Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Bands, Artists and Genres Appreciation
Forum Description: Discuss specific prog bands and their members or a specific sub-genre
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=59838
Printed Date: February 22 2025 at 13:34
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Topic: Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Posted By: J-Man
Subject: Neal Morse Appreciation Thread
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 12:04
Best songwriter ever in my opinion, so I figured I'd better appreciate him Anyway, let's start out the discussion with ?, shall we? ------------- 
Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Replies:
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 12:04
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? ------------- 
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Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 12:08
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It's an awesome album!
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Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: natewait
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 13:29
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Its no secret that I'm a HUGE Neal Morse fan. His is my favorite songwriter, singer, musician. I love everything that he has done. ? is an incredible album from start to finish! It has everything you could want in a prog album. I particularly like the In The Fire/Solid as the Sun section- some great playing going on here. I love the emotion that comes through, especially in the second half of the album and how the album is brought full circle. It is an amazing album, one of his best works. "The temple of the living God is YOU!" ------------- Please check out my Progressive Music Blog: http://leviathanprog.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow - The Leviathan . |
Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 13:37
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I think ? contains something that only Neal Morse can create. That piano chord at the very end ALWAYS makes me listen to the album again. He writes the best conclusions to epic songs and albums hands down!
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Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: rdtprog
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 13:38
I discovered a prog fatigue in me with his 2 latest album. Is it me or is Neil keep playing the same formula a little too much? Nonetheless, i will be the first one to buy his next cd.
------------- Music is the refuge of souls ulcerated by happiness. Emile M. Cioran |
Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 13:43
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Lifeline I didn't find to be his best work, but Sola Scriptura is one of my favorite albums by him. I think SS has a much different sound than his previous albums because it has prog metal sections IMO at least. -------------
Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: natewait
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 13:50
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I agree that Lifeline is his weakest album, but I don't think it was meant to be compared to the masterpieces of Testimony, One, ?, and Sola Scriptura. It is more a collection of songs as a break from all the massive concept albums he has done. There are still some great tunes on Lifeline that makes it rather enjoyable (Lifeline, So Many Roads, Leviathan...) I also don't get the criticism that he always sounds the same, has the same formula, etc. I think Testimony, One, ? and Sola Scriptura all sound distinctly different. The only way I understand the "sticking to the same formula" argument is that they are all concept albums with epic grand finales. Besides that, they all have a very different feel to them. Especially Sola Scriptura which is his heaviest album (and perhaps my favorite, although it is a close call). ------------- Please check out my Progressive Music Blog: http://leviathanprog.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow - The Leviathan . |
Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 13:55
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One of the main problems I have with Lifeline is that he sings from too high in his throat, and his voice doesn't sound up to it's true potential. I also don't understand how some people think all of his stuff sounds the same. Testimony and Sola Scriptura, while they aren't polar opposites, are extremely different. My favorite album of his is either ? or Sola Scriptura. -------------
Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: rdtprog
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 14:13
Maybe because his songs are very long and have the same tempo for too long. I like a song when there's different moods. I didn't have that feeling before SS and Lifeline. ------------- Music is the refuge of souls ulcerated by happiness. Emile M. Cioran |
progrocker2244 wrote:Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 14:15
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I'm thinking that the people that are the most active posters in the Flower Kings Appreciation thread will be the most active in this thread too. I know that it is not 100%, and as soon as I post this the next 10 people will dispute it, but I think that there is an excellent chance that if you are a fan of the Flower Kings, you are also a fan of Spock's Beard, and most likely therefore, Neal Morse. Although each band is unique in their own rights, to me at least, they are the two most similar of the new era prog bands, and I find it hard to believe that you can't like one band without liking the other. -------------
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Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 14:19
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I just acquired this Neal Morse live CD from the CalProg folks the other day, and gave it its first spin yesterday. http://www.calprog.com/NealMorseCD.htm - http://www.calprog.com/NealMorseCD.htm -------------
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Posted By: natewait
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 14:30
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^ I was there the night that he performed those songs. I think he is an incredible live performer, very charismatic, fun and emotionally powerful. It was perhaps my favorite concert experience (although I will admit I haven't been to many concerts). What's impressive is that I think this is only the second time the band that supports him performed with him (the first being at 3RP) and they do an amazing job. It must be difficult having to learn songs like "The Creation", "The Door" and "Stranger In Your Soul" but they pulled it all off.
