Curse

Keesa · Jun 22, 2005, 09:17 PM // 21:17

What exactly defines "progressive" rock? Because I like both Rush and The Mars Volta but there's a lot of wiggle room here.

salatious · Jun 22, 2005, 09:32 PM // 21:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keesa

What exactly defines "progressive" rock? Because I like both Rush and The Mars Volta but there's a lot of wiggle room here.

Progressive rock ("prog") is an ambitious, eclectic, and often grandiose style of rock music which arose in the late 1960s principally in England, reaching the peak of its popularity in the early 1970s, but continuing as a musical form to this day. Progressive rock was largely a European movement, and drew most of its influences from classical music and jazz fusion, in contrast to American rock, which was influenced by rhythm & blues and country, although there are notable exceptions in the New World such as Kansas and Rush — considered by many to be the finest examples of the form. Over the years various sub-genres of progressive rock have emerged, such as symphonic rock, art rock and progressive metal.

Progressive rock artists sought to move away from the limitations of radio formatted rock and pop, and "progress" rock to the point that it could achieve the sophistication of jazz or classical music. It is admired by its fans for its complexity, requiring a high level of musical virtuosity to perform. Critics have often derided the genre as pompous and self-indulgent. This is because, unlike such stylistically consistent genres as country or hip hop, progressive rock is difficult to define in a single conclusive way. Outspoken King Crimson leader Robert Fripp has voiced his disdain for the term. The major acts that defined the genre in the 1970s (Yes, Genesis, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Rush and King Crimson) do not sound alike. There is also debate on whether bands such as The Beatles, Phish, and Radiohead belong to the genre.

Mars Volta is not progressive rock i just listed them in my post as a FYI to what im listening to now..

Sir Hammonsweet · Jun 22, 2005, 10:08 PM // 22:08

Wow, that was the most in depth description of prog that I have ever heard, and I must say, I enjoyed reading every bit of it, but it is true, Progressive rock is really hard to define. There are all kinds of different elements to prog, and if a band falls under one of those elements, sometimes the only genre they can be put in is prog, because they don't sound like anything else. I do think, however, that one major factor in determining if a band is truly prog, is the insane level of skill and virtuosity that each performer has.

Keesa · Jun 23, 2005, 02:15 AM // 02:15

So... Dire Straits before the Brothers In Arms CD--progressive or no? How about Joe Satriani and Steve Vai et al?

Keesa · Jun 24, 2005, 04:03 PM // 16:03

I refuse to let this thread die.