? [AKA: QUESTION MARK]

I bought this album thinking because I do not have any contemporary prog. The newest album i have (in terms of release date) is Moving Pictures by Rush (1981!!) I had heard a lot about Mr. Morse and Spock's Beard, so I gave it a shot.

First of all, this album rocks! five stars just for the impact it had on me. I could have never dreamed of a Christian themed album with the intricacies of this album. (if there are, well, then i'm ignorant.) Morse's lyrics are astounding. Ex: "and then after all, with our backs against the wall, we seek the temple of the living god, and outside the gate the cripples sit and wait, to see the temple of the living god." Beautiful. and he has a descent voice, too. now, at first i thought, oh, his voice is crappy, but i listened to his range and harmonies, he's pretty talented.

all the tracks are astounding, so i'll break down my favorite song "in the fire." first, the vocal melody is very pleasant. sort of reminds me of "i've seen all good people" yes (see, i'm still stuck in the past, even though i'm only 19! however, the vocal melody isn't as cool as the wah wah riff (it's a cool wah wah talking riff, listen to "rainy day, dream away" by hendrix to understand what i'm talking about.) the lyrics are cool and then we get to the solos. there are, like, 8 (intricate and fast and cool and dueling) guitar solos and a really cool keyboard solo. i also got this cd because of the stuff i heard on jordan rudess. he's on the cd! both he and morse are very talented (i can't tell who's who, but all the keyboaed solos are awesome, so both of them are great. if you like the old bands such as yes, genesis and gentle giant, you'll love this album. remeber that i do not like christianity (being a catholic can do that to you), but i still found the lyrics beautiful and inspiring. buy it now.

p.s i think i'm hooked on this guy. as soon as i can, i will buy a bunch of morse and spock's beard albums.

pps was it hackett that cut the "12" solo? he's another reason i bought the album.