Prog FOLK!
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Forum Description: General progressive music discussions
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=31625
Printed Date: July 19 2025 at 23:02
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Topic: Prog FOLK!
Posted By: The Whistler
Subject: Prog FOLK!
Date Posted: November 28 2006 at 16:45
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Well, as it has been told, my turn on to Jethro Tull, and by default the progressive movement as a whole, came essentially from the album Songs from the Wood. So, pog folk must, by default, mean a bit to me. Beard-strokingly strange (well, maybe not THAT strange, but kinda funny at least, give me that) that I only just yesterday purchased two albums by bands Fairport Convention and thu Strawbs. And, lucky me, I pulled a couple of key albums (by this site's warrant at least).First off, What We Did On Our Holiday(se) by the Fairports. This was a nice enough record, there was nothing offesnsive on the album, and I've always liked Sandy Denny's voice...but it feels scattered. You got your folk here, your blooz there, your medieval catharsis in the corner. Some albums (ahem, Stand Up), can get away with that. But that's 'cause it's Tull. I'd like something maybe a bit more focused.
Now, Ghosts. Ugh. There's an album. Once again, nothing offensive, but unlike the sweet, quiet little Fairport album, this one is great. Holiday made nothing stick in my head; I can't stop listening to Where Do You Go (When you need a hole to crawl in); Lemon Pie ain't bad either. What else from the Strawbs is recommended? What about, say, live albums? Turns out I like those...
So, I want a nice focused Fairport, and more of those sweet, sweet Strawbs. And live albums; hear more songs (without selling out to compilations), and get to have the band at work on stage. Good good. Suggestions? ------------- "There seem to be quite a large percentage of young American boys out there tonight. A long way from home, eh? Well so are we... Gotta stick together." -I. Anderson |
Replies:
Posted By: salmacis
Date Posted: November 28 2006 at 16:54
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Well, none of those albums are prog folk, imho. Indeed, I only think that era of Tull you mention- 'Songs From The Wood', 'Heavy Horses' period- was their only prog folk output. Tull have, as Ian Anderson said himself, 'been all things to all people'.
As for Fairport Convention, I personally see them as one of the more dubious inclusions here. I love their music- 'What We Did...' is a fave of mine- but there's little prog about it. Having said that, the concept album 'Babbacombe Lee' is the closest they came. Not their very best, but a darned good effort. The Strawbs were a prog folk outfit, but after a while got a bit more symphonic starting from 'Grave New World'. I suppose 'From The Witchwood' is the best place to start, with Rick Wakeman's organ used to great effect on that one. The debut is excellent too. For real prog folk, a lot of the best stuff is quite obscure. Horslips' 'The Tain' defines the genre, pretty much, and I also think 'The Book Of Invasions' does a good job though it is a bit rockier. I think if you're into that 1977/8 Tull era, you'd love Horslips. Then there are the acid folk bands like Comus, Jan Dukes De Gray and Forest. The first two are some of the more extreme bands you'll hear- one can't imagine what the folk purists made of this! Comus are like The Incredible String Band twisted beyond belief and with Family's Roger Chapman on vocals, while Jan Dukes De Gray at times sound akin to folk music- as played by VDGG. Check out 'Mice and Rats In The Loft'- a jawdropping number. Forest are decidedly less heavy going, being a more genteel act with an Incredible String Band influence but with more ornate arrangements. Then check out Spirogyra- don't confuse these with the godawful 'fusak' band of a similar name. Some beautifully arranged and delicate music in their output. That's what readily comes to mind... |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: November 28 2006 at 17:13
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"Just a Collection of Antiques and Curios" (1970); "From the Witchwood" (1971); "Grave New World" (1972 and the best one for me); "Bursting at the Seams" (1973); "Hero and Heroine" (1974) are all worth buying.
If you liked at the very first listening Ghosts (what a wonderful album it is!), then you'll probably love Hero and Heroine, especially for the explosive title track and the fabulous opener "Autumn"!
 Sadly, after Ghosts, with the departure of John Hawken, Strawbs move gradually into more commercial mainstream pop music...
 Deep Cuts is till good, in my opinion, but nothing comparable with the giants that stand before. |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: November 28 2006 at 17:15
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How abour Ramases? I own that album (it's fine, btw), but I didn't find such a prog folk vein...
