Nektar's Nectar: Sipping on Their Sweetest Sounds!
Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Polls
Forum Description: Create polls on topics related to progressive music
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=133271
Printed Date: January 15 2025 at 04:58
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Nektar's Nectar: Sipping on Their Sweetest Sounds!
Posted By: SpaceRockTraveller
Subject: Nektar's Nectar: Sipping on Their Sweetest Sounds!
Date Posted: July 26 2024 at 02:37
Nektar's Nectar: Sipping on Their Sweetest Sounds! A psychedelic symphony of light at one of Nektar's 1970s concerts  From the very first note, you're whisked away into a world where guitars wail like cosmic sirens and keyboards shimmer like distant stars. The opening track, "Astronauts," sets the tone with its ethereal melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. It's as if Nektar took a page from the book of Pink Floyd but added their own twist—think of it as a space opera with a touch of whimsy. The lyrics throughout the album explore themes of existence, consciousness, and the universe itself. They invite listeners to ponder profound questions while bobbing their heads to infectious rhythms. "Countenance" stands out with its haunting vocals and philosophical musings—perfect for those moments when you want to feel both enlightened and slightly bewildered. For an album released in 1971, the production quality is surprisingly crisp. The mix allows each instrument to shine without overshadowing others, creating a harmonious blend that feels both organic and otherworldly. It's like listening to a vintage sci-fi film score while lounging in your favourite armchair—comfortable yet exhilarating. "A Tab in the Ocean": Surfing the Sonic Waves  From the opening track "A Tab in the Ocean," you're greeted with swirling synths and hypnotic melodies that set the stage for what can only be described as a psychedelic odyssey. The band's ability to blend psychedelic rock with dreamy atmospheres creates a sound that’s both ethereal and grounded. It’s as if you’re floating on a cloud while simultaneously being pulled into the depths of an oceanic abyss. The lyrics are poetic and introspective, exploring themes of existence and consciousness. They resonate with anyone who's ever pondered their place in the universe—perfect for those late-night musings or existential crises. You might even find yourself questioning whether you're listening to music or participating in some sort of cosmic dialogue. Nektar's musicianship is nothing short of stellar. Each member shines brightly, weaving intricate tapestries of sound that are both complex and accessible. The guitar solos are fiery yet melodic, while the keyboards add layers of texture that keep your ears engaged throughout the album. It's like watching a master painter at work, each stroke adding depth to an already vibrant canvas. "Remember the Future": A Soundtrack for the Space-Age Dreamer  If you ever wanted to take a trip through time and space without leaving your couch, Nektar's "Remember the Future" is your ticket. Released in 1973, this album is like a cosmic rollercoaster that takes you from the depths of existential dread to euphoric heights—all while making you question if you should be wearing a tinfoil hat. The album opens with "Remember the Future, Part 1," which feels like an invitation to a psychedelic tea party hosted by aliens. The lush harmonies and intricate instrumentation create an atmosphere that’s both dreamy and slightly unsettling—think of it as being serenaded by a friendly ghost. As the track progresses, it morphs into a symphonic tapestry that weaves together rock, progressive elements, and just enough whimsy to keep you guessing. Then comes "Remember the Future, Part 2," where things get even more adventurous. It’s like Nektar decided to throw in every musical idea they had left over from their jam sessions. You’ll find soaring guitar solos that could make angels weep and keyboard riffs that sound like they were plucked straight from a sci-fi movie soundtrack. It's an exhilarating ride that leaves you breathless—much like trying to keep up with your friend who insists on explaining quantum physics after one too many drinks.  The overarching message of "Recycled" is one of urgency regarding environmental stewardship and sustainability. It critiques humanity’s often shortsighted pursuit of economic growth at the expense of ecological balance. The album calls for greater awareness and action towards preserving our planet before it reaches an irreversible state of decline. Thus, Nektar's "Recycled" serves not only as a fantastic musical journey but also as a poignant commentary on environmental issues that remain relevant today. The production quality is top-notch for its time, showcasing the band's ability to blend psychedelic rock with symphonic prog elements without sounding pretentious. It's like they took all the best parts of psychedelia and sprinkled in some fairy dust—resulting in tracks that are both catchy and thought-provoking. "The Other Side": A Sonic Voyage Beyond the Horizon of Sound!  If you're looking for an album that feels like a delightful stroll through a cosmic garden while simultaneously making you chuckle, then look no further than Nektar's "The Other Side." Released in 2020, this album is a testament to the band’s ability to blend psychedelic rock with a sprinkle of humour and a dash of nostalgia. From the very first song, you're whisked away on an auditory adventure that feels like being invited to a party where everyone is wearing funky hats and dancing like nobody’s watching. The melodies are rich and layered, reminiscent of classic Nektar but with a fresh twist that makes you feel like they've just discovered the secret ingredient to their musical recipe: joy! Now, let’s talk about the lyrics. They have this charming way of addressing life's quirks and oddities, almost as if the band is winking at you from across the room. You might find yourself chuckling at lines that cleverly capture the absurdity of everyday situations. It’'s like having your favourite uncle tell stories at family gatherings—entertaining, slightly ridiculous, and always leaving you wanting more. The production quality is (again) top-notch; it's as if each note was polished until it sparkled. The instrumentation flows seamlessly, creating an atmosphere that invites you to kick back with a cup of tea (or something stronger) and just enjoy the ride. The guitar solos? Oh boy! They soar higher than your expectations after a double espresso! |
Replies:
Posted By: Saperlipopette!
