Syd Barrett

The Moody Blues - Nights In White Satin

The Moody Blues - In Search Of The Lost Chord (1968)

"I love all MB albums from Days to Seventh Sojourn, but perhaps this one is the easiest to give 5*. Full of ideas, extremely rich soundscape, great songs (with the exception of 'Best Way to Travel' which is one of the worst Pinder songs) and the 'wholeness' - in that sense it can be compared to Sgt Pepper, and The Moodies at that time honoured as one of the most important bands to explore rock's new artful territories. This album has the happiest feel of all the seven, a certain kind of happiness that comes from riding on the crest of creativity, of finding group's own identity. They really needed no help of an orchestra anymore. Producer Tony Clarke called them "the smallest symphony orchestra of the world". Justin Hayward's 'Actor' is one of my favourite MB songs. Ray Thomas's 'Legend of Mind' ("Timothy Leary's dead? No nonono, he's outside, looking in...") is a highlight too. 'Om' is a perfect ending with its Eastern mysticism. As individual songs there are some lesser things, but as a whole: A Definitive Art Rock Masterpiece of its time. " - Matti - ProgArchives

- Graeme Edge / drums
- Justin Hayward / guitars, vocals
- John Lodge / bass, acoustic guitar, vocals
- Michael Pinder / keyboards, vocals, mellotron
- Ray Thomas / flute, vocals


1. Departure (0:44)
2. Ride my see-saw (3:38)
3. Dr. Livingstone, I presume? (2:58)
4. House of four doors (4:12)
5. Legend of a mind (6:36)
6. House of four doors, pt.2 (1:47)
7. Voices in the sky (3:25)
8. The best way to travel (3:14)
9. Visions of paradise (4:15)
10. The actor (4:39)
11. The word (0:48)
12. Om (5:44)


Links In Comments

Radiohead - Paranoid Android

Radiohead - Kid A (2000)

"Radiohead is, in my opinion, one of the best bands ever- if I had to come up with a list, they'd probably be second, right after Pink Floyd. This is because they often manage to create a feeling in their work that cannot be described by words- it manages to be very unique and different, yet catchy at the same time. Kid A is probably Radiohead's second best, after OK Computer, because it retains its predecessor's immaculate ability to portray society in a light not seen before, while also adding more to the mix- electronica plays a large part in the making of Kid A, and there's also a lot of krautrock in here too." - Neurotarkus - ProgArchives

- Thom Yorke / vocals, programming, keyboard, guitar, bass guitar

- Colin Greenwood / bass, sampler

- Jonny Greenwood / Ondes Martenot, guitar, string arrangements, sampler

- Ed O'Brien / guitar, programming

- Phil Selway / drums, percussion, programming

Additional musicians:

- Andy Bush / trumpet

- Andy Hamilton / tenor horn

- Steve Hamilton / alto horn

- Stan Harrison / baritone horn

- Martin Hathaway / alto horn

- Mike Kearsey / bass trombone

- Liam Kerkman / trombone

- Mark Lockheart / tenor horn

- The Orchestra of St. Johns / strings

- John Lubbock / conductor

- Paul Lansky / sample of "Mild und Leise" (8)

- Arthur Kreiger / sample of "Short Piece" (8)

1. Everything in Its Right Place (4:11)

2. Kid A (4:44)

3. The National Anthem (5:51)

4. How to Disappear Completely (5:56)

5. Treefingers (3:42)

6. Optimistic (5:15)

7. In Limbo (3:31)

8. Idioteque (5:09)

9. Morning Bell (4:35)

10. Motion Picture Soundtrack (6:59)

Links In Comments

The Who - Who Are You

Napoli Centrale - Mattanza (1976)

