MORSE/ PORTNOY/ GEORGE: COVER TO COVER ANTHOLOGY (VOL. 1-3)

Despite being a huge Neal Morse fan, I'd never bought any of his albums of cover versions. When I saw that all three were available for only a few pounds more than the cost of the latest one, I decided to dive in. So glad I did.

Cover To Cover Anthology consists of the first two discs, remastered (understandable) and with a different track order (not sure why that was necessary, but hey), with the latest instalment, Cov3r to Cov3r, and liner notes for all 3 discs written by Mike Portnoy. Notwithstanding a couple of tracks each by King Crimson and Jethro Tull, and an early Yes song, the songs covered are not prog but 60s/70s pop songs. With a smattering from the 80s too. Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy and Randy George have chosen songs that they love, from bands that they admire and were influenced by. Some of these songs will be recognisable to everyone, Life On Mars, Baker Street, Crazy Horses and Rikki Don't Lose That Number, amongst others. Some of the other selections are more eclectic and will only be known by fans of those particular artists. Of the songs that I already knew, I would say that the covers are pretty faithful to the originals. However Mr Portnoy does put his own stamp on some of them with his inimitable drumming style. Also impressive is Neal's prowess on the lead guitar. Known more as a composer and keyboard player, he usually leaves such duties to specialists like his brother Alan, Roine Stolt, Steve Morse or Eric Gillette. But if you listen to the end of Baker Street you will realise how good Neal actually is himself.

I can heartily recommend this collection if you don't already have the first two Cover To/2 Cover albums. If you do have them, the third album is well worth adding.

I'd love to give this 4 stars but as it's not a prog album I ought to stick with 3.