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Other Stuff => Other Bands + Music => Topic started by: Appelmoes?? on Wed, 2005-10-05, 12:50:26

Title: Neal Morse
Post by: Appelmoes?? on Wed, 2005-10-05, 12:50:26
What do we think of Neal Morse (http://www.nealmorse.com/)?

I really like his music and the way he puts his emotions in it. I don't know many more singers who can do this so intensely. And, since I am a christian, I really think it's cool that there is, finaly, some good christian progrock music around in stead of all that praise stuff. (Praise can really annoy me with all that repeating sentences.)

And imo Spock's Beard's music changed when Neal left.

So what do you think?
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Peter on Wed, 2005-10-05, 13:45:52
Don't like SB, so never tried Neal...
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Spad on Wed, 2005-10-05, 13:49:46
Yes, I totally agree, Neal is a great musician (more than just a singer) and he has ever comosed wonderful music, since the first astonishing Spock's album, The Light.

Even his last work in the band, Snow, is already a classic masterpiece of prog but I think the best things he wrote are Testimony and One; I also agree with you when you say that Spock's are no more the same since Neal left....... unfortunately they are just a weak shadow of what they were before......

About the lyrics (and so the christian aspect of his music), I don't care a lot about them, because (and this appens for me in general with music) I love much more the musical aspect and this is also (part of) the reason why I love progressive rock!  :D So, for example, when I'm listening to The Promise (from the first part of Testimony) I remain astonished from the great armonized melodies of the voices very much more than the words they sing.......  ;D  ;D

But this is, of course, just my opinion...... I'm happy to know other people "loving" Neal's music..... I think he is, nowadays, the best prog-music writer in the world!!!!!!!

Bye.
Spad.



Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Spad on Wed, 2005-10-05, 13:51:26
... and let's not forget what Neal did with Transatlantic!!!!!

Two of best prog-album of the last century!!!!!!   :o  :o  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: NijntjeRocks on Wed, 2005-10-05, 19:36:47
Quote from: Spad on Wed, 2005-10-05, 13:51:26
... and let's not forget what Neal did with Transatlantic!!!!!
Transatlantic rules big time!!

So does Neal btw ;)
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Wed, 2005-10-05, 19:45:54
In general I think it's brave to leave such a great band and make religious music (which a lot of people don't like).
Neil Morse deserves my sympathy. ;)
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Appelmoes?? on Wed, 2005-10-05, 21:17:35
Quote from: NijntjeRocks on Wed, 2005-10-05, 19:36:47
Transatlantic rules big time!!

So does Neal btw ;)
Thanks to you I (actually your girlfriend ;)) I got into Neal's music :D

As with Spock's Beard, I think Trans Atlantic has Neal written all over it.

As for Spock's Beard now, I think they still make good music, yet different. The titlesong from the album Feel Euforia is imo really a great song!
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Moonloop on Thu, 2005-10-06, 08:48:54
I love both Spocks and NM solo and have got virtually everything they've both done (I bought the first Spock's album on a whim when it first came out). In fact, I've also subscribed to NM's "Inner Circle" club-thingy.  ;D

The "Making Of V/Snow" are two of my favourite DVDs too  ;D
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Spad on Thu, 2005-10-06, 09:52:55
Quote from: PH on Wed, 2005-10-05, 19:45:54
In general I think it's brave to leave such a great band and make religious music (which a lot of people don't like).
Neil Morse deserves my sympathy. ;)

.... mmmmhhhh, I think he has not to be so much brave to leave Spock's as they was the musicians playing his own music..... almost all the great Spock's classics were written by Neal.... It's a proof of this the fact the extremely musical continuity between Snow and Testimony..... on the contrary Feel Euphoria is much different.....

Sorry PH, but I also don't agree with the definition of religious music....  ;)  It's ever progressive rock!! And of great quality!!!! Which arguments an artist decides to deal with in his lyrics, don't change the music genre...... I think I could love his music the same way if he talked about Satan or Buddha or anyone other!!  :D  :D
But this is, of course, just my humble opinion and I know it's different from many others ones.....

Bye bye.
Spad.



Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Spad on Fri, 2005-10-07, 23:36:18
ATTENTION PLEASEEEE!!!

