Rush were a Canadian trio who, in just a few short years, went from riff-laden heavy metal (read: Led Zeppelin-style) to British progressive rock (read: Yes-style). The band had an excellent and versatile guitarist in Alex Lifeson, while Geddy Lee was known for both his trebly bass and high-pitched vocals. Drummer par excellence Neil Peart, who joined for the band's second album, also provided lyrics for the band's music. Their sound had steadily "progressed," both artistically and commercially, over a few albums, culminating here on 2112.

Nektar returned to the US to capitalize on the chart success of their previous two releases; there, they undertook an extended tour between March and May of 1975, with Larry "Synergy" Fast and ever-present Mick Brockett's light show in tow. They were then off to Château d'Hérouville in France to record Recycled, with producer Peter Hauke and Fast. The concept of environmentalism was drawn from the US tour, as well having road-tested some of the music during the tour.

PFM's international fortunes had greatly improved, thanks to major bouts of touring in both the UK and the US, and their record deal with Manticore Records now encompassing Asylum Records in the US. Chocolate Kings was the first of two albums the group would record solely in English. True to their resolve, the band recruited vocalist Bernardo Lanzetti, previously in Italian progsters Acqua Fragile. Educated in Texas, Lanzetti had a distinctive voice, somewhere between Roger Chapman and Peter Gabriel.

Following Peter Gabriel's departure from Genesis, the band searched for a new vocalist (short-listed were Mick Jones, Steve Gould and Bernie Frost), before ultimately realizing that they already had their man right behind the drum seat: Phil Collins. Of course, his voice, not that dissimilar from Gabriel's, had been heard plenty by now. That settled, the band entered the studio with the task of proving whether they could survive without their former frontman.

With Daevid Allen and Gilli Smyth in Majorca, the remaining members of Gong—Mike Howlett, Didier Malherbe and Pierre Moerlen—were left holding both the proverbial torch and a two-album contract with Virgin Records to fulfill. Tim Blake had already split to France to start his own solo career, while Steve Hillage would make a final guest appearance here. The band toured the UK in late 1975 with Clearlight, and live tapes reveal the full impact of the new members. The set list includes tracks from the Trilogy era and Hillage's Fish Rising album, as well as new material.

Hailing from Illinois, Starcastle was one of a few US prog rock bands (along with Ethos and Symphonic Slam) that achieved some recognition in the mid-70s. After trudging the bar circuits under various names, the core of guitarist Steve Hagler, drummer Steve Tassler, keyboard player Herb Schildt and bassist Gary Strater were joined by another two members: second guitarist Matthew Stewart and vocalist Terry Luttrell, the latter previously in another Champaign band, REO Speedwagon. In 1974, they changed their name to Starcastle and signed to Epic Records.

Kraan was riding a critical and commercial peak coming into the sessions that yielded their fifth album, Let it Out. Joining Kraan was ex-Karthago keyboardist Ingo Bischof, a frequent guest at the Wintrup commune. Conny Plank also paid a visit, and suggested that the recording take place at the commune's farmhouse. The album stands as a creative high point for the band. Bischof's electric piano and clavinet fit perfectly into Kraan's music, whether he's playing rhythmically or providing a lead.

Yes bassist Chris Squire's solo album Fish Out Of Water was the first to appear after Yes took a sabbatical following Relayer. That each member recorded an album worthy of release on Atlantic Records is debatable; but judged by this record alone, it was a great idea! Squire put together a fantastic band, including ex-Yes member Bill Bruford and almost ex-Yes member Patrick Moraz, with noted session players Mel Collins and Jimmy Hastings contributing. In addition to piano, Andrew Pryce Jackman provided the luscious orchestral arrangements.

Vangelis embarked on his solo career while still a member of Aphrodite's Child, the earliest fruits of which were several soundtracks, mostly recorded at Studio Europa Sonor in Paris. Both Hypothesis and The Dragon, recorded in London for Giorgio Gomelsky in 1971 (and released without Vangelis's permission in 1978), were little more than jam sessions-albeit pretty good ones-fusing psychedelic rock with jazz and ethnic influences. His first solo album proper, 1974's Earth, was recorded for Vertigo.

Prior to Genesis, guitarist Steve Hackett recorded with Quiet World. Featuring the Heather brothers three, 1969's The Road was a proto-progressive opus, replete with orchestral arrangements, yet Hackett's distinctive guitar, later honed with Genesis, was within. Years later, while Genesis was on hiatus following Peter Gabriel's departure, Hackett, along with his brother John and the rhythm section of Mike Rutherford and Phil Collins, recorded his debut solo record.