"One listen to this album and you will simply not believe that it was recorded back in 1976! NAPOLI CENTRALE are now just being re-discovered by today's exploration of listeners into fusion-jazz. What is hard to believe is that they were doing this kind of modern sounding stuff back then. On this second album released - "Mattanza", NAPOLI CENTRALE expanded their soundscape by adding more instrumentation and took another big step towards that fusion jazz prog perfection. Band leader James Senese (sax, vocals and woodwinds) made some lineup changes adding Giuseppe Guarnera on fender piano, Kelvin Bullen on bass and Agostino Marangolo on drums and in doing so has offered a different angle to their music. I must admit that this album took a lot longer for me to get into and deeply appreciate as did their debut album but in many ways now I do prefer this album to it. Best way I could describe their music would be to take a handful of Miles Davis' Bitches Brew (minus the trumpet) , blend in a few cups of (early 70's) Herbie Hancock and then a litre of Frank ZAPPA. "- Loserboy-ProgArchives

- Kelvin Bullen / bass
- Franco Del Prete / percussion, lyrics
- James Senese / saxophone, vocals
- Giuseppe Guarnera / keyboards, Fender piano
- Agostino Marangolo / drums


1. Simme iute e simme venute (7:48)
2. Sotto a' suttana (9:08)
3. Sotto e 'n coppa (8:08)
4. 'O nonno mio (1:50)
5. Sangue misto (13:30)
6. Forse sto capenno (4:44)
7. Chi fa l'arte e chi s'accatta (4:36)

Links In Comments

The Moody Blues - To Our Children's Children's Children (1969)

"Musically describing a theme of space travel and in celebration of the late 60's efforts of putting the first man on the moon, "To Our Children's Chrildren's Children" is another wonderful early album from the MOOD'sters. This album delivers their patented singles-oriented concept album approach with some wonderful full orchestration and thought provoking symphonic music throughout. I also believe it was at this time when The MOODY BLUES moved away from Decca's progressive label Deram and replaced it with their newly launched label called Threshold Music. Having said that I still find the album full of brilliant and exploratory characteristics very much deserving of the Progressive Rock label IMHO. This album opens up with the roar of a rocket as it lifts off on route into space and really set up the concept and working of the album. Album revolves around the soft vocals of Justin Hayward and the symphonic landscapes associated with the early MOODY BLUES... even some soft background sitar. " - Loserboy-ProgArchives

- Justin Hayward / guitars, vocals
- John Lodge / bass guitar, vocals
- Michael Pinder / keyboards, vocals
- Ray Thomas / harmonica, flute, vocals
- Graeme Edge / drums, percussion

1. Higher And Higher (4:06)
2. Eyes Of A Child (2:23)
3. Floating (3:03)
4. Eyes Of A Child Pt. 2 (1:21)
5. I Never Thought I'd Live To Be A Hundred (1:06)
6. Beyond (2:57)
7. Out And In (3:43)
8. Gypsy (3:34)
9. Eternity Road (4:18)
10. Candle Of Life (4:18)
11. Sun Is Still Shining (3:37)
12. I Never Thought I'd Live To Be A Million (0:34)
13. Watching And Waiting (4:19)

Links In Comments

Perigeo - Abbiamo Tutti Un Blues Da Piangere

Styx - The Serpent Is Rising (1973)

"The Serpent Is Rising is the third album by Styx, released in 1974. The album was reissued in 1980 with new artwork and a new title, Serpent. The band consider this to be their worst recording. Dennis DeYoung has gone far as saying it was "one of the worst recorded and produced in the history of music." The album peaked at #192 on the Billboard 200, their second-lowest charting album, and as of 2007 has sold less than 100,000 copies worldwide." - Wikipedia

- Dennis DeYoung / organ, piano, keyboards, vocals, Moog synthesizer

- James Young / guitar, vocals

- John Curulewski / guitars, vocals, Moog synthesizer

- Chuck Panozzo / bass, vocals

- John Panozzo / drums, vocals

1. Witch Wolf (3:57)

2. The Grove of Eglantine (5:00)

3. Young Man (4:45)

4. As Bad as This (6:10)

5. Winner Take All (3:10)

6. 22 Years (3:39)

