#albumsyoumusthear Jethro Tull - Aqualung - 1971

‘Olias of Sunhillow’ (1976) by Jon Anderson is a work of mystic beauty. Inspired by the writings of Vera Stanley Alder, Anderson experiments with airy vocal overdubs, acoustic guitars & harp. This ship steers a different celestial path to that of his band, the majestic ‘Yes’.

Released in April, 1972, Curved Air’s ‘Phantasmagoria’ showcases an ambitious set of songs. Not many 70’s rock acts, prog in particular, had lead female singers. Sonja Kristina, who was a member of the stage musical, ‘Hair’, was an influential and important turning point.

#albumsyoumusthear Genesis - Nursery Cryme - 1971

‘Knells II’ (2017) by The Knells is an extraordinary slab of prog. Their songs aren’t particularly long, but what they pack into them is truly epic. Classically trained musicians, together with an all female vocal trio. A rewarding listen and an original hybrid of prog.

Featuring prog luminary, Dave Greenslade and legendary Jon Hiseman, ‘Valentyne Suite (1969)’ by Colosseum paved the way for progressive music of the 70’s. Still clutching at blues and jazz trends, it was Greenslade’s prowess on the keys which broke new ground, rivalling Emerson.

#albumsyoumusthear McDonald and Giles - McDonald and Giles - 1971

‘Echoes’ is the centrepiece of ‘Meddle’ (1971), an album that is now regarded as the record where Pink Floyd began to emerge from their 1960’s artful experimentation, evolving into the multi textured masters of 70’s rock. From this point on, they were untouchable.

Along with with the Rolling Stones Altamont free concert, ‘In the Court of the Crimson King’ (1969) by King Crimson is the other historical moment which signified the end of the 1960’s. The opening track was violent and disturbing, exhilarating, beyond belief. Masterpiece.

#albumsyoumusthear Yes - Going for the One - 1977

The Magician’s Birthday (1972). The fifth album by rockers, Uriah Heep. This album finds the band clutching at the progressive tendencies of their sophisticated peers, modifying their sound to suit. Cover art by Roger Dean is one of his best, clearly stating the band’s intention.

Folk Influenced musician, Richard Dawson, teams up with Finnish doom, prog metal band, Circle, producing the instant modern classic, Henki (2021). While it’s Dawson’s songs that carry you, it’s Circle’s prog leanings, blending with layered doom folk that inspire. Seriously fun.

Highly recommended.

#albumsyoumusthear Colosseum - Those Who Are About to Die Salute You - 1969

#albumsyoumusthear Moulettes - The Bear's Revenge - 2012

Julian's Treatment - “A Time Before This” (1970), was the brainchild of writer, Julian Jay Savarin. Like his books, this concept album deals with science fiction and the plight of Earth’s last man and his journey to war torn Alpha Centauri. A psych Prog Wonder.

‘Affinity’(2016) by Haken is a glorious prog adventure into the 1980’s, but instead of following the neon tubes and tinny drum machine loops found on Top of the Pops, Haken opt for film soundtracks and computer game sound effects. It’s an absolute triumph.

‘The Wall’ (1979) by Pink Floyd, can be a difficult listen. Like most double concepts, it is sprawling, chaotic, even perplexing. The music stems from the era of punk & disco, which you can hear in the record. Steeped in mental break down, isolation & persecution.

‘Songs from the Wood’ (1977). This is a classic by Jethro Tull. Weaving progressive rock with a British folk rock influence pushed to the fore. Some excellent group dynamics play out while Ian Anderson cements his place as an original rock star. Contains a Yuletide classic too!

The Roy Wood & Jeff Lynne fusion set the stage for sensational, forward thinking prog, pop & rock. ‘Looking On’ (1970) by The Move mixes glam & pop with the mighty ‘Brontosaurus’, The album does lean into progressive territory, especially on ‘Open Up Said the World at the Door’.