Synthesist Michael Hoenig got his start in the German group Agitation Free, alongside drummer Chris Franke. That connection was renewed when Hoenig filled in for a vacationing Peter Baumann on Tangerine Dream's 1975 tours; and obviously, he learned a bit of their craft along the way. In 1976, he worked with Ashra's Manuel Göttsching, but recordings would not surface until decades later (as Early Water). In 1977, Hoenig became one of the first German musicians to sign an international deal, inking with Warner Brothers in the US.

Following Tangerine Dream's 1977 US tour and Peter Baumann's departure, Edgar Froese and Chris Franke took the dramatic steps of reinventing Tangerine Dream by inviting drummer Klaus Krieger and wind instrumentalist Steve Jolliffe into the fold. The latter had been in an early incarnation of the band during the late 60s (prior to joining Steamhammer); but his tenure at this stage would certainly be more controversial, as Jolliffe would also supply Tangerine Dream with-wait for it-vocals.

Before Kraan's 1978 release, Flyday, original member Jan Fride took a break from music and was replaced by drummer Udo Dahmen, previously in Aachen's Rufus Zuphall. With compositions credited to either Peter Wolbrandt or Hellmut Hattler, the album covers much of the same ground as the last. The instrumental "Far West" kicks off with the band soaring along to the jazzy tempo. The vocal effort "My Brother Said" is a real treat, reminiscent of the aggressive rock of the band's earlier Wintrup album.

National Health's beginnings precede this debut recording by about two years. Two keyboardists, Hatfield and the North's Dave Stewart and Gilgamesh's Alan Gowen, founded the group as a large-scale rock ensemble in 1975. Early lineups included Stewart and Gowen, along with Phil Lee and Phil Miller on guitars, Mont Campbell on bass, Amanda Parsons on vocals and Bill Bruford on drums. Large indeed. Lee left first, to be temporarily replaced by Steve Hillage. Bruford was the next to depart, followed by Campbell and Gowen.

At the beginning of the year, Christian von Grumbkow put down his guitar to become the band's manager (although he would continue to provide lyrics for their music). Spaniard Pablo Weeber, on a recommendation by Guru Guru, took his place, adding a significant mark to the band's sound. Rare Birds was recorded with Cedric Beatty and Manfred Schunke, the latter of the Kunstkopf or "artificial head" fame. "Häktik Intergaläctic" and "Sky Lift" open, revealing a more song-based approach, though one no less progressive.

The double bank of Boeing 747 landing lights provides the cover image for Genesis' second live album, while the four sides of vinyl supply the sound. And whereas Genesis with Peter Gabriel had the frontman of all frontmen, Genesis without Gabriel had lights, smoke, mirrors and two drummers! Yet whatever was happening on stage, the music was still the foremost attraction; and that, of course, was the band's key to success. In concert, Genesis was nothing but impressive, and the double-album Seconds Out certainly attests.

With their records now charting in the US and UK, what must have been a confident Rush flew to Wales and Rockfield Studios to record A Farewell To Kings, their fifth studio album. It represents a substantial leap in their development. The title track opens, and it’s a typical Rush construct: Propelled by Neil Peart’s masterful drumming, Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee hammer away until Lifeson’s lead guitar takes full-flight. The epically constructed “Xanadu” takes the concept of 2112 one step further; Lee also doubles on keyboards, providing a new augmentation to the band’s sound.

After the success of their previous album, Steve Hillage and Miquette Giraudy went off to Los Angeles to record Hillage's third solo album, Motivation Radio—this time under the production guidance of Malcolm Cecil. Cecil, along with Robert Margouleff, recorded as Tonto's Expanding Head Band; they released an album of electronic music in 1971, which ultimately led to a stint producing Stevie Wonder, among others. Joining as the rhythm section were session musicians Joe Blocker on drums and Reggie McBride on bass.

After the departure of Doug Ferguson, Camel entered the studio in 1977 with Andrew Latimer doubling on bass. However, Latimer vacated the role, as bassist Richard Sinclair finally took the call, providing a tenuous link to the Canterbury scene. Saxophonist Mel Collins, having first been a guest on the preceding tour, also joined the band as a full-fledged member.

After Hugh Banton's departure at the end of 1976, David Jackson also reconsidered his place in the band, and opted instead for the stability of a teaching career. With the pair gone, so went the "Generator" from the band's name. Peter Hammill and Guy Evans quickly rebuilt the band as a four piece, rehiring bassist Nic Potter and recruiting Graham Smith on violin, the latter having previously played with Charisma labelmate String Driven Thing and guested on Hammill's previous solo album.