I've just discovered that at November 1st will be released the new prog epic CD by Neal!!! It'll be a 56 minutes epic divided in 12 tracks......

The title is simply "?" (yes, it's only a question mark... ) and the musicians featured are Mike Portnoy, Ronie Stolt (!!!!), Jordan Rudess, Steve Hackett and Neal's brother Alan Morse!!!! Anyway you can find all the details on Neal's site....... http://www.nealmorse.com/

So... it's a mixture of Transatlantic, Spock's Beard, The Flower Kings and Dream Theater!!!!

Yeeeeaaahhhhh.....
Any comments?????

Bye.
Spad.

Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Sat, 2005-10-08, 11:55:13
Quote from: Spad on Fri, 2005-10-07, 23:36:18
ATTENTION PLEASEEEE!!!

I've just discovered that at November 1st will be released the new prog epic CD by Neal!!! It'll be a 56 minutes epic divided in 12 tracks......

The title is simply "?" (yes, it's only a question mark... ) and the musicians featured are Mike Portnoy, Ronie Stolt (!!!!), Jordan Rudess, Steve Hackett and Neal's brother Alan Morse!!!! Anyway you can find all the details on Neal's site....... http://www.nealmorse.com/

So... it's a mixture of Transatlantic, Spock's Beard, The Flower Kings and Dream Theater!!!!

Yeeeeaaahhhhh.....
Any comments?????

Bye.
Spad.



Neil Morse? Cool!
Mike Portnoy? Cool!
Steve Hackett? COOL!!!

I can't wait for this!!!
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Spad on Sat, 2005-10-08, 15:59:33
Quote from: PH on Sat, 2005-10-08, 11:55:13
Neil Morse? Cool!
Mike Portnoy? Cool!
Steve Hackett? COOL!!!


... and what about Jordan Rudess and Roine Stolt, "The Magic Genie from Sweden"?????  :D  :D Aren't they cool???
... just kidding...


Quote from: PH on Sat, 2005-10-08, 11:55:13
I can't wait for this!!!

... so can't I.... my blood is boiling in my veins!!!!!  :o  :o

Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Appelmoes?? on Tue, 2005-11-01, 20:59:49
Today I ordered Neal's new album "?" which was released today. I have read some very positive things about it. CAN'T WAIT!!
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Mon, 2006-02-06, 21:51:13
I'm still not sure which one to buy first...

I mean, I have Testimony, One and ? on mp3 but I'm not sure which one I like best...
Perhaps I should buy them altogether, but... there's so much to buy...

I also want:
Arena - Contagion (The Max)
Arena - Songs From The Lion's Cage
Arena - Pride
Ayreon - Into The Electric Castle
Frost - Milliontown
IQ - Dark Matter
IQ - The Seventh House
Marillion - Anoraknophobia
Marillion - Childhoods End

And a lot more...

you see??
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: keyboardistmatt on Tue, 2006-02-07, 21:07:40
Neal Morse is cool.  There's some good music coming from his direction recently!
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Wilford Jr. on Tue, 2006-02-07, 22:50:11
Quote from: PH on Mon, 2006-02-06, 21:51:13
I'm still not sure which one to buy first...

I mean, I have Testimony, One and ? on mp3 but I'm not sure which one I like best...
Perhaps I should buy them altogether, but... there's so much to buy...

I also want:
Arena - Contagion (The Max)
Arena - Songs From The Lion's Cage
Arena - Pride
Ayreon - Into The Electric Castle
Frost - Milliontown
IQ - Dark Matter
IQ - The Seventh House
Marillion - Anoraknophobia
Marillion - Childhoods End

And a lot more...

you see??

IMO I would get the all the Arena and IQ albums first.  I would leave the Marillion album "Aronaraknophobia" alone for now.  I don't much care for that album.  I have not heard the Ayreon or Frost albums so I can't comment on them.
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Wed, 2006-02-08, 07:51:26
Quote from: Wilford Jr. on Tue, 2006-02-07, 22:50:11
IMO I would get the all the Arena and IQ albums first.  I would leave the Marillion album "Aronaraknophobia" alone for now.  I don't much care for that album.  I have not heard the Ayreon or Frost albums so I can't comment on them.

Really, I heard Anoraknophobia, and I like it! In my opinion it's much better than Marbles.

