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Progressive rock has developed into a genre with a very recognizable tone and feel despite the fact that progressive no way uniquely defines this genre. I always thought progressive meant developing step-by-step or promoting innovation. Both of these notions describe what has come to be known as progressive rock, but it does not define it. However, progressive rock does seem to have a rather well-defined box with very few ways out. There’s a very particular sound associated with progressive rock, but to me progressive rock is more about the song structure and dynamics. It seems the progressive in progressive rock is no longer an adjective, but the first part of the noun “progressive rock”.

Does it seem like I’m rambling yet? Well, I’m not. I’m just venting. But there’s a point to all of this. What progressive in progressive rock means to me really applies to all genres of music. Music shouldn’t conform to a tight, pre-defined structure (i.e. verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus). These structures are just a cheap way to turn two or three riffs into a money maker. Music should be more personal and more about feeling. This leads me quite nicely into blues… and is there such a thing as progressive blues rock? I’m not sure, I just came up with that, but it makes a lot of sense. Ironically, blues often follows a very well-defined song structure (e.g. 12-bar blues), but that’s besides the point. I digress, the first band off the top of my head ideal for such a genre is Gov’t Mule. Other’s have labeled them as southern rock, blues rock, and even a jam band. But I haven’t seen progressive blues rock, which seems more fitting to me at times. Of course, they have a relatively wide range of sounds.

I have a feeling this won’t be my first post on Gov’t Mule. I only have their self-titled from 1995 and Dose (1998). They didn’t stop there. They have several studio and live albums, and they have released a studio album as recently as this year, i.e. The Haunted Holy House (2008). Gov’t Mule was originally a side project with two members from The Allman Brothers Band. As far as I’m concerned, the rest is history. Sometimes it’s nice to know the history of a band, but quite frankly, I’m much more interested in the music itself. But that’s just me.

Dose was a stronger album in my opinion. Aside from simply liking the songs better, I felt like the drums weren’t quite as in your face in Dose as they were in the self-titled album. It seems like the guitar and bass were just barely sparse enough to bring out the drums a little more than necessary. The guitar and bass in Dose were tighter and the drums better mimicked the rest of the band in terms of dynamics. On the other hand, the self-titled album was more free-form, which gives a much stronger jam band, and even blues, vibe. When it comes down to it, deciding whether the self-titled or Dose is better comes down to personal preference. I should also add that their album Mighty High (2007) has significant reggae influence, if that’s your cup of tea.