7. Jonas Psalter (4:41)

8. The Serpent Is Rising (4:55)

9. Krakatoa (1:36)

10. Hallelujah Chorus (2:14)

Links In Comments

Klaus Doldinger's Passport - Schirokko

The Who - Tommy (1969)

" A very classic masterpiece, maybe not entirely prog, but still insanely amazing. This is also the full realization of Pete Townshend's ideas. He creates a fantasy world into which he throws a young boy, traumatized by viewing his mother engaging in adultery, and withdrawing from the real world by going deaf, dumb and blind. The idea sprouts from his teaching by Meher Baba, a yogi spiritualist, and the general idea is how would someone grow up if they were stripped of everything that gives them bad influences, if all they had was their mind to tell them what was right and wrong. The story is all about this boy, Tommy Walker, and the series of experiences he goes through as a child, some good, some bad, including child sexual abuse by his creepy Uncle Ernie, and exposure to drugs by the Gypsy (Acid Queen) who claims she can cure him. He also becomes an amazing pinball player even though he cannot see or hear the machine. He also experiences a girl falling in love him, though briefly, in the form of Sally Simpson. When he finally becomes cured, he realizes how popular he is, and starts a summer camp, with the help of his Uncle Ernie, and the kids who come tend to do drugs and drink. Tommy preaches to them about it being wrong, and they revolt against him, and he is alone once more. The final, climactic, We Are Not Gonna Take It is very well done indeed. The Overture is another highlight, as are 1921, Amazing Journey/Sparks, Acid Queen, Go to the Mirror, Welcome, And the dramatic Underture. These and many other songs meld together to make an amazing story that you cannot relate to, but gives you room to imagine and fantasize.
Overall, the first rock opera is a major success, also marking a breakthrough for the Who, finally scoring them a major hit single in the form of "Pinball Wizard", which made Pete happy, no doubt." The Ace Face - ProgArchives

- Roger Daltrey / lead vocals, harmonica
- Pete Townshend / guitars, keyboards, vocals
- John Entwistle / bass guitar, horns, vocals
- Keith Moon / drums, percussion, vocals
- Paul Townshend (Pete's brother) / backing vocals
- Simon Townshend (Pete's brother) / backing vocals

1. Overture (5:20)
2. It's A Boy (0:38)
3. 1921 (2:48)
4. Amazing Journey (5:04)
5. Sparks (2:05)
6. Eyesight To The Blind (The Hawker) (2:14)
7. Christmas (4:32)
8. Cousin Kevin (4:06)
9. The Acid Queen (3:34)
10. Underture (10:04)
11. Do You Think It's Alright? (0:24)
12. Fiddle About (1:31)
13. Pinball Wizard (3:01)
14. There's A Doctor (0:23)
15. Go To The Mirror! (3:47)
16. Tommy Can You Hear Me? (1:35)
17. Smash The Mirror (1:34)
18. Sensation (2:28)
19. Miracle Cure (0:12)
20. Sally Simpson (4:10)
21. I'm Free (2:39)
22. Welcome (4:32)
23. Tommy's Holiday Camp (0:57)
24. We're Not Gonna Take It (7:11)

Links In Comments

Aktuala - Aktuala (1973)