P.S. excellent thread this one...a proper "prog folk appreciation thread" was missing...
prof folk, my first love in prog music!
I'm sorry, but Comus did not impressed me so much...
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Posted By: Magic Mountain
Date Posted: November 28 2006 at 17:32
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I have two Fairport Convention cds: "What We Did..." and "Liege and Lief." The first is okay, but the second gets heavy rotation in the cd player. I would recommend this cd to you based on your likes.
I second the recommendation for Horslips, particularly the two cds mentioned above.
I have six Strawbs cds and I like them all.
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Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: November 28 2006 at 17:47
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If you like the beautiful vocals in your music then be sure to check out Hoelderlin's "Holderlins Traum". This is easily one of the most beautiful albums I've ever heard. Another recommendation with beautiful female vocals is Trees. I have "The Garden of Jane Delawney" and it's another great album although I personally prefer Holderlin. The vocals remind me of Annie Haslam. So if you like her vocals then go and get this album. My favorite prog folk album of my collection is clearly Comus - First Utterance. It isn't as light hearted as the other two recommendations I gave you. This one is raw, hard and gory. The wierd thing is that this album is entirelly acoustic and they still manage to make such menacing and dark sound with it. Highly recommended if you like all the things mentioned. Read the reviews from this three albums. If they don't convince you then this albums aren't really for you. ------------- 
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Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: November 28 2006 at 17:51
Sean Trane didn't wrote this for nothing. http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=21576 - http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=21576 -------------
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Posted By: Chus
Date Posted: November 28 2006 at 18:05
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Gryphon is a great band also.... a little inconsistent at times but if you like some mediaeval instrumental folk then you should give it a try ------------- Jesus Gabriel |
Posted By: The Whistler
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 01:23
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I was just looking into Gryphon...looked interesting...
Righto. Gonna look me into them Horslips. Gonna check me out them Strawbs 'n Fairports what was recommended.
Any current prog folk outfits? Might be nice...I always say I never have enough bands that produce music at a fairly constant rate, give me something to look forward to. ------------- "There seem to be quite a large percentage of young American boys out there tonight. A long way from home, eh? Well so are we... Gotta stick together." -I. Anderson |
Posted By: Atavachron
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 01:34
| And Whist, you might also want to look into Steeleye Span, especially 'Now We Are Six' (with none other othan Ian Anderson as Production Consultant! Very Tull-ish album) or 'Parcel of Rogues'. |
Posted By: The Whistler
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 01:36
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I tried to buy some Steeleye Span once, but it just turned out to be Steely Dan... Yeah, and, I've never really heard any Deep Purple (I don't like Smoke on the Water as much as I'm supposed to), but what's a "Ritchie Blackmore's Night?" Didn't ole Uncle Ian guest on one of thems?
------------- "There seem to be quite a large percentage of young American boys out there tonight. A long way from home, eh? Well so are we... Gotta stick together." -I. Anderson |
Posted By: Atavachron
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 01:38
Yeah, you gotta be careful. |
The Whistler wrote:Posted By: mystic fred
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 01:46
 I don't like Smoke on the Water
....perhaps "Blackmore's Night " would be right up your street, then!!
 -------------  Prog Archives Tour Van 
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Posted By: The Whistler
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 01:51
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I was always more a fan of In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida anyway... Suggested Night albums? ------------- "There seem to be quite a large percentage of young American boys out there tonight. A long way from home, eh? Well so are we... Gotta stick together." -I. Anderson |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 01:53
Try Circulus. They're a great modern acid folk band. Their first album has the woman from Jade on guesting on vocals on one song. Their new one isn't bad either. This if prog folk with synth, very good stuff indeed. Also try out some Par Lindh Project or White Willow. Although they're primarily symphonic prog bands, they have a lot of mediaeval and baroque influences. You made indeed like that style. I cannot recommend Comus enough, they're an amazing band and you need to hear them! They will possibly scare you off, but please do keep listening to them, as when you understand them, they really are impressive. -------------   
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Posted By: The Whistler
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 01:56
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I'm fairly confident in my inabilities to be scared off. Oh, unless they're moody and boring... ------------- "There seem to be quite a large percentage of young American boys out there tonight. A long way from home, eh? Well so are we... Gotta stick together." -I. Anderson |
Posted By: Bj-1
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 01:59
Haven't heard any live albums, but of the studio stuff, From The Witchwood, Grave New Worlds and Hero & Heroine all are highly recommended! Try their first two ones too, as they're even more folk-ish than their other releases. ------------- RIO/AVANT/ZEUHL - The best thing you can get with yer pants on! |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 01:59
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They're not moody or boring, don't worry! Oh and try Fairport Convention's Liege and Lief instead. I'm not a huge fan of the band, but that album is their best in my opinion. -------------
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Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 04:46
Yep, I do own Now We Are Six but, unfortunately, I have to say it not so prog, despite the Ian Anderson's production and the year 1974...
