VA - Maximum Prog - 16 Rare Gems From The Golden Age Of British Progressive Rock (2009)

With 16 slabs of vintage British prog rock rarities recorded between 1969 and 1975, this set shifts time signatures more often than a flock of sparrows over a snowy field in the wind. Track after track bounces off in complex directions, rock at its most assured and bombastic. Not much is subtle. It works as a playlist, though -- maybe because the scenery changes so fast. Among the highlights are keyboard whiz Don Shinn’s tribute to Grieg, “A-Minor Explosion,” Abacus’ ever-shifting and rising “Cappuccino,” and Rock Workshop’s (led by jazz rock guitarist Ray Russell) “Wade in the Water,” a punk-paced prog reshaping of the old gospel-folk tune into a desperate, skittering plea for, well, who knows. It’s easy to get lost. It’s also a lot of fun.