PROG ROCK on Vinyl

 

large album front cover photo of: PROG ROCK

This vibrant web page is a curated showcase of progressive rock music on vinyl, spanning iconic albums from Genesis, Tangerine Dream, Yes, ELP, Focus, and many more. It's not focused on a single artist but instead captures the essence of the genre—experimental, symphonic, and often theatrical—through high-quality album cover photography and insightful descriptions. From early 1970s classics to 1980s evolutions, the gallery highlights the rich diversity of prog rock’s golden era. Whether you're a collector, enthusiast, or newcomer, this page offers a visual and historical journey through some of the most imaginative vinyl LPs ever pressed.


FEATURED PROG ROCK VINYL RECORDS

Thumbnail of YES - Relayer Gatefold Cover 12" LP Vinyl Album front cover
YES - Relayer

YES - Relayer is the seventh studio album from the English progressive rock band Yes, released in 1974 on Atlantic Records. It is the only Yes studio album to feature Patrick Moraz, who replaced keyboardist Rick Wakeman earlier in the year.

URIAH HEEP - Equator incl Rockarama album front cover vinyl record
URIAH HEEP - Equator

"Equator" is the 1985 album by the English rock band Uriah Heep. . It was recorded during a time of change and transition for the band, as they were exploring new sounds and directions. The album features a mix of hard rock, progressive rock, and arena rock elements, and includes songs such as "Rockarama," "Lonely Nights," and "The Other Side of Midnight."

King Crimson Starless and Bible Black album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
King Crimson – Starless and Bible Black

Released in 1974, Starless and Bible Black captures King Crimson’s most daring blend of live improvisation and studio craft. Recorded at AIR Studios, its dark satire and raw experimentation showcase Robert Fripp, John Wetton, Bill Bruford, and David Cross at their creative peak — progressive rock both cerebral and savage.

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SWEET SMOKE - Just a Poke (1970 German Release)

Recorded soon after relocating from New York to Germany, Sweet Smoke’s 1970 debut “Just a Poke” is a transcendental trip through sound. Blending hypnotic saxophone, fluid guitar lines, and spiritual undertones, it channels the essence of early Krautrock. The album’s spacious energy and poetic improvisation make it an enduring cult favorite.

CROSBY STILLS NASH - Allies album front cover vinyl record
CROSBY STILLS NASH - Allies 12" Vinyl LP

“Allies” captures Crosby, Stills & Nash in a powerful blend of live and studio energy. Recorded during their 1983 tour, it merges the warmth of their vocal harmonies with the polished sound of early 80s rock. Highlights like “War Games” and “For What It’s Worth” reveal a band still evolving yet deeply rooted in their legendary folk-rock origins.

King Crimson In the Court of the Crimson King album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
King Crimson – In the Court of the Crimson King

“In the Court of the Crimson King” turned rock into high art. Recorded at Wessex Sound Studios in 1969, it fused poetry, jazz, and symphonic power into an unforgettable experience. Its dramatic dynamics and Barry Godber’s unforgettable cover art made it the ultimate symbol of prog rock’s fearless experimentation.

JETHRO TULL - Live Bursting Out (German and USA Releases) album front cover vinyl record
JETHRO TULL - Live Bursting Out (German & USA Releases)

- Live Bursting Out (1978, Germany)

- Live Bursting Out (1978, USA )

Released in 1978, "Bursting Out Live" captures the raw and electrifying essence of Jethro Tull's live performances, showcasing their remarkable musicianship and Ian Anderson's distinctive vocals. The album was an invitation for listeners to experience the energy, excitement, and virtuosity that characterized the band

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VANILLA FUDGE - - S/T Self-Titled ( 1968 Canada )

Vanilla Fudge (Atco 33-224) is the first album by the American psychedelic rock band Vanilla Fudge. It was released in 1967 and consists entirely of covers of songs, which were slowed down to about half speed of the original recordings by their original artists.

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CARAVAN - If I could do it all over again, I'll do it all over you

"If I Could Do It All Over Again ... " is the 1970 release by Canterbury scene rock band Caravan. It was the second album by the band, the predecessor to their best-known album" In the Land of Grey and Pink".

Visit: If I could do it all over... 12" Vinyl LP Album
PETER GABRIEL - So  album front cover vinyl record
PETER GABRIEL - So

Released in 1986, Peter Gabriel’s So became his most acclaimed and commercially successful album, blending progressive rock with pop, soul, and world music. Produced with Daniel Lanois, it features iconic tracks like Sledgehammer, Don’t Give Up with Kate Bush, and In Your Eyes. The minimalist artwork and innovative production cemented Gabriel’s reputation as a visionary artist.

So 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Obscured by Clouds (France 1st Pressing) album front cover
PINK FLOYD - Obscured by Clouds

Pink Floyd's "Obscured by Clouds" 1st release from France, a coveted 12" Vinyl LP Album, encapsulates the early 1970s era. Serving as the soundtrack for "The Valley," its unique features include rounded corners and the intriguing inscription "STEREO PEUT ETRE UTILISE AVEC UN LECTEUR MONO." Distinguished by exclusive label text, it stands as a genuine collector's gem, embodying the convergence of music and film in a bygone vinyl era.

Obscured by Clouds (France 1st Pressing) 12" Vinyl LP
PINK FLOYD - Obscured by Clouds (Itqly) album front cover
PINK FLOYD - Obscured by Clouds (Italy)  

Pink Floyd's "Obscured By Clouds" first Italian pressing is a coveted vinyl gem. Identified by a Catalognr and EMI/Harvest Logo on the front, this edition lacks album details, enhancing its mystery. The back cover bears "EMI Italiana," affirming its origin. Stamper codes reveal a May 4, 1972 manufacture. S.I.A.E. stamped record labels ensure authenticity. Beyond its collector's appeal, the album, recorded in England for the film "The Valley," encapsulates Pink Floyd's 1972 musical brilliance.

