If the ranking of groups within the pantheon of progressive rock were based solely on musical inventiveness and chops, Gentle Giant would stand taller than Yes, Genesis, King Crimson and all of the rest. Case in point is the lead-off track from their 1972 magnum opus, “Octopus.” Its madrigal-inspired vocals and progressive jazz leanings typify […]
Today in Rock History – October 17
1964, Manfred Mann started a two week run at number one on the US singles chart with “Do Wah Diddy Diddy.” It was also a chart topper in the UK. The song was first released by the US group The Exciters. 1967, A 10-date package tour of the UK played the last night at the […]
Song Of The Day by Eric Berman – “Giant For A Day” by Gentle Giant
By 1978 when Gentle Giant released the “Giant For A Day” album, they were trying to score a radio hit. Their previous “Missing Piece” album was also radio ready, but Punk Rock was burgeoning and Gentle Giant found themselves irrelevant to that fan base. With their new radio friendly material, they were becoming irrelevant to […]
Song Of The Day – “Playing The Game” Live 1978 by Gentle Giant
They were one of the premier Progressive Rock groups in their day…right up there with King Crimson, Yes and Genesis. With a stellar lineup of brothers, Derek and Ray Shulman, Kerry Minnear, Gary Green and John Weathers, the Giant were adept multi-instrumentalists who would dazzle in concert with their intricate vocal arrangements and odd time […]
