Esoteric & must have Prog-Rock albums(whatever that means)
Aug 25, 2021 14:48:32 GMT
julesd68 likes this
Post by ajski2fly on Aug 25, 2021 14:48:32 GMT
After playing a few Prog/Rock albums recently Julesd68 asked if I would post a list of my top 20 more esoteric albums, I have enhanced this with my must haves IMHO.
With respect to what we might consider to be an 'Esoteric' group/artists today and those who aren't is not necessarily reflective of how they would have been viewed back in the day. For example consider King Crimson, definitely very different in the late 60's and continued to be, never main stream, but became pretty famous and today I would suggest not thought of as esoteric, however back in their infancy they were very much considered an arty niché band, and could have been considered esoteric. Another similar example would be Genesis, very much prog-rock and niche in their early days, but as time went by, massive popularity and a move to more pop-rock based material moved them into the mainstream rock. However there were a variety of bands labeled Prog/Rock back in the 60's/70's whose careers were with short lived or they never attained mass market appeal, whether that makes them esoteric or not I am not so sure.
I would point out that Prog/Rock back in the day (late 60's/early 70's) covered a host of styles, today some would possibly be considered Blues-Rock, Psychedelic Rock or even Jazz-Rock often the boundaries would be quite blurred. Having said that one common thread was that generally tracks on albums tended to be longer compositions than normal (the 3 minute pop single of the time), and they would often employ a variety of musical traits/styles such as Blues, Jazz, Soul and even R&B(of that time).
My list below in not any order other than alphabetical and some are more modern, no apologies for the more well known, they may not be well known to everyone. It's certainly not definitive and I am sure there are some wonderful albums out there I have never heard, so please feel free to add to the list so we can all enjoy or not.
The list is Artist, Album, Year of Release, Genre(genre), indication of rarity on vinyl, a rating of G(Good), VG(Very Good), E(excellent), comment/release info. Note - I consider them all to be Prog-Rock, the genre categorisation in brackets is my take on the musical leaning/feeling of what is offered from the artist, all my comments relate to Vinyl releases/availibility.
Affinity - 'Affinity', 1970, (Jazz/Psychedelic Rock), VG, Original is Rare - available on Repertoire Records – V 117 (very good re-release)
Amon Düül II - 'Tanz Der Lemminge', 1971, (Prog/Psychedelic), VG, available, German classic prog re-released on SPV 304201 2LP
Amorphous Androgynous - 'The Isness', 2002, (Prog/Psychedelic), E, this is a must listen to, Prog still lives on, re-released EBV – LPRSDTOT74 (buy a copy before gone)
The Alan Parsons Project - 'I Robot', 1977, (Prog-Rock/Art-Rock), E, originals available, it has been released on Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab – MFSL 2-455(expensive but great)
Atomic Rooster - 'Death Walks Behind You', 1970, (Blues/Rock), E, originals expensive, has been released on Music On Vinyl – MOVLP1907 (VG re-release)
Be Bop Deluxe - 'Axe Victim', 1974, (Art/Prog Rock), VG, available - get a good copy Harvest – SHVL 813
Beggar's Opera – 'Beggars Opera Act One', 1970, (Prog Rock), VG, can be expensive, a great prog rock album as are follow ups, Vertigo – 6360018
Black Widow - 'Sacrifice', 1970, (Prog/Hard rock), VG, limited availability, quite dark and cult album, re-released on Repertoire Records – REP 2263
Robert Calvert - 'Captain Lockheed And the Starfighters', 1974, (Space Rock/Psychedelic) VG, hard to get & expensive £40-60, United Artists Records – UAG 29507
Camel - 'Moonmadness', 1976, (Prog-Rock), E, available, a classic album that has been re-released on Music On Vinyl – MOVLP714
Catapilla - 'Catapilla', 1971, (Jazz-Rock), E, Very Rare, a must have IMO, think King Crimson with female vocals, re-released Trading Places – TDP54031 (is VG+ re-release)
Catapilla – 'Changes', 1972 (Jazz-Rock), E, Very Rare, another must have, re-released Trading Places – TDP54037 (is VG+ re-release)
Cressida - 'Asylum', 1971, (Prog-Rock), VG, originals are rare is available on Repertoire Records – V 119 (excellent)
East Of Eden – Mercator Projected, 1969, (Prog), VG+, a great early prog album, well worth a listen, available but pricey
The Enid – 'In The Region Of The Summer Stars', 1976, (Symphonic Rock), G, readily available, get an original NM copy
Flash – 'In The Can', 1972, (Prog Rock), VG, think Yes but more rocky, Rare on vinyl even re-releases are pricey