"Aktuala recorded 3 albums in the 70's on Bla Bla Records,a label who released only a dozen of records between 1972 and 1976 (the first 5 albums of Franco Battiato, Osage Tribe's "Arrow Head", Capsicum Red's "Appunti per un idea fissa" and J. Camisasca's "La finestra dentro" along with Aktuala's same titled debut (1973), "La terra" (1974) &"Tappeto Volante" (1976).Their first album ("Aktuala") is IMHO the first example of world music, at least for the italian scene. It is a real hidden gem,a masterpiece of ethnic progressive music and one of the most underrated italian albums ever, or better it is not only underrated but totally unknown to non-italian audience. Maybe due to its complexity and experimental vein, and because it has been reissued only once (in 1993) and it's now out of stock. Well, for me "Aktuala" is the italian answer to Third Ear Band. In this album you can hear a lot of different musical influences : avant-garde folk, mediterranean blues ,jazz improvisation, minimalism,african percussions,indian ragas all played with a true psychedelic feeling. The album was recorded in a few days in a totally acoustic dimension and the line-up seems to be a quintet of contemporary music more than a progrock group (although this music is "progressive" in all the meanings of the word). The mergence of all these styles and the cleverness and the deep inspiration of the musicians managed to create a new kind of musical art, something located between Morocco and India,Sicily and Turkey,Balkans and Persia. The wide array of musical instruments used during the recording sessions of "Aktuala" is simply striking.Walter Maioli was Aktuala's leader.He founded in 1972 a musical commune of lovers of ethnical music.His aim was the recovery of the spirit of an universal popular music, utilizing the experiences of all people in the world but without the mediation of the classical culture. Aktuala played an instinctive and primordial music in which is easy to catch tonal influences of Mediterranean, African and Middle Mastern folklore. The atmospheres are diversified, from aggressive and spasmodic to delicate and charming and the best moments , IMHO, are when flute, violin , guitar and percussion play together. Music is composed and executed with a great philological rigour and extraordinary musical fascination (even with catchy melodies). Today Walter Maioli is an expert of prehistoric music, an ethnomusicologist and one of the most appreciated italian specialists of African and Oriental musicology.
In conclusion I must admit that Aktuala's music is not for everybody. Only the braves......................Anyway this should appeal to everyone who likes Third Ear Band ,Embryo ,Area's most experimental stuff ,Penguin Cafè Orchestra ,Clivage's "Regina Astris" ,Oregon ,Limbus 4 ,Kalacakra , Kaleidoscope (U.S.A.) , Between ,Agitation Free's "Malesch" and Popol Vuh's "Hosianna Mantra".
Music is culture : this is the real Pop Music of the year 3279." - Pruneinjune - ProgArchives

- Walter Maioli / arabic oboe, bamboo flute, bass flute, piccolo, metalflute in C, harmonica, reeds, whistles, djembe, percussion
- Daniele Cavallanti / soprano sax, tenor sax, clarin
- Antonio Cerantola / 6 stings acoustic guitar, 12 stings acoustic guitar, balalaika, zither, dulcimer, viola, violin
- Lino "Capra" Vaccina / maroccan bongos, koborò, african drums, tabla, gong, xilophone, whistles, cymbals, musical bow, marimba, percussion
- Laura Maioli / tambura, percussion, whistles

1. When The Light Began
2. Mammoth R.C.
3. Altamira
4. Sarah' Ngwega
5. Alef's Dance
6. Dejanira

Links In Comments

Free - All Right Now

Jane - Jane III (1974)

"Third offering by krautrockers Jane this time minus a keyboard player but with the addition of guitarist Wolfgang Krantz. Krants` heavier, raunchier playing which employed more guitar effects gave Jane a spacier dimension to their already psychedelic sound. This is most noticable on the tracks Early In The Morning , Comin` Again and Jane Session which is an excerpt of a studio jam. Spacey vocals are shared by drummer Peter Panka and bass player Charly Maucher which work well with the almost hipnotic dragging tempos which became a Jane trademark on their first effort "Together". Perhaps for hippies only,this is definitely headphone music to groove and mellow out to. " - Vibrationbaby - ProgArchives

- Klauss Hess / acoustic & electric guitars
- Wolfgang Krantz / electric guitar, piano (4)
- Charly Maucher / bass, vocals
- Peter Panka / drums, percussion, vocals (4)


1. Comin' again (9:40)
2. Mother, you don't know (5:52)
3. I need you (4:50)
4. Way to paradise (3:25)
5. Early in the morning (5:20)
6. Jane-session (4:20)
7. Rock'n'roll star (4:47)
8. King of thule (0:40)
9. Baby, what you're doin' (3:05)


Links In Comments

Moğollar - Toprak Ana

The Trip - Caronte (1971)