And you should listen to the samples on www.f-r-o-s-t.com
Or at least check out the Frost-thread in the solo-section.
And Ayreon is REALLY highly commented to Arena-likers.

Also, I haven't heard IQ albums other than Seventh House and Dark Matter. I think Seventh House is the best (very much Arena-like elements)
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: ironcow2103 on Thu, 2006-02-09, 11:24:42
Quote from: Spad on Wed, 2005-10-05, 13:49:46
I also agree with you when you say that Spock's are no more the same since Neal left....... unfortunately they are just a weak shadow of what they were before......

I have just picked up a copy of Octane (not having been overly impressed with post-Morse Feel Euphoria I didn't rush...) and must say that it is a great album with some lovely keyboard sections. Rumours of their demise might be greatly exaggerated...

Steve
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Appelmoes?? on Thu, 2006-02-09, 11:41:23
Hmm, maybe I'll borrow some songs from the net then, just to check this album out :)
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: johninblack on Thu, 2006-02-09, 15:33:16
Quote from: Appelmoes?? on Thu, 2006-02-09, 11:41:23
Hmm, maybe I'll borrow some songs from the net then, just to check this album out :)

Ah! Try before you buy, wonderfull idea.
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: intruder on Wed, 2006-11-29, 22:09:20
Well I think that Neal is the best writer in prog music today, is ability to churn out good music again and again never ceases to amaze. He is one hell of a clever dude.  *horns*
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Appelmoes?? on Wed, 2006-11-29, 22:22:45
Neal and Arjen Lucassen.
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: maddox on Wed, 2006-11-29, 22:38:41
Quote from: intruder on Wed, 2006-11-29, 22:09:20
Well I think that Neal is the best writer in prog music today, is ability to churn out good music again and again never ceases to amaze. He is one hell of a clever dude.  *horns*

Well i'll be d**mned. This is the second time i agree with you.  :D
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Wed, 2006-11-29, 22:54:57
By the way, he's almost done with his next album.
Can't wait!!!
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: maddox on Wed, 2006-11-29, 23:16:50
Quote from: PH on Wed, 2006-11-29, 22:54:57
By the way, he's almost done with his next album.
Can't wait!!!

Indeed, though the official release date of the yet untitled album is March 1st. 2007.

Can't wait two.  :-\


;)
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Thu, 2006-11-30, 09:56:30
They say Paul Gilbert will be playing the guitar as a special guest.
And the album will be full of surprises... ::)

But I don't know Paul Gilbert (please don't shoot me).
On the other hand, at first I did not know Randy George either.
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: intruder on Thu, 2006-12-07, 20:07:30
Paul Gilbert is the guitarist from Mr. Big, his band before that was a heavy rock band called Racer X, which was actually formed by him. He is also known as one of the fastest guitar players in the world, click on this link for more info on him http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Gilbert I'm looking forward to neals next album, it should be another masterpiece from the genious of prog.
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Proglady on Thu, 2008-07-24, 14:42:06
I never was much into Neals music before, but at "Night Of The Prog" Festival he was simply great and the best performer they had there. Maybe I'll ost some pictures later.
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Teunis on Thu, 2012-05-17, 12:04:07
A new album 'Momentum' is scheduled for a September release. Very much looking forward to this album and hopefully a tour. But knowing Neal a little bit, there will be a tour ;). Really dig his latest album 'Testimony Two' and I'm very curious what the new album will sound like  *horns*.
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Thu, 2012-05-17, 12:54:20
Yeah me too. But Testimony Two was only just released. One album each year normally isn't a good sign per se.
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Teunis on Thu, 2012-05-17, 19:31:44
Quote from: PH on Thu, 2012-05-17, 12:54:20
Yeah me too. But Testimony Two was only just released. One album each year normally isn't a good sign per se.
And in between the 'Flying Colors' album and a 'Cover to Cover' album and several gigs. He is a really hard worker  :).
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: maddox on Thu, 2012-05-17, 22:49:53
Quote from: Teunis on Thu, 2012-05-17, 19:31:44
And in between the 'Flying Colors' album and a 'Cover to Cover' album and several gigs. He is a really hard worker  :).

