Around the World in Eighty Progressive Days

Playlist:

Here is a journey through different countries, continents, atmospheres, times and subgenres. From France to Ireland, from Bahrain to Iceland, from Korea to Mexico. The common denominator is symphonic thinking. But not understood as in the "symphonic prog" label, which although very famous is confusing, not to say empty. Perhaps, it is more about a verb than a noun, a symphonizing of ideas.

It is not about paying homage to orchestral exercises, which are often clumsy because tight (e.g. The London Symphony Orchestra Featuring Ian Anderson), nor to the n variation of classic milestones (e.g. Ciclos de Canarios (1974)). It is about exposing all those symphonies that were born outside a classical orchestra and decided to return to it (e.g. Zappa) or go even further (e.g. Gentle Giant).

Without losing obvious and indisputable gems, the route (random or capricious at times) invites you to walk less usual paths and avoid stepping on too common places. The truth is that too many bands and albums have been overrated in the history of rock, and progressive is no exception. From a perspective less blinded by fame, influence and prestige, progressive rock is not a tale centered in England and starring Yes, Genesis, etc., but a recurring story or, if you prefer, a continuous outbreak here and there of ideas that urged to be musicalized, as well as of musical motifs that demand to be conceptualized.

Focused on musical insights, breakthroughs, risks and achievements, the geography highlights other areas of Europe, such as Belgium (e.g. Univers Zero) and Holland (e.g. Flairck), not to mention Finland (e.g. Pekka Pohjola), or within Latin America, Brazil (e.g. Hermeto Pascoal). True, much of the Italian Renaissance remains unscathed (e.g. Banco's work) but certain injustices are reversed (e.g. Pierrot Lunaire's Gudrun (1976) is not even considered an excellent addition to the classic collection). On this tour, it all starts with Miles Davies and if you pay a visit, it's not David Gilmour first but Hermann Szobel, to mention just one less well-studied genius.

In short, this is nothing more than an invitation to go back to listen to some tracks, some albums and make progressive what it should always be, less conservative.

Yes, but it is not the NZ Ragnarok in your playlist, but rather the Swedish band. But I was really only joking. I didn’t expect to see any NZ prog in your list. The country is hardly renowned for its prog. 😄🤪

I have to get the children ready for school, but I shall think about recommendations after that.

Yes, you did. You’re right, and I apologise! 

It’s actually a really interesting selection, and I very much hope that more people have taken a look and/or listen to your playlist than have commented on your post.

You’ve definitely progged around the world, in time and space, covering many eras, countries and genres, yet managing to keep it loosely based around the symphonic theme. As you say, this is not Symphonic Prog, as PA defines it, but a symphonic sound that can be found in multiple (PA) genres.

I have much of what is in the playlist already, so I guess I was always inclined to enjoy it. But there are some new albums there that it introduces me to.

How long did it take you to make this?

I began with an apology, and I’ll end with one, too. I did forget to come back with some Kiwi suggestions. Unfortunately, I’m replying here while in the process of getting the kids ready for school, which means as much as I might intend to come back with some suggestions for Aotearoa prog, I may well forget (again).  So I apologise for forgetting already, and in advance if I do again. 🤪

Back to the playlist, I don't know how long it took me, but it was an idea I've been ruminating on for weeks. And yes, it would be nice to have more comments in general, and also more comments per view.