DreamTheaterForums.org Dream Theater Fan Site
General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: SoundscapeMN on November 26, 2010, 04:23:21 PM
-
Steve Morse talks about it at 7:16 here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5RyeVDLEFE&feature=player_embedded
-
that would be awesome!
thanks for passing along
-
Want
-
That's a hell of a lineup!
-
This is an MP supergroup I think I can get behind.
-
*insert dance emote*
my list is home
-
This is an MP supergroup I think I can get behind.
Uhhh... YES PLEASE.
This sound great. I wonder how much of the writing will be Steve's and how much will be Neal's, or if Neal will just be brought in?
I thought this might be another Neal Morse solo project, but without Randy George, I doubt it - he's been Neal's bassist on studio albums since One and I doubt he'd do one without him.
I wonder if this is a way for Neal and Mike to continue working around Randy's schedule (not being able to do a NM Solo album) and Roine's/Pete's schedules (not being able to do a TA album). Either way, this sounds like it'll be pretty epic - I wonder if it'll have a heavy, hard-rock sound, maybe a bit less complex-prog and symphonic-prog?
-Marc.
-
I'm not familiar with what kind of input Steve Morse and Dave LaRue bring to each of their projects or what-have-you.
How different would this be from Transatlantic?
-
I'm not familiar with what kind of input Steve Morse and Dave LaRue bring to each of their projects or what-have-you.
How different would this be from Transatlantic?
Steve Morse found the Dixie Dregs, of which Jordan Rudess was a member of in 1994 for a short time, while Dave LaRue has been their bassist since 1988. They've been classified as hard rock, jazz fusion, and a bit progressive. Mike has worked with Dave LaRue in his Led Zeppelin cover band, Hammer Of The Gods.
Steve was also a part of Kansas for some time, a band Neal is familiar with as he's worked with Kansas's former guitarist Kerry Livgren, whom Steve Morse replaced in the mid-80s.
So, Neal and Mike are pretty familiar with these guys, so it should be a really rocking album. I'm expecting Dixie Dregs meets Transatlantic meets Spock's Beard meets a bit of Dream Theater. Like I said, heavy, hard-rock sound.
-Marc.
-
*insert dance emote*
my list is home
Is it gay to dance together? :laugh:
MUST HAVE THIS MUSIC.
-
not to mention, besides Dixie Dregs, Steve Morse is a big influence on John Petrucci, Dave LaRue has played on JR's solo albums, and Planet X albums, and of course with Neal and Mike there, one can expect no less than great things :tup
-
This could be really good .......
.... if Neal Morse doesn't overrun this thing.
rumborak
-
I'd be a lot more excited about this if Neal Morse wasn't involved..
-
This could be really good .......
.... if Neal Morse doesn't overrun this thing.
rumborak
As much as I love NM, I would like to see him be less the leader and more of a contributor, but just to see how he would handle that. I know why you don't want him to overrun it, though. :lol
-
Dave LaRue has played on JR's solo albums, and Planet X albums
And Steve Morse's solo albums. I love Steve Morse, so this sounds amazing.
-
This sounds fantastic.
-
I'd be a lot more excited about this if Neal Morse wasn't involved..
I'm not quite at that point, but I think I know what you mean. Though I'm sure it's not intentional, Neal tends to put his mark on the sound of anything he's involved in. At some point, you hear his distinctive voice; at some point, something about the music had that Morse feel to it; the order of these two events isn't important, but once both of them happen, everything Neal is involved in sounds like "a Neal Morse project" to my ears.
-
This sounds fantastic.
-
I'd be a lot more excited about this if Neal Morse wasn't involved..
I'm not quite at that point, but I think I know what you mean. Though I'm sure it's not intentional, Neal tends to put his mark on the sound of anything he's involved in. At some point, you hear his distinctive voice; at some point, something about the music had that Morse feel to it; the order of these two events isn't important, but once both of them happen, everything Neal is involved in sounds like "a Neal Morse project" to my ears.
I know what you mean, but that makes me want to hear it and will probably like it FOR that reason.
-
Yeah NM has a lovely voice and a great sense of melody. This project sounds like it could be really fantastic!
-
I love Neal, don't get me wrong. It's just that... well, for example Transatlantic was originally promoted as a new "supergroup" with equal contributions from all four guys. And it's definitely great hearing all four of them. But when we get to a part where Neal sings, or the music is obviously Neal, I'm suddenly taken out of the "group" thing and I'm listening to a Neal Morse project. Mike is playing, but that doesn't make it a Portnoy project, Pete and Roine sing and play, but that doesn't make it theirs either.
I know, it's just my hang-up, and I'm not sure why I mentioned it. I am looking forward to this, and will pick it up for sure.
-
Well, that tends to be a feature with singers who have very recognisable voices. The Roine sections of TA's music stand out as much as NM's.
-
^agree. Their are some sections in TA that scream Flower Kings. Of course Neal has a pretty unique style.
-
Yeah it's funny really, the most obvious sounds in TA's music are by far Neal's and Roine's, and there's little to no obvious influence coming from the other two, but it's interesting to watch the making of vid for The Whirlwind which shows just what a huge amount Pete contributed.
-
This sounds fantastic.
-
Just read that recording for this is to commence on January 3rd, next Monday!
-Marc.
-
*insert dance emote*
my list is home
Is it gay to dance together? :laugh:
not if you dont make eye contact.
-
Just read that recording for this is to commence on January 3rd, next Monday!
Awesome!
-
Wow! Love MP's recording pace.
-
Geez, I agree, and Neal's. They don't play. :neverusethis:
-
Hehe.
James, I notice we agree on a lot of things lately :tup
-
Yeah, we seem to have some similar tastes and opinions. :laugh:
-
Dave LaRue has played on JR's solo albums, and Planet X albums
And Steve Morse's solo albums. I love Steve Morse, so this sounds amazing.
He's also been with Deep Purple for a couple of years now. Even recorded with them the last 3 or 4 albums. He is amazing.
-
Confirmation from MP's Facebook that recording sessions begin tomorrow...also, the name of the vocalist:
It's a new year and time for new beginnings...tomorrow I start 2011 Project #1 (of many more to come): MP, Steve Morse, Neal Morse, Dave LaRue & Casey McPherson...the musical potential is off the charts! Very exciting indeed...
Also read up on Casey, apparently he plays piano and guitar, so I wonder if there's a possibility for any 3-guitar passages? Electric lead, electric rhythm and acoustic? Either way, if this act goes live, the sound is sure to be full if Casey can play and sing the music they're going to make. I hope they keep "playing this live" in mind when writing/recording...then again, Morse likes his overdubs and multiple tracks of guitars/keyboards, so we'll have to wait and see!
-Marc.
-
Casey from Alpha Rev? Wow that will be very interesting! ;D
-
The Alpha Rev guy was a surprise. I figured Neal would be singing. Still, its a very interesting fusion of minds. Looking forward to it.
-
The Alpha Rev guy was a surprise. I figured Neal would be singing. Still, its a very interesting fusion of minds. Looking forward to it.
I think since Neal has Testimony 2 to work on over the coming months, he'll probably lay off vocals for THIS project, or if anything, at least write some vocal melodies or do backing vocals/harmonies. Good for him/the project, though, he'll probably need the vocal rest! His voice isn't what it used to be, but he's being smart about singing as he's had a vocal coach for some time now, but back in the day (the 90's) I don't think he had, so he was singing in some wrong ways.
Either way, I've YouTube'd some videos of this guy, sounds pretty good! I think he'll fit the band, depending on what route they go...but if it's an amalgam of Steve's and Neal's styles, it'll probably some sort of fusion hard rock, prog, and some jazzy bits. Although part of me expect some more head-banging, shredding, thrashing bits too.
-Marc.
-
The Alpha Rev guy was a surprise. I figured Neal would be singing. Still, its a very interesting fusion of minds. Looking forward to it.
Either way, I've YouTube'd some videos of this guy, sounds pretty good! I think he'll fit the band, depending on what route they go...but if it's an amalgam of Steve's and Neal's styles, it'll probably some sort of fusion hard rock, prog, and some jazzy bits. Although part of me expect some more head-banging, shredding, thrashing bits too.
Listening to some Alpha Rev itunes previews now. I like his voice. Getting a bit of a Coldplay vibe, too. Also, their cd was in MP's top 10 for the year, so I wonder if Mike suggested this guy for the project?
-
The Alpha Rev guy was a surprise. I figured Neal would be singing. Still, its a very interesting fusion of minds. Looking forward to it.
Either way, I've YouTube'd some videos of this guy, sounds pretty good! I think he'll fit the band, depending on what route they go...but if it's an amalgam of Steve's and Neal's styles, it'll probably some sort of fusion hard rock, prog, and some jazzy bits. Although part of me expect some more head-banging, shredding, thrashing bits too.
Listening to some Alpha Rev itunes previews now. I like his voice. Getting a bit of a Coldplay vibe, too. Also, their cd was in MP's top 10 for the year, so I wonder if Mike suggested this guy for the project?
That may quite possibly be the reason behind it. But I'm sure Neal (and possibly Steve) also would have had some say in it. If Mike did suggest seeking out Casey, good for him, and good for Casey, who I am sure will get some wider exposure due to his involvement with such big names like Portnoy, Morse (both of them), and LaRue.
-Marc.
-
Listening to some Alpha Rev itunes previews now. I like his voice. Getting a bit of a Coldplay vibe, too. Also, their cd was in MP's top 10 for the year, so I wonder if Mike suggested this guy for the project?
That may quite possibly be the reason behind it. But I'm sure Neal (and possibly Steve) also would have had some say in it. If Mike did suggest seeking out Casey, good for him, and good for Casey, who I am sure will get some wider exposure due to his involvement with such big names like Portnoy, Morse (both of them), and LaRue.
Funny thing is, I looked at their Wikipedia page and saw: On May 1, 2010, Alpha Rev's video for "New Morning" debuted on the VH1 Top 20 Video Countdown. In all, "New Morning" spent 11 weeks on the countdown, peaking at the #7 position.
So maybe this guy will actually garner this project some wider exposure as well. Pretty sure it's been a while since any of the rest of them were on VH1 Countdown :lol
-
Listening to some Alpha Rev itunes previews now. I like his voice. Getting a bit of a Coldplay vibe, too. Also, their cd was in MP's top 10 for the year, so I wonder if Mike suggested this guy for the project?
That may quite possibly be the reason behind it. But I'm sure Neal (and possibly Steve) also would have had some say in it. If Mike did suggest seeking out Casey, good for him, and good for Casey, who I am sure will get some wider exposure due to his involvement with such big names like Portnoy, Morse (both of them), and LaRue.
Funny thing is, I looked at their Wikipedia page and saw: On May 1, 2010, Alpha Rev's video for "New Morning" debuted on the VH1 Top 20 Video Countdown. In all, "New Morning" spent 11 weeks on the countdown, peaking at the #7 position.
So maybe this guy will actually garner this project some wider exposure as well. Pretty sure it's been a while since any of the rest of them were on VH1 Countdown :lol
Haha, true! Either way, it'll be wider exposure for everyone involved as their varying audiences may not be familiar with the other members of the band - you have the symphonic proggers like Mike and Neal, the Dixie Dregs guys Steve and Dave, and then Casey who has his band's mainstream popularity. Should be a good project! :tup
-Marc.
-
I'm glad to hear that Neal Morse isn't singing. IMO, he is the weak link of this project....I always think he is mediocre, yet surrounded by excellent musicians.
-
I'm glad to hear that Neal Morse isn't singing. IMO, he is the weak link of this project....I always think he is mediocre, yet surrounded by excellent musicians.
I agree with the last part, he always surrounds himself with great musicians, whether they're guests on his solo albums, or if he's collaborating. As for his singing, I've grown to enjoy it immensely, and appreciate it a lot more than some would. I think he does great work when he's not doing it all himself (i.e. for a solo album - doing keys, guitars, AND vocals can be tiring). Listen to his work on Roine Stolt's Wall Street Voodoo, where he does some very nice and tasteful Hammond organ work/solos and some great (often Beatle-esque) vocals. Also, I'm just biased toward Roine and Neal, so hearing them do an album that wasn't full-on, in-your-face prog epics was a bit of a fresh breath.
As for Neal being the weak link in this project, possibly, but he's got his plate full with his solo album, so I'm thinking he's okay with taking a backseat to this, possibly just doing keys and some writing. Honestly, I really want to hear what Mike can do with guys like Steve and Dave.
-Marc.
-
My god Marc, you have a greatly supported vision on everything.
I really, really enjoy reading your posts. :tup
-
I'm glad to hear that Neal Morse isn't singing. IMO, he is the weak link of this project....I always think he is mediocre, yet surrounded by excellent musicians.
1) He doesn't have the best range, but in the range he does have, he shines brilliantly. He's also extremely consistent live.
2) He can play a bigillion different instruments, even though he doesn't necessarily specialize in one.
3) He plays/sings with emotion for each and every song. You can tell he really grasps the emotional meaning of each song.
ATM he is my favorite vocalist and overall musician.
-
From MPs twitter:
MP, Steve Morse, Neal Morse, Dave LaRue & Casey McPherson...we begin tomorrow! The musical potential is off the charts! Very exciting....
On iPhone so cant be bothered to post link too, sure someone else will confirm, I'm rather excited for this project though!
Matt
EDIT: wow I'm behind the times just read the thread and realised Marc beat me to it......7 hours ago. *facepalm*
-
From MPs twitter:
MP, Steve Morse, Neal Morse, Dave LaRue & Casey McPherson...we begin tomorrow! The musical potential is off the charts! Very exciting....
On iPhone so cant be bothered to post link too, sure someone else will confirm, I'm rather excited for this project though!
Matt
Already got it covered :tup
Confirmation from MP's Facebook that recording sessions begin tomorrow...also, the name of the vocalist:
-Marc.
-
From MP on his site:
This is the idea and why I brought Casey into the picture...
I've been a huge fan of his for years (Alpha Rev's latest is in my top 10 of 2010 and Endochine's album is in my top 10 of the last DECADE...see my Best of 00's list...)
In addition to the obvious PROG and METAL sides of my taste, I am also HUGE fan of that kind of musical style (think Beatles/Queen/Jellyfish/Greys/U2/Coldplay/Ben Folds, etc), but I have yet to really dip my toes into that side of my musical taste...
I'm hoping Casey's more pop/indie edge will help bring me & Neal (Team Transatlantic) and Steve & Dave (Team Dregs) into some new, unchartered musical territory...
And we now essentially have two singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalists fronting the project which will be able to really open up the vocal and instrumentation options as well...
The musical possibilities are endless!!
I'm excited...
MP
-
Sounds like a really interesting musical combination.
-
I've never heard of Alpha Rev.
-
So a dual frontman setup... Don't know what to think of that, yet.
I guess it's nice that he's trying to make both the epic prog, dixie type prog and epic pop together.
I'd really like to hear some coldplay-like stuff by Neal!
-
So a dual frontman setup... Don't know what to think of that, yet.
I guess it's nice that he's trying to make both the epic prog, dixie type prog and epic pop together.
I'd really like to hear some coldplay-like stuff by Neal!
Definitely, and because of Mike and Neal's U2-influences, I can definitely see this going into some of that direction with their usual bag-o-tricks. I wonder what the chances are of hearing them do a pop-concept album? Something as a cross between Tommy, The Lamb, the best of U2, Coldplay, and a dash of Beatles & Dregs? I know Neal has a propensity for creating concept albums, so maybe this might be another one? If not, I'm sure we can at very least expect an album (hopefully 60-80 minites) of great single, unrelated songs. However, I won't hold my breath for any sprawling epics - in fact, I'd rather hear them write a bunch of shorter songs. I think Neal writes some great "singles", and with writers like Steve and Casey, they can definitely put out some awesome "single"-esque songs, perhaps a couple great ballads?
-Marc.
-
I've never heard of Alpha Rev.
I hadn't either until yesterday when I was reading this thread. Checked them out some after that. Very Coldplay-ish to me, but I liked it.
-
From an Interview with Neal Morse:
As for the musical direction of the new project, Neal said, "We're all going to get together and work from scratch with no pre-prepared material and see what comes out.
"I'd like to do something different. Something to make it very different from like my solo stuff or TRANSATLANTIC.
"There are some demos and some things that Steve and I did in April that we've worked on and so we'll have some things to start with, but I think the plan is to get together and see what happens and write in the room."
:tup
-
Very cool for them to try something new like bringing Casey on board. Almost guarantees it won't be some meh retro-prog thing.
-
I've never heard of Alpha Rev.
I hadn't either until yesterday when I was reading this thread. Checked them out some after that. Very Coldplay-ish to me, but I liked it.
Preferred it to Coldplay, a bit more life in it, but I couldn't listen to a whole album of it. It's a bit depressing.
-
From an Interview with Neal Morse:
As for the musical direction of the new project, Neal said, "We're all going to get together and work from scratch with no pre-prepared material and see what comes out.
"I'd like to do something different. Something to make it very different from like my solo stuff or TRANSATLANTIC.
:tup
Definitely good to read that!
-
Very cool for them to try something new like bringing Casey on board. Almost guarantees it won't be some meh retro-prog thing.
I think that was already fairly unlikely with the TA/Dregs blend, but yeah I like addition of something much further out than what any of them are used to. Very cool idea!
-
Wow, just reading about this gives me a musicgasm.
-
MPs latest tweet:
"Day #1 of the Portnoy, Morse, Morse, LaRue & McPherson project was incredibly productive and exciting!! So many ideas and such talent...wow!"
-
I have to say, while this project interests me, and I'll probably listen to it when it's released, it's not something that I'm excited for, or care that much about.
-
I'm really excited to hear what direction they go in with this. I checked out Alpha Rev last night, and they sounded okay. Fairly catchy. McPherson's voice did nothing to turn me off, so I don't have to worry about that, at least.
-
Another Tweet from MP:
In the studio w/ Steve Morse, Neal Morse, Dave LaRue & Casey McPherson....the music and the magic is totally inspiring!
I'm glad to hear he's having fun! I wonder if Neal and/or Mike are documenting the whole thing, as usual? I'd like to see a Drum-Cam DVD from this session, provided it proves to be very interesting and worth release.
Also, something I don't think I've seen discussed ANYWHERE... what label might this get released on? I'm guessing at LEAST Neal's very own Radiant Records, but any chance InsideOut might pick it up too?
-Marc.
-
From MP's forum:
Day #2
Man, what another productive day...
We were joined today by Peter Collins (brilliant Producer who Produced Rush's Power Windows & Hold Your Fire and Queensryche's Operation: Mindcrime & Empire amongst hundreds of other recordings...)
It's actually very nice to finally work with him as he was always on my "wish-list" for DT back in the 90's when we still worked with outside producers...
We're still not sure to what capacity he is going to work on the project, but he came down today to feel out the chemistry and I think it actually may work very well...he's a very nice guy, seems to respects us all as players and writers enough to give us our space, but also has a great objective ear that we are all very willing to listen to and take direction from...I think he may indeed be a nice addition to the team...we'll see....
Anyways, we wrapped up the writing and arranging on yesterday's song #1 (whose working title is "Daylight") and after dinner jumped into an idea that Steve had which was this huge, soaring guitar theme (classic Steve orchestration) that Casey immediately began sketching out a great verse & chorus to and in turn inspired Neal to write a great Bridge....
A few hours later, we wrapped up the arrangement on this song #2 (working title is "Majestic") and layed down a rough demo to sleep on...
Just got back to the hotel and listened down to both songs and I am very excited....both songs are just so melodic and soaring....I think we're really onto to something very unique and special here!!
Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings....
MP
-
Melodic and soaring eh?
Me like. Anyone else thinking Dredg?
-
Wow. I'm so glad that Steve, Neal and Casey are all working together so well! It sounds like a TRULY collaborative effort! Steve's themes, Casey's verses and choruses, Neal's bridge... sounds very promising, and I hope that it all blends into a well fleshed-out BAND sound and not "Here's Neal's part" and "Here's Steve's part", etc. etc.
Also, having Peter Collins on board would be FANTASTIC! He'll definitely be a great asset to this project and album!
-Marc.
-
Man, this sounds really promising. Melodic and soaring, just what I like in music.
-
Wasn't particularly interested in this at all... not entirely sold on Neal Morse (though he's done some very cool stuff), not entirely sold on Transatlantic (though they've done some pretty cool stuff), and not familiar with the Dixie Dregs. Just sounded like a pretty standard retro-prog sideproject. Was essentially expecting Transatlantic-lite.
BUT. Listening to Alpha Rev, I'm starting to get quite fond of the idea.
The prog world's a wee bit incestuous. Not very, but a little bit. Tiny bit tired of hearing about everyone collaborating with everyone else - kinda "same old." Hard to get excited by MP's tenth collaboration with NM. But this Casey McPherson guy could bring in something genuinely new. Which is very cool. I've not made my mind up about Alpha Rev's music yet (though I am only midway through track 1 on the latest album, so I'm not in a hurry to write it off), but I like the style it's in, and there's a lot of cool synthy stuff going on.
Although, shame he's warmed to the idea of an outside producer a couple of years too late. I don't think DT have ever needed a producer - they do a wonderful job of self-producing - but I think it'd be a fascinating idea and keep them on their toes. I know he's had bad experiences, but not all producers are like that. 'Specially not if they're dealing with a very experienced and respected group of musicians, which they weren't before 1997.
-
I agree, rob. Been checking out some Alpha Rev today at work and I like this guy Corey. "New Morning" is beautiful. Like you, I'm not so much interested in other guys that have already made their rounds in the genre, but Corey brings something fresh. I'm intrigued.
-
Wow..Alpha Rev sucks..
I'm sorry.. And I thought Neal Morse's vocals were bad.. I'm losing interest in this by the minute.
What's the next project MP?
-
portnoy is amazing, neal morse has an average voice, never heard steve morse, only heard dave laRue backing petrucci and satriani.
not sure what to think of this
-
neal morse has an average voice
ummmm no
-
Day #3
Wrapped up the arrangement of Song #2 and moved onto Song #3...
Steve came in with a few ideas that hit him while in his hotel last night...we jump on it and come up with alot of great other ideas...do alot of jamming, discussing, diseceting, arranging, rearranging...man, no lack of ideas here!!!
Just on the verse alone, Casey was able to come up with at least 4 different melodies and approaches...all of which were equally usable and brilliant!
After trying every combination of riffs, melodies, progressions and arrangements, by the end of the night we end up with a very stripped down version of everything...and it was really the RIGHT decision...(funnily enough it was me and Neal...the 2 epic prog guys....that were gunning for the more simple and shorter arrangement!)
Anyways, this new song ROCKS!! It's kinda like a strange cross between The Chili Peppers, The Police and The Dregs!! And Dave is KILLING it with some funky bass stuff that will have Flea doing one of these ----> :hefdaddy
And yes, Peter Collins was with us again and it looks like he is now on board....we are all loving each others ideas, contributions and company...
G-nite!
MP
https://www.mikeportnoy.com/forum/tm.aspx?high=&m=2615272&mpage=5#2627464
-
Peppers? Didn't see that one coming. I wonder how Mike and the Peppers sound combined.
Oh what the hell, how Neal and the Peppers is even a bigger strech.
Very interested though.
-
Yeah it's funny really, the most obvious sounds in TA's music are by far Neal's and Roine's, and there's little to no obvious influence coming from the other two, but it's interesting to watch the making of vid for The Whirlwind which shows just what a huge amount Pete contributed.
I definitely hear an "old" Marillion influence with his bass playing, especially how cutting it us on the TA records. He's a premier bassists but Marillion aren't really about energetic bass these days.
-
Great update, I :heart MP
-
So at this rate, it seems they are pumping out about a song-a-day, and Neal has them all booked for 10 days. So perhaps they'll get about 10 songs out, and if they're about 5 or so minutes long, we could expect a pretty good album I think!
Then again, this is just me hoping and wishing, so I could be wrong, but I'd like it to be something like that! I hope his daily updates continue!
-Marc.
-
Getting very optimistic. This sounds fantastic, and genuinely different.
Neal Morse doesn't have a permanent home right now either, does he? So that's at least two prolific, big(gish!) name, bandless musicians, doing something very new and very exciting, and for MP it's the first creative thing he's done since leaving Dream Theater. I'm getting really interested in this, and it's starting to sound like a good new home for Mike.
-
So at this rate, it seems they are pumping out about a song-a-day, and Neal has them all booked for 10 days. So perhaps they'll get about 10 songs out, and if they're about 5 or so minutes long, we could expect a pretty good album I think!
Then again, this is just me hoping and wishing, so I could be wrong, but I'd like it to be something like that! I hope his daily updates continue!
-Marc.
I think your predictions are spot on considering the information we have.
-
I haven't heard any Alpha Rev and I'll check them out.
I'm not a fan of Transatlantic at all but this has me interested.
-
neal morse has an average voice
ummmm no
im not saying hes a bad singer, hes great. just sayin hes voice doesn't have a special sound to it like steven wilson or myles kennedy. just sounds like an average voice
-
neal morse has an average voice
ummmm no
im not saying hes a bad singer, hes great. just sayin hes voice doesn't have a special sound to it like steven wilson or myles kennedy. just sounds like an average voice
:lol That's even worse than saying he's a bad singer.
-
neal morse has an average voice
ummmm no
im not saying hes a bad singer, hes great. just sayin hes voice doesn't have a special sound to it like steven wilson or myles kennedy. just sounds like an average voice
:lol That's even worse than saying he's a bad singer.
He's right though, that's one of the things that I love about Neal Morse. His singing voice sounds just like a regular person's, so it gives the music a more earthy or less overproduced kind of feeling. It's just more organic sounding.
-
It's been mentioned here on DTF before, but Neal Morse's voice has that "every man" quality about it. That in itself is a unique quality amongst the growling, screeching, hi-pitched operatics and wailing-from-martyrdom that we've become accustomed to hearing.
-
These news updates have me genuinely excited.
-
I think the goal is more accessibility and commercial appeal (while still retaining the stellar musicianship long-time fans have come to expect) if Mike brought Peter Collins on board. Seeking major label interest?
-
Day #4
Today we spent the day working on one of the songs that pre-dated the sessions as the bulk of it was assembled from bits that Neal & Steve worked on when they got together to meet and write a bit together in early 2010...
Although the majority of the song was already arranged, we inevitably added minor changes to the arrangement and parts, but also completely rewrote the song's chorus based on new approaches Casey sparked...
So far this is the only "epic" we've written (clocking in at around 10 minutes...OK, not "epic" by mine and Neal's standards, but pretty lengthy by most other "normal" band's standards!)
This one really brings to mind a bit of the sound and arrangement of Kansas' Carry On Wayward Son or Yes' Roundabout....but of course it's all US....
Day #5
We actually were able to bang out two songs today....both on the shorter, more poppy side...
(I may as well now dispell any notions that this is a full-blown "Prog" project, because that's not really the case...It really is a very "song-oriented" project...but of course with an emphesis on great musicianship, style diversity and inevitable proggy overtones...)
Anyways, the first song is something Casey had brough in which I LOVED...
Very Beatles/Queen/Jellyfish...TOTALLY up my alley....(but the funny thing is that people that don't really know me or my taste would never peg me as such a fan of psychedlic pop kind of stuff...in fact, at one point Casey was cracking up because he sees me as this long haired, tattooed, heavy metal guy...but I was totally excited to be playing a Ringo groove and singing 3 part harmonies!)
The 2nd song of the day was something Neal woke up with this morning and presented to us (yes, this project is filled with at least 3 gifted songwriters that can just bang out a song or idea within hours!)
Neal presented to us the verses and choruses he came up with and from there Steve created an instrumental bit and then we used a bridge that Casey had...and of course Dave, Peter and myself are making chord changes & arrangement suggestions all through the process, so even when 1 person brings a "song" in, by the time the 6 of us are done with it, it's truly become a collaborative effort....and it really does sound that way...you can hear a bit of all of our influence in every song we've written so far...
This latest one may be one of the most commercial-sounding songs I've ever done in my life, but it is QUALITY music folks!!! (for instance, fans of Kevin Gilbert's work are gonna love this project....)
I am truly enjoying how refreshing it has been making music with such talented musicians/artists as Neal, Steve, Dave & Casey...
