Classic and Recent Progressive Rock recommendation for the New Year!

[YYY]

I hope that YesFans are aware of 'NATIONAL HEALTH' especially the CD titled "Of Queues and Cures'. Its a very tight combination of progrock, fusion and 70's sensibilities. also.....
- any 'HAPPY THE MAN' is great.
- 'PFM' (the Genesis of Italy)
early period "Photos of Ghost"
late period "JetLag"
- 'GENTLE GIANT'
"Aquiring the Taste"
"Three Friends"
"Freehand" , etc....
- 'SOFT MACHINE'
"Softs" amazing CD
also What's the best 'Alan Holsworth' to get?

[bjm0rwo]

Now you're talking! Holdsworth! The best? Hard to say what's the best.I was introduced to his playing on UK's first alblum and later through Bruford.My personal favorite is Road Games which is an EP that was released in the 80's.I understand that it will,if not already,be released on cd.The only way you could of had it was through lp or cassette. I also like Heavy Metal Fatigue and Sand. Enjoy.

[ANTIOCH]

Also try 'King Crimson' - "Lizard" (features Jon Anderson on the tune "Prince Rupert Awakes" ) and
'Gryphon' - "Red Queen to Gryphon Three" ( Wakeman school alumni ) and earlier on ; "Vanilla Fudge".

[charl8e]

YYY, you are so right to endorse National Health, and Of Queues (that gets harder and harder to spell, the longer I live in America...) is certainly their very best... i saw them, in London, with Bruford on drums... magical...

More recently, we should recommend Porcupine Tree (updated Floyd) and System 7 (Steve Hillage) as modern-day (Hillage is doing the rave thing) exponents of the blessed prog...

[YYY]

Charl8e, they must have been amazing LIVE with Bill. Pip Pyle has a similar style (very Jazz fusiony). I discovered them in the 70's along with their previous incarnation 'Hatfield & the North', but didn't know about 'Of Queues and Cures' until a 2 years ago. It seems to be their best....peace

[Earl Grey]

...and they were exceptionally great!

They seemed to be going at about mach-5, so you may want to catch them before they crash and burn.... Much of the Ol' 'Das Energie' about the band, but perhaps chemically induced..... I dont know: WIDE EYES all night, King's X, but in their element.

A really cool show ( ...and members of Guns & Roses ['Slash' made a Whisky-Bisquit of himself..] opened for them: Like night & day).

Prog-metal, with the metal slowly overtaking the prog.......
Still, a night to remember (My earballs are still trying to re-focus! Ouch!).

Go see them, if for anything, their Bruford-inflected off-beats.

:ele:

[Dragonfly]

Originally posted by YYY
[A]ny 'HAPPY THE MAN' is great.
They do have a "best of" titled RETROSPECTIVE which is quite good. But if you're buying actual albums (cds), most people vote for their second one: CRAFTY HANDS, as their favorite. I, personally, prefer their first one HAPPY THE MAN. Their third and last official album, BETTER LATE..., is great. On the cd release they added a few bonus tracks - one of which is one of my favorite tunes by the group.


Originally posted by YYY
- 'PFM' (the Genesis of Italy)
I'm not a huge Genesis fan so I'm not sure I'll agree with this title.


(PFM) Early period: "Photos of Ghost"
PHOTOS OF GHOSTS is actually the American release of their second album, PER UN AMICO with two additional tracks: "Celebration" (titled "E Festa" on their first album STORIA DI UN MINUTO) and "Old Rain", a slow instrumental track that is unique to this album.

I prefer the original, Italian releases of their albums. My favorites are the first three (with the original singer) STORIA DI UN MINUTO, PER UN AMICO (released as PHOTOS OF GHOSTS), and L'ISOLA DI NIENTE which was also released in America under the title THE WORLD BECAME THE WORLD. There is also a live album LIVE IN USA (also released under the title COOK) which may actually be their first appearance with the new singer - I don't recall.

After this period, they switched singers and as well as writing styles. I don't care for the new guy's voice. I do, however like the first album he appeared on, CHOCOLATE KINGS, as they were still using their original writing style. That didn't change until the second album with the new guy, JET LAG, which I've heard described as more of a jazz fusion sound.


Originally posted by YYY
- 'GENTLE GIANT'
FREEHAND is an accessible album and a good place to start. Many people find naming their favorite is a toss-up between OCTOPUS and IN A GLASS HOUSE. (These two are essential titles for any prog fan.)

