Let's talk music, no genre boundaries

@mapman, @larsman  

Sorry, but I don't know what prog rock is. I don't really know any of the names for rock. There are so many. I usually hear something, like it, and buy it, or stream it now. What are some of the more well-known prog (I'm assuming that means progressive) rock groups I might know?

To tell you what a ludite I am, the Eagles are on my turntable now. Most of my friends turn up their noses at me for liking the Eagles. But the Ear will have what it desires.

@mahgister 

Slowly working my way through Orgin. It's a very interesting view of the world and philosophy. I think it might help in my endeavors.

What is prog rock?  This is a job for AI:

“

Progressive rock, often shortened to "prog rock" or simply "prog," is a subgenre of rock music that emerged primarily in the United Kingdom during the mid- to late-1960s [[1]](https://teachrock.org/lesson/the-roots-of-progressive-rock/)[[2]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_rock). It reached its peak popularity in the early to mid-1970s [[2]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_rock)[[3]](https://discoveringsongs.com/definitions/progressive-rock/).

Here's a breakdown of what defines prog rock:

*   **Definition**: Prog rock is characterized by ambitious compositions, experimentation, concept-driven lyrics, and musical virtuosity [[4]](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/progressive-rock-guide). It sought to "progress" beyond typical rock and pop music structures, drawing inspiration from jazz and classical music [[5]](https://www.rogerdean.com/post/what-is-prog-rock)[[6]](https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_rock).
*   **Musical Style**: Prog rock is diverse, blending various styles, approaches, and genres [[2]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_rock). It incorporates elements from classical, jazz, folk, and world music [[6]](https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_rock)[[7]](https://www.progarchives.com/Progressive-rock.asp).
*   **Key Characteristics**:
    *   **Complex compositions**: Prog rock often features sophisticated harmonies, mixed time signatures, and multi-part songwriting [[4]](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/progressive-rock-guide). Songs deviate from the standard verse/chorus format and can resemble mini-symphonies [[5]](https://www.rogerdean.com/post/what-is-prog-rock).
    *   **Extended Length**: Songs tend to be longer than typical rock songs, often exceeding 4 minutes, with some reaching over 20 minutes [[8]](https://mclub.wordpress.com/music-styles/progressive-rock/characteristics-of-progressive-rock/)[[9]](https://www.reddit.com/r/progrockmusic/comments/pqrx0v/what_defines_progressive_rock/).
    *   **Virtuosity**: Prog rock emphasizes technical skill and instrumental prowess [[1]](https://teachrock.org/lesson/the-roots-of-progressive-rock/)[[2]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_rock).
    *   **Experimentation**: Prog rock incorporates unusual instruments and sounds, sometimes including spoken-word parts [[9]](https://www.reddit.com/r/progrockmusic/comments/pqrx0v/what_defines_progressive_rock/).
    *   **Concept Albums**: Many prog rock bands create concept albums that present unified statements, often telling epic stories or exploring overarching themes [[4]](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/progressive-rock-guide)[[7]](https://www.progarchives.com/Progressive-rock.asp).
    *   **Dynamic Range:** An extremely wide dynamic range, with very quiet and very loud passages often occurring in the same piece of music [[8]](https://mclub.wordpress.com/music-styles/progressive-rock/characteristics-of-progressive-rock/).
*   **Lyrical Themes**: Lyrics often go beyond typical rock themes like love and relationships, exploring fantasy, mythology, science fiction, philosophy, surrealism, and mysticism [[5]](https://www.rogerdean.com/post/what-is-prog-rock).
*   **Instrumentation**: While based around traditional rock instruments (guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard), prog rock bands often incorporate a broader range of instruments, including synthesizers, mellotrons, and even orchestral instruments [[4]](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/progressive-rock-guide).
*   **Origins and Evolution**:
    *   Prog rock emerged from the British psychedelic scene in the late 1960s [[1]](https://teachrock.org/lesson/the-roots-of-progressive-rock/)[[2]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_rock).
    *   Early bands like The Moody Blues and Pink Floyd experimented with longer song forms and conceptual lyrics [[3]](https://discoveringsongs.com/definitions/progressive-rock/).
    *   The genre is rooted in a combination of rock and roll, psychedelic rock, jazz, folk, and classical music [[1]](https://teachrock.org/lesson/the-roots-of-progressive-rock/).
*   **Associated Terms**: Progressive rock is sometimes used synonymously with "art rock", "classical rock", and "symphonic rock" [[2]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_rock).

---
Learn more:
1. [The Roots of Progressive Rock - TeachRock](https://teachrock.org/lesson/the-roots-of-progressive-rock/)
2. [Progressive rock - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_rock)
3. [What is Progressive Rock? (History, Bands, Songs, & Impact)](https://discoveringsongs.com/definitions/progressive-rock/)
4. [Progressive Rock Guide: A Brief History of Prog Rock - 2025 - MasterClass](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/progressive-rock-guide)
5. [What is Prog Rock? - Roger Dean](https://www.rogerdean.com/post/what-is-prog-rock)
6. [Progressive rock - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_rock)
7. [Progressive Rock - Definition, Genres & Articles - Prog Archives](https://www.progarchives.com/Progressive-rock.asp)
8. [Characteristics of progressive rock | mCLUB - inspired by music - WordPress.com](https://mclub.wordpress.com/music-styles/progressive-rock/characteristics-of-progressive-rock/)
9. [What defines progressive rock? : r/progrockmusic - Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/progrockmusic/comments/pqrx0v/what_defines_progressive_rock/)”

Prog rock was/is very ambitious artistically. 
 

Therefore of course few care about it anymore these days other than a handful of dedicated enthusiasts.  Kinda like high end audio itself.  The two go hand in hand IMHO. 

@audio-b-dog - some examples of prog rock artists would include Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, Rush, Gentle Giant, Van Der Graaf Generator, and more contemporaneously, Steven Wilson and his projects and with Porcupine Tree. When he tours, he plays to sold-out theaters around the world, so there is still an audience for this. Dream Theater is another very popular contemporary prog band. 

Gentle Giant, Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, Yes, Asia, Frank Zappa, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd (sorta), Moody Blues, etc.

https://youtu.be/IaLqQo2r-3k

https://youtu.be/yUpREizsftU

When you get to Eagles, Loggins and Messina, Chris Cross, Michael McDonald, etc. you are getting more into Yacht Rock, though Loggins and Messina are certainly progressive and blur the line.  I also enjoy Yacht Rock very much.

These three on SACD are hard to beat!

https://youtu.be/4as7FGQmYnQ?list=PLE7OYmYUxGQe7ftS05MLtCMnEFwo0Y5DA

https://youtu.be/lQ5cOyrXriM

https://youtu.be/sUd72fDmEss

The THING about progressive rock is that you have to "actively listen" to it to appreciate it.  It is not for the casual listener or those engaged in other endevors at the time.