...and it also is yet another notch in my belt of trying something new, as it doesn't sound anything like DT or Transatlantic or A7X or LTE or OSI...one of the most important goals in my career has been to always have an open-mind, an open-ear, try different things and work with artists I admire and respect...and this project is a home-run in helping me continue to achieve that goal in everyone of those areas!
MP
-Marc.
-
Man, I'm actually getting more excited about this after each update.
-
Yeah, Mike really seems like he's locking into something positive here.
-
Great update again. Man I love those studio updates!
neal morse has an average voice
ummmm no
im not saying hes a bad singer, hes great. just sayin hes voice doesn't have a special sound to it like steven wilson or myles kennedy. just sounds like an average voice
And I just read this. What the hell? Average voice, and you say Steven Wilson isn't that? If I had to make a list of 'normal voices', SW would really be the leader of that list.
-
Just saw this thread, but knew about the group since it was announced. I know the Morse's are good and obviously Mike Portnoy is, but I'm not familiar with Dave LaRue's music just based on me never hearing the name before. I'm excited for this anyway.
-
neal morse has an average voice
ummmm no
im not saying hes a bad singer, hes great. just sayin hes voice doesn't have a special sound to it like steven wilson or myles kennedy. just sounds like an average voice
And I just read this. What the hell? Average voice, and you say Steven Wilson isn't that? If I had to make a list of 'normal voices', SW would really be the leader of that list.
Yeah, I was going to say the same thing. Steven Wilson is a great writer, but his voice is hardly anything special.
-
neal morse has an average voice
ummmm no
im not saying hes a bad singer, hes great. just sayin hes voice doesn't have a special sound to it like steven wilson or myles kennedy. just sounds like an average voice
And I just read this. What the hell? Average voice, and you say Steven Wilson isn't that? If I had to make a list of 'normal voices', SW would really be the leader of that list.
Yeah, I was going to say the same thing. Steven Wilson is a great writer, but his voice is hardly anything special.
I don't know what you're talking about, Sigz as a beautiful voice.
-
:lol Nice.
But don't you mean Stave?
-
Sigz = Steven Wilson
-
True, but Staveoffzombies = really Steven Wilson, and has been for a longer time :angel:
-
Man I really want to hear this album.
-
The studio updates are perfect. Gives a sense of what the project/music is like and the energy in the studio without giving away anything really substantive.
Listening to some Alpha Rev. I'm not sure how sold I am on this guy's voice, but I like his sensibilities in terms of melody and delivery. It sounds weird, but the key is how he's mixed. In New Morning he sounds very good. But I heard another song Phoenix Burn where he sounded like crap. He has a somewhat similar Timbre to Neal Morse, which means they'll compliment each other well.
I won't lie, I really like hearing Neal sing, so I'm kinda bummed he's taking more of a back seat vocally, but that's okay. McPherson makes this more interesting/new/different.
Robwebster brought up a point that I think is really interesting. Neal Morse doesn't have a band. Portnoy doesn't have a band. They seem to bring out the best in each other musically and personally - maybe if they made a full time bind together it would work out well for them.
-
The studio updates are perfect. Gives a sense of what the project/music is like and the energy in the studio without giving away anything really substantive.
Listening to some Alpha Rev. I'm not sure how sold I am on this guy's voice, but I like his sensibilities in terms of melody and delivery. It sounds weird, but the key is how he's mixed. In New Morning he sounds very good. But I heard another song Phoenix Burn where he sounded like crap. He has a somewhat similar Timbre to Neal Morse, which means they'll compliment each other well.
I won't lie, I really like hearing Neal sing, so I'm kinda bummed he's taking more of a back seat vocally, but that's okay. McPherson makes this more interesting/new/different.
Robwebster brought up a point that I think is really interesting. Neal Morse doesn't have a band. Portnoy doesn't have a band. They seem to bring out the best in each other musically and personally - maybe if they made a full time bind together it would work out well for them.
Also, if Roine still holds The Flower Kings on the back-burner, and doesn't stay too busy with Agents Of Mercy, he "technically" doesn't have a band... soooooooooo...
-Marc.
-
Everything I have heard and read about this project excites and titillates me.
And some of you desperately need to check out the Dixie Dregs ASAP.
-
Kevin Gilbert, Jellyfish. Yeah, I'm looking forward to this.
-
I'm starting to get excited for this.
-
Man, this project sounds like it's going to be awesome.
-
Day #6
Man, what another productive day!!!
Start off with a few cool riffs Steve showed us...pretty HEAVY (relatively speaking of course) and put together a really cool song that's totally upbeat and seriously groovin...
The initial arrangement had a chorus that Casey and I sang together and had a pretty cool Queens Of The Stone Age vibe and then broke into a really cool breakdown section in the middle where Casey went into a bit of a Bono meets Jim Morrison spoken section..
After laying down a demo version and taking a break, we were about to put the song to bed when Neal voiced a few concerns and we ended up completely rewriting the chorus and omitting the spoken section...once again, another example of 5 very creative minds (6, including peter Collins) really being able to bounce ideas, thoughts and concerns off of each other and come out with something that is the best for THE SONG...
We take a dinner break during which Peter entertains us with stories from his career, including some cool insight into the Rush albums he made...
After dinner, I suggest taking a look at a few songs Neal had that I really was in love with....but after much discussion, we all agreed that the project is really benefitting from us collaborating on everything and not using any "completed" songs, so instead we dig into the pile of ideas that Neal & Steve jammed on last year...
We stumble on a few progressions and melodies that were really beautiful and decide to work on them as we were on our 8th song and hadnt yet had anything that was "ballad-esque"...what ended up coming out a few hours later was an incredibly beautiful piece of music that in a perfect world would be a tremendous hit...
Casey and Neal collaborated on some absolutely inspired lyrics and Casey's voice on this song is so unbelievably emotional...he delivers the song with so much character and conviction that we were all REALLY moved when we sat in the control room listening to the playback...
Powerful stuff!
MP
Wow... 8 songs in six days... these guys are on a roll! Gotta admit, this is sounding better all the time!
-Marc.
-
Sweet!
-
Not familiar with Alpha Rev, but I'm pumped for this based on Portnoy's updates.
-J
-
I need to check out the other guys' bands!
-
I'm tempted to do the same, but Dave LaRue is the only one I'm not really familiar with, so I'm gonna hold off and let the music surprise me when it comes out. It sounds like it's gonna be some cool stuff.
-
Day #7
Today was a half day as I had an in-store appearance in the afternoon...(thanks to all the fans that came out to say hi!)
And even with a half day, we still managed to bang out 2 more songs!!
It's unbelievable the pace that 5 very creative and focused minds can work at...
The first song we worked on tonight was another one that stemmed from Neal & Steve's writing pow-wow last year...of course, once we jammed on it a bit, it inevitably went to some new and exciting places and inspired some new sections.
This one probably has the most Dreg-ish feel of any of the tunes on the album...and even has a bit of a country-jam breakdown...which of course is some new territory for me! (and that's awesome...)
I encouraged Neal to sing the verses on this one as Casey is doing so much singing and I really wanted to have Neal sing lead on at least a few sections...we even tried me doing some lead singing on the B-section, but I bowed out as it didnt feel like the right part for me...
The next song (song #10 already...wow!) is something that Neal presented as a possible different song for me to sing lead on...he pictured it as my "With A Little Help From My Friends"...I may give it a whirl once we start doing our real tracks, but in the meantime I'm leaving the lead vox on this one in his more than capable hands!
And Casey sings the most insane, bluesy Chris Cornell-type vocal on the Bridge of this one (over a new section that Steve came up with...)
Once again, the feel of this song is uncharted territory for me (which I LOVE) and I'm getting to play a super solid swinging backbeat...almost a 50's do-wop, meets gospel type vibe....but in a Ben Fold Five meets Faith No More (ala Edge Of The World or I'm Easy) way....
The musical range and diversity on this album is absolutely ridiclous...it's like a musical melting pot!!!
I joked to the guys a few days ago that each of us individually has a certain musical stereotype...like Neal is the Prog Guy, Casey is the Pop Guy, Dave is the Jazz Guy, Steve is the Country Guy and I'm the Metal Guy.....now of course, that is VERY limiting and not neccessarily true as ALL of us all go so many places musically, but the point was that even with all of our different backgrounds and styles, we have come together to make MUSIC that is UNIVERSAL because we ALL love so many different things...
And when you hear this album, you will be taken on the same journey....every song is a whole unique and fresh experience down a whole different road from the previous song...from rock to jazz to prog to bluegrass to funk to alternative to pop and everything in between!!!
If you are simply an unprejudice, open minded and open eared MUSIC LOVER, you are going to love this album!
Just like I do!
MP
-
Great to see that Neal is gonna be singing a bit.
-
Every one of MP's posts about this thing make me want it more.
-
Is there any chance this album is coming out tomorrow???? The thought of having to wait for months for it to come out is making me crazy!! I want it all and I want it now.
-
What if this album and DT11 end up being really good? From a musical standpoint, isn't MP leaving DT the best thing that could have happened?
-
What if this album and DT11 end up being really good? From a musical standpoint, isn't MP leaving DT the best thing that could have happened?
If that is the case, yes it is. I agree with Hef though, MP is doing a very good job of making people excited for this even though we probably won't see it till near the end of the year!
-
What if this album and DT11 end up being really good? From a musical standpoint, isn't MP leaving DT the best thing that could have happened?
If that is the case, yes it is. I agree with Hef though, MP is doing a very good job of making people excited for this even though we probably won't see it till near the end of the year!
That's quite possible. I don't think Neal will work on it at home as he has to do work on Testimony 2 once these sessions are over (he plans to get that album out in May!). I have to wonder who will take the album and mix and master it and how long it will take to do proper tracks and overdubs. I'm hoping for a mid-to-late summer release myself, just long enough between the release of Testimony 2 and this album for Neal and Mike to do a tour for Testimony!
-Marc.
-
Update from NEAL!!!
Hello,
First of all, my apologies for not posting much of anything about this project until now. I have been really busy with getting the studio ready for this extravaganza and now the project itself. Enough excuses...
Well, it is now Day 8 of project that I am calling MMPLM (our initials) for short. As I write Steve is fixing his parts and a really cool shreddy bit in a song that sounds a bit like Muse meets Yngwie. Really cool and different for me. We have now recorded 11 songs of varying styles and lengths; from rockin' short songs to beautiful slow songs to proggy longer pieces.
I read that many of you are wondering about Casey. Wow. What a talent. His voice is so expressive and ....well, just beautiful and filled with emotion. He is also one of the best songwriters I've ever worked with, and plays really cool stuff as well.
It's been an amazing week...what a great bunch of guys! It's been fun and exhilarating musically and personally.
We all hope you enjoy this recording as much as we are enjoying making it.
May you be blessed,
Neal
-Marc.
-
Muse meets Yngwie?
Go on...
-
Yay, we get some Proggy stuff!
-
Really excited about this project after reading the updates. I also checked out Alpha Rev this afternoon and the first impression was a good one :tup Can anyone recommend a first Dregs album to give a spin?
-
Muse meets Yngwie?
Go on...
That's actually the least exciting thing I've read so far, as I'm not a fan of either of them.
Overall, I really, really like the sounds of this project, though.
-
Can anyone recommend a first Dregs album to give a spin?
My favorite is their second album, Free Fall.
-
MMPLM
Marco Minnemann play like Myung?
Man, I cannot wait to hear this.
-
Sounds good so far. Only thing that concerns me is the rate at which they do stuff.
rumborak
-
Maybe since they're incorporating so many different genres, the name of the project will be called:
Transgenreriffic
:neverusethis:
-
Sounds good so far. Only thing that concerns me is the rate at which they do stuff.
rumborak
What do you mean?
-
You know what I just realized, guys? Who guested on DT's last album?
Jerry Goodman - 1/4th of the current line-up for The Dixie Dregs. I wonder if having Jerry on BC&SL sparked ANY interest in both John Myung and Mike Portnoy playing with other Dixie Dregs members?
JMX is to release The Jelly Jam's third album which features The Dixie Dregs' drummer Rod Morgenstein.
MP is working on an album with Steve Morse and Dave LaRue, the guitarist and bassist of The Dixie Dregs.
And of course, Jordan Rudess once filled in on keys for them, and even did a project with Rod, as well as have him play on two albums. Two of JR's albums also featured Steve Morse guitar solos, and Dave LaRue on bass for the whole album (Rhythm Of Time).
It's amazing how many ways these two bands have come to interact with each other, especially recently. Now all we need is an album with Jordan Rudess and Jerry Goodman. Piano and violin? I'd be all for it!
-Marc.
-
That reads like some prog incest right there.
-
That reads like some prog incest right there.
:lol
-
Day #8
As the session began, we determined that as we only have 2 more day together, we should write one more song and then spend the rest of time reviewing everything and making any last changes needed...
We dive into what becomes the 11th and final song...a real barn-burner that is a true Steve Morse/Dave LaRue/Mike Portnoy shred-fest (Neal and Casey were pushing us to write something like this, and as the saying goes: "Be careful what you wish for"!)
Musically it's very Yngwie meets LTE but with a Muse-ish harmonic and melodic edge....I think this song is the last remaining "missing ingredient" to an album that is a very well balanced musical meal!
We then begin the process of listening down to all the songs one at a time and addressing any last changes we'd like to make to the arrangements, chord progressions, instrument orchestrations, vocal melodies, etc.
Tonight and tomorrow will have us finishing up this last stage with the songwriting and arranging, doing a photo session and some video interviews, kicking around band names and then wrapping up our time together....
I will then spend the rest of the week doing my proper drum tracks before leaving for NAMM on Friday morning....and as there wont be much to report with my drum tracking, this will be my last studio report....
It's been an amazing experience with amazing guys and amazing musicians....I cannot wait to see how the album continues to develop over the coming weeks and months and hopefully we will have more info for you all soon concerning its release.
Thanks for reading...and thanks for supporting me in all my musical (ad)ventures! You guys are my REAL fans and I know you are behind me and my decisions and that means the world to me...I will continue to raise the bar and work my ass off for you all!
Carpe Diem,
MP
-
This really is sounding like such great stuff! A shred-fest in itself doesn't sound all that exciting, but as a solitary track on an 11-song album, it could be a great way to show off the players' chops, particularly SM!
@Rumbo: I know what you mean, but I remain hopeful that they've managed to put together something that doesn't sound rushed. I'm fairly optimistic about it, especially considering a few of the songs are based around ideas that the Morses worked on months ago, and it sounds like a lot of the riffs and ideas are things that people have had in their head for a while.
-
This album sounds great! Steve Morse is my hero, not just as a player but as an unbelievable writer of music, it'll be great to hear him play with Mike. I like Neal's music too, Dave LaRue is excellent of course, never heard of the Alpha Red guy, so that should be an entertaining unknown quantity - I anticipate this album hugely! ;D
-
Sounds somekind like Yngwe??!
SOLD!
-
Sounds good so far. Only thing that concerns me is the rate at which they do stuff.
Agreed. It's great that they can crank out so much material so quickly, but I for one can't help but wonder what the quality is like. If I understand your post, that is. I mean, heck, my friends and I can hole up in the basement and create an album in a week, as long as no one's concerned about how good it is.
The first Liquid Tension Experiment album was smacked together very quickly, and I think the results were amazing. Also, part of the point was to keep things very spontaneous and not rework or overdub things to death. If we're talking about that kind of output, I'm excited as hell. But some bands put out albums where you listen and just think maybe they should have taken a little more time with it.
I'm not saying that that's the case here, but... we don't know.
-
OK, I haven't been following for a while, so I have to ask - did they REALLY write the album in eight days? Or am I just plain stupid. ;D
-
Given that that's almost exactly how they wrote The Whirlwind, I'm not concerned.
-
Morse and Morse apparently did some demo's a couple of months ago, and all the other brought some pieces in too.
But yeah, it looks like they actually wrote the thing in 8 days. And I'm not concerned either.
-
I'm not concerned.
-
Man, you really need to have brains to write a progressive rock album in 8 days, that's impressive. :metal
-
I don't recall where I read it, but I agree that a GREAT band name for this project would be US or U.S., a sort of spin on U.K., which itself was a super-group of sorts, and sort of stands for the fact that every one in the band is from the United States, and it really is all about them (or US from their point of view).
And as far as I know, there is no (famous/well-known) band named US or U.S., so it could be up for grabs!
Also, it would be a fun way to distinguish this band from Mike and Neal's other band, Transatlantic! Then all we'd need is Roine Stolt and Pete Trewavas doing their own band with two or three more Europeans...
-Marc.
-
I may be misremembering, but I think there actually was an "Us" out there somewhere, which was the reason the Neal Schon project of a few years ago ended up being "Planet Us."
-
I may be misremembering, but I think there actually was an "Us" out there somewhere, which was the reason the Neal Schon project of a few years ago ended up being "Planet Us."
Well if there is, they're not famous enough to have a wikipedia article, so I figured guys as famous as these could nab the name if no one else was using it. Although I think if it's just "Us" that's already "out there somewhere", they could get away with doing "U.S." instead, right?
-Marc.
-
WDD
Hey Mike see if you 'get' this one for a band name for the new project:
Martin Lane
Think about it...a ton of your music has been created around this name and this new chapter in your life post DT (for now) is where I truly think one of the best records you will ever do is being written.
Plus it has a British sort of ambience to it like Pink Floyd's name. Even kind of Beatle-ish (Abbey Lane).
Also its a name that could be prog....could be rock...could be alternative...could cover any type of music you do really.
I know I know...i'm wasting my time posting band name ideas...if i was in your shoes why would I want to let a fan name a project i'm working on...surely a band name idea will pop up during your writing sessions with those guys and when ever in the history of bands has a musician let a fan suggest anything and they use it? Prolly fucking never!!! and yes its prolly cuz the ideas always sucked hahaha!!!
Martin Lane sounds good to me but then again i'm biased cuz I came up with it...but then again I didn't come up with it...it's been right at the end of the driveway the whole time! I just happened to remember it cuz of all the good times I had there and the good time that's being had there right now!!!
Peace man...thanks for the updates and even bothering to post them...\m/
Actually, I LOVE this idea!!!
I will run it by the guys and see what they think....
MP
???
Who else here thinks that should NOT be the name?
-
I barely understood the post, but yeah, that should not be the name by any means.
-
Wait, did MP acknowledge that name?!?
-
Yes he did....
-
(https://blog.internetnews.com/apatrizio/do-not-want-dog.jpg)
-
Man, you really need to have brains to write a progressive rock album in 8 days, that's impressive. :metal
Yes, but this isn't a prog rock album, so that's cool.
-
Yeah, not digging that name. Hopefully the other guys veto it.
-
I'm not digging it either. But then again, if the music ends up being good, I won't really care.
-
I'm not digging it either. But then again, if the music ends up being good, I won't really care.
-
I'm not digging it either. But then again, if the music ends up being good, I won't really care.
I agree. But still, that name sounds like a lame pop star.
-
Given that that's almost exactly how they wrote The Whirlwind, I am concerned.
FTFY
I'll wait until I hear the music. It just seems a bit too good to be true.
rumborak
-
Given that that's almost exactly how they wrote The Whirlwind, I am concerned.
FTFY
I'll wait until I hear the music. It just seems a bit too good to be true.
rumborak
Considering their credentials and experience, I really am not worried. Mike and Neal have been working together for over a decade, so they work very well. Steve and Dave have been in the Dregs for awhile, and while I don't know much about them or that band, I can only hope they work very well together as well.
Steve, Casey and Neal seem to be VERY capable singers and songwriters, particularly the latter two as they're the POP side of this band, good at writing shorter songs and ballads I'm sure. Dave and Mike have proven to be a powerhouse rhythm section before, so I'm not worried about that aspect.
And the fact that three of the members play guitar, two play keyboard/piano, and they can ALL sing (I think Dave does, does he?), I don't doubt this project to provide anything but very amazing music.
-Marc.
-
Phone interview with Neal about his life and background, and also some information about the new project!
https://www.bravewords.com/news/153812
-Marc.
-
I agree with everything -Marc has said in this thread.
-
Considering their credentials and experience, I really am not worried. Mike and Neal have been working together for over a decade, so they work very well. Steve and Dave have been in the Dregs for awhile, and while I don't know much about them or that band, I can only hope they work very well together as well.
Steve, Casey and Neal seem to be VERY capable singers and songwriters, particularly the latter two as they're the POP side of this band, good at writing shorter songs and ballads I'm sure. Dave and Mike have proven to be a powerhouse rhythm section before, so I'm not worried about that aspect.
And the fact that three of the members play guitar, two play keyboard/piano, and they can ALL sing (I think Dave does, does he?), I don't doubt this project to provide anything but very amazing music.
Here's the thing for me: I have seen these kinds of calculations too many times in my life to know that you can't build a good music album like a lego kit. Chickenfoot, simply by its make-up, should have been absolutely awesome. And it was only lukewarm. Same with Transatlantic III, which I thought was disappointing.
So, when I see these "super groups" and then statements like "XYZ wrote 2 songs in one day!" and "I finished my drumming in 2 days!!", I get a bit anxious. I'd rather read a statement like "I threw away the first 10 takes because I didn't like it, and when I slept over it I had a really good idea.".
rumborak
-
Here's the thing for me: I have seen these kinds of calculations too many times in my life to know that you can't build a good music album like a lego kit. Chickenfoot, simply by its make-up, should have been absolutely awesome. And it was only lukewarm.
You, Sir, are brilliant and insightful, and you have a keen ear for music. I could not agree more.
Same with Transatlantic III, which I thought was disappointing.
You, Sir, are obviously high on something that has impaired both your hearing and judgment. I could not agree less.
-
Considering their credentials and experience, I really am not worried. Mike and Neal have been working together for over a decade, so they work very well. Steve and Dave have been in the Dregs for awhile, and while I don't know much about them or that band, I can only hope they work very well together as well.
Steve, Casey and Neal seem to be VERY capable singers and songwriters, particularly the latter two as they're the POP side of this band, good at writing shorter songs and ballads I'm sure. Dave and Mike have proven to be a powerhouse rhythm section before, so I'm not worried about that aspect.
And the fact that three of the members play guitar, two play keyboard/piano, and they can ALL sing (I think Dave does, does he?), I don't doubt this project to provide anything but very amazing music.
Here's the thing for me: I have seen these kinds of calculations too many times in my life to know that you can't build a good music album like a lego kit. Chickenfoot, simply by its make-up, should have been absolutely awesome. And it was only lukewarm. Same with Transatlantic III, which I thought was disappointing.
So, when I see these "super groups" and then statements like "XYZ wrote 2 songs in one day!" and "I finished my drumming in 2 days!!", I get a bit anxious. I'd rather read a statement like "I threw away the first 10 takes because I didn't like it, and when I slept over it I had a really good idea.".
rumborak
Perhaps Mike isn't telling us those sorts of statements because he only wants to share the exciting parts of his days with this band? And I think he did mention Steve or Neal "sleeping over" things and rushing to talk about music in the morning. Either way, I'm sure a LOT of work went into each song, and it seems like having SIX guys talk about it means there's a lot of input and sharing and suggestions, so when it gets down to it, they really put out what everyone thinks is best for the music. There may not be enough TIME for ten takes, but with guys as good as they are, they may not NEED ten takes - maybe three or four - to decide what they like. Besides, this is still the WRITING stage, and not the recording stage.
Mike said in his last studio report that he will do all his PROPER drum tracks in the next few days before he heads off to NAMM, and I'm sure Neal will work out schedules with the other three guys to get their tracks done at his studio later on, or at their own studios on their own time, and have all the tracks emailed to the mixer(s), whoever they happen to be. While they've only had about 8-10 days together, they're not recording it all right now - just writing. They'll probably spend the next 2-3 months tweaking tracks, laying down proper guitars/pianos/keyboards, doing vocals, etc. etc., and probably spent another month or two mixing and mastering before all is said and done.
Also, the comparison to Chickenfoot is a bit off, IMO, as I think the dynamic in that band (without knowing a lot about them) is likely different than the dynamic presented here. It seems that on Chickenfoot's debut album, all the music was written by Hagar and Satriani, just half the band, while the others probably had little input. This band with both Morses and McPherson includes three experienced writers and two other musicians who work well with writers on arranging and offering plenty of suggestions, as well as a well-known and often-praised producer.
I think just knowing how consistently good these musicians are helps me believe that this "supergroup" will churn out an amazing album. I can only hope that it rises high above the likes of Chickenfoot, Them Crooked Vultures and Black Country Communion in recent years' rock supergroups.
-Marc.
-
Rumborak: Finding flaws in anything and everything since 19...82...ish?
Point being, you gotta stop being such a pisser man. :lol
-
Nothing wrong with rumborak keeping some perspective. Not everyone looking forward to this has to go in assuming that it will be the greatest thing ever, ya know. In fact, keeping expectations on an even keel makes being disappointed by it a lot less likely to happen.
And while his excitement over this project is understandable, especially given everything that has transpired over the last four or five months, his daily updates once again show that Mike Portnoy is the biggest self-promoter in music today.
-
Nothing wrong with rumborak keeping some perspective. Not everyone looking forward to this has to go in assuming that it will be the greatest thing ever, ya know. In fact, keeping expectations on an even keel makes being disappointed by it a lot less likely to happen.
And while his excitement over this project is understandable, especially given everything that has transpired over the last four or five months, his daily updates once again show that Mike Portnoy is the biggest self-promoter in music today.
I actually agree with Nick here!
When was the last time you just said, "ZOMG THAT PWNED!!!" rumby? :lol
-
Nothing wrong with rumborak keeping some perspective. Not everyone looking forward to this has to go in assuming that it will be the greatest thing ever, ya know. In fact, keeping expectations on an even keel makes being disappointed by it a lot less likely to happen.
This, exactly. Everybody is so excited in this thread, it just doesn't strike me as realistic, especially when everything is on such a tight schedule.
While they've only had about 8-10 days together, they're not recording it all right now - just writing.
Maybe I'm totally off-base here, but since when has 8-10 days become a normal time frame for writing an album?
rumborak
-
Maybe I'm totally off-base here, but since when has 8-10 days become a normal time frame for writing an album?
rumborak
Since the album involves Mike Portnoy and Neal Morse. :lol
-Marc.
-
And what's why I'm saying I'm keeping my expectations moderate. Because it involves Mike Portnoy and Neal Morse, who both have a propensity to just turn the crank.
rumborak
-
I've not seen that propensity, especially when the two of them are involved in something together.
-
And what's why I'm saying I'm keeping my expectations moderate. Because it involves Mike Portnoy and Neal Morse, who both have a propensity to just turn the crank.
rumborak
True, but pretty much everything those two have done together before this were with the same people (Randy George on Neal's solo albums, and Transatlantic with Roine and Pete). With the addition of three new players into the fold, I think we'll get something more than anything we've heard from the Morse/Portnoy pair before. I just feel that we can at least expect something fresh and new - whether or not you (or anyone here) will like it, that's different because *I* happen to LOVE The Whirlwind.
-Marc.
-
Here's the thing for me: I have seen these kinds of calculations too many times in my life to know that you can't build a good music album like a lego kit. Chickenfoot, simply by its make-up, should have been absolutely awesome. And it was only lukewarm.
You, Sir, are brilliant and insightful, and you have a keen ear for music. I could not agree more.
Same with Transatlantic III, which I thought was disappointing.
You, Sir, are obviously high on something that has impaired both your hearing and judgment. I could not agree less.
:lol Nice.
Not everyone looking forward to this has to go in assuming that it will be the greatest thing ever, ya know.
There's a world of difference between being absurdly excited about it and assuming it is going to be amazing. As far as I can tell, nobody has assumed a single thing in this thread; a lot of us are just very excited about the upside potential of it being incredible, rather than dwelling on the downside risk of it being disappointing.
-
I probably look like a grumpy old goat in this thread because I don't tend to get excited about potential music :lol I wish I did!
rumborak
-
No, you look like a grumpy old goat in this thread because you have a grumpy old goat as your avatar. Just sayin'.
-
That's just correlation. Or something.
I think I'll give Whirlwind a spin again. Who knows, maybe it'll click more.
rumborak
-
That's just correlation. Or something.
