, John Martyn, Alan Hull, etc. Keep up the good work!
For me the number one progressive rock album is 666 by Greek band Aphrodite's Child followed by Gentle Giant's Glass House and Acquiring the Taste. But that's my opinion.
"Hero and Heroine" is a great album, but I'm not sure it's The Strawbs best record. There's "From the Witchwood," "Bursting at the Seams," and "Grave New World" to contend with as well.
Those are all great albums. 'Witchwood' is quite different from the others though. I do like their earlier albums, as the years pass. I adore 'Lay Down' and always enjoy 'Part of the Union' from the 'bursting' album. Fine band.
Grave New World for me.
Gotta love Ghosts, though!
@@peteh7966 Agreed.
H and H may or may not be their best, but is their most prog album.
David...is that a Lenco table there to your left? If so, you need to show us your system. Another music suggestion...how about showing your favorite obscure albums that most people might not have heard of? There are so many hidden gems that sold squat but deserve to be known. Thanks!!
That's a good idea Jeff. There are several albums I can think of that few people know are out there. No quite sure how interesting it'll be for people though. I'll have a think.
That turntable is a Lenco 75, and very good it is too. I have a couple of other, even better, systems. Might show them off at some point!
What a brilliant idea, but be prepared for everyone to pile on!
A good way to find some more obscure albums to collect!
Very nostalgic seeing all those bands that were part of may youth pubs and clubs, exciting times I thought would never end (70) any way do you recall Peter Banks the first guitarist for Yes later Flash he went to school with my brother in Barnet and he was actually named the architect of prog rock but you don't see much about him. Thanks ✌
For me other prog rock albums are: Soft Machine - Third ('cause of the track The Moon In June), Stray - Saturday Morning Pictures, T2 - It'll all work out in Boomland, Amon Düül II - Tanz der Lemminge.
Great reviews on both your prog videos, it's good to listen to someone who knows what they're talking about, rather than just say ' I really like this album, it's very good'
PFM chocolate kings is a prog rock master piece , seen the chocolate kings tour in 76, blew me away
Surprised you have not mentioned one of the greatest prog bands ever, UK with Bruford, Wetton, Jobson and Allan Holdsworth. Probably one of the most influential and underrated bands ever, but with masters of their own instruments. Maybe if you did a video on UK many people would be very happy
Fabulous band. Saw them live when they were promoting their first album. Brilliant musicians. Main shortcoming was that, in Wetton, they only had one 'song' writer. Beyond 'In the Dead of Night' it was mostly instrumental. I put them in the same bucket as Brand X, another great band who stretched away from prog and towards jazz rock.
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 Love Brand X also, had all their albums together with at least 2000 other LP's. Once decided to retire in Thailand unfortunately I had to sell every album with my Thorens TD160 record player but now thanks to UA-cam I can listen to anything I want so it ain’t too bad although I miss my collection. Back in the 70's my friends thought I was a bit wierd because one minute I was listening to Led Zeppelin and then I would put Miles Davis Bitches Brew or Shakti and then flip back to Soft Machine or Gong. I loved the Canterbury period with Dave Stewart National Health, Hatfield and the North and Gilgamesh, loved and still do to this day the early Genesis, especially Nursery Cryme and Foxtrot. But the guy who has always been very close to my musical heart has to be Allan Holdsworth, maybe because I also knew him personally and loved his incredibly modest and down to earth charachter. Allan always gives me the chills but as you say, music can be very personal and not everyone will feel the same emotions. Nevertheless, I believe that if if someone listens carefully to Allan on Nevermore with the classic intro and the electric solos, I am sure that he or she would be moved as much as I am every time I listen to it and as much as anybody should be when listening to Supper's Ready or Confortably Numb. Great job by the way
Allan Holdsworth is one of my musical heroes since a year ago!
From the accent I guess you must have seen most of these bands at the city hall.
We were so fortunate in the northeast to have such a great hall that most (if not all) bands visited Newcastle on their tours. Did you catch the Chrysalis tours with Genesis and lindisfarne?
Very interesting Expose. Thank you!
Any thoughts on Spocksbeard ? And Neal Morse solo projects?
Hi Michael, I might bee being unfair, but I've filed Spock's Beard under prog-metal and I've left their albums on the shelf. Neal Morse's solo stuff sounds great, but most of my expose has been through listening online rather than seeking out his albums. So, I'm only partially familiar, insufficiently so to include them amongst my favourites.
