Agreed, like what’s more proggy the TAAB?
I recall reading that Anderson disliked being called a ‘progressive rock’ band so so wrote “Thick As A Brick” as a parody of prog. It then won a few ‘prog’ album awards and become a prog classic album. One of my favorite Tull albums is Crest of a Knave. One of their mellower albums which naturally won a Grammy for ‘heavy metal’ album of the year. Sure pissed off the Metallica boys… which made it all worth while. Yet ANOTHER reason for Lars to whine a tear…
Shoulda called it Crest Of A Knapster…
Yes they are talented boys… Another recommendation(s):
Osada Vida’s Variomatic (2018, Poland) Definitely heavier prog but very melodic and the guitarist (Jan Mitoraj) is insanely talented. He’s got some of his own solo & jamming vids on YT - holy sheep dip Batman - this kid is good!!!
House of Not ( 4 albums Canada) yes, I’m gonna keep pushing these guys until everybody realizes…
Shadow Circus - On A Dark & Stormy Night (2012 USA); If you were to take ELP, Boston, Meatloaf, Styx, UFO, Prism, Queen and blend them in with Tommy, Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom Of The Paradise and a wee bit of classical you’d get this 70s arena rock bands throwback Rock opera concept album. That’s my review. I love it.
And although I am not usually a fan of female vocals in prog, Ambeon’s Fate Of A Dreamer (2001 Netherlands) is something I found myself on repeat a fair amount. Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon) (Ayreon + ambient = Ambeon) wrote this with vocals by 14 year old Dutch singer Astrid van der Veen. This kid is outstanding. Sweet Little Brother is a cool story song.
Have you heard The Burden of Paradise by Different Light? I keep hoping they’ll put something else out. They’re another Prog Rock band from Poland. I will listen to your other recommendations. One can never have too many CDs.
Nice! Tales Of Mystery & Imagination was/is always a favorite.
I’ll check that out. I gotta sample more of UK - Rendezvous 6:02 & Caesar’s Palace Blues are really the only tracks I’ve heard… Holdsworth was an absolute legend.
Another good album. Technical wizardry. Aren’t they Czech? As in Prague Rock…
I saw them in Las Vegas just before Covid hit. It was an excellent show. The sound was spectacular. At one point they sang a 5 or 6 part harmony, and it just soared in the room.
The only downside is that shows in Las Vegas tend to have some people who are pretty inebriated, and it distracts from the show.
Thank you for sharing this. I’ve been a Rush fan since I was a kid. I gotta tell you, every time I hear Xanadu I get the chills and goosebumps.
Well with a name like Cygnus, I’m not surprised!
How does Rick get those (I assume ProTools) files? Sony, especially, Universal and Warner protect their IP like Leroy Brown protects the junk yard.
Marillion having a bit if fun with Hocus Pocus.
Shows how difficult of a song it is vocally as Hogarth is certainly no slouch as a singer. Need proof? An absolute prog masterpiece. And 15 minutes long. Like every great prog song should be.
And yes can kill it live.
Love that album, the critics and even I think the band said it should have been a single album. I have no problem with the long tracks and will play it through a lot when I put it in the queue. Epic prog for sure
Seeing The Stick Men (Tony Levin’s Chapman Stick and drums project) and Steve Hackett live this month. It’s Prog-rock April in Mike’s world!
I am seeing the pineapple thief for the 2nd time in Toronto in may. Small venue, around 400 people. Sweet!