Lesser-known "essentials"

Looking through my vast collection of prog-rock... I feel like something is missing. Sure, most of my collection is within the Archives Top 100, and on many people's favorite album lists, but I feel like there are some lesser-known essential albums that I'm missing out on. Does anybody have suggestions for this type of thing? 

progbethyname wrote: RedNightmareKing wrote: Looking through my vast collection of prog-rock... I feel like something is missing. Sure, most of my collection is within the Archives Top 100, and on many people's favorite album lists, but I feel like there are some lesser-known essential albums that I'm missing out on. Does anybody have suggestions for this type of thing?  Are you wondering what's incredible outside of the PROG ARCHIVES 100? Or the entire website itself?? 💽

I know some great stuff out of the PA 100, but I feel like there's some essential stuff out there that I'm missing, and just can't really find yet on the website.

What's essential for you could differ from what's essential for me, or for anyone other than yourself.  What are some of your favorites from what you do have, so potential posters can be of more appropriate assistance, rather than spouting out personal favorites with no reasoning?

I can offer some assistance in a couple you've not yet explored much, if that would be helpful;
Indo/Raga - the only one I'm familiar with is Natural Elements, by Shakti; if you enjoy John Mclaughlin's guitar work in Mahavishnu Orchestra but wish it was acoustic and in a fused style of jazzy and Indian stylings, you'd likely enjoy it.
Krautrock - I love, love, love a lot of stuff from this genre.  Both you mentioned are great groups, I'd also suggest checking out some Can - Tago Mago is my personal favorite, I'd suggest starting with Ege Bamyasi or Future Days first, though.  Faust is another good one to check out, specifically Faust IV for beginning.  I could go on and on, but I'll stop with those two groups for tonight.
Electronic: Try some of Tangerine Dream's earlier stuff (Phaedra or Rubycon are probably the best starting points) and/or some Klaus Schulze (Timewind, Picture Music, Mirage)
Folk: Spirogyra and Pentangle are suggested based on the like of Comus.  Both are more excellent of almost entirely acoustic prog folk. 
RIO/Avant - I'd suggest listening to some Univers Zero, Present, Samla Mammas Manna, etc...I'm more biased than normal in this genre, though.
Zeuhl - if you like what Magma you've heard, consider checking out uhh...Weidorje, maybe, and if you want a more absurd sounding version of Zeuhl, check out Koenjihyakkei (Angherr Shisspa or Nivraym are my two personal favorites of the group's four).

Hope these have been helpful!

Judging by your tastes, you'd probably love maudlin of the Well; they're material is essential, in my opinion.  Just don't start with their debut, as it's not quite as good as their later masterpieces.

Umm, no they don't.  They seemed to be mentioned, and loved, in every other thread!

Tortoise - Millions Now Living Will Never Die

SaltyJon wrote: What's essential for you could differ from what's essential for me, or for anyone other than yourself.  What are some of your favorites from what you do have, so potential posters can be of more appropriate assistance, rather than spouting out personal favorites with no reasoning?

Nailed it!! I agree. Everyone is different and gravitates towards a specific sound that they love. Just tell me what sub genre of prog you love and I will be sure to help you. 👊

You know I have to say, that the NEO PROG bands: ARENA and IQ. have a solid underground following, but aren't really widely known by very many. ARENA and IQ. are definately essential prog. They cannot be overlooked.

^Yeah, I thought you might be familiar with some already like Yes, but it's impossible to know what somebody has already heard.