a form of rock developed in the late sixties that incorporates classical and jazz music elements. in the 70's-80's, it became extremely technical with such bands a Dream Theater. Some of the "epics" of progressive rock are over half an hour long. most guitarists who attempt to play these cry at the site of 40 pages of music and sell there instrument on ebay. progressive rock should not be attempted by the "newb" guitarist.
by shredhead77 December 31, 2010
Sub-genre of rock also known in short as "prog".
It relies as much on complex, painstakingly composed and arranged structures that rival classical music (Gentle Giant, BMS, Yezda Urfa), as on improvisation that rivals jazz (VDGG, Soft Machine, ELP). It may employ any device to boost its quality (unusual instruments, elements from other genres, non-standard structures), as it is a genre essentially associated with musical freedom. Prog pieces often extend beyond a 5 minute limit, though it is not always the case (Gentle Giant, Jethro Tull).
Its primordial purpose was to bring much-needed credibility to rock'n'roll, while unifying the different realms of "good music" and exploiting its potential to the fullest. Sadly, it has drawn a large amount of snobbish minions in the process.
It thrived in the 70s, after which many of its most brilliant exponents, even Pink Floyd or ELP, not to mention Gentle Giant, just started getting it wrong. It was no longer progressive rock, but a kind of "tired uninspired unchallenging get-with-the-times-old-man sing-along" rock.
Additional Note: Male prog fans who believe this is not a genre enjoyed by those loosely referred to as "girls" need to be more "progressive" so as not to shame their kind. They are suggested to start by not making gratuitous generalizations, and realizing they're looking for female companionship in the wrong place.
P.S.: I'm not even a feminist but that's just lame.
It relies as much on complex, painstakingly composed and arranged structures that rival classical music (Gentle Giant, BMS, Yezda Urfa), as on improvisation that rivals jazz (VDGG, Soft Machine, ELP). It may employ any device to boost its quality (unusual instruments, elements from other genres, non-standard structures), as it is a genre essentially associated with musical freedom. Prog pieces often extend beyond a 5 minute limit, though it is not always the case (Gentle Giant, Jethro Tull).
Its primordial purpose was to bring much-needed credibility to rock'n'roll, while unifying the different realms of "good music" and exploiting its potential to the fullest. Sadly, it has drawn a large amount of snobbish minions in the process.
It thrived in the 70s, after which many of its most brilliant exponents, even Pink Floyd or ELP, not to mention Gentle Giant, just started getting it wrong. It was no longer progressive rock, but a kind of "tired uninspired unchallenging get-with-the-times-old-man sing-along" rock.
Additional Note: Male prog fans who believe this is not a genre enjoyed by those loosely referred to as "girls" need to be more "progressive" so as not to shame their kind. They are suggested to start by not making gratuitous generalizations, and realizing they're looking for female companionship in the wrong place.
P.S.: I'm not even a feminist but that's just lame.
Genesis is one of the many progressive rock groups that have tarnished their legacy by going top 40.
A progressive rock fan should know better than to think like an emo kid.
Me and my girls like progressive rock: we shake our booties to "21st Century Schizoid Man" and sway with the fellas to "Shine on You Crazy Diamond".
A progressive rock fan should know better than to think like an emo kid.
Me and my girls like progressive rock: we shake our booties to "21st Century Schizoid Man" and sway with the fellas to "Shine on You Crazy Diamond".
by prog-loving GIRL May 10, 2009
A genre of music that combines forms of jazz and classical all under the umbrella of rock. Progressive rock is generally distinguished by its use of nonstandard timings, chords, keys, and effects, as well as utilizing other effects that are not generally found in popular music, like feedback.
A common misconception about progressive rock is that it's nothing more than music to listen to when you get stoned, which is not true. Sure, it may be considered trippy or psychedelic, but by no means was it written by or for stoners. In fact, the level of complexity in some progressive rock songs is surprising.
Another misconception of progressive rock is that it's just noise thrown together to sound vaguely like music. This is also not true, or for most bands at least.
Pink Floyd is generally considered to be the first and best progressive rock band of all time, and is defined by their career during the 70s. Their late-60s career is mostly classified as psychedelic rock, and their late-70s to mid-90s career is generally classified as plain old, uninspired rock, or just total crap.
Some other famous progressive rock bands include Radiohead (post-OK Computer) and Dream Theater.
A common misconception about progressive rock is that it's nothing more than music to listen to when you get stoned, which is not true. Sure, it may be considered trippy or psychedelic, but by no means was it written by or for stoners. In fact, the level of complexity in some progressive rock songs is surprising.
Another misconception of progressive rock is that it's just noise thrown together to sound vaguely like music. This is also not true, or for most bands at least.
