Prog Rock

Mind-bending philosophy, virtuoso guitar-keyboard face-offs, funky hybrid mythology, odd medieval obsessions, weird hair — welcome to the epic province of progressive-rock. Born out of '60s British psychedelia, the movement had its pioneers in Pink Floyd, the Moody Blues, and — from Willowdale, Ontario — the mighty Rush.

Before prog-rock was (almost fatally) savaged by punk in the mid-'70s, the household stereo was the world's passport to a future-past of limitless possibilities. The so-called Canterbury scene was ascendant, built around the likes of Camel ("Never Let Go") and Henry Cow ("Amygdala"), whose first-ever gig was a Pink Floyd support slot.

Most of us first access prog through the front door of mega-bands, but there's a huge stash of good gear round the back. Once you've heard the vocal intricacies of "School Days" by Gentle Giant (whose manifesto was "to expand the frontiers of contemporary popular music at the risk of becoming very unpopular"), regular rock seems naked.

No point getting too heavy about prog: over-reaching ambitions, silly trousers, and leanings into cosmic fantasy are all part of the appeal. But the genre also boasts peerless musicianship, mind-blowing concepts forged by keen intellects, and worship-worthy showmanship. Since its inception, prog's commitment to quality has remained untouchable — from Rick Wakeman's keyboard sorcery to the hard-edged virtuosity of power-trio Rush. Clean out your headspace: this is prog-rock.