------------- Please check out my Progressive Music Blog: http://leviathanprog.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow - The Leviathan . |
Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 14:59
I agree. Spock's Beard and The Flower Kings tend to go hand in hand. Transatlantic was the connecting link for most people. I discovered TA from Neal, and then I became a Flower Kings fan because of Roine. The music doesn't sound even remotely the same, but they tend to have the same general fanbase. -------------
Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 15:09
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Posted By: Epignosis
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 15:17
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As a Christian whose spirit resonates with the message and who understands the typological import of the subject matter, ? is one of the best albums ever in terms of lyrics.
------------- https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays" rel="nofollow - https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays |
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 15:32
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Being that I am Agnostic, if I paid too close of attention to his lyrics I would probably be less of a fan, but ...
I absolutely love Testimony, which I think is one of the best concept albums ever made. -------------
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Posted By: Dalezilla
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 15:37
I love Neal Morse, but hate the Flower Kings. (love and hate being exaggarations, but you get my point.  ) |
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 15:39
How is that possible?  (I did say that they will be 10 of you to show up and prove me wrong, so 9 to go).-------------
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Posted By: Dalezilla
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 15:41
| ^Not sure. I really dislike Roine's vocals and the music sounds way too cheesy to me. Other people might say the same about Morse, but this is how I feel. |
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 15:42
Once we get you on to our continent your mind will change.  -------------
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Posted By: Dalezilla
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 15:43
^Not too long then. 
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Posted By: KingCrimson250
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 19:05
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I am a huge fan of Neal Morse. I agree that ?, despite being a serious contender for Worst Album Title Ever Award, if there were one, is incredible. XII is my favourite track, while Neal is a fantastic guitarist you just do not get better than Steve Hackett, and his contribution to the album is incredible. I also think that it's the one album that is the most coherent and that manages to remain compelling throughout. SS is awesome but the ending was way too dragged out, I felt he could have lopped off about ten minutes of The Conclusion. That's my general complaint with all of his music, he usually tries to maintain the Big Epic Finale (or climax, if you'd prefer, with all the sexual jokes that entail) for far too long. ? was the closest he came. I'm actually not a big fan of One. It's an okay album, but nothing on it after The Seperated Man really grabbed my interest, and I found parts of it (specifically bits in The Creation) exceeded my cheese limit. |
Posted By: E-Dub
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 21:03
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Whenever somebody has a 'Pick your favorite Neal Morse disc' (from Testimony on), I have such a hard time picking a favorite. With the exception of Lifeline, each disc has it's own personality and brilliance that just touches me. I love Testimony because that's when I was just getting back into prog and that disc had everything I was looking for. ? is an absolute masterpiece, though. Brilliant musicianship and arranging from beginning to end. Sola Scriptura is quickly becoming a favorite, too. Primarily because of "The Conflict" and "The Conclusion". Much like "Supper's Ready", I love an epic that just has this triumphant climax that just rocks your soul. These two songs have that for me. Especially on "The Conclusion" during the "She's clothed with the sun..." It's just absolutely beautiful. I'm just so happy that there's a future for Transatlantic. I like Lifeline OK, but I felt that Neal needed a shot in the arm to get that edge back. Hopefully this project will regain his focus. Much like Epignosis, I'm a Christian and really draw inspiration from his faith based lyrics, so that aspect of his work is something I enjoy. The formula was just getting tired with Lifeline. As for Spock's Beard, I don't know where I lean on that. I've enjoyed his solo output so much that I tend to forget that he was in another band previously. It would be cool to see them get back together and perform Snow in it's entirety. Hopefully it happens. E ------------- 
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Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 21:33
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I think Snow is the greatest double album ever released, and it would be very cool for Neal to team up with the Beard and play the album. What do you guys think of Snow? -------------
Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: natewait
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 21:40
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Snow is one of my top five albums of all time. The first time I heard it when I was first getting into Spock's Beard was magical and I instantly fell in love with it. I think it is in the same league as other double album concept albums such as The Lamb and The Wall. It would be incredible if Neal performed this with the Beard. If there was a performance of this in the States, I would travel practically anywhere to see it. I feel the same way about Neal performing with Transatlantic, which could happen with the release of a new album. I got into Spock's Beard and Transatlantic shortly after Neal left both bands and was devastated that I would never be able to see them live. I would be thrilled beyond belief if I could see either band live with Neal. But, yeah, Snow is awesome and I never get tired of it. It is the beginning of Neal's incredible run of concept albums that goes all the way until Sola Scriptura. Brilliant stuff! ------------- Please check out my Progressive Music Blog: http://leviathanprog.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow - The Leviathan . |
Posted By: E-Dub
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 21:45
Far and away my favorite Beard disc. I still don't quite understand the "Ladies and Gentlemen, Ryo..." section because it's so out of place; however, it's a brilliant album. Actually one of my favorite prog discs, too. It's such a shame that they never toured behind it. E -------------
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Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: August 02 2009 at 06:04
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Snow vs. Testimony??
