10 PERFECT PROG TRACKS | Ranked | Now That's What I Call Prog

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Here is 'Now That's What I Call Prog' Playlist...enjoy!!! kzbin.info/aero/PLVUgWh6RKO9rVJ3BAQ7S7884l0Ed5xWfg

[@johncleary6126]

Perhaps 'Inca Roads ' by Frnk Zpp might have been a better gateway track though I concede it's more fusiony. Just the same...wow magnificent, has everything that's right about prog as does Tom Sawyer. Pink Floyd though lick balls because they, in fact, lick balls.

[@AntonyRG1]

kzbin.info/aero/PLhTeHJArf-9gADXmwCixijt2ElfBr3yQ0 I created this playlist (now public) entitled 'Frieday Night'. A nightmarish prog odyssey: A cocaine-fuelled week results in a near-death on the second Friday night. Mulholland Drive meets The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.

[@johncleary6126]

@@AntonyRG1 Rebecca Black is epic Prog

[@deansusec8745]

The thing is, Andy really explains everything and discusses his thoughts really well. I don't know how to explain it, but he just keeps my attention stuck to the screen. It's like Im talking with my mate at a bar about music. And I love how he back and forth with himself as he changes and pivots his opinions

[@burke9497]

Awaken is a masterpiece, and worthy of best prog composition of all time. Going For The One is also my favorite Yes album, and for some reason seems under appreciated, even by Yes fans.

[@59erUlli]

👍👍👍👍

[@madu251]

I agree, GFTO is the best!

[@Darrylizer1]

Yeah I think GFTO has one great track in Awaken and some middling tracks. It's really the mix I don't like. I find Relayer to be much superior.

[@burke9497]

@@Darrylizer1 I love Relayer! I have the controversial opinion that Patrick Moraz was overall the best keyboard player that Yes ever had. I think he performed the best in a live concert setting, and his studio work with Yes was superb. Going For The One has a tremendous amount of sentimental value to me, and I absolutely love every track on the album. But, Relayer is brilliant! Cheers! Jeff.

[@jameshoey303]

Because its not their premium album and ranks below their top five.....next question

[@blueshoes8481]

What Yes song do I have to immediately relisten to every time I hear it? Awaken! Great choice. Also, while ELP may not have evolved so well into the pop years as Yes and Genesis did, their prog years were unique. I love the variety on Works and other earlier albums, their classical adaptations, the piano concerto, their honky-tonk comic relief, their beautiful ballads, their bombastic synth, their hymns, their rock, their jazz, on and on. Who else does that so well, or at all? What people call "over the top", I call three geniuses in an interactive clashing creative stew providing an explosion of ear candy. Imperfections here are signs of pushing the envelope, and that's OK by me. Thanks for so appropriately including them.

[@edljnehan2811]

Thanks for the comment about ELP. Great description you hit the nail on the head. Musicianship second to no one. It's good to hear someone that has some brains for a change.

[@robertglisson6319]

Excellent post. What is amazing to me is that ELP is pretty much a creature of the 70s. Folks who never saw them live in that decade never really understood the sheer impact of ELP on the rock scene. They were as big as any band in rock in concert (their Olympic Stadium concert in 1978 outdid Led Zeppelin's biggest crowd, and they headlined rock festivals throughout the 70s) and were an enormous force, bigger than any prog band except for Pink Floyd. What diminished their memory was the utter hatred of the band by the music critics. ELP didn't care a whit for the music press, they were too busy selling out stadiums and Madison Square Garden for a week straight. Yes, they fizzled in the late seventies, but to be honest, which major prog band DIDN'T fizzle (Rush started hitting it big in the late 70s as what is now considered a prog-metal band) at the end of the decade? Pink Floyd's last major effort was The Wall, Genesis' prog stage pretty much ended with Steve Hackett's departure, Yes struggled after Going For The One, Jethro Tull reshaped their sound after Songs From The Wood, and as for the Mighty Crim? Their last prog phase ended in 1974. ELP was clearly one of those bands one had to see to believe and appreciate.

[@mfischer387]

My Top 10 Perfect Prog Tracks: 1.) “Xanadu” by Rush 2.) “Dancing with the Moonlit Knight” by Genesis 3.) “Proclamation” by Gentle Giant 4.) “Time” by Pink Floyd 5.) “Inca Roads” by Frank Zappa 6.) “Thick as a Brick” by Jethro Tull 7.) “2112” by Rush 8.) “The Sensual Con” by Bubblemath 9.) “The Odyssey” by Symphony X 10.) “Starlifter: Fearless Pt. II” by Crown Lands Don’t @ me! 😂

[@2wayplebney]

Awaken is gorgeous, I agree. but the greatest prog track is actually "Starless" by Crim. It ticks all the boxes and is moving beyond words.

[@alwayscasesensitive]

I thought it was going to be 'Starless' too!

[@Whit-mh9nt]

Ya definitely up there.. More so then Awaken

[@AlmostEthical]

Yes, Starless is peerless. There's nothing like it.

[@kevinrombouts3027]

I am inclined to agree with you about Awaken. I've listened to it a thousand times and it gets better and better. Supper's Ready does too. These two are totally perfect. Awaken, with Todmobile, is just unbelievable.

[@jeffreytaylor6257]

"He's digging out, the marrow in your backbone". What a great line. Supper is indeed ready. JT

[@AntonioMagaia-Tri-Text]

I never miss a beat with your programme. About 90% of times you mention your favourites, they’re also mine - this time around you floored me with the Great Gig in the Sky. Keep it up Andy. I learn so much from your videos.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Glad you like them!