And he's also helping out his brother Alan on the new Spock's Beard 3.0 album. ;)
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Sun, 2012-08-05, 22:34:59
Neal has a video clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH7RBTDd4Yg

Really cool song (can't wait to hear the whole thing), but the video clip is rather silly... He has done better (with Spocks).
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Teunis on Fri, 2013-01-11, 19:44:57
Looking forward to this:

Neal's new DVD/CD set LIVE MOMENTUM to be released in February (http://www.nealmorsefans.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=390&Itemid=1&lang=en)

Interesting video of the track 'Momentum'  8)
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Mon, 2014-12-01, 15:29:06
Neal Morse will release a new album called "The Grand Experiment" in February!
And he will play in 'De Boerderij' in Holland in March!


(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/10421256_848948981822217_4950702187770165182_n.jpg?oh=d383fe5b15feb27342f4c87ecf2a49e1&oe=550C7235&__gda__=1423235795_32c4c38b18378d82467f7697bc8e4e57)

source: De Boerderij website (http://cultuurpodiumboerderij.nl/programma/neal-morse-band/)
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Bupie on Mon, 2014-12-01, 15:42:11
Well, let's say that the real grand experiment for Neal Morse (and fans) would be a year without release.

But maybe he is in some kind of a competition with Roine Stolt to be the most proglific songwriter ever ...
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Mon, 2014-12-01, 17:02:45
2015 - The Grand Experiment - Neal Morse Band
2014 - Kaleidoscope - Transatlantic
2014 - Second Nature - Flying Colors
2014 - Songs From November - solo (pop)
2013 - Get In The Boat - solo (country)
2012 - Flying Colors - Flying Colors
2012 - Momentum - solo (prog)
2011 - Testimony 2 - solo (prog)
2010 - Mighty To Save - solo (worship)
2009 - The River - solo (worship)
2009 - The Whirlwind - Transatlantic
2008 - Lifeline - solo (prog)
2008 - Secret Place - solo (worship)
2007 - Songs From The Highway - solo (country)
2007 - Sola Scriptura - solo (prog)
2006 - Send The Fire - solo (worship)
2005 - God Won't Give Up - solo (pop)
2005 - ? - solo (prog)
2005 - Lead Me Lord - solo (worship)
2004 - One - solo (prog)
2003 - Testimony - solo (prog)
2002 - Snow - Spock's Beard
2001 - It's Not Too Late - solo (pop)
2001 - Bridge Across Forever - Transatlantic
2000 - SMPTe - Transatlantic
2000 - V - Spock's Beard
1999 - Neal Morse - solo (pop)
1999 - Day For Night - Spock's Beard
1998 - Kindness Of Strangers - Spock's Beard
1996 - Beware Of Darkness - Spock's Beard)
1995 - The Light - Spock's Beard

Well, in 1997 he didn't release a studio album...
Of course I'm not counting live albums and guest contributions. Also his Inner Circle releases (of which I own none) are not mentioned.
But you are right. I think Neal Morse is even more productive than Roine Stolt.

By the way, I wonder if The Neal Morse Band is something different than his solo work.
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Teunis on Mon, 2014-12-01, 19:10:45
Quote from: PH on Mon, 2014-12-01, 17:02:45
By the way, I wonder if The Neal Morse Band is something different than his solo work.
Don't think so. He only adds 'Band' to it to show the difference with 'Songs From November' album, which was more a singer/songwriter album. I expect it to be an album in the same vein as 'Momentum'. So bring it on 8) ;).
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Mon, 2014-12-01, 19:19:31
Quote from: Teunis on Mon, 2014-12-01, 19:10:45
Don't think so. He only adds 'Band' to it to show the difference with 'Songs From November' album, which was more a singer/songwriter album.

Ah ok. That makes sense. You know, Devin Townsend did that as well. First it was just his name, then it was Devin Townsend Band, and now it's Devin Townsend Project. But the music is not drastically changed.

Quote from: Teunis on Mon, 2014-12-01, 19:10:45
I expect it to be an album in the same vein as 'Momentum'. So bring it on 8) ;).

That would be nice. But I do expect it to be a little bit different, because of Bill and Eric. Should be good though, they're excellent musicians. And Neal tends to copy himself a bit once in a while. Some fresh writers could keep things... fresh.

