1977 — a farewell to Prog’s golden era?

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 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.

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

SteveG wrote: I believe 1977 was the year that Going Gone For The One Count was released. So, yes.

 

twosteves wrote: think 77 was the beginning of the end---

^all things considered I find more music to love from 1980-81 than 1977-79. I mean "regular prog" and jazz fusion was in sh*t shape all those years but RIO/Avant was peaking + Zeuhl & progressive electronic was still pretty great. I hate punk but dig new wave, post-punk and synth pop and there's seemingly no end to the early 80's gems you can discover from all over the world (much like prog in the 70's).

Edited by Saperlipopette! - June 14 2018 at 05:43

Mortte wrote: Really great prog albums from 1977, only a Farewell to Kings and Animals come into my mind. Wigwam´s Dark Album is of course also really good.

I forgot Songs From the Wood. Going For the One is really good of course, but not the greatest Yes albums like the The Yes Album & Fragile. It already had the feeling their greatest years were over. 

Yes.

richardh wrote: I think its easy to cut across the argument by just compiling a list of the best prog bands of all time Pink Floyd Genesis Yes ELP Jethro Tull Camel Gentle Giant Rush King Crimson PFM

I think less than 1% would agree 100% with you. But in terms of popularity rather than best I follow your logic ca. 70%. 

GFTO is from '77. Others perhaps less brilliant but no less enjoyable include Pompeii by Triumvirat and Criminal Record by Rick Wakeman.