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Summary: A waste of space-the Progressive Rock Files
Review: This book was a complete joke. I was excited to see info on 1,400 bands when I ordered it and then I saw that they were spoken of in about 2 sentences each! I mean, c'mon! I know there are space limitations, but it's such a hatchet job. Years are wrong, some bands have no years listed for their albums (yeah, I know he states that prior to this section, but if you have no info-don't put the album or band in!). And, to list only 3 albums from a band as legendary as Uriah Heep is a disgrace! as for the rest of the book, what prog fan wouldn't know what's in it? Lucky's "history" of prog-rock is a joke (only a total novice would find it useful and they wouldn't be reading it anyway) and so is this book. What a waste of my money and time. Also, he mocks Asia which is just what a pretentious [person] would do. Hey ... they didn't want to do 20-minute epics anymore-why do you think they were one of the biggest bands in the world? Beacuse they wanted to write SONGS! And, of all Yes albums to put covers of he chooses "The Yes Album" and "Open Your Eyes"? Great choice,pal.
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Summary: Comments on the Progressive Rock Files
Review: This is a good book, certainly a valuable resource for anyone interested in the prog genre's more obscure offerings over the past thirty years. My only complaint is mainly "cosmetic" in nature: My copy of the book (purchased here at Amazon.com) literally fell apart after only a few days. I had to glue it back together...seems questionable for a book that lists at $26.95. As to the content, this books looks like a labor of love, put together on a limited budget. I for one appreciate the author's efforts...he's created a database of information that would be hard to come by anywhere else. I would have liked to see some critical analysis and recommendations of particular albums, but I understand that this would be beyond the book's focus. I also have a comment on the author's definition of progressive rock. While I agree with some of his listed attributes, I feel that he is leaving out at least one important element (see below). My own definition of prog would include the following: 1. Virtuoso musicianship; 2. Complex song structures; 3. Willingness to incorporate diverse musical styles, particularly classical; 4. Poetic, less literal lyrics; 5. (This is the one that I've not seen listed, in this book or elsewhere) A sense of optimism. Think about it...prog never focuses on the negative, dark, depressing themes that often characterize other rock music. (Even the name "Yes" is positive!) Progressive rock is uplifting in its message, emphasizing the world of nature and mankind's potential for greatness...that's why the jaded, cynical music press turned on prog: It was too positive for their bleak world-view. 6. A willingness to take music in new directions...hence the term "progressive". My complaints about this book are minor...it's definately worth owning if you have an interest in prog. Buy this book, but more importantly listen to progressive rock music!
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Summary: Essential for any Prog fan.
Review: This is an authoritative and comprehensive book covering all aspects of the complex musical movement known as progressive rock. It is 304 pages long and generously illustrated with vintage concert posters, band photos, album covers, etc. It is divided in these sections: 1. The History 2. The Definition 3. The Critics 4. Progressive Rock Today 5. The A-Z Listing There is something here for both the newcomer and the veteran proghead. The A-Z listing is specially useful as it lists over 1,4000 artists, from the 60s all the way to the 90s, with a discography and description of the style. You're sure to find a band you'll want to check out. As the "icing on the cake", the book includes a CD with about 30 minutes of rare vintage Pink Floyd (circa 1968), taken from the soundtrack of the movie "Tonite Let's All Make Love In London". The tracks smoke! In summary, this is a very important work and comes highly recommended to all lovers of good music.
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