Formed in Los Angeles in the Spring of 1992, Spock's Beard built a solid and loyal following with their first two releases, The Light and Beware of Darkness. The group now introduced themselves to a wider audience with their first nationally distributed release, The Kindness of Strangers on Metal Blade/Radiant Records.
Consummate and seasoned professionals, individually the members of Spock's Beard have performed or recorded with Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Genesis, and Tears For Fears. Drummer Nick D'Virgilio is one of the more high profile members of the band. He is currently featured on the latest Genesis record and recently recorded with Peter Gabriel. Ryo Okumoto brings his Hammond Organ and Mellotron to the band after stints with Phil Collins and Eric Clapton. Bassist Dave Meros joined the band after working with Eric Burdon and Gary Myrick. Rounding out the band is Alan Morse on guitar, cello and Mellotron, and Neal Morse, who writes all the band's material and contributes lead vocals, piano, synths, and guitars. Neal is the creative mind behind the band, writing the majority of its material from standard four minute tunes to 15 minute rock suites. "Writing this music is so much fun because you can follow the music to wherever it seems to want to go," says Morse "On The Kindness of Strangers, we do have a few shorter tunes along with the epics."
Influences of the band include Yes, Jethro Tull, King Crimson, Gentle Giant, Genesis, Pink Floyd and many other progressive rock greats from the 70's! Small wonder that Spock's Beard seems to command such respect from fans of those bands.
"Spock's Beard is the most fulfilling band that I've been in," says bassist Meros. "Neal's songs are consistently superb, everyone can really play add everyone really gets to play. It ROCKS!"
Neal Morse/Lifeline ....CD $13.99
Neal Morse/Lifeline (Special Edition) ....double CD $18.99
Hot on the heels of his breakthrough concert DVD, Sola Scriptura & Beyond, Morse unleashes another progressive rock masterpiece with Lifeline. But where do you go from Beyond? Lifeline is a collection of songs exploring a variety of topics in musical styles ranging from the classic sound of early Spock's Beard to the fiery intensity of Sola Scriptura. For the first time in his solo career, 'most' of the album's songs span five minutes. (Then again, this IS a Neal Morse album. So yeah, you're also in for a 30 minute prog tour de force with the majestic epic "So Many Roads," not to mention the 13 minute title track.) Overall, Lifeline is a breathtaking leap into uncharted musical territory, and a triumphant return to the eclectic sound of his early work with Spock’s Beard and Transatlantic.
The Special Edition includes a bonus disc containing 6 extra tracks featuring Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater and the stunning guitar work of Paul Gilbert and Paul Bielatowicz, plus extra pages of personal notes and photos! The bonus disc on this thing is incredible! With some crazy covers (like Crazy Horses originally done by the Osmond Brothers, you know, like Donny Osmond, and "Lemons" by the Bee Gees!) and some brilliant original songs that for some reason didn’t make the cut, this is one of the best bonus discs Neal has ever put out...and that's some pretty high marks. Paul Gilbert's blistering guitar work is a perfect match for Mike Portnoy's driving kicks on Crazy Horses (Mike sings it too...classic!), and "Set The Kingdom" is a great prog piece that should have been on the main album, but I guess they ran out of room. Neal is at his best on Elvis Costello's classic "What’s So Funny ('bout Peace, Love and Understanding)" as well the Joe Cocker version of "The Letter" and his poppy original "Sometimes." All this and the extra personal notes from Neal regarding each song makes this Special Edition truly special. A rare find these days.
Neal Morse/Sola Scriptura and Beyond ....double DVD $19.99
The definitive live Neal Morse experience! 2 DVDs - 2 concerts - 2 legendary albums - and more! Incredible performances of Neal's most acclaimed CDs: Question Mark and his most controversial: Sola Scriptura. And songs from Spock's Beard, Transatlantic, One and Testimony. Nearly six hours of Breathtaking live prog and more! Shot with 6 cameras on an unforgettable evening, Neal and his band of incredible musicians pull off Neal's most powerful and difficult music with flawless precision and heart. This is Neal Morse at the top of his game. A must have for all Neal Morse fans as well as anyone who just loves great music. Audio mixed by Jerry Guidroz and Neal Morse.
Neal Morse/Sing It High (A Collection of Singles) ....CD $13.99
For quite awhile people have been urging Neal to put together a CD that features the songs. You know, the song parts between the fiddly bits; the parts that the progfans wives listen to and say "hey, I actually LIKE that!" But when it came time to put the CD together, Neal was a bit at a loss as to what to put on there. Some songs were obvious (We All Need Some Light and Wind at My Back, e.g.) but there were a lot of other candidates. After careful consideration and a little help from his friends, Neal came up with a fantastic collection of favorites that is sure to stay in the CD player good long time, as your wife isn't likely to throw it out the car window! Inner Circle member Martin Kornick (maninthemountain) did an EXCELLENT job on the artwork for this one as well. Includes selections from It's Not Too Late; Transatlantic's SMPTe and Bridge Across Forever; Testimony; Sola Scriptura; ? and ? Live; Send The Fire; God Won't Give Up; Songs From The Highway; and One Special Edition.