I could go on and on (and on and on) about Gentle Giant. They were incredibly influential to many fine musicians. I've got all twelve official releases and then some. Trust me, this is one band you can't afford to pass up.

Originally posted by YYY
What's the best 'Alan Holsworth' to get?
I don't have a lot with Alan but can actually recommend a great album that he did a few guest spots on: Gong's EXPRESSO II. It's late period Gong (just before the rather dismal "Pierre Morlien's Gong"). At this point the band were no longer psychedelic, Hard Rock. They were more Prog Rock (with Jazz sensibilities) and could actually be described as a rhythm section backing up a rhythm section! There were drums and bass behind an assortment of marimba, xylophone and vibraphone. Holdsworth adds brilliant guitar work to several tracks on this album.
:band:

Dragonfly:yesbird:

[ANTIOCH]

Dragonfly,
Thank you for the wonderful information on PFM -
they are one of my all-time fav Prog bands from the
'Golden' era of Progressive/Rock.
Now to hunt down the imports !!

[Dragonfly]

Antioch,

Glad to help. As I said, I prefer the original Italian releases but PHOTOS OF GHOSTS is fun to have as "Old Rain" is only found there. It's not the most remarkable piece of music in the world but, as a completist, I'm pleased to have it.

The English-language versions often have the some of the instrumental tracks re-recorded. "E Festa", the one taken from their first album, is considerably altered when performed with English lyrics as "Celebration" on PHOTOS... In fact, it rocks even harder than the original. Also, PHOTOS OF GHOSTS includes a track called "Mr. 9 to 5" (I think) which, under its original guise as "Generale" on PER UN AMICO is an instrumental!! In this case, I think I like the instrumental version better. Actually, PHOTOS OF GHOSTS may have been done with the new singer. I'll have to check that one out.

The new singer rocks harder (if that means anything) - which is neither bad nor good in my opinion - but he has WAY too much vibrato in his tone. It's so over-the-top that it's distracting to me.

I don't actually know the story of the original singer. He may still be in the band, just not singing. I'm not sure. The only website I've found for them is in Italian so I haven't had much luck figuring it out. I think part of the reason the new guy came in was his ability to sing in English (which, from what I've heard, isn't all that great.)

I believe "E Festa", from the first album, is the only one from that album to be re-recorded in English and that the third album is the only other one with both an Italian and an English-language version. After that, all of their albums were sung - for the most part - in English. (CHOCOLATE KINGS has one song in Italian.)

Good luck finding them. Imports can be a bit tricky to hunt down. I think their first three discs are worth the effort.

Dragonfly:yesbird:

"Is my face on straight?”

[YYY]

Dragonfly - thank you for elaborating on some of my recommendations and giving me tips on Mr. Holsworth.

I'm familiar with his Gong work. He also played with 'SOFT MACHINE' on "Bundles". Prior to that album, they released "Softs" with John Etheridge on guitar which I also recommendated and prefer much more. You didn't touch on that one. It's an incredible hypnotic blend of prog, fusion and heavenly classical acoustic solo pieces. The music smoothly builds from sweet to intense to lush with very classy arrangements.

And I must agree that Gentle Giant has always been a major 'Blast from the Past' for me. I loved those guys. I got to see them twice in the mid-70's, once so close that I could touch them if I wanted to in a small club in Cleveland, Ohio. Throughout the show each band member would switch intruments in a heartbeat. Playing prog, then classical to Jazz to hardcore without blinking an eye. They were mad on stage. Great energy!
and extremely versatile & fluent with various musical forms and styles.

PFM - you are so right on - I love their early incarnation the best
but because I liked Jazz Fusion alot - I also enjoyed them later on
but I also had a problem with new Gabrielesque vocalist. 'River of Life' from 'PHOTOS OF GHOST' melts me everytime

Happy the Man were from my hometown in Wash DC. I saw them once around 1978. They blended Giant, Floyd, Genesis, Camel, etc, etc...but had a style of their own that seemed very natural and unpretentious. Very beautiful, dynamic and pure second generation prog. Great Live! peace Happy New Year

[Dragonfly]

Originally posted by YYY
Mr. Holsworth...played with 'SOFT MACHINE' on "Bundles". Prior to that album, they released "Softs" with John Etheridge on guitar, which I also recommend…

I've had Soft Machine recommended to me several times over the years though no one's ever given me specific titles before. I'll write down your recommendations and begin my search.

