Prog Digest – An Xperience Column

Prog Digest – An Xperience Column – by Klyde Kadiddlehumper.

Progressive …

There are so many possible definitions, as a noun or adjective. Most relate to political or governmental action for “improvement.” Neither of these are for discussion in this forum. Hell, these are topics that are mostly off-limits, as you need my perspective (or anyone else’s for that matter) as much as I need it.

So, why Prog Digest?

Well—as we’ve discussed before a bit—it really is a matter of perspective. All about what YOU consider progressive. My definition is mine, yours is yours. Simple as that.

We can mostly all agree that Rush, early Genesis, ELP, Flower Kings, Transatlantic, Spock’s Beard, and more are classically progressive acts. Stravinsky – yes. Mozart – yes. Yanni – not so much (resolve just ONE damned chord before I die). List, debate, list, debate. Rinse and repeat. In the end, it is the discourse and the discussions that are, perhaps, more important than being right.
Being right is the hobgoblin of small minds. We all like to have times when we are more correct than others, but “right” is a matter of perspective. Accepting that the concept of right is variable is progressive.

To paraphrase “Men in Black,” 200 years ago we were certain the world was flat, 100 years ago we were certain flying was impossible, and 10 minutes ago you thought we were alone in the universe. What will we be certain of tomorrow?

Even “Caddyshack” has gotten into the act. Ty Webb made a serious observation most took as a joke. “Remember, in one version of the universe, the shortest route from one point to another is a straight line – in the other direction.”

Or, as a late friend was noted for saying when asked how she was, “Able to spit blood. Not mine, of course.”

All a matter of perspective.

The most recent, and final, studio album from one of my favorite artists, Derek W. Dick (aka Fish), does as good a job of encapsulating much of what many of us are feeling right now—from any side of the aisle we choose.

Weltschmerz.

A literary concept that describes the feeling an individual has when they believe reality can never satisfy the expectations of the mind. A mood of weariness arising from the acute awareness of evil and suffering.

It would interest ol’ Klyde how many of you reading this have had that feeling.

The comedian Steven Wright seems to exude this feeling. However, a chance encounter with him in NYC showed otherwise. Constant Companion and I, prior to our marriage, were returning to our hotel to change for an after-party, and we stopped in a coffee shop. You know, one of those on-every-corner, slowest, most bitter coffee joints, as CC had to make a pause for the cause. I’m standing there with a couple of coffees, and he walks up and asks if I am in line. I said, “Just waiting for my girlfriend to return from using the facilities.” His response: “I’m sorry,” in his signature flat tone. I smiled.

Walking back, he was hanging out on a park bench. We made eye contact and shared a little smile and nod of acknowledgment.

Just two guys having an inside joke.

My kind of progressive.

Until next time.

Klyde

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