[@rocklanglois8378]

Thanks so much for the Playlist!! So cool to listen to you.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Thanks for listening

[@AlmostEthical]

I'd not heard Just The Same before. Great recommendation, Andy. Great track. Funny that GG songs tend to be shorter than most prog bands. Then again, they pack enough ideas into five minutes to make a ten minute track. My favourite ELP classical adaptation was Toccata. Brilliant.

[@NelsonMontana1234]

Yes, hearing the first KIng Crimson album THE DAY IT CAME OUT, was mind blowing and life altering.

[@simong7504]

Great video. Humerous, fun, instructive and loads to disasgree with ...

[@jandenbrok9574]

Woke up, fell out of bed, and a magical little trumpet lured me into Penny Lane, where Echoes of a Great Gig in the Sky urged me to attend a Minstrel singing Songs from the Wood. A Gentle Giant shouted "Supper's Ready" - but no, I didnt Rush for it. 'Cause the Revealing Science sent me along Inca Roads to a Purple Lagoon, where, Close to the Edge of perfect bliss, I did truly Awaken. Ah, that was Another Life, full of Crazy Diamonds playing Bohemian Rhapsodies that stayed with us.

[@LorraineHinchliffe-vg5cb]

Genesis "Fountain Of Salmacis" is my personal favourite prog song ever. It is the most beautiful song ever written by 21 year olds, in my humble opinion.

[@chrismorgan7494]

While I prefer the Gabriel era, Trick Of the Tail is my favorite Genesis album. Not a wasted moment on it.

[@davidmomberg8208]

Thank You Andy! Finally someone picks "Awaken", which is not only my favorite YES track or PROG track but favorite track EVER! just has everything, and is the most emotional song I've ever heard or will hear. You nailed it!!!!

[@interstellardave]

I echo your sentiments and, when you mention emotion, Turn Of The Century always hits me hard too. More melancholic than Awaken, which is uplifting. Turn is sad, and beautiful.

[@danu6718]

The first track I play after listening to your show is 'Awaken' . It's an excellent choice. Another great and entertaining show, Andy. Always surprises.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Glad you enjoyed it!...it really is the greatest prog tune ever. I'm pretty convinced that is right...

[@danu6718]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Yes, I have been re listening to it since this show. An awesome composition. Steve Howe is amazing. What a great band.

[@petergray1700]

Great list Andy , just recently started watching and love the way you put points across , when you said you played with Frost i had to watch. You mention the English aesthetic being an important part of Prog and i don't think you can get much more "Englishness" than Fox Hill by Camel .

[@dolfinpt]

Wonderful! Your 2/2 -2nd time I’ve watched you and both times you’ve surprised me with your choices! Obviously Yes is my fav group! I’ve been blessed to see them 50+ times and experienced Many Incredible moments Yes has Moved an entire audience! Awaken is my all time fav and have experienced it live-front row( a few times😍) - Such moments ingrained in memory! ❤

[@51monalisa]

i was so happy how you talked about pink floyd ,yes pink floyd is really prog , thank you

[@Lineageholder]

I love Awaken, it's beautiful, spine tingling, majestic and epic. It's classical music in prog style; excellent choice, Andy.

[@tomborgenkristiansen9581]

My list is :1. ELP-Karn Evil. 2. Genesis-Firth of Fifth. 3. King Crimson-Starless. 4. VdGG-Killer. 5. Yes-Gates of Delirium. 6.Pink Floyd-Echoes. 7.Renaissance-Ashes are Burning 8.Camel-Lady Fantasy. 9. Jethro Tull-My God. 10. Procol Harum-In Held Twas in I.

[@edljnehan2811]

I love your first three picks especially ELP at number 1. I also agree with number 7 and 8.

[@docbobster]

Such an interesting list; most of them wouldn't have occurred to me, but I can't argue with your analysis. I'm totally with you on Awaken. It is sublime.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@crnel]

Yay! You picked my favorite prog song as your #1 prog song - Awaken- from Yes - Going for the One!!!

[@Aaron628318]

"Clare Torry" just mentioning her :-)

[@The1stMrJohn]

A very original and refreshing approach. Much more interesting than your usual top whatever lists. By the way....the first time I heard the Hermann Szobel album that you recommended, I could definitely hear some music that accompanied a TV show from my early childhood. I wonder if you agree? The show is The Six Million Dollar Man.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

My favourite show when I was a kid

[@whycantiremainanonymous8091]

I'd make just two alterations to the list: for Gentle Giant, I'd move one track forward on the same album. "On reflection", with its strict fugue, represents what GG is about even better than "just the same". And I'd take "Starless" over the Scitzoid man for KC.

[@justgimmesometruth1136]

Listening to the magic of Yes is like having an E ticket to Disneyland when you were a kid -- full access to all the best rides.

[@frankr.6578]

Didn't expect your No.1 - Awaken is my top prog Song, too. Listen to the Todmobile/Andersen rendition, it's heavenly!

[@geoffccrow2333]

Hey Andy. In my city we have a drummer chris quinlan in 90s he used to do his own music show on community tv and also ran a zappa band called zappa instrumente or something . I remember once he went to a bozzio clinic here and was blown away by it. Of course

[@hauskahirvi]

I have started watching a lot of your videos. I am really enjoying your take on this and other music. Good fun! Good choices and I can relate you your views. I am a prog head. When I lived near Detroit (where I grew up) Yes came through there twice on the Union tour. I went to both gigs. After seeing them perform Awaken on that tour it became my favorite Yes song for years. Brilliant stuff. I also saw Genesis in the early 80s three times. The "Three Sides Live" tour was great. They performed Supper's Ready on an off during that tour (it was in 82 or 83) and they played it at the gig North of Detroit that I attended. For me experiencing that alone was worth the price of the ticket. I agree, In The Cage live from that time period is great. They also performed 'Cage along with the short instrumental version Watcher' at that Detroit gig. The new fans were baffled. I was stoked!