Neal Morse/? Live ....double CD $19.99
Neal Morse is known for many things. As founder of both Spock's Beard and Transatlantic, he is known for his amazing talents on the keyboards and guitars as well as being the main vocalist and songwriter. However, he is also known as one of the world's great front men and his live shows have reached legendary status. So, then, why have there been no live albums since his departure from the aforementioned bands? Well, only Mr. Morse knows the answer to that question; all we can say about this new live album, his first official live album as a solo artist, is "it's about time!" This live album is stellar in its quality of musicianship and performances. Unbelievable melodies, ripping riffs and brilliant composition are laced throughout this album that captures the audience and their excitement as well as the impeccable musicianship that Morse's fans have come to expect. Joined by some of the best musicians in Europe, Neal lays down more than two hours of his best work! This is a shockingly good live album.
Spock's Beard/Snow Special Edition (+ bonus tracks) ....double CD $19.99
2 CD set with Bonus Tracks! This is Spock's Beard's last album with Neal Morse and some say it is their best. SNOW is the only concept album the Beard ever made and is considered to be among the prog world's great classic albums. This version comes in a deluxe package and contains 3 original demos including the Overture and "Wind at my Back."
Spock's Beard/V Special Edition (+ bonus track) ....CD $13.99
With Bonus Track! This is Spock's Beard's fifth studio album and among their best. Neal Morse has said that this is his personal favorite. Featuring the 27 minute long classic "The Great Nothing" along with Beard favorites like "Thoughts Part 2" and "At The End Of The Day," this is an absolute essential for all fans of the bearded ones. This version comes in a deluxe package and contains the original demo of "At The End Of The Day."
Spock's Beard/Day For Night (+ bonus track) ....CD $13.99
What can be said about this landmark release? Breathtaking performances and killer compositions are the order of the day on Day For Night. This was the first CD that the band recorded under the eye of master mixer Rich Mouser and you can hear it in every detail. Tracks include "Gibberish," "Distance to the Sun" and the "Healing Colors of Sound." This version comes in a deluxe package and contains the original demos of "Gibberish" and "Day For Night."
Neal Morse/Send the Fire (Worship Sessions Volume 2) ....CD $13.99
Inspiration comes rarely for some, but, apparently for Neal Morse it is an every day event. Check out these new songs on his new "Send the Fire" CD. Inspired is the word that comes to mind. Neal says "When it was time to schedule these sessions I only had about 5 songs ready but I felt like the Lord wanted me to move ahead so I set up the sessions anyway. Lo and behold that week I wrote 5 songs that are my favorites on the CD! A lot of the vocals are the 'live' vocals that I did as we were tracking, so we got a lot of that fresh feeling out of it. I tried to keep it simple but the basic tracks were so good (drum tracks by Scott Williamson, Mark Leniger and Luke Pugliese) I got a bit carried away and some of these songs came out even better than I was expecting. I'm extremely pleased with it." With 10 new original songs and two covers (including an amazing version of John Davis' "The Kind Of Heart") and clocking in at 68 minutes and change, this is one of Neal's finest song oriented album to date.
Mike Portnoy/In Constant Motion ....triple DVD $39.98
Mike Portnoy – In Constant Motion 3 DVD set! Featuring three discs with over seven hours of instruction, live and studio performances and insights on the numerous projects he has been involved with, In Constant Motion is Mike Portnoy's latest DVD release from Hudson Music and is the Dream Theater drummer's first DVD since his award-winning video, Liquid Drum Theater, was released in 1999 and covers music from the last three Dream Theater albums as well as several of Mike's outside projects, including tribute bands Yellow Matter Custard (The Beatles), Hammer Of The Gods (Led Zeppelin), Amazing Journey (The Who) and Cygnus & The Sea Monsters (Rush). With such a wealth and diversity of instructional and performance material, In Constant Motion is recommended for drummers of all interest and ability levels. Neal Morse watched it and this is what he had to say about it: "Wow! The packaging and production values on this thing are amazing. It had live Transatlantic footage that I've never seen! With great sound and multi cameras....where did Mike find all that great stuff? It also has great footage of the Testimony band playing in Whittier at the end of the Testimony tour. Not only that, but some Yellow Matter Custard and all of Mike's side projects are featured. He goes through "Author of Confusion" and shows how he plays it all. Really great stuff. And, of course there is a whole disc of DT stuff and ANOTHER whole disc of bonus material. It's an incredible package!"
