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MOUNTAINS COME OUT OF THE SKY
1/28/2011 11:19:00 AM


MOUNTAINS COME OUT OF THE SKY.

 

 

 

The illustrated history of prog rock. By Will Romano

 

 

 

 

This book is a large format full colour size guide to prog rock past and present. Most of the bands featured in the book the diehard aficionado will know and love but there are sections on Kraut rock, the Canterbury scene, Italian prog and prog folk.

 

The book is well written and has a wealth of information on all bands included. Each bands history and recorded output is discussed and reviewed as well as an interesting piece on the roots and beginnings of each genre.

 

There is a section on American bands Kansas and Styx which I personally consider to be AOR rather than prog. This being said, both bands have produced some good music. The same applies to a section on rush who I think became a really good all round rock band rather than a prog band.

 

Genesis, King Crimson and Pink Floyd each have two sections, Gabriel and post Gabriel, Waters and post Waters and the 70s and the 80s/90s Crimson. These I feel could have been discussed in a single section and space been given to other bands.

 

There are a few errors in the naming of album covers which are shown at the foot of each page. In one section Porcupine Tree’s albums are named but Pink Floyd’s album artwork is shown. In the second article on Genesis, albums are incorrectly named and Voyage Of The Acolyte by Steve Hackett is named Invisible Touch. (Confusing to new comers to prog? Not arf)

 

These errors aside the book is well worth a read. The qualities of the pictures are good. Articles about IQ, Gentle Giant, and The Alan arsons Project are most welcome but why no Van der Graff Generator?

 

Paperback: 246 pages, full colour throughout.

Publisher: Backbeat books; original edition (1st December 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0879309911

ISBN-13: 978-0879309916

 

G W Goodbluff.

 

 

 

 

 

PROPHETS & SAGES
1/16/2011 8:05:24 AM


Prophets & Sages: An illustrated guide to underground and progressive rock 1967-1975 by Mark Powell.

A petfect reference book for anyone interested in this very productive and musically rich musical ers. Printed in black and white with a colour section featuring the sleeve artwork of most of the albums reviewed within the book.  The book is a real pleasure to read. Sectioned yearly and featuring a wealth of press cuttings/advertisements which were first published in the music press at the time. These i feel, add to the books appeal.

Each album featured is reviewed giving its original label and catalogue number accompanied by a black and white picture of the original cover, if it is currently available the current label and number is also given. Band personnel details and histories are given and each review has interesting information relating to the creation of each recording.

Each recording has been lovingly researched and the book covers well known acts such as Yes, King Crimson, Camel and Genesis alongside lesser known acts such as Khan, Rare Bird, Affinity and Beggers Opera. The book has had me browsing youtube to try and grab a listen to acts i have never heard of and revisiting old favorites on several occasions.

JW Goodbluff

Paperback 391 pages
Publisher
Cherry Red Books (25 Nov 2010)
Language English
ISBN-10: 1901447766
ISBN-13: 978-1901447767
Book jacket Phil Smee

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