The 10 Greatest LIVE PROG ALBUMS | Ranked | + message to prog fans

[@ayeatropoulos1]

You're description of Prog fans is absolutely hysterical.!!!

[@dbriddie9525]

Sides 3 & 4 of Seconds Out still gives me the chills 47 years later..................

[@SPY1964-LL]

Just beautiful. Love it too.

[@ambientideas1]

It’s why I really admire you, Andy. You exist outside the borderland of prog (and other genres) orthodoxy, and exist so with passion and humour. 👏

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Wow, thank you....

[@joseantoniomarmol6324]

Humor over everything else… then comes his knowledge, huuuuuge knowledge, and great music taste!!!! 🍻

[@edljnehan2811]

Thank you sir pictures at an exhibition has always been my favorite not only live but like you said as an album on the whole. I gained a lot of respect for you after hearing your speech on this as I couldn't have said it better myself😊

[@stevenhanson1454]

I love listening to your rants. They're so real. Because I can actually see myself in everything.

[@henryjablonski5280]

PFM Cook is another tasty live Prog offering. Overall a very impressive list Andy, so many choices and so few spots!

[@ayeatropoulos1]

Outstanding!!!

[@mauricegallagher9170]

Camel's double live is amazing also, especially on CD

[@TheSonnyfaiz]

Camel 🐪 what a great band they were.

[@ayeatropoulos1]

Outstanding!!!

[@gregorybooker4913]

Bravo!!!! ELP is the birth of Prog Proper and you nailed it!!!!! I invite you to join the ELP Appreciation site. You belong here and many of the families are in our members. We hold dear the ELP legacy and as an administrator I beg you to come to the fold. I personally have been to 22 shows and can tell you, they were stunning every show. Tell them Greg sent you!!!

[@sheldonwheaton881]

Tarkus live is amazing! When I cross myself I say " Emerson, Lake and Palmer ".

[@SPY1964-LL]

@@sheldonwheaton881 don't do that.

[@rembeadgc]

Thank you for championing the appreciation and understanding of all of this music. In reality it helps us understand ourselves better.

[@danieletrani5765]

Great video Andy, thanx :-) My favourite live from Yes is Key to Ascension; the sound and the mix are perfect, the line up is classic Yes, the songs are wonderful: there is also a great version of Awaken!

[@charleswagner2984]

Symphonic Live is my favorite live Yes music. Can't go wrong with Gates, Ritual, and CTTE in one concert.

[@btannereagle]

I’ve been a Prog fan since 1972! I’m so glad I found your channel.

[@brucebrown73]

I believe anyone who goes back and listens to all these will find he made great choices especially number 1. Yes, many of the live performances mentioned in these comments are memorable and great, but considering the technology available and what ELP did with it in Pictures at an Exhibition is the most creative possibility for their time. Truly!

[@michaelfavreau7617]

Great stuff Andy. I love a prog ranking show that comes across like a prog epic. Slow start, questionable double points, wonderful allusions to youth, and a blow out manic vision to conclude. That`s prog at its best. Congratulations. This is the most prog video ever made.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Yes...my most prog video so far...

[@nigelcnash]

Half way through I was beginning to fidget that Pictures at an Exhibition was not cropping up. Number one? Oh yes. Quite right.

[@rembeadgc]

Yes, when I discovered Gentle Giant's "Playing the Fool" back in the late 70s I was coming out of High School and I wore the album out. It is a live prog rock masterpiece. Nothing out of place. Impeccable performances and mind expanding songs.

[@jdmresearch]

It is a masterpiece. My only criticism is similar to a problem with YesSongs. The sound is quite muddy.... but the playing is impeccable.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

The sound is a bit muddy IMO too...but the playing is astonishing...

[@rembeadgc]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer It's certainly not pristine but, every instrument sounds like what it is. I think the sound is great compared to Yessongs. Nothing against Allan but, If it weren't for Bruford's input on Perpetual Change and The Fish, I don't listen to it.

[@moogymiss]

Brilliant playing...but badly recorded.. Progeny much better

[@SPY1964-LL]

@@moogymiss Agreed. Yessongs has great playing but just mud to listen to. Progeny is my go-to now.

[@brucebrown73]

I have to say I loved all these choices you made. I intend to go back and listen to all of them in the coming weeks. I was shocked that you chose what I’ve always the best live program performance. Pictures at an Exhibition is amazing especially if you consider it was actually their first music together. They played it at Isle of Wight festival before 450,000 people and it catapulted them into superstars

[@madu251]

Hey Andy, Canadian prog fan here. You know us so well!

[@MackeyWilliams]

Love when you get all riled up, Andy. Great stuff. I gave Pete and his SoT In the PROG Seat a bit of stick for continually blending what I consider three distinctly different genres - prog, fusion and prog metal - into one. Drives me nuts.