Thanks!:clap:

Dragonfly:yesbird:

[ecsp97@aol.com]

I'd recommend Soft Machine - Bundles (maybe Holdsworth's best work ever) and also Alive and Well in Paris. I recently spoke to John Etheridge in fact.

Jeff Melton

[ANTIOCH]

Dragonfly & YYY ,
Do either of you like 'Spocks Beard' ?
They seem to be the only current incarnation of what 'Prog/Rock used to be that has taken the 'Gentle Giant' influence and put it to good use.
I know there are alot of Prog/Rock acts out there these days, as well as the new label Prog/Metal ;
but few actually play with the integrity of the
'good ol' days'

[Dragonfly]

I actually heard of Spock's Beard through a posting on NFTE. I think I bought the second one first, then the first. The others were acquired in order as released up through DAY FOR NIGHT. I stopped there.

I honestly can't say anything bad about this band but for some reason I just can't listen to a lot of it. It's like a very rich meal. I like the albums' production. I think the band are very talented and versatile. They're almost "too good".

I'd have to say my favorite is the second album but the first one comes very close. They've got brilliant compositions that really work. They're a a modern version of what most Prog Heads love about 70's music.

Tarnished as my review is, I would highly recommend them to anyone who considers them self a fan of "Prog Rock". There are also quite a number of tunes that would appeal to an even wider audience (which makes them easier to get away with playing at home.)

I recommend buying them in the order in which they were released.

Dragonfly:yesbird:

[Earl Grey]

Parwhatsit Marconi & who?

I remember, circa 74, that all the local musicians were listening to PFM and I had to practice at least an hour a day to keep up with everyone!

Do any of the 'kids' really practice now? 'No Doubt' is nothing but a bar-band. Nothing 'prog' about the pop-world right now: how lucky we were! YES on AM top-fourty. Now THAT was interesting!

[haroldthebarrel]

I would suggest "Phantasmagoria" by Curved Air, especially the keyboard solo called 'Vivaldi'. Also Mike Oldfeild's Tubular Bells is fantastic. Up there with the best of 'em.

But since the starter of this thread meant NEW prog, not old, I will suggest a few newer good bands I recently became aware of:

Cooper Temple Clause hard to find their stuff, becaue I think they only realsed a few E.P.s but if you can download music download them.

Elbow THese guys have a good album called asleep in the back.

Oysterhead Les Claypool's newer band

American Football A fellow YesFan introduced me to this band as well as the next....

Ghosts and Vodka an interesting take on newer guitar styles, and brilliant to say the least, these guys, American Footbal, Joan of Arc and many other bands are all pretty much the same people and have similar sounds, but each is different, and if you don't like one, taht doesn't mean it's the same for others.

Jim O'rourke don't own anything yet, but he sounds pretty good.

[YYY]

Thank You for that!!!! I can't believe I didn't mention
'CURVED AIR' with Sonja Linwood on vocals. I'd go as far as to also recommend - 'The Second Album' and 'Air Cut'.

I've been hearing about Spock's Beard for sometime now. Several month's ago I was able to listen to one release at a local record store and I think I had a problem with the vocals but admired their writing and music. I'll have to listen to more of their stuff to have a better opinion.

2 years ago after a YES concert, I was handed a sample CD called
'ProgFest 2000'. a compilation of Prog from around the world. On that CD was the group 'TRANSATLANTIC' and their song 'Mystery Train'. Later I heard their most recent CD for 2000 and liked it very much even the vocals.

Progfest 2000 was actually a Concert Tour (which I missed) but featured these proggroups from around the world.

Banco - from their album 'Darwin!'
the other Italian group from the 70's
I never liked the opera influence in their music

Superstar - 'To the Highest bidder' from Holland (very good!)
has the flavor of the band 'Focus' and early Giant

Kenso - 'Sparta' from Japan - very sweet lush sound.
like Genesis & Happy the Man

Mona Lisa - 'Do L'ombre á la Lumiére - interesting yet
too operetic for me. They're also French (just kidding)

Tempus Fugit - 'Tales of a Forgotten World' from Brazil -
again very lush synth sound, keybd and similar to
'Camel' and 'Happy the Man' guitar work.

Codice - 'Alba y Ocaso' from Mexico - very ELPish keybds yet
Acoustic Howish guitar and Crimson takeoffs. I'd love to hear more of them.

