What makes Two Sides of Peter Banks by Peter Banks notable?

The album is notable for its ambitious structure and instrumental complexity, which helped pave the way for future progressive rock artists. While it did not achieve significant mainstream commercial success, it has since been recognized as an early example of solo artistry within the genre, influencing musicians exploring personal expression outside of established bands. Released in January 1973, 'Two Sides of Peter Banks' marked the debut solo album for Peter Banks, who had previously gained recognition as the guitarist for the influential band Yes. This album emerged shortly after his departure from the band, positioning him at a crucial juncture as he sought to carve out his own identity in the progressive rock scene.

How many songs are on Two Sides of Peter Banks?

Two Sides of Peter Banks has 9 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Two Sides of Peter Banks

Peter Banks · 1973

41 min · 9 tracks · progressive rock

Progressive rock explorations blend intricate guitar work with thematic storytelling across varied sonic landscapes.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
White House Vale: On the Hill / Lord of the Dragon — This track showcases Banks' intricate guitar work and compositional skills, blending lush melodies with complex time signatures, reflecting his progressive rock roots.
→
Knights: The Falcon / The Bear — A standout piece that captures the essence of Banks' storytelling through music, intertwining dynamic shifts and emotive guitar riffs that demonstrate his virtuosity.
→
Get Out of My Fridge — This playful track contrasts with the more serious themes of the album, showcasing Banks' whimsical side while still maintaining his signature progressive sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases ambitious compositions and intricate guitar work typical of early progressive rock.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Visions of the King 1:23
2 White House Vale: On the Hill / Lord of the Dragon 7:13
3 Knights: The Falcon / The Bear 6:14
4 Battles 1:38
5 Knights (Reprise) 2:11
6 Last Eclipse 2:29
7 Beyond the Loneliest Sea 3:06
8 Stop That! 13:47
9 Get Out of My Fridge 3:21

What to play next

Listen next

Instinct

1993

Full Peter Banks discography Artists like Peter Banks

progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata