Prog Rock was one of those 70s categories that would never really make it in 2014. Most rock or any genre should be progressive. What once referred to blips and ‘concept’ albums means nothing more than ‘dated’ now. But Ian Anderson took to the record with his thoughts on the genre he was tucked into.
“I still like the original term that comes from 1969: progressive rock — but that was with a small ‘p’ and a small ‘r.’ Prog Rock, on the other hand, has different connotations — of grandeur and pomposity,” he argued. “Back then, when we were doing ‘Thick as a Brick,’ bands like Yes and Emerson Lake and Palmer were already gaining a reputation for being a little pompous and showing off with their music. I think that was OK. The reality is that certain members of Yes were quite humorous about it; they could laugh at themselves — as, indeed, Emerson Lake and Palmer privately laughed amongst themselves about themselves.”
Hey now, Anderson isn’t being judgmental in fact he quickly added, “I personally think the world is a better place for having Emerson Lake and Palmer and Yes, because their music was quite elevated — great tunes, and some innovative playing. But, of course, it was to many people a bit excessive. I think some writers and some musicians found it pompous, because they were displaying their technical skills as musicians sometimes in a way that made them seem like party showoffs.”
Nice save! Prog Rock progressive rock whatever you may call it- could never come back. These ‘epic’ albums just don’t fit in with our ADD gimme now world. Then again I cant help but think Jethro Tull wouldn’t make it in today’s world and that’s just sad to consider.
The best bit is that Anderson used the opportunity to describe his peers as ‘party show offs’, I have a funny feeling the swashbuckling flutist had his days in the sun as well.