1967 and the Prog-Rock Progenitors* (Revisited)
Sean MurphyProgressive rock reached its full potential in the ‘70s, but its roots trace back to the previous decade. While an attempt to determine when and with whom prog-rock formally originated…
The Holy Trinity, Part Two: Jethro Tull
I, like too many prog-rock fanatics to count, was delighted when Rush received their overdue induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. I still hold out hope that…
They’ll Never Put Me in Their Bag: The Continuing Story of Syd Barrett
(REVISITED FROM 11/10): When he died in 2006, after decades of cult-figure status and willful anonymity, Syd Barrett was arguably better known as the person who inspired one of Pink…
Ten Albums That Supposedly Suck (But Do Not): #4 (Revisited)
4. Pink Floyd, More (1969) Here’s another one that may not be accused of sucking so much as not being acknowledged at all which, we should agree, is even worse.…
Four Albums and a Film: The Best Summer Entertainment
The Congos - Heart of the Congos (1977) Great art knows no seasons. Nevertheless, some music is made for—or at least can be fully appreciated during—specific times of the year.…
Pink Floyd: The Prog Rock Archetype
It isn’t that Pink Floyd made some of the best albums of the ‘70s (they did), or that Pink Floyd moved the art form forward (they did); it’s that Pink…
Storm Thorgerson, R.I.P.: An A/V Appreciation
You know Storm Thorgerson. Even if you've never heard his name before, you know him. More, if you are any kind of fan of late 20th Century rock music (most especially…
Albert Hofmann, R.I.P.
Talk about better living through chemistry! Albert Hofmann, the chemist who invented/discovered LSD, has passed away at the dignified, enviable age of 102. On April 16, 1943, he made history. On…
Five Songs for April 15
Happy Tax Day! The Beatles: Pink Floyd: Jethro Tull: Jimi Hendrix: Spinal Tap:
The Iron Maiden
As far as I'm concerned, this was Margaret Thatcher's finest work. (And yes that is both a political and artistic statement.) The ever-reliable Charles Pierce puts things succinctly in perspective,…