Citizens of Hope and Glory: The Story of Progressive Rock
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Product Description
Product Description
Created in the late 60s, fashionable in the early 70s, hated in the late 70s, and ridiculed in the 80s, the rise, fall and rise again of Progressive Rock is a colourful and eventful story. However, many of the genre's main protagonists - Genesis, Yes, Pink Floyd and ELP - remain as popular today as ever, while lesser-known names like Camel, Caravan, Renaissance, Van Der Graaf Generator and Gentle Giant still retain cult status. "Prog" expert Stephen Lambe guides the reader through the early years as the music developed out of the late 60s British Progressive Music boom into its own genre, and reached full maturity with classic albums like Yes's "Close to the Edge" and Genesis' "Selling England By the Pound" in the early 70s. He also discusses how the music was received and continued outside the UK, particularly in the USA, Italy and Scandinavia. Received wisdom has it that Punk swept Progressive Rock away in the late 70s, yet the genre never died. An early 80s revival, spearheaded by major label signings Marillion, IQ and Pallas, burned brightly but fell away sharply later in the decade. However, in the early 90s the movement began to re-establish itself, largely below the radar, led by Swedes The Flower Kings and Americans Spock's Beard. The rise of the internet and the decline of the worldwide pop industry allowed niche music - as Progressive Rock had now become - to flourish again. Now a healthy and vibrant Progressive Rock industry exists once more, built around a network of international festivals, retailers and distributors. With the launch of high street magazine "Classic Rock Presents Prog" in 2009, the revival of bands like Yes and ELP and the chart success of Porcupine Tree, it appears that the genre is once again entering the mainstream. Long Live Prog!
About the Author
Stephen Lambe has been co-promoter of the Summers End Progressive rock festival in Lydney, Gloucestershire since 2006, and has seen it grown to an event of genuine international stature. He writes regularly for "Classic Rock Society" the journal of the Classic Rock Society, for whom he is also a director. He also heavily involved with Welsh Progressive Rock band Magenta, running their online presence. He lives in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I am a year younger than the author and since hearing 'Going for the One' at the age of 14 have been an aficionado of progressive music. This book describes the soundtrack to my life. I discovered and enjoyed each period almost exactly as it is narrated here. Uncanny! At each point in the chronology, I kept thinking, 'I bet he doesn't mention...' only to discover a few pages later that he did. I particularly appreciated the description of the re-emergence of progressive rock in the mid-90s thanks to Cyclops/GFT. Good to see Malcolm Parker receive the credit he deserves.
But this gets five stars not because it describes my vinyl and CD collection. It is extremely well written. Rock journalism is often spoiled by poor sentence structure, punctuation and grammar. Not so with this book. Higly recommended for prog fans, but also for anyone who wants to discover what progressive rock is all about or simply enjoys high quality writing about the music and popular culture.
But this gets five stars not because it describes my vinyl and CD collection. It is extremely well written. Rock journalism is often spoiled by poor sentence structure, punctuation and grammar. Not so with this book. Higly recommended for prog fans, but also for anyone who wants to discover what progressive rock is all about or simply enjoys high quality writing about the music and popular culture.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I bought a copy of this book for myself shortly after its publication and was so impressed with it that I acquired two more as Christmas presents for friends. Both of whom have subsequently reported on how much they enjoyed it.
What I like most about what Stephen has created is that he's not gone into forensic detail but written about the music and bands with a fan's passion and understanding.
It's very well written and easy to read and appreciate.
A 'must have' for fans of the genre, those who want to learn more about or for the many who were too lazy or blinkered to keep up to date with the burgeoning prog scene once Genesis and Pink Floyd called it a day (I'm talking about the people who only ever go to gigs when it's a tribute band to one of the aformentioned bands).
What I like most about what Stephen has created is that he's not gone into forensic detail but written about the music and bands with a fan's passion and understanding.
It's very well written and easy to read and appreciate.
A 'must have' for fans of the genre, those who want to learn more about or for the many who were too lazy or blinkered to keep up to date with the burgeoning prog scene once Genesis and Pink Floyd called it a day (I'm talking about the people who only ever go to gigs when it's a tribute band to one of the aformentioned bands).
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
My priorities are a little different from those of this guy, I suppose. In quite an unclear manner he goes through his memories of Prog, choosing favourite albums and talking a great deal about Yes. If it's for newbies there isn't enough basic info; if it's for more expert readers I'd think there needs to be more on the music. A good overview of more modern Prog notwithstanding, it's difficult to see the intended audience. A diverting read for a couple of hours, though, and clearly a labour of love.
Listmania!
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