Long ago and not so far away, progressive rock ruled the radio waves. Overblown and full of itself, it eventually became extinct like the dinosaurs. As I was driving the kids to school this morning, however, a howl from the past came through my speakers and reminded me that sometimes there were some redeemable moments from that era.
One of my good friends and my then boyfriend were in a band in high school that wished they were Emerson, Lake and Palmer. One of the songs that she loved the most was "I Believe in Father Christmas." Maybe it's the memory of that time in my life, or maybe it's actually the song, but this song is part of my mortal fabric. I felt some sort of old sense of Christmas swell inside of me, much like a bombastic ELP song, as I listened to it this morning. So, hallelujah, noel, be it heaven or hell, the Christmas we get we deserve. Have an existential Christmas.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Progressive Rock Hangover
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5 comments:
I take it you were listening to My Best Friend in the Whole World, Lin Brehmer? I heard it too.
My first-ever concert was in 1977 at Soldiers Field-- Superbowl of Rock #1. The line-up was the Climax Blues Band, the J. Geils Band, Foghat and Emerson, Lake and Palmer. ELP was performing with a full orchestra.
My friend Ron Katona and I saw the first three bands, and then we had to leave early-- his father did not want to be downtown at night. I was super-pissed-- I was a huge ELP fan. I hadn't discovered punk yet.
BTW, all three bands were great, particularly J. Geils. The original release of Dave Marsh's rock book of lists, which was published around 1980, had them as one of the greatest bands that never had a #1 hit. Of course, a year after it was published, they had a #1 hit with Centerfold-- and promptly split up.
Merry Christmas Tenacious S and may you have a progressively rocking New Year!
Merry Christmas Ms. Tenacious!
Having a great Christmas. Thanks.
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