David Dykstal

David Dykstal

“Fragile” didn’t quite get me started on so-called progressive rock but it was a huge influence in that direction. “Roundabout” was, of course, a favorite, as well as “South Side of the Sky”. Those two have aged reasonably well, but the album has some real clinkers. “Cans and Brahms” was always dreck.

On the plus side, Jon Anderson’s opaque lyrics should detract from the songs but don’t. Chris Squire’s bass and Steve Howe’s guitar are stellar. Rick Wakeman’s keyboards added a punch that the earlier albums lacked.

I followed this up with several albums by Yes, ELP, King Crimson, and a few others. Unfortunately, there was a huge tendency for these bands to wander into the ether. The earliest stuff is still the best.