Progressive Rock Today and Yesterday

[White Knight]

Is today's current incarnation of progressive rock similiar or different from that of what we "old timers" who remember how it was in the sixties, seventies and eighties? I would daresay that many of us who grew up listening to the likes of Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Yes, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull etc. etc. consider that era to be the "Golden Age" of this genre.
I would really be interested in hearing from some of my younger colleagues on the forum who are more conversant than myself with the latest offerings in this field as to their feelings vis a vis how this era stacks up against the previously cited one, especially in terms of musical innovation, creating "concept albums", or whatever other criteria one might wish to use in making an assessment of this topic.
And I guess if one wishes to opine on which time period is "better" or "superior" to the other employing these criteria or others, that would be really interesting as well. {Even better would be if the opinions could be buttressed by concrete examples and arguments.}

 

[5do6zica]

Today progressively involves more technical virtuosity rather than the concept of composition and harmony. Former progressive bands in the present, the modern reincarnation, arent progressive-they are alternative

 

[White Knight]

Today progressively involves more technical virtuosity rather than the concept of composition and harmony. Former progressive bands in the present, the modern reincarnation, arent progressive-they are alternative

Could you reference some examples, perhaps? I really think that citing concrete examples of what you are maintaining greatly adds to everyone's understanding and vastly improves the discussion, thereby making it far more interesting.

 

[5do6zica]

Could you reference some examples, perhaps? I really think that citing concrete examples of what you are maintaining greatly adds to everyone's understanding and vastly improves the discussion, thereby making it far more interesting.

Ok, this is just my opinion. Example: After Marillion, King Krimison, Yes .. etc (and bands that you've counted) ensure the glory of that rock direction and after the label "progressive" at that time attracted a huge number of music lovers, began in the late eighties transition in subgenres of which is the only progressive metal had real value. Combination with other, generally more commercial directions did not give anything spectacular. Queensryche and DT are great bands in the progressive period (metal), and showed how the concept of progressive music lives in nineties and today, but with a combination of extraordinary virtuosity. Progressive classical music are under pop&commercial assault (by me) disappear into the background and if we say that Muse are a progressive, then I conclude that what I say about alternative. It's not progressive, it's just flirting with progressive

 

[heartscore]

In my theory the musicians of yesterday's bands like Yes were more unique then modern progressive musicians. In the days of Yes the audience and the public opinion were not so after technical skills and they focused more on the overall result as a band, not so on the single musicianship. Now often the songs are a vehicle to show a circus of virtuosity. I guess, if Yes would be a newcomer-band, a guitarist like Steve Howe would be accused for his "limited" style. But his style is very unique, because of its limitations. Todays musicians are forced not only to be a virtuoso. Especially in the genre of Progressive Rock they are also forced to handle all musical styles at ease. In an interview Steve Howe said once, that he wanted to play "like nobody else before". He was searching for a new language of the guitar. Today the impression is, that the musicians want to show, that they can recreate all styles and techniques and melt them into a song. DT in my opinion is melting Metallica, Yes, Rainbow and the Mahavishnu Orchestra. I really dig DT, but are they unique like YES? I don't think so.

 

[teddy]

If you want a lesson in virtuosity try the album, JON and VANGELIS

teddy

 

[White Knight]

In my theory the musicians of yesterday's bands like Yes were more unique then modern progressive musicians. In the days of Yes the audience and the public opinion were not so after technical skills and they focused more on the overall result as a band, not so on the single musicianship. Now often the songs are a vehicle to show a circus of virtuosity. I guess, if Yes would be a newcomer-band, a guitarist like Steve Howe would be accused for his "limited" style. But his style is very unique, because of its limitations. Todays musicians are forced not only to be a virtuoso. Especially in the genre of Progressive Rock they are also forced to handle all musical styles at ease. In an interview Steve Howe said once, that he wanted to play "like nobody else before". He was searching for a new language of the guitar. Today the impression is, that the musicians want to show, that they can recreate all styles and techniques and melt them into a song. DT in my opinion is melting Metallica, Yes, Rainbow and the Mahavishnu Orchestra. I really dig DT, but are they unique like YES? I don't think so.

@ heartscore, Who or what is/are DT. Could you post links to some of their music {I'm assuming this is a prog rock band} which you like so some of the rest of us might be enlightened as well?

 

[heartscore]

@White Knight, DT is an abbreviation for Dream Theater. You can find some music here: http://www.last.fm/music/Dream+Theater?setlang=en

 

[teddy]

Steve
The best music, progressive or otherwise was from the 60/70/80s. Cause thats when we were young. No not just that but there were more apprentice served musicians. More opportunities for playing in clubs, pubs etc in the days when they did not need a licence to play live music. More chances to hone your skills and find out what the people liked. You only have to look at groups like the Beatles to realise how relevant these factors were. I have recently re visited SHORT STORIES worth a listen by anyone. A mini masterpiece.

teddy

 

[White Knight]

Teddy, you are probably right in your observations about our ages. What is or are Short Stories, a new prog rock band or something?

 

[White Knight]

@heartscore, Thanks so much for thr 411 and the link; I'll check it out either later tonite or tomorrow.

 

[teddy]

Steve Short stories is an album by Jon and Vangelis. Jon anderson on vocals with Vangelis playing all the instruments. The bgining is a little heavy, but is foloowed by some lovely tuneful tracks. I think you would appreciate it.

teddy

 

[White Knight]

Steve Short stories is an album by Jon and Vangelis. Jon anderson on vocals with Vangelis playing all the instruments. The bgining is a little heavy, but is foloowed by some lovely tuneful tracks. I think you would appreciate it.

teddy

Teddy, thanks so much. First I'll give them a listen on youtube and/or Amazon, and then see if--as with EST--I like them enough to make a purchase.
Thanks again, and I hope you are feeling better!

 

[teddy]

Yes thanks Steve, although the weather here is abysmal which depresses me. I do like a good summer and so far July has been rotten.

teddy

 

[White Knight]

Yes thanks Steve, although the weather here is abysmal which depresses me. I do like a good summer and so far July has been rotten.

teddy

Teddy, come on over here, and you'll get as much summer as your heart desires! It's well above ninety degress for the third day in a row, and no end in sight!

 

[teddy]

I will be right over Steve. As long as I can spend most of my time in the pool. Pims anyone

teddy

 

[teddy]

Listening to Crosby Stills and Nash on Vinyl. I can only say that I think their album CSN is sublime. Anyone who has not heard it should. They got a little pretentious after this so I regard this album as their peak.

teddy

 

[White Knight]

@ Teddy, What is Pims, a drink or something?

 

[teddy]

Steve

It is a gin based drink which should be mixed long with lemonade and plenty of ice. Add cucumber, mint and sliced orange, although some people add all sorts of fruit and veg. It is the epitome of English Summer.

teddy

 

[White Knight]

Teddy, That sounds great. I think in this country we also have a Pims cookie, which is a covered in chocolate on top and has various jelly flavors {orange, raspberry etc} inside. It's one of my favorites, when I can find it in the store, that is!