You going to the gig Teunis?
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Teunis on Mon, 2014-12-01, 19:38:56
Quote from: PH on Mon, 2014-12-01, 19:19:31
That would be nice. But I do expect it to be a little bit different, because of Bill and Eric. Should be good though, they're excellent musicians. And Neal tends to copy himself a bit once in a while. Some fresh writers could keep things... fresh.
I know what you mean. I really like what he does, but sometimes it's getting predictable. Would be great indeed if co-writers would stand up ;).

Quote from: PH
You going to the gig Teunis?
Not sure yet. Will wait first if he's coming nearer to me :D.
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Thu, 2014-12-04, 13:06:37
Quote from: PH on Mon, 2014-12-01, 17:02:45
By the way, I wonder if The Neal Morse Band is something different than his solo work.

Quote from: Teunis on Mon, 2014-12-01, 19:10:45
Don't think so. He only adds 'Band' to it to show the difference with 'Songs From November' album, which was more a singer/songwriter album.

Not correct. It's called The Neal Morse Band because the other bandmembers (Mike Portnoy, Randy George, Eric Gillette and Bill Hubauer) actually had input in the writing of the album, whereas on the 'normal' Neal Morse-albums it was only Neal who would write everything. After the album was written the other guys came in to record their parts. Not this time though. I'm curious to hear what they came up with.

Tom
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Teunis on Sun, 2014-12-07, 15:54:01
Quote from: The Butterfly Man on Thu, 2014-12-04, 13:06:37
Not correct. It's called The Neal Morse Band because the other bandmembers (Mike Portnoy, Randy George, Eric Gillette and Bill Hubauer) actually had input in the writing of the album, whereas on the 'normal' Neal Morse-albums it was only Neal who would write everything. After the album was written the other guys came in to record their parts. Not this time though. I'm curious to hear what they came up with.
Okay, even better. Very curious to the end result :.
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Teunis on Wed, 2014-12-10, 17:58:01
Here more info from Radiant Records: http://www.radiantrecords.com/products/547-the-neal-morse-band-the-grand-experiment.aspx (http://www.radiantrecords.com/products/547-the-neal-morse-band-the-grand-experiment.aspx)  8)

Track Listing:
1. Following the Call
2. The Grand Experiment
3. Waterfall
4. Agenda
5. Alive Again

Bring on the epics 8) ;).
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Thu, 2014-12-11, 08:59:26
You forgot to post the awesome cover artwork ;)

(http://www.radiantrecords.com/images/thumbs/0000882_300.jpeg)

So there's also a bonus disc with a few extra songs and some live songs from MorseFest. And a dvd with a making of. I need this. ;D

2015 is looking good!
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Teunis on Wed, 2015-01-07, 19:16:03
Title track of the new album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JkEf9qsAYE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JkEf9qsAYE)

Have to hear it more often, not convinced after first listening.
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Wed, 2015-01-07, 20:36:37
Me neither. It's not bad per se. But it's pretty standard. But it's just The most 'radio friendly' song of the album. I'm still very much excited for the rest!
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Thu, 2015-01-08, 10:53:54
Nice track. Looking forward to hear the rest. :D

Tom
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Thu, 2016-02-25, 09:15:05
I was reminded by the weather outside:
MorseFest 2016 is coming and Neal Morse will be joined by...

...


... ...





.......






SPOCK'S BEARD!!!


To perform "SNOW"!!!

They better film this for a DVD release!
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: maddox on Thu, 2016-02-25, 12:04:44
Quote from: PH on Thu, 2016-02-25, 09:15:05
I was reminded by the weather outside:
MorseFest 2016 is coming and Neal Morse will be joined by...

...


... ...





.......






SPOCK'S BEARD!!!


To perform "SNOW"!!!

They better film this for a DVD release!

I soooo wish I could attend at that show.  :(
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Thu, 2016-02-25, 14:08:08
Yeah me too.
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Tue, 2016-09-06, 16:23:02
Anyone else looking forward to this as much as me (and Mike Portnoy)?

(http://progreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/14183722_1334015003282805_7065277141036618633_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Teunis on Tue, 2016-09-06, 18:55:47
Quote from: PH on Tue, 2016-09-06, 16:23:02
Anyone else looking forward to this as much as me (and Mike Portnoy)?
LOL, I've read what MP wrote, he gave it 11/11.