[@craigbrtnik9905]

Hi Andy. This is Pianoman Craig from Canada. Been watching you for a while. You are very knowledgeable and unafraid to go against the grain which is refreshing. I am a huge prog fan, especially ELP who I saw every time they were in Toronto and once in Montreal. I was even in Keith's house back in 1980. You are totally correct re his compositional ability and his keyboard prowess was second to none. He and Wakeman were big influences on us young keyboard players. Might I recommend Triumvirat as well? Only the vocals fall short of Lake's voice but pretty good keyboards. Also Rod Argent is right up there on organ (and still singing great harmonies with the Zombies). Cheers and keep up the good work.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Rod Argent is from my neck of the woods. When I was a kid he had a music shop just up the road...

[@mellotronin54]

Went to see Steve Hackett last night at Leicester de montfort hall where Genesis live was recorded. Night after Night re issue with the full concert is great.

[@LateNightNotes]

The last 15 minutes of this video should be given an award. Even better than the top 10 list. I will definitely watch the ranked biscuit video! THANK YOU!

[@timjohnson8902]

Thoroughly enjoyed your video thankyou Tim

[@stevenpratley8271]

Personally one of my favourite live albums is Steve Hackett - Tokyo Tapes which features King Crimson members. Your list has many of my favourite live albums

[@mr.b4444]

Focus live at the Rainbow

[@SPY1964-LL]

TO THE MAX!

[@jimmccloskey4254]

Giant - saw live during the Power and the Glory tour (Starcastle opened) Central Park NYC - the crowd roared throughout and yes the live album is a powerhouse. Nice video, bravo.

[@user-ti5in8mi8b]

Excellent!! Btw Andy, my name is Rick Best and I follow you from Winnipeg, Canada. Again, I think your pieces are absolutely brilliant. Just brilliant.

[@fernandopavon888]

Great channel, insightful and enjoyable

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@mikeydred11]

Big Prog fan here, Andy. Great job. Love and share your outlook.

[@Steve-wb60]

I love your teasing of Prog fans!! Yes, we are nerdy, you’re so right. Love your channel !

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I am one too...takes one to know one.

[@bradleystone2623]

Kudos to you, Andy, for recognizing that "Pictures at an Exhibition" is an essential prog rock album, that happens to be live - as opposed to other albums that capture bands live! And "Seconds Out" a sure fire #2.

[@davidsquonkbreeds8568]

Totally agree with your criteria for this list. Made me rethink my own thoughts about the albums. Great that you differentiate between greatest and favourite!

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@kzustang]

Started watching your channel a few days ago. Really great stuff. Enjoying your weird analysis of prog stuff. I'm probably weird myself, listening to prog, writing prog, recording prog, talking prog, thinking prog and going prog crazy.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Welcome aboard! I do love prog...creatively you can do whatever you want, but the fans can be a little anal retentive...and is the stuff the generates the wierdness here

[@marvinspira3491]

I was expecting to see Gong Live Etc . on the list , btw , you're right about the Magma Live / Hhai , it's a truly amazing album that could also be on the list , but I guess we just can't have them all . Anyway , great list and great video !

[@richard8417]

Top lists just work good. And they are inspiration to check out stuff you didn't know. I don't care if it's subjective, that's why I follow your channel.

[@jeffreytaylor6257]

Your analysis of the Seconds Out performance is spot on. They seemed more free even though their music is very structured. Well done sir. JT

[@trparsils]

A great list. Very few recognize Exit Stage Left. Has always been a favorite Rush album. Glad to see on list. Remember when Pictures came out. I was in college ( yes I am that old) and played it non stop. Always loved ELP and this album. Great video!

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Cool, thanks!

[@exitthelemming145]

The 1973 Genesis album simply titled 'Live' is deserving of more love in Prog circles.

[@SPY1964-LL]

Yes, I lament Genesis have never put out a nice clean mixed Gabriel era live album in full - double or triple with Peter singing Suppers Ready and Selling England By The Pound. That would be fantastic. Why not? The whole culture is about to die off. That last Gilmore album stinks even with Steve Gadd.

