Should rock be considered prog just because it's technical?

SIRIUSB · 10-29-2011, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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

Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra · 10-29-2011, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIRIUSB

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

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.

SIRIUSB · 10-29-2011, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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?

Necromancer · 10-29-2011, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIRIUSB

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

"Yes" would've been my next pick, how about Kansas? (Art Rock)

I actually never personally liked to label Genesis as being progressive

(whatever). Pink Floyd and Boston are defiantly two of the core prog bands.

SIRIUSB · 10-29-2011, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Necromancer

"Yes" would've been my next pick, how about Kansas? (Art Rock)

I actually never personally liked to label Genesis as being progressive

(whatever). Pink Floyd is defiantly one of the core prog bands.

Floyd has so many eras they're hard to nail, love them though.
Kansas and bands like that to me came across as fluffy, but that's me.
You might actually dig some of my stuff (not exactly Prog Rock but very progressive).

Where does PR turn into Jazz Fusion? (I hate these labels but whatever)

Necromancer · 10-29-2011, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIRIUSB

Where does PR turn into Jazz Fusion? (I hate these labels but whatever)

That would be "Steely Dan".

SIRIUSB · 10-29-2011, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Necromancer

That would be "Steely Dan".

Perfect! Great band too!