Neal Morse/Songs from the Highway ....CD $13.99
Recorded in January of 2007 with only one acoustic guitar and one vocal, this is some fresh, intimate and different stuff than you've ever heard from Neal. And the songs are amazing. There are some real classics on this one. From the touching "There is Nothin' God Can't Change" to the haunting "That Crutch" to the amusing qualities of "The Talking Mega-Church Blues," this is a CD that will speak to you for a lifetime. These songs are based on Christian themes but they are not just for Christians. They are for anyone who can appreciate a great song with an open heart. Here's a review: Following in the footsteps of great folk pioneers comes a fantastic Dylan styled album from modern Prog Rock legend Neal Morse. The ever prolific and unpredictable Morse has stripped himself to the intimate simplicity of one voice and an acoustic guitar to bare all in praise, prophecy and protest. Neal has only brought me to tears twice and only one of those times with a song. That song is here on "Songs From The Highway" in the tune "Resurrection Ground." A song of humility and surrender, sacrifice and ultimately peace that passes all understanding. Such is the power of these simple songs, the power to touch our guarded hearts. - David Atkinson
Neal Morse/Sola Scriptura ....CD $13.99
(excerpt from 'The Conflict')
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Neal Morse's controversial new album's title "Sola Scriptura" is as interesting and provocative as the music itself. Featuring Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater and the riveting guitar work of Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big), this album is huge in scope and sound! Filled with incredible melodies, cascading guitar and keyboards and all the great composition this ex Spock's Beard leader is known for, "Sola Scriptura" reaches beyond what one would think possible in a progressive rock epic. Lyrically it draws on the life of Martin Luther, the Christian reformer who lived in the early 1500s. (He's the one who nailed the 95 theses on the door of the Cathedral in Germany and rocked the entire world at the time.) "I tried to imagine what it must have been like to go up against corruption in high places and risk life and limb for what you believe is right," says Morse. Will this album be controversial? Surely. But Morse has never been one to draw away from a challenge. Musically it's as hard hitting and intricately beautiful as Morse's best work. With 3 long pieces (the longest clocking in at 29 minutes!) and one shorter ballad, this has all of Morse's trademark moments and the addition of Paul Gilbert's blistering guitar work puts it over the top.
Neal Morse/The One Demos ....CD $12.99
If you are one of those people who love to hear the first draft of a great prog album, this one is for you. Complete with the original version of "Cradle to the Grave" and "The Creation," as well as whole sections that got left on the cutting room floor, this is another jewel to add to your collection.
Morse Portnoy and George/Cover to Cover ....CD $13.99
(excerpt from 'Tuesday Afternoon')
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Mike Portnoy makes no mistake about being a huge fan of music from his past. Here is a complete collection of all the covers these guys have recorded over the years plus 7 new songs. From the coolness of their version of the Monkees' "Pleasant Valley Sunday" to the gripping "Maybe I’m Amazed" to the rocking fun of "I'm the Man," let's just say we think you'll dig it. Here's what Mike Portnoy has to say about it: "It comes down to this: I am a music fan. No matter how old I get or how much success I've had, I will always be that 11 year old kid in the KISS Army jamming along to Who tunes in my bedroom. Because of this, I still LOVE playing covers. I have been able to tap into my Metal and Prog influences choosing covers with DT, but another HUGE side of my inspiration are my Classic Rock influences from the 60's and 70's. For the most part, the guys in DT don't share this same background so I've never been able to cover these classic bands with them. However Neal and Randy TOTALLY do share this background, so when choosing covers with them rather than taking the obvious PROG road, we've enjoyed paying tribute to the more retro, pop-oriented side of our shared taste. Gathered here on this CD is a collection of all of the covers we did together throughout the sessions for Neal's Testimony, One and ? sessions. Expand your prog ears and enjoy!" – MP Also includes Badge, Where Do The Children Play, Feeling Stronger Everyday, Rock And Roll Suicide, Where The Streets Have No Name, Day After Day, What Is Life, I'm Free / Sparks, Tuesday Afternoon, Find My Way Back Home.
Neal Morse/"?" ....CD $13.99
(excerpt from 'The Temple of the Living God')
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Neal Morse's much anticipated new release has been shrouded in mystery from the beginning. Affectionately known as Neal's 'Secret Project,' this CD is a musical landscape that has no equal. With startling performances by an unprecedented array of geniuses like the early Genesis legend Steve Hackett, mastermind Roine Stolt from Sweden's Flower Kings, arguably the finest keyboard player alive today, Jordan Rudess, and the quirky genius Neal's own brother Alan Morse from Spock's Beard, this CD does not disappoint. Neal's creativity is in full swing and his voice has never sounded better. Laid upon the prog solid foundation produced by Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater (Drums) and Randy George of Ajalon (Bass) this is 56 minute epic that never lets up. With Roine Stolt and Mike Portnoy present the Transatlantic comparisons are bound to be made, but this is an album all its own. After all the hype, all there is is the music. And there it is in all its glory. Listen for yourself and see...or would it be hear? As for the subject matter of the album: Neal says "If you show someone a door and say 'here's a door, walk through it' they'll probably say 'forget it'! But, if you show them a wall and say 'there's a door here somewhere…find it!' it becomes much more interesting. It is always more interesting when you find something for yourself."