[@MrFtoudalk]

It's a joy to watch your videos because you remind me that I used to have some of these albums, and I absolutely enjoyed listening to them. Like Bursting Out! I had completely forgotten about that. And Pompeii! what a fantastic experience. ELP as well. Unfortunately when I moved to the states, I had to get rid of my vinyl collection, which was fairly extensive, so I forgot about albums like those mentioned... Also, on a lighter note, you must have a very good therapist... 😉

[@robsavage3217]

I saw Rush in concert when they were promoting Moving Pictures and was amazed at how similar the live performance was to the studio album. So I'm certainly willing to believe the concert album is legit. 👍

[@RogueReplicant]

Whoa! You haven't heard Exit Stage Left?? As you speculate, it really is awesome. Or should I say "they" are awesome because there are 2 versions with different playlists and different production, mix, etc. Version 1 is audio only and version 2 is audio and video. 👍

[@stevendavid5370]

Fantastic list!! There is not a band that deserves to be on this list. Although I am not familiar with UK, King Crimson or Gentle Giant, I've heard similar comments from other album ranking and other types of videos who have made the same comments. In the end it is about the music and musicianship who created these master pieces, which we get to enjoy until the end of time (or at least until the end of our time). What a gift for the peoples of the world to have at their listening pleasure. Thanks for a fantastic video and your comments about each of your picks.

[@johngranda3556]

Great choices. Did you consider putting Night Of The Living Dregs and Livestock on your list?

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Livestock could have been on here for sure...Brand X are a magnificent fusion band. And Flood by Herbie is one I missed too. The Dixie Dregs...they are the Mahavishnu plays Lynyrd Skynyrd band aren't they?

[@Glornt]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer A lot less Skynyrd than the name might suggest. They are probably more fusion than prog, for those who feel the need to acknowledge such distinction.

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

I might not be a musician, but your closing monologue, after your No.1, is close to exactly how I think about music (and not only Prog). And even though I make similar points on my own Prog and Genesis rundown videos, I'm jealous as f**k when I hear musicians discuss the same, knowing that they understand the technicalities of music making so much more than me.

[@davidcromwell6805]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, passion and weirdness, Andy. More and more of the real you is emerging! 😆 How about a Top 10 (or Baker's Dozen) of tunes by Half Man, Half Biscuit?

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Or perhaps the Urban Cookie Collective....

[@markruthin]

Glad you mentioned Playing The Fool, Exit Stage Left and Seconds Out. Still unsure about ELP after Tarkus.. Another great video though. All the best!

[@martynharper2779]

I love your videos, your knowledge and your passion. My top 10 live prog albums: 10. Caravan - Live at the Fairfield’s Hall 9. Camel - A Live Record 8. Genesis - Live (1973) 7. King Crimson - The Night Watch 6. Tangerine Dream - Ricochet 5. Rush - Different Stages 4. Procol Harum - In Concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra 3. Yes - Keys to Ascension 2. Frank Zappa - Zappa In New York 1. Genesis - Seconds Out

[@allangrant2713]

Andy you were in IQ, you are a GOD best of luck to you and KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Thanks, will do!

[@theshrubberer]

Biscuits!!!! Man that last 10 minutes was epic. I am not even a prog fan except for Floyd and Tull, bit i love your diatribes against critical posturing. Btw , i completely understand the difference between favorite lists and greatest lists. Both are valuable, but favorites lists are more valuable to people who already know the domain, while greatest are good for newbies. But the greatest lists heavily overlap many KZbins lists, while favorites are more personal and distinct, so I personally prefer the favorites lists. that's just my opinion haha, this is getting recursive

[@ingemarbroberg6822]

Welcome back

[@Mj323_bb]

Oh no, I had a Dr. appt and missed the live premiere of the only-beginning-to-be-unleased power of your magical mind! A stealth rant video! A kaleidoscope of close-ups! A Lucky Find! A bevy of biscuits! As always, thanks for bringing life and joy and another treasure map of music to my life. Can't wait to see the Biscuit List. I'll just mention one, Bahlsen Hit Cocoa

[@patrickmoore6159]

Hi: I found your channel and greatly appreciate your thoughts. I am glad we do not always agree, since I have learned a fair amount. Cheers!

[@tomharniess7097]

Biscuits top ten, what a great idea. So at 10 - rich tea =camel 9 - malted milk = pink floyd 8 - fig roll = van der graaf generator 7 - short bread finger = man 6 - nice = gong 5 - custard cream = hawkwind 4 - bourbon = yes 3 - hobnob = jethro tull 2 - ginger nut = genesis 1 - jammy dodger = e l p I do love a biccy and I do like your videos lots of great info and lots of bands that I k know but more that I don't. Keep up the good work 😊

[@oolongoolong789]

1. Peter Hammill - Typical 2. Frank Zappa - Sheik Yerbouti 3. Hawkwind - Space Ritual 4. Robert Wyatt - Theatre Royal Drury Lane 8th September 1974 5. Henry Cow - Concerts

[@mcosu1]

Thank you for introducing me to yesshows. Wow...

