If you're into albums that shake the very foundation of music, then 'Prog,' the album by The Bad Plus released in 2007, fits the bill perfectly. This Minnesota-based jazz trio defied the odds and conventional wisdom by bringing their unique blend of rock and free jazz to a wider audience. Who would have thought that in a progressive world of synthesized beats and autotune, something so genuinely instrumental could capture the fascination of millions?
So what makes 'Prog' stand out? For starters, this album isn't your regular Sunday morning jazz record. It fuses rock's raw energy and jazz's improvisational depth, turning it into an explosive cultural artifact. Its tracklist is a testament to musical prowess and daring exploration. Ranging from blistering originals to eclectic covers, each track takes you on a sonic journey that's equal parts familiar and avant-garde. Why settle for the uninspired buzzing of the mainstream when you can get transported into a realm of creative genius?
Let's talk about the tracks. 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World,' a Tears for Fears cover, epitomizes how 'Prog' turns classics on their head. The Bad Plus takes this 80s megahit and reconstructs it into a landscape layered with intricate melodies and textured harmonies. A political angle, some might say—capturing the chaos and power struggles in today's society through a jazz-rock lens. Plus, 'Physical Cities' hammers the point home with a frenetic pace and mathematical precision that would leave any self-proclaimed music critic scratching their head.
Then, it’s time for some Herbie Hancock nostalgia with their rendition of 'Life on Mars.' This track demonstrates their ability to pull sounds apart and assemble them into something even Bowie might have nodded to from his space-oddity perch. Are you ready for the cosmic ride? Because it’s unapologetically honest and refreshingly brash!
Besides the astonishing music, there's the social element these guys brilliantly intertwine into their work. When traditionalists gave up on live instrumentation, The Bad Plus brought it roaring back with ceaseless tours and engaged performances that drew people together. Theirs is a renaissance protest that flies in the face of the melody-starved mainstream. A reminder of an era where music was as thought-provoking as it was energizing.
The trio themselves deserve a shoutout for being the rebel musicians willing to break the mold. Ethan Iverson on piano, Reid Anderson on bass, and David King on drums delve into uncharted territories like modern-day Lewis and Clarks. They didn't wait for corporate money or record label validation. No, sir! They did it with sheer grit and skill, under the radar of the commercialized musical juggernaut that is pop culture.
'Prog' also stands as a test of time, showing how tradition can mix with innovation. This tableau of sound reminds many why America was once a leader in musical ingenuity before the digital takeover began eroding creativity. It's worth noting that these gentlemen of The Bad Plus are proof positive that individualism, when mixed with artistry, can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Is it any wonder that those leaning Left are incredulous at its brilliance? After all, it's an album that rebels against commoditized culture. In a world obsessed with superficiality and pre-packaged talent, 'Prog' invites listeners to think deeper while not shying away from controversial undertones. Isn’t it the type of bold statement that many cultural critics would love to see evaporate before it gives people 'crazy ideas'?
For those who savor real music, 'Prog' is fairly reminiscent of a golden age when art didn’t pander to the masses but shocked them into attention. It’s a defiance of current trends, and that, my friends, is why it matters. We need more architects like The Bad Plus in a world of assembly-line artists! While others are busy pleasing the majority, these fellows are busy innovating. That’s a winner’s mindset, declaring a minor rebellion with every note played.
In a nutshell, 'Prog' is one monster of an album. It cuts through the auto-tune wilderness, providing an oasis of authenticity. What more is there to say? Grab a copy or stream it—whatever keeps your boat afloat. Just don’t write off genuine effort for outlandish antics that only serve to distract from what truly makes an album a masterpiece. It's high time we all rock out to 'Prog' and remember what real music sounds like.