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Progressive Rock CD Reviews

Wonderland Band No 1 Review by Gary Hill This is a new vinyl release of an album from 1971. The range of sounds here is unique. It runs the gamut from bluesy rock to psychedelia and art rock. I'd say that the bulk of this lands under the artsy, proto-prog range, which is why I've put it under progressive rock. It's a cool set, and this is a quality piece of vinyl. This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2023 Volume 1. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2023.

Track by Track Review

Side 1

Heya, Donna Laya This is a bluesy rocker that has some definite psychedelia in the mix. I'm reminded of Canned Heat to some degree. This song is effective, but seems to go on a bit too long.

The Liberal John F. Baverstock Now this is a huge change. A jazzy proggy kind of art music is on hand as this gets underway. There is more of a musical theater thing at play as the vocals enter. It works through a number of changes and has some downright weird, but so cool, moments.

Heavy Rider There is a symphonic processional kind of vibe as this gets underway. The track works out from there to more of a mainstream psychedelic rock groove. As the vocals join, it twists to artistic weirdness.

I Make Music Here we get more of a good time folk rocker. This is fun, but not at all artsy or proggy. Still, it has a great grounding effect.

Side 2

Country Clown Psychedelia meets bouncy folk rock and more on this number. It's unusual and quite entertaining.

Unfaithful More artsy and psychedelic in nature, this is cool stuff.

The Hill At almost 12-minutes long, this is the epic of the set. It comes in mellower and works upward gradually with a proggy, artsy concept. There are some definite psychedelic angles to the piece. It works through some intriguing changes and is definitely prog rock oriented.

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