[@mikeschultz817]

You see, a while back, maybe 2 years now, I started to get into YT. Mainly, I admit, to download all, or at least most of the music that I physically once owned, before I moved to a far away country, and sold everything I had collected over the course of 40 odd years. And, it was a collection you don't find too often, I tell thee. To this very day, I still regret having done it, but that's a different story, all together. Now, as I was born in the early 50's (1952 to be exact), I bought saw & experienced all of the "ranked" bands, when they actually happened. I think, in one of my comments on your videos, I therefore called you, same as Classic Album Review, or Sea of Tranquility, the "Hindsight" Generation, and it sometimes gives me the chills, how you guys look at/talk about what used to be the soundtrack of my youth, or adolescence, respectively. It feels like a crude mix of bewilderment, strange fascination & complacency, even audacity. The terminology, the categorization, the allocation. The "Knowers" self indulgence. Funny, really. Not to be misunderstood, all this seems to be part s of the human condition, including the (desperate) need to give everything a name, to put every piece of music where the "movers & shakers" believe it belongs. And, ProgRock/Progressive Music (and whatever comes with it) is one of the, if not THE most audacious of all of them. Drawer thinking we call that in my original language. Instead of trying to put (if one really feels like doing so) the emotions & impressions one feels while listening to whatever piece of music into someone's very own words, people just use these terms now. Like, "hey dude, this is Genesis". "Erm, what is it?" "It's ProgRock, stupid." "Oh, I see, sorry for asking." To put that into context, back then, we didn't have this terminology, or, at least not to that extent. For someone like me (and my buddies) everything ever since Elvis, The Beatles, Stones, Yardbirds, Pretty Things, Hawkwind you name'em, was progressive music. Why? Because, they all took things further than they had been before. For me, everything that opens a new window of my imagination is Prog.That's why. And, I tell you, when I bought the first Hawkwind album in 1970 (God bless that day), it was, at least for me, but also some others, the epitomy of what progressive rock music could possibly be. And, bands like Ashra Tempel, Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze were the ones you would connect to progressive music, like you had done with all the afore-mentioned names. In none of all your formats I've heard a single word about those. As mentioned before, there was a kind of terminology (Psychedelic, Electronic, Krautrock, Bluesrock etc.), but it was light years away from all the slick name-giving of recent years. Back then, everything that rocked, was - Rock. Period! Black Sabbath rocked, so it was Rock. Maybe, a little harder than others, but nonetheless. Same would go for other bands of the day like Santana Wishbone Ash (progrock???), all the Vertigo swirl label bands, the few of the RCA Neon label, and so on, and so forth. ROCK! Nothing more, but nothing less, either. Progressive? Yeah, most of'em were, and you would rather look for the ones who weren't - for whatever reason. Anyway, nuff said!

[@narosgmbh5916]

Die grössten Kritiker der Elche waren früher selber welche I belong to your generation . And I don't remember us categorizing like that in the 70's either. But I do remember that we categorized previous ages as postborn. The difference could be that there was a lot less for us to watch/hear which was then shelved. In honor of the host here: Andy's work reminds me a bit of Hegel's dialectics. Shortly after each postulate, he immediately smashes it again and we take the lift to the next floor. And when the video is over, the light in the comment column stays on

[@hermancharlesserrano1489]

Excellent list, matey

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@MackeyWilliams]

Andy - I'm partial to the original UK lineup, but do enjoy Night After Night. Have you heard the expanded version that pushes it out over 2 CDs? I keep hoping for a vinyl release of it.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Not yet!

[@kennethdias9988]

Lou Reed Rock and Roll Animal is my favorite. Ian Hunter’s intro to Sweet Jane is phenomenal.

[@owenkrysler8235]

It was Dick Wagner and Steve Hunter on guitars.

[@tonypeake467]

Andy. Don't worry about haters. I wish they'd move to another channel, or don't view the top 10 vids as you say. Love what you do. We may not always be in agreement, but your opinions are valued, and we get to discover some new treasures. Live at Pompeii is a gem yes! Cheers from Australia.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Thanks 👍

[@AlmostEthical]

For me, 801 Live is one of the greatest live prog albums. They were one of the few prog bands that was actually progressive.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

And Simon Phillips proving he can play any genre better than anyone else...

[@AlmostEthical]

Yes, a monster rhythm section and generally brilliant band playing a unique brand of prog, closer to Crimson than the the Yes/Genesis tranch.

[@cuahutemoctorres3691]

Is that te name of the band?

[@AlmostEthical]

801 was the band name

[@ianbrown3304]

Defo. One of THE best live albums regardless of genres. And Diamond Head is one the bestest guitar solos of all time IMHO.