I think I'll give Whirlwind a spin again. Who knows, maybe it'll click more.
rumborak
One thing to keep in mind: as with their first two albums, don't take it too seriously. There is of course serious stuff in there, but there also parts that are a bit of fun overblown prog. If you're in the right frame of mind, then I can't imagine seeing the album vastly differently to the first two.
-
Just listened to the phone interview...great interview. I wasn't too excited at first, but it looks like 2011 is gonna be a great year with a new DT, a new NM, the MMPLM album, and potentially a new TA album.
-
Rumby, you are the only person I know who disliked The Whirlwind.
-
potentially a new TA album.
Source? As far as I know there are no plans for such an album.
-
Rumby, you are the only person I know who disliked The Whirlwind.
Ban him, now.
-
potentially a new TA album.
Source? As far as I know there are no plans for such an album.
Well I think Roine said in an interview in recent weeks that he's been working on new material that may end up in one of three places - The Flower Kings (who have been on hiatus since 2007), a solo album (either a guitar-oriented album or something like 3rd World Electric), or with Transatlantic. He's expressed interesting in doing another album again.
And given that Mike's schedule is more free without any commitments to DT, he's spending the year (so far) with Neal, between Testimony 2, MMPLM, and YMC (and whatever tours may or may not happen regarding the first two). I think it's just speculation at this point, but I think Neal and Mike wouldn't mind doing another album - they seemed interested in doing another one again soon (IIRC, this was said on the interview on the Whirld Tour DVD). The only problem would be working around Pete's schedule and Marillion's, considering they're working on their next album.
Regarding Roine, though, he's currently working on Agents Of Mercy's third album, and will likely tour for it around/after it's release sometime in Spring/Summer, so if Transatlantic reunite for a 4th album, it probably won't happen til Fall or Winter later this year.
-Marc.
-
potentially a new TA album.
Source? As far as I know there are no plans for such an album.
Well I think Roine said in an interview in recent weeks that he's been working on new material that may end up in one of three places - The Flower Kings (who have been on hiatus since 2007), a solo album (either a guitar-oriented album or something like 3rd World Electric), or with Transatlantic. He's expressed interesting in doing another album again.
And given that Mike's schedule is more free without any commitments to DT, he's spending the year (so far) with Neal, between Testimony 2, MMPLM, and YMC (and whatever tours may or may not happen regarding the first two). I think it's just speculation at this point, but I think Neal and Mike wouldn't mind doing another album - they seemed interested in doing another one again soon (IIRC, this was said on the interview on the Whirld Tour DVD). The only problem would be working around Pete's schedule and Marillion's, considering they're working on their next album.
Regarding Roine, though, he's currently working on Agents Of Mercy's third album, and will likely tour for it around/after it's release sometime in Spring/Summer, so if Transatlantic reunite for a 4th album, it probably won't happen til Fall or Winter later this year.
-Marc.
It's for the bolded reasons that I said something could "potentially" happen. Not much in the way.
-
Just thinking out loud here - what if these guys do go on tour, and they do a normal 2-hour show, their album can't be more than 70-75 minutes, especially being 11 songs of varying length (I would guess between 4-12 minutes), so what would they do to fill another hour of music?
My best guess - Covers. Of course, there's the chance that they'd do a couple Dixie Dregs tunes, a couple Transatlantic tunes (anyone else hoping for "Mystery Train"?), maybe some stuff by Casey, and maybe some Beatles (if the other 3 guys are Beatles fans - although it may be unlikely since Neal and Mike are already doing YMC this year). I think these guys could easily fill a 2+ hour show and STILL play their whole album. I'm not familiar with Dixie Dregs, so I'm not sure what kind of songs these five could cover, but I'm sure it's possible.
I guess I'm looking WAY ahead, but it's just fun to imagine and hope.
-Marc.
-
I really don't think they're going to tour for this album. If they ever make another one I'd say it'd be more likely then, but I just don't see it being economically feasible to tour this album.
-
I really don't think they're going to tour for this album. If they ever make another one I'd say it'd be more likely then, but I just don't see it being economically feasible to tour this album.
I don't mean a huge world-tour but something more along the lines of Transatlantic's first US tour in support of SMPT:e, with just a handful of dates around the US.
-Marc.
-
I really don't think they're going to tour for this album. If they ever make another one I'd say it'd be more likely then, but I just don't see it being economically feasible to tour this album.
I don't mean a huge world-tour but something more along the lines of Transatlantic's first US tour in support of SMPT:e, with just a handful of dates around the US.
-Marc.
Even so, from what I've seen across a few sites, DTF is the only community really rallying behind this album. I'm not sure they have the support to do much more than a simple bar tour similar to what they're doing with YMC.
-
"tour" or just a few dates and festivals. 2012 though, depending on when the record comes out, seems more likely due to all the members schedules needing to allign.
-
https://twitpic.com/3pjagz
The faces of this MMPLM band...still without a name.
-Marc.
-
Rumby, you are the only person I know who disliked The Whirlwind.
Really? I thought there's quite a few people here who were disappointed by it.
rumborak
-
You can add me to the list of people who weren't really caught in the whirlwind.
-
I'm not familiar with Dixie Dregs, so I'm not sure what kind of songs these five could cover
These five could cover anything they wanted to.
-
Rumby, you are the only person I know who disliked The Whirlwind.
Really? I thought there's quite a few people here who were disappointed by it.
rumborak
Musically it's fine, but vocally, it's God awful. Just my opinion. Such uplifting music dragged down by such dreary vocals.
-
I thought The Whirlwind was better than their previous albums, but I don't think its the greatest thing ever like some people.
-
I thought The Whirlwind was better than their previous albums
You mean better than ABAF and SMPTE?! Wot.
rumborak
-
No way it's better than ABAF.
-
I found/find The Whirlwind long-winded and lacking in flow and maybe most importantly, the highly catchy and memorable moments that made Transatlantic's 1st 2 records amazing.
-
SMPT:e - 9.0/10
BAF - 9.5/10
TW (main album) - 9.0/10
TW (w/ Bonus Disc) - 9.5/10
-Marc.
-
I found/find The Whirlwind long-winded and lacking in flow and maybe most importantly, the highly catchy and memorable moments that made Transatlantic's 1st 2 records amazing.
:neverusethis:
-
I thought The Whirlwind was better than their previous albums
You mean better than ABAF and SMPTE?! Wot.
rumborak
I also prefer it to both of those.
-
Rumby, you are the only person I know who disliked The Whirlwind.
Really? I thought there's quite a few people here who were disappointed by it.
rumborak
I wasn't disappointed by it, but definitely not blown away either (:neverusethis:). Lyrically it was what I expected based on ALL of Morse's lyrics since he became a born-again Christian, and musically it was pretty drawn-out as I expected once it was revealed that it would be a single 77-minute song.
It had some great moments, but both of TA's other albums are way better.
-J
-
Neal Morse audio interview is there
https://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=152275
-
Neal Morse audio interview is there
https://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=152275
Is this the same one as the one I posted two days ago?
Phone interview with Neal about his life and background, and also some information about the new project!
https://www.bravewords.com/news/153812
-Marc.
-
I thought The Whirlwind was better than their previous albums, but I don't think its the greatest thing ever like some people.
This pretty much hits the nail right on the head.
-
Neal Morse audio interview is there
https://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=152275
Is this the same one as the one I posted two days ago?
Phone interview with Neal about his life and background, and also some information about the new project!
https://www.bravewords.com/news/153812
-Marc.
ahh right, sorry. The b-mouth story doesn't really have anything new, save for the typical b-mouth's comments at the bottom.
-
Yet another update from Neal on his own message board:
Mike is recording his "keeper" drum parts here in the studio as I write. Everyone else had to leave for various reasons and now it's just the old team of Jerry, Mike and me.
Mike is going to the NAMM show in CA tomorrow and was going to go home after that but now is coming back to Nashvlle just to eat more of Cherie's cooking. Just kidding. He needs to finish some tracks on the MMPLM record and then do a few tracks for a bonus disc for Testimony 2. Can you say "hardest working man in show business"?
everything is sounding really fresh and cool and I think you'll dig it.
God bless you all,
Neal
Looks like we ARE getting some Bonus stuff on Testimony 2! Sweet! I wonder if Randy did his parts before or if he'll be coming back or if Neal will do all the non-Mike stuff himself (a la Testimony "1"). Looks like by the month's end, Mike will have completed parts for 2 whole new albums! And next month, Mike will have YMC to pound out! I've gotta wonder what Mike has planned for the next couple/few months ahead!
-Marc.
-
Rumby, you are the only person I know who disliked The Whirlwind.
Really? I thought there's quite a few people here who were disappointed by it.
rumborak
Musically it's fine, but vocally, it's God awful. Just my opinion. Such uplifting music dragged down by such dreary vocals.
:lol Dude, you need to get past this dreary vocals hang up of yours. It's keeping you from enjoying a broader range of music. There's more to life than 80's-metal style of vocal delivery a la Dio-Tate-Labrie-Mogg-JLT-Dickinson-etc.
-
Preach it, brother Ludwig.
-
:lol
I'm TRYING! Seriously!
I would love to be able to get into TA, Porcupine Tree, Riverside, etc...
Similar to harsh vocals I guess. I really need a vocal removing program..
I even busted out Whirlwind last week in yet ANOTHER attempt. Ikd probably enjoy a live DVD more than a CD.
-
:lol
I'm TRYING! Seriously!
I would love to be able to get into TA, Porcupine Tree, Riverside, etc...
Similar to harsh vocals I guess. I really need a vocal removing program..
I even busted out Whirlwind last week in yet ANOTHER attempt. Ikd probably enjoy a live DVD more than a CD.
Well, that would be the wrong approach anyway. If you feel that strongly about the vocals on TA, Porcupine Tree and Riverside that you'd want to employ a 'vocal removing program', then you should probably give up the good fight. :sadpanda:
-
:lol
I'm TRYING! Seriously!
I would love to be able to get into TA, Porcupine Tree, Riverside, etc...
Similar to harsh vocals I guess. I really need a vocal removing program..
I even busted out Whirlwind last week in yet ANOTHER attempt. Ikd probably enjoy a live DVD more than a CD.
Well, that would be the wrong approach anyway. If you feel that strongly about the vocals on TA, Porcupine Tree and Riverside that you'd want to employ a 'vocal removing program', then you should probably give up the good fight by ending your life :sadpanda:
-
So what's the deal with this album? No new info for a long time. We don't even know the band name.
-
I'd speculate they are shopping for a record deal.
The other thing is that Mike is a little busy at the moment and maybe they have blocked out a fixed amount of time to market the project/band.
Beyond that, I've got nothing...
-
I'd speculate they are shopping for a record deal.
The other thing is that Mike is a little busy at the moment and maybe they have blocked out a fixed amount of time to market the project/band.
Beyond that, I've got nothing...
This is possible. Last I heard, the album itself was finished, but I hadn't heard anything about a label or release, but I would hope they get it released before the end of the year, especially now that Mike's other project/band's debut album is being pushed back to 2012 (Adrenaline Mob, for those who didn't know), so I would hope MMPLM get's a release this year, considering it was his first studio album to be recorded this year (not counting Testimony 2, since much of that was done in December of last year).
-Marc.
-
From MPs Facebook
Mike Portnoy
In NYC all week w Michael Brauer mixing the MP, Steve Morse, Neal Morse, Dave LaRue & Casey MacPherson album...scheduled for a March release
Finally there's some news about this. I am really looking forward to see what these guys come up with.
-
Does MP have any prior mixing experience? I mean I know artists always give feedback, but I don't think he's ever been in studio and credited with it.
-
We'll have to trust Michael Brauer knows what he is doing
-
I'm VERY interested in how this project turns out. Hopefully they'll release a song soon.
-
I had completely forgotten about his project. Seems very interesting anyway.
-
March?! Just in time for my birthday! What a great present!
Also...who releases an album 14 months after it's recorded?! :lol
I hope the wait will be worth it!
-Marc.
-
Does MP have any prior mixing experience? I mean I know artists always give feedback, but I don't think he's ever been in studio and credited with it.
To be fair, he previously had a lot more on his plate... :(
-
Does MP have any prior mixing experience? I mean I know artists always give feedback, but I don't think he's ever been in studio and credited with it.
To be fair, he previously had a lot more on his plate... :(
Well, that's kinda my concern. I'm afraid he's possibly looking for a new revenue stream despite lack of experience or expertise in this endeavor.
-
Does MP have any prior mixing experience? I mean I know artists always give feedback, but I don't think he's ever been in studio and credited with it.
To be fair, he previously had a lot more on his plate... :(
Well, that's kinda my concern. I'm afraid he's possibly looking for a new revenue stream despite lack of experience or expertise in this endeavor.
True, but at least he's not doing it alone. As a music-fan AND a musician, he knows what a mix SHOULD sound like, so with a professional's help, I think we'll get a pretty good mix for what this album should sound like. I have a pretty good feeling about this, although I wouldn't mind having Neal on the mixing board as well!
-Marc.
-
Well Steven Wilson learnt, I'm sure he can.
-
I'm pretty sure this album will be good. :corn
-
Well, things we know about this project now include:
-The band name was chosen by Peter Collins, and the only name they all agreed upon.
-The band is named Flying Colors
-The album has 11 tracks on it
-The album contains Mike Portnoy lead vocals on one song, at the request of Neal Morse
-The album will be released in March
Anything else? Also, can we change the name of the thread title to reflect the band's name?
-Marc.
-
I agree with the name change but would still leave a reference like MMPLM for people who didn't read MPs Q&A.
-
Compromise change has been done.
-
Cool, can't wait until March!
-
Don't forget to add Casey McPherson to the thread title :P
-
Don't forget to add Casey McPherson to the thread title :P
Good point, but it wouldn't fit, so I took out first names.
-
Flying Colors is a weird band name. Sounds like an album name.
-
Portnoy on vocals I'm not too sure about, but I think he's been around music studios enough to have a decent handle on mixing
-
He did some singing for TA and I think it was ok. I'm sure with some production it can work.
-
He did some singing for TA and I think it was ok. I'm sure with some production it can work.
Yeah, it might be OK, I'm definitely going to approach it with an open mind. :)
-
Portnoy on vocals I'm not too sure about, but I think he's been around music studios enough to have a decent handle on mixing
I think his vocals are good usually.
-
Couldn't find a better place for it so let's resurrect this ancient thread. MP posted this as his Facebook status about an hour ago:
"For all those who have been asking: Flying Colors info is coming TOMORROW!! Stay tuned... #MPin2012"
-
No shit!? Thank you so much for the resurrection; I can't believe I haven't heard a single word about this! The fact all these people are coming together is both odd and exciting. I was skeptical about Portnoy on vocals until I read "...at the request of Morse"; so I'm picturing that he isn't doing that oh-so-cheesy, attempted-badass metal voice and actually sounds...good. Perhaps the song's tone fits Portnoy's the best. Either way, cannot wait till March. Need more info on this... *typetypetype* Nopefail.
-
Flying Colors. I like it. Sounds bright and positive without being cheesy. Although I'm kind of out of the rock-and-roll/ProggyMcProgprog phase in my musical-listening life, I will keep tabs on this one.
-
I'm really exited about this album. It's good to hear something new from MP and specially with all these other great musicians
:caffeine:
-
About time! I've been hoping to hear/read something from Mike or Neal about this, rather than hearing Mike tout around AMob...this has been something I've looked forward to for nearly a YEAR now, and I've read it will come out sometime in March.
I'm willing to bet we'll get album title (unless it is self-titled), track names, possibly track times, release date and who is distributing it. Can't wait for this album! It might prove to be one of my top 10 albums of 2012! At least, I hope...
-Marc.
-
Finally, can't wait to hear this.
-
Looking forward to this one much more than Adrenaline Mob.
-
I seriously doubt this could go wrong. After all, it's Neal Morse, and MP noted that there will be some Yes and The Beatles influences. So color me excited. :smiley:
-
Finally! Mike & Neal are a great combination, looking forward to this.
-
(https://flyingcolorsmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/mounted_cover5.jpg)
-
Oh, that's gorgeous!
Yes, I think this looks like the most promising Portnoy project since he left DT. Superb.
-
Would be better without all of the strings attached to the pieces flying away. Still, pretty nice.
-
Pretty sweet album cover!
-
That's a nice cover. Clean and neat, but not plain and dull.
-
Very nice cover.
-
https://flyingcolorsmusic.com/
01 : Blue Ocean (7:05)
02 : Shoulda Coulda Woulda (4:32)
03 : Kayla (5:20)
04 : The Storm (4:53)
05 : Forever in a Daze (3:56)
06 : Love is What I’m Waiting For (3:36)
07 : Everything Changes (6:55)
08 : Better Than Walking Away (4:57)
09 : All Falls Down (3:22)
10 : Fool in My Heart (3:48)
11 : Infinite Fire (12:02)
Looks pretty sweet. Looks like the last track is the long-epic they (Mike and Neal) have eluded to, and the track lengths are pretty varied (from 3:22 to 7:05 inbetween).
Pretty sweet cover, pretty sweet track names...now I'm even MORE pumped for this.
-Marc.
-
Oh, that's gorgeous!
Yes, I think this looks like the most promising Portnoy project since he left DT. Superb.
^ This. Beautiful, I love the strings. Gives a sense that something from the wire-frame-person is being swept away; not just some random pieces floating next to him.
Now track listing!? Wooot! Looks amazing. I, I, I so excite.
-
:dangerwillrobinson: :caffeine: :dangerwillrobinson: :caffeine: :dangerwillrobinson: :caffeine: :dangerwillrobinson: :caffeine:
-
this definitely seems like the project that will save portnoy
-
this definitely seems like the project that will save portnoy
I would love to think so. The cover is awesome, definitely, now it all comes down to the music.
rumborak
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BsYw_nGwlOM :tup
-
I'm liking what I'm hearing so far. Now I'm pretty interested to hear more. :tup
and I absolutely love the album art. :heart
-
I already love the album cover. :heart
But man, I'm afraid to play the trailer, I'm supposed to study today. ;D
-
Awesome, can't wait to hear more.
-
I AM SOOOOOO EXCITED FOR THIS!!!!!!!
-
That trailer had some very interesting stuff. Now the 2 month wait start....
-
Loving this music! Not really what I was expecting but it was a pleasant surprise.
-
What I heard in EPK is great! Can't wait to hear the entire album! Even more than AMob
-
I'm really, really hoping this doesn't turn out as bland and generic as AM because my interest in this is sky high!
-
Sounds really interesting.
-
sounds cool, looks cool
-
Both the music from the video and the album cover are really, really good. Of course I didn't have a clue of what kind of music it would be but this was a great surprise!
-
This sounds pretty sweet.
-
The clip of "Kayla" sounds awesome. I love the shift from 7/8 to 6/8. I hope a lot of the music involves changes like this, it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
the second song clip sounds pretty intense and heavy! Must be one of the heavier songs on the album.
The quieter clip with Mike doing a snare-groove sounds pretty smooth, and the guitar "solo"? sounded pretty nice.
BTW, Casey's voice sounds amazing on this, and the music sounds amazing. I think I heard MP vocals at the end of the clip, which don't sound TOO bad, IMO, and it suits the music heard with it.
March 27th...marked on my calendar and counting down! :metal
EDIT - https://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/mascot/flyingcolors.htm
Hi-res copy of the album art:
https://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/mascot/images/flyingcolors/album-hr.jpg
-Marc.
-
BTW, it's up for Pre-Order:
https://mascotlabelgroup.com/mlg/releases/flying-colors/?reload
Limited Edition Digipak CD, Regular CD, and as a Double Vinyl, for those of you who like that.
Oh, and I got paid today. Guess who's taking some of my money. :D
EDIT - Just pre-ordered, and the online receipt came up as this:
Flying Colors + Free Poster (Pre-Order) – CD
Wait... Free Poster!?! (It was on the webpage, but I must have overlooked it...oops)
Pre-order now, guys!!! I hope it's a poster of the album art because I'm just falling in love with it.
-Marc.
-
All of that sounded SO great; I can't wait for this.
-
BTW, it's up for Pre-Order:
https://mascotlabelgroup.com/mlg/releases/flying-colors/?reload
Limited Edition Digipak CD, Regular CD, and as a Double Vinyl, for those of you who like that.
Oh, and I got paid today. Guess who's taking some of my money. :D
EDIT - Just pre-ordered, and the online receipt came up as this:
Flying Colors + Free Poster (Pre-Order) – CD
Wait... Free Poster!?! (It was on the webpage, but I must have overlooked it...oops)
Pre-order now, guys!!! I hope it's a poster of the album art because I'm just falling in love with it.
-Marc.
It says on top Free Poster
-
BTW, it's up for Pre-Order:
https://mascotlabelgroup.com/mlg/releases/flying-colors/?reload
Limited Edition Digipak CD, Regular CD, and as a Double Vinyl, for those of you who like that.
Oh, and I got paid today. Guess who's taking some of my money. :D
EDIT - Just pre-ordered, and the online receipt came up as this:
Flying Colors + Free Poster (Pre-Order) – CD
Wait... Free Poster!?! (It was on the webpage, but I must have overlooked it...oops)
Pre-order now, guys!!! I hope it's a poster of the album art because I'm just falling in love with it.
-Marc.
It says on top Free Poster
Yeah, in my excitement, I over looked it, as noted above, but it's still a pretty sweet deal. It comes to just under $20 USD, so for a CD of an hour's worth of music PLUS a free poster, it's totally worth the pre-order! Mascot's just taking ALL my money lately (with this and the SB X-Tour Live 2CD/DVD set).
-Marc.
-
Just watched the little video of them all gloating over themselves. The music sounds interesting. I am intrigued by this, though I am iffy on the vocals.
-
I like the cover and song titles/lengths a lot. Not a super-obvious long prog song direction. I like what I hear in the music.
-
is there a US site to order from? Not looking to order from overseas
-
March is turning into what September 2011 was. LOTS of new and interesting releases. Can't wait.
-
is there a US site to order from? Not looking to order from overseas
Normally, I wouldn't order from overseas either, but this is straight from the label, and the pre-order is fairly cheap for a new CD in a digipak, and you get a free poster, all for $19.68 USD. Pretty solid deal, I think, and even if shipping ends up being close to $10, I still wouldn't mind, especially since they're shipping early so those who pre-order can get the album before/near release date.
-Marc.
-
I'd at least like to hear this, which is more than I can say for the Adrenaline Mob record.
-
I'm having massive issues trying to get that site to work properly for me, keeps putting the wrong things in my shopping cart and is not allowing me to remove them. Will have to try another day.
-
Still not 100% sold on the vocals, but this project definitely seems interesting so far. Musically, I like what I was hearing in that preview, and the cover art is pretty great.
-
I am intrigued by this
The best description of how I feel.
-
Just pre-ordered myself. I am excite.
-
Man, I am really loving Casey's vocals from that clip. I wondered how he would mesh with a bunch of proggy guys, but it sounds great to my ears. Cool music, too. Eagerly anticipating.
-
do you guys know if they hosted the preview somewhere other than youtube. work blocks all youtube links :-[
-
Wow, that sounds awesome. This should be good.
One thing that bugs me is the small biography of MP on the website. I mean, really?
Anyway; so far my most anticipated record of 2012.
-
Now this is something!! Really wide range of music genres in the same band. This is something I will like! :)
-
I'm loving the snippets especially the bass driven one around 3:53. I'll most likely wait till it's release.
-
One thing that bugs me is the small biography of MP on the website. I mean, really?
And this surprises you?
I was amused that the first thing Portnoy said in that 5-minute clip was that he was the only one who knew everyone in the group. Of course. :lol :lol :lol
Anyway, seems like an interesting project, and I always dig stuff Neal Morse is involved with, but I am not sure if I liked the main guy's singing voice. Time will tell, although I am not sure I will want to pay for this.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BsYw_nGwlOM :tup
Was this taken down? It's flagged as private.
rumborak
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BsYw_nGwlOM :tup
Was this taken down? It's flagged as private.
rumborak
Was wondering that too, but it looks like many of the sites' links have changed to a video hosted by MascotRecords - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1W0UgiWlbY
-Marc.
-
Heard it now, quite interesting. Definite TA vibes, but that's to be expected given the lineup. I hope Steve Morse will give it a harder edge than TA, it was always a bit lacking in that.
And yeah, this one might be MP's saving grace.
rumborak
-
I've been looking forward to the project since it was announced and I went and checked out ome stuff from Casey's main band (Alpha Rev), and I think I'm looking forward to it even more after hearing the clips in that EPK
-
Man I love that guys voice.
-
Just got around to listening to/watching that EPK.....man....that is going to be a pretty friggin' cool album! Despite my current feelings for Mr. Portnoy there is no way I am not buying that album....just sounds like there is going to be too good of music to miss out on just because of disagreeing with the way MP has handled himself since the split. I shall be purchasing.
-
I haven't been too crazy about Portnoy's post-DT projects so far but this one actually looks really promising!
-
This sounds REALLY good. I'm really looking forward to it.
-
not really into the singer, but i can get used to it
-
This sounds like something that I may like. The only trouble I'm having is with Casey's voice, it's not really clicking for me but I'll give it a fair spin once the album comes out.
-
Weird that so many people here have issues with Casey's voice. Was very pleasantly surprised by it.
rumborak
-
Weird that so many people here have issues with Casey's voice. Was very pleasantly surprised by it.
rumborak
Yeah, I'm surprised as well. I absolutely *love* his main band Alpha Rev's most recent full album, New Morning.
-
Weird that so many people here have issues with Casey's voice. Was very pleasantly surprised by it.
rumborak
I actually quite liked his voice. Suddenly, I'm very excited for this album. Also, very cool cover :biggrin:
-
Now that I know that Casey McPherson seems to be the (main) singer and is contributing songwriting I'm a lot more interested than I was before when I thought it was all known quantities whose writing I have little fondness for (Steve Morse) or am burnt out on (Neal Morse).
-
Weird that so many people here have issues with Casey's voice. Was very pleasantly surprised by it.
rumborak
I am surprised too. The guy has a great voice. Very melodic.
-
I was amused that the first thing Portnoy said in that 5-minute clip was that he was the only one who knew everyone in the group. Of course. :lol :lol :lol
In all fairness, in explaining how the band came about, what did you expect? MP is the one who knew and has worked with all those guys to some degree (aside from Casey), so I don't think him making that statement was egotistical.
Anyway, I too am thrilled with what I've heard, unlike my impression of AMob thus far. Not understanding why there are some who aren't digging Casey's vocals - I think they add something really fresh. Can't wait to hear the whole thing!
-
I thought it was all known quantities whose writing I have little fondness for (Steve Morse) or am burnt out on (Neal Morse).
That's still somewhat a lingering concern for me, since these days I barely follow Neal Morse's stuff. Neal can sometimes totally dominate a collaborative effort, for better or worse.
rumborak
-
Wish Neal was doing the main vocals, I guess I'm a little disappointed he won't be.
-
I think this is going to be steller. I am glad Neal is not taking on the lead vocals as it would not have sounded fresh just like another Neal Morse album. Bought the Alpha Rev album on MP's advise and love it (something the wife can enjoy as well)
I hope Mike's drumming is more active then what he is doing with A-Mob. The kit looks like about the same size as the one he uses with Neal and Transatlantic.
This will be a great live show, and they can hopefully tour this Summer.
-
I haven't been following closely enough to know, but have they said for certain whether Neal will have lead vocals on any songs? I don't care whether he has full songs, but hopefully, he is prominent in the backup vocals and has a few lead lines here and there.
-
I haven't been following closely enough to know, but have they said for certain whether Neal will have lead vocals on any songs? I don't care whether he has full songs, but hopefully, he is prominent in the backup vocals and has a few lead lines here and there.
Well if Mike is doing lead vocals (at Neal's pushing), then I'm sure Neal is doing some lead vocals somewhere, as well.
Also, the website credits Neal and Mike for vocals, in addition to Casey.
-Marc.
-
Wow I think that's the best cover of any other albums involving Mike Portnoy, and maybe even Neal Morse.
EDIT: the comment section on that youtube video is utterly depressing. I guess it is to be expected, considering the nature of the whole Mike Porntoy/Dream Theater thing. It really sucks though. :-[
-
That is a really cool album cover.
