The Progressive Rock Files

By Jerry Lucky

George Copway (Kahgegagahbowh, 1818-69), an Ojibwe writer and lecturer, rose to prominence in American literary, political, and social circles during the mid-nineteenth century. His colorful,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1896522106
• ISBN13: 9781896522104
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Collectors Guide Pub
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.8" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

A consumer's view of The Progressive Rock Files

I have really enjoyed reading "The Progressive Rock Files". I have read the recent books by Macan, Stump and Martin... all very informative and insightful... I liked Macan's the best because it is the most complete and best organized. I also have the Billboard Guide to Progressive Music and it is good, but I like "The Progressive Rock Files" better because of the great timeline History section, the Definitions section and also the timeline Map on p.299. And of course the A-Z listing is a great guide for band info. and discographies. I have referred to the band listings so many times that the pages are getting worn. It has turned out to be an invaluable reference in researching bands and artists. I recommend the book to intermediate and advanced prog rock fans who do not need a lot of opinions thrown at them. The author is very clear on his intentions to be factual and complete without succumbing to personal preferences. He is also striving to make a complete definition of prog rock, not in an effort to 'box in' the genre, but to settle the argument so that we can go on and just enjoy the music. With this as a guide, I know I will for many years to come.

An Invaluable Prog Rock Reference Book!

I have really enjoyed reading "The Progressive Rock Files". I have read the recent narrative books by Macan, Stump and Martin... all very informative and insightful... I liked Macan's the best because it is the most complete and best organized. This is more of a reference book... I also have the Billboard Guide to Progressive Music and it is good, but I like Lucky's book better because of the great timeline History section, the Definitions section and also the timeline Map. And of course the A-Z listing is a great guide for band info. and discographies. It has become an invaluable resource for me in researching bands and artists. It is best suited to the intermediate or advanced prog fan who does not need a lot of opinions thrown at them. The author is very clear on his intentions to be factual and complete without succumbing to personal preferences. He is also striving to make a complete definition of prog rock, not in an effort to 'box in' the genre, but to settle the argument so that we can go on and just enjoy the music. With this as a guide, I know I will for many years to come.

a much needed book with few peers

I read another on-line review of this book that criticized it for lacking any genuine critical judgement. I approach this book from an entirely different perspective. As a musician who has labored on the edge of that obscure realm known as "progressive rock," I was thrilled to see the book and doubly thrilled to see that it contained some mention of bands that are totally ignored elsewhere, such as Univers Zero, Samla Mamma Mannas and ZNR. And I was triply thrilled to see my band mentioned! Is this book the definitive tome on progressive rock? Maybe not, but how many other writers are A) knowledgeable enough to approach the subject B) concerned enough to bother and C) willing to spend their time discussing a musical genre that the public and the media have wilfully ignored for decades? I say, until something to compare it to arrives, Lucky's book stands as THE definitive work on this subject.

Essential for any Prog fan.

This is an authoritative and comprehensive book covering all aspects of the complex musical movement known as progressive rock. It is 304 pages long and generously illustrated with vintage concert posters, band photos, album covers, etc. It is divided in these sections: 1. The History 2. The Definition 3. The Critics 4. Progressive Rock Today 5. The A-Z ListingThere is something here for both the newcomer and the veteran proghead. The A-Z listing is specially useful as it lists over 1,4000 artists, from the 60s all the way to the 90s, with a discography and description of the style. You're sure to find a band you'll want to check out.As the "icing on the cake", the book includes a CD with about 30 minutes of rare vintage Pink Floyd (circa 1968), taken from the soundtrack of the movie "Tonite Let's All Make Love In London". The tracks smoke!In summary, this is a very important work and comes highly recommended to all lovers of good music.