Prog Listener Music Survey

Hi, I was just wondering if you would be willing to fill out a short survey about progressive rock. I hope this isn't considered spamming or anything of that nature; if it is, I'm sorry. I just needed a place where I could survey a bunch of prog fans, and this seemed to be the best place to do it. For this survey, I want you to imagine your perfect album. This doesn't have to be a real album or even necessarily a prog album. Just imagine what the ideal album would be in your mind, and then answer some questions related to it. The questions are multiple choice, but feel free to elaborate if you so desire. Be honest, for my benefit. There are no right or wrong answers. Just copy and paste the survey into your reply and bold the chosen answer. Thank you very much for your time.

Considering your ideal album:

Album Length:
Under 40 minutes
40-50 minutes
50-60 minutes
60-70 minutes
70-80 minutes

Concept Album?:
Full concept album (plot, characters, etc.)
Slightly conceptual (songs have common themes, but not in story form)
No concept (songs have no intentional connecting theme)

Motifs:
There should be melodies/lyrics shared across songs
Songs should be unique and not reference each other

Mood of the music:
Happy, upbeat, humorous
Sad, dark, depressing
A mix of positive and negative moods

Average Song Length:
3-5 minutes
5-7 minutes
7-10 minutes
10+ minutes

Should there be a 15+ minute song?
Yes
No

Lyrics:
None (Instrumental music and/or wordless vocalizations such as humming)
Lyrical singing, but also some purely instrumental songs
All songs should have lyrics

Guitars or Keyboards?:
No keys
Keys, but guitar dominated
Even split between keys and guitars
Guitar, but keyboard dominated
No guitars

Sound:
Minimalistic, not too many instruments at once, sparse instrumentation
Dense, dissonant, many different instruments playing different, often clashing, parts at once
A happy medium between the two

Structure of individual songs:
Verse-chorus-verse structure
Largely verse-chorus-verse, but with occasional deviations
Largely unstructured, but with repeating sections or melodies throughout
Little to no structure or repetition

Live or CD?:
The spontaneity and atmosphere (rawness) of a live concert
The perfection and studio tricks of the studio recording

Structure of album:
All songs should lead directly into the next
Some songs can, but not good if the whole album is connected
Songs should have endings and not flow into the next song

Which is more important?
That the album works as a whole
That each song can stand alone

And finally a few questions about you

Do you play an instrument at a level at which you could entertain with it?:
Yes, guitar
Yes, keyboard/piano
Yes, other instrument
No

Are you currently in a band?:
Yes
No, but I have been in the past
No

Knowledge of music theory?:

Limited to none
Moderate
Advanced

And that's it. Thanks again for your time.

Oh this looks like fun.

Considering your ideal album:

Album Length:
Under 40 minutes
40-50 minutes
50-60 minutes
60-70 minutes
70-80 minutes

Concept Album?:
Full concept album (plot, characters, etc.)
Slightly conceptual (songs have common themes, but not in story form)
No concept (songs have no intentional connecting theme)

Motifs:
There should be melodies/lyrics shared across songs (there's a limit to this though)
Songs should be unique and not reference each other

Mood of the music:
Happy, upbeat, humorous
Sad, dark, depressing
A mix of positive and negative moods

Average Song Length:
3-5 minutes
5-7 minutes
7-10 minutes
10+ minutes

Should there be a 15+ minute song?
Yes (but not if it's forced)
No

Lyrics:
None (Instrumental music and/or wordless vocalizations such as humming)
Lyrical singing, but also some purely instrumental songs
All songs should have lyrics

Guitars or Keyboards?:
No keys
Keys, but guitar dominated (although if you have a Theo Travis or Jackson then sax should be at the front ;)
Even split between keys and guitars
Guitar, but keyboard dominated
No guitars

Sound:
Minimalistic, not too many instruments at once, sparse instrumentation
Dense, dissonant, many different instruments playing different, often clashing, parts at once
A happy medium between the two