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Posted By: Atavachron
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 04:57
True, it isn't Prog-- but it is progressive, and a splendid example of a folk/hard rock fusion in my opinion. |
Posted By: clarke2001
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 05:24
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Whistler, I recommend you to try ANGELO BRANDUARDI - if you don't mind Italian lyrics. He is related to the prog-folk in a same way as Italian Symphonic Prog is related to Symphonic Prog. I heard "Alla Fiera Del' Est" and one excellent double (or triple?) album. He wasn't writing 20-minute epics, most of his songs are packed in 3-5 minute format, but occasionally he sounds like Gryphon on steroids (bassoons, Moogs, flutes, mandolins etc), very medieval with touches of Celtic  http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=19595&PN=5 He covered (and translated) "The Trees They Do Grow High" ("Gli Alberi Sono Alti") from The Pentangle, another prog-folk band well worth giving a try. ------------- |
Posted By: Sean Trane
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 07:59
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Hi Whistler:
I usually strongly agree with Salmacis and really endorse his present advice but I will add comments
------------- let's just stay above the moral melee prefer the sink to the gutter keep our sand-castle virtues content to be a doer as well as a thinker, prefer lifting our pen rather than un-sheath our sword |
Posted By: Chus
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 09:55
I don't know if Ian guested in one of them... but I'd heard a couple of his songs and they were acoustic songs with a bit of mediaeval imagery... I was amazed to hear the electric Ritchie playing acoustic ditties with fairy-like female singers.
By the way, perhaps it will be here soon as "symphonic prog", but Vytas Brenner also includes a lot a venezuelan folk in his music... you should check it out.... He's still not here but the symph prog addition team are on it  ------------- Jesus Gabriel |
Posted By: salmacis
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 10:04
Man, you are harsh on The Strawbs, Sean!  Yeah, I love their albums up to and including 'Hero and Heroine'. 'Ghosts' is a bit of a mixed bag, with some excellent symphonic material and so-so soppy AOR stuff. I think future releases plumbed the depths more, though.
It's interesting that the one of The Strawbs from this early era I found disappointing was 'Dragonfly'. I didn't think that was even as innovative as the debut, and was just a straight folk album with little of interest, imho. |
Posted By: Sean Trane
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 11:34
------------- let's just stay above the moral melee prefer the sink to the gutter keep our sand-castle virtues content to be a doer as well as a thinker, prefer lifting our pen rather than un-sheath our sword |
Posted By: Evans
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 11:51
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I'd like to second (or maybe it's fifteenth by now, hehe) the album "First utterance" by Comus, as it just happens to be my absolute favourite album at the moment, before Si on avait and Frances the mute. Get the set "Song to Comus", as there are three bonus tracks on the First utterance cd that are, in my opinion, just as good as anything else on the album. Another one that i've just gotten and haven't really had time to listen to as much is "Mice and rats in the loft", which you also can sample on the site. But first of all, Comus! :) |
Posted By: Jimbo
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 12:10
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I just borrowed Forest's both albums from the library. I've yet to listen to them, but from what I've heard, they should be pretty good.
------------- 
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Posted By: Flip_Stone
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 13:01
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Yes, Sean Trane loves to slam Strawbs (he has a long history of doing that). Sean, we really don't care if you hate Bursting at the Seams. Many of the rest of us think it's a damn good album, and nothing you say will change that.
Anyway, here are some recommendations for prog.-folk. Any objections are nullified in advance.
