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Spock's Beard
Album: Live
Release Date: June 24, 2008
Label: InsideOut Music
Track Listing
Disc One
01. Intro
02. On a Perfect Day
03. In the Mouth of Madness
04.Crack The Big Sky
05. The Slow Crash Landing Man
06. Return to Whatever
07. Surfing Down the Avalanche
08. Thoughts (Part 2)
09. Drum Duel
10. Skeletons at the Feast
Disc Two
01. Walking On the Wind
02. Hereafter (Ryo Solo)
03. As Far as the Mind Can See (Part One) Dreaming in the Age of Answers
04. (Part Two) Here’s a man
05. (Part Three) They Know We Know
06. (Part Four) Stream of Unconsciousness
07. Rearranged
08. (Medley) The Water
09. Go The Way You Go
Reviewer: James
Spock’s Beard is a progressive rock band that has been in existence since 1992.
Formed by brothers Neal and Alan Morse in Los Angeles this band has had a unique
following with many successful albums. Their music has similar stylistic
elements from a variety of influences, most notably bands like Genesis and Dream
Theater.
Although in 2002, Neal, their former vocalist, left the band for a solo
career, Spock’s Beard has continued to flourish under Alan and his remarkably
talented ensemble. This two disc compilation of songs is from a live performance
in the Dutch town of Zoetermeer.
The beginning of the first disc immediately gets your senses tingling as a
strong catchy tribal beat is being played. From the intro we move into the
majestic and sweeping music portrayed in songs like “On a perfect Day” and “The
Slow Crash Landing Man.” The impressive thing about Spock’s Beard is that each
song has a distinct and expansive feel. Songs like “In the Mouth of Madness and
“Crack The big Sky” have an existential meaning and resonate with strong human
emotion.
All The songs utilize a variety of progressive tempos and transitions from slow
to fast, that really sends the listener on a great ride. The instrumentation is
very solid and is put on great display in the track Return to Whatever.
Additionally the first disc is also replete with a fantastic drum duel.
The second disc continues more of the same grand melodies and harmonies from the
previous CD with a phenomenal piano solo “Hereafter” and the epic four part
journey “As Far as The Mind Can See.” This four part masterpiece is simply what
being progressive is all about. It is transporting and thoughtful, moving and
emotional. The second CD also has a medley in “The Water” showcasing the bands
finely tuned musicianship.
Many of the tracks on this live performance come from their 2006 and latest self
titled album “Spock’s Beard”. Interestingly enough the bands name was intended
as a joke. Apparently Alan Morse had thought up the name after coming back from
a party and remarked to his brother (and I paraphrase) “the party was like an
alternate universe like the one where Spock from Star Trek had a beard.”
“Wouldn’t that be a great name for a band, Spock’s Beard?”
Final Thought:
This live CD was honestly my first exposure to Spock’s Beard and I can’t be more
excited to learn more about this incredible band. Since having listened to a
number of progressive bands before I can say with all certainty that Spock’s
Beard has greatly raised the bar. Perfect ratings are few and far between, but
with the energy, passion and seamlessness of a live performance I can’t give
this anything but a perfect rating.
Rating
10 out of 10
Spock's Beard Official
Web Site
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Myspace
Spock's Beard - June (Live)
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