Prog-Rock's Greatest Hits - the '70s

Much maligned by critics and non-believers alike, the creature known as "prog-rock" refuses to die. Progressive rock in the '70s was a particularly British affair, the often-questionable result of English art-school grads attempting to stretch the boundaries of rock music by incorporating elements of classical, Baroque and jazz to the genre's palette.

The musical results were often spotty and the experimentation didn't always work, but there's something about the best prog-rock efforts that captures the imagination of the listener. Most of the albums listed below have remained in print since their release, a testament to the staying power of the music and the ingenuity of the musicians that created these sounds. Although prog-rock's commercial pinnacle was all-to-brief - lasting from 1970 to 1976, basically - these essential '70s releases would come to influence two generations of prog-rockers to follow in their footsteps.

KING CRIMSON - In The Court Of The Crimson King (1969)
Although not technically a '70s release, King Crimson's debut album would essentially set the standard for all who would follow. Robert Fripp was a talented guitarist that would see his creative inclinations unleashed by the freedom afforded by King Crimson. Multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald was the band's secret weapon, embroidering the songs with keyboards, reeds and woodwinds while pre-ELP bassist Greg Lake, fresh off a stint with symphonic-rock band the Nice, brought no little imagination to the album's mix of dark-hued rock with jazz overtones. As experimental as one can get and still appeal to a hardcore rock audience, In The Court Of The Crimson King is a landmark album by any standard.