The Light [Special Edition]

This is a fantastic debut album from a challenging, original and essential band. I approached Spock's Beard from a prog angle, but really, there are enough fine hooks and sumptous melodies on this record to keep most people happy. The band play music with all the structure,intelligence and virtuoso aspects of prog, but with incredible harmonies and gorgeous, summery pop sensibilities incorporated. The most incredible thing is,it works: indeed, it is rare to hear a band sounding so fully formed on a debut album. Neal Morse (the singer, songwriter and multi-instrumental mastermind of the group) imbues each piece with a distinct sound and texture which was to expand throughout the bands career. One may find the lyrics a tad obtuse and over the top at times (sometimes the bizzare imagery reminds me of another great band, Mr Bungle), and as this is a self financed first effort, the production and overall sound quality is a bit lacking, although still perfectly listenable, but these are merely minor observations. The stunning quality of the songwriting and musicianship on offer here makes for a modern classic: the multi-sectioned title track, with its weird images and constantly shifting musical focus is nothing short of a masterpiece: what other band could flow through the dreamy 'garden people', the melodic 'looking straight into the light', and the spanish tinged 'senor valasco's....' so effortlessly? Rounding off the album we have the delicate 'Go the way you go', encompassing smooth musical divesity and a particularly memorable hook, the Epic 'the water' which moves from mellow opening sections into an aggressive (for Spock's) centrepiece and an uplifting conclusion: the whole piece reads like a cyclical tale of death and rebirth. Finally, 'On the edge' brings one back form the uncharted depths of euphoria only Spock's can travel with a catchy and concise closing piece.
This is almost a flawless album: prog fans should snap itup instantly, you will not be dissapointed to hear the spirit of Yes, Genesis and all the greats more than alive and well in modern times. Anyone else should buy it as well: highly recommended to rock fans, although there are no heavy guitars or screaming to satisfy those of a metal persuasion. Sorry guys.
A modern masterpiece.

Spock's Beard's debut, "The Light", is somewhat hard to digest upon the first listen. For one thing, the production is pretty bad, so if you're expecting the sound quality of "V", well, you won't get it. I would not recommend starting you're SB collection here. You might find it too wierd. Get "V" first. However, if you're already a fan of the band, you need this, cuz' it rocks.

The songwriting is, for the most part, quite good. Some parts seem like they don't fit, and some transitions in songs are not very smooth. However, this is not a big problem, and this is a pretty damn good album. The title track is a 15 minute epic, with many different sections. It features several crazy instrumental bits and quirky lyrics. A good song. "Go the Way You Go" is a hard rock song with elements of pop. "The Water" is the 23 minute epic, and the centerpiece of the album. Well, their are some mixed opinions, but this is my favorite song on the album. The story of a man's downfall, told very realisticly by Morse. Some moments reminiscent of Yes and Pink Floyd. The end is truly touching.

Overall, this is a good album for Beard fans. Unfortunately, the great Dave Meros and Nick D'Virgilio do not stand out as much, possibly because of the production. Neal and Alan are really great on this record. I think every other SB album deserves 5 stars, but this one is just a bit below the rest. I'd strongly recommend this to already fans of the Beard. If you're not already a fan of the Beard, well, it's never too late. Check out "V'.

What can I say?

I started off as a Dream Theater fan, and I kept reading glowing things about a little band called Spock's Beard... then I decided to give "The Water" a listen... how many times can you listen to a 23 minute epic before it gets boring? At least 100 for me...

I've been reading reviews that say The Light is too overdone, overblown, etc... go back to listening to Slipknot. The Light is beautifully crafted, the music is great, and the lyrics are exactly what Neal Morse wanted them to be. Before you complain about the FU section of The Water, remember that The Water is supposed to be the tale of a troubled soul, and how many of you haven't sworn and yelled and cried?

The Light, the title track is a mini-epic of sorts, but just goes to show that you can cut the instrumental sections from an epic and have a song that packs as much emotion as such epics, into 15 minutes. The Light's lyrics are non-sensical at times, but purposely so. If you can't have a laugh at your music, loosen your underwear.

This CD as a whole is just so tight, so brilliant, so hilarious, that anybody who likes REAL music should pick up a copy and give it a few listens. If you don't like them, then who cares? If you do, then you'll be like me, completely addicted.