YES! A PROG CHART, AT LONG LAST

The Official Charts Company and Prog magazine launched the U.K.’s first prog-rock album chart today. It’ll appear on the sites of both outfits each month.

So what constitutes prog in the 21st century? Tame Impala for starters. Currents (Interscope) is #1 on the inaugural chart. Kevin Parker’s entirely self-made work is a headphone masterpiece and one of the year’s best albums, but it doesn’t strike us as particularly prog.

“You look at some of the bestselling and acclaimed artists of the modern era like Muse, Radiohead, Mogwai, Tame Impala—what they do is incredible,” said Prog editor Jerry Ewing told The Guardian. “They are challenging themselves, their audience and inspiring a new generation, and the official progressive albums chart is the platform in which this will be recognized.”

For the initial Top 10, go to Critics’ Choice.