[@dbmusic67]

Thanks Andy, great list. I've been listening to your channel for at least a year and it's great to connect with someone about my age who seems to have had the same hard rock - prog - fusion - jazz trajectory through music appreciation and growth AND was a follower of Tommy Vance's Friday Night Rock show on Radio 1. I taped his top 10 one year when i was about 13 and it was like my musical Rosetta stone; I just listened to it endlessly and it was my intro to all those classic bands. Here's what I remember of his top ten that year in 1980, which I know is spot on except for #9 which is a bit hazy. 10. Awaken 9. Smoke on the Water or Bohemian Rhapsody 8.Shine on you Crazy Diamond 7. 2112 6.Xanadu 5.Stargazer 4.Child in Time 3.Freebird 2. Supper's Ready 1. Stairway to Heaven.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I did exactly the same thing....That's when I heard Awaken for the first time.

[@keithf_]

I'm pleased that Xanadu ranked as the best Rush track. I first heard/saw that track when it featured in Rush concert footage shown on the great 'Old Grey Whistle Test' TV show. I thought WTF is this ? Fell in love with Rush there and then.

[@Bob.L.Shirley]

I've been enjoying your channel for a few months now without commenting, Andy, but had to leave a note on this one. First, as an old (68 yrs) "progger", just want to say that rather than putting me off, I enjoyed every bit of your list. So much so that I'm going to pass links to this video (and your playlist - thanks for saving me the trouble there too!) to friends and family who I've never been able to wrangle into seeing why I love this music so much. I was laughing out loud with pleasure at some of your picks - Free Hand was my first GG LP and I have a huge soft spot for Just The Same, so loved seeing its inclusion. Awaken at #1 is just the cherry on top. Keep up the good work, sir!

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Thanks Bob...thanks for comenting too...all the best

[@Fontsman]

FZ's 'Yo Mama,' is prog at its best. 'Awaken' is the most bombastic over the top track ever made. Appallingly good!

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I love side four of Sheik Yerbouti...it's just sublime, I Can't seperate Yo Mama and Wild Love. The 'complex' section on that side also crops up on Side 2 of Them or Us...also two songs mashed together with a long Xenochronus guitar solo...which I spoke about on my Zappa Them or Us video last week. I might do a track by track analysis of Sheik Yerbouti at some point.

[@earlgrey691]

It certainly feautures heavily with the...'reactor' community.

[@brettlowton6961]

What a relief to know I'm not the only person on the planet who believes that "Awaken" is Yes's masterpiece. Being a Yes fan of course I like "Close to the Edge" but "Going For The One" is my absolute favourite. Rick Wakeman's playing is absolutely off the scale on 'Awaken'.

[@johannhauffman323]

Absolutely adorable list Andy !!! Great pick with Regyption Strut Close to perfect list tonight. Some might differ in your Gentle Giant pick but I love it. When GG toured that year I had an odd ticket mistake and was allowed to sit on stage just a bit to the side. They killed with free hand. The Prog was very proggy that night. Now I’ll re-listen to songs from the wood, thought Minstrel in the Gallery would better take that spot. Thanks for a wonderful video Andy. Oh, and I can’t believe King Crimson is behind Yes for 1st place. How dare you !!

[@paulf.5261]

You just reminded me of the 1st time I heard Genesis, which was on the radio around midnight on a school night. That track was A Trick of the Tail 🤯 😁🙏

[@turntabillist]

Many twists and turns on this list. Not quite what I was expecting, and that's a good thing! Well done and it's tough to disagree with your choices.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I try to deliver twists and turns, not the obvious, then everyone suggests the obvious...

[@horstbaur7797]

I have enjoyed every second of this particular countdown of yours, Andy. Listening to you reason your choices are a prog experience in themselves. Always loved 21st Century Schizoid Man but looking at it in a totally new light. And your No. 1 choice is an awakening in itself. Thank you so much.

[@deansusec8745]

Andy, I am your generation and started with deep purple, Queen, Rush. When I found 90125 an older friend of mine said, it's alright, but it ain't REAL Yes. After I checked out their back catalogue, I haven't looked back! U still am a massive Beatles and Queen fan, but I just keep listening to prog! The longer song, the better!

[@chuckbob49]

When you were talking about getting The Yes Album and it was exactly what you had been looking for in music, I couldn't help but think of an advertisement for the Pink Floyd album, Meddle, when it first came out. I saw it in the pages of Rolling Stone and it has stayed with me for the last 51 years. "Pink Floyd's new album, Meddle, is like throwing a party for your ears when they were only expecting a few friends over for pinochle."

[@urniurl]

Thanks for introducing me to some cool tracks!

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Glad you like them!

[@earlgrey691]

Totally agree with Yes.Their absolute pinnacle.Parallels is incredible.

[@kevinjekyll1521]

Of Yes, I thought Going for the One was a complete set of songs that did really work. The 70's were when they just dug in and tried to make a mark against so many other great bands. Such a creative time, where did the passion go? Thanks for taking us down a road some thought was irrelevant.

[@edljnehan2811]

I'll tell you where the passion went. It went straight to the bank.

[@bobbob-dg1kt]

I think Punk crushed the spirit of a lot of these musicians, not just Yes, the whole genre suffered. To be ridiculed for trying to express your own unique voice (as well as a lot of valid criticism about length and pretentions etc) I think that really made a bunch of people gun-shy. Who wants to be the butt of a joke of a bunch of snot nosed kids and have to expend all that energy and effort. It became easier to not bother.

[@grahamnunn8998]

Awaken was always in the Friday Rock Show top 10, I have to agree, fabulous track. I made a compilation of the background music, I had a lot of it anyway: Stanley Clarke, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Al Di Meola, Santana, George Harrison, Van Der Graaf Generator and of course, Dixie Dreggs.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I have created a video on The Friday Rock show and I discuss those top tens in that...

[@edljnehan2811]

Wow I listened all of those groups. Especially the great Steve Morse Dixie Dregs. May I recommend another one of his albums called high tension wires.

[@johngreen3587]

Amazing list and presentation as usual

[@SeriouslyLarry]

Good choices. I knew you'd properly consider Yes the greatest prog band (as I do). But which song? I could ponder this for days, as you clearly have. I thought sure you'd go with CTTE. And no one would fault you for that. I make lists like this in my head all the time, and when you said Awaken I realized yes, that's correct! As many Yes songs as I would've considered and spent hours second guessing myself, in the end it was simple. Awaken is the greatest prog track. Period. It makes me feel somehow less alone in this world to know that there are others who share this same transcendent experience. Glad you're out there, keep it up!

[@Nephilim-81]

Once again Andy. Agreeing with everything you say.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Much appreciated

[@garanceadrosehn9691]

Certainly this collection of songs would make for an excellent album. I would have gone for _"Shine on You crazy Diamond"_ instead of _"Great Gig in the Sky"_ for Pink Floyd, but I do think _"Great Gig in the Sky"_ makes for a fine choice. Not only is it an excellent and captivating song, but it'd be a good change-of-pace compared to other songs in this collection. A collection of _"That's what I Call Prog"_ has to include the kind of variety that is seen in progressive music as a whole, IMO.

[@ozuidema]

Great list, presented with passion and knowledge, as always. Funny, I was also drawn into Gentle Giant by Free Hand. My list, in no particular order: Yes - Starship Trooper (Live - Keys to Ascension) Genesis - Cinema Show (Live - Seconds Out) Renaissance - Sheherazade (Live at Carnegie Hall) Rush - 2112 Grobschnitt - Rockpommel’s Land Camel - Lady Fantasy Pink Floyd - Shine On You Crazy Diamond Gentle Giant - Pantagruel’s nativity Dream Theater - The count of Tuscany Neal Morse Band - Beyond the years

[@redx1708]

I would have a hard time choosing between CTTE, Gates of Delirium and Awaken. I'd probably still go with CTTE, but it could shift from time to time.

[@nintzelj]

all such incredible epics! Yes has so much to offer. Although not as long, I find Sound Chaser to be as satisfying as Gates. Just a little more compact!

[@stephencoe680]

My three favourite Yes tracks too, although sides 1 and 4 of Tales come close.

[@danaandra9735]

I haven't listened to SUPPER'S READY in ages, and having just done so, I remember how much I love FOXTROT. Thank you!

[@davidbaker8483]

The word is numinous. Yes expanded one's horizons as a teenager into possibilities.

[@deansusec8745]

What do I think? Yeah, this was a very difficult list to make. Myself, I'm not sure I could choose one Yes song. Awaken is a great choice. You really break down the qualities of all these bands, and it's amazing how different each of these bands and songs actually are, yet all are amazing examples of perfect prog.

[@stephenberry4901]

Hi Andy, Brilliant Podcast. Very thought provoking for a long standing 67 year old music fan. Briefly my first Single was See Emily Play and my first LP was Nice by The Nice. I have 7 of the 10 tracks you chose so in compiling my Prog Playlist in tribute to yours my substitutions were We Used To Know by JT, Raconteur Troubadour by GG and Peaches En Regalia by FZ. I added the following favourites whilst acknowledging the wide definition of Prog on your list (Queen). A Pocketful of Stones By Dave Gilmour, This Strange Engine by Marillion, A Salty Dog by Procol Harum, 40,000 Headmen by Traffic, Rudy by Supertramp, Baba O’Reilly by The Who, You Shouldn’t Do That by Hawkwind and last but not least In a Gadda Da Vida by Iron Butterfly (!). By the way do you remember the Island Sampler album Nice Enough To Eat from 1969? That was were I first heard Schizoid Man and the Tull and Traffic tracks referred to above. Keep the podcasts rolling.

[@nothingmuchado]

The Jon Anderson with Todmobile version of Awaken is awesome.

[@SRV2013]

Heard Yes perform it live in 1977. That was truly awesome.

[@nothingmuchado]

@@SRV2013 I did too, saw them at Madison Square Garden. Unfortunately that doesn't have a great quality video online that other people can watch.

[@davethiboutot]

I agree. Awaken, is the best. You nailed it.

[@toucandave]

Porcupine Tree - Anesthetize

[@quark37]

A surprising and yet very appropriate and defensible top song. I probably would have gone with the obvious choice behind you but your choice was a welcome surprise. Thanks for the video.

[@bbchronicles736]

Great list! and even better discussion about why each song is included. Sure, my own list would be a bit different, but you did a great job of highlighting why each deserved to be there, and I generally agree with your reasoning. I love how much thought you put into this, and how definitive you were about it. For me, Suppers ready is the greatest prog song of all time, but I’m fine with it at #3 on your list (and I’m glad you didn’t go with Close to the edge at #1 as I also don’t think it is their absolute best). Anyway, great job with this.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

What has split my audience on this one is not putting CTTE at number 1. To me, the best song on the album is And You And I....

[@bbchronicles736]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Yes yes yes! I have always thought And You and I was the real gem on the album (and one of my very favorite Yes tracks), but almost no one seems to agree. but then I still think The Yes Album is their very best album, again very much in the minority among prog fans

[@2407paul]

I was just listening to the little "seed" the Beatles planted in spring '66, out of that seed grew a big plant full with music I love so much. And it does have the proper name as well "Tomorrow Never Knows".

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Without a doubt...

[@scotthjackson5651]

Hey Andy, great list, I'm checking out the playlist now. Not that it would deserve to be on your list, but you got me thinking and might as well mention: have you listened to "Siberian Breaks" by MGMT?

[@lerneo]

You're right about "english aestethics". But there are a few exceptions amongst the U.S. prog bands of the era, like Happy The Man for example. Their debut album is really stunning !

[@greghansell5115]

I stumbled upon Camel fairly recently and was amazed by the Nimrodel Medley and especially The White Rider. That's close to perfection for me.

[@mikeschultz817]

Oops, it's me again. As always, I partly agree on some of your choice, but (as always) like doing it "My Way". I deliberately chose rather long ones, that allow you to completely get lost in'em. Nonetheless, I had a hard time to give each band/artist just one track. More often than not, I was swaying. So, whenever necessary, I gave it an "alternative track". So, here you go: 10.) Frank Zappa: Blessed Relief, or Grand Wazoo (title track of the eponymous album. It's one of my absolute favourite Zappa albums of all time, so one track had to make it on the list. The alternative alternative track would have been 'The Gumbo Variations' from Hot Rats. 09.) King Crimson. Really tough to choose the 'right' track, so I went by instinct and chose 'Lizard' from the eponymous album. One of the rather, if not the most underrated album of the "King". Alternatively, I'd choose 'Moonchild' the track that turned me into an undying fan of the band. 08.) Pink Floyd. Here, it's got to be 'Echoes'. I know, a rather obvious one, but for me, who dearly loves/d the early years, it's the most outstanding track, by far, and in its sheer complexity a true masterpiece. I saw them Live on the 'Meddle Tour' in '71, and it's left a mark on me. An alternative could be the track 'Embryo' from the Relics album. 07.) ELP. For me, the first two albums are the best one, followed by 'Trilogy' & 'BSS', in that order. My first & instant choice was 'Just take a Pebble', but then I turned to 'Tarkus', as it truly divulges what their concept of ProgRock was. 06.) Yes. Similar situation. 'Roundabout' was on instinct, but 'Close to the Edge' is simply Yes at their best. Period! 05.) Gentle Giant. Here, I acted like you, and chose the track(s) that infinitely turned me on to G.G.. 'Funny Ways' from the first album is the one, but it could easily have been 'Wreck' from 'Acquiring the Taste'. As much as I love 'Free Hand', those two tracks will remain my favourites. 04.) Van der Graaf Generator. Oh, how I loved that band, back then. Over the years, we've become a somewhat estranged 'old couple', but nonetheless, they're still in my heart. And, I chose 'A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers', as it resembles the original Van der Graaf Generator(ism). However, 'Meurglys III' from 'World record' is at wafer-thin distance 03.) Jethro Tull. Another immortal love affair, and, like VdGG, it was a tight race, but I had to give in to 'Thick as a Brick', which I (for one) declare the Jethro Tulliest of all Jethro Tull album. But, you (some) might say, so is 'A Passion Play', so the title track would be the alternative. 02.) Mahavishnu Orchestra. I saw them Live in early '73, 'Birds of Fire had just been released, and they blew me away. A really rare & other-wordly concert that was. Over the years & decades, I've attended hundreds & hundreds of concert, but this belongs to my Top 5, if not Top 3 of all time. Though, I love 'The Inner mounting Flame' a tad more than 'Birds of Fire', I chose 'One Word' from the latter one. However, 'You know, you know' is hard on the heels. 01.) Last, but definitely not least, I chose a somewhat unknown Gem from a somewhat unknown Italian ProgRock band. Actually, I could easily make a play list comprising merely Italian ProgRock bands. I was close to choosing 'Rosso Napoletano' by Toni Esposito, or 'Vimana' by Nova, but, at the end, resorted to 'Animale senza Respiro' by Osanna. A highly ignored band from the early 70's. If you don't know them, check'em out. So, that's it. One track that (unfortunately) didn't make it on the list is Mike Oldfield's 'Tubular Bells'. So, consider it a kind of addendum. It's a track, I played/listened to so many times back then, I could almost hum the whole piece by heart. Actually, I'd really appreciate, if you did a proper feature on this before-mentioned band called 'Nova'. Maybe, you know'em, maybe, you don't, but their first 3 albums from the mid-seventies are nothing but excellent. The 4th one is a bit so so, but nonetheless, way better than a lot of other bands of that era. I only didn't put them on the list, because they're rather prog/rock with a good touch of jazz/fusion. Corrado & Danilo Rustici 2 guitar brothers par excellence & Elio d'Anna on sax. Despite the odd vocal track, truly amazing! Toni Esposito is yet another outstanding Italian artist that deserves to be explored, and I consider 'Rosso Napoletano' his finest work. Rather percussive & experimental. Great stuff!

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

There is for me a difference between mind blowing experimental seat of your pants music and 'perfect' music. For me Close To The Edge is the former without a doubt. But compositionally I think they are finding their way creating a long form track. ELP had done this already with Tarkus which is actually much better compositionally than CTTE. (CTTE is basically four or five seperate songs with joiners.) I always liked Gates of Delerium more than CTTE as well, as it is also compositionally better and even more out there. But Awaken is such a brilliantly composed epic, it doesn't try and be everything, it's structure is so beautiful (it's almost symmetrical in it's structure) and that ever upwardly moving harmonic device they use is just bamboozling! I know what is going on in CTTE. With Awaken I haven't got a clue. But this stage they are in complete control of Symphonic Prog Rock. Side 2 of GFTO is perfect with perhaps the greatest short and punchy prog track followed by the greatest epic of all time, all beautifully produced. That's my line of reasoning. So I put CTTE in the background of the video just to let everyone know I am aware of the obvious choice, but even if you don't agree and you think it should be CTTE, I hope my choice makes people think a little, and in turn help them see Yes in a different light. And a lot of the time I do this with a sense of humour, but here I have explained my real, serious intentions behind my approach.