Is anyone familiar with these groups?

[spongo]

There's a band in the UK who have just celebrated their 20th anniversary and they're still technically part timers. But their albums are superb. They are called IQ and their website is at www.gep.co.uk/iq and it includes a high quality MP3 download if any of you fancy giving them a listen.

They are about to release a DVD of a concert of their live concert of a double CD they released called Subterranea. Its a concept album (haven't heard that term in a while!) that contains some wonderful stuff including a stunning 20 minute track called The Narrow Margin.

Seriously well worth a listen.

Dave

[haroldthebarrel]

They do have a "best of" titled RETROSPECTIVE which is quite good. But if you're buying actual albums (cds), most people vote for their second one: CRAFTY HANDS, as their favorite. I, personally, prefer their first one HAPPY THE MAN. Their third and last official album, BETTER LATE..., is great. On the cd release they added a few bonus tracks - one of which is one of my favorite tunes by the group.


Wow! Were you ever right! The first album by happy the man is downloadig right now and I am listening. Talk about talent! Real cool, crazy intrumental jazz/rock/prog/craziness-fusion.

[YYY]

Harold ! welcome to the 'Happy the Man' fan club. They are still one of my favorites. They were one of the true early carriers of the progressive torch, (not Styx, Kansas, etc.)

I'm listening to 'Curved Air' right now from their 2nd album tittles 'Second Album'. It's also classic mindlifting beautiful prog.
you have to check it out if you can find it anywhere....

[WhiteKnight]

Originally posted by Dragonfly
The only website I've found for them is in Italian so I haven't had much luck figuring it out.

To all of you interested in PFM: the official site is www.pfmpfm.it. Of course it lets you choose the "english version" in the homepage. It says much everything about the band. You also find a "tree" depicting the members of the group in the different eras (http://www.pfmpfm.it/eng/albero/albero02.jpg)



WK

[lindil]

Happy the man is also 'hometown ' for me, I grew up in N.Va, and while i was 14 or so when the y dissolved in 80' I got to see them [went out to the East coast to do it!!] at Nearfest in 2000. amazing
all 3 aforementioned albums are great.

I will also mention Anthony phillips [ex-genesis] Geese and the ghost [cheap on Amazon] and
Private parts and Peices 2, really beautiful stuff.

Steve Tibbets [ECM] is great guitar / percussion stuff, can't really describe it although I am sure some reviews on amazobn can be found. I vote for his Safe Journey and Northenr Song.

Happy new year!!!

[haroldthebarrel]

'The Geese and the Ghost' is one of the best albums ever!

[bjm0rwo]

Yea,I forgot about that one from Philips.I'll have to drag out my vinyl copy of this one.Also while we're on the subject,how about Rutherford's Smallcreep's Day.I used to enjoy this one.Simon Philips is awsome on the kit for this project.That's what I love about this post.For the longest time I thought I was the only one familiar with these compositions such as the one's mentioned.At least now I don't feel so alone.Kind of gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling like the rope climbing in gym class.

[haroldthebarrel]

I made a CD of Smallcreeep's Day a while back, and have yet to fully appreciate it. I hear so much about how great this album is, but never got into myself. I should finally listen to it a few more times though before I bash it or anything.

I can suggest some other awesome Genesis-related releases:

Steve Hackett - Voyage of the Acolyte
(if any album ever put out is "essential" this is too! I think any Yes-head would love this album)

Steve Hackett - Please Don't Touch
(Same goes for this one, but I do think it is worse than VotA)

Brand X - do they hurt?
(phil collins on drums - acid jazz-rock-fusion done very very well, if not perfectly)

Peter Gabriel - Ovo
Makes every other band's recent releases look like total ####t! I think this is the best album to come out in 10 years by anyone.

[Earl Grey]

I haven't heard this album in years (I had it on vinyl), but I remember it fondly: will have to look for the cd.

There was a later Hackett album from the late sevnties that had the singer from Kansas & Richie Havens on it...

I remember that on the album, Hackett had gone around with a high-rez portable tape recorder, and recorded interesting sounds to include on the project...

Anyone familiar with this album? I think it came out around 1978.