Structure of individual songs:
Verse-chorus-verse structure
Largely verse-chorus-verse, but with occasional deviations
Largely unstructured, but with repeating sections or melodies throughout
Little to no structure or repetition

Live or CD?:
The spontaneity and atmosphere (rawness) of a live concert
The perfection and studio tricks of the studio recording (although Todd Rundgren's Utopia was able to do both)

Structure of album:
All songs should lead directly into the next
Some songs can, but not good if the whole album is connected
Songs should have endings and not flow into the next song

Which is more important?
That the album works as a whole
That each song can stand alone

And finally a few questions about you

Do you play an instrument at a level at which you could entertain with it?:
Yes, guitar
Yes, keyboard/piano
Yes, other instrument
No (I play the Video camera )

Are you currently in a band?:
Yes
No, but I have been in the past
No

Knowledge of music theory?:

Limited to none (and yet I'm one of the people judging the music )
Moderate
Advanced

Considering your ideal album:

Album Length:
Under 40 minutes
40-50 minutes
50-60 minutes
60-70 minutes
70-80 minutes

Concept Album?:
Full concept album (plot, characters, etc.)
Slightly conceptual (songs have common themes, but not in story form)
No concept (songs have no intentional connecting theme)

Motifs:
There should be melodies/lyrics shared across songs
Songs should be unique and not reference each other

Mood of the music:
Happy, upbeat, humorous
Sad, dark, depressing
A mix of positive and negative moods

Average Song Length:
3-5 minutes
5-7 minutes
7-10 minutes
10+ minutes

Should there be a 15+ minute song?
Yes
No

Lyrics:
None (Instrumental music and/or wordless vocalizations such as humming)
Lyrical singing, but also some purely instrumental songs
All songs should have lyrics

Guitars or Keyboards?:
No keys
Keys, but guitar dominated
Even split between keys and guitars
Guitar, but keyboard dominated
No guitars

Sound:
Minimalistic, not too many instruments at once, sparse instrumentation
Dense, dissonant, many different instruments playing different, often clashing, parts at once
A happy medium between the two

Structure of individual songs:
Verse-chorus-verse structure
Largely verse-chorus-verse, but with occasional deviations
Largely unstructured, but with repeating sections or melodies throughout
Little to no structure or repetition

Live or CD?:
The spontaneity and atmosphere (rawness) of a live concert
The perfection and studio tricks of the studio recording

Structure of album:
All songs should lead directly into the next
Some songs can, but not good if the whole album is connected
Songs should have endings and not flow into the next song

Which is more important?
That the album works as a whole
That each song can stand alone

And finally a few questions about you

Do you play an instrument at a level at which you could entertain with it?:
Yes, guitar
Yes, keyboard/piano
Yes, other instrument
No

Are you currently in a band?:
Yes
No, but I have been in the past
No

Knowledge of music theory?:

Limited to none
Moderate
Advanced

Mr. Chill wrote: Considering your ideal album: Album Length: Under 40 minutes 40-50 minutes Make it 60-70 if it's DT, 20 if it's Sigur Ros. 50-60 minutes 60-70 minutes 70-80 minutes Concept Album?: Full concept album (plot, characters, etc.) Slightly conceptual (songs have common themes, but not in story form) I like them all but sometime concept albums are too nonsensical and no-concept albums too erratic. No concept (songs have no intentional connecting theme) Motifs: There should be melodies/lyrics shared across songs Songs should be unique and not reference each other              Both work for me. Mood of the music: Happy, upbeat, humorous Sad, dark, depressing A mix of positive and negative moods   i can't take a whole "happy album" and if it had to be one extreme, I'd rather take the sad one. Average Song Length: 3-5 minutes  YES, I SAID IT. Give me fantastic "Can utility and the Coast-liners" over 20-minute nonsense every day. But there are many, many GREAT long songs. 5-7 minutes 7-10 minutes   My second choice. 10+ minutes Should there be a 15+ minute song? Yes No          I mean, if it's good i want it. If it's just for the sake of addding an elephant to an album, then no.   Lyrics: None (Instrumental music and/or wordless vocalizations such as humming) Lyrical singing, but also some purely instrumental songs       Give me 95% with lyrics, and ONE instrumental. For instrumental music I prefer other genres like classical. All songs should have lyrics Guitars or Keyboards?: No keys Keys, but guitar dominated Even split between keys and guitars    Anything really. Guitar, but keyboard dominated No guitars Sound: Minimalistic, not too many instruments at once, sparse instrumentation Dense, dissonant, many different instruments playing different, often clashing, parts at once A happy medium between the two Structure of individual songs: Verse-chorus-verse structure Largely verse-chorus-verse, but with occasional deviations Largely unstructured, but with repeating sections or melodies throughout Little to no structure or repetition Live or CD?: The spontaneity and atmosphere (rawness) of a live concert The perfection and studio tricks of the studio recording   In this case is 110% absolute. Structure of album: All songs should lead directly into the next Some songs can, but not good if the whole album is connected Songs should have endings and not flow into the next song Which is more important? That the album works as a whole That each song can stand alone And finally a few questions about you Do you play an instrument at a level at which you could entertain with it?: Yes, guitar Yes, keyboard/piano Yes, other instrument   Drums, self-taught. Good for rock, metal and related.  No Are you currently in a band?: Yes No, but I have been in the past No Knowledge of music theory?: Limited to none    Much more than the average Joe, much less than the average Joe the Musician. Moderate Advanced And that's it. Thanks again for your time.

Edited by The T - December 13 2008 at 01:06

Mr. Chill wrote: Considering your ideal album: Album Length: Under 40 minutes 40-50 minutes 50-60 minutes 60-70 minutes 70-80 minutes Concept Album?: Full concept album (plot, characters, etc.) Slightly conceptual (songs have common themes, but not in story form) No concept (songs have no intentional connecting theme) Motifs: There should be melodies/lyrics shared across songs Songs should be unique and not reference each other Mood of the music: Happy, upbeat, humorous Sad, dark, depressing A mix of positive and negative moods Average Song Length: 3-5 minutes 5-7 minutes 7-10 minutes 10+ minutes Should there be a 15+ minute song? Yes No Lyrics: None (Instrumental music and/or wordless vocalizations such as humming) Lyrical singing, but also some purely instrumental songs All songs should have lyrics Guitars or Keyboards?: No keys Keys, but guitar dominated Even split between keys and guitars Guitar, but keyboard dominated No guitars Sound: Minimalistic, not too many instruments at once, sparse instrumentation Dense, dissonant, many different instruments playing different, often clashing, parts at once A happy medium between the two Structure of individual songs: Verse-chorus-verse structure Largely verse-chorus-verse, but with occasional deviations Largely unstructured, but with repeating sections or melodies throughout Little to no structure or repetition Live or CD?: The spontaneity and atmosphere (rawness) of a live concert The perfection and studio tricks of the studio recording Structure of album: All songs should lead directly into the next Some songs can, but not good if the whole album is connected Songs should have endings and not flow into the next song Which is more important? That the album works as a whole That each song can stand alone And finally a few questions about you Do you play an instrument at a level at which you could entertain with it?: Yes, guitar Yes, keyboard/piano Yes, other instrument No Are you currently in a band?: Yes No, but I have been in the past No Knowledge of music theory?: Limited to none Moderate Advanced And that's it. Thanks again for your time.

Thanks for the opportunity!  Basically, a lot of Gabriel-era Genesis, 1970s Yes and Fish-era Marillion was going through my brain as I answered your survey...