[@nintzelj]

Hey Mike, love your list, comments and observations. I put a couple tracks you mentioned in a playlist of songs I don't know from this affair. I'm a huge fan of Italian rock/prog. PFM, Banco, Semiramis, Il Baletto di Bronzo, Museo Rosenbach, De De Lind, Alysa Fallax, Biglietto per L'inferno and many many more! I have all 4 Nova albums. Vimana is my fave. I like Tony Esposito and Osanna too!

[@nintzelj]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer you an amazing guy! I love your thoughts and viewpoints. Even though my views and faves differ here and there. but that's what makes it all so awesome!! 🎶💖

[@eightrodway]

Generally speaking, I'm not a prog person. My preference is earthiness, for want of a better word. But it's obvious that you love this stuff, your passion is infectious. I'm going to listen to these tracks. Well, I've heard Bohemian to death, and Floyd, and I bought Crimson King when it came out, and Geddy's voice gives me hives, but I'll be checking out the others for sure!

[@SuperMrdumm]

Can we agree that this was Andy’s peak style?

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

No

[@arnaudb.7669]

My 10 perfect prog tracks : 1- EGG : Enneagram 2- GENESIS : One For the Vine 3- THE FLOWER KINGS : Circus Brimstone 4- NATIONAL HEALTH : Squarer For Maud 5- GILGAMESH : Underwater Song 6- KING CRIMSON : Fracture 7- HAPPY THE MAN : Ibby It Is 8- UK : Carrying No Cross 9- ASTURIAS : Rogus 10- KENSO : The Signification of Time

[@D_anyul]

Great list. Did you ever hear Jem's banned Fanfare for the Common Man?

[@sameagle554]

In my own prog collection (not that deep really), I would say Awaken is indeed the best of it all. I agree!

[@moose6509]

As a massive Queen fan I applaud your inclusion of you know what. Maybe March of the Black Queen, Father to Son and The Prophet´s Song could get honourable mentions too.....

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Thanks you Moose...not everyone thinks like that. They have a rigid idea of what prog is. When Queen did do prog, they did it very well indeed.

[@NalinX]

Agree whole heartedly. I would pick March as my pick

[@bilhamcobbly2957]

@@NalinX Ogre battle is definitely prog.Dungeons and Dragons prog.March of the black queen is epic!!!

[@moose6509]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer You´re right of course. I was a teenager in the 70´s and got totally into Classic Rock. Sabbath, Purple, Led Zep, Queen, AC/DC etc. The Prog Rockers were considered naval-gazing, nerdy art-school losers by our crowd. I´ve grown into prog more over the years but still find the self-indulgence annoying at times. Rather get my air-guitar out most of the time. Anyway love your enthusiasm and knowledge. Thanks a lot.

[@jandenbrok9574]

Self-indulgence... What do mean by that?

[@kevinbutler3665]

My ten allowed two by same band 1.Awaken--Yes 2. Gates Of Delirium--Yes 3. Tarkus - ELP Live album version. 4. Suppers Ready.--Genesis 5. Karn Evil 9- ELP, live version. 6. Sequences 2018--Twelfth Night 7. Magnum Opus - Kansas,live album. 8. Master Of The House--Syzygy,live album. 9. Day Of The Baphomets--The Mars Volta 10. Dance On A Volcano--Genesis.

[@johnmahan172]

You've played with some great bands👍 Just subbed. I've listened to everything I could under the sun for 60 + years and I am still finding stuff...I found Pendragon around 4 years ago. I have a real soft spot for them and cannot believe I never heard of them...they weren't that obscure ..lol...great channel and you are a great drummer!

[@ganazby]

A great list, which makes for a fantastic prog compilation. My list would have been different (though featuring many of the same artists), but that’s a subjective thing. I would have included Bohemian Rhapsody, for sure. Cheers.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Glad a few here like my Bohemian Rhapsody choice...wish I had gone with Bat Out of Hell too now!!!

[@ganazby]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer 🤣

[@preservedmoose]

A great list and I really love Going For The One, such a great album and Awaken is a great choice for best song. Incidentally, I listed to Foxtrot last night, the first time in maybe 10 years, from start to finish and side two was just amazing. There is something I notice about Genesis of that time - they had great starts to songs and amazing lush finishes with some meandering in the middle at times. It is maybe like the old adage about writing a story - create a great beginning and ending and the middle will take care of itself. However, though I really enjoyed it, I would still choose Firth of Fifth off of Selling England by the Pound as my favourite of theirs. The other choices were good too - I wouldn't have thought about Bohemian Rhapsody until you mentioned it and it IS totally prog!

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Now here is an interesting concept...that in trying to use classical compositional techniques to extend rock songs, this exposes the actual compositional skill of the band trying to do this. I would say Keith Emerson and Gentle Giant had great compositional skills where as some of the other prog bands were limited in their compositional abilities. I would say Rush on certain tracks (eg. 2112) are pretty poor and are simply joining 4 minute songs together. This to a lesser extent is true of Genesis and Yes although I believe they got better as time went on. And although from a compositional point of veiw it may be a little weak, from a rock point of view it can be thrilling.

[@preservedmoose]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer yeah, it's clearly really hard to do. On Tarkus, Emerson was using harmony in fourths and other ideas. Wakeman, of course, is another virtuoso and another musician steeped in music theory and songwriting. Also, both from classical background. In fusion you have Zawinul and Corea, for example, also classically trained and great composers. These lists are fun and definitely open some doors; I've been listening to Jan Hammer and David Sancious recently and am blown away by the music.

