Why Neal Morse?

yeah, initially i had a hard time with FU part.  i thought it was too harsh for a prog song.  however, i came to realize that it works and really couldn't be any other way.  it also took balls to put out that song on a debut album in a genre that had all but died at that point in time.  Those 90s spock's albums are some of the best produced music in that decade of over compress alt. rock.  the only thing about the water for me is that it's a bit too long and peters out at the end.  def didn't need to be 25 minutes.  great melodies in there though.

great points.  it's interesting, the artists/bands i tend to like are not 'the best' at their instruments or singing, but are geniuses in their sphere of ability.  neal is definitely one of those dudes.  he knows what works for him to sound good and thank god has an ear for production, arrangment and mixing.  so many bands are clueless of that stuff.  

another example of what i stated above is neil young (two neals).  his has a peculiar voice and his own way of playing guitar.  i find it asthetically pleasing, but he'd never be considered a master guitarist/vocalist.  

it's rare that you get a prodigy and composer in one individual.  the only one i can think of is john petrucci.  has their ever been a technically superior guitar-god that writes such memorable melodies?