With female vocalists:
Steelye Span - Now We Are Six, Commoner's Crown, Rocket Cottage, Portfolio (compilation)
Renaissance - Novella, Scheherazade
Illusion - Out of the Mist
Blackmore's Night - Ghost of a Rose
With male vocalists:
Fairport Convention - In Real Time (live)
Albion Band -
Strawbs - From the Witchwood, Grave New World
Jethro Tull - Songs From the Wood, Heavy Horses
Malicorne - Legende (compilation)
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Posted By: salmacis
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 15:16
| No I respect Sean's opinion greatly, even if I disagree with him on some albums and bands (his one star reviews are the best in the business!!). I will say though, that I personally don't find Bursting At The Seams quite as consistent an album as the preceding and succeeding albums. Never had much time for 'Part Of The Union'. Having said that, I love most of the rest of it. Would still get 4 stars- I should write that one soon... |
Posted By: Magic Mountain
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 15:34
One that comes to mind is Guy Manning.
Also I would recommend the Village Lanterne as a Blackmore's Night album to try.
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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 15:37
We're on the case, Chus! -------------
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Posted By: Edmund Kean
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 18:52
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An old fart writes ...
... Solstice ...
Yum!  ------------- First they invented progressive rock ... then they invented THE SMOKE MACHINE! |
Posted By: Asyte2c00
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 18:59
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Trees is a solid band.
Gnarles Barkley sampled one thier songs, well actually a cover of a popular folk tune, but it was the Trees' rendition he sampled.
Underscoring the already profound paucity of creativity in the modern rap world.
In the Garden of Jane Delawney is fantastic.
Celia Humphris vocals are splendid and a bit eerie. Simply Phenomenal.
Foreest, the fermale vocals are too operatic for my tastes and too harsh.
Stick with Trees.
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Posted By: The Whistler
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 19:12
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Let me pleeeeze take note of these "bandes" and inwestigate them at me heart's repsonse?
Crap. What a stupid sentence. I'm gonna get me one of them there paperes and write these down. I'm going to quit now. ------------- "There seem to be quite a large percentage of young American boys out there tonight. A long way from home, eh? Well so are we... Gotta stick together." -I. Anderson |
Posted By: Chus
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 19:12
I also posted on that thread and I thought the specialists opinion on it should had been of more value considering their knowledge on the matter... i agreed that Tull should had transfered to Art Rock, because I feel Tull did more "non-folk in essence" albums... If that was the case, Yes had a lot of folkish songs (specially the Yes Album) and still they are not essencially folk... The only ESSENTIALLY folk albums from Tull were from the late 70's and perhaps "Catfish Rising". ------------- Jesus Gabriel |
Posted By: The Whistler
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 19:20
You forget that all I've heard is Ghosts, which I found to be instantly (and I mean instantly) likeable... ------------- "There seem to be quite a large percentage of young American boys out there tonight. A long way from home, eh? Well so are we... Gotta stick together." -I. Anderson |
Posted By: The Whistler
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 19:22
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Oh, Tull's plenty folksy. Leave 'em be. Forget ye not that the first song Ian wrote after losing the blooz (by way of Mick Abrahams) was Christmas Song, which contains a mandolin! Eh?
Besides, if I'm tricked into thinking that Tull is folk and am led to other folk via that, who's that hurtin' then? ------------- "There seem to be quite a large percentage of young American boys out there tonight. A long way from home, eh? Well so are we... Gotta stick together." -I. Anderson |
Posted By: Atavachron
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 19:37
Precisely-- good attitude, Whist. That's one of the great things about progressive music, it allows you access to all sorts of wonderful things. Besides, it sounds like you have a penchant for folk which I also happen to love, and it has enhanced many great band's music: Genesis, Zep, Yes, the Beatles, and of course that guy Jethro you're so fond of. Rock (or Folk) on |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 19:39
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Comus baby, yeah! Listening to them now, ooooooh yes! Breathtakingly amazing. -------------
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Posted By: The Whistler
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 19:43
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Yeah, as per my understanding, that's a rare album you're setting me out to find there Geck! I have limited funds! ------------- "There seem to be quite a large percentage of young American boys out there tonight. A long way from home, eh? Well so are we... Gotta stick together." -I. Anderson |
