I rn into a place where I can pick up a bunch of these. I've never heard of most of the bands. Is this series worth bothering with?

Geff, are you referring to the sampler CDs that are cover-mounted onto each issue of PROG Magazine (formerly Classic Rock Presents Prog)? If so, most of them are very enjoyable, combining well-known bands (at least in the prog community) with some lesser known & up-and-coming artists. I'm not sure how much I would pay for them, though, since I don't usually buy various-artist compilations, but as a supplement to this excellent magazine they are fantastic. I almost always find at least one artist I want to check out further because of them. Hope this helps.

Yes, thanks much!

I agree with rich on this. I find at least one and sometimes 2 or 3 groups worth exploring from the sampler CD. I also check out the reviews in the magazine pretty thoroughly & hunt down album samples or streaming.