Hi, David - I really enjoyed both parts of this 2-part series! If I could throw in a couple of bands that were not mentioned (though I'm sure you're aware of them) that, to me, personify Prog.. First would be Henry Cow. "Western Civilization" is a landmark album. I think they were more of the 'musician's musician' type band; people that were/are into composition and sheer originality. Perhaps not the band for the person that identifies themselves loving the beautiful melodic aspect of a band. They were not an easy band for me to get into but I guess being a musician helped me understand what they were trying to do. Plus I'm widely into experimentation.
The other band/album, and completely on the flip-side, is Ambrosia "Somewhere I've Never Travelled". I've always loved this band and admittedly, always loved their big hits. But a friend of mine, whom appreciated most all of their work, made me aware of this album which I find very progressive! It's an album that holds my attention from beginning to end and is quite varied from song to song. If you've never listened to it, I hope you check it out sometime. Cheers!
I remember Henry Cow from that old Virgin compilation 'V' - on Side 3 with Slapp Happy, etc. (I think the musicians played on each others' bands). I was tempted to buy their 'Complete' box set last year, but it seemed too big an undertaking. But I'm now tempted again! Don't know Ambrosia, so will check them out. Thanks.
Julian Jay Savarin Waiters on The Dance 1973 album is interesting Great Hammond and Mellotron
Julian's Treatment with A Time Before This...
Thanks for yet another inspiring video👍......how about a hard rock top 10 for a future episode?
Thanks for the suggestion Jamie. I'll definitely give than some thought. 👍🏻
David, Rush are often referred to as prog metal. If you saw them play 2112 and Xanadu, which no one had heard before, then you saw them June 1977 on the All the World's a Stage tour. This was just prior to them recording A Farewell to Kings, which is why nobody had heard Xanadu before. A Farewell to Kings was released later that year, and the UK tour for the album was in February 1978.
Thanks Charles. 77 sounds about right. I'd bought 'ATWAS' and loved the first album's 'Finding My Way'. 'Xanadu' was a hell of a nice surprise.
I agree Rush is considered prog-metal I love the fact that Geddy Lee was inspired by Chris squire of yes both them very excellent bass players
Prog magazine has introduced me to many new bands. This genre is indeed a very deep rabbit hole.
Certainly is!
Just when I thought I was getting my addiction under control, now I'm starting to get into Italian prog (with actual Italian vocals).
Camel would be my all time favourite (Prog ) Band .. Andy Latimer is the only guitarist that can reduce me to tears with the emotions he has in his playing ..
His tone is marvellous, but I think it's a bit samey. But over the years he's come up with some fantastic melodies. I know he's still touring, and I'm ashamed to say I haven't seen them live since the 1970s!
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 I also saw Camel three times in the 1970's but not since. I love Andy Latimer's playing and he always reminded me of Dave Gilmour so I wasn't surprised to read that Roger Waters actually auditioned Andy Latimer when Pink Floyd split.
Sorry but Jethro Tull is prog , this band combines fusión Jazz, Folk , hard rock, symphonic rock, classic rock , sometimes blues , and the Albums Thick as a Brick and Passion Play are defined as operatic Prog rock , this is the band that have varied more the different styles, which fits exactly on what is the definition of progressive rock.
Mate we hear you on jethro , you carry on why ? I like Tull But they are never going to appeal to everyone. They are tight. But heavy blues and some Bloke( yeah I know he wrote it. ) whips out a flute. It’s different for sure. But come on.
I forget to mention the influence of blues on them. I know people give them the 'benefit of the doubt' regarding their 'prog status', and I'm happy to go with the flow. Nevertheless, Ian Anderson was sniffy about any association with prog for many years (probably based on JT's reputation in the USA), and he's only acknowledged their prog connections, now that it's only 'Prog' magazine that's writing about them. Regardless, I like them.
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Cardiacs - Sing to God
After Crying - many albums worth exploring (neo prog era)
Egoband - Italian neo prog
Cliffhanger - Netherlands neo prog
Echolyn - USA Mei and a few other albums of interest
Cast - Mexico - 20 studio albums neo prog
'What about Tangerine Dream?
Thanks for your suggestions. I recommended a couple of Tangerine Dream albums in my first Prog video. Their 70s albums included some brilliant ones.
I'm from Mexico city loves CAST
@@TheDantesqo I've seen them three times - great band aren't they?