[@ronaldmorgan7632]

I thought that I had heard a lot of music in my 65 years, but you never fail to come up with stuff that I've never heard of. Never listened to Zappa *audible gasp*, but I guess I'll have to now. Same goes with Gentle Giant. Never a big Queen fan, but I'll give BR another try. Don't disagree with any of the others but Yes did manage to raise an eyebrow. But, since your measure here is "Proggyness", Awaken might be the one after all. In terms of what individual Yes song I'd take to the proverbial desert island (which somehow has electricity, food, and running water) it'd be "Gates of Delirium".

[@hansvanbrackle2040]

I will admit I was surprised at your #1 pick, but I listened to it with fresh ears and I admit it is better than I remember from the day (by 1977 I was kinda getting bored with Prog in general) so for that I thank you. The only thing I would say by way of rebuttal is that Awaken did not have the cultural impact of a number of other Yes tracks, which you stated was one of your criteria. I can think of probably a half dozen Yes tracks that have all of the brilliant prog elements and also made a real impact. But I quibble; overall this is a good list (though 21st Century should have been #1!!!!). You redeem yourself by including Regyptian Strut. I enjoy your videos, keep it up.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Yes...but the idea was to have a surprise at number 1. I really do think its the greatest prog track ever...it's sublime

[@jandenbrok9574]

Bohemian Rhapsody: YEAH, Andy! We in the Netherlands have a yearly Top 2000 composed by hundreds of thousands of voters, and this track keeps making it to the top 2, year after year. Because it's so undeniably good! And it was, and is, prog! (Pushing those boundaries!)

[@psychicdriver4229]

What a daunting task... that would take me ages to put together. So many great tracks and bands that you didn't even mention... my definition would be much broader and include bands like the velvets, Iggy, Bowie ,Leonard Cohen the stranglers... I guess you're right about the strict definition of prog but to me it's all art rock... and if it fits my criteria of being great then it's prog rock! Prog means pushing the musical envelope , and that's what all great music does.

[@johnpace5774]

I’d stopped listening to Yes after Relayer (not entirely sure why……), but recently a new friend had said Going For The One was amazing, so…..I gave it a listen. And he was right. Turn Of The Century, Parallels, and Awaken! Incredible stuff. All of those years of not listening to it because…………doh!

[@nintzelj]

the beautiful thing is that now you've disovered something new to love! any time is a great time to discover amazing music!

[@johnpace5774]

@@nintzelj so true! There’s always great music to discover, sometimes it’s right under your nose…….

[@nintzelj]

for me, such a wonderful gift in life!

[@johnpace5774]

@@nintzelj absolutely. The gift that keeps on giving.

[@bobbob-dg1kt]

The funny thing is, you stopped just one album (possibly two, the next album is also really good, Drama) too early if you wanted to save yourself from the odd 80s mess they fell into. Decades later they did another excellent album called Magnification, that I think stands up on it's own and can be counted as one of their best.

[@stuartmazzeo2516]

The BEST prog song... Is which ever one i'm listening to at the time.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

That why I don't listen to Marillion....

[@larrylanberg3552]

I feel I need to add something really worthwhile, to any Prog list. Early Deep Purple - that type of spine tingling dramatic music is what led me to being a Genesis fan.

[@loucontino4804]

Loved this! First away, Anyone who believes Kansas is Prog...please leave the room! Gentle Giant's Just The Same was the first GG tune I heard and I was into them as well. There are so many Tull tunes, but I agree on Songs From The Wood (how can you not be enamored by Barrie Barlows drumming on that tune). Floyd, Great Gig...why not? I'm more partial myself to Animals album, but Dark Side is THE STELLAR album, I think sales alone relegate it to that title. Fanfare over Pirates, huh? Okay. I was 18 and drove out with a friend to The Allentown Fairgrounds to see Rush in their pre-album mini tour days. Rush would do a tour to support their released album, then record, then do a mini 6 to 10 week mini tour interjecting new material before the albums release. Tom Sawyer & Limelight were played and the Allentown Fairgrounds went nuts! I met Larry Allen, Neil's then drum tech and presented him with a brass buckle I brought for Neil. I did not get to meet Neil, but Larry was nice as could be and gave me a pair of Neils Promark 747 Drumsticks. Neil played the sticks using the butt end, so all the nooks and crannies from rims shots were there and as you could imagine at 18, I was walking on air. Supper's Ready off Second's out is stellar as well. 9/8 in Apocalypse section still elevates my soul. Ya know Andy, I agree with you on ITCOTCK, but I have been told the beginning of Prog was really Procol Harum. Maybe it was, I do love Gary Brooker (RIP). I knew your Number 1 choice would be YES , but I too was thinking Close to The Edge. Awaken is a fine choice for number 1 as well. I've heard some folks say Gates of Delirium as well. ALL GOOD!

[@55victorf]

My 3 fav progressive banda 1) YES 2 ) Pink Floyd 3 ) Genesis and Jethro Tull Cheers from Lisbon 🇵🇹

[@TheVladrusu]

my mom, which used to completely disregard my musical tastes when I was a teenager, walked in my room while I was listening to Awaken. She wanted to know what it was, because, in her plain words, this was so beautiful.

[@roddmcleodable]

great list!

[@sciwiz57]

Love “Songs From the Wood”_one of my favorite albums every song is incredible

[@sheldonwheaton881]

Heavy Horses is great as well. Bursting Out too.

[@raywoods2071]

Great episode, and great choices, well explained. I'm totally with you Andy about ceasing to argue with people that don't want Pink Floyd to be considered prog even though they are among the foundational pillars of the genre and their run of albums from Dark Side through Animals is prog at its best. Similarly, some prog snobs can't accept Moving Pictures, even though it is astounding in terms of songwriting, performance, and production... as well as cultural impact. Prog means progressive, not just obscure or complicated to the point of inaccessibility.

