melodic vs. metalic

[joelscottiii]

Maybe it's an age-related thing for me as a listener, but I have a hard time tuning in to AM because it strikes me as a bit too heavy on stuff that's overyl metal-influenced or atonal. (I know it's not a generational matter -- early prog artists [KC to name just one] could swing from one end of the melodic extreme to the other -- though I have a sense that much of today's prog intersects with metal music more than back in the day.) Is there an alternative or AM-lite, for those of us who want the more melodic side of prog while they work, relax, etc.? I have the same problem with Attention Span radio on the fusion side. There will be those who crave the more bombastic stuff and that's fine, but I can't believe I'm the first to have this thought and that I've got in mind a niche that nobody's tried to fill. Waddya think?

[OverHillandDale(Admin)]

I don't believe you'll find any place that will narrow their focus to just one style of music. It just proves the adage that you can't please all the people all the time.

But also remember that AM is programed by it's listeners. What you request is what gets played (except during preprogrammed shows and no request Wednesdays). Just be forewarned there are many of us who have a very broad range of tastes. I'm 50 and am a very tolerant music lover. I like to hear material I have not heard before. As long as it is done well I can usually stand it. But done to excess makes me draw a line, no matter what style it is.

But if you prefer Melodic, stand up for your tastes and order up a heaping helping (one per hour, please) during the day, and share your tastes. We'd love to hear it.

[NorCalKurt]

Dale, I couldn't have said it any better. I could just dig out all my YES albums and listen day in and day out. I choose not to. Let's explore!

[Rick and Roll]

Contrary to popular belief lol, I like melodic music. I do so like a good crunchy song also.

A lot of progressive rock of late, even the classic artists are incorporating heavy themes in their music. It may not be a generational thing by person, but it certainly is new for this generation. Some bands can swing wildly within songs.

Atonal is a different story. There is no more polarizing genre in progressive rock than RIO and the like. But as with bands like Porcupine Tree, these bands are also very popular and evoke great passion in the listener.

It's tough to avoid. As for a niche, I also think Dale says it best.

[Yesspaz]

Actually, I've always thought AM, at least in the early days, tried very hard to NOT be heavy. No Dream Theater and the hundreds of prog-metal ilk. But then, I like some heavy stuff. Turing Machine was my donation, after all. I like AM. Whatever's rock and proggish is okay by me, heavy or not.

I could hi-jack this and mention that it's entirely possible to be both heavy and melodic and mention some band with Doug, Ty, and Jerry, but I won't.