Focus - 'Moving Waves', 1971, (Prog-Rock), VG, readily available - a classic album really
Genesis - 'Nursery Cryme' 1971, (Prog-Rock), E, readily available, hunt out a NM copy - for me their best work along with 'Selling England by the Pound"
Golden Earring - 'Moontan', 1972, (Blues Rock), E, this album is really prog rock but is often mis-categorised, a favourite is on Music On Vinyl – MOVLP024
Gracious! – 'Gracious!', 1970, (Prog Rock), VG, reminiscent of King Crimson/ELP experimental in parts, available but pricey
Greenslade - 'Bedside Manners Are Extra', 1973, (Prog-Rock), VG, classic prog rock this one - good copies are pricey
The Groundhogs - 'Split', 1971, (Blues-Rock), E, a must have IMO - has been re-released but can be pricey still
Hawkwind - 'Space Ritual', 1972, (Blues/Space Rock), E, an essential IMO - one of the best live albums out there (nit everyones cuppa tea)
Patto – 'Hold Your Fire', 1971, (Prog rock), E, a great band, I first heard in my Teens, its still good, its been re-released but is expensive
Peter Hammill - 'Fool's Mate', 1971, (Prog Rock), VG, Hammil is of Van De Graff Generator fame, a great album, is available at reasonable cost
If - 'If', 1970, (Jazz-Rock), VG, available re-released on Repertoire Records – REP 2209 (excellent)
Jade Warrior - 'Jade Warrior', 1971, (Prog-rock), E, a fourth of mine, buy while you can on Repertoire Records – V180 (excellent re-release)
Jethro Tull - 'Thick As a Brick', 1972, (Folk/Prog Rock), E, the definitive Tull album IMO, available - a must have
Manfred Mann's Earth Band - 'The Good Earth', 1977, (Prog-Rock), VG, an often overlooked MMEB album, but is very good IMO, is available
May Blitz - 'May Blitz', 1970, (Prog-Rock), E, a classic this one, luckily available on Akarma – AK 253 (very good re-release)
The Moody Blues - 'On the Threshold of a Dream', 1969, (Psychedelic/Prog), E, readily available, get a NM early pressing, one of those classy albums that is too easily missed, all time favourite of mine
Patrick Moraz - 'The Story of I', 1976, (Art/Prog Rock), E, a wonderful multi layered concept album, if your systems good you will hear them
Mountain - 'Nantucket Sleighride', 1971, (Prog/Psychedelic), E, a classic album, the title track was used on 'the Old Grey Whistle Test', it is not cheap to get
Osibisa - 'Osibisa', 1971, (Afro/funk, Prog) E, a must have classic, recently re-released on Repertoire Records – V 163 pick up a copy while you can
The Pink Fairies - 'Never - Neverland', 1971, VG, some say they influenced Punk, be ready for a shock, Music On Vinyl – MOVLP2785
Pink Floyd - 'Atom Heart Mother', 1971, E, a much overlooked PF album but is a cracking Prog Rocker, I would try and get a NM 2nd press to keep cost down, not sure of the SQ on the Re-master, but could be worth a try.
Procol Harum - 'Procol's Ninth', 1975, (Prog Rock), E, a wonderful Prog album, TBH any of theirs are good, re-released, pick one up while you can
Quatermass - 'Quatermass', 1970, (Prog Rock), VG, a venture into Symphonic Prog, highly regarded links to Deep Purple, re-released on Akarma – AK 175/2 (very good)
Rare Bird – 'Rare Bird', 1969, (Prog), VG, only just re-discovered these, great music, hard to get has been re-released by Virgin
Spirit – 'Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus', 1970, (Prog/Psychedelic), this is a classic of the time, some might argue not true prog, grab the Music On Vinyl – MOVLP555 release for VFM
String Driven Thing - 'The Machine That Cried', 1973, (Prog Rock), G+, a great prog album, pricey on vinyl
Wishbone Ash - 'Wishbone Ash', 1970, (Hard/Prog rock), E, the best album, a must have IMO, re-release MCA-23, DL7-5249, 00600753859322
Van Der Graaf Generator - 'H To He Who Am the Only One', 1970, VG, classic VDGF album - even re-releases are pricey
With respect to what we might consider to be an 'Esoteric' group/artists today and those who aren't is not necessarily reflective of how they would have been viewed back in the day. For example consider King Crimson, definitely very different in the late 60's and continued to be, never main stream, but became pretty famous and today I would suggest not thought of as esoteric, however back in their infancy they were very much considered an arty niché band, and could have been considered esoteric. Another similar example would be Genesis, very much prog-rock and niche in their early days, but as time went by, massive popularity and a move to more pop-rock based material moved them into the mainstream rock. However there were a variety of bands labeled Prog/Rock back in the 60's/70's whose careers were with short lived or they never attained mass market appeal, whether that makes them esoteric or not I am not so sure.
