The difference, by ear
Canterbury is prog's jazz wing: quieter, funnier, harmonically far more sophisticated and much less interested in epic narrative.
Both are sung cleanly, but progressive rock swings further either way: 60 to 180 bpm against 90 to 150. To hear the difference, play Soft Machine next to King Crimson. Canterbury scene grew out of progressive rock.
In figures
Canterbury scene
Where it sits
Rock › Progressive rock › Canterbury scene
In short
Prog with jazz harmony and dry English humour. Looser and stranger than its symphonic neighbours.
How it sounds
- Jazz harmony - sevenths and ninths - in place of blues pentatonics.
- Fuzzed organ, the signature of Mike Ratledge in Soft Machine.
- Absurdist humour in the lyrics, in contrast with the complexity of the music.
Key acts
- Soft Machine
- Caravan
- Hatfield and the North
Start here
The pickCaravan - In the Land of Grey and Pink. Prog that doesn't take itself seriously, and lasts because of it.
Full page →Progressive rock
Where it sits
In short
Rock with classical ambitions: odd meters, twenty-minute suites, mellotron. The direct foundation of progressive metal.
How it sounds
- Odd meters - 7/8, 5/4, 13/8 - used routinely rather than as an effect.
- Mellotron, Hammond organ, Moog and later polyphonic synthesizers.
- Long suites, concept albums, sometimes a single piece per side of vinyl.
Key acts
- King Crimson
- Yes
- Genesis
- Rush
Start here
The pickKing Crimson - In the Court of the Crimson King. The first track tells you everything.
Full page →