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Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: August 02 2009 at 06:08
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Actually, for me that is a fairly easy question. Snow is easily 5 stars, and Testimony is between a 3 or 4 (rounded up to a 4 btw) -------------
Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: rdtprog
Date Posted: August 02 2009 at 06:12
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While Snow is a good album, there's nothing that equal the quality of the album V with the great epic songs. My favorite Neal Morse solo is Testimony follow by ?. For some reasons, i had troubled to get in his 2 latests cds. Don't know why...
------------- Music is the refuge of souls ulcerated by happiness. Emile M. Cioran |
Posted By: Anaon
Date Posted: August 02 2009 at 06:13
Same for me! I like first Flower Kings albums but I can't listen to the last ones anymore, too much for me. But I'm a huge Neal Morse fan!! And I really like the fact that he records at home, that he does the drum parts for his demos, that kind of stuff. And making of videos are great!! ------------- My music: http://spleenarcana.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow - http://spleenarcana.bandcamp.com/ My blog: http://groovesandmemories.com/" rel="nofollow - http://groovesandmemories.com/ |
Posted By: E-Dub
Date Posted: August 02 2009 at 08:00
My goodness, this is a tough one. Probably Snow....but by a thin margin. E -------------
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Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: August 02 2009 at 13:03
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By the way, today is Neal's 49th bday! Happy birthday Neal! In honor of his birthday I wrote a 5 star review for ?- http://www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=229608 - http://www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=229608 What do you guys think? -------------
Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: August 02 2009 at 13:05
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YES!!!! After my review ? went into the top 100 at spot #97!!!!!! That's my birthday present for Neal  -------------
Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: Roland113
Date Posted: August 02 2009 at 19:51
E, Agreed about "Snow" I absolutely love it and gave it a five star review. I never thought the "Ladies and Gentlemen, Mister Ryo . . . " was out of place, here's my interpretation . . . At the end of "Devil's Got My Throat [Revisited]" Snow's pretty much had it and get's grabbed by a gang of party goers for a night on the town in "Snow's Night Out". In the midst of their club hopping, Mister Ryo Okumoto is playing at a club that they go to. Seeing "Ryo" perform was always just part of Snow's night on the town, with the tongue in cheek bit being that they choose their own keyboard player's name as the person playing at the club. . . . and some of my other thoughts on the thread:
------------- -------someone please tell him to delete this line, he looks like a noob------- I don't have an unnatural obsession with Disney Princesses, I have a fourteen year old daughter and coping mechanisms. |
Posted By: Roland113
Date Posted: August 02 2009 at 19:59
I took a very similar route Scott. My prog resurgence was initiated by a re-appreciation of both Genesis and Dream Theater. iTunes figured that if I liked Dream Theater, I'd like Spock's Beard, The Flower Kings and Transatlantic. I thought why not, and based on the iTunes reviews, picked up Snow (one review said that this was the place to start for Spock's Beard). The rest as they say is history, I absolutely loved Snow, a week later, I found Retropolis by The Flower Kings in a used CD place and picked that up, loved it as well. Since then, those two have risen to the ranks of my all time favorite bands with The Flower Kings currently tied with Genesis which is lofty praise. I avoided Neal's solo CD's for some time mostly because I'm not very religious. I ended up hearing a suite of tracks from ? on the internet radio station that I was listening to at the time (The Dividing Line Broadcasting network) which pushed me to get over the prejeduce. I picked up ? on iTunes and I think I listened to it in it's entirity about five times on that first night. Amazing CD! I'm not as fond of his other ones, though admittedly, I need to listen to "One" and "Testimony" a few more times to get a valid opinion of them. Sola Scriptura is very good and Lifeline leaves a bit to be desired. ------------- -------someone please tell him to delete this line, he looks like a noob------- I don't have an unnatural obsession with Disney Princesses, I have a fourteen year old daughter and coping mechanisms. |
Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: August 03 2009 at 09:06
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Testimony is my least favorite Neal Morse album aside from Lifeline. It's not as serious as his others, and I just find it to be too poppy at times, and none of the repeating themes grabbed me that much. It's still a 3 or 4 star album, but it isn't one of his masterpieces. One, on the other hand, is incredible. -------------
Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: Epignosis
Date Posted: August 03 2009 at 09:37
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Many months ago on Sunday morning I played and sang a ? medley in church, mainly featuring "The Temple of the Living God" and "Inside His Presence." One white-haired woman was so touched she gave me fifty bucks. But "Inside His Presence," biblically-speaking, is one of the greatest songs ever. ------------- https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays" rel="nofollow - https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays |
Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: August 03 2009 at 10:32
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"Outside Looking In" has some very inspiring lyrics as well on that album.