Posted By: The Whistler
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 19:54
 ------------- "There seem to be quite a large percentage of young American boys out there tonight. A long way from home, eh? Well so are we... Gotta stick together." -I. Anderson |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 19:55
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The 2-in-1 is not so uncommon, I'm sure you can get it on Amazon. I mean the "Song to Comus" album, which contains everything they've ever recorded. -------------
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Posted By: The Whistler
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 19:58
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I HATE COMPILATIONS with an undying and ridiculous passion. Gimme live albums every time! ------------- "There seem to be quite a large percentage of young American boys out there tonight. A long way from home, eh? Well so are we... Gotta stick together." -I. Anderson |
Posted By: Atomic_Rooster
Date Posted: November 29 2006 at 20:31
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Here we go: If you want some more obscure, but excellent pure prog folk, check out my Medieval Prog Appreciation Thread on here somewhere (it keeps dying for some reason...) I would definitely recommend Malicorne, as they are one of the few original pure prog folk bands (they combine traditional French folk with proggy rock) I wouldnt recommend their compilations, rather start with Malicorne 2 or L'extroadinaire Tour du France D'Abelard Rousseau... (i think its the longest album title in rock), of course about everything they did was great Gryphon is, of course, a must I would recommend Los Jaivas, though they can be overly rock at times and Phoenix for traditional Romanian folk elements most of the bands i would recommend are already mentioned here, so I'll stop there, though I do agree with the sentiment that the Strawbs and most of Tull are not actually prog folk and should be moved to Art Rock or some other category. ------------- I am but a servant of the mighty Fripp, the sound of whose loins shall forever be upon the tongues of his followers. |
Posted By: The Whistler
Date Posted: November 30 2006 at 01:51
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Okay, who told me to buy Ghost of a Rose by Blackmore's Night? Huh? Which one of you bozos did that?!? They cover Rainbow Blues! That's only the most awesometastic song ever! You're, like, my new hero whoever you are! I'm too lazy to find you again! ------------- "There seem to be quite a large percentage of young American boys out there tonight. A long way from home, eh? Well so are we... Gotta stick together." -I. Anderson |
Posted By: Fassbinder
Date Posted: November 30 2006 at 02:30
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I heard some Blackmore's Night tracks, and wasn't impressed at all. It's only my opinion, however. And yes, Ian Anderson plays on the song "Play, minstrel, play" -- plays flute, and it was the only bright spot not only of this songs, but of all the songs I've heard.
Now, Spirogyra. Also, a personal opinion -- it is my favourite Prog Folk group (supposing that Jethro Tull aren't Prog Folk (they are Art Rock, in my opinion)). Their first and third albums (Sean Trane is absolutely right) are just amazing, stunning, superb, which other words do you need? Someone who likes these albums should also try their "demo" album, Burn the Bridges. Highly recommended.
I don't want to name all the already mentioned bands. Instead, I'll name Synanthesia (still not in PA) -- rather interesting band, and String Driven Thing, whose The Machine That Cried album I have -- it's grandiose!
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Posted By: Sean Trane
Date Posted: November 30 2006 at 04:09
From Germany , Holderlin's Traum is their best and folkiest >> they go symphonic from the second album on.
Barrock is my fave , a cross of Gryphon, Third Ear Band and ELO
Ougenweide >> Germany's answer to Malocorne meeting The Pentangle >>reviews coming soon ------------- let's just stay above the moral melee prefer the sink to the gutter keep our sand-castle virtues content to be a doer as well as a thinker, prefer lifting our pen rather than un-sheath our sword |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: November 30 2006 at 07:13
Branduardi is great!
 His gentle and intellectual prog-folk could be very interesting for die hard prog folk lovers. |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: November 30 2006 at 07:23
Well, Hugues, it's difficult for me to undestand why of your acrimony toward Bursting and Hero. The albums are obviously different but have a lot of fabulous stuff, in my opinion. Non strictly folk but with a mellotron playing similar to BJH (it's not a case they're another band great favourite of mine).
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Posted By: Sean Trane
Date Posted: November 30 2006 at 07:33
I think you hit it on the dot (see when you want to.... you can
 ), Andrea. Starting with BATS, they do not sound like Strawbs anymore, they sound like other bands (Genesis , BJH etc...) .
As for Flop_stone
, he might as well folk off with his permanent attacks.