To answer your question: me, definitely  *ola*.
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Tue, 2016-09-06, 19:09:05
Quote from: Teunis on Tue, 2016-09-06, 18:55:47
LOL, I've read what MP wrote, he gave it 11/11.

That could be the release date though. ::) ;)
But he IS indeed pretty enthusiastic about it!
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Tue, 2016-09-06, 20:55:47
Funny thing is, I still consider "The Grand Experiment" one of the new ones. Still enjoy it.
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Fri, 2016-09-09, 14:58:52
The album's acronym TSOAD probably stands for "The Similitude Of A Dream". This is based on a screenshot of the lyrics of a song called "The City Of Destruction". So it's very likely that we'll be getting a concept album about John Bunyan's (1628-1688) Christian allegory "The Pilgrim's Progress". I'm VERY much into that!!

"The Similitude Of A Dream" is the subtitle to that story.
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Teunis on Sat, 2016-09-10, 20:09:06
Quote from: PH on Tue, 2016-09-06, 19:09:05
That could be the release date though. ::) ;)
This is confirmed!

First track (Long Day/Overture) on YouTube is exciting!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fbzl46CuPiM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fbzl46CuPiM)

Wow! *horns*
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Sat, 2016-09-10, 23:18:46
Yeah! Soooooooooo looking forward to this double album!
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Peter on Tue, 2016-09-13, 10:31:43
Quote from: Teunis on Sat, 2016-09-10, 20:09:06
This is confirmed!

First track (Long Day/Overture) on YouTube is exciting!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fbzl46CuPiM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fbzl46CuPiM)

Wow! *horns*

Wait... this sounds like an ARENA track... no, wait again... Genesis?... ah, Porcupine Tree... no... Ayreon! That's it.  :'(
Sorry for the comparisons, just what came to my mind.
Great track.
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Tue, 2016-09-13, 11:28:12
What about Dream Theater?
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Peter on Tue, 2016-09-13, 16:40:22
Quote from: PH on Tue, 2016-09-13, 11:28:12
What about Dream Theater?

;D only when mike does the triple bass drum thingy
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: maddox on Sat, 2016-09-17, 12:50:57
Quote from: Peter on Tue, 2016-09-13, 10:31:43
Wait... this sounds like an ARENA track... no, wait again... Genesis?... ah, Porcupine Tree... no... Ayreon! That's it.  :'(
Sorry for the comparisons, just what came to my mind.
Great track.

Everything Neal does sounds like (old) Genesis. ;)
Basically there´s nothing new under the sun, yet it is a good song-intro.
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Bupie on Thu, 2016-09-22, 09:28:30
It's a sure buy since 2016 is a Neal Morse rediscovery year for me. Just wish I have the opportunity to see him live one day.
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Tue, 2017-02-28, 23:34:21
Ok, so I finally did it! I made a playlist of 'best of' or 'representatives' of all of Neal Morse (Band) albums.

My Neal Morse best of would be a double double album ;D

Disc 1:
Testimony (43:23):
1. Overture No. 1 (5:57)
2. Colder In The Sun (6:19)
3. Wasted Life (6:49)
4. Break Of Day (6:55)
5. Sing It High (4:47)
6. Moving In My Heart (3:06)
7. I Am Willing (6:27)
8. God's Theme 2 (2:09)
9. The Land Of Beginning Again, Part 2 (0:54)

One (36:20):
10. The Creation (18:22)
11. The Separated Man (17:58)
Total: 79:43

Disc 2:
? (26:42):
1. In The Fire (7:24)
2. Solid As The Sun (6:11)
3. 12 (6:45)
4. Entrance (6:22)

Sola Scriptura (29:12):
5. The Door (29:12)

Lifeline (23:14):
6. Lifeline (13:27)
7. The Way Home (4:20)
8. God's Love (5:27)
Total: 79:08

Disc 3:
Testimony 2 (43:20):
1. Time Has Come Today (4:55)
2. Jesus' Blood (5:26)
3. Chance Of A Lifetime (7:01)
4. Seeds Of Gold (25:58)

Momentum (33:37):
5. World Without End (33:37)
Total: 76:57

Disc 4:
The Grand Experiment (26:43):
1. Alive Again (26:43)