Neal Morse/God Won't Give Up ....CD $12.99
What? Another CD from Neal Morse? "God Won't Give Up" and apparently Neal won't either! This is the CD that Neal wrote around the Spock's Beard "SNOW" period that somehow wound up floating around on the internet. That was the demo version. This is the full blown, "gotta get it right" version. Most of the songs have been re-cut with great attention to detail and quality. Featured are some songs that Neal has performed on his last Europe tour such as "The Crossroads" and "His Mercy Endureth" as well as a full blown version of "God Won't Give Up" with strings and a Gospel choir. You gotta hear it! It's powerful. Neal says "It was an interesting time in my life. At the time I was writing these songs I was dealing with whether or not to quit Spock's, and you can hear it in the songs. Like the line "my music is now His" in "I Sing My Love" and the song "The Crossroads" is all about how I felt during that terrible valley of decision. In listening to it I can hear the struggle and the resolve that was going on with me at that time." The whole album shines with first rate production (mixed by Terry Christian) and incredibly emotional performances from Neal and guests. This is a Christian album from songs written early on in Neal's walk but we have found that non-Christians love these songs as well. Filled with fresh inspiration, "God Wont' Give Up" will make you feel good inside and give you some fresh inspiration wherever you are!
Neal Morse/It's Not Too Late ....CD $12.99
A while back Neal Morse got together with his favorite drummer Nick D'Virgilio and cut a bunch of his favorite "singer/songwriter" type songs live. "It was so cool....we set up the piano in the same room as the drums! The engineer went crazy! But we captured the feeling of these songs much better that way" says Morse. More song oriented than Spock's albums, yet still fraught with a musicality that people of all tastes can appreciate, Morse' first album pleased progressive fans...and their wives! His new CD, "It's Not Too Late" is a fine collection of songs about loss and renewal. Somewhere between Don Henley and Ben Folds, this more piano oriented album moves, inspires and is generally very nice on the ears. Featuring Nick D'Virgilio on the drums. Mixed by Terry Christian.
Neal Morse/Lead Me Lord (Worship Sessions Volume One) ....CD $9.99
In January 2005, Neal and some of his friends got together to worship the Lord, follow the spirit, and play some music. With a little overdubbing and the addition of some older tracks, this CD was created. It has a certain live feel which is what Neal was going for. While recently visiting churches in Europe Neal played many of these songs. If you were blessed by them, then you'll be blessed by them again and again. If you haven't heard any of these songs, we think you'll enjoy them for the first time as well.
Neal Morse/Neal's Christmas Album ....CD $10.99
(excerpt from 'Elvis Christmas (Lovin' Christmas)')
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Since 1984, Neal Morse has been writing and recording a Christmas song and sending it to family and friends as a gift. Now Neal's re-recorded some of those songs and written a few new ones to make a Christmas CD for your tree-trimming pleasure. This record is for your wives! Styles range from children's songs to jazz, pop, gospel and traditional. It even includes a Sinatra and Elvis parody. Made at home, Neal's even included some of the original 4 track demos dating back to 1984. The perfect stocking stuffer!
Neal Morse/Neal Morse ....CD $12.99
Neal says of his new album: "It was a lot of fun doing it, but, scary.....you know? It was weird not having anyone to bounce any ideas off of. But it was a gas playing all the parts. I love to play....I'll admit it! You can expect to hear a wide variety of styles. There's piano oriented pop songs, guitar heavy ones like Tom Petty or something, some Spock's sounding stuff....all in all there's 7 regular songs and one 23:00 long progressive thing called "A Whole Nother Trip." Actually I just said that for people who are listening to the album and haven't heard Spock's Beard....for Spock's Beard fans it won't be a surprise! It's a really cool album, if I do say so myself, and I hope people dig it."
Neal Morse/One ....CD $13.99
Neal Morse/One (special edition) ....double CD $18.99
NEAL MORSE ONE - At long last. The holy grail of prog! Take great artists like NEAL MORSE, MIKE PORTNOY and PHIL KEAGGY and put them together and LOOK OUT! Heres how one reviewer put it: Take Transatlantic, the orchestral beauty of Testimony and some clear nods to the prog greats of Genesis, YES, and Gentle Giant, along with some lesser pop sounds like old Tears For Fears and some Who derived moments and Neal's inescapable Beatles influence and you have it all. This is ONE great album! He goes on to say: Speaking of Portnoy. Hold on to your socks! There are some absolute freak out moments of drum god envy going on! I mean that guy has done some freaky stuff with Dream Theater to say the least but there are a couple of tunes on here like "Author Of Confusion" that were seemingly written to give Portnoy the opportunity to shine, I dare say, brighter than ever before! Also featured on the album is the guitar work and vocals of the great PHIL KEAGGY who also sings a duet with Neal (The Cradle to the Grave).