------------- let's just stay above the moral melee prefer the sink to the gutter keep our sand-castle virtues content to be a doer as well as a thinker, prefer lifting our pen rather than un-sheath our sword |
!!! we spoke of GOOD recommendations, not ignominous onesPosted By: Sean Trane
Date Posted: November 30 2006 at 10:52
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Coming from La Belle Province (Quebec) are Harmonium (they are not a secret anymore though),
but also copy-cat Le Temps (much less recommemded) that recorded two albums in the mid-7°'s nox reissued on Unidisc
in a different genre the very interesting
http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=2700 - L'ENGOULEVENT >>> http://www.progarchives.com/bands-alpha.asp?letter=l - http://www.progarchives.com/bands-alpha.asp?letter=l
http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=2704 - BRÈCHE >>> http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=2704 - http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=2704
http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=2460 - CANO >>> http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=2460 - http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=2460
http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=2475 - CONNIVENCE >>> http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=2475 - http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=2475
http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=2478 - CONVENTUM >>> http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=2478 - http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=2478
http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=1523 - MATCH, LE >>> http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=1523 - http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_BAND.asp?band_id=1523 and its myriad of buddies among which the Seguin twins
Also coming some day: Barde
------------- let's just stay above the moral melee prefer the sink to the gutter keep our sand-castle virtues content to be a doer as well as a thinker, prefer lifting our pen rather than un-sheath our sword |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: November 30 2006 at 11:18
These above are not my own words, Hugues
Also Jethro Tull after TaaB does not sound like Jethro Tull their classic repertoire (Stand Up and Benefit for instance). Nevertheless, even without the "old" Clive and Cornick, they still remain the most favourite band of mine...and, possibly, Jethro Tull themselves.
The continuous change of Strawbs into a more electric band does not displease me and I like very much all their stuff until Ghosts. This change it's their trade mark.
Only what came after it's not Strawbs' (Deep Cuts, for example) and they start to sound veery different (some tracks still are very good, though).
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Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: November 30 2006 at 11:41
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Gryphon
Comus
Ramases
 Are they prog folk? fine album, btw (10CC's line up...).Delirium
wonderful! but not really a prog folk band... |
Posted By: rainbow111
Date Posted: November 30 2006 at 11:58
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What about Renaissance, they're prog folk aren't they? ------------- It's got to be slow Taking love the only way It's got to just flow Making love and taking time to let it grow |
Posted By: Fassbinder
Date Posted: November 30 2006 at 12:12
| How could I forget about Mellow Candle??? Their album Swaddling Songs is incredible! |
Posted By: Chus
Date Posted: November 30 2006 at 12:53
------------- Jesus Gabriel |
Posted By: salmacis
Date Posted: November 30 2006 at 12:56
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Yes, I would not have called anything Steeleye Span recorded prog. Some of their stuff is really rocky and even at times heavy, but not prog. Great stuff, nonetheless. I'd have said the same went for Fairport Convention, who I must say are one of the more dubious inclusions on the site imo, but there we go- I'm just a small cog in a big wheel, and I wouldn't get into a lather about it.
Renaissance I don't really think were prog folk, in truth. They have a sort of cod-classical feel rather than a folk one. A genuinely symphonic prog band. I forgot a favourite of mine- Mr Fox. I think the second album 'The Gypsy' is the better of their two. If they aren't listed here, they darned well should be!
Seriously, the track 'Mendle' nigh on blew my mind the first time I heard it- trad folk warped beyond belief; truly acid folk. I have the Synanthesia album- another good one, with some intricate musicianship and a slight jazz tinge. As for Blackmore's Night, I still can't take that seriously. While I don't get into spasms of uncontrollable tears about Blackmore not rocking out anymore, I mean really! How can you take an act that offers discounts for gigs if fans turn up in medieval costumes seriously?? The music is rather reminiscent of oh-so-twee English medieval folk act Amazing Blondel, who may be actually better to listen to than Blackmore's folly. |
Posted By: Evans
Date Posted: November 30 2006 at 12:57
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Posted By: Atomic_Rooster
Date Posted: November 30 2006 at 18:28
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perhaps we should think about organizing this thread like the symphonic one... i dont know just an idea. here are some more: Wurtemberg - Rock Fantasia Opus IX - im actually quite surprised that no one has mentioned them yet (that i know of) If you like Gryphon you will probably like these guys, though they arn't as good in my opinion Parzival - out of they're two "classic" albums, Legend is probably the better (the other being Barock) i would recommend these for fans of Ougenweide, Gryphon, etc... And, I must agree on the Ripaille suggestion, unfortunately only lasted through one album. ------------- I am but a servant of the mighty Fripp, the sound of whose loins shall forever be upon the tongues of his followers. |
Posted By: The Whistler
Date Posted: December 01 2006 at 01:36
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Organization? Ha! I scoff at such nonsense. Unless I have dictatorial command...like so many Ian Andersons... ------------- "There seem to be quite a large percentage of young American boys out there tonight. A long way from home, eh? Well so are we... Gotta stick together." -I. Anderson |
Posted By: The Whistler
Date Posted: December 01 2006 at 01:38
Yeah, got me some album about cards. It was a little soft for my tastes, but nice enough. ------------- "There seem to be quite a large percentage of young American boys out there tonight. A long way from home, eh? Well so are we... Gotta stick together." -I. Anderson |
Posted By: The Whistler
Date Posted: December 01 2006 at 01:43
Re-Naissance did seem a bit keyboard friendly to me...
