I don't quite understand the point of leaving Spock's Beard if you're just going to write and produce music that sounds like it could be from Spock's Beard?
That's just his style, it follows him wherever he goes.
His music sounds like Spock's Beard because when he was in the band he was the primary writer. My guess is that he left Spock's Beard to write more overtly Christian themed lyrics and didn't want to push his fundamentalist beliefs on others in the band. Or it could be something else entirely
I would put it another way and say he wanted more artistic freedom to sing about what was in his heart, his love for God and wanting to express that without trying to veil or abstract his thoughts and emotions due to other band members disagreeing, as is their prerogative in a band setting. A solo artist does not have those constraints.
When Neal left Spock's, he didn't know what he would do next. He didn't know if he'd do a solo thing, or leave music altogether, or what. He just knew that God (as he puts it) was calling him to leave Spock's and he resisted for a long time because it obviously was an insane move to make for all of the other reasons. But eventually he gave in and followed the guidance he was hearing and he left Spock's, even though it broke his heart on one level.
Then he was called to write Testimony, and on it went, and of course that material will sound close to Spock's since he was the main songwriter for Spock's. But as others have said above, he wouldn't have wanted to force his Jesus-focused lyrics on the Spock's band or fans, so he did it on his own and those who wanted to followed him there, while others criticized him and/or made fun of him following his faith.
It's been well over a decade now, and so we see Neal coming around and writing much less overtly-religious lyrics in his solo albums, rejoining TA, and forming FC which hardly has any religious overtones at all. I expect he will follow "the call" wherever it takes him in any given moment, but overall his trajectory is obviously currently in a more-accessible area. If for some reason Ted left Spock's, it wouldn't surprise me if Neal even rejoined them...not that I expect that will actually happen, just saying that's how far around he seems to have come. It's enlivening seeing him continue to be inspired by his faith, but making more and more accessible music for the masses.
Spock's Beard sounded like Neal because Neal was the main songwriter and was instrumental in the overall sound of the band. That is not a knock on the other members of the band as I am sure they would all acknowledge how big a part he played into what SB was at that time. Note how SB changed immediately after he left. So in truth, Neal is not continuing to make albums that sound like Spock's Beard, he is continuing to make albums that sound like Neal.
Earlier in this thread, I asked people who were critical of the Neal sound to provide examples of artists who significantly change their sound from album to album. So far, there haven't really been any responders to that, so it would be interesting to see some suggestions. Also, in fairness to Neal, he has made pop albums & country/bluesy/folk albums, but yes, there is a Neal sound, no doubt. Then again, there is a McCartney sound as well, so Neal is in good company.
In my never to be humble opinion, Spock's Beard currently has the best lead vocalist they've had in their career. No need to go backwards.
Obviously Neal and Al are brothers and will always love each other and want to do musical things together, but I don't see a reformation of SBv1 ever happening on a permanent basis. And both sides are probably perfectly content with that.
He does. He's just quiet about it. He is one hell of a great guitarist as well. His wife is an absolutely AMAZING jazz flautist and singer... and hot. Rich is one of my very favorite people. Nicest and most humble dude on Earth.
Mike has let the cat out of the bag so I can now talk about one of the most entertaining tunes on the bonus CD. They did a cover of MacArthur Park. It is great but I can't stop laughing when I hear it. "Someone left my cake out in the rain, and I don't think that I can take it, 'cause it took so long to bake it, and I'll never have that recipe again!" It got the FULL DELUX MEGA PROG treatment. Best Prog cover ever!
When I first heard the song, Randy came in and thought I was sobbing over something. He said, what's the matter? with great concern. I turned to him with tears (of laughter) in my eyes and said, "SOMEONE LEFT MY CAKE OUT IN THE RAIN. . .)
The original by Richard Harris
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRwYQgk05DY
some reviews are beginning to appear ,and they are lyrical ,as i said earlier a total autobuy for me
I didn't care for Testimony and gave his next release a try and was less into that one. So I gave up on Neal's work. I respect him for making what seemed like a very difficult decision to leave SB because he didn't want to force his religious opinions on the other members or on the SB fan base. If that's the real reason for his leaving then I have respect for him for that decision.
Scottam writes
"
It's been well over a decade now, and so we see Neal coming around and writing much less overtly-religious lyrics in his solo albums, rejoining TA, and forming FC which hardly has any religious overtones at all. I expect he will follow "the call" wherever it takes him in any given moment, but overall his trajectory is obviously currently in a more-accessible area."
Money talks, bullsh*t walks.
Bullshit makes the flowers grow, too much makes them overflow.
My copy is on its way, but probably delayed by the weather. Also, Radiant uses some cheap-ass method of delivery to begin with, so they take forever.
Have people who preordered received this yet? Still waiting on mine but received a shipping or stamps.com notice anyway Jan 23. I suppose the weather could be delaying it.
I received a "your order has been shipped" e-mail on the 23rd, but since they're using USPS, it can't be tracked. I haven't received it yet - no idea why. It shouldn't take a week and a half.
Music isn't about chops, or even about talent - it's about sound and the way that sound communicates to people. Mike Keneally
The "shipped" email just means a label was printed. the cd is not out until 2/10, I believe.
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