The Bonus disc on the special edition is amazing as well. With 3 great extra songs from the album, plus a version of The Cradle to the Grave with Neals original vocals and then 4 (count em 4!) great cover songs with killer performances. Wait til you hear Mr. Portnoy go off on The Who stuff!! Its incredible! Plus the duet with Phil Keaggy and Neal singing George Harrison's What Is Life is impeccable and a dream come true. The Special Edition comes in a 24 page four color digi-book with expanded artwork by Thomas Ewerhard (the man behind the Spocks Beard SNOW artwork). Gorgeous. A collectors item for sure!
Neal Morse/Testimony ....double CD $19.99
Neal Morse/Testimony ltd ed ....triple CD $21.99
This is Neal's first outing since his departure from SPOCK'S BEARD and the renowned 'supergroup' TRANSATLANTIC, and what an outing it is! Testimony is a 2 CD set with more than 2 hours of music from the mind behind some of the best prog of the last ten years. Neal has apparently pulled out all the stops employing members of the NASHVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, as well as fellow Transatlantian MIKE PORTNOY, and some new guests like KERRY LIVGREN of Kansas. Testimony will be available in a regular 2 CD jewel case version as well as a Limited Edition version. It wouldn't be prog if we didn't have a limited edition, right?! The LE will include a bonus disc with Neal and Mike doing a 13 minute rendition of "Tuesday Afternoon" by the Moody Blues and "Can't Find My Way Home" by Blind Faith. Also, included is an extra booklet titled "Testimony Notes" with Neal's notes and recollections about each track. The Limited Edition comes in a box similar to the SNOW box.
Neal Morse/Testimony Live ....double DVD-NTSC $21.99
Neal Morse/Testimony Live ....double DVD-PAL $21.99
TESTIMONY LIVE (featuring Mike Portnoy) was recorded at the 013, Tilburg (NL) on the 17th of November 2003. Same venue as the Spocks and Transatlantic DVDs. We're not sure why every DVD that Neals involved in is shot there, but we guess that it's practical for some reason. This is possibly the best one yet in terms of quality. Superb camera work, (complete with swooping crane shots), great sound and lighting capture this emotional performance by these world-class musicians in an astounding way. And if the whole Testimony album weren't enough, then they come back for encores of classic material from Spocks Beard and Transatlantic. If you didnt have the opportunity to see one if these rare shows this is the next best thing. Double DVD housed in a stylish slipcase with a 16 page full color enhanced booklet filled with great photographs from the tour. Available in PAL and NTSC(both region free). Total Running Time: approx. 4 hours and 10 minutes.
Neal Morse/The Transatlantic Demos ....CD $12.99
Radiant Records thought you'd like to know that Neal Morse has broken into his tape vault again! His new release, 'NEAL MORSE - THE TRANATLANTIC DEMOS', is now available. At the suggestion of Mike Portnoy, Neal has put together a disc of demos and a few clips from his hand held cassette recorder from as far back as 1992 and up into 2000. Neal says "I think the coolest thing about this CD is that you get to hear what I originally brought to the guys, which shows you where they took it. I was real surprised when I listened back. I had forgotten all the different turns the music took and it was really fun listening to it again." A fascinating look inside the mind of the man who has been the driving force behind the best prog of the last 10 years, this release is a must have for all Transatlantic fans. The art package is made up of liner notes from Neal telling what he remembers about writing each song, original lyric sheets and unused photos of the band.
Nick and Neal/Live in Europe - Two Separate Gorillas ....double CD $19.99
(excerpt from 'Carpet Crawlers')
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Recorded at various shows on their acoustic tours of Germany and Holland, this collection of Spock's Beard tunes and bizarre covers features an all-star jam with members of Dream Theater playing "Papa was a Rolling Stone" and "Baba O' Riley". The quality is a bit bootleg like hence the title "From the Vaults Series Volume 2", but the spirit of these gigs really comes across. You haven't lived 'til you've heard the bearded ones laugh their way through such classics as "Carpet Crawlers", "We Can Work It Out" and "Mein Kleine Gruner Kaktus" as well as Spock's favorites "The Water" and "June". A 'must have' for all Spock's fans.
