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Cover Story: The Birth of Progressive Rock
Subtitle: From Psychedelia to the Cosmic Journeys of the 70s
Introduction:
In the late 60s, a new sound emerged from the underground—complex, ambitious, and unbound by the traditional limits of rock. Known as progressive rock, or simply prog, this genre took the experimentation of psychedelia to new heights. Featuring elaborate arrangements, virtuoso musicianship, and themes ranging from mythology to science fiction, prog rock became a defining sound of the underground and FM freeform radio.
Key Innovators of Prog Rock:
- The Moody Blues: Pioneers of the orchestral rock sound with Days of Future Passed.
- King Crimson: Their debut album, In the Court of the Crimson King, defined the genre's grand and dark possibilities.
- Soft Machine: Fusing jazz and rock, their third album helped bridge prog with avant-garde sounds.
- Genesis: With Peter Gabriel at the helm, early Genesis albums like Foxtrot redefined storytelling in rock.
Tracks to Hear:
- "21st Century Schizoid Man" - King Crimson: A fiery, chaotic introduction to the possibilities of progressive rock.
- "Nights in White Satin" - The Moody Blues: Orchestral and emotive, it blurred the line between rock and classical.
- "Firth of Fifth" - Genesis: Featuring one of the most iconic piano intros and guitar solos in prog history.
- "Hocus Pocus" - Focus: A quirky, high-energy track with yodeling, flute solos, and guitar wizardry.
Lost Gems: Albums You Need to Hear
Subtitle: Prog Rock Deep Cuts and Hidden Masterpieces
Introduction:
Progressive rock wasn’t just about the big names. Beneath the surface were countless bands that pushed boundaries in their own unique ways. Here are some overlooked gems of the era:
Procol Harum – Shine on Brightly (1968)
- Overview: Known for their hit "A Whiter Shade of Pale," Procol Harum’s second album ventured into conceptual territory with the 17-minute suite In Held ’Twas in I.
- Must-Listen Track: "Magdalene (My Regal Zonophone)"—a haunting, piano-driven ballad that shows the band’s depth.
Egg – Egg (1970)
- Overview: This British trio fused classical themes with rock structures, creating an experimental and intricate sound.
- Must-Listen Track: "Fugue in D Minor"—a Bach-inspired piece reimagined with a rock edge.
Can – Tago Mago (1971)
- Overview: German pioneers of krautrock, Can brought hypnotic grooves and avant-garde experimentation to this double album.
- Must-Listen Track: "Halleluhwah"—A 19-minute groove that showcases the band’s fearless improvisation.
- Caravan – In the Land of Grey and Pink (1971): A whimsical, jazz-infused journey.
- Gryphon – Red Queen to Gryphon Three (1974): Medieval-inspired prog rock with a unique instrumentation palette.
DJ Spotlight: Rosko – The Voice of Change
When listeners tuned into WNEW-FM in New York during the late 60s, they were greeted by the deep, soothing tones of DJ William "Rosko" Mercer. His poetic musings and eclectic playlists set him apart from his peers, making him a favorite among the counterculture.
Breaking Barriers:
Rosko was one of the first Black DJs to break into the FM freeform scene, bringing a unique perspective to the airwaves. His shows were a mix of spoken word, jazz, rock, and soul, infused with his personal philosophy of peace and understanding.
A Typical Playlist:
- "Both Sides Now" - Joni Mitchell
- "My Favorite Things" - John Coltrane
- "Tomorrow Never Knows" - The Beatles
- "A Love Supreme, Pt. 1: Acknowledgement" - John Coltrane
- "Piece of My Heart" - Big Brother and the Holding Company
Legacy:
Rosko's influence extended far beyond music. His commitment to racial equality and his fearless embrace of controversial topics made him a beloved figure in underground radio history.
Era Reflections: 1970 – A New Decade, A New Sound
Subtitle: How the Counterculture Evolved at the Dawn of the 70s
Introduction:
As the 60s turned into the 70s, the counterculture underwent a transformation. The optimism of the Summer of Love gave way to introspection, heavier sounds, and a broader exploration of genres like hard rock, folk rock, and progressive rock.
Key Moments:
- The Beatles Break Up: In April 1970, the world’s biggest band called it quits, signaling the end of an era.
- Kent State Shootings: The May 1970 tragedy galvanized a generation of protest songs, including Neil Young’s “Ohio.”
- The Rise of Concept Albums: Artists increasingly used the album format to tell cohesive stories, from The Who's Tommy to Pink Floyd’s Atom Heart Mother.
Tracks That Shaped 1970:
- "Immigrant Song" - Led Zeppelin: A thunderous opening to the new decade.
- "Ohio" - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: A rallying cry for the disillusioned youth.
- "After the Gold Rush" - Neil Young: A poignant reflection on environmentalism and societal change.
- "Layla" - Derek and the Dominos: A raw, emotional powerhouse driven by Duane Allman’s slide guitar.
Reader's Picks: Vinyl We Can't Stop Spinning
Introduction:
Our readers continue to share their top spins, digging deep into their collections to find tracks that embody the underground spirit.
Featured Picks:
- "The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" - Traffic (Submitted by Sarah in Austin): “It’s jazzy, groovy, and mind-expanding.”
- "One of These Days" - Pink Floyd (Submitted by James in Portland): “The bass line still sends shivers down my spine.”
- "Aqualung" - Jethro Tull (Submitted by Beth in Chicago): “A masterpiece of storytelling and musicianship.”
Submit Your Picks: Want your favorite tracks in the next issue? Send us your recommendations and tell us why they matter to you!
In the Groove: Audio Gear for the Prog Era
Subtitle: High-Fidelity Sound for High-Concept Music
Introduction:
The ambitious nature of progressive rock demanded high-quality playback systems. Here's a look at the gear that brought these sprawling epics to life.
Top Turntables of the Era:
- Dual 1219: Known for its durability and smooth operation, ideal for long album sides.
- Garrard Zero 100: A turntable that catered to audiophiles with its innovative tonearm design.
Speaker Systems:
- Advent Loudspeakers: Popular among audiophiles for their balanced sound and affordability.
- Klipsch Heresy: Compact but powerful, perfect for prog rock’s dynamic range.
Tips for Collectors:
- When buying vintage turntables, always inspect the condition of the tonearm bearings and belts.
- For optimal sound, pair your turntable with a preamp that matches the cartridge output.
Companion CD: Exploring the Progressive Frontier
Introduction:
To complement our deep dive into progressive rock, we’ve curated a collection of tracks that embody the spirit of the genre. These songs represent the pioneers and innovators who redefined rock music’s boundaries during the late 60s and early 70s. From sprawling epics to intricate instrumentals, this playlist is a journey through the progressive landscape.
Find it here: Exploring The Progressive Frontier
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