Prog Out With Your .. It's Prog Rock Week!

Guybrush · 01-03-2011, 02:59 AM

Yes!

Most of you by far know what prog rock is. For those who don't, prog rock evolved from psychedelic rock in the late 60s and blossomed in the early 70s. As a genre name, 'prog rock', like 'indie rock' or 'alternative rock' does a poor job of describing the sound of the bands back then. King Crimson, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, Camel, Gentle Giant, Yes, Genesis, Emerson, Lake & Palmer .. aside from being rock bands with a rock instrumentation (more or less, though more often more), these bands didn't always sound alike, but they had a few things in common, such as instrumental excellence and use of untraditional time signatures. The great somewhat unifying idea, however, was to take rock music to new places and elevate it to a higher art form, for example by creating long rock suites similar in build to the classical composers of the past.

After a brief few years of mainstream popularity in the 70s, prog rock's popularity was thoroughly crushed by the emergence of punk which had the complete opposite aesthetic ideal, really simple songs played by people who think that anger and attitude is a valid substitute for musical skill. Into the 80s, many thought of "prog" as a four-letter word, but by the 90s, it's popularity resurfaced and possibly still is increasing today.

Some criticize prog for being difficult, long winded, pretentious and hard to connect with. However, those who enjoy prog are aware that the most rewarding works of art are not always the ones which are the simplest or easiest to "get". Prog rock's magical themes, variety and complexity holds a special place in the heart of more than a few of us here.

If you have not delved into this genre, now's the time. Cause it's prog rock week!

01-03-2011, 02:59 AM	#1 (permalink)
Guybrush Juicious Maximus III Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Scabb Island Posts: 6,525	Prog Out With Your .. It's Prog Rock Week! Yes! Most of you by far know what prog rock is. For those who don't, prog rock evolved from psychedelic rock in the late 60s and blossomed in the early 70s. As a genre name, 'prog rock', like 'indie rock' or 'alternative rock' does a poor job of describing the sound of the bands back then. King Crimson, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, Camel, Gentle Giant, Yes, Genesis, Emerson, Lake & Palmer .. aside from being rock bands with a rock instrumentation (more or less, though more often more), these bands didn't always sound alike, but they had a few things in common, such as instrumental excellence and use of untraditional time signatures. The great somewhat unifying idea, however, was to take rock music to new places and elevate it to a higher art form, for example by creating long rock suites similar in build to the classical composers of the past. After a brief few years of mainstream popularity in the 70s, prog rock's popularity was thoroughly crushed by the emergence of punk which had the complete opposite aesthetic ideal, really simple songs played by people who think that anger and attitude is a valid substitute for musical skill. Into the 80s, many thought of "prog" as a four-letter word, but by the 90s, it's popularity resurfaced and possibly still is increasing today. Some criticize prog for being difficult, long winded, pretentious and hard to connect with. However, those who enjoy prog are aware that the most rewarding works of art are not always the ones which are the simplest or easiest to "get". Prog rock's magical themes, variety and complexity holds a special place in the heart of more than a few of us here. If you have not delved into this genre, now's the time. Cause it's prog rock week! __________________ Something Completely Different