Prog Digest – An Xperience Column – by Klyde Kadiddlehumper.
This is, perhaps, one of the longest stories in prog history. And, man, is it a Duesy. Won’t seem that long if you know WHY it’s called a Duesy – but I digress.
In the span of four years, 1895 – 1898, H. G. Wells published four of the most influential and terrifying novels of all time.
“The Time Machine” – 1895.
“The Island of Doctor Moreau” – 1896.
“The Invisible Man” – 1897.
“The War of the Worlds” – 1898.
The last of this bunch is our topic – and it is a prog topic … follow the bouncing ball.
In total, these four works encompass many themes. In Klyde’s pea brain – it’s the nature of man, the nature of science, the nature of evolution, and the nature of nature. There’s plenty more – but we can stick to these for the time being.
After all, history shows, again and again, how nature points out the folly of man. There I go mixing metaphors again.
Great works from one of the most progressive minds of the time.
Fast forward 40 years. A young man and his Merry Band of Pranksters (not Ken Keasey and his troupe on Further – maybe for a future episode here) scared the living hell out of a rather large swath of the US. At that time, Orson Welles (no relation) created the single greatest radio Halloween show ever with The Mercury Theatre on the Air – Oct 30, 1938.
So good and so real, they had to break in to let people know that there really weren’t Martians landing and laying Grovers Mills, New Jersey to waste. Geographically, a far cry from the original Horsell Common, Surrey, England.
Three years later, Welles was also the mastermind behind “Citizen Kane.” Klyde contends it is the single greatest film ever made.
From “Kane,” to “The Magnificent Ambersons,” to “Othello” (won the Palme d’Or), to “The Third Man” to a turn as Le Chiffre in “Casino Royale” – progressive performances. Even his unfinished “Don Quixote” is considered brilliant.
The 1953, the Gene Barry-starring movie strayed from the novel a bit more than some would like; however, it had one of the most progressive producers ever – George Pal.
Now, we can pretty well ignore the 2009 Tom Cruise vehicle, the recent cable series, and the widely hated (for good reason) 2025 piece of …
We are here for the prog stuff and a 50th anniversary celebration of “War of the Worlds.” Jeff Wayne’s musical version.
A prog classic – and while it was released in 1978, the singing making this even possible is 50 years old.
In 1975, Wayne and his father put ink to paper with Wells’ son, Frank, and garnered the rights to make the album.
Not heard it? Not even heard of it? Well, go forth and learn. Not like there are any people you might know on it. Richard Burton. Justin Hayward (“Forever Autumn”). David Essex. Phil Lynott.
The serious, deluxe version is not the cheapest thing on the planet, but there are remastered and mixed versions you really should seek out.
Jeff Wayne is 82 and has toured this with a band to rave reviews and sold-out crowds. While British, he is American-born – QUEENS IN DA HOUSE!!!!!
While not as well known, Wayne also did a musical version of “Spartacus,” and before you ask, yes – Klyde has that in his collection as well – on vinyl.
After all this time – still fresh and amazing.
Who knew H. G. Wells could be so progressive …
Until next time.
Klyde