Mr. Chill wrote: Hi, I was just wondering if you would be willing to fill out a short survey about progressive rock. I hope this isn't considered spamming or anything of that nature; if it is, I'm sorry. I just needed a place where I could survey a bunch of prog fans, and this seemed to be the best place to do it. For this survey, I want you to imagine your perfect album. This doesn't have to be a real album or even necessarily a prog album. Just imagine what the ideal album would be in your mind, and then answer some questions related to it. The questions are multiple choice, but feel free to elaborate if you so desire. Be honest, for my benefit. There are no right or wrong answers. Just copy and paste the survey into your reply and bold the chosen answer. Thank you very much for your time. Considering your ideal album: Album Length: Under 40 minutes 40-50 minutes 50-60 minutes 60-70 minutes 70-80 minutes Concept Album?: Full concept album (plot, characters, etc.) Slightly Conceptual No concept (songs have no intentional connecting theme) Motifs: There should be melodies/lyrics shared across songs Songs should be unique and not reference each other-caveat most of the time Mood of the music: Happy, upbeat, humorous Sad, dark, depressing A mix of positive and negative moods. Average Song Length: 3-5 minutes 5-7 minutes 7-10 minutes 10+ minutes Should there be a 15+ minute song? Yes No Lyrics: None (Instrumental music and/or wordless vocalizations such as humming) Lyrical singing but also some pure instrumental songs All songs should have lyrics Guitars or Keyboards?: No keys Keys, but guitar dominated Guitar, but keyboard dominated Even split between guitars and keyboards No guitars Sound: Minimalistic, not too many instruments at once, sparse instrumentation Dense, dissonant, many different instruments playing different, often clashing, parts at once A happy medium between the two. Structure of individual songs: Verse-chorus-verse structure Largely verse-chorus-verse, but with occasional deviations Largely unconstructed.................... Little to no structure or repetition Live or CD?: The spontaneity and atmosphere (rawness) of a live concert The perfection and studio tricks................... Structure of album: All songs should lead directly into the next Some songs can......................... Songs should have endings and not flow into the next song Which is more important? That each song can stand alone The Album works as a whole. And finally a few questions about you Do you play an instrument at a level at which you could entertain with it?: Yes, guitar Yes, keyboard/piano Yes, other instrument NO Are you currently in a band?: Yes No, but I have been in the past No Knowledge of music theory?: Limited to none Moderate Advanced And that's it. Thanks again for your time.

Considering your ideal album:

Album Length:
Under 40 minutes
40-50 minutes
50-60 minutes
60-70 minutes
70-80 minutes

Concept Album?:
Full concept album (plot, characters, etc.)
Slightly conceptual (songs have common themes, but not in story form)
No concept (songs have no intentional connecting theme)

Motifs:
There should be melodies/lyrics shared across songs
Songs should be unique and not reference each other

Mood of the music:
Happy, upbeat, humorous
Sad, dark, depressing
A mix of positive and negative moods

Average Song Length:
3-5 minutes
5-7 minutes A mix between these 3.
7-10 minutes
10+ minutes

Should there be a 15+ minute song?
Yes
No

Lyrics:
None (Instrumental music and/or wordless vocalizations such as humming)
Lyrical singing, but also some purely instrumental songs
All songs should have lyrics

Guitars or Keyboards?:
No keys
Keys, but guitar dominated
Even split between keys and guitars
Guitar, but keyboard dominated
No guitars

Sound:
Minimalistic, not too many instruments at once, sparse instrumentation
Dense, dissonant, many different instruments playing different, often clashing, parts at once
A happy medium between the two

Structure of individual songs:
Verse-chorus-verse structure
Largely verse-chorus-verse, but with occasional deviations
Largely unstructured, but with repeating sections or melodies throughout
Little to no structure or repetition

Live or CD?:
The spontaneity and atmosphere (rawness) of a live concert
The perfection and studio tricks of the studio recording

Structure of album:
All songs should lead directly into the next
Some songs can, but not good if the whole album is connected
Songs should have endings and not flow into the next song

Which is more important?
That the album works as a whole
That each song can stand alone

And finally a few questions about you

Do you play an instrument at a level at which you could entertain with it?:
Yes, guitar
Yes, keyboard/piano
Yes, other instrument
No

Are you currently in a band?:
Yes
No, but I have been in the past
No

Knowledge of music theory?:

Limited to none
Moderate
Advanced

Considering your ideal album:

Album Length:

40-50 minutes

Concept Album?:
Slightly conceptual (songs have common themes, but not in story form)

Motifs:
There should be melodies/lyrics shared across songs

Mood of the music:
A mix of positive and negative moods

Average Song Length:
7-10 minutes

Should there be a 15+ minute song?