[@AlexAlex-dr9zc]

I loved the way you spoke of - you live - prog rock. You really got me laughing by the end of this video. Great ranking here. I'd however put IQ's Forever Live somewhere as well as Two For The Show by Kansas and A live Record by Camel. Thanks and keep on rocking man.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

When I joined IQ they gave me a copy of that album to learn the set. I had four weeks to learn it then I was off to Canada, then my second show on that tour was filmed for the DVD 'Stage'. On youtube check out me playing Leapof Faith...that was that second gig!!!

[@AlexAlex-dr9zc]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Be sure I already know your performance in this DVD. Delightful. Regarding the short time you had to learn all this complicated music, you deserve hats off ! There's another live prog album I forgot : The Blinding Darkness by Pallas. These guys deserve way more attention than they have.

[@jdmresearch]

Great list. Loved the arguments. Strong. Lots of fun. And I appreciate the discussion at the end. I can't complain with what you included. But I'll make three points. 1) The best UK live Prog Band is defiintely King Crimson. Choose whatever period: 69 -> Epitaph Amazing! 71-72 -> Ladies of the Road Extraordinary! But then you have my favorite period: 72-74 --> Great Deceiver ; Night Watch. It has it all. Adventurous music, improvs, and tight playing with songs. Love the darkness of the songs; much more so than other prog bands. 2) I agree that Magma 75 is just astonishing. 3) Any Soft Machine Live from 69-70. Mind-blowing.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I agree with all of that...i did consider Great Deceiver but then I would plump for Starless and Bible Black which is a masterpiece summation of those recordings. But I wanted to make the case for USA as it is perhaps the forgotten fourth album of perhaps the greatest line-up.

[@jdmresearch]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer True about SBB! I actually would make the case for it using a similar argument you made for "Between Nothingness and...". They introduced a masterpiece such as Fracture and it was being played live (with just a few overdubs). Another issue: Everybody knows it now, but at the time, virtually nobody knew this was live, including most music critics... I didn't know it until I got their box set in 91. (To be more precise, it is 70% live... a few songs from side 1 are at AIR in London). And one very last thing: People who saw 70s shows and their KC incarnations say that the true magical band was the one from late 72... It's amazing that, although I wouldn't say Muir was a virtuoso, he was a truly creative force and an improv master, to the point that Bruford says he was a major influence, and that a few times he ended up crying at the realization that he knew almost nothing about music (despite his huge success with Yes). Ok, I'll end here so I don't fit your proggy nerd description in the video....

[@user-ti5in8mi8b]

Yes!! I want to see a “Top 10 Biscuits” video!! Ha, ha! Andy, your videos are so great! The insightfulness, the humour. Can’t get enough.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

it's there, seek and you shall find. I also have two videos on mustaches too

[@garygomesvedicastrology]

Gentle Giant Playing the Fool is amazing. I remember hearing them for the first time in 1973 and raving about them to friends who were luke warm about them. The same friends interviewed them and saw them live and were instant converts-and these were folks who were populist conservative fans who later took to punk, but still rave about Gentle Giant live.

[@tedval13]

As an expat in California who misses his bickies, I'd have to say that McVities Fruit Shortcake takes some beating, especially because there's nothing else like it on this side of the pond. Also, the snob in me loves Fortnum's Toffolossus. Loved the album ranking too btw. As a Yes fan, first and foremost, glad to see some love for YesShows, but agree with placing Second's Out higher. Saw Steve Hackett perform the entire album live recently - 'twas a spiritual experience.

[@brianhughes3176]

Thanks Andy; Fun and informative achievement unlocked. What are the top 10 biscuits?

[@kph1034]

Rush sounded the same live as they did in the studio except when they did a few improv bits. Amazing band to see live. Incredible musicians

[@RogueReplicant]

In some songs, they surpassed the studio version. La Villa Strangiato from ESL is, to me, the best version they ever pulled off. It is slightly faster tempo and Alex was on fire.

[@DrMidnight-oz1rk]

Flush🚽

[@RogueReplicant]

@@DrMidnight-oz1rk Agreed. First turds to go: Zappa and Dream Theater.

[@garanceadrosehn9691]

👋 🙂 It might be that a good goal for the video length would be 30-minutes... 😀 🖖 Congrats on passing the 4K subscriber mark! Some things I like about your videos is that you've spent some time thinking about the albums you're going to talk about. But then once you feel comfortable with your choices for some list, you record a video where (it at least seems that) you're just winging it. That way you're still enthusiastic about your choices. And it's a a fun and entertaining exploration of the music because you had put some thought into it before turning on the camera.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

That is exactly what I do...and I don't hardly any research. I do spend some time tweaking the actual list however...and then when I put the video up a couple of choices pop into my head that I realise I have missed in that annoys me. On this list there isn't actually anything I regret including and I think I nailed 1+2...Floyd perhaps (now so many here agree with my choice) should have been higher...