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Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: BLITZKRIEG
Date Posted: August 03 2009 at 11:02
| This guy is really underrated. Excellent musicianship. Loved ? and Sola Scriptura. |
Posted By: Johnny_Tsunami
Date Posted: August 03 2009 at 11:44
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In my opinion, Morse's best work was with Spock's Beard and Transatlantic. Got ? and it just felt lacking, maybe that's because I got it right when I was exiting my symphonic prog obsession stage. Favorite Beard album is a toss-up between Beware of Darkness and V. Never really understood the gushing over Snow, it always seemed a little hokey to me still a 3-4 star album though. In my opinion, Transatlantic has to be where Morse is at his absolute best! SMPT:e is just a masterpiece, loved every second of it, and I cannot wait for the new album to come out! ------------- I likes musics |
Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: August 03 2009 at 15:40
Neither can I. This has been a very good year, and the future looks bright. We already had new Dream Theater, Mars Volta, Mastodon, and Decemberists albums, and now we can look forward to a new Anglagard, Spock's Beard, and Transatlantic! I've got my fingers crossed on the new TA. I'm hoping they tour along with the new album as well. -------------
Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: Roland113
Date Posted: August 03 2009 at 19:16
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ProgRocker . . . What's with the name change?
------------- -------someone please tell him to delete this line, he looks like a noob------- I don't have an unnatural obsession with Disney Princesses, I have a fourteen year old daughter and coping mechanisms. |
Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: August 03 2009 at 19:17
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I don't know. I didn't like it that much... Between Pablo not knowing who I am, and you asking that question, I'm getting a hint I should change it back after only one hour. Should I change it?? -------------
Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: Roland113
Date Posted: August 03 2009 at 19:42
^ Naah, it's kind of like changing your hair color. When it first happens everyone's got to say something about it, but everyone gets over it pretty quickly. 
------------- -------someone please tell him to delete this line, he looks like a noob------- I don't have an unnatural obsession with Disney Princesses, I have a fourteen year old daughter and coping mechanisms. |
Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: August 03 2009 at 20:01
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^ good analogy Now, back onto the topic of Neal Morse. What would you say his trademark sound is influenced most by? -------------
Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: Epignosis
Date Posted: August 03 2009 at 20:07
Me. ------------- https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays" rel="nofollow - https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays |
Posted By: The Quiet One
Date Posted: August 03 2009 at 20:14
Don't forget The Tangent is releasing a new one this year! Aren't they? |
Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: August 03 2009 at 20:19
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I never heard that they are working on a new one as well! Thanks for the heads up! -------------
Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: August 07 2009 at 08:13
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Alright, what's your favorite song off of Lifeline? Mine's probably Lifeline, but I like a few others as well. -------------
Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: natewait
Date Posted: August 07 2009 at 10:22
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My favorite from Lifeline has to be So Many Roads. I think it is a very under-rated epic, one of Neal's best.
