1973: The Golden Year of Progressive Rock

During a decade that defined progressive rock, 1973 was a pivotal year. Influential bands like Yes, Genesis, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Jethro Tull, The Electric Light Orchestra and King Crimson released some of their best-selling albums and there was a plethora of releases from less well known but equally worthy acts. This book is a journey through this creative period; stopping off on route to explore symphonic rock, the Canterbury scene, Krautrock, fusion, progressive folk, art rock, space rock, album artwork and much more. As well as the big names from the year when progressive rock was arguably at its commercial and artistic peak, the book also looks in depth at albums by Mahavishnu Orchestra, Greenslade, Rick Wakeman, Gong, Le Orme, Can, Kayak, Gentle Giant, Premiata Forneria Marconi, Renaissance, Caravan, Nektar, Manfred Mann's Earth Band and Magma. But this book is much more than a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It's a comprehensive and knowledgeable guide to an era when music incorporated multiple sections, rich textures, intricate time signatures, inspired arrangements and diverse influences performed by skilled musicians. It was possible to take a dip in topographic oceans, encounter pot head pixies from a distant planet and still be home in time for larks' tongues in aspic.