3 posts tagged “progressive rock”
Thought I'd talk about some music for a change. Today on plate we have 5 albums I consider essential listening. All of them were released before 1980 (my definition of classic)
I think everyone knows that Dark Side of the Moon is my favorite album of all time in any genre of music. It defines the band, and is a must listen to all proggies, space rockers, and anyone who likes their music rich and multitextured.
More than any other this album defines The Beatles for me. A mix of psychedelia, their unique brand of pop, eastern mysicism and sheer brilliance, it also marks the completion of the transition of the band from a bunch of kids to serious, thoughtful musicians.
From the second you hear the riff for "Black Dog" you know you are listening to one of the greatest bands of all time. Led Zep IV (the nameless one with "Stairway to Heaven") might be their most famous, but this one is Zep. Whether it's Black Dog, or Rock n Roll, or Heartbreaker, or Moby Dick, this is one bone crunching piece of heaven and I am still in awe of every note Robert Plant has ever sung
Not my favorite Genesis album (that would be "Selling England by the Pound"), but this is their definitive moment. Ambitious, theatric and exceptionally brilliant.
So I am extremely biased towards prog rock, but no top 5 essential albums of all time list for me can be complete without "In the court .. ". The classic Crimson line up brings to you some of their classics; "21st Century Schizoid Man", the title song, the beautiful "She talks to the wind" and the highly underrated "Epitaph". You like Mellotrons, brilliant musicianship and grand composition, this is your album (although you could say that for "Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" as well).
There you go. My favorite bands and their essential albums. We will return with a look at 5 albums you may not have and should
What albums are in heavy rotation for you right now?
As of today, the following are in super-heavy rotation
King Crimson - The Great Deceiver
Mahavishnu Orchestra - Birds of Fire
... and last but not the least
Tangerine Dream - Logos: Live at the Dominion
Pink Floyd has been my favorite band since I was 13. A few days ago, the man who was the driving force and creative genius behind the original Pink Floyd passed away. I have always been partial to Roger Waters, but to this day, Piper at the gates of dawn ranks as one of the best pieces of music ever released. Syd Barret, RIP!!!!
PS. I originally posted this on my main blog, but moving this here helps maintain the spirit of the two blogs
