1974

1974 was probably the last of the ‘golden years’ of the first wave of progressive rock. It was a year in which the classic bands that came to define the genre released some of their most acclaimed albums, the long players that, more than 50 years later, are still cherished by discerning music lovers. Find an old proghead and watch their eyes light up at the mention of Relayer by Yes, King Crimson’s Red, Rock Bottom by Robert Wyatt, Hero And Heroine by The Strawbs, Supertramp’s Crime Of The Century and You by Gong.
   In this indispensable book, music writer Kevan Furbank delves into the past to unearth the vinyl gems that made the miserable mid-Seventies more bearable. Travel with him to Hergest Ridge with Mike Oldfield, visit Todd Rundgren’s Utopia, accompany Rick Wakeman on a Journey To The Centre of The Earth and discover why Hatfield And The North was more than just a British road sign.
   Furbank reveals how and why the albums were recorded and what inspired the songwriting, ranging beyond the music to the political and social upheavals of the time. Which cigarette company dictated the cover design for Camel’s Mirage? Which motorway led to Kraftwerk recording Autobahn? How did Richard Nixon inspire Gentle Giant on The Power And The Glory? And why did Frank Zappa tell us not to eat the yellow snow?
   All these questions and more will be answered in 1974: Progressive Rock Comes Of Age. It may seem like the dim and distant past. But for many people, this music is still alive and kicking. As Peter Gabriel said in the year’s double album epic from Genesis, The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway: ‘It is here. It is now.’

Now happily retired, Kevan Furbank was Managing Editor of Reach Ireland, publishers of the Irish Daily Mirror and the Irish Daily Star and a journalist on local and national newspapers for more than 40 years. He has published books on local history and written stories, articles and columns on practically every subject under the sun. This is his fifth book for Sonicbond. His music tastes encompass prog, rock, folk and jazz, and, in his spare time, he likes to pretend he can play guitar, bass, ukulele, bouzouki and keyboards. He is married with two grown-up daughters and lives in Northern Ireland.