-
I adore that album cover. I'm sure it will look even better when I get my hands on the vinyl version I've pre-ordered. :metal I'm really looking forward to this.
-
i havent checked out the preview yet (was unaware of it), but you guys sure are increasing my level of excitement/anticipation. :corn
-
Wow I think that's the best cover of any other albums involving Mike Portnoy, and maybe even Neal Morse.
Well, given that this is totally unlike any of MP's other covers, I'm for now assuming he had little to do with it.
rumborak
-
just listened to the preview. casey's vox sound good by me.
damnit, im running out of :corn
-
I for one am SUPER excited. As far as I can tell, this will NOT suck.
-
Ok, preempting this post with the statement that I'm tentatively excited about FC, I have to ask the following question: What's up with this "we write albums in a number of days"-itis these days? What happened to letting songs settle, gestate, ferment and ripen? Is this a function of MP being in the band, or is this more and more becoming the norm?
rumborak
-
Ok, preempting this post with the statement that I'm tentatively excited about FC, I have to ask the following question: What's up with this "we write albums in a number of days"-itis these days? What happened to letting songs settle, gestate, ferment and ripen? Is this a function of MP being in the band, or is this more and more becoming the norm?
rumborak
Half of it is probably the fact that they've all got other bands going on, so they only have a few days of free time where they can come together to write.
But I totally get what you mean, I'm kinda blown away by the fact that bands can do that. Especially bands of people who have never all worked together before.
-
Double post
-
I am completely speculating here, but I would guess Neal plays as big a role in that as Mike. First off, he has gotten used to and very comfortable with that pattern over the years in doing his solo work and Transatlantic albums. Second, I'm not sure what Neal does to supplement his income, but I know the projects we hear about don't make all that much, so I'm sure he does something. What that means is, his time for making albums is somewhat limited. Not sure if he rents out his studio (I'm guessing he does because it is fully equipped, and he recently did some big upgrades to it), but if he does, that also means his studio availability is limited, and the studio in that video was clearly his home studio. So it seems likely to me that Neal is a big proponent of that approach, or at least a supporter.
-
Sometimes a band takes too long and kills what they once had for a song.
Guns n Roses - Chinese Democracy, I'm looking at you.
-
What happened to letting songs settle, gestate, ferment and ripen? Is this a function of MP being in the band, or is this more and more becoming the norm?
rumborak
Well if that happened, every band would be Rush! :lol
I keed, I keed, but the near 2-year wait for Clockwork Angels has been tearing me apart in anticipation!
As for writing so damn quickly, I think one of the TA guys said it on a video or commentary somewhere - sure it's quick and it doesn't really allow much of the material to settle and be re-worked (if needed), but on the other side of the coin, it captures the raw intensity and spontaneity of musicians' craft and how that initial co-creative process gives birth to new music. It keeps things fresh and exciting in some ways, and allows us to see/hear what they're TRULY capable of in such short time.
I think if they had MORE time, (weeks, maybe months to a year), the material may have gone back-and-forth SO much because of the too-many-chefs thing going on, that the original feel of the songs would degrade through too many changes. Personally, I like the approach that Mike and Neal take with TA, and now FC. As for Neal's solo work, he does demo a lot of his stuff beforehand, but as the years have passed, both Mike and Randy have come to suggest things to Neal, and even jam out in the studio for new material (time permitting). I think these guys write well under the wire.
-Marc.
-
I haven't heard a note of this, but I was going to buy it as soon as it was announced.
Not sure if I'm pre-ordering overseas though.
I have to think that this project is the one aiming for the most "industry" buzz.
-
Can't wait to get this.
-
I loved the promo video and the album cover is awesome. I've never heard of the singer but I like his voice. I can't wait until this is released. It may be my album of the year.
-
listening now - yoohoo!
I love that song!!!
-
The overseas site isn't all that bad if you factor in the fact that they give free shipping. Getting 2 vinyl, 2 CD, a DVD, and a poster for $52. (I plan on pre-ordering SB X Live as well)
-
I went to the link that was posted to price check for a possible pre-order, and their site is messing up for me, in a really weird way. It worked fine a few days ago, so I have no idea what's going on.
It will load fine, but then will add a 'reload' thing to the end of the URL, and go to a glitched, broken page. Like, it will fully load properly, but then reload itself and fuck up before I can do anything. Is anyone else having this problem?
Edit: Okay, I was able to get it semi-working, but then it automatically added 'The X-Tour Live' to the cart along with the Flying Colors album, and there's no option to remove it.
Edit: Now it's going back and forth on its own between having both and having just Flying Colors, while also switching back and forth between the CD and vinyl versions, and it keeps switching me to shipping rates for the Netherlands when I select Canada. I was really considering ordering this, but the site is such a piece of shit that I legitimately may not be able to. How does anyone fuck up a basic store page this badly? Oh, and now there's a button to remove 'The X-Tour Live', but it doesn't actually do anything.
-
Yeah, I was having problems with the site too. It would add 2 copies of the CD to my cart, without allowing me to remove the second. I would advise anyone who's even remotely concerned about their money to wait until it's on Amazon.
-
or...report the problem and wait until they fix it. The site worked fine for me a week ago.
-
So after all my bitching, I was able to pre-order the album today. Can't wait to hear it.
-
Pre-ordered on the day Mascot put them up - SUPER-EXCITED.
Announced two days ago on the band's website, a pre-order with the Ltd. Ed. CD, the free poster, AND A T-SHIRT - Not Cool.
If I can cancel my Mascot pre-order, I'm going to get the t-shirt package deal, especially since all 3 times cost $32, shipping and handling included.
-Marc.
-
The fuck? I would like to do the same thing, let me know how it works out.
-
The fuck? I would like to do the same thing, let me know how it works out.
I replied to the email I got confirming my order from Mascot as there doesn't seem to be any place I can check (let alone cancel) an order on their website. No response, and I emailed them 3 days ago. I may have to suck it up and live with TWO copies of this sure-to-be-fantastic album...just not sure if I want to spend what amounts to about $51 USD on 2 CDs, 2 posters, and a tshirt...although...it's still a deal when you think about it.
-Marc.
-
Let us know if the situation changes M, although lord knows the last thing I need is another band t-shirt :lol
-
Let us know if the situation changes M, although lord knows the last thing I need is another band t-shirt :lol
True, but as far as I know, Mascot's original website charged me in Euros, so I'm assuming it's shipping from Europe, whereas the orders on the band's website are listed in USD for North American orders, so I would assume it would ship from somewhere in NA, which would mean it would get here quicker (assuming all orders are shipped around the same time world-wide).
I would *LOVE a band shirt for this band, as I love the album artwork.
-Marc.
-
Same here but it's making,me translate as it sends me to Paypal netherlands, don't know why but,it sucks.
edit: Nevermind I got it now. Confusing as hell but still got it.
-
Let us know if the situation changes M, although lord knows the last thing I need is another band t-shirt :lol
True, but as far as I know, Mascot's original website charged me in Euros, so I'm assuming it's shipping from Europe, whereas the orders on the band's website are listed in USD for North American orders, so I would assume it would ship from somewhere in NA, which would mean it would get here quicker (assuming all orders are shipped around the same time world-wide).
I would *LOVE a band shirt for this band, as I love the album artwork.
-Marc.
I don't know if you'd be interested, but I'd take one of those limited edition CDs and poster (or not) off your hands should you want to sell it when you get it.
-
From the post on facebook, it looks like we might get a song tomorrow
-
From the post on facebook, it looks like we might get a song tomorrow
Awesome.
-
Nice! Bwahaha... Just about the only disadvantage I've seen so far about not having Facebook are the updates from bands I follow. Literally the only disadvantage, actually. :lol Good to have this place to keep me updated though. I'm excited for this given that the other projects I'm excited for are about the same genre and style of music; this being the only one that is different than the rest not being either completely experimental and prog/prog-metal or straight up metal. I've got high hopes for this project.
-
From the post on facebook, it looks like we might get a song tomorrow
Really? The only post I found is this:
You've asked for more music, and we heard ya. Next week, more music!
Yesterday at 8:26am
(https://cdn.mos.musicradar.com/images/artist-news/mike-portnoy/flying-colors-band--660-80.jpg)
One of these things is not like the others lol.
-
Ah, they're going to be releasing music? Does that mean they're going to be posting fewer pictures of colorful things? That's the only reason I'm their fan on Facebook, to be completely honest.
-
D'awww love that pic, they all look really good. Can't wait to hear some material, be it tomorrow or next week.
-
Track listing:
01. Blue Ocean
02. Shoulda Coulda Woulda
03. Love Is What I'm Waiting For
04. The Storm
05. Kayla
06. Forever In A Daze
07. Everything Changes
08. Better Than Walking
09. All Falls Down
10. Fool In My Heart
11. Infinite Fire
https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/upcoming_releases/mike_portnoys_flying_colors_debut_album_track_listing_revealed.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
-
Track listing:
01. Blue Ocean
02. Shoulda Coulda Woulda
03. Love Is What I'm Waiting For
04. The Storm
05. Kayla
06. Forever In A Daze
07. Everything Changes
08. Better Than Walking
09. All Falls Down
10. Fool In My Heart
11. Infinite Fire
https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/upcoming_releases/mike_portnoys_flying_colors_debut_album_track_listing_revealed.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
https://flyingcolorsmusic.com/
01 : Blue Ocean (7:05)
02 : Shoulda Coulda Woulda (4:32)
03 : Kayla (5:20)
04 : The Storm (4:53)
05 : Forever in a Daze (3:56)
06 : Love is What I’m Waiting For (3:36)
07 : Everything Changes (6:55)
08 : Better Than Walking Away (4:57)
09 : All Falls Down (3:22)
10 : Fool in My Heart (3:48)
11 : Infinite Fire (12:02)
Looks pretty sweet. Looks like the last track is the long-epic they (Mike and Neal) have eluded to, and the track lengths are pretty varied (from 3:22 to 7:05 inbetween).
Pretty sweet cover, pretty sweet track names...now I'm even MORE pumped for this.
Posted back on Jan 11th :lol
-Marc.
-
I just saw this tweet:
ultimateguitar Ultimate Guitar
Mike Portnoy's Flying Colors: Debut Album Track Listing Revealed dlvr.it/185j8W
30 Jan
Wasn't going to bother going back more than a couple of pages to check.
-
I just saw this tweet:
ultimateguitar Ultimate Guitar
Mike Portnoy's Flying Colors: Debut Album Track Listing Revealed dlvr.it/185j8W
30 Jan
Wasn't going to bother going back more than a couple of pages to check.
Ah fair enough :tup At least people are becoming aware of the album and it's release! I hope plenty of fans in the prog and rock realms are down for this, making it one of the best albums of the year!
-Marc.
-
'Infinte Fire' sounds like another overtly-Christian closer like 'Dancing With Eternal Glory'. I hate to say it but I think Neal's albums are just so predictable.
-
So?
-
'Infinte Fire' sounds like another overtly-Christian closer like 'Dancing With Eternal Glory'. I hate to say it but I think Neal's albums are just so predictable.
Neal is a Christian.
But besides that, you can't make any kind of judgement from that. For all we know it is about a volcano.
-
I mean conceptually it's fine as a stand-alone thing, but when you start lining up all of his albums and they all follow the same structure, it gets annoying.
-
But, they don't all follow the same structure. ???
And even if they did, I don't see why it would be so "annoying".
-
But, they don't all follow the same structure. ???
And even if they did, I don't see why it would be so "annoying".
-
I mean conceptually it's fine as a stand-alone thing, but when you start lining up all of his albums and they all follow the same structure, it gets annoying.
Well, first of all, this is an album by Flying Colors, not Neal Morse, and sure his name is attached to it, but there's also the minds of Portnoy, LaRue, Morse and MacPherson as well. For all we know, one of the other guys wrote that song. Neal has admitted to taking a bit of a backseat on this project, and from the sound of it, I hear more guitar and vocals and bass than I do keys, and none of the samples from the EPK even have lead vocals from Neal, so this be a case where Neal isn't a majority here.
Also, Neal's albums are all about as different from each other as his albums were with Spock's Beard (which seem to be a bit more similar in of themselves, especially The Light through V). However, they are a bit similar to OTHER albums he has done...
Testimony - Double album with chunks of music (Parts) that tell different sections of the story (Classic Concept Story album, like Snow)
One - Album with a few long songs/epics, a lot of short songs, and none of them segue
? - A "single-song" album with each movement divided into 12 smaller parts (This format revisited later with The Whirlwind)
Sola Scriptura - Album with 3 huge epics, and one small song (kind of like Bridge Across Forever)
Lifeline - Opening epic, followed by 4 short songs, a HUGE epic, and closed with a short song (this format, aside from the closer, is similar to V)
Testimony 2 - Structurally similar to Testimony, but for obvious reasons, as it is a continuation.
To me, each of his albums are all structurally different, despite them SOUNDING the same in some parts (like a theme in "The Creation" sounds a bit similar to a theme from Testimony), but that's just how Neal writes. His songs tend to influence each other, but I think having Mike on his albums helps keep him from repeating himself lately (as noted in Randy's recent Studio Diary entry).
-Marc.
-
Dancing with Eternal Glory is a closer with vaguely spiritual lyrics. Infinite Fire is a song -- also a closer, mind you -- that may or may not be written by Neal Morse about God.
Don't tell me you guys don't see it. The structures are identical.
-
? - A "single-song" album with each movement divided into 12 smaller parts (This format revisited later with The Whirlwind)
Overall, I agree. However, what they did within that 12-track framework is completely different than what Neal did on "?" (besides being 17 minutes longer)
-
Lots of cut-and-paste overtures: Testimony, Testimony 2, The Whirlwind.
Lots of reprises, whether they are in the album or an individual epic: Testimony, Testimony 2, ?, The Whirlwind, One (kind of), All of the Above, Stranger in Your Soul, Duel with the Devil, So Many Roads, Seeds of Gold.
And from the looks of it, it seems like 'Infinite Fire' is along the same lines.
-
Just get out now
-
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Hjt__E4auS0/TQJyAxsOv4I/AAAAAAAAAt8/GLnmnr0bRQs/s1600/claimcryingbaby.jpg)
-
Lots of cut-and-paste overtures: Testimony, Testimony 2, The Whirlwind.
Lots of reprises, whether they are in the album or an individual epic: Testimony, Testimony 2, ?, The Whirlwind, One (kind of), All of the Above, Stranger in Your Soul, Duel with the Devil, So Many Roads, Seeds of Gold.
And from the looks of it, it seems like 'Infinite Fire' is along the same lines.
I mean, that's just the way he writes. You could throw in all his stuff from Spock's Beard in there as well - The Light, The Water, The Healing Colors Of Sound, and The Great Nothing, as well as his solo-album effort A Whole 'Nother Trip.
You could probably make "connections" to many Yessongs and point out things like that and say that Jon Anderson did a lot of similar things in all his songs throughout his career with Yes. It's just that some people have a certain way of writing. I'm sure one could point out similarities even in DT's career between songs and albums. I think Neal tries his best to keep things fresh from album to album, but when he writes an epic, he just uses what he knows, and it just happens that he bases his epics on the Overture-Themes-Development-Recap-Finale formula, that MANY artists have used over the decades for epics.
Also, did you like V or Lifeline? Because those albums have fewer "reprises" across the album, just within their respective self-contained epics. And you'd be happy to know the next solo album will be of similar structure, and not a full album-length concept.
-Marc.
-
I haven't heard V. Lifeline was okay. There were some good songs. So Many Roads is pretty good. Lots of bad songs though.
-
I hope you guys bashing Neal's reprises don't listen to Devin Townsend.
-
I hope you guys bashing Neal's reprises don't listen to Devin Townsend.
Does Devin do that a lot? I keep seeing his name pop up all over this place but I have yet to listen to ANYTHING this man has done...although that album cover with the alien sure made me think his music was probably pretty silly (in a fun way).
-Marc.
-
Lots of cut-and-paste overtures: Testimony, Testimony 2, The Whirlwind.
Lots of reprises, whether they are in the album or an individual epic: Testimony, Testimony 2, ?, The Whirlwind, One (kind of), All of the Above, Stranger in Your Soul, Duel with the Devil, So Many Roads, Seeds of Gold.
And from the looks of it, it seems like 'Infinite Fire' is along the same lines.
How are you coming to this conclusion? I feel like I am being trolled. :lol
-
I hope you guys bashing Neal's reprises don't listen to Devin Townsend.
Does Devin do that a lot?
No. He did it on the four DTP albums because they were all connected to one another (and he did reprises in a far different way than Neal does), but he normally does not really at all, despite what ZKX was wrongly implying.
-
Didn't see the cover until just now, but that is really cool.
-
This is fucking tasty stuff.
-
This is fucking tasty stuff.
I know, the cover is very nice!
-
This is fucking tasty stuff.
Agreed!
-
This is fucking tasty stuff.
Agreed!
Hell yeah.
I love Cinnamon Teddy Grahams.
-
I hope you guys bashing Neal's reprises don't listen to Devin Townsend.
Does Devin do that a lot?
No. He did it on the four DTP albums because they were all connected to one another (and he did reprises in a far different way than Neal does), but he normally does not really at all, despite what ZKX was wrongly implying.
There are also a few nuggets elsewhere in his music:
-There's a rhythm from the SYL song "Info Dump" that spells "OM" in morse code. The same rhythm is used in "Color Your World" during the "YOU ARE A PUPPET" bit.
-The SYL song "Decimator" contains borrowed vocal melodies from "Depth Charge" and "Gaia."
-The "away away away away away" bit in "OM" is taken from a riff in "Regulator."
I'm sure UMH knows a few more. But they're in a much different way than Neal does, as Kev mentioned.
-
Lots of cut-and-paste overtures: Testimony, Testimony 2, The Whirlwind.
Lots of reprises, whether they are in the album or an individual epic: Testimony, Testimony 2, ?, The Whirlwind, One (kind of), All of the Above, Stranger in Your Soul, Duel with the Devil, So Many Roads, Seeds of Gold.
And from the looks of it, it seems like 'Infinite Fire' is along the same lines.
you must hate Frank Zappa
-
you must hate Frank Zappa
Yeah, because he writes a lot of epics and uses overtures and reprises like a madman.
:huh:
-
you must hate Frank Zappa
Yeah, because he writes a lot of epics and uses overtures and reprises like a madman.
:huh:
Let's face it, What's the Ugliest Part of Your Body (reprise) is a total cop out. :neverusethis:
-
:lol
-
But he DOES use a lot of reprises. Conceptual Continuity?
-
Aaah, if you're talking about CC then I understand.
But mostly the Conceptional Continuity is speculation by fans, ánd it's not often done within the music, more within recurring 'lyrical' themes (ie. the poodle, or references to Eddy (are you kidding me))
-
This is pretty good stuff.
-
On track 2 now and I'm absolutely loving this stuff.
-
Just finished listening to the whole thing and while there's a lot of stuff that I really like there are some aspects that I don't. More detail once I've given the album a few more spins.
-
Son of a bitch, you guys are making me jealous. I really want to listen to this.
-
Son of a bitch, you guys are making me jealous. I really want to listen to this.
Yeah, the album art is really good.
-
Son of a bitch, you guys are making me jealous. I really want to listen to this.
Yeah, the album art is really good.
Oh yeah, I googled that, I liked it a lot, it kind of fits how I feel in life at the moment actually.
-
Just finished listening to the whole thing and while there's a lot of stuff that I really like there are some aspects that I don't. More detail once I've given the album a few more spins.
Keep rubbing it on our faces.....
-
I just kinda had to lol at Fool in My Heart. First the MP vocals, and then does Neal doing those harmony bits sound like Weird Al to anyone else? :lol
-
Just finished listening to the whole thing and while there's a lot of stuff that I really like there are some aspects that I don't. More detail once I've given the album a few more spins.
Keep rubbing it on our faces.....
I've listened to it too! Oh yeah! Get some rubbing!!
-
I mean, it all SOUNDS pretty good, and there are plenty of good parts, but there weren't any moments I can recall that made me go "wow!" Maybe if they do a follow-up, when they're all more comfortable with each other, we'll get a real masterpiece. But there is promise. Especially in the vocal harmony, jazzy prog, and catchy chorus departments.
-
There were a few wow moments for me. I'll have to note which songs, I've only listened through a couple of times. I can say now Kayla is a homerun in my opinion.
-
WAITWUTHOW?
-
Made smaller for spoilers.
Giving this a listen now, first song is pretty good, on to number two.
I'm kinda mixed on the vocals, I don't like them but Shoulda Coulda Woulda gives a little bit of a Chris Cornell feel to it which I like.
-
Think we need spoiler tags because I'm waiting till it's released.
-
Think we need spoiler tags because I'm waiting till it's released.
You Wont Be Disapointed that's For Sure ;) !!!!
-
It's really good, but Casey's voice really starts to grate on me after a while.
-
I can't get over how good the bass on that album cover is!
-
So those with a copy can talk about it?
-
So those with a copy can talk about it?
As long as you aren't advertising WHERE to get it, I don't see why the mods would have a problem with that.
-
I don't want to assume, though...
-
FWIW, I reported this thread to the mods a few days ago because I didn't want to see anyone get in trouble or banned, and no one said anything, so I guess this is implied:
As long as you aren't advertising WHERE to get it, I don't see why the mods would have a problem with that.
-
FWIW, I reported this thread to the mods a few days ago because I didn't want to see anyone get in trouble or banned, and no one said anything, so I guess this is implied:
As long as you aren't advertising WHERE to get it, I don't see why the mods would have a problem with that.
Well, I can trust DTVT for that then.
3 listens in, and it's really great. I think it will make my top 10 for 2012. Solid songwriting. Bass tone is excellent.
-
For the record, I pre-ordered the album a couple of weeks ago.
After the initial listen, I liked it.
After a few spins, I'm really digging it. There are a few songs that I'm really liking, and I'm really enjoying the overall vibe. I would be 5000% in favor of MP dropping Adrenaline Mob and making Flying Colors his main priority.
-
I agree with TL, I see a lot more potential for Flying Colors than I do with Adrenaline Mob, I'm biased though because I do like Flying Colors.
My only complaint is Casey's voice but I think I can learn to like him, I've learned to like singers who bothered me a lot more upon first listen.
-
I think the album is excellent but the production is really bugging me. The vocals seem too loud and the instruments are really over-compressed; very "commercial" sounding mix. Nonetheless, the songwriting and musicianship shines through. This album really drives home what an influence Morse was on Petrucci.
-
Guys just FYI it clearly states in the rules that leaked material of bands other than DT and DT side projects is fair game as long as no one asks about or talks about where to get it.
I'm really liking Casey's voice on this. I think it's a nice change from all of NM and MP's other projects.
-
Guys just FYI it clearly states in the rules that leaked material of bands other than DT and DT side projects is fair game as long as no one asks about or talks about where to get it.
I'm really liking Casey's voice on this. I think it's a nice change from all of NM and MP's other projects.
You're right, good refresher on that rule...I guess I wasn't totally sure since MP was a member of DT.
And yeah, I am really digging McPherson's voice, it fits really well.
And I can't shake what someone said, that in the track with MP vocals, NM sounds like Weird Al. Cannot be unheard.
-
Sorry bout that. :biggrin:
-
Haha, it's cool, it doesn't sound bad, but that may be my least favorite on the album thus far.
-
I guess I wasn't totally sure since MP was a member of DT.
Not only that, but MP is also a member of the forum, so I was trying to cover Bosk's ass as well. Don't want this place shut down.
That said, I really enjoy it. For a guy who is trying to be all metal, I have to say MP's best projects are the ones where he isn't very metal (this, Transatlanic)
-
For the production, I'll reserve judgment until I hear the final album (which I've pre-ordered). I only really noticed a dropoff in production quality in the last few songs.
I'm really glad they brought in McPherson. I like the exclusive little club good prog has developed, but it's always good to bring in new talent.
-
Hey, TL, I wonder...
Did you pre-order the new Flying Colors album?
-
Cut him some slack. I pre-ordered it as well. It helps alleviate any guilty feelings.
-
Aw, I'z just playin'. Reiteration is good. He's safe if MP has a bad day and goes on a rampage on this site.
-
Hey, TL, I wonder...
Did you pre-order the new Flying Colors album?
For the record, I've pre-ordered this album which I've pre-ordered (which I've pre-ordered). But to clarify, the pre-order that I pre-ordered was a pre-order for the pre-order, of the pre-order for this album.
Pre-order.
-
I pre-ordered whilst listening the first time through.
-
:omg:
-
I preordered it as well
-
Is 'Infinite Fire' what I thought it would be?
-
Hey, TL, I wonder...
Did you pre-order the new Flying Colors album?
For the record, I've pre-ordered this album which I've pre-ordered (which I've pre-ordered). But to clarify, the pre-order that I pre-ordered was a pre-order for the pre-order, of the pre-order for this album.
Pre-order.
Who you callin' a pre-order? *maniacal laughter*
-
Is 'Infinite Fire' what I thought it would be?
You said this:
Lots of cut-and-paste overtures: Testimony, Testimony 2, The Whirlwind.
Lots of reprises, whether they are in the album or an individual epic: Testimony, Testimony 2, ?, The Whirlwind, One (kind of), All of the Above, Stranger in Your Soul, Duel with the Devil, So Many Roads, Seeds of Gold.
And from the looks of it, it seems like 'Infinite Fire' is along the same lines.
The beginning and end have the same feel and melody guitar line from what I recall. I'd have to listen again more intently, but nothing like what you said.
This album is very song-oriented. No real theme that pops out at you. If there is a theme or concept here, it isn't readily discernible. Do consider, you have other people besides NM and MP, and those others shine just as well (the guitar, bass, and vocals mesh VERY well with NM and MP, as does the apparent songwriting).
Edit: Infinite Fire approaches 12 minutes in length. To have a same intro and outro (basically) is pretty common in songwriting in most genres, and especially for a longer song, that isn't bad.
-
Haven't heard anything from the album yet other than the EPK but that sounded really promising, and I'm liking the initial thoughts people are having, very excited for the album!
And yeah, what Dimi said is broadly correct, just keep discussion to the music itself and there shouldn't really be any problems.
-
i really like it. casey's singing is great. not a big fan of sound though - very vocalocentric, not very detailed sound - great for background listening though. :tup
-
Dave LaRue lays down some fucking tasty licks on this album, I tell you what.
-
Dave LaRue lays down some fucking tasty licks on this album, I tell you what.
Man I am dying to hear this. I love the idea of a non prog singer singing on prog music and the guys sound like he can sing!!
-
Kayla is fucking great!!
-
The Storm is a great, catchy song.
-
This music is kind of like a bridge between the tried and true neo-progressive music and a band like Frost*. It just hit's the spot.
Actually, it would be cool if Jem Godfrey could work on the next album and incorporate some more modern sounding electronic elements.
-
Dave LaRue lays down some fucking tasty licks on this album, I tell you what.
Also this!
-
i really like it. casey's singing is great. not a big fan of sound though - very vocalocentric, not very detailed sound - great for background listening though. :tup
The final product from a CD sounds wonderful. Everything has nice space and detail.
-
The Storm is a great, catchy song.
Yes.
Kayla is fucking great!!
Yes.
This music is kind of like a bridge between the tried and true neo-progressive music and a band like Frost*. It just hit's the spot.
Actually, it would be cool if Jem Godfrey could work on the next album and incorporate some more modern sounding electronic elements.
Fucking YES.
-
Favorites are definitely Kayla, The Storm, and Everything Changes.
All Falls Down seems a tad out of place, though.
-
All Falls Down is VERY out of place. Especially when it jumps into the heavy riff after the chorus and it has that weird SYL effect (think songs like "Love") like it was recorded louder than it should have been.
-
link to preorder?
-
link to preorder?
https://www.mascotlabelgroup.com/fcshop/FC_shop.html
-
Hmm. First impression isn't as positive as some here. I like the clear production and SM's guitar when it's there. The rocking track sticks out like a sore thumb. Tasty riff though.
It's a bit too Beatles-y for me and I'm not struck on Casey's voice; I 'd prefer NM as lead vocalist actually. Some good tracks for sure, but definately hit and miss.
For the record I preordered a while back- but unless it improves with a few more listens I may cancel. :(
-
Too Beatles-y?
