Current Reviewer Bio
- Mark Johnson a.k.a. Prof

Prog Prof Introduction:

Yes I am a college prof, and it would be nice if I could make enough money talking about prog rock all day. So this is a great outlet for me to discuss one of my favorite genres.

In the USA we all know you cannot survive on prog alone, since not enough is being made here. Although maybe that is changing. Bands like IZZ, Singularity, ARZ, and of course Dream Theater are helping to keep the genre alive here.. Please share others that you are aware of in the US. One thing all profs learn is that we are all continuously learning.

I grew up listening to all of the best of prog's seminal albums, but gravitate to Genesis, Yes, ELP, King Crimson, and Pink Floyd as the leaders I most often listen to when I need perspective.

But progressive means change and I do believe strongly in change. I am also a blues fan as well as just good solid rock to quote Dire Straits. I also embrace the music of bands which may not be strictly locked into the traditional prog camp. I have a symphonic prog side, hard rock, but also like jazz, ambient and world music as well.

As a prof I try to use a methodology when evaluating music. I have never played in a band and do not play any instruments, apart from a multi disc CD player ha ha. I truly am a listener and passionate fan of music. I have time during the day, while I'm grading all of those papers to listen to allot of music. I am not much of a TV fan, so I do listen to a ton of music each year. For me this opportunity is a perfect match.

Anyway, my methodology boils down to five questions:

Hope you enjoy my reviews. No prof or reviewer is beyond feedback, so if you want to review my review or pass on feedback, you can do so here.

So, without any further delay, let's rock!

Prog Prof

Prof's Top 20 Picks Of 2009 (link coming soon)