Comments on: What is the purpose of music awards?

By: Synthetase

Synthetase — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 02:44:52 +0000

I just ignore the press. I hear about good music reading this blog and others, such as Angry Metal Guy. I don’t need someone to be handing out awards to know that an album I like is good. Aren’t all industry awards just a game of mutual back slapping and group therapy?

Having said that, what I have seen of the press (I get the Burning Shed newsletter so always see the cover of Prog magazine) tells me that the has-beens are the ones who generate most of the press. I can’t tell you how much I don’t care about seeing Yes and King Crimson on the cover. I mean come on, there are great new acts out there, pouring themselves out on stage for the world to see and all you guys want to talk about is 1973?

By: Tim Hall

Tim Hall — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 19:19:29 +0000

Indeed, having albums in a the nominations that hadn’t even been released made a mockery of the whole thing. I had forgotten about that.

Mostly Autumn’s and Panic Room’s albums are in a different league to Yes quality-wise. These are two bands at their peak of their powers rather than yesterday’s heroes.

Still, Yes’ “Heaven and Earth” is a lot better than John Lees’ Barclay James Harvest’s forgettable effort. Best new album by 70s survivors is probably Curved Air’s “North Star”.

By: Ian Almond

Ian Almond — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 19:11:35 +0000

I would agree that the Prog awards has certainly raised the profile of the genre in the past few years and has gained plenty of media coverage.
However, I am highly sceptical about the credibility it has in the fans eyes, this year the latest Yes album (featuring yet another stand in singer) is nominated for album of the year weeks before it is released! Advertising spending obviously out weights quality of work.
Mostly Autumn after their finest album ever in my view fails to get a nomination as usual.