I would point out that Prog/Rock back in the day (late 60's/early 70's) covered a host of styles, today some would possibly be considered Blues-Rock, Psychedelic Rock or even Jazz-Rock often the boundaries would be quite blurred. Having said that one common thread was that generally tracks on albums tended to be longer compositions than normal (the 3 minute pop single of the time), and they would often employ a variety of musical traits/styles such as Blues, Jazz, Soul and even R&B(of that time).
My list below in not any order other than alphabetical and some are more modern, no apologies for the more well known, they may not be well known to everyone. It's certainly not definitive and I am sure there are some wonderful albums out there I have never heard, so please feel free to add to the list so we can all enjoy or not.
The list is Artist, Album, Year of Release, Genre(genre), indication of rarity on vinyl, a rating of G(Good), VG(Very Good), E(excellent), comment/release info. Note - I consider them all to be Prog-Rock, the genre categorisation in brackets is my take on the musical leaning/feeling of what is offered from the artist, all my comments relate to Vinyl releases/availibility.
Affinity - 'Affinity', 1970, (Jazz/Psychedelic Rock), VG, Original is Rare - available on Repertoire Records – V 117 (very good re-release)
Amon Düül II - 'Tanz Der Lemminge', 1971, (Prog/Psychedelic), VG, available, German classic prog re-released on SPV 304201 2LP
Amorphous Androgynous - 'The Isness', 2002, (Prog/Psychedelic), E, this is a must listen to, Prog still lives on, re-released EBV – LPRSDTOT74 (buy a copy before gone)
The Alan Parsons Project - 'I Robot', 1977, (Prog-Rock/Art-Rock), E, originals available, it has been released on Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab – MFSL 2-455(expensive but great)
Atomic Rooster - 'Death Walks Behind You', 1970, (Blues/Rock), E, originals expensive, has been released on Music On Vinyl – MOVLP1907 (VG re-release)
Be Bop Deluxe - 'Axe Victim', 1974, (Art/Prog Rock), VG, available - get a good copy Harvest – SHVL 813
Beggar's Opera – 'Beggars Opera Act One', 1970, (Prog Rock), VG, can be expensive, a great prog rock album as are follow ups, Vertigo – 6360018
Black Widow - 'Sacrifice', 1970, (Prog/Hard rock), VG, limited availability, quite dark and cult album, re-released on Repertoire Records – REP 2263
Robert Calvert - 'Captain Lockheed And the Starfighters', 1974, (Space Rock/Psychedelic) VG, hard to get & expensive £40-60, United Artists Records – UAG 29507
Camel - 'Moonmadness', 1976, (Prog-Rock), E, available, a classic album that has been re-released on Music On Vinyl – MOVLP714
Catapilla - 'Catapilla', 1971, (Jazz-Rock), E, Very Rare, a must have IMO, think King Crimson with female vocals, re-released Trading Places – TDP54031 (is VG+ re-release)
Catapilla – 'Changes', 1972 (Jazz-Rock), E, Very Rare, another must have, re-released Trading Places – TDP54037 (is VG+ re-release)
Cressida - 'Asylum', 1971, (Prog-Rock), VG, originals are rare is available on Repertoire Records – V 119 (excellent)
East Of Eden – Mercator Projected, 1969, (Prog), VG+, a great early prog album, well worth a listen, available but pricey
The Enid – 'In The Region Of The Summer Stars', 1976, (Symphonic Rock), G, readily available, get an original NM copy
Flash – 'In The Can', 1972, (Prog Rock), VG, think Yes but more rocky, Rare on vinyl even re-releases are pricey
Focus - 'Moving Waves', 1971, (Prog-Rock), VG, readily available - a classic album really
Genesis - 'Nursery Cryme' 1971, (Prog-Rock), E, readily available, hunt out a NM copy - for me their best work along with 'Selling England by the Pound"