Earl

[YYY]

Most definately! I still have my original copy (somewhere?). I hope. It has a beautiful vibe about it. I liked Hacket's sensibility very much. He created wonderful atmosphere in his music. At first listen, I had to get used to the vocals, but I really enjoyed the album at the time. I think I tried to listen to it again several years ago, but wasn't in the right mood and it seemed dated. Maybe I should try again with scratches and all.

(PS) Earl I haven't forgot about your request. Soon! I've just been very busy lately. YYY

[haroldthebarrel]

The album you two mentioned is called "Please Don't Touch", and I'd say every song on it rules except the one with Steve Walsh on vocals!

[Purple Wolfhound]

Well, since nobody has mentioned them yet, I guess I will. Does anyone listen to The Flower Kings? I picked up their latest, The Rainmaker, soon after it was released late last year. Having never heard anything by them before, it took me a couple of listens before I really fell for them. Their sound is very similar to Spock’s Beard except for the vocals. As a matter of fact, a member from both bands collaborate on a side project by the name of Transatlantic (along with members from Dream Theater and Marillion). Haven’t heard of that yet, though.

Peace,

Phil

[YYY]

Dug out and dusted off my old copy of 'UK' today. I was surprised how much I still like them, but then again why not with Eddie Jobson - violin, John Wetton - voice and bass, Bill Bruford - drums and Allan Holsworth - guitar. All with great backgrounds. They made a good combo

[YYY]

This site has cause me to break out my old dusty collection of LP's.

Not only did I listen my old 'UK' today - which was great to here again but also Rutherford's 'Smallcreep's Day from 1980..........

......what a beautiful peaceful yet dynamic album
Its has all the signature elements of a very pure Genesis album
with good vocals & lyrics. I had forgotten how calming and wonderful it was. I wonder what other obscure LP's I've forgotten about. Any ideas anyone?....................

[YYY]

'RENAISSANCE' 1973 - 'Ashes Are Burning' anyone remember them? I'm talkin' progressive love vibe music here.

[Earl Grey]

...no Alan Holdsworth at that point, but 'Danger Money' was the gist! Made up for it!

The electric violin was burning into the night.....

And when 'TULL' played, John Hammond-Hammond came out dressed as 'Paddington the Bear' with an umbrella and a raincoat... AND 'RAIN' was pouring about the perimeter of the stage... Paddington gazing about bemusedly. What has happened to 'contemporary music' huh?! So Brittany kissed the snake! So what! Nothing new.

Nothing to compare to those days, and I am waiting..... Waiting.

:ele:

[bjm0rwo]

I saw Renaissance at Penn's Landing in '76 for the bicentennial in Philadelphia.Annie Haslam has a beautiful voice.Great show.Also saw UK with Holdsworth there.These were free concerts.Massive crowds for UK.I actually left early because of the crowd getting a little out of control.

[YYY]

Yeh! Earl, check out my post on 'Tull " under 'Memorable Concerts' thread.

I saw 'Renaissance' with 'Gentle Giant' at an old small performing arts theater in 1976(?) My first time for both. Anne Haslam was like the Karen Carpenter of progressive rock. I loved her voice. There music was very powerful but peaceful . Now 'Giant" were just Mad, Insane & Incredible. Very impressed! but the place was almost empty. So sad

[Earl Grey]

Check out Richard & LINDA Thompson: 'Shoot out the Lights'.

They were going through a divorce, and were literally FORCED to make that last 'contractually-induced album' together: the saddest album I have ever heard: yet, they somehow rose to the ocassion with songs of disparity and ascention. With the most 'human' recording EVER put to magnitism (way before 'digital': That momentary 'zen-bastard' was even an option).

The tears stain the tape as if it were the litmus-paper of emotion. Nothing like it in the genre of recorded sound. SO very HUMAN. And not what to listen to if you are going through 'loss' of any kind, or maybe the GRAIL if you have inner-strength. Set and setting [in the Tim Leary-sense] imply here!).

I can't give you a stronger emathetically higher watermark here.
The best album to cry to, ever devised!

Let me know if you hear or 'here it'. I'm all heart & ears!

:ele: "Been That, Done there", Dancing somehow, in a pool of tears.... Earl

THIS IS A GREAT THREAD!!!

Couldn't get the above message to post, for some reason, so had to save it to a file, and go from there....hope you will read it!!!
Contains Jobson, Holdsworth, Hackett related stuff, as well as a few more suggestions...

Sorry for the inconvenience!!
HOPE YOU'LL CHECK IT OUT ANYWAY!!

Thanks!!
~DL.