VA - Wondrous Stories, 34 Artists that Shaped the Prog Rock Era [2010] (2 x CDs)

PROGRESSIVE ROCK

VA - Wondrous Stories, 34 Artists that Shaped the Prog Rock Era [2010] (2 x CDs)

The 2CD set, VA - Wondrous Stories, 34 Artists that Shaped the Prog Rock Era, is a concise celebration of the genre’s pioneers. This release carefully curates one definitive track from each of 34 influential artists, highlighting the groundbreaking contributions that laid the foundations for progressive rock. It is designed as a focused tribute, offering listeners a succinct yet potent snapshot of the most pivotal figures in the prog movement. By limiting the selection to 34 key artists, this collection emphasizes quality over quantity, ensuring that each track represents a milestone in the evolution of the genre.

This 2CD set is in contrast, to the 4CD set, VA - Wondrous Stories, A Complete Introduction To Progressive Rock (previously posted).

While the 4CD set presents an expansive, encyclopedic overview of progressive rock it was intended to be a comprehensive introduction, not only to the classic anthems but also to deeper, more experimental cuts. With four discs, it spans multiple eras and sub-genres; from the early, symphonic and art rock influences on the later, heavier and more eclectic expressions of progressive metal. The extensive track listing and historical context made the 4CD collection ideal for newcomers seeking an immersive journey or for seasoned enthusiasts aiming for a deeper dive into the multifaceted world of prog rock.

Ultimately, the differences in scope, track selection, and purpose are significant. The 2CD set is a streamlined homage to the genre’s architects, offering a curated glimpse into the forces that shaped progressive rock’s identity. 

Recognizing these distinctions helps ensure that collectors and fans choose the release that best aligns with their interests, whether a succinct tribute or a complete introduction to the genre.

The two sets, although similarly titled and released in 2010 with similar artwork, serve very different purposes and should not be confused.  This set contains a different set of tracks to the box set with the following exceptions noted below:

Yes - “Wondrous Stories” The 2CD set opens with Yes’s “Wondrous Stories,” setting the tone for its concise homage to key progressive rock moments. The 4CD box set also features “Wondrous Stories” (Disc 3, Track 1), ensuring that this seminal piece is recognized in both collections. Despite minor presentation variations, it’s essentially the same composition appearing in both releases.

Mike Oldfield - “Tubular Bells” Mike Oldfield’s groundbreaking composition is another point of overlap. In the 2CD set, it appears under its standard title, “Tubular Bells,” while the 4CD box set lists it with the subtitle “{Original Theme From The Exorcist}.” While this suggests a little extra context about the version used, it is fundamentally the same work, making it a shared highlight between the two sets.

Emerson, Lake & Palmer – “Fanfare For The Common Man” This track, a quintessential example of progressive rock’s fusion of classical elements with rock energy, appears in both collections—on the 2CD set (Disc 2) and in the 4CD set (Disc 3). Here, the track is presented identically, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of the genre.

Barclay James Harvest – “Mocking Bird” Both sets include a track by Barclay James Harvest titled “Mocking Bird.” However, there’s a key difference: the 2CD set offers the studio version, whereas the 4CD set features a live recording (the 1980 Berlin Live Version). Although they share the same title and artist, the version contrasts highlight the differing objectives of each compilation.

While both sets draw from the same well of influential progressive rock tracks, they do so with different curatorial intentions. The overlaps: Yes’s “Wondrous Stories,” Mike Oldfield’s “Tubular Bells,” and Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s “Fanfare For The Common Man” (plus a variant of “Mocking Bird”), anchor both collections yet are presented in unique contexts that reinforce the distinct listening experiences each set offers.

Enjoy! (B)

VA - Wondrous Stories (A Complete Introduction To Progressive Rock) [2010] (4 x CDs) can be found here:

https://butterboycompilations.blogspot.com/2025/03/va-wondrous-stories-complete.html

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Track lists

CD1

01 Yes - Wonderous Stories 3:49

02 Jethro Tull - Living in the Past 3:21

03 Supertramp - Crime of the Century 5:31

04 Rush - The Spirit of Radio 4:58

05 Mike Oldfield - Tubular Bells 3:17

06 Camel - Rhayader 3:03

07 Kansas - Dust in the Wind 3:27

08 Colosseum - The Kettle 4:25

09 Uriah Heep - Gypsy 6:38

10 Argent - Hold Your Head Up 6:18

11 Traffic - Paper Sun 4:14

12 Hawkwind - Silver Machine 4:38

13 Edgar Winter Group - Frankenstein 4:46

14 Gong - Perfect Mystery 2:29

15 Barclay James Harvest - Mocking Bird 6:36

16 Mountain - Nantucket Sleighride (To Owen Coffin) 5:51

17 Iron Butterfly - In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida 2:54

CD2

01 Focus - Hocus Pocus 3:23

02 Peter Gabriel - Solsbury Hill 4:22

03 Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Fanfare for the Common Man 9:41

04 Marillion - Kayleigh 3:34

05 Rare Bird - Sympathy 2:42

06 Genesis - The Serpent 4:41

07 Golden Earring - Radar Love 5:04

08 Jon & Vangelis - I Hear You Now 4:49

09 Moody Blues - Question 5:45

10 Strawbs - Lay Down 4:31

11 Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Joybringer 3:24

12 Rick Wakeman - Catherine of Aragon 3:46

13 Caravan - In the Land of Grey and Pink 5:01

14 Electric Light Orchestra - 10538 Overture 5:28

15 Roxy Music - Virginia Plain 2:58

16 Wishbone Ash - Jail Bait 4:43

17 Andrew Lloyd Webber - Theme (Paganini Caprice in A minor No. 24) and Variations 1-4 3:06

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Music weaves itself into the fabric of our emotions, dances through the corridors of memory, and whispers to the soul of who we are. Sharing these stories deepens the connection, turning the experience into something timeless and profound.

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