Richard Morse/Rychyrd ....CD $12.99
(excerpt from 'Skull Beneath the Skin')
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It all started with a meeting between two brothers. Richard Morse (older brother of Neal Morse) met with his brother at the beginning of 2005 with a vision in mind. He wanted to make the album of his dreams. After engaging the talents of many others, and with a great attention to detail and "shooting for the moon" so to speak, Richard (spelled Rychyrd for the attention of internet search engines) has created a wonderful masterpiece of diverse songs that range from the spiritual to the hilarious! From the hypnotic "Let Your Dreams," to the comforting strains of "Safe Place," to the heart wrenching "Happy Birthday To Me," to the hilarious, Doctor Demento-esque "Skull Beneath The Skin," this CD is an amazing journey that will leave you breathless...in a good way! Featuring solos by Neal Morse and Phil Keaggy, this album will inspire, comfort and awaken your lost dreams while you groove and listen in to a dream realized. Produced by Neal Morse.
| Spock's Beard/The Light ....CD $13.99 | Spock's Beard/Beware of Darkness ....CD $13.99 | Spock's Beard/Kindness of Strangers ....CD $13.99 |
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With the critically acclaimed SPOCK'S BEARD at a turning point in their musical development, there is no better time to celebrate the band's rise to the top of the Progressive Rock heap, than to examine the band's landmark beginnings. To do so, Radiant Records and Metal Blade Records are proud to reissue SPOCK'S BEARD's first three albums with never before available bonus material, new liner notes and expanded artwork. And The Light is remastered as well! With well over 100,000 units sold in the U.S., and the band's fervent loyalists chomping at the bit, these new pressings offer and even deeper glimpse into the musical genius of SPOCK'S BEARD.
Spock's Beard/Day for Night ....CD $15.98
"The new record is like listening to FM radio in the early days of FM Rock when there was a great variety of styles to choose from," says Neal Morse, the group's prolific songwriter/vocalist/ keyboardist/guitarist, who's eclectic new material reaches from the stirring pop ballad, Can't Get It Wrong, the the epic prog medley, The Healing Colors of Sounds, and then steps sideays to reveal the modern rock edged Skin and The Gypsy. "There are lots of harmonic and vocally challenging sections on several tracks like Gibberish and The Distance To The Sun that stand out as some of the most creative moments in Spock's history," adds Morse. "We had a lot of fun just coming up with new ideas that we felt were right for the moment without worrying about who's going to like it."
Spock's Beard/Don't Try This at Home ....CD $12.99
Don't Try This at Home is a new live album from Spock's Beard recorded in Tilburg, Holland, during their Day for Night tour in 1999. Performances include Day for Night, Mouth of Madness, Skin, Gibberish, June and the twenty minute epic The Healing Colors of Sound.
Spock's Beard/Don't Try This at Home; Making of V ....double DVD $23.99
The long awaited full length concert film from the Day for Night Tour. At last! A full length Spock's Beard concert with good quality film and sound! This was actually shot by a professional crew with 5 cameras and big cranes and the whole deal. Not by someone with a camcorder. I know it's hard to believe, but it's true! And it's on DVD! Witness the Beard in all their glory during the DAY FOR NIGHT tour of Europe. This performance features everything the band is known for: stunning technical ability, spot on vocal harmonies, complex arrangements, and a heavy dose of rockin' good fun. Including a rare feature performance of the complete Healing Colors of Sound, Spock's Beard demonstrate why they are known as one of the great live prog bands! PLUS!! THE MAKING OF V - DVD! A real look inside the recording process of Spock's classic V CD!! Includes the band recording at Kevin Gilbert's studio, overdubs at Al, Ryo & Neal's houses, lyric writing sessions, kids dancing to Tarkus, and Ryo recording the intro for The Great Nothing! Professionally edited by Phil Satterley and narrated by Neal Morse, this 2-hour film will make a great edition to your Beard collection. DOLBY DIGITAL SOUND Total Running Time: Approx. 300 minutes; REGION FREE Will play in any player NTSC & PAL
Spock's Beard/From the Vault ....CD $12.99
At the request of many a 'beard' fan, they have put together From the Vault, a collection of bonus tracks, demos and whatever else they had lying around in the hopes that it will satisfy that painful itching one may get when one doesn't own a copy of "Into Fire." The booklet includes all the grizzly details of where these tracks came from, comparative notes and other tidbits.
Spock's Beard/Live at the Whiskey and Nearfest ....double CD $21.99
Recorded at the Whiskey in Los Angeles, May 11, 1999 and Nearfest, Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA, June 27, 1999. "Well, here it is....the real deal. These recordings were made straight off the board with no mixing or overdubs after the fact (we would have fixed 'em but the multi-track tapes were screwed up!) So we're stuck with what we acutally did! Oh My God!!! The only changes that were made were a few edits and some EQ, other than that, these are the unadulterated performances by Spock's Beard and soundman."
