From Marillion to Magma

Some time ago, I got bored of all the K-Pop I listen to, and decided to go foraging through music history to see if I could find something of interest. And there it was: Prog Rock.

That one genre I always stayed away from, because it sounded a bit arty farty. Is it, though? Let’s find out, as I short-review some of the records I listened to.

Camel - Harbour of Tears

Don’t remember what this sounds like, the cover art looks pretty trash and cheap. Is it the Titanic? What’s up with the angel in the front? Why the Celtic braids framing the picture? Who knows. I remember some solo guitar play that didn’t sound bad, but I don’t care about solo guitars.

Focus - Moving Waves

No clue what this sounded like. Album cover art looks goofy though. Maybe something with waves, ethereal waves. Ethereal sounds.

Gentle Giant - Focus

Yeah, this wasn’t bad. Also I like the big mean looking octopus on the record sleeve. They’re so cool, and smart. I’m pescetarian, but I draw the line at eating octopodes. Too smart. Wouldn’t want to shove that in my mouth.

Jethro Tull - Aqualung

Weird oldsy looking cover art, like from the 19th century. Like shit art from the 19th century you find on the flea market and can buy for ten Euro/quid. Looks quite shit. Apparently it was - I mean the album - inspired by one of the band member’s girlfriend being a social worker. She worked with the homeless down by the river. I guess Aqualung is a phrase from one of the guys there, and denotes something about his life and his lungs and the water. Anyway, Jethro Tull likes including flutes in their songs. So when you listen to something that sounds rocky, and then there’s a flute out of nowhere, it’s probably Jethro Tull.

King Crimson - In the Court of the Crimson King

Easily my favourite band of all the bands I listened to. Please listen to In the Court… as well as Red, they’re both good albums. Catchy, clever, well played. Good stuff.

Magma - Mëkanïk Dëstruktïẁ Kömmandöh

What the fuck is up with that language? These freaky Frenchmen created their own language, which sounds like German, Swedish and Slovakian smashed together. Weird! But interesting. Not bad. Could be worse.

Marillion - Misplaced Childhood

Man, what is that cover art. Contains some of the cringiest monologues in rock history. It’s like the singer is directly talking to you. About some shit I don’t care about.

Premiata Forneria Marconi - Storia di Un Minuto

Cool name, they’re Italians. That’s all I got.

Rush - Moving Pictures

I don’t know why everyone is raving about this band, the singer sounds like a squirrel that got stepped on its toe. Horrendous. Whatever, the bass play is good.

Van Der Graaf Generator - Pawn Hearts

I think this wasn’t bad. Can’t remember much.

Yes - Close to the Edge

The guy who designed some of the artwork also worked on art for 90s Amiga games from Psygnosis, like Shadow of the Beast. Pretty cool stuff. The music is OK, at least they’re not Marillion.

Image showing Jethro Tull, public domain, author unknown