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Dear David. Thanks a lot for your reviews. I would suggest to include a neo-prog band with a long history: IQ... Records? Tales from the Lush Attic, The Wake, Ever, Subterranea, ....
Hi Jordi, I have 'The Wake' and 'Subterranea'. Enjoyed them, but they didn't grab me.
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 Hi David. You have to keep on trying!!! I suggest Ever, The Seventh House, Dark Matter or The Road of Bones. To my taste, they're better than Marillion...and more consistent through time. Thanks for your videos and best regards!
Just finding your post...love it. Was wondering what your thoughts are on Jean-Luc Ponty. ? I always think he crosses into the Prog arena with his jazz-fusion/rock/funk combo.....his stuff is very melodic. Hard to classify...which is the stuff I like most. Also I was wondering if you ever have had exposure to Kings X, one of my favorite bands which are a super trio that all sing with a fantastic guitarist Ty Tabor. "Gretchen Goes to Nebraska" by Kings X is a great album which a lot of music teachers use to demonstrate all the layers which can be done by 3 guys. Cheers from Colorado !!!
I can't honestly say that I know the music of Kings X. Apart from tripping over them in compilations or online, I've not been drawn to them. I'll take a listen to that 'Nebraska' album. As regards, Jean-Luc Ponty, I have a couple of vinyl albums, but I'm not so familiar with them that they would make a list of my faves. I also have lots of Return to Forever, Mahavishnu, Brand X, Weather Report, Zappa, none of which I would squeeze into my definition of 'Prog', despite their music encroaching on the genre.
Vocal by Caravan are not bad. When Richard Sinclair sings, it's wonderful. This man is the top canterbury musician in my advice. When he's not there Caravan, becomes just a good band from having been a determinant force in a musical genre.
Apart from the actual content, which is straightforward and informative, I would like to commend your clear, fluid diction. No "umming" and "erring", and no think-pause phrases.
Thanks. I think the reason is that I've no script, and I'm petrified I'll run out of things to say! 😂
I really enjoy your music videos David. They always have great ideas and almost always remind me of artists that I haven't listened to for years or occasionally have never even heard of at all. Only thing on this one that I would quite strongly disagree with is your opinion on Caravan's vocals. I like the lead singer's voice and they also did great harmonies. Still, we can't all agree on everything. I look forward to the next one. Very best wishes, Steve
Thanks Steve. Man, I've lived with Caravan albums for 40+ years, and I really want to love them, but despite a few highs they sure make it difficult!
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 i suppose you could say caravan took
a humorous approach to prog what with jokey lyrics & song/album titles
( still amazed they got away with "Cunning Stunts" tho )....
so the vocal deliveries reflect this lighter feel to the music i guess
....and also i think the main reason people keep coming back to their records !
PFM were the support band for Pete Sinfield's first solo gig at the Sadlers Wells theatre in London, that included an appearance of Greg Lake for the song 'Still' which Lake also sang on Sinfield's album of the same name. I think John Wetton also made an appearance, but my memory is fading.
However, I do remember Mike Rutherford being in attendance to witness the event.
(Sinfield's Still, not to be confused with ELP's 'Still, You Turn Me On)
I have that Sinfield album on vinyl. That must have a been an interesting gig, especially with the sadly departed John Wetton.
David Atkinson...Thanks for directing me here, as I mentioned before PFM "Chocolate Kings" glad to see you've have them, but, if you haven't heard the other 2 Italian bands I mentioned...
Acqua Fragile (self titled lp) and "Mass Media Stars" are a must listen. Interestingly, they had Bernardo Lanzetti as lead vocalist too. And Maxophone was a truly great band and musicianship. It's sad they didn't make more than one album back then (1975). They finally did release another album in 2018! but sadly (for me) it's Italian lyrics only, the music is great though.
I haven't heard those two other bands Harry. I'll be on the lookout for them. Thanks.
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 ...You can right now there are UA-cam videos of them, give a listen today you'll be glad you did. 😀
I maybe off base here but almost all the reviews I have seen no one mentions Colliseum . Those who are about to die we salute you . As good as any I have seen here .
Very good stuff. Can't really fault your selection. For me prog at its best is aural Romanticism. It feeds and enhances your imagination. For that very reason it is prone to bombast and teetering on absurdity.
I recently discovered Steven Wison and his song " Drive Home". I was impressed.