Spocks Beard/The Making of Snow ....DVD-NTSC (region 0) $19.99
Some things end with a whimper, some with a bang, but the end of Neal Morses involvement in the legendary neo-prog band SPOCKS BEARD ended with more of a question mark. At the least, this DVD (made up of footage shot on camcorders and edited by Phil Satterley) is an interesting view into the making of a classic prog album; at the most it will make the viewer feel a part of the band, a sharer of the experienceand what an experience it is! Heres what Neal Morse said about it: "...this contains the footage of the making of the Snow album and two acoustic performances, my last with the band. I'm sorry that it's not of higher quality; although, in the video department, we never did have a really first rate one. But, here we are...here's what we have...here's how it was. I think this shows some but regrettably not all of the making of 'Snow', there's much that was never filmed because who wants a guy with a camcorder in your face all the time? But, what there is shows the band in all it's quirky creativity and humor and sheer brilliance..." In addition to the documentary, the DVD includes 2 complete acoustic concerts and a total running time of 4 hours!!!
Spock's Beard/Making of V ....VHS-NTSC $19.99
YOU ARE INVITED INSIDE THE STUDIO WITH SPOCK'S BEARD!! A real look inside the recording process of a classic album is a very rare thing indeed. Imagine having 2 hours of footage of the "CLOSE TO THE EDGE" sessions, or clips of King Crimson recording at Robert Fripp's house....well, we can't offer you THAT, but, courtesy of the digital camcorder we now have tons of cool stuff from the "V" sessions for your viewing pleasure. Here's some of what you'll see: The full band tracking "AT THE END OF THE DAY" at Kevin Gilbert's studio, all the overdubbing at Al, Ryo and Neal's houses including the French Horn and Strings, a hilarious lyric writing session for "REVELATION", Al, Neal and they're kids dancing to TARKUS, Nick dancing to Dave's string bass, and Ryo recording the massive intro for "THE GREAT NOTHING"! Also, included is some rare live footage of the band on their last European tour. Professionally edited by Phil Satterley and narrated by Neal Morse, this 2-hour video has a great look and will make a fine edition to the collection of the uncommon Beard fan. Available in NTSC and PAL formats.
Spock's Beard/Snow ....double CD $19.99
Neal Morse has jumped over his own shadow. "Until now I've always been absolutely against making a concept album," he admits. "It's so difficult getting the lyrics and the music into the proper balance, and so hard to really combine these two worlds into one unit. But in this particular case I felt that we had a story linking all of our new songs and needed enough room to make something really special." Morse is speaking about Spock's Beard's new double album Snow, a monumental work with over 26 songs and more than 115 (!!) minutes of playing time. Snow is certainly not for the superficial, musical fast-food loving fan. However, for fans of passionately played, diversely arranged, orchestrated rock, this album will open up a world into which one can happily plunge and, for almost two hours, leave the horrors of today's one-dimensional music landscape far, far behind. So it's no wonder that drummer legend Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) spoke about Snow so enthusiastically in the July 2002 edition of the French ´Rock Hard` magazine: "I think that Spock's Beard's seven year career has been continuously developing and leading up to this album. Snow is an exemplary concept album in the tradition of The Who´s Tommy or Genesis' The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway and has earned the right to be mentioned in the same breath as these classics in the annals of Rock' n 'Roll."
Spock's Beard/There & Here ....double CD $19.99
A special live 2 CD release of prog heaven culled from soundboard tapes of Spock's Beard's 2000-2001 tour. Included here is material from their album 'V', a some covers including Deep Purple's 'Space Truckin', Steve Howe's Mood for a Day, Santana's Soul Sacrifice and Led Zeppelin's Whole Lotta Love and a special 30-minute medley of 'hits'. This was previously only available at their live shows.
Spock's Beard/V ....CD $12.99
Spock's Beard/V (limited edition digipak) ....CD $15.99
The new Spock's Beard album, V, leans more towards a traditional progressive rock feel. Neal was inspired to write more complicated material after the Transatlantic experience and recent listenings to Genesis' Three Sides Live. The album include a 15 and a 25-minute epic as well as shorter straight-forward songs and a sequel to 1997's Gentle Giant-tinged "Thoughts." The Special Edition includes a 32-page booklet and CD-ROM footage of the band in the studio.
Transatlantic/Archive Series: SMPTe - the Roine Stolt Mixes ....CD $13.99
A while back Roine Stolt was talking to Neal Morse (when he released his Transatlantic demos CD) and said, "Hey, you know a lot of people have somehow gotten a hold of my mixes of our 1st album on the internet. Perhaps we should make it available officially." So, here it is! Roine's mixes of Transatlantic's classic first CD, SMPTe, are lush and rich (one might almost say flowery : ) and full of things unheard on the original version. They only pressed up a few and there won't be another run for contractual reasons so, get 'em while you can.