Date Posted: July 26 2024 at 03:03
|
Nice write-ups. Nektar is such a vibe. I feel sorry for those who don't get it. I was once one of them. The four first in the poll are excatly the four Nektar albums I consider essential (for everyone, really) - with
on top. I can live inside that album. A total trip. -I haven't heard The Other Side. I wasn't even aware of it's existence. Does it really belong in this excusive company? I have my doubts, but I'll give it a try sometime soon.
|
Posted By: Octopus II
Date Posted: July 26 2024 at 04:30
This one.  |
Posted By: Mormegil
Date Posted: July 26 2024 at 04:32
|
The "Eyes" have it. ------------- Welcome to the middle of the film. |
Posted By: Jared
Date Posted: July 26 2024 at 09:46
|
Remember > Tab > Recycled > Journey > Earth > Sounds > Magic ------------- Music has always been a matter of energy to me. On some nights I believe that a car with the needle on empty can run 50 more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio. Hunter S Thompson |
Posted By: Jared
Date Posted: July 26 2024 at 09:52
Homage to Roye.... we all know it'll never be quite the same as the classic material, but they've worked damned hard at making it as authentic as possible, admittedly with some previously written material which had been shelved from their hey day. If you love Nektar as much as you evidently do, then you'll be quite content to have this in your collection (as a matter of interest, I only own the first 7 studios and this one). ------------- Music has always been a matter of energy to me. On some nights I believe that a car with the needle on empty can run 50 more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio. Hunter S Thompson |
Saperlipopette! wrote:Posted By: Manuel
Date Posted: July 27 2024 at 05:57
| I frankly love and enjoy them all, but prefer Recycled a little more. |
Posted By: Sebastianmoto
Date Posted: July 27 2024 at 12:25
|
I've heard a track from 'A Tab' before, but Recycled is the only album I own and have listened to from them, but even just based on that I'd say they are in the upper echelon of psych-prog, and I would buy anything from them as soon as I saw it. I'll be seeing them live at NVRF in September for what is set to be their final UK show. I may have got on the train late but at least it's before the final stop.
|
Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: July 27 2024 at 12:44
|
Take a trip back in time for a Journey to the Centre of the Eye with the music of Nektar! They're manna from prog heaven. You're just A Tab in the Ocean away from hearing Sounds Like This as we Remember the Future of prog together. Nektar are a Down to Earth British band based in Germany. Their music is constantly being reinvented rather than Recycled with the release of each new album. Magic is a Child in the wonderful world of prog, which is as magical and mystical as The Man in the Moon. Money spent on a Nektar album is money well-spent, so you won't be like The Prodigal Son of biblical proverb. The Evolution of Nektar reads like A Book of Days. Take A Spoonful of Time now and travel back nearly half a century in the Time Machine for Nektar's first album. The band had no dreams of Megalomania. They simply wanted to show The Other Side of proggy Space Rock.   1971: Nektar - Journey to the Centre of the Eye - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzCit6gbG4uEQnIgRcLCTfij" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzCit6gbG4uEQnIgRcLCTfij 1972: Nektar - A Tab in the Ocean - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzBA2o9n1iXjp5Pq5lJol6mH" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzBA2o9n1iXjp5Pq5lJol6mH  1973: Nektar - Sounds Like This - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzAPzAchtbETu2SuQSukGRUB" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzAPzAchtbETu2SuQSukGRUB 1973: Nektar - Remember the Future - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzDQJLmWhg8lGcOC6fnaoLsY" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzDQJLmWhg8lGcOC6fnaoLsY 1974: Nektar - Sunday Night at the London Roundhouse - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzBAqTmmEoWnP0QMOa_xqJP2" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzBAqTmmEoWnP0QMOa_xqJP2 1974: Nektar - Down to Earth - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzAzd_mMLmwSPKBRHpYp-QNV" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzAzd_mMLmwSPKBRHpYp-QNV 1975: Nektar - Recycled - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzCY2XdHQmrCIFgplGna8WSe" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzCY2XdHQmrCIFgplGna8WSe 