"So what is this 'prog' stuff?"

^ Someone asks to you. What do you tell them or what song/album do you play for them to give them an answer?

As a definition in purest form, I'd say Gentle Giant. They are simply one of the most innovative bands I've ever heard. However, I'd probably introduce someone to it through Rush, Pink Floyd, Yes, Dream Theater, or a band like that.

"It's over your head so don't bother."

I'd first ask them what they like and what role music plays in their life. Roughly where they're coming from. Then I see whether I can recommend something that I think could connect (unless they're just happy to try out what I like most).
Certainly they need to know that prog isn't anything uniform and homogeneous that can be understood (and perhaps dismissed) by listening to a single example.

Edited by Lewian - January 31 2016 at 15:38

Yes - CTTE

I tried to convey the idea of Prog once by doing a YouTube search for Genesis' Musical Box, and then Playing it for them. It probably served as the best explanation I could give in a limited time span.

HackettFan wrote: emigre80 wrote: "It's over your head so don't bother."   (I work with lots of country music fans, which makes me cranky) Your crankiness amuses me.

When I try to convey to someone what prog is about through a song/songs I tend to lean on instrumentals. I think people who are not use to more progressive music tend to rely on vocals to get the "sound" of the song. Camel and Rush instrumentals are often chosen by me to show to first timers. The conversations afterwards go one of two ways.

Them : "Hey that song had no lyrics."
Me: "I know, how awesome is that!"

Then this is  more often when the conversation spins out of control with them saying they need some lyrics or somebody singing. A few times people have gotten behind the idea, then I put on some The Inner Mountain Flame or The Grand Wazoo and they bolt for the door.

"A genre of music that may or may not contain artists you like depending on your tastes."

I always point out that there's music to dance to, and music to listen to. Prog is something you listen to, and enjoy the experience of analyzing the composition, how the music is orchestrated, how the instruments are played, etc. Few people get into it, but that's ok with me. 
I always suggest they listen to the radio-friendly songs, like "Living in the Past", "From the Biggining", or other songs that were popular or that might fit the profile.