1977 — a farewell to Prog’s golden era?

verslibre wrote: The argument is a sound one, but then I start remembering how many amazing post-'77 prog, fusion and (especially) electronic albums we've got out there, especially from the likes of Goblin, Tangerine Dream, Kenso, Eloy and myriad others. I'd sooner vote for the entirety of the '70s. Let's not forget Genesis released ATTWT in '78, Tull released Stormwatch in '79, Yes released Drama in '80, and so on...

Edited by AFlowerKingCrimson - June 13 2018 at 19:51

I think the original poster got 1977 about right. I was all set to stand up for 1978 at least, but looking at the Big Six, I was listening/buying Going for the One, Wind and Wuthering (released a few weeks before) and then Seconds Out, Songs From the Wood, Animals and Works Vol. 1 & 2 in 1977.

I know not everyone necessarily sees those as being prime prog, but when you consider, Tormato, ATTWT, Heavy Horses, The Wall and Love Beach - followed those - as a whole I find there is a noticeable step down (for me at least - although Tull were hanging in there better than most).

That is not to say that 1978 was not without its highs. Hemispheres for me was at least as good as A Farewell to Kings, and probably better. Pyramids at least maintained the level set by I Robot the previous year for APP. You had UK, the wonderful A Live Record by Camel, Please Don't Touch by Hackett, with Spectral Mornings still to come. A Song for All Seasons by Renaissance just about kept the flag flying....and I'm sure others have further examples...

However, if 1977 was akin to the end of a great party, you always find enough lukewarm beers or last few sandwiches on the tray to keep your there for a little longer while most of the attendees are drifting away. I can see 1978 in those terms, although I'm struggling to justify 1979.

Funnily enough, I think rock music in general was struggling, as New Wave dominated the airwaves and the classic bands struggled to react to the changing environment (or tried too hard). Over here in the UK the NWOBHM stemmed the tide for a couple of years - and the likes of Van Halen shook things up initially from over the pond - but the die was cast.

So, sadly, I have to agree with 1977 myself.

paganinio wrote: Was 1977 the end of the golden era of Prog music? I looked at the PA Top 100 albums and found a pattern. Every year before 1978 (starting at 1969) had at least 3 albums in the top 100 Every year since 1978 had less than 3 albums (0, 1, or 2) in the top 100 1977 was the last year to have more than two top 100 albums released The number of albums by year: 1969 - 3 1970 - 5 1971 - 9 1972 - 11 1973 - 12 1974 - 11 1975 - 10 1976 - 5 1977 - 4 1978 - 2 1979 - 1 And it never got higher than 2 after that.

Edited by noni - June 13 2018 at 16:56

I mean, in theory I do understand that. But I personally never rate any albums with their level of importance in mind and what I don't get is why people might rate an album higher because it's more important. In terms of discussig history, it's absolutely fine. Still, to me, it's the musical side of things that matters the most.

You know what? If it's a good album, then it's a good album. I never understood the argument that something is superior because it's "more important" or "genredefining" or some big words like that. I'd say Memento z Banalnym Tryptykiem by SBB and Triatricet by Blue Effect (both released/recorded after the golden age, both neither British nor Italian) are IMO better than the "important" Supper's Ready. If I cared about the "extra importance" and "genredefiningness" I'd probably like Supper's Ready more. But personally, I'm more of a sound searcher. I don't care about the background and zeitgeist. If it sounds good, has quality songwriting, lyrics and playing... it's as good as the so called important albums.

I think so too. As many have already mentioned, there has been a lot of great prog written after 1977, still, the "Golden Era" of progressive music ended by 1977, seeing a decline in interest from the people, decreasing it's popularity, and making it a genre to be appreciated by a small group of dedicated fans.

think 77 was the beginning of the end---

Personally I would say more like 78 or 79 but 77 was certainly the beginning of the end. However, some bands were just starting out either a year or two earlier or around then such as the Enid, UK, FM, Saga and Happy the Man. Also, a lot of non US and UK bands were just starting especially bands in Japan, South America and other parts of continental Europe. Also, it seems Rush were just getting started with their prog period around this time as well. I admit though by 1981 most of the mainstream prog bands were done doing prog(if they were even still around). Prog never really disappeared but instead it just went underground where it still is today(although admittedly not nearly as deep underground as it once was).

may I clearly suggest that the best 1977 prog albums were not from the UK (or the US - I'm not a Happy The Man fan)??