-
Flying Colors sounds like The Beatles? Well I guess I better start listening to The Beatles then!
Just kidding.
-
Love is What I'm Waiting for is Beatles-y, but that's about it for me.
-
Is there any *legal* place to hear a sample of this? I'm kinda interested, but I'm not plunking down $15 just because, I have other things I can
spend waste my money on!
Also, how are the lyrics? Are they typical NM-style lyrics or what?
-
Lyrics are better than any NM record I can think of (solo wise).
-
Is there any *legal* place to hear a sample of this? I'm kinda interested, but I'm not plunking down $15 just because, I have other things I can spend waste my money on!
There are some samples in the EPK that was posted earlier in the thread: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsYw_nGwlOM
There's no legal way to hear the whole thing other than advance/promo copies, so you'll have to wait until it comes out before it appears on streaming services like Spotify!
-
Cool, thanks. :tup
Listening: Sounds interesting!
-
This album delivers. There are one or two songs I don't care for but the rest of the album is very good. And Infinite Fire gets the prize.
-
Listening now! :biggrin:
-
I really want so see some interviews with McPherson, since he is kind of the outsider. What were his thoughts going in? Did the music turn out anything like he expected? Is he a prog fan?
-
After a dozen listens or so, with only one in head phones (and a couple in the car), I'd have to say...this is better than I expected it to be, and I was expecting it to be AMAZING, so it's beyond that.
They weren't kidding when they said this album had a good mix of their styles, sounds, and respective genres thrown in. I don't know TOO much about Steve Morse or Dave LaRue, in terms of their playing styles, but what they've provided on this album is just STUNNING, especially LaRue's bass mix. It seems like whenever Neal records an album, his bass mixes just get better and better. He is 3 for 3 (Trewavas on The Whirlwind, George on Testimony 2, and now LaRue on Flying Colors).
There's a LOT of tasty guitar riffs on here from Steve, some great key work from Neal, and above-par drumming from Mike. He knows exactly when to show off and when to hold back on here, and he doesn't over play (well, maybe a LITTLE, but he IS Mike). Casey's voice is just amazing. I keep imagining I'm hearing the song on the radio because of his pop-sounding voice, but then I realize I'm listening to rock legends behind him and go "Whoa, wait...is this really happening?" and as the songs and album progress, it becomes a magical melding of their talents. I'd have to say, the sum is greater than it's parts on here, and each song is great in it's own way. I've grown to love the first four tracks in order, and the last few.
I think this album has the potential to be a Top 5 album of 2012 for me. It's going to grow and grow and age from a great album to an even greater one. Even my girlfriend, who isn't into prog (or any music I listen to) TOO much liked this album. Not sure if it was Casey's voice, or the song writing, but this album has wide-spread appeal, so I hope this album really takes off.
On a side-note, IF they plan to tour, I've wonder what they'd play to fill out half their set? I'd *love* to see them play "Mystery Train" by Transatlantic (well, HALF of TA is Flying Colors, so why not??)...also, any songs from Neal's first two solo albums would be awesome, especially the 20 minute epic "A Whole Nother Trip".
-Marc.
-
I'm sure we will probably hear some Dixie Dregs material with both Steve Morse and Dave LaRue. I'd definitely welcome some Steve Morse Band material as well.
-
Yeah, the bass is probably my favorite thing about the album, though don't let that downplay the good songwriting and other musicians. It just sticks out to me.
-
Just finished my 2nd listen. Pretty good, but it will have to grow on me a bit.
-
Man this music is so good...
-
I want to join but you know I'm gonna wait.
-
@marc: I don't think they should play any Neal stuff for that long. Not just because I'm not a big fan, but because I don't think 20 minutes should be devoted to any one project, especially one that would leave Casey by the wayside. It's not like a pure Neal Morse side project either (I doubt he could have gotten the non-Portnoy guys). It's much more collaborative and if they do play live they should structure the show like that. Like, a bunch of FC stuff, We All Need Some Light, a Dregs song or two, an Alpha Rev song, some covers, and maybe one average-length Neal or Spock's tune. No DT included cuz no one in the band can sing that haha.
-
@marc: I don't think they should play any Neal stuff for that long. Not just because I'm not a big fan, but because I don't think 20 minutes should be devoted to any one project, especially one that would leave Casey by the wayside. It's not like a pure Neal Morse side project either (I doubt he could have gotten the non-Portnoy guys). It's much more collaborative and if they do play live they should structure the show like that. Like, a bunch of FC stuff, We All Need Some Light, a Dregs song or two, an Alpha Rev song, some covers, and maybe one average-length Neal or Spock's tune. No DT included cuz no one in the band can sing that haha.
Well, they could play hollow years. I think that'd be nice.
-
@marc: I don't think they should play any Neal stuff for that long. Not just because I'm not a big fan, but because I don't think 20 minutes should be devoted to any one project, especially one that would leave Casey by the wayside. It's not like a pure Neal Morse side project either (I doubt he could have gotten the non-Portnoy guys). It's much more collaborative and if they do play live they should structure the show like that. Like, a bunch of FC stuff, We All Need Some Light, a Dregs song or two, an Alpha Rev song, some covers, and maybe one average-length Neal or Spock's tune. No DT included cuz no one in the band can sing that haha.
They could play Constant Motion. Mike sings pretty much everything on that one.
-
No DT included cuz no one in the band can sing that haha.
Um hello? Instrumentals! Although I'm sure there's a good amount of DT songs McPherson could sing.
-
Well I thought of instrumentals too, but I'm not entirely sure of Casey's proficiency with the guitar. Otherwise he's just in the background, and I think that this band is more of a fusion of 4 artists' styles (LaRue and Morse are basically a package deal considering how much they've played together), so it would be cooler to see all five play the songs they choose to play.
Or they could not tour at all and this discussion will be absolutely meaningless! :biggrin:
Good thinking to whoever brought up Hollow Years though. That would work nicely.
-
Good thinking to whoever brought up Hollow Years though. That would work nicely.
:D Thanks. Maybe not Casey but Neal could sing that one. I think it falls within his range.
I was listening to Infinite Fire while I was on my way to the office today and I'm loving it so much. MP's cymbal work is just way too good, Neal's keyboard arrangements that appear here and there are very interesting and Steve's simple riffs combined with Dave's powerful bass playing make a fantastic song.
-
Come on guys there are more interesting DT songs than Hollow Years that this group is fully capable of... like Misunderstood.
And they want to tour, it just depends on the Deep Purple tour schedule.
-
I don't know how proficient the others are, but we know Portnoy can jam. I'd be happy with a short 5 minute jam thrown in to give Casey a break if he needs it. I guess I'm just used to DT working in breaks for JLB. I doubt it, but maybe there is also a song or two that didn't make it on the album. Just thoughts.
-
Good points all around, guys. IF they do a TA tune, I really hope it's "Mystery Train" and not "We All Need Some Light". Even Mike has grown weary of playing it, and Neal has done it on almost every solo tour he's done since he left SB/TA way-back-when, so I'd rather hear Mike and Neal bring back the less-played "Mystery Train". It's quirky and Beatles-esque and seems like it'd be a good fit with Flying Colors.
AS for DT tunes, I'd like to hear "Hollow Years" or even "I Walk Beside You", but singing that might be a problem, but I'm sure they could figure it out. Assuming they play the whole album, that's pretty much one 60-minute set, and leaves another set of about 60-70 minutes of music they'd have to fill. If you want to be democratic about it, you could say maybe 10-15 minutes of each member's own music: So for Neal, perhaps a solo tune (or two) OR a couple TA songs ("For Such A Time" could debut perhaps?), especially since Mike would be there; then perhaps a few Dregs or DP tunes from Morse/LaRue; then a couple Casey songs, perhaps from Alpha Rev (which I've yet to check out). Then there's always the possibility of non-member-band covers, like Beatles, or whoever else they're all likely to be influenced by (maybe some songs by The Who?).
-Marc.
-
Come on guys there are more interesting DT songs than Hollow Years that this group is fully capable of... like Misunderstood.
And they want to tour, it just depends on the Deep Purple tour schedule.
They have the skills to play better songs that Hollow Years but given the direction this band has I think that would be the most appropriate one. I also think they could pull off Solitary Shell but neither Neal or Casey would be able to hit the notes.
-
This album is great.
It reminds me of It Bites's recent album, The Tall Ships. Intelligent pop rock with hints that these guys can prog out if they need to.
MP might be the weakest link actually...Nothing terrible, just a lot of same beats and fills that he'd use on a Neal Morse record.
Bass is incredible.
Love this guy's vocals. Like a much more talented Chris Martin with a little interesting Jeff Buckley vibrato..
The Storm is so pop. Sounds like Casting Crowns or Lady Antebellum...but it's great -- amazing, masturbatory guitar solo, and the instrumental bridge has a cool Innocence Faded-outro type feel.
-
After hearing this album 3 times, I realized that while it's fun and catchy, it's not super memorable. I felt really pumped about it for the few 2 days, but I'm just not interested anymore.
-
Why would Flying Colors play Dream Theater songs?
-
Good points all around, guys. IF they do a TA tune, I really hope it's "Mystery Train" and not "We All Need Some Light".
Yeah, but We All Need Some Light is the closest to a "hit" that Transatlantic has.
-
All Falls Down - now THAT'S how to do a Muse homage.
Infinite Fire - Oh man is this a prog gem. Reminds me of SMTPe. What a chorus! Those layered vox! Yummy MP drumming. Nice, bouncy Steve Howe-ish guitarring. If you like Neal Morse prog, this album is worth it for this tune alone.
-
All Falls Down - now THAT'S how to do a Muse homage.
Ahh, now I know why I don't like that song.
-
Why would Flying Colors play Dream Theater songs?
Because they can't play A-Mob (too much outside their sound, plus vocal difficulties), LTE (technical proficiency/Casey doing nothing), or Portnoy/Sykes (lol). So a few DT songs and Transatlantic songs seem like they could work in Flying Colors. Even though MP isn't in DT anymore, NM isn't in Spock's Beard and he still plays their songs at his concerts.
-
Transatlantic seems like the best match sound-wise for other songs. I would think that they would either take a one from each person approach, or just go completely outside of everyone's bands/former bands and do some covers.
-
Infinite Fire - Oh man is this a prog gem. Reminds me of SMTPe. What a chorus! Those layered vox! Yummy MP drumming. Nice, bouncy Steve Howe-ish guitarring. If you like Neal Morse prog, this album is worth it for this tune alone.
I love Neal Morse prog, but strangely this song isn't near the top of my list if I were to rank. Although it's probably the one I've listened to least. That might be because it is so Neal Morsey, and I feel like I have plenty of that.
Why would Flying Colors play Dream Theater songs?
After all the comments this is actually the conclusion I came to. They probably wouldn't.
After hearing this album 3 times, I realized that while it's fun and catchy, it's not super memorable. I felt really pumped about it for the few 2 days, but I'm just not interested anymore.
I completely disagree. It is catchy and also extremely memorable. I am always getting the songs stuck in my head and having to go listen to them.
-
Wonder who wrote the lyrics to "Better Than Walking Away"? Really great stuff. A theme you might see in Top 40 Country Charts, but some good poetry to it. Really pretty actually.
"Rage is a game for the lonely..."
-
First off, "Kayla" might be one of the best songs I've heard in a long time. Just a terrific song.
But listening to the whole album, it's polished, well produced, well played and just...bland.
It's a like a frame filled with beautiful colors and is perfectly lit with a perfect spot in the gallery - and all of a sudden, the artist has forgot to paint a motif. Sort of.
-
Based on the teaser video, I'm curious to know the writing and recording process. That video always showed them together in the same room playing at the same time (with the exception of Casey's bits). And Mike had all his drums hooked up to microphones...I wonder if parts of the album were recorded as they played together, the same way bands used to do it.
It was also interesting to see the singer (Casey?) playing guitar as well. I wonder if he'll play during live shows.
-
Based on the teaser video, I'm curious to know the writing and recording process. That video always showed them together in the same room playing at the same time (with the exception of Casey's bits). And Mike had all his drums hooked up to microphones...I wonder if parts of the album were recorded as they played together, the same way bands used to do it.
Blue Ocean makes it seems as if it was done that way.
You hear them joking around and then one of them says something like: "OK, Blue Ocean, let's take it from the top".
-
^Yeah, and there is still some talking after they start playing.
-
The website says that Steve Morse had to finish recording his guitar parts in a hotel room (not sure how that works) so I'd say it's definitely not all live.
-
This album keeps growing on me, it's really pretty awesome. Still not sold on Shoulda Coulda Woulda and All Falls Down, but everything else is pretty great.
-
First listen, so far so good for sure. I like good pop, and while it may not be the uber-album, I think's gonna get a good amount of rotation from me.
What I really like is a) the fresh wind that Steve Morse seems to have brought in and because of that b) Neal broke out of a good amount of his tried-and-true songwriting structures. And yeah, the bass lines are awesome. I would agree that MP is probably the least inspired in the bunch, his drumming seems general fare you would expect from him.
rumborak
-
The bit in Infinite Fire at 8:55-9:05 always makes me think of Wave Race 64.
-
Can't wait to get this, I'm starting to think what the cd will actually look like, I'm starting to imagine radular cd cover designs.
-
Kayla has such a great verse, but damn, the chorus is totally meh.
rumborak
-
Kayla has such a great verse, but damn, the chorus is totally meh.
rumborak
I love the chorus.
-
The vocals do not render this unlistenable for me, but they are just downright boring. I mean, I'm only halfway through it, and while there are some tastey bits here and there, the vocal blandness just permeates and undermines the album.
And power pop (if this is what it's called) is NOT what I'm looking for from Mike Portnoy and Steve Morse. Just a big musical missed opportunity if you ask me.
But this will be how it is following MP. I am definitely not "all in" on A Mob, and maybe this fan simply will not be happy until MP recreates another Dream Theater. With each of these projects, MP seems to have painted himself into a one dimensional corner, where as musically, DT allowed him to be a multidimensional player.
I know plenty of you guys will like this a lot, but I'm just bummed about my MP future.
-
Believe it or not, I liked it!
-
Kayla has such a great verse, but damn, the chorus is totally meh.
rumborak
Huh, really? it stuck out to me on the first listen and I thought it was a really nice hook.
-
Kayla has such a great verse, but damn, the chorus is totally meh.
rumborak
Totally agreed. I also don't really care for the vocal production throughout the album. It all sounds a bit over-processed and unnatural to me.
On another random note, Steve Morse totally sounds like Steve Morse throughout. Not that it's surprising, as he has one of the most instantly recognizable styles of any guitarist in the world.
Overall, it's a decent album, but I'm not sure I would listen to it very much.
-
Man, half of the time Casey sounds like the singer from Coldplay.
Speaking of vocals, how the hell does MP end up with singing tracks on his albums? Does he push for it? Because that one track could have been a lot better with Casey.
rumborak
-
Speaking of vocals, how the hell does MP end up with singing tracks on his albums? Does he push for it? Because that one track could have been a lot better with Casey.
rumborak
He sounds pretty bad on that track. And I get the feeling that it took a lot of work just to get him to sound as good as he does.
-
Man, half of the time Casey sounds like the singer from Coldplay.
Speaking of vocals, how the hell does MP end up with singing tracks on his albums? Does he push for it? Because that one track could have been a lot better with Casey.
rumborak
IIRC, it was Neal who pushed for Mike to sing lead on a song, and Mike was very reluctant to do so. If you search for his Studio Diary on it, Mike details that exchange with Neal and that he was more or less "convinced" to do lead vocals. I guess Neal likes his singing... Maybe it was just a way to break up the monotony of hearing Neal and Casey for 45 minutes?
Would it have been better had they gotten Steve or Dave to sing?
-Marc.
-
Man, half of the time Casey sounds like the singer from Coldplay.
Speaking of vocals, how the hell does MP end up with singing tracks on his albums? Does he push for it? Because that one track could have been a lot better with Casey.
rumborak
IIRC, it was Neal who pushed for Mike to sing lead on a song, and Mike was very reluctant to do so. If you search for his Studio Diary on it, Mike details that exchange with Neal and that he was more or less "convinced" to do lead vocals. I guess Neal likes his singing... Maybe it was just a way to break up the monotony of hearing Neal and Casey for 45 minutes?
Would it have been better had they gotten Steve or Dave to sing?
-Marc.
Portnoy does backing vocals throughout though right? I'm not hearing things am I?
I didn't think his lead vocals were as bad on this as some of his previous attempts.
-
I actually kind of like Fool in My Heart, it's really not a bad song. I do think Casey's vocals would have sounded better but it's still good, albeit kind of sad.
-
I wish they would have at least had him fix his pronunciation (There's a fool in my hot). And I wouldn't have cried if they >gasp< applied some autotune...
-
The pronunciation thing struck me as weird too. Then again, they apparently never took Roine Stolt to the side either during the TA recordings.
Regarding autotune, I'm assuming there already is.
rumborak
-
Regarding autotune, I'm assuming there already is.
It must have missed the quicker moving parts then.
-
This album keeps growing on me, it's really pretty awesome. Still not sold on Shoulda Coulda Woulda and All Falls Down, but everything else is pretty great.
I love those songs.
Actually, this is growing tremendously on me. I was like "cool stuff" before, but now I'm like need to hear this today at least once. Only track I still need to warm up to are a few middle tracks and the last song (the epic). But I think it's just needing more digestion, nothing wrong.
I don't mind MP's vocals, probably the best I have heard from him out of all his stuff he has sang on. Although in the same song, the Weird Al vocals are not bad, but you can't unhear that fact about them haha.
It's a great album. Will probably make my top 10 for this year.
-
I've always thought that MP's backing vocals been good (at least since 2004). He has a solid voice. Not good, not great. Just solid :hat
I think it works decent at Fool In My Heart.
-
I've always thought that MP's backing vocals been good (at least since 2004). He has a solid voice. Not good, not great. Just solid :hat
I think it works decent at Fool In My Heart.
This, I'm also one of those people that likes his tough guy vocals on BC&SL.
-
I like Mike vocals on that song and I'm not sure if it would have been a lot better if Casey did them. Mikes and Neals voices sound good together.
Kayla has such a great verse, but damn, the chorus is totally meh.
rumborak
I love the chorus.
+1
-
Can't wait to hear this album. I know you can listen to it now, but I'd rather get the actual album. I haven't heard any new music in almost a year. It's bad.
-
cool cd! I like Blue Ocean, Kayla,, The Storm and a few others. Is it just me or does the section at 2:15 or so of The Storm sound like the beginning of Journey's "Change for the better"? At least the drums sound alike to me
-
I've always thought that MP's backing vocals been good (at least since 2004). He has a solid voice. Not good, not great. Just solid :hat
I think it works decent at Fool In My Heart.
I think his voice works well for backup vocals, but they're not good enough for lead. IMO.
-
Wow, I love this album!
-
Strong Transatlantic at 2:46ish in Kayla.
-
Strong Transatlantic at 2:46ish in Kayla.
I got a Neal Morse/SB vibe here, with the layered vocals and all. It sounds like something SB could have done, with or without Neal. It's a pretty sweet softer section and fits the song quite well!
"Kayla" is one of the top 5 on the album, without a doubt, and I'm currently in love with "The Storm".
-Marc.
-
Finishing another listen of this great album. If I didn't know Rush, The Flower Kings and possibly Frost* are releasing albums this year I'd already say this is gonna be 2012s best
-
I'm currently in love with "The Storm".
I kind of glossed over that one first listen. I kind of got too much of a CCM vibe from it, but the more I listen the more I like it. It's kind of like a CCM worship song, but with actual creativity used, and a Dream Theater bridge thrown in for good measure.
-
I'm currently in love with "The Storm".
I kind of glossed over that one first listen. I kind of got too much of a CCM vibe from it, but the more I listen the more I like it. It's kind of like a CCM worship song, but with actual creativity used, and a Dream Theater bridge thrown in for good measure.
I kind of got that vibe too, but not any more so than a song like "I Walk Beside You" by Dream Theater. It definitely sounds like something DT or even Neal could have done, so I'm glad it made it on this album.
As it stands, I'd have to rank the songs as follows:
Tier 1 - Great - 5/5
Infinite Fire
Kayla
The Storm
Blue Ocean
Tier 2 - Good - 4/5
Forever In A Daze
Everything Changes
Shoulda Coulda Woulda
Better Than Walking Away
Tier 3 - Okay - 3/5
All Falls Down
Love Is What I'm Waiting For
Fool In My Heart
There's such GREAT music on this album it's hard for me to rank much of the songs quite yet beyond having a few certain ones in their tier-range.
-Marc.
-
I kind of got that vibe too, but not any more so than a song like "I Walk Beside You" by Dream Theater.
Yeah, not a fan of that song though. I like "The Storm" a whole lot better.
My ranking: (Tier 2 is very interchangeable. All of them are close to the same level for me)
Tier 1
Kayla
Blue Ocean
Tier 2
Forever In A Daze
Love Is What I'm Waiting For
The Storm
Everything Changes
Infinite Fire
Better Than Walking Away
Tier 3
Shoulda Coulda Woulda
Fool In My Heart
All Falls Down
-
I'll go with the tiers as well.
Tier 1
Infinite Fire
Blue Ocean
The Storm
Kayla
Tier 2
Fool in my heart
Forever in a Daze
Everything Changes
Tier 3
Love is what i'm waiting for
Better than walking away
Tier 4
All falls down
Shoulda Coulda Woulda
-
American fans who haven't already ordered from the broken foreign website: https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/385-flying-colors-limited-edition.aspx#.TzQ5NOP-L8w.facebook
-
American fans who haven't already ordered from the broken foreign website: https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/385-flying-colors-limited-edition.aspx#.TzQ5NOP-L8w.facebook
Wait wait wait.... are the orders made on the Flying Colors site counting as the first 100????
-
Doubt it. Why would they even advertise it here if that were the case? There have definitely been 100 preorders by now.
-
Kayla
The Storm
Everything Changes
Infinite Fire
Blue Ocean
Fool in My Heart
Better Than Walking Away
Love is What I'm Waiting For
All Falls Down
Forever in a Daze
Shoulda Coulda Woulda
-
Kayla is the best them
-
Love the album, and I've had the chorus from Forever In A Daze bouncing around in my head all day.
-
For all of you who haven't listened to the album yet and are interested here (https://www.tollbooth.org/index.php/home/music-reviews/414-flying-colors) is a link to a review that describes the album really well.
-
They only spent nine days? Jeez. It's an album, not a marathon!
-
Metal? I never got the impression of metal on this album.
-
Metal? I never got the impression of metal on this album.
Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda has a metal side to it. But that's the only song in the album that does. Maybe All Goes down too but just a little bit.
-
Hard Rock at the most imo
-
They only spent nine days? Jeez. It's an album, not a marathon!
People have other stuff to do. Well except maybe MP. :lol I kid, I kid.
-
Anyone else think the drum fill at 2:43 in Everything Changes could've used another take?
-
Better Than Walking Away has the best lyrics in prog that aren't by JMX.
-
I have a hard time classifying this as prog, save for the last song.
-
I have a hard time classifying this as prog, save for the last song.
Indeed
-
It has prog fills here and there but overall it is not prog.
-
Bands with a majority of prog-related members then. Sheesh.
-
In terms of bands whose members comprise mostly prog-rock musicians, this turned out proggier than things like Asia and GTR. I'd say this is on the same level as Kino's Picture, in a sense that it is proggy pop, a sort of inverse of latter-day Marillion, which I tend to classify as poppy prog.
This album and band has surpassed all my expectations in terms of what these five guys could have churned out in 9 days.
Anyone else think the drum fill at 2:43 in Everything Changes could've used another take?
That fill sounded alright to me. It sounds like a ruff or a fast sixtuplet figure.
-Marc.
-
They only spent nine days? Jeez. It's an album, not a marathon!
People have other stuff to do. Well except maybe MP. :lol I kid, I kid.
(https://assets0.ordienetworks.com/images/GifGuide/clapping/citizen_cane.gif)
-
From their FB
It looks like people are really enjoying the music they've heard, and that's great! Some journalists have heard the album…if you're sharing about it, it probably makes sense to identify yourself as one.
If you're someone who managed to get the album…some other way…maybe don't share about it? It's not really fair to everyone else. We won't censor anything—just asking.
-
I AM A JOURNALIST
So yeah anyway this is definitely the best thing Portnoy has done post DT. I don't think it's that great or anything but I really like The Storm.
-
From their FB
It looks like people are really enjoying the music they've heard, and that's great! Some journalists have heard the album…if you're sharing about it, it probably makes sense to identify yourself as one.
If you're someone who managed to get the album…some other way…maybe don't share about it? It's not really fair to everyone else. We won't censor anything—just asking.
Yeah. I don't really understand why people think it's a good thing to go on a band's facebook page talking about how good the music is more than a month before it's release date...
-
Well, sending the album across they world a month before release kinda invites that. I don't see why journalists need a month lead time in the age of online music journals.
rumborak
-
Well, sending the album across they world a month before release kinda invites that. I don't see why journalists need a month lead time in the age of online music journals.
rumborak
Still need a way to build up hype, I guess?
-
Well, sending the album across they world a month before release kinda invites that. I don't see why journalists need a month lead time in the age of online music journals.
rumborak
Still need a way to build up hype, I guess?
Exactly.
-
Listened through it once.
There's some stuff that didn't grab me at the first listen. The two heavier songs (shoulda coulda woulda + all falls down) i didn't like at all.
Some of the songs where a bit unmemorable, but that can change.
The songs that i find really really good are Blue Ocean, The Storm and Infinite Fire. I had to laugh at the ending of Infinite Fire though - that song ended so Neal Morsey it's funny (huge moog-octave-glide, tempo decreases dramaticly - intro melody - some variation - end) :lol
Great song though, and the solos in the middle are really great.
Kayla wins the price though. The only 10/10 song on the album for me - a perfect song with a nice blend of pop, prog, great melody and great guitar playing (Steve is one of my favorite guitar players ever, and he is perfect throughout the album!).
The musicianship is what you can expect - really good. I've heard so much Neal and Mike-stuff that their' playing is pretty much the same as we can expect them to, especcially Mike. Dave Larue is a Bass-monster, and i like Caseys vox.
First impression is pretty good, but i kind of expected a better album as a whole. :smiley:
-
My favorites are Kayla, The Storm, Infinite Fire, Blue Ocean, Everything Changes, Better Than Walking Away and Fool In My Heart. The rest, I probably won't listen to much.
I like MP's vocals.
-
Anyone else get a Yes/"And You And I" vibe from "Everything Changes", particularly the end?
-Marc.
-
So far, The Storm and Forever in a Daze are the only tracks that have really grabbed me. But I like the aesthetic of this album, so I wanna see if familiarity increases enjoyment.
-
So far, The Storm and Forever in a Daze are the only tracks that have really grabbed me. But I like the aesthetic of this album, so I wanna see if familiarity increases enjoyment.
For me, it definitely has. Initially, I was only wow'ed by the first four tracks and "Infinite Fire", but after a couple dozen listens since, songs like "Everything Changes" and "Love Is What I'm Waiting For" have really hooked me - the former for it's strong ballad appeal, and the latter for it's Beatles-Meets-Queen style. "Forever In A Daze" kind of rubbed me an odd way (mostly because I didn't fully enjoy the chorus), but the verses and the bridge really cook, and I think I've grown to enjoy the chorus a bit more.
Tracks 8-10 have that "runs-together" kind of feel, like the last half of Rush's Snakes & Arrows, where songs with strong single-potential become less likely and the music feels a bit more similar than unique, but they've slowly grown into their own in my mind. "Better Than Walking Away" is a heart-felt ballad with a great chorus; "All Falls Down" is a Muse-ish piece that has a rocking drum part and some very interesting vocals; and "Fool In My Heart" is a quirky piece, and endearing in it's own way, but the song's saving grace is Casey's vocal bridge and the guitar solo!
-Marc.
-
Is there a song up yet? Don't want to listen to crappy versions.
-
I've really started loving Love Is What I'm Waiting For! It's been stuck in my mind all day.. :)
Forever In A Daze has grown a lot on me as well.
-
Kayla is absolutely amazing.
This album is miles better than ADToE. Miles better.