I also LOVE Lifeline and Leviathan though. ------------- Please check out my Progressive Music Blog: http://leviathanprog.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow - The Leviathan . |
Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: August 07 2009 at 10:27
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I like So Many Roads, but I don't find it to be one of Neal's better epics. In my mind it just doesn't rank up with Stranger In Your Soul, The Great Nothing, ? (as one epic), The Light, etc. -------------
Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: natewait
Date Posted: August 07 2009 at 10:31
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Yeah, I agree with that. I find Stranger In Your Soul, All of the Above, The Great Nothing, At The End of the Day, ?, The Door, The Creation and a couple others to be a bit stronger than So Many Roads. But, I don't think So Many Roads is that far behind them... ------------- Please check out my Progressive Music Blog: http://leviathanprog.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow - The Leviathan . |
Posted By: Anaon
Date Posted: August 07 2009 at 10:33
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About "So Many Roads", I agree with you but only Neal Morse can write this kind of epic today, don't you think? Even "So Many Roads" which is weaker than his other epics, I don't see any other artist who could release something like this...
------------- My music: http://spleenarcana.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow - http://spleenarcana.bandcamp.com/ My blog: http://groovesandmemories.com/" rel="nofollow - http://groovesandmemories.com/ |
Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: August 07 2009 at 10:44
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One of the main problems I have with Lifeline is the way Neal Morse sings during most of the album. It's almost like he's singing from too high in his throat, or something like that. He has a great voice especially Sola Scriptura and ?, But on Lifeline, his voice falls short sometimes. Does anyone else notice this?
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Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: August 09 2009 at 09:49
I find Transatlantic to have some of his best work. Bridge Across Forever is my favorite TA album, but Smpt:e is a 4 or 5 star album as well. Here's a list of my top 10 TA, Beard, and Solo albums: 1. ? 2. Bridge Across Forever 3. Snow 4. V 5. Sola Scriptura 6. One 7. SMPT:e 8. The Light 9. The Kindness of Strangers 10. Testimony -------------
Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: E-Dub
Date Posted: August 09 2009 at 10:05
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Man, how can I possibly do this? It's so hard. It's difficult enough trying to pick a favorite Morse solo disc, let alone everything. Here goes, however: 1. Bridge Across Forever 2. ? 3. Testimony 4. Snow 5. Sola Scriptura 6. One 7. V 8. The Kindness Of Strangers 9. SMPT:e 10. Day For Night E -------------
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Posted By: Dirk
Date Posted: August 13 2009 at 10:18
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I like Neal Morse's solo albums a lot. One is the standout album for me. The lyrics on this album can easily be interpreted in a non religious way as it's about alienation and subsequent reconciliation, very well done. The music on this album is often stunning, i saw Author of confusion performed life a year ago , that was a thrilling experience. I'm a strictly non religious person but people who don't listen to Morse's albums for this reason are imo really missing out. |
Posted By: natewait
Date Posted: August 13 2009 at 10:27
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Heres my attempt to rank my top 10 Spock's Beard, Transatlantic and Neal Morse albums (this is tough!):
1. Bridge Across Forever
2. Sola Scriptura
3. One
4. Snow
5. Testimony
6. ?
7. V
8. The Kindness of Strangers
9. SMPT:e
10. Day For Night ------------- Please check out my Progressive Music Blog: http://leviathanprog.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow - The Leviathan . |
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: August 13 2009 at 10:30
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Neal has now released 4 Worship Sessions CDs. Does anybody have these? I assume that there is nothing prog about them, that they are just Neal singing religious psalms with a choir or something along those line. Although I am not religious I have enjoyed his solo albums, but I just wonder if these might be too much. -------------
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Posted By: Dirk
Date Posted: August 13 2009 at 10:30
| From Spock's beard Kindness of strangers get's my vote. |
Posted By: natewait
Date Posted: August 13 2009 at 10:31
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Oh, and by the way, has anyone heard any news about the new Transatlantic? I'm dying with anticipation and it is killing me that I haven't heard anything about it since it was first announced several months ago. I heard about a possible October release. Anybody know anything? ------------- Please check out my Progressive Music Blog: http://leviathanprog.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow - The Leviathan . |
Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: August 13 2009 at 10:35
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I know just as much as you Nathan. If the October release holds true we might get a track listing, album art, etc. sometime soon.
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Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: Anaon
Date Posted: August 13 2009 at 10:38
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We know as well that it is already recorded... I like the fact that for the moment, we have no news, it would be great if music is not available before its release. I'm really excited about this album, my biggest expectation of 2009!! ------------- My music: http://spleenarcana.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow - http://spleenarcana.bandcamp.com/ My blog: http://groovesandmemories.com/" rel="nofollow - http://groovesandmemories.com/ |
Posted By: natewait
Date Posted: August 13 2009 at 10:38
I have all of Neal's Worship CDs and I am pretty underwhelmed by them for the most part. There isn't really anything prog about them, but they are a little more than "singing religious psalms with a choir". They are mostly half original works by Neal and half existing worship songs. If you are turned off even slightly by Neal's religious lyrics on his prog albums, these will put you over the edge, I would think.
