Divisive Prog Albums

Lewian wrote: Looking at typical percentages I'd say that a divisive album should at least have 20% 5 star ratings and at least 10% 2 or 1 star ....

Awesoreno wrote: I assume we're talking divisive amongst prog fans and not music fans in general. But even then, there's a difference between something being divisive here on PA, and divisive in the broader prog community.

I'm talking about divisive prog albums. And only that. Most who's got a relation to divisive prog albums are probably prog fans to an extent anyway. I do I find outside perspectives more interesting than just being in a bubble. But you can have your perspective and I can have mine.

David_D wrote: If to be quite serious about this "divisive" stuff, I'd say: 4-5 stars  -  "likes" 1-2 stars  -  "dislikes" an album is "divisive" when ratings are: 1. likes% circa equal to dislikes%  2. likes + dislikes = at least 60% of all ratings 3. minimum 300 persons have rated But that might be too serious.

The reason this doesn't really work (imo), is that on places such as PA, RYM, Sputnikmusic etc... where everyone with an account can rate an album, is that the lion's share of raters are fans of the band to begin with. I know perfectly well what I think of certain ELP, Dream Theater... Marillion-albums, but I've only rated one album from all three of them (Brain Salad Surgery). Long before I finished say Images and Words, I've just stopped. By then I know there's no hope in hell we're gonna connect. It would still be unfair to rate an album I've listened to less than 1/3rd of. So I don't. But I've rated other typically divisive albums such as Trout Mask Replica, Zeit, Tago Mago, Tales, Passion Play, The Seer... maybe Hellfire (by Black Midi). As I care more to begin with - and feel more qualified to have an opinion. I still know Zeit and Tago Mago are quite divisive, although it doesn't really show that clearly using yours-or Lewians statistics. They are both typically more popular outside of PA as well. While Wobbler, Harmonium, Bacamarte, Anglagard... who ticks all the right prog rock-boxes are PA heavyweights compared to those, while more obscure elsewhere.

^ that's a great point. When certain individuals take control over the project it can rub people the wrong way. I don't engage in the bureaucracy so to speak. I just find it a brilliant album ( but not always so). It's an album that requires more investment than what came before. I get why many don't like it but as someone who didn't initially i can also see the light at the end of the tunnel so to speak.

siLLy puPPy wrote: Albums are divisive for one simple reason. Some people GET IT and some don't. You have to have the musical ability to comprehend the intention of the artist at hand. I've found many of the most divisive albums are actually some of the best musical expressions to be heard. Tales From Topographic Oceans is the perfect example. Brilliant in every way but not instant gratification for those unwilling to dig deeper. This has always been the case whether it be jazz, 20th century classical or any musical expression. Over the years i've seen the ratings for many of these divisive albums rise as people catch up to the artists' visions. THis probably sounds snobbish but you can't comprehend calculus if you haven't mastered basic algebra :)

People have been beheaded for less.

I recognize there are albums that I love that other people hate or just don't get why I like so much, that's the beauty of opinions, this is probably sacrelige, but one of my favorite albums is 'Hotel California', heck, it's probably my favorite album. I LOVE prog rock (obiously) yet I'm not a Genesis fan, yet I respect that they've all got incredible talent, I'm just not a fan, I'm just here to hear other people's unpopular opinions