-
Kayla is absolutely amazing.
This album is miles better than ADToE. Miles better.
Nah. Its got some good stuff, but the highs don't come close to the highs on ADToE. And while ADTOE has "Lost Not Forgotten" to bring it down, this one has the two "metal" songs and "Fool in my Heart." :P
-
The Storm is better than almost everything on ADTOE, but I don't think much of the other stuff here is that good at all.
-
The Storm definitely beats BMUBMD and LNF. Probably FFH and Outcry as well.
-
Better than ADTOE?????????? I don't believe it, but I'll have to check this out.
-
Better than ADTOE?????????? I don't believe it, but I'll have to check this out.
Both are great but ADTOE is easily better.
-
I wouldn't say it tops ADToE, it's good but not amazing.
-
I had the chorus to Forever in a Daze bouncing around my head all night at work tonight. That song, along with The Storm and Kayla, are what have really clicked with me so far.
-
Oh to be fair, my ranking of ADToE is second last (above debut). Either way, Flying Colors is superb.
-
I feel like those who haven't heard this yet are gonna get their hopes crushed by those who are saying this album is better than ADTOE.. cause although Flying Colors is fantastic.. it doesn't come close to ADTOE, and I feel like a lot of you who haven't heard it yet are gonna agree. So, be excited for FC, but don't be THAT excited.
-
I personally like this album better than ADTOE but I'm not a fan of DTs last album.
-
I personally like this album better than ADTOE but I'm not a fan of DTs last album.
-
I have a hard time comparing it to Flying Colors to ADToE because the reasons I listen to DT are not the reasons I listen to Flying Colors (mostly).
I will say that this album will probably get listened to more often by me than ADToE though. And lyrically this album is heads and shoulders above ADToE.
One thing about Flying Colors that Dream Theater might benefit from though is hiring a producer, despite the dramatic improvement over 8V, SC, and BC&SL.
-
I have a hard time comparing it to Flying Colors to ADToE because the reasons I listen to DT are not the reasons I listen to Flying Colors (mostly).
The way I compare this things is that I know what I expect from each band so depending on how good each albums delivers compared to my expectations I'll say which one I like better. ADTOE for me doesn't fully delivery what I want from DT whereas Flying Colors delivers exactly what I want from them.
-
I've found that Kayla, The Storm, Blue Ocean, Better Than Walking Away, and Forever in a Daze are the highlights. The rest is fairly forgettable. I don't get the love for Infinite Ocean, either. :/
-
You mean Infinite Fire right? :)
I like it, but I find the guitar motif that starts it and ends it is kinda too Neal Morsey for me. I love Neal Morse but some times his ideas can be too similar at times, and I don't like that here. However the rest of the song I like quite a bit. I just wish those parts were complemented better.
-
Fantastic news for those of you who ordered from the NL site. I also had ordered the new SB live album and received that today, a day ahead of release.
-
Hey Nick, any chance you are going to do any interviews with any of the Flying Colors guys? I have some questions, especially for Steve Morse.
-
Unfortunately I don't have anything lined up, sorry.
-
Infinite Fire is gripping me like crazy. Can listen to it 5 times in a row without getting bored.
-
You mean Infinite Fire right? :)
I'm sorry, I've had a boner for Devin Townsend's Ghost since June.
-
You might wanna see a doctor about that.
-
Best boner I've ever had.
-
Ghost is boner worthy.
-
Ghost is boner worthy.
I mistakenly thought you were talking about the band :-X
But Ghost is also a great album!
-
The band is pretty cool too.
-
WTF, Flying Colors released albums beforehand?!!
https://www.amazon.com/s?_encoding=UTF8&search-alias=music&field-artist=Flying%20Colors
"Light of the world is Jesus" seems a bit too Morse-y, but I might be interested in "O how wonderful".
rumborak
-
:lol
-
The lyrics are great on this album, something that is pretty rare on Prog nowadays.
And in regards to DT needing a producer, I agree, I fail to see why not other than having some bad experience with a couple of producers previously... the vast majority of other bands cope just fine and probably put out better albums because of it.
-
The lyrics are great on this album, something that is pretty rare on Prog nowadays.
And in regards to DT needing a producer, I agree, I fail to see why not other than having some bad experience with a couple of producers previously... the vast majority of other bands cope just fine and probably put out better albums because of it.
It could be stubbornness, or perhaps pride, but I can understand their mentality. It might not have been the bad blood they had back during the FII sessions that has turned them off to outside producing. Perhaps it was the huge success that the following two albums had that showed them that if they do their own work, their own way, they can get the results they want, at least enough to please their fans. In some ways, they were right - Train Of Thought and Octavarium both turned out great, but the next two could have used some producing from an outside source.
On one hand, we really get their vision, we listen to what THEY truly wanted US to hear, so we get a closer look into their own minds. On the other hand, they don't get the added benefit of a more objective listener in the writing/recording stage, which many fans might have wished for, especially where parts had been too long, too weird, or in some cases, too short!
-Marc.
-
It's a little bit like a writer refusing to have an editor...
-
I'd say it's actually more like a husband refusing to have sex with his wife, or something. :neverusethis:
-
The lyrics are great on this album, something that is pretty rare on Prog nowadays.
And in regards to DT needing a producer, I agree, I fail to see why not other than having some bad experience with a couple of producers previously... the vast majority of other bands cope just fine and probably put out better albums because of it.
It could be stubbornness, or perhaps pride, but I can understand their mentality. It might not have been the bad blood they had back during the FII sessions that has turned them off to outside producing. Perhaps it was the huge success that the following two albums had that showed them that if they do their own work, their own way, they can get the results they want, at least enough to please their fans. In some ways, they were right - Train Of Thought and Octavarium both turned out great, but the next two could have used some producing from an outside source.
On one hand, we really get their vision, we listen to what THEY truly wanted US to hear, so we get a closer look into their own minds. On the other hand, they don't get the added benefit of a more objective listener in the writing/recording stage, which many fans might have wished for, especially where parts had been too long, too weird, or in some cases, too short!
-Marc.
Excellent post Marc.
This is my very personal opinion: especially at this point of their career, they don't have to please anybody, they don't need to win new fans, or to show that they can write excellent songs. They have already shown what they are capable of. I am more interested in them doing whatever they want and to record what sounds great to them, and in getting a 100% DT album, than in having some outside assistance than in some people's opinion can improve their music. I don't even need them to make music that is pleasant to me, they have already done that a million times, I want them to be themselves and to enjoy their artistic freedom. Whether I like it or not is secondary. I say this seriously: I'd prefer them to release an album that I considered weak but that they can call their own work, than to have an album that I liked but that didn't make the band feel completely free. Trying to intervene or influence on any band's musical decisions feels very disrespectful to me, and more so if it's a band as talented as DT.
-
I don't think it's that simple. Even the best actors, for example, need good direction and help from a good director, and the same can be said for those in the music industry as well, even the really talented ones. Talent is one thing; harnessing that talent in the proper way is another (which I mean in a general way, so no one thinks I am saying that DT has not harnessed their talent well).
-
I don't think it's that simple. Even the best actors, for example, need good direction and help from a good director, and the same can be said for those in the music industry as well, even the really talented ones. Talent is one thing; harnessing that talent in the proper way is another (which I mean in a general way, so no one thinks I am saying that DT has not harnessed their talent well).
That phrase really irritates me. Is there a "proper way" to make music? Who decides what that is?
But this is not the thread for this discussion, I'm sorry for derailing the conversation.
-
A preview of a few of the song is streaming on the band's Facebook page, though I suppose this doesn't matter for many of you.
-
A preview of a few of the song is streaming on the band's Facebook page, though I suppose this doesn't matter for many of you.
I don'ts gots Facebook no mo. :sadpanda:
-
Does anyone hear Muse at all when they listen to these guys? The music seems Muse-y as fuck often.
-
No it doesn't. :biggrin:
-
Does anyone hear Muse at all when they listen to these guys? The music seems Muse-y as fuck often.
No
-
A preview of a few of the song is streaming on the band's Facebook page, though I suppose this doesn't matter for many of you.
"Like" the Page to stream this track for free.
I decide whether or not I "Like" Flying Colors after I've tried out the music, not before. I'll wait.
-
So far, everything from the first track through Forever in a Daze is just absolute gold for me (OK, maybe Shoulda Woulda Coulda is more like silver). I'm also coming around on All Falls Down and Fool in my Heart.
-
I've heard the FB previews and I am stocked. Can't wait.
-
This is a remarkably good album. Good for MP to have struck gold on that combination of musicians. Even though he easily is the most replaceable in the group.
rumborak
-
Can't wait to hear this. I'm holding out for the official release.
Even though he easily is the most replaceable in the group.
In all fairness to MP, the drummer is almost always the most replaceable person in any band.
-
I get that. It just struck me that for somebody who suddenly had a lot of free time, his drumming was just the usual fare.
rumborak
-
I get that. It just struck me that for somebody who suddenly had a lot of free time, his drumming was just the usual fare.
rumborak
I like how he isn't flamboyant. Shows he can restrain.
-
I get that. It just struck me that for somebody who suddenly had a lot of free time, his drumming was just the usual fare.
rumborak
Considering the time-frame (this album was recorded less than 4 months after he left DT), and the nature of the project, I think he was okay with "taking a back seat" on this one and not do his usual watch-me-play-the-drums-all-flashy-and-loud bit. I like his restraint on this album, and it's a good change, especially after an album like TA's The Whirlwind, which did have some of his best drumming to date.
I really like that he BLENDS well in this group, it's not a lot of over-bearing fills and loud metal grooves (unless it's a metal song of course). He pulls back and isn't afraid to do so on this album. He has his loud-metal project (Adrenaline Mob), so this is his softer, less complex outlet.
-Marc.
-
Yeah, but restraint is not antithetical to something new and original. His drumming is appropriate to the music, but it's pretty much standard fare MP. Same fills, same patterns.
-
I get that. It just struck me that for somebody who suddenly had a lot of free time, his drumming was just the usual fare.
rumborak
Considering the time-frame (this album was recorded less than 4 months after he left DT), and the nature of the project, I think he was okay with "taking a back seat" on this one and not do his usual watch-me-play-the-drums-all-flashy-and-loud bit. I like his restraint on this album, and it's a good change, especially after an album like TA's The Whirlwind, which did have some of his best drumming to date.
-Marc.
A couple weeks prior to recording Flying Colors, MP did Neal's Testimony 2, which is a similar type of music, so the contrast is even greater in that respect.
-
Does anyone hear Muse at all when they listen to these guys? The music seems Muse-y as fuck often.
No, but Infinite Fire reminds me a lot of Set Us Free by Transatlantic
-
I get that. It just struck me that for somebody who suddenly had a lot of free time, his drumming was just the usual fare.
rumborak
Considering the time-frame (this album was recorded less than 4 months after he left DT), and the nature of the project, I think he was okay with "taking a back seat" on this one and not do his usual watch-me-play-the-drums-all-flashy-and-loud bit. I like his restraint on this album, and it's a good change, especially after an album like TA's The Whirlwind, which did have some of his best drumming to date.
-Marc.
A couple weeks prior to recording Flying Colors, MP did Neal's Testimony 2, which is a similar type of music, so the contrast is even greater in that respect.
Ahh yes, I nearly forgot about that. Indeed that is a stark contrast, especially considering that the two albums were recorded within a month of each other. Also, Neal even seems to be less in the spotlight on FC - perhaps this was to allow Steve and Dave to shine more, especially to fans of Neal/Mike who aren't (very) familiar with them. The bass on this album is CRANKED up and every song has amazing bass sound and, in most instances, parts! And Steve just shines throughout the album.
I'm not saying all of Neal's and Mike's parts are very pedestrian or tame, but they did take a back seat while both Steve and Dave took a front seat on this album. I wouldn't mind that formula again, but it would be interesting to hear them ALL really shred on their next album.
-Marc.
-
Neal even seems to be less in the spotlight on FC - perhaps this was to allow Steve and Dave to shine more, especially to fans of Neal/Mike who aren't (very) familiar with them. The bass on this album is CRANKED up and every song has amazing bass sound and, in most instances, parts! And Steve just shines throughout the album.
I've listened to it three times now, and every time, I find myself "forgetting" that I'm listening to Neal Morse, Steve Morse, and Mike Portnoy, three guys whose work I'm very familiar with. I just think of them as Flying Colors, the band.
It probably helps that I'm not familiar with the lead vocalist, so the voice doesn't constantly remind of someone else. With Transatlantic and early Spock's Beard, Neal's voice is so distinctive that, right or wrong, I tend to think of them as "Neal's band". Flying Colors has its own identity, its own sound.
-
Neal even seems to be less in the spotlight on FC - perhaps this was to allow Steve and Dave to shine more, especially to fans of Neal/Mike who aren't (very) familiar with them. The bass on this album is CRANKED up and every song has amazing bass sound and, in most instances, parts! And Steve just shines throughout the album.
I've listened to it three times now, and every time, I find myself "forgetting" that I'm listening to Neal Morse, Steve Morse, and Mike Portnoy, three guys whose work I'm very familiar with. I just think of them as Flying Colors, the band.
It probably helps that I'm not familiar with the lead vocalist, so the voice doesn't constantly remind of someone else. With Transatlantic and early Spock's Beard, Neal's voice is so distinctive that, right or wrong, I tend to think of them as "Neal's band". Flying Colors has its own identity, its own sound.
Interesting point, about how a different main vocalist (because both Mike and Neal do sing some lead parts) can alter perception of the band, despite having familiar instrumentalists.
I wonder what fans of Alpha Rev/Casey (will) think about Flying Colors? I've never heard any of his stuff before now, but I'm intrigued. Suffice to say, I think fans of anyone BUT Casey might be tempted to check him out, more so than fans of Casey would to check out the other member's output, but who knows, perhaps Neal may gain some new fans from Casey's audience? I guess time will tell how this cross-pollination of audiences will play out.
-Marc.
-
From their FB
It looks like people are really enjoying the music they've heard, and that's great! Some journalists have heard the album…if you're sharing about it, it probably makes sense to identify yourself as one.
If you're someone who managed to get the album…some other way…maybe don't share about it? It's not really fair to everyone else. We won't censor anything—just asking.
-
"Like" the Page to stream this track for free.
I decide whether or not I "Like" Flying Colors after I've tried out the music, not before. I'll wait.
Because it's so hard to unlike them if you don't like it.
-
HE'S TAKING A STAND!
So anyway, are we not allowed to talk about the record, bosk?
-
HE'S TAKING A STAND!
So anyway, are we not allowed to talk about the record, bosk?
Yeah I assumed that Facebook post was meant for Facebook, due to people talking about the album on their wall..
-
Can someone tell me what the limited edition includes? If anything.
-
Can someone tell me what the limited edition includes? If anything.
AFAIK, the only releases include:
The Limited Edition CD (which is just limited in that it is a digi-pak, all pre-orders seem to state this)
The Double Vinyl Edition
Both above come with free posters, from most pre-order sites (through the band/label)
And if you order from the band's webpage, you can order either of the above with a t-shirt
-Marc.
-
From their FB
It looks like people are really enjoying the music they've heard, and that's great! Some journalists have heard the album…if you're sharing about it, it probably makes sense to identify yourself as one.
If you're someone who managed to get the album…some other way…maybe don't share about it? It's not really fair to everyone else. We won't censor anything—just asking.
Glad you posted this since the band themselves asked not to talk about it. Makes us who want to wait, crush under pressure. Spoiler warnings would be cool.
-
As the band themselves had said, I'm NOT saying you CAN'T talk about it. But since the band have expressed their wishes, I am stating my preference that we honor that and that folks keep discussion on the down low until release date.
-
Can someone tell me what the limited edition includes? If anything.
AFAIK, the only releases include:
The Limited Edition CD (which is just limited in that it is a digi-pak, all pre-orders seem to state this)
The Double Vinyl Edition
Both above come with free posters, from most pre-order sites (through the band/label)
And if you order from the band's webpage, you can order either of the above with a t-shirt
-Marc.
I preordered from Neal's site in the hopes of getting it signed by Neal and Mike but the server was so slow that I probably missed out on that despite logging in at the moment it went live. (Took 20 minutes to complete the order.)
-
When is this album going to be released? Because I already have good things to talk about it.
-
When is this album going to be released? Because I already have good things to talk about it.
March 27th :)
By the way, Flying Colors started a series of contests now. Somebody won a Skype lesson with Dave yesterday. Check their Facebook page to stay up-to-date.
Also, somebody here in this thread wanted to ask Steve a few things. I suggest posting the questions on his Facebook page (facebook.com/stevemorseguitar), because Steve answers a batch of questions there regularly.
-
Too bad that there's no extra material, no demo's, no making of, nothing. I'd be happy to pay an extra 20 bucks for a limited edition like NM's Testimony 2.
-
I'm hoping Mike releases a Drum-Cam studio video of this recording! Might be the closest thing we get to a Making Of DVD for awhile, although the band's Facebook page say they DID recording footage in the studio so a DVD later on might be possible.
-Marc.
-
Well, let's not forget that Neal Morse was involved in recording this album. Of course there is recording footage. :lol
-
I'm hoping Mike releases a Drum-Cam studio video of this recording! Might be the closest thing we get to a Making Of DVD for awhile, although the band's Facebook page say they DID recording footage in the studio so a DVD later on might be possible.
-Marc.
I would say chances of this happening are pretty good. ;)
-
I'm hoping Mike releases a Drum-Cam studio video of this recording! Might be the closest thing we get to a Making Of DVD for awhile, although the band's Facebook page say they DID recording footage in the studio so a DVD later on might be possible.
-Marc.
I would say chances of this happening are pretty good. ;)
Haha, how I love insiders! :tup
Oh and Bosk, silly of me, of course there'll be a making of. We'll just have to wait another 5 years for it, as with V, Snow and One, haha.
-
Oh hey, this shit is good.
-
Oh hey, this shit is good.
:tup
-Marc.
-
Listening to this for the second time and I think it has potential to be a grower. So far it's very cool, a lot of catchy bits in there, I especially dig The Beatles influences.
And, oh my God, Kayla! :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
-
Yeah this is really good.
-
I think my favorite song from this album is now Everything Changes. Fantastic melodies, and I love the ending.
-
This album keeps getting better with each listen. Though "All Falls Down", IMO, feels so out of place with the flow of the album. I think it's a good song, but it could have been excluded.
-
This is good, y'all.
-J
-
Cool Q&A with Steve Morse:
https://flyingcolorsmusic.com/steve-answers-part-i/#more-424
Daniel Veloso
Steve, are there any young guitar players who you particularly like? I mean we all know what your influences are but is there any new name that has caught your attention lately?
I’m not sure how young any of them are, but have recently enjoyed more visibility: Alexi Laiho, Guthrie Govan, Gus G, Corey from Jason and Massive Attraction (we just had them open up for us), and about a million others that are so good that I don’t have their names readily at hand. The list of guys that I know have been around for a long time and are great, is huge, too!
Jon Wynn
Hi Steve, who are some of your favourite bands at the minute?
I like the depth of Dream Theater, the pure musical joy of The Chieftans, anything done in Nashville that has guitar, banjo, or pedal steel, like Brad Paisley, and the Tallis Scholars for vocal perfection…many more, just like the last list, first ones I thought of.
Cody McKenna
Steve, you’re the man. Question: Out of all the amazing guitarists who have listed you as an influence, which means the most to you and why?
When I found out that John Petrucci and Joe Bonamassa had said nice things about me, I was blown away, since they are right up in the center of the music business radar and are incredible talents. One time in an interview, I specifically mentioned one of my instructors, Stan Samole; he later told me thanks, and that nobody really ever does that, which stuck with me. It’s quite special for people who have the world’s respect to mention my name, so I’m very impressed with those. Vinnie Moore is another…
Jan Hoffmann
Hey Steve, my idol, I would like to know how you build up your solos, which scales do you use and how you are using chromatic notes in the scales. I know, 3 questions at once, but I’m really, really impressed by your playing. You play like no other one out there
I do a lot of instrumental music, where I’m playing a planned out melody, so the solos must be spontaneous. Still, I wait until I have a decent try before I save it and start repairing any really bad moments. I try not to overdo the perfecting it, so that it does indeed sound like it was as spontaneous as it was…just without the few mistakes that I tend to make while aiming for something that I just thought of!
I use, most often, a mixolydian scale, plus a flat 5, and a minor 3rd as leading tones to the adjacent notes that are in that scale. For a minor piece, I often switch between natural minor and harmonic minor, and use harmonic minor most when the dominant (5) chord is major, of course.
Kalen Meyer
When you solo, do you just improvise most of your stuff or do you sit down and write out the solo on staff based on the chords/what’s happening under the solo?’
Like the answer above, it has to be a spontaneous solo, or it isn’t a solo! I mean, I improvise, but I’m not above fixing a basically good take in order to fix the notes that didn’t come out as well as I intended at the moment.
Finn Ruschke
Hi Steve, my favourite guitarist in every way! I would so much like to know how you played this incredible solo in “The Bash” on California Sceamin’! Which scales are you using? Was it all improvisation or did you have a plan?
It’s improvisation, but the very end lick is almost the same every time, to cue the band that I’m ending. I use the same scale I mentioned above, mixolydian plus an extra flat 5, and minor 3rd as passing notes.
Dave Eichenberger
Hello Steve – can you give me an idea in milliseconds how long your normal “long delay” is? How many repeats do you have it set for?
Roughly 420 ms. and the repeat is about 3, degrading each time. On the TC Flashback delay, if you download my “Toneprint”, and set the delay and feedback near 12 o’clock, it is the exact delay that I use on everything, and is the pedal that I use, also.
Christopher Eklund
Hi Steve! I wonder how long it takes for you to warm up to be at your best? Because I’ve noticed since I got serious with my alternate picking, it takes like 1-2 hours of playing stringskipping licks and arpeggios with alternate picking for me to be really warmed up. That is what I’ve noticed since I started to practice alternate picking, it requires a lot of upkeep, more than the “regular” way of playing, so to speak.
Great question…as I’m only 20 years old, I don’t need to warm up…OK, seriously, it takes some doing, for the reasons you are noticing. The timing, accuracy of string skips, all require practice. I can be at my best of any particular day within 45 minutes of steady playing, but usually there are interruptions, so it takes longer. However, to be at my best, it takes me at least twice that to get a basic practice session in that is only technical. And music should be more than just technical, so it takes hours to progress at a good clip. That’s why I recommend full time playing only for those that really love it, since it’s a lifelong commitment to keep in shape.
You are correct that alternate picking is labor intensive, but it is also very easy to jump to any style, too, since the lines aren’t dependent on guitaristic fingerings.
Noah Berryman
Steve, do you still own or play any of your old Ampeg heads that you used in the 70′s and 80′s? I was watching the Dixie Dregs Live at Montreux 1978 DVD and you had such a unique tone on it (not that your current tone is lacking!).
Yes, still own a few. I need to learn more about testing audio circuits, or how to accurately test components while ‘in circuit’, since every old piece of equipment I have needs new electrolytic capacitors, power supplies, or corrosion control!
Eric Porter
Steve – Will there be another Dregs tour/album?
I’m sure there will. Rod, Jerry, Dave and I want to play more, and we have heard rumors that we might be able to talk Jordan into coming to sit in with us again.
Duds Rocha
Hey Steve, what is your favorite Flying Colors song?
“Infinite Fire” was the first thing I wrote with Neal, so I love that, but “Better than Walking Away”, “Kayla”, “All Falls Down”, shoot, I love all of the songs on the album. They are some of the most constructively creative people I have ever worked with.
Randy Hedrick
Hey Steve, are you still a fan of Oreos and milk?
Actually, who doesn’t like them? I can’t indulge as much, it’s almost as if I’m getting older!
Ben Agata
Steve, I know that you were a commercial pilot way back in the day, do you still fly? Ever talk shop with Bruce Dickinson?
Sure have, and he was very cordial, and opened right up. Because of Deep Purple, I have met lots of folks with British accents. I was amazed to find that Bruce had a Cessna 421 that he flew the band around in, before he started flying as a heavy jet pilot for a charter company. It sounds like he is one of those people that can do, and handle, any kind of challenge and have fun doing it.
-
Steve seems like a cool guy, I've never really followed his career. I'm glad he likes Dream Theater, and it's nice to see Bruce Dickinson and John Petrucci being mentioned.
The album is growing on me quite a bit, although the only two songs that completely blew me away are Kayla and Love is what I'm waiting for. Infinite fire is also pretty awesome. The rest of the album is good, every song is catchy in its own way, but I'm not that crazy about them. The chemistry seems to work overall, and if the guys ever decide to record another album, it's gonna be even better, that's for sure.
-
Cool Q&A with Steve Morse:
https://flyingcolorsmusic.com/steve-answers-part-i/#more-424
Jon Wynn
Hi Steve, who are some of your favourite bands at the minute?
I like the depth of Dream Theater, the pure musical joy of The Chieftans, anything done in Nashville that has guitar, banjo, or pedal steel, like Brad Paisley, and the Tallis Scholars for vocal perfection…many more, just like the last list, first ones I thought of.
Nice to see he answered me. Cheers Steve. Cool that he likes DT.
-
Eric Porter
Steve – Will there be another Dregs tour/album?
I’m sure there will. Rod, Jerry, Dave and I want to play more, and we have heard rumors that we might be able to talk Jordan into coming to sit in with us again.
:eek :coolio :hat :tup :millahhhh
-
So the chorus to Forever In A Daze is just about the best thing that's happened to my ears in a while.
-
The Storm, Kayla, and Blue Ocean are probably my favorites so far. Overall it seems like they loaded the first half with all the good songs though.
-
The Storm, Kayla, and Blue Ocean are probably my favorites so far. Overall it seems like they loaded the first half with all the good songs though.
I think that could just be our perception of albums, sometimes. I think if I had heard "Everything Changes" and "Better Than Walking Away" earlier in the track list, I may like them more. It's easy to be blown away by what you hear first and then compare that to what comes after.
I adore those two above tracks and "Infinite Fire" and they're in the second half of the album. I don't really enjoy "Shoulda Coulda Woulda" as much as the tracks before and after it, while "All Falls Down" has begun to grown on me.
It's a great mix of songs, and they could all do so well anywhere in the track list. I could probably listen to the album on shuffle and be okay with it because the songs range from 3/5 to 5/5.
-Marc.
-
I still don't get why people don't like Fool in My Heart. I actually kind of like it.
-
Love it with the exception of the two "metal" tracks. They don't work in my opinion. Love the rest.
-
I still don't get why people don't like Fool in My Heart. I actually kind of like it.
It's not bad. Probably MP's best vocal attempt, ever.
-
I still don't get why people don't like Fool in My Heart. I actually kind of like it.
It's not bad. Probably MP's best vocal attempt, ever.
Which still isn't saying much :lol
-
I don't like All Falls Down. Weak point of the album, by far.
Better Than Walking Away is amazing.
-
I agree, All Falls Down is a bit weak. Loving the rest of it. Reminds me of a well planned Rabin-era Yes album. Lots of good pop hooks, interesting guitar tones, splashes of keyboards in just the right spots, varied vocals between several good singers (including Mike!). Best thing by far that MP's done since Bridge Across Forever. Hope they'll tour and do it again. Sad that most of Mike's eggs are in the AM basket instead of this - this actually has a chance of hitting Top 40 radio.
-
I still don't get why people don't like Fool in My Heart. I actually kind of like it.
I really enjoy it. Nice vocals from Mike and Neal leave room for Casey to come in for that little bridge, and I *love* the tone (and the playing) on Steve's solo that comes right afterwards
-
That's one fine song as well. I think it was a good idea to let Mike sing it, he did a great job. Casey, on the other hand, didn't really fit in that song, he sounds a little bit out there when his bridge kicks in. They obviously didn't have his voice in mind when they made that song.
-
I still don't get why people don't like Fool in My Heart. I actually kind of like it.
It's not bad. Probably MP's best vocal attempt, ever.
This.
-
I disagree, when Casey comes in it completely takes the song to another level. He should have sang lead. Neal really grates on me in that one too. Still sounds like Weird Al.
-
So the chorus to Forever In A Daze is just about the best thing that's happened to my ears in a while.