Obscured by Clouds 12" Vinyl LP Album
TANGERINE DREAM - Cyclone  album front cover vinyl record
TANGERINE DREAM - Cyclone

In 1978, the German electronic music pioneers Tangerine Dream released their eleventh studio album, "Cyclone." This double 12" LP gatefold album marked a significant departure from their earlier works, embracing a more song-oriented structure with the addition of vocals and lyrics.

Cyclone Twins Record Label Cyclone Solid Green Record Label
ROXY MUSIC - Manifesto (German and French Versions)  album front cover vinyl record
ROXY MUSIC - Manifesto (German and French Versions)

The late 1970s saw disco fever still raging, while punk and new wave movements were challenging the dominance of established rock acts. Roxy Music found themselves navigating this changed landscape. "Manifesto",

- Manifesto (1979, France) - Manifesto (1979, Germany)
FAIRPORT CONVENTION - Full House

"Full House", released in 1970, marks Fairport Convention’s fierce return after Sandy Denny’s departure. With fiery instrumentals and tight interplay between Richard Thompson, Dave Swarbrick, and the rhythm section, the band dives deeper into traditional folk with progressive fire. It's a bold, electrifying testament to resilience and reinvention.

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PINK FLOYD - Meddle  album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
PINK FLOYD - Meddle

Pink Floyd’s 1971 album Meddle marks a turning point in the band’s evolution, bridging their psychedelic past with the expansive soundscapes that would define their later masterpieces. Opening with the thunderous instrumental One of These Days and closing with the 23-minute epic Echoes, it showcases the band’s experimental spirit, atmospheric production, and collaborative creativity.

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FRANK ZAPPA - Shut Up 'N Play Yer Guitar 3LP Box-set (1981, Holland)  album front cover vinyl record
FRANK ZAPPA - Shut Up 'N Play Yer Guitar

"Shut Up 'N Play Yer Guitar" highlighting Zappa's virtuosity on the electric guitar. This album is a collection of instrumental compositions and improvised solos, emphasizing Zappa's exceptional guitar skills

Shut Up 'N Play Yer Guitar Box-set (1981, Holland) 12" Vinyl 3LP
PINK FLOYD - Saucerful of Secrets (Germany and Netherlands) album front cover
PINK FLOYD - Saucerful of Secrets (Germany and Netherlands)  

"A Saucerful of Secrets" is the second album by rock band Pink Floyd, and arguably one of the first progressive rock albums. It was recorded at EMI Studios, Abbey Road Studios, at various dates from August 1967 to April 1968. The album was released that June and reached #9 in the UK, while remaining the only Floyd album to not chart at all in the USA.

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PINK FLOYD - A Momentary Lapse of Reason (Europe) album front cover
PINK FLOYD - A Momentary Lapse of Reason (Europe) 

"A Momentary Lapse of Reason" is the thirteenth studio album by English progressive rock group Pink Floyd. It was released in the UK and US in September 1987. In 1985 guitarist David Gilmour began to assemble a group of musicians to work on his third solo album.

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JETHRO TULL - Stand Up Pop-Up (Four European Releases)  album front cover vinyl record
JETHRO TULL - Stand Up Pop-Up (Four European Releases)

Released in 1969 amidst a vibrant rock scene, Jethro Tull's "Stand Up" marked a bold departure from their blues-infused debut. This 12" vinyl LP, with its iconic pop-up gatefold cover, became a symbol of the band's musical exploration and their frontman Ian Anderson's burgeoning songwriting prowess.

- Stand Up Pop-Up (1969, England) - Stand Up (Europe) -Stand Up Pop-Up (1969, Germany) - Stand Up (1969, UK)
FRANK ZAPPA - Zoot Allures (Two European Releases)  album front cover vinyl record
FRANK ZAPPA - Zoot Allures (Two European Releases)  

"Zoot Allures" was Zappa's only release on the Warner Bros. Records label. Due to a lawsuit with his former manager Herb Cohen Frank Zappa's recording contract was temporarily re-assigned from DiscReet Records to Warner Bros.

Zoot Allures - German Release Zoot Allures - Netherlands Release
ELP EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Brain Salad Surgery (Four European Versions) album front cover vinyl record
ELP EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Brain Salad Surgery (Four European Versions) 12" Vinyl LP

For progressive rock aficionados, Emerson, Lake & Palmer's (ELP) "Brain Salad Surgery" is a landmark LP. Released in 1973, it marked the band's first foray and stands as a testament to their fusion of rock and classical influences

- Brain Salad Surgery (1979, Austria) - Brain Salad Surgery (1973, France) - Brain Salad Surgery ( 1973, Germany ) - Brain Salad Surgery (1973, UK)
FAIRPORT CONVENTION – Nine

"Nine" is Fairport Convention’s bold 1973 reinvention—an album that blends rich British folk tradition with crisp rock dynamics. Featuring the deep vocals of Trevor Lucas and Jerry Donahue’s fluid guitar lines, it showcases a band in transition yet fully in command. From poetic ballads to lively reels, "Nine" is a folk rock gem with timeless character.

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 David Gilmour  12" LP
 David Gilmour (International Releases)

David Gilmour's 1978 self-titled solo debut revealed his soulful guitar work and introspective songwriting outside of Pink Floyd. The Dutch vinyl LP offers rich sound and iconic cover art.

David Gilmour - Self-Titled (Netherlands) 12" Vinyl LP David Gilmour - Self-Titled (Germany) 12" Vinyl LP David Gilmour - Self-Titled (Netherlands) 12" Vinyl LP David Gilmour - Self-Titled (USA) 12" Vinyl LP