Guybrush

Depending on the band, I generally agree with you. If it's two recorders and a violin to someone singing, then I don't agree. If it's played by someone approaching something more like a rock band, then it could be prog.

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Something Completely Different

SIRIUSB

Interesting point, classical music eventually evolved to non systematic composition and like Mozart and Beethoven (to name the obvious) the music became progressive in the fact that it didn't rely on recurring themes or a compositional organizational structure. Earlier Crimson and middle Tull also have this non-structure as well. The need to have a 'song' on an album was too great it seems, and as with any species the need to survive took precedent.

Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra

I like Jethro Tull, but would find them a piss poor example of 'Prog Rock'. There were some medieval under tones, and some strong themeology. Even albums with prolonged song structures. Generally, however, they're really sort of classic rock with a few medieval undertones. They stayed very strictly in 'safe territory' their career.

When I think of something that's effectively prog I think of something like 'Samla Mammas Manna'. Very dense, creative, compositions. Unique aesthetic. Brilliantly virtuoso. Yet, to the point of alienating any mainstream appeal. Prog can be good prog, and mainstream. Yet, I think it should still have some tendencies to introduce to people a sound which redefines the possibilities of rock.

Tull is brilliant, extremely well written rock, but doesn't really do that for me.

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Al Pacino = God

Necromancer

I agree with Tull being a bad example for progressive. Rush is the ultimate and perfect example of progressive rock in my opinion.

I never was a fan of Jethro Tull either, but its cool if others are.

blastingas10

I heard that ELP recruited mitch mitchell as the drummer, and he showed up to jam with body guards and an arsenal of weaapons haha. I also heard that it was planned for Hendrix to join the group and they would be called HELP, but he died before it could happen

SIRIUSB

LOL . . . hysterical
crapBut hey to each their own!

Try
this on for progressive size . . .

Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra

In all fairness, Samla very much intends the humor in their approach. I find that refreshing. Plus, from a technical level, they're far superior to Jethro Tull. Just because the intended humor is lost on you, doesn't mean you need to overlook their virtuosity.

Now, I LIKE Jethro Tull a lot. But don't honestly feel they're that progressive. In fact, I'd say they're quite conservative. I mean, take out the orchestration on albums, and the flute playing, and it's just straight arena rock.

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Al Pacino = God

SIRIUSB

Post a good example, because I can't find one.

Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra

I would say this song very much is a good example of promoting the compositional intricacy, and care that most mainstream rock is lacking. It's melodic, percussively interesting. Has moments of damn good coordination between instruments. A very unique aesthetic in terms of usage of carnival/cartoon tones(not many things in the 1970s were doing). Gradual progression. Unique structural elements. Nearly every instrument played masterfully. Apart from the vocals, gorgeously harmonic. Yet, even in the harmonic moments, no fear in experimenting in polyphonic, and light avant-garde elements. Plus, distinctly rock in tone(even if the jazz elements are very strong).

Just because it isn't 'serious' I don't think the craftsmanship in terms of musicianship really need to be discredited.

Where as Jethro Tull is significantly more simple rhythmically. Significantly less subtle thematically. More needlessly repetitive. Too focused on that catchy hook which makes rock accessible. Great band, worse example of 'progressing' from rock norms.

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Al Pacino = God

SIRIUSB

Cool stuff . . . reminds me of Vander Graaf Generator and other English PR bands! I guess I just have a warm spot for Tull, but they use odd time sigs expertly, are perfectionists and excellent musicians, incorporate classic themes brilliantly, and have a the finest lyrics ever.

What about other mainstream PR bands like Yes and Brand X?