[@14gilbertst]

There's documentary footage of the recording sessions for the album, Going for the One, and it's very interesting.......especially the section related to the song Parallels.

[@lupcokotevski2907]

The Great Gig in the Sky is surely influenced by Harvey Mandel's track Cristo Redentor (1968), written by jazzman Duke Pearson in the early 1960's. In a similar way, the way Riders on the Storm is based on Sun Ra's Advice to Medics (1957).

[@rotchanasowanna4430]

Interesting to know the influences

[@lupcokotevski2907]

@@rotchanasowanna4430 Cheers.

[@consciouslyevolvingmen6832]

Awaken Absolutely!

[@keithf_]

Some nice choices there. I liked your mention of 'The Friday Rock Show'. Hosted by the great Tommy Vance it was just one of several outlets for music fans who were into album bands as opposed to the singles chart. Your mention of that great show got me thinking back about where I first heard and got into some of my favourite bands. And this is how I remember it. Radio Caroline - this is where I discovered Yes, Camel. Old Grey Whistle Test (I just loved that show) - this is where I discovered Wishbone Ash (I immediately went out and bought 'Argus' the first album EVER bought), Rush, Dire Straits, Be Bop Deluxe The Friday Rock Show - thia is where I discovered Pendragon. Our school 5th/6th Form common room - this is where I discovered Caravan, Focus.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I met Tommy Vance...he came to a Robert Plant gig I was doing...

[@keithf_]

Tommy Vance ... great name, great voice PS My top 10 would have had about 4 Genesis tracks and at least a couple of Yes tracks, some Camel and Caravan and Floyd

[@zootallures6470]

I agree with everything on the list except ELP. My choice would be Tarkus. It defines prog the same way Awaken, Supper is Ready, etc. Honorable mention Focus: Eruption or Hamburger Concerto which also are cornerstones for the genre.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Yes... i accept that. Tarkus would be a great swap for Fanfare...

[@martinspencer1618]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer But at least 100 times as many people have heard Fanfare than have heard Tarkus.

[@Twirlip2]

What about Hocus Pocus? It was a big left field pop hit, yet it was also impeccably prog, not to mention utterly insane, and bursting with a superhuman level of energy. Also, it was simply hilarious! (In my opinion, Bohemian Rhapsody is also hilarious, but not in such a good way. Sorry!)

[@zootallures6470]

@@martinspencer1618 And at least 1234567 times more people have heard Purple Rain than Fanfare. But this is not about the people but the perfect prog track.

[@zootallures6470]

@@Twirlip2 Yes, Hocus Pocus At the Rainbow has it all but it is very typical to Focus not that much for the genre. Eruption is more of a prog track. Concerto likewise.

[@markvonwisco7369]

Of the tracks you chose, Bohemian Rhapsody was the most surprising to me, but at the same time it makes sense when I think about it. As to the other tracks. I'm aware that Gentle Giant exists, but I've never listened to any of their music. I agree that Frank Zappa belongs on the list, but I would have Peaches en Regalia as the track to represent him. Hot Rats is my favorite Zappa album. For Genesis I would go with either the Musical Box or Firth of Fifth. For Yes, I would chose Close to the Edge or the Gates of Delirium. Overall, your list is a good introduction to the world of progressive rock.

[@lupcokotevski2907]

I argue that the first progressive song in contemporary music is December's Boudoir (1968) an art pop torch song by Laura Nyro. All the compositional elements of Bohemian Rhapsody can be found in it, together with Nyro's equally as progressive song New York Tendaberry (1969). No guitars, though.

[@nintzelj]

can't wait to hear them! I only know a few songs I heard from my mom in the 70s and my first wife in the 80s.

[@Fibonacci64]

Agree with “Awaken”. I bought that album on release, amazing. I would also pick “Firth of Fifth” or “Cinema Show” by Genesis as their peak tracks, but “The Lamb ... “ as an album.

[@shirleymental4189]

You've contradicted yourself there. Oops! Frank Zappa doesn't have a half of one percent of 'the English aesthetic.' He's firmly steeped in Americana. Maybe he's in a category all by himself, but whatever it is, it ain't Prog.

[@edljnehan2811]

I agree. I definitely agree. I don't even think he's that good.

[@markperry9427]

Great video as ever, I can see where you are coming from, Awaken is an incredible tune and probably should be on there, personally I'd probably pick Siberian Khatru, but that's me being subjective. Is Bo Rap prog? Of course it is, it's tempting to include Fairy Fellers Master Stroke, but for cultural significance, it has to be Bo Rap. Supper's Ready has to be on there, as does Fanfare for the Common Man, I just love that song so much. I see exactly where you're coming from with Tom Sawyer, again me being subjective, I'd go for either By-Tor and the Snow Dog or Cygnus X-1, both great prog moments. For Jethro Tull id probably pick Baker Street Muse from Minstrel in the Gallery and Gentle Giant, Boys in the Band from Octopus (which was the track that got me into Gentle Giant. Other tracks that would make my choices (and we've gone past 10 now 😅) Camel - Song Within a Song, Hatfield and the North - Fitter Stokes Takes a Bath, The Enid - Chaldean Crossing and Van Der Graaf Generator - Still Life.

[@willpipkins5616]

Love this list. I would replace Tom Sawyer with La Villa Stangiato

[@michaelmccombs2959]

Yeah, I love Tom Sawyer, but I've always felt it wasn't their best prog. This was an olive branch to pop rock fans. I guess looking at it closer, the fact it sounds more traditional, just shows their capability and ability to hide those changes. That all being said, I still would put in Hemispheres over Tom Sawyer. Hahaha

[@Twirlip2]

Snap!