"THE TRIP were an English band,formed in 1967,who moved to Italy in order to gain success,featuring Ritchie Blackmore as the original guitarist.Soon Blackmore and drummer Ian Board left and two Italians, Joe Vescovi and Pino Sinnone filled the posts of keyboardist and drummer.''The trip'',their debut,was released in 1970 and ,reportedly,it was a good blues/heavy rock album with classical touches,close to DEEP PURPLE's early sound,and with little interest for prog fans.Things much changed with ''Caronte'',published a year later.Regarded by many as the first trully Italian progressive rock album,''Caronte'' delivers classical influences by THE NICE blended with DEEP PURPLE/ATOMIC ROOSTER heavy rock,some pop influences and lots of dark passages (hints of KING CRIMSON).Actually,the intro and outro (both named ''Caronte'') are two great instrumental classical/rock pieces of music,which could have been easily written by THE NICE.''Two brothers'' is a also a great track with both KING CRIMSON and DEEP PURPLE influences,a nice psychedelic/heavy prog dynamite.''Little Janie'' is a mediocre track with pop leanings (though it features some nice mellotron),while their familiar organ-driven style returns on ''L'ultima ora...'',which is a masterful track with dark bluesy vocals,tons of classical doses and spectacular ending covered by church organ and mainly by a mournful symphonic guitar solo,a thrilling progressive treasure!...Not only for their title as the first Italian-based trully prog band,but also for their daring music,THE TRIP is a band you should add in your collection.Another early-70's gem to discover!" - Psarros - ProgArchives

- William Gray / electric & acoustic guitars, vocals
- Arvid "WEGG" Andersen / bass, lead vocals
- Pino Sinnone / percussion
- Joe Vescovi / hammond organ, piano, church organ, mellotron


1. Caronte 1 (6:45)
2. Two Brothers (8:15)
3. Little Janie (4:00)
4. L'Ultima Ora e Ode a J. Hendrix (10:18)
5. Caronte 2 (3:32)


Links In Comments

Spirogyra - Bells, Boots And Shambles (1973)

"Wow! I never saw this one coming! This album is absolutely brilliant, with a few hickups but nothing to take away from it's deserving 5 stars on here. This is a folk-prog album, definitely, but like almost no other folk prog you have heard...Spirogyra has a fantastic original sound all their own. This album has a strong vibe of darkness at times, but the bright moments are so incredible it is hard to contain yourself!! Barbara Gaskin was quite possibly the best female vocalist of the time, along with all of the other greats (Sandy, Nico, Annie...) and Martin Cockerham has a great, dark, intense vocal that will hit you right away. There is alot of great singing on here, mixed with consistent acoustic guitars, and in tracks like "In The Western World" you even get some trumpet!This album is a must have if you are a fan of folk rock, folk prog or what have you. It is really hard to compare this sound to other bands I have heard, the closest I can come is maybe Trees, Forest, even some Jethro Tull feel sometimes, and perhaps a bit of Comus in there. My favorite track is by far "In The Western World", followed closely by "The Furthest Point"...great stuff!!" - The Lost Chord - ProgArchives

- Steve Borrill / bass
- Martin Cockerham / guitar, vocals
- Barbara Gaskin / lead vocals

Guest musicians:

- Dave Mattacks / drums
- Julian Cusack / violin, keyboards
- Steve Ashley / Whistle
- John Boyce / cello
- Henry Lowther / trumpet
- Stan Sulzman / flute


1. The Furthest Point (8:16)
2. Old Boot Wine (4:18)
3. Parallel Lines Never Separate (5:05)
4. Spiggly (1:12)
5. An Everyday Consumption Song (4:29)
6. The Sergant Says (3:43)
7. In The Western World (12:59)
- Part 1: In The Western World
- Part 2: Jungle Lore
- Part 3: Coming Back
- Part 4: Western World Reprise

Links In Comments

Status Quo - Spinning Wheel Blues