That being said, so this isn't completely negative, there are some good tunes scattered on each of these worship CDs and some songs that do rock and remind me of his solo pop efforts he came out with while in Spock's Beard (the self-titled one and It's Not Too Late). I am a little obsessed with Neal, so I get everything he is involved with, but for those less obsessed, I wouldn't count these worship CDs as essential, and they will definitely dissapoint those looking for proggy songs like those found on his incredible solo albums. ------------- Please check out my Progressive Music Blog: http://leviathanprog.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow - The Leviathan . |
Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: August 13 2009 at 10:41
Definitely. This is going to be one of the most anticipated releases right now along with Porcupine Tree and Anglagard.  -------------
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Posted By: WalterDigsTunes
Date Posted: August 13 2009 at 10:42
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Posted By: natewait
Date Posted: August 13 2009 at 10:47
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I heard that in the latest Progression Magazine there is an article about the new Transatlantic. I'm tempted to buy it just to read that one article- thats how desperate I am for news on this. I thought that belonging to the Inner Circle might give me some insight into the new Transatlantic, but Neal has been surprisingly quiet about what is going on with Transatlantic. I guess it is a good thing so that it is more of a surprise when the actual album comes out. I just need to learn patience. Sigh. ------------- Please check out my Progressive Music Blog: http://leviathanprog.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow - The Leviathan . |
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: August 13 2009 at 10:48
 I am glad that there is some original material on those, as that will make it more worthwhile to me. I'm not sure how the religious aspect will work for me. I'm not a religious person, and I get angered by people who force their religion and beliefs upon others, but for the most part I don't have a problem with the message of religion; i.e. be good to yourself and to each other. If nothing else, with my parents and sister both becoming more and more religious these might be albums that I can share with them. -------------
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Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: August 13 2009 at 10:51
I must remedy that.-------------
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Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: August 13 2009 at 10:52
I'm going to try to look up the article online. If you do end up finding it, please let us know! -------------
Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: natewait
Date Posted: August 13 2009 at 11:08
If you do pick up one of his worship CDs, I would avoid "Lead Me Lord (Worship Sessions Volume One)" which is more like what you originally described (singing religious psalms with a choir). I would get "God Won't Give Up", which to me is the real first worship CD and all the songs on it are written by Neal. If you don't like "God Won't Give Up" I seriously doubt you would like any of the other worship CDs. ------------- Please check out my Progressive Music Blog: http://leviathanprog.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow - The Leviathan . |
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: August 13 2009 at 11:10
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Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: August 13 2009 at 11:15
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These two albums aren't religious, but they are very high quality pop- His S/T album and It's Not To Late. You should listen to those if you haven't already. -------------
Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: natewait
Date Posted: August 13 2009 at 11:19
I agree with this
His self-titled one even has a prog rock epic of sorts at the end. Very good stuff. ------------- Please check out my Progressive Music Blog: http://leviathanprog.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow - The Leviathan . |
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: August 13 2009 at 11:21
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On It's Not Too Late, he actually reminds be a bit of Bon Jovi. However, I had my sister, who is a Bon Jovi nut listen to him, and she didn't like him. -------------
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Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: August 13 2009 at 11:42
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I don't really hear Bon Jovi...