Transatlantic/Bridge Across Forever ....CD $12.99
From Neal Morse (Spock's Beard), Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), Roine Stolt (Flower Kings) and Pete Trewavas (Marillion), a true progressive rock supergroup, comes their third album and second studio recording.
Transatlantic/Building the Bridge and Live in America ....DVD (NTSC region free) $19.99
For those that don’t know, Transatlantic is Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater (drums), Neal Morse (ex-Spock's Beard on keys and vocals), Roine Stolt of the Flower Kings (guitar) and Pete Trewavas of Marillion (bass). "Building the Bridge" is a two hour documentary that takes you through every part of the making of the classic prog album "Bridge Across Forever." From the writing process at Neal Morse's house to Mike Portnoy's amazing drum cam footage, to Roine Stolt's stunning guitar work and Pete Trewavas' spot on bass playing, you'll get to see and hear the music that made it onto this amazing album, and some that was left behind. "Live in America" was recorded in Philadelphia in June of 2000. This two hour concert captures the emotion that is Transatlantic. This is a full documentation of the band in their first year featuring performances from their first album, plus jams and classic covers. NTSC region free. With a bit of bonus stuff this DVD clocks in at approximately 4 hours! What a bargain!
Transatlantic/Live in America ....double CD $16.99
From Neal Morse (Spock's Beard), Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), Roine Stolt (Flower Kings) and Pete Trewavas (Marillion), this double CD is the full Transatlantic live show with a cover of Genesis' "Firth of Fifth" and the Beatles "Strawberry Fields Forever" as well as most of the songs from their first CD. With an 8 page full color package, complete with liner notes from each member, this collection is sure to be a strong seller so be sure to get yours now! Also available in both NTSC and PAL format is the Transatlantic Live in America video!
Transatlantic/Live in Europe ....double CD $17.99
Transatlantic/Live in Europe ....double DVD $22.99
The long awaited live DVD documentary from the new millennium's only Prog-Supergroup - "Transatlantic - Live in Europe." Six major (long-)tracks (over two and a half hours!) that keep the spirit of what prog should be and of what the fans expect from that genres leading supergroup. Featuring Neal Morse (formerly of Spock's Beard), Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), Roine Stolt (The Flower Kings) and Pete Trewavas (Marillion)."This was the pinnacle of the Transatlantic trip. We were four days into our tour of Europe and it was the perfect time. We were together enough not to have to worry so much about making mistakes, and fresh enough to really enjoy the music, the audience, and each other. Pete, Roine and Mike were in rare form and I recall thinking what a gas it was. It was the only gig I've ever done where the audience wouldn't leave until we played another song. A wonderful gig I'll always remember." – NEAL MORSE Recorded live in concert November 12, 2001 at the 013 Club in Tilburg, Holland. Bonus DVD Features: Rare performance of PINK FLOYD’s "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" from the January 2001 L.A. NAMM show. Plus a behind the scenes look at TRANSATLANTIC from the camera of band member Roine Stolt.
Transatlantic/SMPT:e ....CD $12.99
Neal Morse (Spock's Beard) has teamed up and recorded an album with Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), Roine Stolt (Flower Kings) and Pete Trewavas (Marillion). The result is an incredible album that is sure to excite not only the fans of all their repective bands, but prog fans in general! The albums starts with a 30 minute epic in six movements called "All of the Above," destined to be a prog classic! Also included is a shorter track called "Mystery Train," a re-worked 16-minute track of Roine's called "My New World," a song of Neal's "We All Need Some Light," and a 17 minute cover of a Procol Harum song called "In Held Twas in I."
Yellow Matter Custard/One Night In NYC ....double CD $17.99
It's been Mike Portnoy’s dream all his life to be in a Beatles cover band. (Who would've ever figured that?) Finally it came true one night in New York City. Recorded live at New York's BB Kings Blues Club May 18, 2003, YELLOW MATTER CUSTARD (Mike Portnoy, Neal Morse, Paul Gilbert and Matt Bissonette) perform some well known Beatles songs such as 'Nowhere Man' and 'Revolution,' as well as more obscure tunes like 'I Call Your Name,' 'Think For Yourself' and even a hilarious rendition of the 'Let it Be' b-side 'You Know My Name.' With the amazingly Lennon-like sounds of Neal Morse's voice, the incredible skill of Paul Gilbert (guitar, vocals) and Matt Bissonette (Bass, vocals) this disc brings the fab-four alive in all its simplicity and complexity. Somehow they found samples of the actual orchestra tracks from Sgt. Peppers and I Am The Walrus bringing the psychedelic Beatle era to life in stunning reality. Highlights include Paul Gilbert's extended guitar solo in 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps,' Morse's gut grinding vocals on 'Oh Darlin,' Bissonette's perfect bass playing in 'I Want You' and Mike Portnoy's Ringo-esque drumming will surely surprise many. Produced by Mike Portnoy and Neal Morse.
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