Best Prog Rock?

[SactoBass]

Yes, Relayer is height of prog-rock to me. CTTE, And You & I, is up there too.

Biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig +1

My vote is for the following, by a long shot:

 

[roccobass]

Going to a prog rock concert still looks like a celibate-middle-aged dude convention.

Divorced is more like it, I think.

and retired...

 

[lordradish]

I see you are playing a Wal bass, so I defer, of course! If you like Wal, you would like Collin Bass from Camel (yes, he is a bass player with the last name bass)

Of course!

 

[lordradish]

^^this
And maybe this is the happy medium. They certainly were Prog at some point and made their mark on the Prog world, and unlike many many bands, managed to morph into a different arm of the genre without losing integrity, selling out, or by producing lesser music.

As strong a fan as I am, and I came in at Hemispheres and stopped buying albums after Presto, their Prog run probably started at 2112 and ran up to Signals, after that it was more of intelligent FM Rock music.

In other words, even though they didn't scale new artistic heights in the 80's, they didn't do the dumbed-down sell out that just about every other great 70's band did in the 80's.

 

[40Hz]

If Kansas isn't prog, then neither is Rush.

Agree.

 

[lordradish]

Rush has always been one of those bands that I respect the hell out of, but for the most part, I can't connect with, in the way I can with a lot of the other prog bands. I find most of Rush's music kinda boring. I can't quite put my finger on why, I just can't get into it. Listening to Geddy's lines is always fun, never liked Lifeson's tone, and I'm more of a Bruford guy than a Peart guy.

 

[maxschrek]

Agree.

 

[projectapollo]

So much of this takes me right back to 1975. One had to be introduced to prog rock albums by ‘professional stoners’ as there was scant airplay of most them. Basements bathed in colored or black lights, Gonesh #2 or #6 incense (I can’t recall exactly). And a killer stereo like a Marantz receiver with Pioneer speakers and turntable.

1975: JBL L100 Speakers, Technics Integrated Amp, and a bong we named Sarah. We were professionals..... and destined to become degreed engineers with top secret clearances a few years later!

And if you are familiar with that golden era, you know my Avatar pic, then?

 

[projectapollo]

And the geeks shall inherit the earth.

.... and bring balance to the force.

 

[Koshchei]

Don't forget Grizzly Bear and Field Music.

I don't know them but I will check them out right now!

edit: I like it! Grizzly's guitarist has a distinctly Scott Walker-esque vocal aesthetic.

 

[maxschrek]

poopie, if

I don't know them but I will check them out right now!

Cool!

 

[Jeff Scott]

If you’re going to include neo-prog, like Tool and Dream Theatre, Porcupine Tree should be up there as well.

As, should Riverside, be on the list.

 

[maxschrek]

Also, if Rush is prog, so is this:

 

[projectapollo]

King Crimson is actually at least four radically different bands, three of which would have a claim to the title.

My pick would be the John Wetton era KC, with the early Adrian Belew and Greg Lake eras close behind.

So, you get my avatar, then. Thank you.

 

[NoSlapForYou]

I don't really think of Pink Floyd as "prog," but I guess wikipedia does list that as one of their genres. Either way, they're my favorite band on your list, so I'll vote for them.

I've been getting really into '70s music lately. An overlooked group from that period that has prog elements is The Alan Parsons Project.

 

[Atshen]

The Big Four:

- Gentle Giant

- Genesis

- Yes

- King Crimson

Floyd is awesome, but I don't consider them prog.

 

[Doctor Intrepid]

so this is a popularity contest not an objective test

I'll let you decide that for yourself.

 

[projectapollo]

The Big Four:

- Gentle Giant

- Genesis

- Yes

- King Crimson

Floyd is awesome, but I don't consider them prog.

This is the correct answer. Finally, after 176 posts.

 

[Jeff Scott]

I'd classify Tool as prog metal and Genesis as prog pop.

You must not have heard any Hackett era Genesis, then.

I saw this tour, two nights in a row, same venue!

Pre 1980 Genesis ain't really pop.

Correct. They did have some softer songs but pop, none of them were.

The above is a vote not a proclamation...

This is, however!

 

[lordradish]

You must not have heard any Hackett era Genesis, then.

I saw this tour, two nights in a row, same venue!


Correct. They did have some softer songs but pop, none of them were.
This is, however!

Okay, this one wins the thread. FYI - Next Hackett tour is the entire Seconds Out album. Can't wait.