I've always tried to follow my own motto, "To like the prog: you must learn to deal with the prog". Basically, I know it takes time to really enjoy a prog band. Case in point: HATED King Crimson the first time I heard them. A few accidental listenings later and finally having the stones to listen to all of 'In the Court', they were my favorite band within a year.
When it comes to Rush and ELP, I've given them plenty of time to grow on me, and I can't enjoy them beyond their bigger songs. With ELP, I think it's because there are so many times good ELP songs turn into Keith Emerson piano recitals and that really ruins it for me. I'm sure part of that has to do with me absolutely despising Karn Evil 9...
With Rush, it's the lyrics. Usually for me, the lyrics are secondary to the music. But so often I hear Rush's lyrics and they sound so awkward it really kills the feel of the whole song. Such as Red Barchetta, Limelight and the abomination that it the Trees.
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