1977: Nektar - Live in New York - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzBVd-u96UIwx9_H5mJ-utgL" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzBVd-u96UIwx9_H5mJ-utgL 1977: Nektar - Magic is a Child - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzD3yfUDHjZ_TSS3p0-KONAB" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzD3yfUDHjZ_TSS3p0-KONAB 1980: Nektar - Man in the Moon - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzApjxHXnpzccHNtVObhuKsa" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzApjxHXnpzccHNtVObhuKsa 2001: Nektar - The Prodigal Son - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzDc06e71KtGxE_RDroqXFzN" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzDc06e71KtGxE_RDroqXFzN 2004: Nektar - Evolution - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzC8-2SJtk6krU4C9_L49xpY" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzC8-2SJtk6krU4C9_L49xpY 2005: Nektar - Live at Rockpalast - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzDjrTcoYP_K7mc_kQl8_GIo" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzDjrTcoYP_K7mc_kQl8_GIo 2008: Nektar - Book of Days - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzB_XGI-auaoiYf2qqbhjs2o" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzB_XGI-auaoiYf2qqbhjs2o 2012: Nektar - A Spoonful of Time - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzB5hX2QlDjGdYvEAQXZpQwU" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzB5hX2QlDjGdYvEAQXZpQwU 2013: Nektar - Time Machine - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzA9a59eNG6cAusUiILAbV9l" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzA9a59eNG6cAusUiILAbV9l 2019: Nektar - The Other Side - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzDRifNPORGglSy_gF0UvCqW" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLikNHjJ_cxzDRifNPORGglSy_gF0UvCqW |
Posted By: Jared
Date Posted: August 03 2024 at 04:11
I think this whole thing about Newbies not being able to vote is ridiculous... can the Admins look into this? Even if it was reduced to 5 posts? I mean, these polls are only a harmless bit of fun and it must be really off-putting for members who have recently joined?? ------------- Music has always been a matter of energy to me. On some nights I believe that a car with the needle on empty can run 50 more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio. Hunter S Thompson |
Posted By: Jared
Date Posted: August 05 2024 at 08:50
Oh, it's a great album and an unexpected surprise... and the mutual love really comes across on the DVD, concerning its inception. overall, I still don't think it's as good as their best, but it's certainly better than anything they've released since Recycled. ------------- Music has always been a matter of energy to me. On some nights I believe that a car with the needle on empty can run 50 more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio. Hunter S Thompson |
Posted By: SarahStewart
Date Posted: August 05 2024 at 23:57
| I love it <3 Thanks for sharing it with us. I appreciate you for taking the time to share it with us. Completing my dissertation was a daunting task, but https://ukwritings.com/dissertation-services" rel="nofollow - https://ukwritings.com/dissertation-services made it manageable. From start to finish, the support was incredible. The writer helped me develop a strong thesis, conducted thorough research, and provided clear, concise writing. The end result was a well-structured and compelling dissertation. I’m extremely satisfied with their services and would recommend them to anyone who needs help with their dissertation. |
Posted By: Starshiper
Date Posted: September 30 2024 at 19:38
| Not a huge fan of polls here, but this is another motivation poll for voting on. "Remember the Future" received my vote. |
Posted By: I prophesy disaster
Date Posted: September 30 2024 at 23:19
|
I first heard "Journey to the Centre of the Eye" during the early '80s and it has been one of my favourite albums ever since. During the '90s, I got the compilation album "Nektar", which exposed me to some music from "A Tab in the Ocean". However, fairly recently, I got "A Tab in the Ocean" itself, and it is such a great album, I was considering creating a "Journey to the Centre of the Eye" vs "A Tab in the Ocean" poll. But I do feel that I have to vote for "Journey to the Centre of the Eye". ------------- No, I know how to behave in the restaurant now, I don't tear at the meat with my hands. If I've become a man of the world somehow, that's not necessarily to say I'm a worldly man. |