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Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: August 26 2009 at 15:55
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Check this out: http://www.transatlanticweb.com/news.php - http://www.transatlanticweb.com/news.php
TRANSATLANTIC'S THE WHIRLWIND Coming in October!! http://www.transatlanticweb.com/ - TRANSATLANTIC - the Progressive Rock Supergroup featuring http://www.dreamtheater.net/ - DREAM THEATER 's Mike Portnoy, http://www.marillion.com/ - MARILLION 's Pete Trewavas, http://www.flowerkings.se/ - THE FLOWER KINGS ' Roine Stolt and http://www.nealmorse.com/ - Neal Morse (Ex-SPOCK'S BEARD) – will release their long-awaited third album in October 2009. THE WHIRLWIND is a 77-minute piece of music that is sure to satisfy the band's legions of fans that have patiently waited almost the entire decade for the reunion of these 4 musicians. THE WHIRLWIND will be available in two formats: A Regular Edition Single CD of the entire 77 minute Epic as well as a 2-CD Special Edition containing a Bonus Disc with 8 newly recorded Studio Tracks. (4 new http://www.transatlanticweb.com/ - TRANSATLANTIC compositions and 4 Cover Songs) The Track Listing for the Special Edition is: Disc One: THE WHIRLWIND Disc Two:
October 23rd 2009: Germany, Austria, Switzerland October 26th 2009: Europe October 27th 2009: North America -------------
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Posted By: natewait
Date Posted: August 26 2009 at 21:54
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I CAN'T WAIT! I am so unbelievably excited about this album! 77 minute epic? That is about as epic as it gets! I can't wait to explore it, I'm sure it will be in constant rotation in my car for months. I'm going to be checking every day for the opportunity to pre-order, as soon as its available, I'm pre-ordering the special edition. Oh yeah, did I mention I'm excited?  ------------- Please check out my Progressive Music Blog: http://leviathanprog.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow - The Leviathan . |
Posted By: natewait
Date Posted: October 03 2009 at 21:03
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With the new Transatlantic coming in a few weeks, I wanted to resurrect this old thread. I don't think Neal Morse has been appreciated enough on here Has anyone heard the free download "The Return of the Giant Hogweed" from pre-ordering the new Transatlantic album? I thought it was really good- nothing really new or groundbreaking, but a faithful, good rendition of a Genesis classic. I can't wait to get my pre-order at the end of October, and if it is available at CalProg next week, I'll buy it even though I have it pre-ordered. Anyone else excited about this besides me? Anyone heard a promo copy and can give an idea what this sounds like? I'm desperate! ------------- Please check out my Progressive Music Blog: http://leviathanprog.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow - The Leviathan . |
Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: October 03 2009 at 21:05
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I'm excited as anything! Heck, it's even written on my calendar! Most anticipated release of '09!
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Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: natewait
Date Posted: October 03 2009 at 22:05
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^ Good to know I'm not the only one!
------------- Please check out my Progressive Music Blog: http://leviathanprog.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow - The Leviathan . |
Posted By: Anaon
Date Posted: October 04 2009 at 03:01
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Same here!! Pre-ordered, I can't wait!! I've always believed in a Transatlanic reunion, I'm so glad it's happening! Neal Morse is great, sure he's always playing the same very own style, but what a style! And I can't wait to watch the making of, I love to see how Neal Morse records :) ------------- My music: http://spleenarcana.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow - http://spleenarcana.bandcamp.com/ My blog: http://groovesandmemories.com/" rel="nofollow - http://groovesandmemories.com/ |
Posted By: terryl
Date Posted: October 04 2009 at 03:46
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Here's another loyal fan of Neal Morse's prog. i pre-ordered it the first day that link to Radiant opened, so i'm counting down the days now. I think ? belongs to a very special place in PA. It's a very strong offering from start to finish, with not a second of filler. It seems every note has its place and reason to be there. One of the very best composition in prog i've heard, and it's the work of primarily one person. That's genius. On Lifeline, i think it's a bit weak after a very successful run of Testimony, One, ?, and Sola Scriptura (other albums not included) but i think it's not really that bad. If Lifeline had come uot before Testimony, it could have recieved a different kind of response. SS is not my favorite, but many people hailed it as Neal's best. That could be difficult to top in terms of perception. Through Neal Morse's links, I'm also discovering the Flower King and their affiliated bands as Karmakanic, Tomas Bodin, Kaipa. Sweden is freaking amazing. ------------- And who are we to justify the right in all we do Until we seek, until we find Ammonia Avenue http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrmJ39j58W0 |
Posted By: E-Dub
Date Posted: October 04 2009 at 07:48
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Definitely my most anticipated release of 2009. And the fact that it's one long epic makes it even cooler. Still a little proud that I was the one who broke the story. That whole chance meeting with Stolt at Chicago's O'Hare while coming back from the Marillion Convention, then making the connection when finding out Pete was traveling by himself out of Montreal to Nashville. It was all too perfect. If you're into Swedish prog, check out Moon Safari. Tomas Bodin produced their debut, A Doorway To Summer, and their follow up, Blomljud, is out of this world. Excellent, excellent stuff! E -------------
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Posted By: Roland113
Date Posted: October 04 2009 at 20:00
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Eric, Again, good call on breaking the story, hats off to you on that. Also, if the Transatlantic release is your most anticipated of the year, that is high praise indeed. With Sylvan and Marillion both releasing albums in the last half of the year, I'd have thought you'd be more excited about one of those two. As I said, high praise indeed. ------------- -------someone please tell him to delete this line, he looks like a noob------- I don't have an unnatural obsession with Disney Princesses, I have a fourteen year old daughter and coping mechanisms. |
Posted By: terryl
Date Posted: October 04 2009 at 21:08
Thanks Eric. Blomljud has already been on my wishlist. Actually i have ordered them but there were stocking problems with this online store and the order was then cancelled. Need to do it again some time. ------------- And who are we to justify the right in all we do Until we seek, until we find Ammonia Avenue http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrmJ39j58W0 |
Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: October 09 2009 at 13:18
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Does anyone else have the promo copy of The Whirlwind? I took my first listen of it earlier today.