Maybe

Lyrics:
Lyrical singing, but also some purely instrumental songs

Guitars or Keyboards?:
Even split between keys and guitars


Sound:
A happy medium between the two


Structure of individual songs:
Largely unstructured, but with repeating sections or melodies throughout

Live or CD?:
The perfection and studio tricks of the studio recording

Structure of album:
All songs should lead directly into the next



Which is more important?
That the album works as a whole


And finally a few questions about you

Do you play an instrument at a level at which you could entertain with it?:
No

Are you currently in a band?:
No

Knowledge of music theory?:

Limited to none

Mr. Chill wrote: MovingPictures07 Considering your ideal album: Album Length: Under 40 minutes 40-50 minutes 50-60 minutes 60-70 minutes 70-80 minutes Concept Album?: Full concept album (plot, characters, etc.) Slightly conceptual (songs have common themes, but not in story form) No concept (songs have no intentional connecting theme) Motifs: There should be melodies/lyrics shared across songs Songs should be unique and not reference each other Mood of the music: Happy, upbeat, humorous Sad, dark, depressing A mix of positive and negative moods Average Song Length: 3-5 minutes 5-7 minutes 7-10 minutes 10+ minutes Should there be a 15+ minute song? Yes No Lyrics: None (Instrumental music and/or wordless vocalizations such as humming) Lyrical singing, but also some purely instrumental songs All songs should have lyrics Guitars or Keyboards?: No keys Keys, but guitar dominated Even split between keys and guitars Guitar, but keyboard dominated No guitars Sound: Minimalistic, not too many instruments at once, sparse instrumentation Dense, dissonant, many different instruments playing different, often clashing, parts at once A happy medium between the two Structure of individual songs: Verse-chorus-verse structure Largely verse-chorus-verse, but with occasional deviations Largely unstructured, but with repeating sections or melodies throughout Little to no structure or repetition Live or CD?: The spontaneity and atmosphere (rawness) of a live concert The perfection and studio tricks of the studio recording Structure of album: All songs should lead directly into the next Some songs can, but not good if the whole album is connected Songs should have endings and not flow into the next song Which is more important? That the album works as a whole That each song can stand alone And finally a few questions about you Do you play an instrument at a level at which you could entertain with it?: Yes, guitar Yes, keyboard/piano Yes, other instrument No Are you currently in a band?: Yes No, but I have been in the past No Knowledge of music theory?: Limited to none Moderate Advanced And that's it. Thanks again for your time.

Considering your ideal album:

Album Length:
60-70 minutes

Concept Album?:
Slightly conceptual (songs have common themes, but not in story form

Motifs:
There should be melodies/lyrics shared across songs

Mood of the music:
A mix of positive and negative moods

Average Song Length:
3-5 minutes

Should there be a 15+ minute song?
Yes

Lyrics:
Lyrical singing, but also some purely instrumental songs

Guitars or Keyboards?:
Even split between keys and guitars

Sound:
A happy medium between the two

Structure of individual songs:
Largely unstructured, but with repeating sections or melodies throughout

Live or CD?:
The perfection and studio tricks of the studio recording

Structure of album:
Some songs can, but not good if the whole album is connected

Which is more important?
That the album works as a whole

And finally a few questions about you

Do you play an instrument at a level at which you could entertain with it?:
Yes, guitar

Are you currently in a band?:
Yes

Knowledge of music theory?:
Moderate