Classic Rock And Prog Almanac

Peter, Shaun and Tim rank the Genesis studio albums. There's a few surprises, and one or two good rants. Also, how many ways are there to count to 15? And what does Shaun's brother Steve think?

Peter, Shaun and Tim discuss their opinions of the fourth album by Jethro Tull, Aqualung. The discussion includes: Jethro Tull’s innovative lyrics, whether their style precipitated prog rock and heavy metal, why the album was so big in America, and, most crucially, was it a concept album or not? Also, did Ian Anderson really threaten to do a flute solo if the band didn’t nail their solos in two takes? What's the English word for pants? And what’s it like to share a bathroom with John Bonham?

Peter, Shaun and Tim discuss their opinions of the fourth album by Rush, 2112. The discussion includes: Rush’s career swerve, the band’s fascination with Ayn Rand, why the album was considered better than Caress of Steel, and whether the whole concept for the album actually came from Tchaikovsky. Also, what actually happens in the title track? Would it really be so bad to live under the rule of the Priests? And is the postcode for The Temples of Syrinx SY or SX?

Peter and Shaun were busy this week, so Tim had a debate with himself, about the eighteenth studio album by Marillion, F.E.A.R.. The ‘discussion’ includes: whether Marillion owe more to Genesis or to Pink Floyd, why the band’s abstract compositional technique is so difficult to discuss conceptually, and whether ultimately they are writing tracks or albums. Also, did they read Thomas Pikkety’s Capital in the 21st. Century? Can the band be considered political catastrophists? And who is that at the door?

Peter, Shaun and Tim discuss their opinions of the fourth (or fifth?) album by Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Brain Salad Surgery. The discussion includes: ELP's astonishing musical talent, whether this was supposed to be a concept album or not and the question of why the band chose to do so many cover versions. Also, why was everyone so keen to go to Switzerland? Can we put together a crowd funder to reclaim Carl Palmer's drum kit? And what exactly did Greg Lake need a ladder for?

Peter, Shaun and Tim discuss their opinions of the debut album by King Crimson, In The Court Of The Crimson King. The discussion includes: King Crimson as singularity, what makes Michael Giles such a good drummer and why the heavy reliance on the mellotron? Also, should Mirrors be used on Strictly Come Dancing? And how do you pronounce Judy Dyble's surname?

Peter, Shaun and Tim discuss their opinions of the eighth album by Pink Floyd, Dark Side Of The Moon. The discussion includes: Pink Floyd's musical ability, whether it truly works as a concept album and whether the cover was based on the Black Magic chocolate box or Milk Tray. Also, is the opening of 'Money' the sound of someone paying Clare Torry her 60 quid session fee? And who on earth is Barry St. John?

Peter, Shaun and Tim discuss their opinions of the fifth studio album by Yes, Close To The Edge, as well as Jon Anderson's early work, as a milkman in Accrington, Lancashire.

Peter, Shaun and Tim discuss their opinions of the fifth studio album by Genesis, Selling England By The Pound.