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Review ::
 The recent announcement that Neal Morse is parting ways with Spock’s Beard to
pursue more Christian oriented projects, makes it all the more ironic that his last
recording with the band, “Snow”, will most likely be considered as the most
traditionally progressive of the bunch. Like it or not, Morse’s songwriting and frontman style always made Spock’s Beard a fun band to watch (isn’t it all about
fun?) to the delight of many, and the dismay of some who consider the band too
mainstream for their taste. But you can’t argue the quality of musicianship of each
member, or the major influence of Morse, the heart and soul which made the band his
baby. I have no doubt that Spock’s Beard will continue to put out quality stuff, no
matter what they decide to do in terms of personnel, writing, and production, but I
also can’t help referring to history and the prolific departures of Peter Gabriel
from Genesis and Fish from Marillion. Even though I liked some of the subsequent
releases (usually it was the first two or three), the basic nature of the band had
changed. Not that a new singer should imitate the original, but maybe the remaining
members should retire the band’s name and start anew.
I have been listening to both “Snow” and Neal Morse’s newest solo CD “It’s Not Too
Late” a lot recently, and the contrast is striking. While both CDs center around
Morse’s perceptions of human nature, personal and family relationships, conflict and
spiritual renewal; “Snow” is geared towards the proghead crowd, while some of the
tracks on the solo work contain enough infectious melodies and hooks to deserve,
dare I say it? Yes- Mainstream radio airplay! The great thing about Neal Morse is
that he doesn’t allow himself to be limited by any specific style when expressing
himself.
Once again, I have digressed from my original intent, which is to review
“Snow”. I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help it.
“Snow” is a throwback concept album which reminds you of the
trials and tribulations of Rael from the 1974 Genesis classic, “The Lamb Lies Down on
Broadway”. The similarities end, though, beyond the idea of a lost soul wandering
the streets and catacombs of New York City. Whereas the character in the “Lamb”
finds himself in surreal surroundings encountering unsavory beings of dreamstate or
biblical proportions. Snow is a teenage albino “Freak Boy” with a gift of “Love
beyond words”, compelled to act as a Messiah to city types that are all too real
(addicts, prostitutes, homeless, etc.). “Snow” maintains a much harsher edge than
the gentler “Lamb”.
The composition of
“Snow” also reminds me of the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar”, due to the
constant back and forth confrontations between the enlightened one and the misguided
souls he is trying to reach. Neal Morse sings the Snow and narrator parts with his
usual soulful expression backed by an acoustic guitar/synth/piano mix. The Beard
rock hard and intense with Neal as he belts out the city dweller parts. My only
complaint is with some of the revisited themes on disc 2 that only tend to interfere
with the flow to the conclusion, although I thoroughly enjoyed the out of context
piece “Ladies and Gentlemen, Mister Ryo Okumoto On The Keyboards”. Okumoto’s work
on a Hammond equates with a near religious experience, and this little “ELP break”
provides a nice little diversion before the finale. It brought back fond memories
of Okumoto’s solo with Spock’s Beard at Nearfest ’99, which was the most dramatic I
have ever seen, bar none.
“Snow” may not go down in the annals of progressive rock history as a classic, but
it’s a nice farewell gift from Neal to Spock’s Beard fans before the changes come.
Rating: 9 keyboards
Reviewed by: Rick Woodward 11/9/02
Visit the artist website:
Spock’s Beard
You can purchase this CD from
Email: Spock's
Beard
:: Discography ::
 Snow (2CD,
August 2002)
There And
Here (live 2CD, July 2001)
All On A
Sunday (CD single, May 2001)
Don't Try
This @ Home Either! (Live, Oct. 2000)
V (2000)
Don't Try
This At Home (Live, 2000)
Skin
(CD-single, 1999)
Live at the
Whisky and NEARfest (Live, 1999)
Day for Night
(1999)
The Beard Is
Out There (Live, 1998)
From the
Vault (Rarities, 1998)
The Kindness
Of Strangers (1997)
Beware of
Darkness (1996)
The Official
Live Bootleg (Live, 1996)
The Light
(1995) (Giant Electric Pea)
:: Spock's Beard Videography ::
Don't Try
This At Home (DVD, 2002)
The Making Of
V (2001)
The Spock's
Beard Home Movie (1998)
Live at the
Whisky (1999)
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