[@richardstuebe9807]

Pleased that you threw significant love to Tull! I have always thought they were one of the best bands ever because their music was SO complex. I always needed 2 to 4 listens to get into one of their records. But once I got it, I loved it! And during the '70s they were THE best live band going.

[@CharlesAustin]

We made it !! Freakin’ great .. Best info: Burst Out JT.. Double Genisis. The greatest biscuits !!..is an amazing fun rant, you check all the ‘boxes’ !!

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gazza8127]

Great list Andy, agree "Pictures" had everything including superb production, such a shame they got the production so wrong for "Welcome back my friends" can you imagine how good it would be with similar production to "Pictures?" Since it's release "Seconds out" has been my all time favourite live album regardless of genre. The production was way ahead of it's time, the sound clarity is extraordinary & the power delivery especially the drums & keyboards is so impressive. That post Gabriel, pre post Hackett period for me was their finest in terms of firing on all cylinders both in the studio & live. Cheers

[@moogymiss]

True. Imagine how great welcome back would be with great sound like pictures.? Such a waste.

[@DA-dw5zn]

The Genesis archive 67-75 box set is well worth a mention.

[@jjdiazmiro]

Andy, in order to completle your series of videos about prog, would you possibly make a video about the 10 greatest european (non british) prog albums? and maybe another one about the 10 greatest USA and Canada prog albums?

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

But I have done my top ten Rush albums!!! (joke) This is a great idea. I would need to do some research...Can, Faust, Magma, Tangerine Dream, PFM, Aphrodite's Child, Focus...and thats without the US bands...Utopia, Kansas. Happy The Man...those 10 I think would make a good start....???

[@jjdiazmiro]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Don't forget to include some Spanish prog in your european top 10. Check out Triana's El Patio (prog+flamenco) or Iceberg's Coses Nostres (prog+ jazz fusion)

[@northcarolinavinylpicker]

You got the list correct. Love the ELP no. 1

[@raahinton]

Full disclosure: I made it that far. Thanks so much mate! Always informative. Always enjoyable. King Biscuit Flower Hour has nothing on you.

[@tonicjack9823]

I'm glad you picked Pictures at an Exhibition, it's really well recorded and packaged and was at a discount price from memory. Even though the Moog is being temperamental, for me it's head and shoulders above all the rest, well apart from the UK album. The Nice's Elegy,, is right up there with PAAE too. Stunning playing from all these trios.

[@MrMaynardWR]

King Crimson has a nw live album with it's current lineup playing the old classics. It's called Radical Action to Unseat the Hold of the Monkey Mind

[@ChrisRamsbottom]

I came here to say that!

[@goodknight37]

Totally agree with you about “ live at Pompeii”

[@SpookyLuvCookie]

Just smiling my head off at your number 10. Floyd @ Pompeii ... and putting on the video and, as you say, listening to it like an album. A good friend of mine who set me off very much on a good musical path, recorded this film onto VHS from English TV, one night in the late 80's / early 90s (can't remember the year exactly - it didn't have the DSotM inserts). Anyhoo ... I borrowed the VHS; and did a 'down-home' transfer to cassette via phono leads. I treasured that cassette. It sounded rough but still ace.

[@EvanTec808]

There is a 2007 remaster issued at least digital, not sure about as an album pressing.

[@MisterWondrous]

Getting to the crux of the biscuit, let me concur with your top two picks, or plectra, as biscuit-eaters might or might not say. On your ultimate, I, at first thought you were going to pick a longer, later live masterpiece. I had a similar experience with your choice as a youth. A real marvel in every way. A Faberge Egg. Love the show. Just discovered it. Subscribed. Stay weird. Peace.

[@PabloSanchez-rm3lm]

I like when you go on a more subjective path, because first of all, i believe there's no posibility of being objective when we talk about music (but how many times we'd tried!), but most of all, because I get the posibility of hearing your opinion abuot an album that I may heard of it, or not consider it to be that great, and then give it another chance. PD 1: Great video ending!!! PD 2: Sorry for my english...

[@jgdmlw]

I am with you on the drumming on Jethro Tull Bursting out. He was great on this.

[@jamesjones7138]

Flippin eck', I had the ESL VHS, it was an absolute treasure, even if it only lasted about an hour. A few years later, I bought the 'Grace Under Pressure Tour' VHS and couldn't believe the difference in picture/sound quality. Another treasure, but sadly, round about an hour again. Thankfully, later Rush Concert DVD's became more generous.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

More generous but not as good. I bought the Rio DVD and the R30 DVD hoping for something on the same level as ESL and I was slightly disappointed tbh...this is perhaps worth a video...