Just finished watching the two parts. That was a great prog lesson Sir, wrote down many notes... Now, i was wondering if you came across the band Opeth, Steve Wilson produced some of their albums, they started as a metal band with progressive elements but their last 4 albums are full on progressive. I would really really appreciate if you give these later albums some time and talk about them. Have a good day/evening 😊
Oops my mistake, you already mentioned them in the last few minutes of the video, should have waited till the end before i comment, my mistake 😄... Anyway, still i appreciate if you make a video about them... All the best Sir 😊
Side 2 of focus moving waves is one of my favorite albums altogether
In regard to Gentle Giant not being emotional enough. Songs like, 'Aspirations' and 'Three friends' says otherwise in my mind. Especially the former. It's incredibly beautiful. Not sure if you have heard that one or not though.
I've heard them all VC, but I appreciate that other people really love them more than I do. Deep respect for what they did though....a very good band.
Think Of Me With Kindness, His Last Voyage.
Thanks for including Rush
I got over Geddy Lees vocals eventually..
...now love it....I avoided Rush for far too long for that reason....don't be put off everyone.... especially if you are also a Darkness fan🤘😎 falsetto heaven!
Well done sir, you mentioned in passing, Hawkwind ( 2nd LP In Search of Space, was a step to the different), and the best prog' of all The Enid If you've not heard them try, (Something Wicked this way Comes).
I saw The Enid live way back in the 70s, but sadly I was drunk at the time, so didn't appreciate them enough. I have a few albums. I should listen to them more.
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 thank you for replying - -I've seen them (Enid) many times, (they are like a well kept secret), and they are still going, sort of, and are worth revisiting the aforementioned 'Something Wicked - - -' was a bit of a breakthrough as they used vocals (that has continued). I came to them a bit late and was blown away when I saw them in Bristol. Especially the encore which was Elgar's Nimrod, bloomin' stunning you know one of those moments, - - - because when they ended there was complete silence for a few seconds as we all took it in then the place erupted! Sorry to have babbled on and been a wee bit evangelical. Keep up your great work! All the best AS!
This guy is easy on the ears. Laid back. As much as a Scots can be anyway. Thanks from SoCal.
😳 Thanks, but I'm from Newcastle!
Followed these and ran into two groups I really liked.... Buckhead and maggot brains (catchy name) but they were good.
Camel, Aphrodite’s Child, Focus, Sebastian Hardy…..
Great to hear GO get a mention. The track Crossing the line introduced me to their music (Al Dimeola’s guitar solo magnificent)
Sebastian Hardie.
Great videos! I may have missed it, but who could talk about Rick Wakeman without talking about Strawbs. They are like the unwanted stepchild of rock, but if you look where they started, and where they peaked in 1974-75 with Hero and Heroine, and Ghosts, the band is a cut above, dark tones and lyrics, but in my book, very much prog.
Strawbs: 13 minutes in!
I’m probably about your age and when it comes to prog no doubt I think of camel and marillion right off the bat! To me it’s hard to say who started but in my mind from coming from that era I believe it’s the combination of king crimson, moody blues and Pink Floyd that defined the genre then yes and genesis to follow up!
You could be right. Those three bands are super-important.
Hi David, thx for your beautiful videos about prog. They take me back (sigh) to my musical era, to the music I grew up with. I'd like to share with you, if interested to dig deeper, a quick personal guide to the most significant Italian prog albums all released in the early 70's:
“Banco del Mutuo Soccorso” and "Metamorfosi" by Banco del Mutuo Soccorso (Francesco Di Giacomo amazing voice)
“Storia di un minuto” by Premiata Forneria Marconi (1st album(
“Palepoli” by Osanna
“Felona e Sorona” by Le Orme
“Crac” by Area (more jazzy or jazz rock)
Check them out, they deserve
Ciao
Alberto
Never thought of Wishbone Ash as a prog band but yes, more than just British blues rockers. I saw them playing in a club in Dallas, Texas in the early '80s, past their prime popularity wise I guess but I was very impressed with the sound of the guitars. You could tell that these guys were the real deal, much better than the guitar playing I would generally hear in the clubs.
Those twin guitars created such a recognisable sound.
Some bands that come to mind: Bachdenkel, Morphelia, Talk Talk, Cathedral, Fruupp, Pilgrim, Windchase, Karfagen, Jade Warrior, Wicked Minds...