And I think everyone should have one of that Re-Naissance Faire rockin' band Blackmore's Plight, if only to see him in that hood.
I liked 'em well enough...reckon I'll look into the Amazing Blondes. ------------- "There seem to be quite a large percentage of young American boys out there tonight. A long way from home, eh? Well so are we... Gotta stick together." -I. Anderson |
Posted By: Zac M
Date Posted: December 01 2006 at 01:47
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Emtidi's "Saat" is a masterpiece of progfolk (very kosmiche). Tangerine are a great band from France, well worth checking out. I like the Albion Band and all its incantations, but they are DEFINITELY not Prog, but traditional English folk. I only know one Strawbs album, and I don't personally like it that much (Hero and Heroine btw). I'm going to try the earlier stuff in due time. Some other good folk artists: Harmonium The Pentangle and probably many more I'm forgetting ------------- "Art is not imitation, nor is it something manufactured according to the wishes of instinct or good taste. It is a process of expression." -Merleau-Ponty |
Posted By: Sean Trane
Date Posted: December 01 2006 at 07:24
------------- let's just stay above the moral melee prefer the sink to the gutter keep our sand-castle virtues content to be a doer as well as a thinker, prefer lifting our pen rather than un-sheath our sword |
Posted By: salmacis
Date Posted: December 01 2006 at 07:27
| I think the title track 'The Gypsy' was the 12 minute one. Another good track, but 'Mendle' is the best. That was the first song on the album, but on some CD issues it was chopped off- the best track was missing I think! |
Posted By: Sean Trane
Date Posted: December 01 2006 at 08:01
I know James, I only heard the 2 on 1 Transatlantic release which unfortunately resorted to this "cost reduction".
Difficult strategy to swallow especially from one of the most pure Folk labels around. ------------- let's just stay above the moral melee prefer the sink to the gutter keep our sand-castle virtues content to be a doer as well as a thinker, prefer lifting our pen rather than un-sheath our sword |
Posted By: The Whistler
Date Posted: December 02 2006 at 21:51
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Who said that the Strawbs became a Genesis knock-off band? Because, as I listen to Ghosts, I wonder where I heard that singing style before. Then it hits me... "Walking across the sitting room..." ------------- "There seem to be quite a large percentage of young American boys out there tonight. A long way from home, eh? Well so are we... Gotta stick together." -I. Anderson |
Posted By: Dick Heath
Date Posted: December 05 2006 at 09:35
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Nobody mentioned Manning - check out Thursday's radio show for an example? The new album Anser's Tree, quite often sounds like a hybrid of Jethro Tull & The Strawbs, while many of the songs' lyrics are typical of the Anglo Celtic folk repertoire.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/images/B000ION6V8/ref=dp_image_0/026-9434094-2178045?ie=UTF8&n=229816&s=music">
 I would also argue due to Anthony Phillips pastorial concerns Genesis's Trespass has more than a passing similarity to prog folk. ------------- The best eclectic music on the Web,8-11pm BST/GMT THURS. CLICK ON: http://www.lborosu.org.uk/media/lcr/live.php - http://www.lborosu.org.uk/media/lcr/live.php Host by PA's Dick Heath. |
Posted By: salmacis
Date Posted: December 05 2006 at 10:34
Sounds like Jethro Tull/Strawbs? Excellent. 
Interesting that you should mention Anthony Phillips era Genesis- in an interview I have, Phillips admits that the band owed a lot to Fairport Convention and Family, and said that when he played Tony Banks those bands he was surprised at how much Genesis of that time resembled those bands. |