Pink Floyd is generally considered to be the first and best progressive rock band of all time, and is defined by their career during the 70s. Their late-60s career is mostly classified as psychedelic rock, and their late-70s to mid-90s career is generally classified as plain old, uninspired rock, or just total crap.
Some other famous progressive rock bands include Radiohead (post-OK Computer) and Dream Theater.
- Dude I got high last night and listened to Pink Floyd records for like five hours! It's the best hippie music ever!
- Umm...okay. Pink Floyd's progressive rock, not hippie rock, but whatever.
- Umm...okay. Pink Floyd's progressive rock, not hippie rock, but whatever.
by Spença B July 19, 2006
Complicated Early-70s extension to Classic Rock.
Girls don't like it! Because:
1) They can't shake their booty to the 7/4 or 5/8 time signatures
2) They can't imagine listening to any Improvisations on Brahms by a long haired ugly hippie in the 70s
3) Why do we want girls to like it. Prog is for solitary listening
Girls don't like it! Because:
1) They can't shake their booty to the 7/4 or 5/8 time signatures
2) They can't imagine listening to any Improvisations on Brahms by a long haired ugly hippie in the 70s
3) Why do we want girls to like it. Prog is for solitary listening
Girl: What do you listen to, gangsta rap? Hip hop?
Boy: Na, I like old music
Girl: Ohh... Like Nirvana?
Boy: No, progressive rock. I don't think you'd understand
Boy: Na, I like old music
Girl: Ohh... Like Nirvana?
Boy: No, progressive rock. I don't think you'd understand
by Trey24 July 20, 2006
A genre of rock incorporating unusual and often times several time signatures into its songs, which tend to be relatively long, sometimes lasting well over twenty to even fourty minutes.
by H22S May 24, 2005
Greatly under-aprreciated form of art. Adds elements of jazz, classical and avant-grade forms of music to come up with something new and original.
Dude that Yes band kicks immeasurable amounts of ass.
Dream Theatre are gods.
Frank Zappa is one fo the few musical genious' of our time.
Dream Theatre are gods.
Frank Zappa is one fo the few musical genious' of our time.
by Mr. T December 16, 2003
(Prog Rock for short)
A genre of music (60's to current) who's heyday occurred in the 1970's.
Known for -
1. Breaking the limits of the "4-minute pop song" by creating "epics" that could last between 7 - 30 minutes long! (Close to The Edge / Supper's Ready / Karn Evil 9)
2. Blending various genres, most commonly jazz and classical, into Rock music (Yes, King Crimson, Frank Zappa)
3. Using instruments uncommon to Rock music (flute, chimes, synthesizers)
4. Using odd time signatures (21st Cent. Schizoid Man - 6/8 / Money - 7/8)
5. Creating longwinded stories or concepts using both music and lyrics to represent it (The Wall / Scenes From a Memory / Dark Side of the Moon)
The genre "progresses" music to try to evolve it into something more engaging than simply something to dance or sing-a-long or jam to.
While arguable, the first Prog band is technically believed by Prog fans to be the Beatles. However, the first band to play in the current sense of the word was King Crimson.
Although most bands in the genre came from the UK, many came from the US (Frank Zappa / Dream Theatre), Canada (Rush), Germany (Van Der Graaf Generator), and more (Iceland - Sigur Ros).
Prog Rock and Metal are both considered to be "guy" bands, and contrary to popular belief, they are not meant to be listened to alone, rather it's just hard to find another prog fan near you these days.
A genre of music (60's to current) who's heyday occurred in the 1970's.
Known for -
1. Breaking the limits of the "4-minute pop song" by creating "epics" that could last between 7 - 30 minutes long! (Close to The Edge / Supper's Ready / Karn Evil 9)
2. Blending various genres, most commonly jazz and classical, into Rock music (Yes, King Crimson, Frank Zappa)
3. Using instruments uncommon to Rock music (flute, chimes, synthesizers)
4. Using odd time signatures (21st Cent. Schizoid Man - 6/8 / Money - 7/8)
5. Creating longwinded stories or concepts using both music and lyrics to represent it (The Wall / Scenes From a Memory / Dark Side of the Moon)
The genre "progresses" music to try to evolve it into something more engaging than simply something to dance or sing-a-long or jam to.
While arguable, the first Prog band is technically believed by Prog fans to be the Beatles. However, the first band to play in the current sense of the word was King Crimson.
Although most bands in the genre came from the UK, many came from the US (Frank Zappa / Dream Theatre), Canada (Rush), Germany (Van Der Graaf Generator), and more (Iceland - Sigur Ros).
Prog Rock and Metal are both considered to be "guy" bands, and contrary to popular belief, they are not meant to be listened to alone, rather it's just hard to find another prog fan near you these days.
by prog_head September 08, 2006