-Jeff -------------
Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: E-Dub
Date Posted: October 09 2009 at 19:54
I never thought I'd hear myself say this, but I'm not big on the new/old Marillion. I say new/old because they just rehashed some old songs and did them acoustically. There is one song on there called "It's Not Your Fault" and even it falls flat. I've heard it once when I first got it and it was OK. Put it on today in the car and simply wasn't in the mood for it. This could very well be my least favorite Marillion disc. The new Sylvan is very good, but the Transatlantic has me very stoked. Cannot wait for this! And thanks. What a surreal day that was meeting Roine. That whole thing just sort of came together. E -------------
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Posted By: Roland113
Date Posted: October 10 2009 at 07:07
Ahh, I didn't realize that the new Marillion is a rehash, sorry to hear that it's disappointing. I like the new Sylvan as well, though it's not knocking my socks off. It's good, just not great. I'm hoping to pick up the Transatlantic CD on Wednesday. There is a rumor that Roine will have copies for sale at the Karmakanic / Agents of Mercy show so I'm pretty excited about both the show and the CD. Tom ------------- -------someone please tell him to delete this line, he looks like a noob------- I don't have an unnatural obsession with Disney Princesses, I have a fourteen year old daughter and coping mechanisms. |
Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: October 10 2009 at 07:23
Yeah, I don't have the Marillion yet either, but I have plenty more purchases to make before getting an acoustic version of some Marillion songs. I don't have the new Sylvan yet, and the new Transatlantic is my most anticipated release of 2009. I have the promo copy and it is REALLY GOOD. I have it ordered as well, so I should be getting it on my doorstep soon enough. -Jeff -------------
Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: November 10 2009 at 15:06
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Since I ran across this ProgAid song All Around the World for another thread, I thought that I would post it here too, for Neal Morse fans to appreciate, since he has a fairly large part in this song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HX0G7xSVH8 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HX0G7xSVH8
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Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: November 10 2009 at 15:37
Thanks for posting that! It was pretty cool. I think I heard Roine Stolt and Peter Nicholls in there as well, but I'm not sure... -------------
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Posted By: Epignosis
Date Posted: November 10 2009 at 15:39
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I normally wouldn't "crash" an appreciation thread, but I like Neal Morse a lot, so here goes: I listened to his debut again...and holy cow does it blow.  ------------- https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays" rel="nofollow - https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays |
Posted By: The Block
Date Posted: November 10 2009 at 15:41
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The new Transatlantic doesn't... -------------  |
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: November 10 2009 at 15:42
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Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: November 10 2009 at 15:45
I'm the biggest frickin' Neal Morse fanboy in the whole world (tied with my dad probably ), and I will admit his first and second albums (It's Too Late) are not good... at all.-Jeff -------------
Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime |
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: November 10 2009 at 15:47
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Posted By: Epignosis
Date Posted: November 10 2009 at 16:00
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I used to think his worst lyrics were with Spock's Beard talking about being gravy on God's shirt... but in his debut he says he used to be a lemon and now he's an artichoke? C'mon Neal...WTF man... ------------- https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays" rel="nofollow - https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays |
Posted By: J-Man
Date Posted: November 10 2009 at 16:04
Before:  After:  -------------
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