Episode 142 – US Prog Rock in the 1970s: Five of a Perfect Quartet

We all know the big names of prog rock -- they're mentioned numerous time in this episode -- and we all know the music of many other names from all over the world, especially the Italian and Scandinavian progressive gods. And Holland's Supersister! But do you know Babylon, Yezda Urfa or Ethos? Perhaps not. The US prog movement of the '70s happened mid-/late decade, well past the prime/peak of 1972 (ish)...but we haven't forgotten these excellent American contributors to our favorite subset of rock music. Dive in with us as we unearth five of our US prog favorites from that glorious decade... Note I: Wow, sorry about the quality of Jeff’s transmission in the first three-quarters of the episode…we’re back to the dark ages of early RR episodes there. Our apologies! Note II: Jeff’s Voivod book, ‘Always Moving: The Strange Multiverse of Voivod,’ is now available. You can purchase a copy of the 540-page, 3-pound behemoth HERE: radicalresearch.org/voivod Note III: The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast Music cited in order of appearance: Babylon, “The Mote in God’s Eye” ( Babylon , 1978) Babylon, “Dreamfish” ( Babylon , 1978) Cathedral, “Introspect” ( Stained Glass Stories , 1978) Cathedral, “The Search” ( Stained Glass Stories , 1978) Ethos, “Atlanteans” ( Ardour , 1976) Ethos, “Long Dancer” ( Ardour , 1976) Yezda Urfa, “Boris and His Three Verses (Including Flow Guides Aren’t My Bag)” ( Boris , 1975) Yezda Urfa, “The Basis of Dubenglazy (While Dirk Does the Dance)” ( Boris , 1975) Starcastle, “Elliptical Seasons” ( Starcastle , 1976) Happy the Man, “Stumpy Meets the Firecracker in Stencil Forest” ( Happy the Man , 1977) Happy the Man, “Steaming Pipes” ( Crafty Hands , 1978) Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.

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Episode 142 – US Prog Rock in the 1970s: Five of a Perfect Quartet is an episode from Radical Research Podcast by Jeff Wagner & Hunter Ginn.

This episode is 1:33:55 long.

This episode was published on Mar 19, 2026.

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