Golden Earring - 'Moontan', 1972, (Blues Rock), E, this album is really prog rock but is often mis-categorised, a favourite is on Music On Vinyl – MOVLP024
Gracious! – 'Gracious!', 1970, (Prog Rock), VG, reminiscent of King Crimson/ELP experimental in parts, available but pricey
Greenslade - 'Bedside Manners Are Extra', 1973, (Prog-Rock), VG, classic prog rock this one - good copies are pricey
The Groundhogs - 'Split', 1971, (Blues-Rock), E, a must have IMO - has been re-released but can be pricey still
Hawkwind - 'Space Ritual', 1972, (Blues/Space Rock), E, an essential IMO - one of the best live albums out there (nit everyones cuppa tea)
Patto – 'Hold Your Fire', 1971, (Prog rock), E, a great band, I first heard in my Teens, its still good, its been re-released but is expensive
Peter Hammill - 'Fool's Mate', 1971, (Prog Rock), VG, Hammil is of Van De Graff Generator fame, a great album, is available at reasonable cost
If - 'If', 1970, (Jazz-Rock), VG, available re-released on Repertoire Records – REP 2209 (excellent)
Jade Warrior - 'Jade Warrior', 1971, (Prog-rock), E, a fourth of mine, buy while you can on Repertoire Records – V180 (excellent re-release)
Jethro Tull - 'Thick As a Brick', 1972, (Folk/Prog Rock), E, the definitive Tull album IMO, available - a must have
Manfred Mann's Earth Band - 'The Good Earth', 1977, (Prog-Rock), VG, an often overlooked MMEB album, but is very good IMO, is available
May Blitz - 'May Blitz', 1970, (Prog-Rock), E, a classic this one, luckily available on Akarma – AK 253 (very good re-release)
The Moody Blues - 'On the Threshold of a Dream', 1969, (Psychedelic/Prog), E, readily available, get a NM early pressing, one of those classy albums that is too easily missed, all time favourite of mine
Patrick Moraz - 'The Story of I', 1976, (Art/Prog Rock), E, a wonderful multi layered concept album, if your systems good you will hear them
Mountain - 'Nantucket Sleighride', 1971, (Prog/Psychedelic), E, a classic album, the title track was used on 'the Old Grey Whistle Test', it is not cheap to get
Osibisa - 'Osibisa', 1971, (Afro/funk, Prog) E, a must have classic, recently re-released on Repertoire Records – V 163 pick up a copy while you can
The Pink Fairies - 'Never - Neverland', 1971, VG, some say they influenced Punk, be ready for a shock, Music On Vinyl – MOVLP2785
Pink Floyd - 'Atom Heart Mother', 1971, E, a much overlooked PF album but is a cracking Prog Rocker, I would try and get a NM 2nd press to keep cost down, not sure of the SQ on the Re-master, but could be worth a try.
Procol Harum - 'Procol's Ninth', 1975, (Prog Rock), E, a wonderful Prog album, TBH any of theirs are good, re-released, pick one up while you can
Quatermass - 'Quatermass', 1970, (Prog Rock), VG, a venture into Symphonic Prog, highly regarded links to Deep Purple, re-released on Akarma – AK 175/2 (very good)
Rare Bird – 'Rare Bird', 1969, (Prog), VG, only just re-discovered these, great music, hard to get has been re-released by Virgin
Spirit – 'Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus', 1970, (Prog/Psychedelic), this is a classic of the time, some might argue not true prog, grab the Music On Vinyl – MOVLP555 release for VFM
String Driven Thing - 'The Machine That Cried', 1973, (Prog Rock), G+, a great prog album, pricey on vinyl
Wishbone Ash - 'Wishbone Ash', 1970, (Hard/Prog rock), E, the best album, a must have IMO, re-release MCA-23, DL7-5249, 00600753859322
Van Der Graaf Generator - 'H To He Who Am the Only One', 1970, VG, classic VDGF album - even re-releases are pricey