The Similitude Of A Dream (50:49):
2. Overture (5:51)
3. We Have Got To Go (2:29)
4. Makes No Sense (4:09)
5. The Ways Of A Fool (6:47)
6. So Far Gone (5:20)
7. Slave To Your Mind (6:26)
8. Shortcut To Salvation (4:35)
9. The Man In The Iron Cage (5:15)
10. Broken Sky/Long Day (Reprise) (9:57)
Total: 77:32

So, any thoughts? :)

It's pretty hard to do, 'best of' albums. I encountered a few problems. Because with concept albums, you want to capture the essence of the story. For instance, with "Testimony" I want a good balance of first and second disc. Same with "TSOAD". But most of the time I tend to like the first disc of a double album more. So I left out a few good songs in favour of the story/flow/balance.
With "T2" I obviously want Seeds Of Gold but it leaves me only a few songs of the first disc.
"Lifeline" is probably the weakest of Neal's solo albums. It's also the one album where I don't prefer the 20+minute epic. (Sorry)
"Sola Scriptura" is only epics, so I can only take one song unless I want to edit the track (which I don't).
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: maddox on Sat, 2017-04-29, 11:56:27
I for one would buy it, no doubt. ;)
Best of Similitude is quite hard to do i think because when you pick out 'the best' songs, you end up with a few songs without context.

But like I said. I would buy it. ;)  *horns*
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Wed, 2018-06-13, 19:54:22
I'm at the Neal Morse gig in Utrecht! Excited!! And They're going to film it!
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Thu, 2018-06-14, 08:54:45
Yesterday was a fantastic concert! I must have been smiling all the time because afterwards I could feel it in my jaws! And since they were filming, I hope they don't catch me on that one occasion where I was crying, haha. I got very emotional at the end of his Question Mark medley. It was so intense! But seriously, to see yourself at a dvd of one of your favourite artist, wouldn't that be cool!

This was the first time I attended a Neal Morse concert, and it was a solo concert. So he did all instruments by himself. Him and a looping machine, which was really cool! Collin Leijenaar guested on percussion on a few songs. (Why do all cool drummers have silly beards? ;D )
I attended the gig with my mom, which is another first for me, and she had a blast!

Afterwards there was a meet and greet moment and he really took the time for everyone. There were all sorts of questions I wanted him to ask, but when I finally got there I just didn't know what to say. I felt like a little kid who was meeting his hero, which essentially was true of course.
I'm such a fanboy...

Yeah, it was a surreal experience. Phew! Back to reality now.
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Teunis on Thu, 2018-06-14, 19:52:14
Great experience 8). I attended a Neal Morse concert in 2011 (album Testimony Two). Collin Leijenaar was on drums that day too and it was a wonderful evening.
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Fri, 2018-10-19, 16:42:30
Ok, so Neal Morse, or actually The Neal Morse Band, will release a new studio album on 25 January.
It's called "The Great Adventure" and it seems the cover artwork looks like this:

(http://assets.blabbermouth.net.s3.amazonaws.com/media/nealmorsegreatadventurecd_0.jpeg)

I hope this is not final, because it looks too much like "The Similitude Of A Dream". Perhaps Paul Whitehead's artwork was so expensive that they decided to reuse it, to get the most out of it. ;D

All jokes aside, this is a companion album to the aforementioned album. And it's even a double album again, can you believe it! Needless to say I'm super excited about this!
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: Teunis on Fri, 2018-10-19, 19:46:53
Quote from: PH on Fri, 2018-10-19, 16:42:30
Ok, so Neal Morse, or actually The Neal Morse Band, will release a new studio album on 25 January.
Yeah, great news, very excited too!  8) *horns*

Quote from: PH
I hope this is not final, because it looks too much like "The Similitude Of A Dream". Perhaps Paul Whitehead's artwork was so expensive that they decided to reuse it, to get the most out of it. ;D
;D

Yeah, I'll save some money for this upcoming release 8)

Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Fri, 2018-10-19, 22:14:27
Kind of off topic on the subject, but on topic in the topic (???):
I have been listening intensively to "?" and "Sola Scriptura" again these past weeks and I have come to the conclusion that these albums are the best that he has done.
I thought it would be fun to make a top 9 of his prog solo albums. (Soon a top 10.) Mine looks a lot like this:

1. Sola Scriptura
2. ?
3. The Similitude Of A Dream
4. One
5. Testimony Two
6. Testimony
7. The Grand Experiment
8. Momentum
9. Lifeline

The first five choices are pretty solid, but after that it got more difficult. Let me explain.
(And a note: while typing my explanation of my top 9, it turned into something different. Sorry for that. I just wanted to speak my heart and reflect on it.)