MOTHER FUCKING THIS!!! :hat
-
Just 2 more weeks. Can't wait to see what will arrive first, this album or OSI - Fire Make Thunder. Can't wait to show off the shirts.
-
Just 2 more weeks. Can't wait to see what will arrive first, this album or OSI - Fire Make Thunder. Can't wait to show off the shirts.
:lol Me either!!! Glad I got the t-shirt bundles!
-Marc.
-
I...endorse...this...band.
-
They've...certainly...got...a...good...name!
-
Still...loving...the...album....Kayla...is...a...legendary...song.
-
Ranking the songs...
Blue Ocean
Kayla
Infinite Fire
Forever In A Daze
Everything Changes
Love Is What I'm Waiting For
The Storm
Better Than Walking Away
Fool In My Heart
All Falls Down
Shoulda Coulda Woulda
The top 7 are so close together. The next 2 are also great, just not quite as great.
The bottom two are much different. Not bad, but they just feel SO out of place. Especially All Falls Down
-
Kayla
Love is what I'm waiting for
Infinite fire
Forever in a daze
Blue ocean
Shoulda Coulda Woulda
Everything Changes
Fool In My Heart
The Storm
All Falls Down
Better Than Walking Away
-
https://rockguitardaily.blogspot.com/2012/03/flying-colors-another-supergroup-comes.html
Nice review!
-
I'm on my second spin I really like most of this album ( not blown away from it but really like it)
So far probably only one tune that will be skipped ,
But over all not to bad for mostly straight forward rock album with some prog here and there!!
-
Jeb: Do you see your career, at some point in the future, going away from Deep Purple and more into the area of Flying Colors?
Steve: Yes, I definitely do. I don’t think Deep Purple can keep up the level of touring that we do, forever. I have always pushed them, sometimes too hard, for some control in the scheduling so that I can book stuff when there is a touring gap.
Aaaah yeeah!
-
(https://i29.fastpic.ru/big/2012/0313/d5/a369e8938f4320e471488beabe1de7d5.jpg)
-
That's got to be his most frequent pose :lol
-
Can't you see he's trying to contain his ego? So beeg. Beeg man.
Jay kay. Love Portnoy and FC. Can't say the same for AM. LIWIWF. :heart :heart :heart
-
Out of curiosity, has anyone received their pre-order from the Flying Colors website? I pre-ordered the CD/T-Shirt/Poster set, so I'm hoping I get this soon!
-Marc.
-
I'm pretty sure I read on MP.com that some people have gotten their Radiant Record pre-orders.
-
Well, shoot. Can't wait to get mine.
-
Man, this album is goooooood!
-
Well, shoot. Can't wait to get mine.
Same here....samples from facebook sound great!
-
Man, this album is goooooood!
Yup, I'm giving it 8/10.
-
I'm pretty sure I read on MP.com that some people have gotten their Radiant Record pre-orders.
I got mine Saturday. I would never choose buying from Amazon if the Radiant option is on the table. I am really digging this record alot. :metal
-
Based on past experience, the people getting their CDs from Radiant are not signed, the signed CDs are the last ones out the door.
That said, even most of the signed CDs should be mailed before the release date.
As each day goes by, the hope that I actually got a signed CD increases as I ordered from Radiant.
-
I plan on getting mine signed when I see them on tour. :)
-
Mike Portnoy - Drumming Colors Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tswBE6XuOY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tswBE6XuOY)
-
You couldn't make that shit up if you wanted to :lol
"Drumming Colors"?!
Why not "Flying Sticks"? At least that would make sense, and still be punny.
rumborak
-
You couldn't make that shit up if you wanted to :lol
"Drumming Colors"?!
rumborak
:rollin The puns--they never stop!
But that is some pretty tasting drumming. Once again, can't wait for this.
-
Adrummaline Mob
I called it first.
drumorak
-
Adrummali--d'oh!!! :facepalm:
-
The name was already announced and is Drumerta.
-
That sounds like a Russian dominatrix.
"Drumerta gives pain twice for price of one. Drum until you cum, says the Russian Porntoy!"
rumborak
-
That sounds like a Russian dominatrix.
"Drumerta gives pain twice for price of one. Drum until you cum, says the Russian Porntoy!"
rumborak
:clap:
-
Wow. This is the first time I've heard anything from this (with the exception of that song with Portnoy on vox) and I was blown away by those snippets. Now I'm really excited for Flying Colors.
-
In case anybody cares
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7tswBE6XuOY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
-
Or, just this. www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tswBE6XuOY
-
Thanks, Bob.
-
Link makes me a little sad.
In spite of everything.
-
I listened to the initial video teaser, but have been holding off on anything else until the shiny vinyl arrives... can't fucking wait.
-
I already have my dream Monday planned out...I get home after giving my internal seminar (the last hoop before my defense), see this CD and poster sitting gloriously in my mailbox one day early, then pure bliss.
Watch me get it Friday or Saturday now :lol
-
They have the album at my local shop now. I think I'll pick it up tonight!
-
Here are my song rankings (starting with least):
Shoulda Coulda Woulda
All Falls Down
Fool In My Heart
The Rest
-
I just got my pre-order yesterday in the mail and I love this album! I hope it's not only a one album gig.
-
So I'm listening to FC again after a 2 day break...
It's even better than it was a few days ago. How does that happen?
Instrumentally, Steve Morse and Dave LaRue really stand out.
-
Instrumentally, Steve Morse and Dave LaRue really stand out.
I feel the same way. Then again, for me, it might be because I've heard Mike and Neal play together so much for so long that perhaps I expect their playing to be pretty top notch on anything they touch (and FC is no exception). Or perhaps that I don't know Steve and Dave together very well, outside of a few Steve Morse guest appearances and his (not well acquainted) Kansas albums.
I will say, though, Dave LaRue comes off as a freaking BEAST on this album, and Neal knows how to do bass guitar RIGHT, and has been on nearly all of his albums since One, and most especially on The Whirlwind. I wouldn't be surprised if Dave LaRue gets high points in Bassist Of The Year rankings for this album! Steve as well for Guitarist Of The Year!
-Marc.
-
Since One? The bass guitar was always stellar in Spock's Beard as well, not just since he starting doing solo albums.
-
Since One? The bass guitar was always stellar in Spock's Beard as well, not just since he starting doing solo albums.
Fair enough, but the playing has been good, but sometimes Dave Meros' bass would get muddled in some of the mix of the earlier SB albums. I'd retract my statement of "Since One" and say...since V. The bass when the verse comes back in at the end of "At The End Of The Day" is just amazing.
Let's face it - Neal Morse plays with some of the best bassists in the prog world!
-Marc.
-
I still think that is selling Meros short. There are killer bass lines that are clearly audible all over those early Spock's albums. :metal
-
I still think that is selling Meros short. There are killer bass lines that are clearly audible all over those early Spock's albums. :metal
Ya know you're most likely right, I just haven't listened to them in awhile, and I mean REALLY listened to them, headphones and all.
So I'll re-retract my prior statements and just say Neal knows, and has always known, how to mix bass into albums really well, no matter who the bassist is. Then again, in terms of early SB, how much of those basslines were really written by Meros and how much by Morse? Based on how Neal demoed his songs, he could have easily written much of those basslines and Dave could have just tweaked them a bit. Dave is a killer play, though, and he definitely shined on SB's last album (which still remains a favorite of mine, and still gets played plenty!).
-Marc.
-
Listened to it today, great album. Eternal Fire stuck out as very weak, it sounds like a leftover track from either TA or a NM solo album.
rumborak
-
Listened to it today, great album. Eternal Fire stuck out as very weak, it sounds like a leftover track from either TA or a NM solo album.
rumborak
You mean "Infinite Fire"? :lol
I love it, personally, but that might be the Neal-fanatic in me. Sure it's got his mark all over it, but the rest of the album is just so not-quite-Neal that this album really needed that Neal touch, and where better than to end the album with a 12 minute epic? It's got amazing playing from Neal and Steve, and some great vocal melodies throughout. And it's not entirely over-the-top-prog like TA or NM's solo albums - to me, it's a bit more Yes-like in some areas, and it restrains itself quite well throughout its duration. There's no overblown back-and-forth solos for 4 minutes, no excessive keyboard/sound solos, no spacey sections, no drawn out parts. It feels exactly the length it should be. Had this been on one of Neal's solo albums, it could have easily been a 20-25 minute epic; the intro would've been twice as long, and the verses would have been 2 different kinds of sections, while the instrumental parts would have been their own sections complete with verse/chorus feels; and the outro would've been three times as long. It feels like they took a Neal epic and trimmed off all the fat and excess, but left just enough to feel just right.
-Marc.
-
I'd retract my statement of "Since One" and say...since V. The bass when the verse comes back in at the end of "At The End Of The Day" is just amazing.
-Marc.
Oh hells yes, that song is why I took up bass.
Hopefully my copy of this album should arrive tomorrow, it looks like I shall enjoy it.
-
Infinite fire is amazing, it has Neal Morse written all over it, especially the first verse that kicks in after the instrumental section. It reminds me of The Water or similar oldschool Spock's beard stuff. And yeah, bass is great on this album, I've never been familiar with Dave LaRue until now.
-
Instrumentally, Steve Morse and Dave LaRue really stand out.
I feel the same way. Then again, for me, it might be because I've heard Mike and Neal play together so much for so long that perhaps I expect their playing to be pretty top notch on anything they touch (and FC is no exception). Or perhaps that I don't know Steve and Dave together very well, outside of a few Steve Morse guest appearances and his (not well acquainted) Kansas albums.
I will say, though, Dave LaRue comes off as a freaking BEAST on this album, and Neal knows how to do bass guitar RIGHT, and has been on nearly all of his albums since One, and most especially on The Whirlwind. I wouldn't be surprised if Dave LaRue gets high points in Bassist Of The Year rankings for this album! Steve as well for Guitarist Of The Year!
-Marc.
I know what you mean, there's so much music from the Neal/Mike pairing that I wonder if they purposely backed off a bit in this album, let the others shine more.
I've been listening to Steve Morse (though not avidly) since the Dixie Dregs, and Dave LaRue was, for a while, my brother's bass teacher... OMG, that's so long ago! :omg:
Infinite Fire's wonderful, a tad predictable, really fun 70's vibe to it.
-
I finally got my CD in the mail yesterday, and really loving it.
-
*Obscure FC reference alert!*
Saturday morning, I was working out at my local gym. Like a lot of gyms these days, they have TV's all over the place. I was in a room where they had 5 different ones on different channels. Rather than plugging in and paying close attention to them, I just had my iPod on and was listening to Trivium during my workout. One of the TV's is always set to the gym's own channel, where they alternate between workout-related informational type stuff and popular music videos. I never even pay attention to that channel at all, other than casually glancing at the screen from time to time. As I was working out on Saturday, I caught a glimpse of the screen and was struck with that feeling that I was seeing something familiar that actually mattered to me. After half a second, I realized I was staring at the Flying Colors album cover. A couple of seconds later, and it was gone. But I thought it very interesting that what I assumed was going to be a very obscure album was being advertised in a very pop-centered medium. Hopefully, this portends big things for this album. I would love it if it ended up being quite popular.
-
That's great! I think this album has a lot of potential for making it into the mainstream. Let's hope there's good advertising
-
Hopefully, this portends big things for this album. I would love it if it ended up being quite popular.
I would love that too, but I don't see it happening. I've played the album to 4 people into mainstream music, and they just found it cheesy and boring.
Obviously not a great sample of the mainstream population, but certainly not a good indication.
-
I am still gonna check this out, but I think I haven't been real excited to since the song samples I've heard were pretty ho-hum. I checked them out on amazon again last night and they all sounded pretty ho-hum again. I know samples aren't the same as hearing the whole songs, but you'd hope the taste tests would at least be pretty good. We shall see.
-
Listened to the first half of the album on the way to work this morning. Sounded good, didn't blow me away or anything. Looking forward to hearing the rest.
-
I am still gonna check this out, but I think I haven't been real excited to since the song samples I've heard were pretty ho-hum. I checked them out on amazon again last night and they all sounded pretty ho-hum again. I know samples aren't the same as hearing the whole songs, but you'd hope the taste tests would at least be pretty good. We shall see.
It's not jaw-dropping stuff for the most part, although IMO Steve Morse and Dave LaRue are beastly. Think Asia.
-
Just finished my first listen.
The first half of the album I liked and the second half I loved. :heart
and much to my surprise, I really enjoyed MP's vocals on fool in my heart. Pretty cool stuff.
Many more listens are in order.
-
anybody order from Mascot? I ordered like a week ago and still haven't heard anything. Hopefully it arrives soon
-
That's the thing about Flying Colors, the album. It's very well written, very well played, sounds fantastic, but in the end it's still just "regular" music. It edges out just a bit towards prog a few times, but overall plays it very safe. I'm not surprised that people who listen to pop music wouldn't find anything special about it.
-
But does it need to be "special" to be well liked or for people to listen to it and say, "Hey, these songs sound really good?"
-
Sorry if this has been asked, but is there a difference between the special edition and the regular?
-
anybody order from Mascot? I ordered like a week ago and still haven't heard anything. Hopefully it arrives soon
i did! and i just got mine in today :metal
-
anybody order from Mascot? I ordered like a week ago and still haven't heard anything. Hopefully it arrives soon
I think tomorrow is the official release date, so maybe you'll get it then? :-\
-
That's the thing about Flying Colors, the album. It's very well written, very well played, sounds fantastic, but in the end it's still just "regular" music. It edges out just a bit towards prog a few times, but overall plays it very safe. I'm not surprised that people who listen to pop music wouldn't find anything special about it.
I think that's the pint of FC; it's "regular" music, but if you listen to it attentively you can also appreciate it's deeper virtues, if you like.
Also, I agree with bosk1.
-
But does it need to be "special" to be well liked or for people to listen to it and say, "Hey, these songs sound really good?"
Yes, because without something "special" to grab their attention, most people will not listen to it long enough to notice how well done it is. They will not devote the time required for repeated listenings because they don't know who made the music and how much talent is involved. They just want something that grabs them, and Flying Colors IMO does not have what it takes to appeal to the general population. It's pop music, but not for people who listen to pop music.
-
Have they said anything about touring yet?
-
But does it need to be "special" to be well liked or for people to listen to it and say, "Hey, these songs sound really good?"
Yes, because without something "special" to grab their attention, most people will not listen to it long enough to notice how well done it is. They will not devote the time required for repeated listenings because they don't know who made the music and how much talent is involved. They just want something that grabs them, and Flying Colors IMO does not have what it takes to appeal to the general population. It's pop music, but not for people who listen to pop music.
I don't completely understand that logic and don't agree with it simply because a LOT of pop music that does really well is not "special" in any large degree. If it sounds good and is marketed well enough that people actually DO hear it, it doesn't need to be "special," IMO.
-
Have they said anything about touring yet?
Yea. Because MP is busy with AM and Morse is busy with Deep Purple, they can't tour this yet. But they want to.
-
Very happy to see it straight up on Spotify on release-day!
Listening now, only on track 3 but really really digging it! Think it'll probably be worth buying if the quality stays this high.
-
But does it need to be "special" to be well liked or for people to listen to it and say, "Hey, these songs sound really good?"
Yes, because without something "special" to grab their attention, most people will not listen to it long enough to notice how well done it is. They will not devote the time required for repeated listenings because they don't know who made the music and how much talent is involved. They just want something that grabs them, and Flying Colors IMO does not have what it takes to appeal to the general population. It's pop music, but not for people who listen to pop music.
I don't completely understand that logic and don't agree with it simply because a LOT of pop music that does really well is not "special" in any large degree. If it sounds good and is marketed well enough that people actually DO hear it, it doesn't need to be "special," IMO.
Well, if it is marketed well enough, you can sell anything, so by that logic you're right; it doesn't need to be special. People bought Pet Rocks, for fuck's sake.
I guess I was thinking more about people encountering the music by just hearing it on the radio or something. In general, I have trouble imagining how people are going to hear it and think it's so amazing that they run out and buy it. A fair number will hear it and think it sounds good. But if they listen to the radio in the first place, most of that is "catchy" or "gimmicky". Flying Colors is just good music, which is all I want, but look at all the good music out there that fails commercially because there's nothing to appeal to the mass consumer, nothing to distinguish it.
-
anybody order from Mascot? I ordered like a week ago and still haven't heard anything. Hopefully it arrives soon
I think tomorrow is the official release date, so maybe you'll get it then? :-\
True. I still haven't checked today so I'll see when I get home from work. I'm just surprised I didnt get any info on when it is going to be shipped etc
-
anybody order from Mascot? I ordered like a week ago and still haven't heard anything. Hopefully it arrives soon
I think tomorrow is the official release date, so maybe you'll get it then? :-\
True. I still haven't checked today so I'll see when I get home from work. I'm just surprised I didnt get any info on when it is going to be shipped etc
I know right, I want to know if it shipped or what. This is the only company that hasn't sent an email
-
Just pulled my vinyl from the post! I'm so happy I'm talking like a dirty British person!
-
cant wait to check it out now that i know some people are saying its good. cant trust the MP retweets on twitter. just kids saying both this and AM are masterpiece albums on the same plane of awesome. im hoping its miles ahead of AM
-
Kayla was an eargasm and a half... holy fuck.
-
Kayla was an eargasm and a half... holy fuck.
Even better when you leave the vinyl on the post.... :lol
-
cant wait to check it out now that i know some people are saying its good. cant trust the MP retweets on twitter. just kids saying both this and AM are masterpiece albums on the same plane of awesome. im hoping its miles ahead of AM
I think its really good. Great musicianship. Its got a proggy side but the music and the vocals are still easy to take in IMO. I prefer it easily over AM
-
Has been awesome thus far, but at times sounds 10x more like Muse than DT ever has. I truly don't care and enjoy the similarities, but I thought it was worth noting.
-
From the top of my head (after only hearing the album twice), I remember "shoulda coulda woulda" had a big Muse vibe.
-
If I'm gonna criticize DT for making an album that ripped of one of their classic albums, (even though I think it's great) then I have to be fair and say that FC has songs that sound like Muse, Coldplay, and Transatlantic. Don't get me wrong I think the FC album is fantastic but it sounds like they don't have their own original sound.
-
Influence =/= unoriginality
-
If I'm gonna criticize DT for making an album that ripped of one of their classic albums, (even though I think it's great) then I have to be fair and say that FC has songs that sound like Muse, Coldplay, and Transatlantic. Don't get me wrong I think the FC album is fantastic but it sounds like they don't have their own original sound.
Oh please, most modern bands - even great ones - sound like somebody else. ::)
-
Before Flying Colors, I was never really familiar with Steve Morse's playing, but I must say, after hearing him on this album I am very impressed. :tup
So I will be definitely be checking out some Dixie Dregs and Deep Purple.
-
Before Flying Colors, I was never really familiar with Steve Morse's playing, but I must say, after hearing him on this album I am very impressed. :tup
So I will be definitely be checking out some of his other groups.
As cool as Steve is, most of Deep Purple's better albums are from before he joined the band. :lol
-
My copy arrived
to my parents house... Can't believe I put the wrong address. I'll get it tomorrow though
-
i'm a little surprised by the muse comparisions...i thought i had read, pages back, and before i'd had a chance to check the album out, someone comparing the entire album to muse, only to be quickly crushed by others in disagreement.
...the only time i really get a muse vibe is on All Falls Down...its kinda like muse on steroids to me.
as for Shoulda Coulda Woulda, i get something of a stone temple pilots meets metallica's 2X4 type vibe.
-
i'm a little surprised by the muse comparisions...i thought i had read, pages back, and before i'd had a chance to check the album out, someone comparing the entire album to muse, only to be quickly crushed by others in disagreement.
...the only time i really get a muse vibe is on All Falls Down...its kinda like muse on steroids to me.
as for Shoulda Coulda Woulda, i get something of a stone temple pilots meets metallica's 2X4 type vibe.
This. I think the whole album is amazing, and would be perfect if AFD and SCW were not on there.
-
but dude, those songs slay!
-
They do feel out of place but yeah those songs rock :corn
-
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/292572_827973787111_38000227_36809018_1674202969_n.jpg)
:metal
(NOTE - Flying Colors poster no shown, but it's pretty awesome too!)
-Marc.
-
What site did you order both of those bundles from?
Before Flying Colors, I was never really familiar with Steve Morse's playing, but I must say, after hearing him on this album I am very impressed. :tup
So I will be definitely be checking out some Dixie Dregs and Deep Purple.
Steve is one of the greatest guitar players in the world. Don't worry about his work with DP, check Dixie Dregs and check the Living Loud project he did with Bob Daisley, Lee Kerslake and Jimmy Barnes.
-
what bundle is that on the right, brought to us by the letter M?
-
what bundle is that on the right, brought to us by the letter M?
OSI's Fire Make Thunder, which is also released tomorrow. Former DT band members have a big day tomorrow!
-
Dixie Dregs is a must for those looking into Steve Morse. Go check out the song Cruise Control and you will be hooked
-
What site did you order both of those bundles from?
FC - Their own website, which comes right from Mascot records.
OSI - Metal Blade's store.
-Marc.
-
What site did you order both of those bundles from?
FC - Their own website, which comes right from Mascot records.
OSI - Metal Blade's store.
-Marc.
Thanks mate.
-
I think those are good songs though, just nothing compared to the rest of the album. :metal
-
Former DT band members have a big day tomorrow!
It would have been REALLY weird if Derek Sherinian had an album out tomorrow, either as a solo album or with Planet X or with BCC. :rollin
-Marc.
-
I think those are good songs though, just nothing compared to the rest of the album. :metal
gotcha. fair enough. :tup
-
Anyone else get a Yes/"And You And I" vibe from "Everything Changes", particularly the end?
-Marc.
;) I sure did.
-
Dat chorus in FIAD
-
Dat chorus in FIAD
It's really good! Even my gf loves that song, and the chorus has stuck in her mind too :lol
Took me awhile to get to like it, but it's a great song that continues the awesomeness that began with the prior four tracks!
-Marc.
-
I think my favorite chorus may be Blue Ocean. That whole song, damn! :metal
-
"Blue Ocean" is also pretty good, too. I also really love the chorus of "Kayla"...and "The Storm"...and "Better Than Walking Away"...and "Love Is What I'm Waiting For"...and "Infinite Fire".
-Marc.
-
So pretty much every song? :lol
-
Oh, and the Rush reference in the beginning of this album makes me Geddy every time I hear it.
-
^ i see what youve done there.
but whilst i get the joke, im unsure of the reference...from the topping no stopping(?)
-
You are correct. During one of the intro videos of Rush's last tour it's something that Ged's character says.
-
Dat chorus in FIAD
Yeah, it's pretty hot. My only quibble with the song is the way it ends, too jarring.
-
I am loving this album so much more than I expected.
every time one of the songs come up on my playlist, I go "whoa"
-
Does anyone know if there is any differences between the standard version and the digipak version?
-
That flying colors shit is awesome.
-
Does anyone know if there is any differences between the standard version and the digipak version?
One comes in a digipak.
:biggrin:
-
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/292572_827973787111_38000227_36809018_1674202969_n.jpg)
:metal
(NOTE - Flying Colors poster no shown, but it's pretty awesome too!)
-Marc.
Oh man, I had no idea about that package........nor the fact that there were early copies to be released by the record company.......going to have to do some research the next time a CD comes out from a band I'm interested in........waiting for my copy from Amazon..........
-
God damn, something about this album just puts me in a very good mood. There is just so much joy :)
-
did reaper mean shit or shiRt?
...either way, he's correct.
-
I meant shirt :D
-
*rages at mailbox*
-
call me childish but i still have a bit of a problem supporting MP after everything he's done/said post-DT. ill still check this album out, i just dont see myself paying for it
-
call me childish but i still have a bit of a problem supporting MP after everything he's done/said post-DT. ill still check this album out, i just dont see myself paying for it
What about supporting Morse, Morse, LaRue & McPherson?
-
*rages at mailbox*
Second!!
-
Doesn't seem fair that some folks who pre-ordered aren't receiving theirs today. :(
-
Does anyone know if there is any differences between the standard version and the digipak version?
One comes in a digipak.
:biggrin:
(https://i2.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/000/015/orly.jpg)
-
Ok seriously....
I think this is the best CD i've bought in 5yrs. That includes all my favorite bands.
-
*rages at mailbox*
Second!!
It seems I never get a preorder early.
-
Does anyone know if there is any differences between the standard version and the digipak version?
One comes in a digipak.
:biggrin:
It's a very pretty digipak too. :)
Got this yesterday, listened to it only a bit so far but Kayla, Blue Ocean, and Forever In A Daze are pretty awesome. Kayla, especially, is really catchy and fun. Love Is What I'm Waiting For and Everything Changes are kinda blah so far though. They just seem to go by without really making an impression.
-
call me childish but i still have a bit of a problem supporting MP after everything he's done/said post-DT. ill still check this album out, i just dont see myself paying for it
???
-
Just heard this for the first time. Pretty great stuff. :)
-
call me childish but i still have a bit of a problem supporting MP after everything he's done/said post-DT. ill still check this album out, i just dont see myself paying for it
It's not childish at all; it's perfectly understandable.
Doesn't seem fair that some folks who pre-ordered aren't receiving theirs today. :(
That's why pre-orders sucks, especially if it is a band whose CD you can probably find at Best Buy on the Tuesday that it comes out (which probably doesn't include Flying Colors).
-
Does anyone know if there is any differences between the standard version and the digipak version?
One comes in a digipak.
:biggrin:
It's a very pretty digipak too. :)
Got this yesterday, listened to it only a bit so far but Kayla, Blue Ocean, and Forever In A Daze are pretty awesome. Kayla, especially, is really catchy and fun. Love Is What I'm Waiting For and Everything Changes are kinda blah so far though. They just seem to go by without really making an impression.
Huh, Everything Changes is one of my favorites.
-
Doesn't seem fair that some folks who pre-ordered aren't receiving theirs today. :(
I totally agree, and its stuff like that why I buy music primarily off Itunes.
Its so liberating to have the album immediately and not have to worry about best buy not carrying it, or snail mail taking its dear sweet time.
-
Huh, Everything Changes is one of my favorites.
It's my favorite of the slower songs.
-
Without hearing a single note, I just purchased the album, solely on what's been said here. If you guys are wrong, you owe me ten bucks.
-
Without hearing a single note, I just purchased the album, solely on what's been said here. If you guys are wrong, you owe me ten bucks.
You'd be weird not to like it! :metal
I remember hearing about this project, and I was like, "Oh cool, another Portnoy/Morse thing." Damn, it blew me away.
-
I'm not too worried, seems to be well recieved here across the board.
-
Without hearing a single note, I just purchased the album, solely on what's been said here. If you guys are wrong, you owe me ten bucks.
You'd be weird not to like it! :metal
I remember hearing about this project, and I was like, "Oh cool, another Portnoy/Morse thing." Damn, it blew me away.
When I first heard about this and saw the lineup, I thought, "this will be AWESOME!"
Yeah, I was right. :hat
-
Stangely, one of the negative reviews of FC on Amazon has the author complaining that the songs are too diverse. :huh:
-
Stangely, one of the negative reviews of FC on Amazon has the author complaining that the songs are too diverse. :huh:
What?? :lol
-
Stangely, one of the negative reviews of FC on Amazon has the author complaining that the songs are too diverse. :huh:
What?? :lol
I know, right... I've heard people complain that a particular album has too many songs that sound the same, but I've never heard someone complain of the inverse.
-
Alot of the songs on Flying Colors have that same vibe to it. With the exception of AFD, SCW, and some of IF.
-
Since I didn't get my CD yet I decided to listen to Kayla. I could hear that song I'm the radio, it's great and reminds me of STP a bit.
-
Does anyone know if there is any differences between the standard version and the digipak version?
One comes in a digipak.
:biggrin:
It's a very pretty digipak too. :)
Got this yesterday, listened to it only a bit so far but Kayla, Blue Ocean, and Forever In A Daze are pretty awesome. Kayla, especially, is really catchy and fun. Love Is What I'm Waiting For and Everything Changes are kinda blah so far though. They just seem to go by without really making an impression.
Huh, Everything Changes is one of my favorites.
First listen, might change still. :)
-
Listening now......