[@michaeldallaway1988]

Absent Lovers by King Crimson is essential. The definitive version of a lot of the Discipline era stuff

[@jdmresearch]

I agree they are incredible. But for me, the essential KC live is during the 70s. 1972-74 to be more specific. They were so adventurous, improvising when few prog bands were doing it live (and I mean collectively improvs). They had not so good moments, but when they were good, nobody could touch them. Anyway, opinions of course.

[@MrMaynardWR]

That's my favorite era

[@peterstickler6492]

I disagree. To me KC is all about 1969-74. After that is was a completely different band and, to me, very boring.

[@jdmresearch]

@@peterstickler6492 In fact, initially they had a different band name ("Discipline"). I think they were great, but I agree they were a different animal.

[@stevescott200]

yeah, i only picked it up this year, amazing , they were so much better live,

[@magiscichoam]

This is an absolutely “tip-top” analysis and laudable listing. Although “Pictures At An Exhibition” is not my favorite live progressive rock album, it is nevertheless, a stunning album. Keith Emerson’s greatest musical influence was the jazz pianist “Oscar Peterson” and his various trios. In several interviews he acknowledged his reverence for the matchless musical prowess of Peterson, his trio and his especially his upright Bass player “Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen”. For me Emerson recreated (and evolved) the concept of a progressive musical trio with the formation of ELP. Thank you for acknowledging “Jethro Tull” and “Barriemore Barlow”. Barlow’s drumming on “Bursting At The Seams” is nothing less than astronomical. I saw this tour live. It was stunning and Barlow’s drumming was revelatory and mind blowing. Your comments (and listing) regarding “Seconds Out” are also “Spot On”. This is my favorite live progressive rock album and one of my favorite live albums regardless of genre. As a drummer (for over 50 years), for me Chester Thompson’s drumming is a masterclass of the essential components of highest order progressive rock drumming; creativity, delicacy, elegance, exquisite nicety, fluidity, power and flawless technique. Selecting Chester Thompson (without an audition) as the replacement for Bill Bruford was a master stroke by Phil Collins. This is clearly evidenced by Thompson’s decades of brilliant drumming with Genesis and Phil Collins.

[@stanheijnen9677]

You're right about seconds out. Its so well played (Phil, Chester and Bill), it has so much power and it's so well recorded. The only album I don't like in the Genesis collection is and then there were ... and the first album. What do you think of Steps Ahead?

[@douglasennis7291]

I was at the (USA) Asbury Park NJ show. Nasty weather and venue but a fantastic show 🔥🔥🔥

[@stuartwigmore3738]

Great list Andy! You've confirmed two things that are always dissed by others when discussing prog rock with those who "know better" Danger Money is every bit as great an album as the first UK release. The combined talents of John Wetton and Eddie Jobson (and speaking as a classically trained performer, these two are amongst my all time favourite musicians) continued past that absolute beast of a first album. Such a creative peak for both of them - they were playing music live that would eventually end up on Danger Money even when Holdsworth and Bruford were still in the band. Seconds Out is (for me anyway) is probably the greatest live prog album ever recorded - despite Gabe purists scoffing at it in favour of Genesis Live. Compare SO to the many other(!) recordings available from Genesis 76 and (particularly) 77 tours and its easy to hear that despite some major studio editing, that this is the mighty Genesis - probably the greatest band in the world at the time - at the height of its power. Anyway, thats enough sycophantic superlatives for one comment! Great video!

[@chrismitton1839]

Really liked this video Andy. Couldn't agree more about "Three Sides Live", "Bursting Out" and "Seconds Out". I can't really deal with ELP, but there you go. I am very much hoping you won't have to make a follow up video entitled "The 10 Greatest LIVE PROG ALBUMS I wasn't able to salvage WHEN MY SHELVES COLLAPSED. It's looking a little shaky back there :)

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@deansusec8745]

Nice breakdown, as always! And your final message makes you think. You're right, though. When after a long time only the great music stays. Queen is a great example. When under pressure came out, nobody cared. Prince, Culture club, Duran Duran, were all powerful. But I ask you, where are those songs now? Under pressure imo, was incredibly ahead of its time! Have a listen. Queen overall, are far more popular today than the ever were decades ago, when the music actually came out!

[@garanceadrosehn9691]

Well, I think Prince (and later his estate) killed off his legacy because of all the energy put into stamping out anyone anywhere putting up copies of his music.

[@johnc.8409]

Yes, Exit Stage Left is live and they were that good ! I know I was there for all their tours ( barring Roll The Bones ) from 78 onwards.

[@richardbradley1532]

I saw the exit stage left tour. No idea if there is 'help' but remember the show as fabulous.

[@johnc.8409]

Right , got my top ten 1. Chocolate Hobnobs . 2. Hobnobs 3. Chocolate Digestives 4. Jammie Dodgers 5. Custard Creams 6. Chocolate fingers ( must be Cadbury) 7. Shortbreads (any) 8. Digestive 9. Coconut rings 10 . Fox's Crunch Creams

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

My God that is a good list there....in my video I would want to discuss Malted Milks and Nice biscuits...and perhaps Fig Rolls. Then there is the question if we include the cheap staples; Custard Cremes and Bourbons...then of course there is the Jaffa cake dilemma to contend with...

[@johnc.8409]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer And on a serious note . Love your Videos Andy , I'm tired of watching the same top 10 Videos in which you don't even have to watch them as they basically go for the same old ...Dark Side , Court .. etc . Love your subjective list's etc. And yes I'm a Prog nerd but my socks are not in any shape or form ..

[@grahamnunn8998]

Agree, saw Rush in 80 and 81. I read an interview with the guy who mixed their final live album / Bluray. He said there was not a single mistake on any take of any song. The only mistakes were where the recording had a fault. I saw the R30 tour and they were faultless.

[@janvrolijk9126]

Live at Pompeiï IS a live album. There is a CD version of it (only I don't know if this is official or bootleg...)

[@mariobarrela]

Thanks again, very nice and clever list! For me also “Live at Pompeii” is a album, and now is included in one of the new boxes- Obfuscation And I really love Bursting Out by Jethro Tull! There’s also a very good live album by Genesis in The Box Archives I - where they play “The Lamb”. Andy I have a Quiz for you! What live album by a British Prog Band feature Kenny Wheller? And is a great album.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

The only prog album I can think of with Kenny Wheeler on is Feels Good To Me by Bill Bruford.

[@mariobarrela]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer it’s “Five Bridges” The Nice. It’s a great album. Also there are Alan Skydmore and Peter King

[@ianp9086]

Chocolate hobnobs win hands down and you’re right about the whole experience of Bursting Out. So right that you’ve persuaded me to get Playing the Fool and try again to get into GG. Seconds Out is amazing and I still play it regularly - Collins does an great job with Suppers Ready and the highlight has to be Cinema Show with Bruford and the tight ending.

[@chrisray9015]

Great list Andy; some interesting choices I didn't see coming, especially number 1. I'm glad you picked USA, that's my favourite King Crimson live album, before you get to the big live boxsets and stuff. Right now on to the important issue of biscuits; my choices will be dominated by the brand Arnotts, which here in Australia does dominate the biscuit market, but I'm not sure if you have them much over in England. In no particular order: Shapes biscuits - specifically BBQ and Cheese & Bacon flavours Monte Carlo Iced Vovo Raspberry Tartlets/Shortbread Lattice (unfortunately they stopped making these last year) Tim Tams - especially the caramel and double coat flavours Wagon Wheels Oreos - specifcally double stuff (the only non Arnotts biscuit on my list) And there's others that I like but more in an honourable mention kind of way like Kingston, Scotch Finger and Nice.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Oh no....Australian biscuits!

[@chrisray9015]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Haha, have you tried any?

[@richardsutton01]

I saw ELP perform Pictures live in the early 70's and ever since then it has always been my favourite ELP album. I even bought the classical version afterwards. However, I still prefer Coliseum Live as a prog masterpiece which I also saw on the tour that yielded the live recording.

[@asafiu1967]

Thank you Andy! The music you chose is timeless and probably the same I would choose. The only album I think should be here is 801 live.

[@garylake1676]

Pictures is the best, a spot-on choice, as Andy got down to the last five, I am sat thinking Welcome Back should be coming, but Pictures is special, very very special, outrageous of ELP to throw this into the mix as their second/third album, (I think it was released at a very similar time to Tarkus).

[@brentrusche2056]

@Andy Edwards, Yes, I made it to the end of the video and would love to know your Top 10 Biscuits! Also, Please share your favorite Progressive albums of the 1990's Cheers to all that is bonkers! Brent

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Greatest 90s prog albums...mmm...I think I can do that one...

[@patbarr1351]

I was pretty startled when I heard Gentle Giant's "Playing the Fool," but decades later we're able to see them in several videos ("Giant on the Box" for one) and they did indeed play all that stuff live, switching instruments faster than a runway model swaps outfits! I would never limit a Best Of like this to the '70's. There were a number of fine live records in the '80's, like "Peter Gabriel Plays Live," Tangerine Dream's "Poland," Talking Heads' "Stop Making Sense" and even Kate Bush's live EP (I had the Laserdisc too).

[@soothsayerbh1038]

Seconds out is in my humble opinion the greatest album ever, just such an amazing beautiful journey of madness driving my van. breaking my wrists on the steering wheel drumming . Actually duke is the best album as well.