The top four:
It seems, from this list, that I just like concept albums a lot. I think that's where Neal excels. He is a great story teller. Not necessarily a good lyricist (although I think he is way above average!). His stories are thought provoking and full of depth. Especially when you also connect to it on a spiritual level, I think that's where you get most out of it. Where others try to be a poet, Neal tries to be a servant of the Word of God. His albums "Sola Scriptura" and "?" seem like some sort of sermon to me sometimes. I learned a lot as I was analysing the lyrics. Looking up lyrics in the bible. I learned about the Bible and about God's will, and I learned about myself. Still now, I can get emotional when I listen to this music, and I know it goes deeper than the music alone.

The middle two:
Both of his Testimony albums are a bit different. Yes, they are concept albums, but they tell his life story. It's very personal, which is totally understandable of course. But there's little to no biblical analysis (or exegesis if you like), like in "One", "?" and "Sola Scriptura". Some of his experiences I recognise, albeit not always in the same way. And then there are parts in the Testimony albums that are (should be) recognizable to christians in general. Like how he feels so down "while [he is] deep in [his] sin", always trying, always failing. Still, even after finding God, he discovers that he's still drawn to sin. But there's not all misery of course, there's also deliverance. That wonderful feeling when "something's started moving in your heart" and you want to "sing it high". All the way through these two albums (but also beyond of course) you can hear the gratitude. "Rejoice, for the king has come. Let the spirit move now and His will be done." Man, I love Neal's openness. His testimony is uplifting, catching (and catchy!) and 'contagious' in a good way.

The bottom three:
Then there's albums like "Lifeline", "Momentum" and "The Grand Experiment" which are not concept albums. To me, "Lifeline" is just a bit shallow, both lyrically as well as musically. Not enough meat to sink my teeth into, so to speak. It's like a worship album but in a prog coat, or maybe the other way around. I often wonder what caused this. Of course one year after "Lifeline" we got "The Whirlwind", which is a wonderful album. And the reunion was a big hype of course. I'd like to think that Neal, during "Lifeline", was saving all of his skills for this Transatlantic album. Now, it might seem strange to add "The Whirlwind" into my little rant here, but I think it was some sort of turning point for Neal. In Transatlantic, Neal was always speaking about his faith, but veiled. For his solo albums he was more open about his beliefs. After "The Whirlwind" he sort of took this custom (veiled lyrics) back to his solo albums, starting with "Momentum". I used to praise "Momentum" and "The Grand Experiment" when they were just released. While I still really like these albums and enjoy every song whenever I hear one, the initial fire is partially gone. Musically it's fantastic (but not better than the other albums), and I especially like the epics (World Without End is great!), which are sort of 'conceptual' in their nature. But to me, it's like listening to Transatlantic. Obviously, I like Transatlantic, but for other reasons than I like Neal's solo music. With "Momentum" and "The Grand Experiment", the lyrics are less tangible, less radically biblical. And I know that for some that's a plus. Even the word 'radical' makes people jump up in disgust. I think Neal's being too careful here, perhaps adding water to the wine.

That being said, while I think these are the bottom three, they're still three of the better albums compared to a whole lot in my cd cabinet.

With "The Similitude Of A Dream", Neal is finally back in concept album territory, and I feel that he's more focused. His lyric writing is more founded in something tangible again. There's a lot to analyse again and a lot to learn from. And now he is (they are) going to release another double concept album along the same lines. I'm sure it's gonna be a great adventure and a grand experiment.
Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: PH on Fri, 2023-03-31, 21:45:57
I will have to be living on the streets for a couple of years and I've sold multiple organs, possibly even my soul, but now I DO have tickets for the MorseFest Europe gigs! :D  :D  :D

Title: Re: Neal Morse
Post by: maddox on Wed, 2023-04-12, 21:30:45
No offense, I like Neal's music very much but the pricing of the ticket is downright outrageous.
I'm sure organising an event is expensive but this is crazy.