Blue Ocean- Pretty good
Shoulda coulda woulda=ok
Kayla-fucking wow!!!
to be continued...
-
A few people I've introduced Flying Colors to are, so far, thrilled with it. :)
"Shoulda Coulda Woulda just rocked my face off!"
"I think "The Storm" is the best new song I've heard this year. Wow!"
"5th listen now. It's fantastic! Lovers of Muse, Coldplay, The Beatles, or any good prog (particularly Deep Purple, Dream Theater, Neal Morse, etc), will love this."
-
The Storm- Very Good
Forever in a Daze- Very Good
-
Ha this guy is a lucky winner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbBIwq4WnHA
-
Just finished my first listen, beast of an album. I got to favor Kayla and Fool in my Heart right now, though Better than Walking Away was a bit of an emotional sucker punch for me.
-
Ha this guy is a lucky winner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbBIwq4WnHA
I'm positive that he is this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xwzGNVxgf4&feature=youtu.be) guy but with a longer beard.
-
Ha this guy is a lucky winner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbBIwq4WnHA
I'm positive that he is this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xwzGNVxgf4&feature=youtu.be) guy but with a longer beard.
Yeah, thought the same thing, it definitely is the same guy. He is one happy dude.
-
I'm guessing it has to be ordered from the bands website to have a chance at getting a signed one.
-
Ha this guy is a lucky winner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbBIwq4WnHA
I'm positive that he is this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xwzGNVxgf4&feature=youtu.be) guy but with a longer beard.
hah yeah it def is.
-
I'm guessing it has to be ordered from the bands website to have a chance at getting a signed one.
Yeah you gotta order from Mascot
-
I'm guessing it has to be ordered from the bands website to have a chance at getting a signed one.
Yeah you gotta order from Mascot
Actually, I believe it was the first 100 pre-orders on Radiant that got theirs signed by Neal and Mike. Also, those who buy theirs at Best Buy this week can enter a picture of their receipt to the band's website for a chance to get theirs signed by the WHOLE BAND.
-Marc.
-
I've given this album quite a few spins and really, I don't like it. I don't hate it, it's just the definition of forgettable to me.
-
Everytime I listen to this album, time just flies. I spun it 3 times already at work!
So goood
-
I've given this album quite a few spins and really, I don't like it. I don't hate it, it's just the definition of forgettable to me.
Ah, well.
-
Everytime I listen to this album, time just flies. I spun it 3 times already at work!
So goood
I'm finally getting the chance to play FC thru my home stereo, instead of the computer. WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
-
I've got a copy of (What's The Story ) Morning Glory ? signed by Noel, Liam Alan and Bonehead :)
-
I've given this album quite a few spins and really, I don't like it. I don't hate it, it's just the definition of forgettable to me.
Ah, well.
Yea just didn't really click with me. When the album first leaked I gave it a few spins and enjoyed it but as time went on I seemed to enjoy it less and less, anyway, hope it still sells well.
-
It's looking more and more like Portnoy is doing as many side projects as he can so he can sell the drum cam DVDs :biggrin:
-
Yeah, looks like I'm in the outcast camp. I really want to like it, but I don't. There are sporadic outbreaks of sheer brilliance, as to be expected given the talent level of the band, but overall the songs just don't do it for me. Random thoughts:
Infinite Fire is awesome. Shame the whole album isn't more like it.
Dave LaRue is the fucking man.
Though he's nowhere near as talented as Rudess, I've decided I like Neal Morse better as a keyboard player. Quite a bit better, in fact.
Portnoy over plays at times. Odd for me to think that because I generally love his style.
-
So yeah this album is still very good. Wish MP stayed away from the mic for Fool in My Heart, and SCW/AFD don't really fit with the rest of the album, but everything else is very good and make me forget about those slight missteps, which is kinda rare for me (if I don't like a few songs its a major strike against an album most days, but this time its not. Maybe because the offending songs don't last forever). I'd give it a 4/5, maybe?
-
I love Infinite Fire, too. It's my favorite song on the album. I think, though, that anyone buying this because they think it's a prog album may wind up disappointed.
Yes, Dave LaRue is the man, and has been for a long time.
You don't have to be outcast, but you do have to where a scarlet "FC" around your neck...
:p
-
So yeah this album is still very good. Wish MP stayed away from the mic for Fool in My Heart, and SCW/AFD don't really fit with the rest of the album, but everything else is very good and make me forget about those slight missteps, which is kinda rare for me (if I don't like a few songs its a major strike against an album most days, but this time its not. Maybe because the offending songs don't last forever). I'd give it a 4/5, maybe?
I thought Fool in My Heart was fun in an offbeat way... kinda of like when Ringo sang with the Beatles.
I agree with the 4/5... somewhere (TFR?) I said it was 8/10. :)
-
Fool in My Heart gives me a kind of With a Little Help from My Friends vibe in the chorus.
So far my favorite songs are Kayla, The Storm, and Infinite Fire.
-
Fool in My Heart gives me a kind of With a Little Help from My Friends vibe in the chorus.
Oddly enough, Neal's comment on letting Mike since that song was something along the lines of letting them have their own "With A Little Help From My Friends", most notably letting the drummer sing :lol
-Marc.
-
Here we go, the top 5...
1. Infinite Fire
2. Kayla
3. Forever in a Daze
4. Blue Ocean
5. Everything Changes
-
Flying Colors still hasn't shown up on Spotify for me. All I see is kids' Christian songs here.
-
I've got a copy of (What's The Story ) Morning Glory ? signed by Noel, Liam Alan and Bonehead :)
Fuck, that's amazing. I'd take that over a signed FC cd anyday.
-
I think, though, that anyone buying this because they think it's a prog album may wind up disappointed.
And as someone who did just that, I'll tell you: yes. Yes I am.
Definitely going to give it another shot, but so far this album is doing nothing for me. It all sounds so... generic. Cover art's still awesome though.
-
Blue Ocean, Kayla, The Storm, and Everything Changes are my favorites.
-J
-
I've got a copy of (What's The Story ) Morning Glory ? signed by Noel, Liam Alan and Bonehead :)
Fuck, that's amazing. I'd take that over a signed FC cd anyday.
I won it on a radio show :) Guigsy was off sick at the time - around the time of Wonderwall - which is why he's not in the vid.
-
Flying Colors still hasn't shown up on Spotify for me. All I see is kids' Christian songs here.
I searched Flying Colours and it didn't come up but Flying Colors without the " U " did.
-
I've got a copy of (What's The Story ) Morning Glory ? signed by Noel, Liam Alan and Bonehead :)
Fuck, that's amazing. I'd take that over a signed FC cd anyday.
+ 1
-
Flying Colors still hasn't shown up on Spotify for me. All I see is kids' Christian songs here.
I searched Flying Colours and it didn't come up but Flying Colors without the " U " did.
Yeah it's the silly American spelling of course. It's definitely on Spotify, although maybe not available in all regions.
-
Got this yesterday. First thoughts after one listen - it's good, with flashes of brilliance, but it's just not great. With this level of musicianship it should have blown me away. I really hope it grows on me with succesive listens. McPhearson's voice is OK on the softer, popier songs, but on the heavy parts, well, it just isn't suited.
I got the impression that they've been looking at the success of Black Country Communion and trying to get a bit of that mainstream action.
-
Just ordered my copy.
-
Here we go, the top 5...
1. Infinite Fire
2. Kayla
3. Forever in a Daze
4. Blue Ocean
5. Everything Changes
1. The Storm
2. Kayla
3. Infinite Fire
4. Blue Ocean
5. ~Undecided~
-
If you can't find it on spotify, it's on grooveshark as well.
-
Flying Colors still hasn't shown up on Spotify for me. All I see is kids' Christian songs here.
I searched Flying Colours and it didn't come up but Flying Colors without the " U " did.
That's because you misspelled the name -- the band's name is Flying Colors.
Anyway, I just listened to the album and I love it. It's great. It really doesn't live up to all the hype, but it's a fine album nonetheless. Favorites are Blue Ocean, Kayla, All Falls Down, and Infinite Fire.
-
Yeah it's the sensible American spelling of course. It's definitely on Spotify, although maybe not available in all regions.
FTFY! :tup
-
Got this yesterday. First thoughts after one listen - it's good, with flashes of brilliance, but it's just not great. With this level of musicianship it should have blown me away. I really hope it grows on me with succesive listens. McPhearson's voice is OK on the softer, popier songs, but on the heavy parts, well, it just isn't suited.
I got the impression that they've been looking at the success of Black Country Communion and trying to get a bit of that mainstream action.
And as someone who did just that, I'll tell you: yes. Yes I am.
Definitely going to give it another shot, but so far this album is doing nothing for me. It all sounds so... generic. Cover art's still awesome though.
When I first heard about FC and saw the lineup, my first thought was, "this is going to be like Asia". So that was my mindset going in... and I think I was right.
-
https://flyingcolorsmusic.com/live/
-
Yup.
-
https://flyingcolorsmusic.com/live/
YES.
-
Nice! Definitely going to check that out.
-
https://flyingcolorsmusic.com/live/
YES.
Man, I hope they come to Philly. It would be sweet seeing them at the TLA.
-
https://flyingcolorsmusic.com/live/
YES.
Man, I hope they come to Philly. It would be sweet seeing them at the TLA.
Ditto. But if they don't I'll hit NYC, which is pretty much a guaranteed stop on any tour.
-
Unfortunately I can't be that sure they'll be hitting the Northwest. :(
-
I got my bundle and the shirt is comfortable.
-
World tour? I hope that's true and not just US and Europe. I'd really love to see these guys live
-
I hate to be a downer, but I would almost guarantee this will be US (+Canadian date or three maybe), and Europe.
-
I am not sure you are correct, Nick.
-
Does the album feature extensive Morse shredding?
-
I hate to be a downer, but I would almost guarantee this will be US (+Canadian date or three maybe), and Europe.
Thanks Nick, always being such a cool guy....
-
I am not sure you are correct, Nick.
Well, for the fans sake I hope you are right on this one and they pull off more.
-
Does the album feature extensive Morse shredding?
Not really.
-
I am not sure you are correct, Nick.
The first person to ever say that should have trademarked it. Think of the royalties they would have made by now. :lol
-
I am not sure you are correct, Nick.
The first person to ever say that should have trademarked it. Think of the royalties they would have made by now. :lol
Oh, snap.
-
Does the album feature extensive Morse shredding?
Not at all.
-
It's awesome.
-
That's incredible news. Here's to a few European dates and something as close to Serbia as possible, I would just love to see these guys.
-
Here we go, the top 5...
1. Infinite Fire
2. Kayla
3. Forever in a Daze
4. Blue Ocean
5. Everything Changes
1. The Storm
2. Kayla
3. Infinite Fire
4. Blue Ocean
5. ~Undecided~
Almost correct. Add Forever in a Daze before Kayla and you have mine.
-
Does the album feature extensive Morse shredding?
Not really.
Does the album feature extensive Morse shredding?
Not at all.
Damn. :-[
-
Does the album feature extensive Morse shredding?
The real question is, why haven't you still listened to it?
-
Does the album feature extensive Morse shredding?
The real question is, why haven't you still listened to it?
I only ordered it yesterday. I'm sorry....... :'(
-
Then you're fine. :tup
-
Does the album feature extensive Morse shredding?
Not really.
Does the album feature extensive Morse shredding?
Not at all.
Damn. :-[
It's true he doesn't do any over the top shredding, just some shreddy fills, and a shreddy section in the last track.
I will say this though. I've listened to the Dregs, and several of his solo albums. This album by far contains some of the most fulfilling playing I've heard from him.
-
Fair enough, I can't wait to give this a listen.
-
Fair enough, I can't wait to give this a listen.
You haven't done this already? Go ahead, it's awesome.
-
People on the mp forums are silly. "50+ listens omg it's the best thing evar!!!!!@" it's good, but Jesus Christ. People here were pretty tempered with their adtoe reactions saying "it's good but i give it a few more spins"
I like the album, but I don't feel the need to excessively stroke one's ego for them.
-
People on the mp forums are silly. "50+ listens omg it's the best thing evar!!!!!@" it's good, but Jesus Christ. People here were pretty tempered with their adtoe reactions saying "it's good but i give it a few more spins"
I like the album, but I don't feel the need to excessively stroke one's ego for them.
Yeah, well, remember that after MP left Dream Theater, and in the succeeding months as MP made increasingly bitter/hostile/jealous statements regarding DT, many of the DT fans & even general music fans fled that forum, so what's left includes a disproportionate amount of MP groupies, many are looking to praise anything MP does.
Heck, I've read a couple posts congratulating Mike for assembling this particular group of musicians...
-
With the release of AM and FC I finally had to unfollow MP's twitter feed. He was retweeting so much over-the-top praise for the albums that it was spamming my feed something fierce.
As for the album itself, it is good. However, it is very forgettable. I have it in my rotation, but there is not a single bit of the music that sticks in my head beyond the enjoyment of listening to the track at the time.
-
Got this yesterday. First thoughts after one listen - it's good, with flashes of brilliance, but it's just not great. With this level of musicianship it should have blown me away. I really hope it grows on me with succesive listens. McPhearson's voice is OK on the softer, popier songs, but on the heavy parts, well, it just isn't suited.
After one listen, this is my impression as well. I liked most of it, and there were some definite flashes of greatness (Everything Changes really stood out to me). I agree that the singer's voice sounds much better on the mellower stuff. I wasn't keen on tracks 9 or 10, but it was only one listen, so time will tell. Although he isn't up front a lot, it is nice hearing Neal Morse do something that isn't all-out prog for once.
-
I really like McPherson's voice on this. To me it's what really makes this album stand out. The juxtaposition of the more classic sounding instrumental arrangements with his modern poppy voice just really works some how.
Also I did not find this album at all forgettable, in fact, these songs are always getting stuck in my head.
-
I've listened to it twice through (the second more as background music). I really like it. I get a Transatlantic feel from it so far. I actually dig MP's vocal song. He sounds good and reminds me a little bit of Phil Collins' vocals (I really don't know why). I like the combination of Neal, MP, and Casey's vocals as a whole. They sound tight. I'll have to listen more closely.
The sound and dynamics of the mix are very soothing. It's a great mix.
-
IT'S IN!!
I'll play it a thousand times working on the bathroom tomorrow.
-
YAY! :tup :tup :tup
-
I really love the messages of the songs. They speak from the heart and will be good to hear when in troubled times.
-
One of the things I like the most about this album is that I sort of feel that the guys were having fun while recording it. It's so happy but still very good at a musical level.
-
One of the things I like the most about this album is that I sort of feel that the guys were having fun while recording it. It's so happy but still very good at a musical level.
I agree, I feel a joy in their playing... I wasn't sure if it was just me projecting, so I'm glad to see someone else feels this way.
-
Better Than Walking Away hit me pretty hard one morning as I was driving to work. I was listening to the words and it was a lot of stuff I'd thought about before, a lot. I think overall it helped me with the whole "get over yourself" issue. There are times when walking away is the right thing to do, but I think I've allowed myself to come pretty close for the wrong reasons, and the lyrics helped me see that. It might sound hokey, but I actually think I'm a better person now that I understand that.
-
I love this album, I've been listening to it quite obsessively the past few days! I simply love all the songs on it. I particularly enjoy the Steve Morse-led bits and it has also put me onto a later Deep Purple and Dixie Dregs binge too, that man is such a god!
-
After two listens, the ones I am liking the most are Blue Ocean, The Storm, Forever in a Daze, Everything Changes and Infinite Fire.
Everyone seems to talk about Kayla possibly being a big single, but that song seems like it just barely misses the hook. Not a bad song, but the hook just isn't there.
Shoulda Coulda Woulda is easily the clunker of the bunch. Very generic and mediocre.
-
After two listens, the ones I am liking the most are Blue Ocean, The Storm, Forever in a Daze, Everything Changes and Infinite Fire.
Everyone seems to talk about Kayla possibly being a big single, but that song seems like it just barely misses the hook. Not a bad song, but the hook just isn't there.
Shoulda Coulda Woulda is easily the clunker of the bunch. Very generic and mediocre.
I agree completely, Kayla is fun but IMO "love is what I'm waiting for" would make a much better single. Its the perfect combo of queen, ben folds and take that :lol
Clunkers for me are shouldawouldacoulda and all falls down, this band suits the lighter stuff so much better
-
Fun album. Proper promotion could make it a hit I reckon. It gets better after every listen. I can see it becoming a favorite.
-
I have to say I do like it. It's more of a "commercial" styled album to what I usually listen to, I will admit, but Blue Ocean and Infinite Fire, I thought, were really good, and the rest of it wasn't bad.
Also: dat bass solo
-
I am thrilled that they will be touring, but I'm also resolved to the fact that it will probably be NY, LA, Chicago, and Philly. And that's it.
-
I am thrilled that they will be touring, but I'm also resolved to the fact that it will probably be NY, LA, Chicago, and Philly. And that's it.
Well, if tickets are fairly cheap (i.e. under $100), I may make the trek out to Philly to see them as it's only 3 hours away from here. Although I will hold out hope for a Baltimore or DC show.
-Marc.
-
I wouldn't rule out a Nashville show, or maybe a Texas show.
-
I agree completely, Kayla is fun but IMO "love is what I'm waiting for" would make a much better single. Its the perfect combo of queen, ben folds and take that :lol
Clunkers for me are shouldawouldacoulda and all falls down, this band suits the lighter stuff so much better
Agreed all-around. Love Is What I'm Waiting For is the single, not Kayla (if there is one).
-
After two listens, the ones I am liking the most are Blue Ocean, The Storm, Forever in a Daze, Everything Changes and Infinite Fire.
Everyone seems to talk about Kayla possibly being a big single, but that song seems like it just barely misses the hook. Not a bad song, but the hook just isn't there.
Shoulda Coulda Woulda is easily the clunker of the bunch. Very generic and mediocre.
I agree that Kayla doesn't have a big hook, but plenty of rock songs have been successful without one. Also, I've been told every chick named Kayla is gonna want this song ;)
"Love ignites when we are here / Kayla, Kayla" that's pretty hot, according to my g/f (not named Kayla :lol)
The little interlude with Neal Morse would probably get cut for radio play.
-
We shall see.
Threw the whole thing on my iPod for my hour of cardio a bit ago (except for track 2, which I am already ready to chuck), and several of them popped up on shuffle when I was running (I usually have about 60+ songs on there for such purposes); they sounded good in that context, although a few of them I can tell will be a bit too mellow to become regular workout tunes, but some of the more upbeat, rocking ones should work nicely.
-
I don't think there is a single on here. I played The Storm for a friend last night, she wasn't digging it. I am though, don't think I enjoy quite the enthusiasm so many are having for it, but it is a solid album and I'm glad I picked it up. Hopefully they'll tour somewhere close to me.....
-
I don't think there is a single on here. I played The Storm for a friend last night, she wasn't digging it. I am though, don't think I enjoy quite the enthusiasm so many are having for it, but it is a solid album and I'm glad I picked it up. Hopefully they'll tour somewhere close to me.....
I'm not a big fan of The Storm (its OK), nor of it's radio potential. It's a little bland. I think Forever In A Daze would go over better with it's prominent bassline and the crescendo of a chorus.
-
I don't think any of the songs have radio potential.
-
I don't think any of the songs have radio potential.
Same here. It's great stuff, but it's just not very radio friendly.
-
I agree that Kayla doesn't have a big hook, but plenty of rock songs have been successful without one. Also, I've been told every chick named Kayla is gonna want this song ;)
"Love ignites when we are here / Kayla, Kayla" that's pretty hot, according to my g/f (not named Kayla :lol)
Kayla is the name of a fat chick that I work with. Ruined.
-J
-
Kayla is a magical song.
-
Kayla is a magical song.
Can it magically make J's fat chick thinner? :justjen
-
Why is everybody worried about a radio song? A band like Rush who is a staple in the music community only gets one song on the radio and then they disappear.
Radio is obsolete.
Also after 2 listens this album is great!!
-
Why is everybody worried about a radio song? A band like Rush who is a staple in the music community only gets one song on the radio and then they disappear.
Radio is obsolete.
Also after 2 listens this album is great!!
Not here, they play Rush all the time.
-
No. I'm talking about when they first release a single. Radio plays the crap out of the first release and then not another song.
-
I'm not sure why it came up, Shmegs. It's good music, obviously that's all that matters.
-
I must say, for a 60 minute album, the time just flies by.
Which is fantastic cause it leaves me wanting more.
-
No. I'm talking about when they first release a single. Radio plays the crap out of the first release and then not another song.
I get ya now. I haven't heard Far Cry or Driven, at all just the classics.
-
there's just something about this chorus https://youtu.be/oxqnFJ3lp5k?t=47s that reminds me of forever in a daze... Probably cause I'm drunk, but it annoys me... :sadpanda: I'll probably wake up tomorrow, hearing that's there's no similarity.. but at this very moment I can't unhear it!
-
Not that it would get play there, but "The Storm" (specifically the chorus) sounds a lot like something you'd hear on CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) radio. I think the only avenue really into anything like a video or whatever would be that Alpha Rev had some success their last album and a fairly popular video on Vh1 (I guess). Thought maybe they'd give this a chance since Casey was on it. But top 40 radio; do they even play rock music anymore? I have no idea b/c I don't listen to it.
BTW - I am really loving this album. So much goodness all around I'll have to spin it a few more times to even begin to rank the songs or anything like that.
-
Bought the Album yesterday and loving it :)
Except Coulda Woulda Shoulda.
They Coulda Woulda Shoulda left that song out...
-
Shoulda Woulda Coulda is a good song, I enjoy it and its message of forgetting the past and moving on with your life.
-
Bought the Album yesterday and loving it :)
Except Coulda Woulda Shoulda.
They Coulda Woulda Shoulda left that song out...
I don't get all the hate for that song, I'm digging that one.
-
Not that it would get play there, but "The Storm" (specifically the chorus) sounds a lot like something you'd hear on CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) radio. I think the only avenue really into anything like a video or whatever would be that Alpha Rev had some success their last album and a fairly popular video on Vh1 (I guess). Thought maybe they'd give this a chance since Casey was on it. But top 40 radio; do they even play rock music anymore? I have no idea b/c I don't listen to it.
BTW - I am really loving this album. So much goodness all around I'll have to spin it a few more times to even begin to rank the songs or anything like that.
I don't think you'll find much rock in Top 40 these days... but the largest radio station by me, WDHA, plays a mix of classic & contemporary rock and the station is as large as any of the NYC stations. I should probably try to get them to play FC...
-
Bought the Album yesterday and loving it :)
Except Coulda Woulda Shoulda.
They Coulda Woulda Shoulda left that song out...
I don't get all the hate for that song, I'm digging that one.
I think it's OK.
-
The Storm should be the single. The chorus is very catchy and it's a great song overall.
-
I don't think any of the songs have radio potential.
I agree, but I was just saying, if any of them were gonna pushed by the band or record company, I am not convinced Kayla would be the best choice.
Except Coulda Woulda Shoulda.
They Coulda Woulda Shoulda left that song out...
Yeah, I am not sure what they were thinking when they included that song. It really stands out like a sore thumb. All Falls Down isn't that good either, but I can see the appeal of that a little bit, even if it isn't one I am overly keen on so far; Shoulda Coulda Woulda is just bad.
Fool in My Heart is also just okay. Portnoy's lead vocals aren't too awful, probably because many of then are almost of the talking vocal variety, but the song could have benefited greatly by letting Neal Morse or Casey McPherson sing it.
-
I like Shoulda Coulda Woulda. It's cool to hear proggy dudes making a regular rock song just to show they can.
-
Yeah, I am not sure what they were thinking when they included that song. It really stands out like a sore thumb. All Falls Down isn't that good either, but I can see the appeal of that a little bit, even if it isn't one I am overly keen on so far; Shoulda Coulda Woulda is just bad.
Fool in My Heart is also just okay. Portnoy's lead vocals aren't too awful, probably because many of then are almost of the talking vocal variety, but the song could have benefited greatly by letting Neal Morse or Casey McPherson sing it.
I like all of those songs. In fact, it's the slower, ballad-y type songs that just aren't clicking with me at all.
-
I will say this: Blue Ocean is a really, really good opener. :tup :tup
-
after a few listens to the album my favorite tracks are (in no order)
Blue Ocean
Kayla
The Storm
Love is what im waiting for
Better than walking away
Fool in my Heart
... i think The Storm and Fool in my Heart take the top 2 spots tho. i just love them :heart
-
Here's my ranking after a few listens:
Blue Ocean
Kayla
Infinite Fire
Forever In A Daze
Fool In My Heart
Everything Changes
Love Is What I'm Waiting For
Shoulda Coulda Woulda
The Storm
All Fall's Down
Better Than Walking Away
-
I don't think any of the songs have radio potential.
I agree, but I was just saying, if any of them were gonna pushed by the band or record company, I am not convinced Kayla would be the best choice.
Except Coulda Woulda Shoulda.
They Coulda Woulda Shoulda left that song out...
Yeah, I am not sure what they were thinking when they included that song. It really stands out like a sore thumb. All Falls Down isn't that good either, but I can see the appeal of that a little bit, even if it isn't one I am overly keen on so far; Shoulda Coulda Woulda is just bad.
Fool in My Heart is also just okay. Portnoy's lead vocals aren't too awful, probably because many of then are almost of the talking vocal variety, but the song could have benefited greatly by letting Neal Morse or Casey McPherson sing it.
I'm actually really surprised for the dislike of Coulda Woulda Shoulda, it's one of my favourites on the album. :lol So yeah I'm definitely glad they didn't leave it off.
-
Well, your taste in music sucks Rich :P. Also, I sent you a PM
-
This is my ranking so far
All Falls Down
Blue Ocean
Forever In A Daze
Kayla
Shoulda Coulda Woulda
Infinte Fire
The Storm
Everything Changes
Love Is What I'm Waiting For
Better Than Walking Away
Fool In My Heart
-
I am taking it as a good sign that the solo section from Love Is What I'm Waiting For was stuck in my head all evening when I was out. The solo is sweet as hell and so is the simplicity of the other instruments. Definitely very Beatles-esque.
-
Well, your taste in music sucks Rich :P. Also, I sent you a PM
:o So you did!
-
Here's my ranking after a few listens:
Blue Ocean
Kayla
Infinite Fire
Forever In A Daze
Fool In My Heart
Everything Changes
Love Is What I'm Waiting For
Shoulda Coulda Woulda
The Storm
All Fall's Down
Better Than Walking Away
Drop Blue Ocean and Infinite Fire a little bit lower and that's my ranking as well.
-
I just love the rhythm and style of All Falls Down. Its a really catchy song
-
The Storm
Kayla
Better Than Walking Away
Forever in a Daze
Blue Ocean
Infinite Fire
Everything Changes
---quality gap---
Love is What I'm Waiting For
---quality gap---
Fool in My Heart
All Falls Down
Shoulda Coulda Woulda
Rankings
-
The Storm
Kayla
Better Than Walking Away
Forever in a Daze
Blue Ocean
Infinite Fire
Everything Changes
---quality gap---
Love is What I'm Waiting For
---quality gap---
Fool in My Heart
All Falls Down
Shoulda Coulda Woulda
Rankings
It seems, around most boards and reviews, that those bottom three are at the bottom of many people's rankings, while the top seven you've listed all vie for top 3 spots. Here's how I would rank them now:
Blue Ocean
Infinite Fire
Everything Changes
Kayla
The Storm
Better Than Walking Away
Forever In A Daze
Love Is What I'm Waiting For
All Falls Down
Shoulda Coulda Woulda
Fool In My Heart
Also, out of curiosities' sake, has anyone listened to the vinyl version yet, and made any comparisons to the CD?
-Marc.
-
I've had the album for a few days now and have listened 4 or 5 times from start to finish. I guess I kind of like it, but I definitely don't love it. I am not a fan of the falsetto vocal stylings Casey McPherson and that may be my biggest gripe with the album. Stylistically it's a little bit too schizophrenic for me as well, but I get that they were trying to appeal to a wide audience. Also, I don't know whose idea it was to not use a de-essing filter on the track one lead vocals, but a good really song is rendered almost unlistenable because of it.
"Blue Ocean" and "The Storm" are my favorite tracks, I don't really like too much else, I'm afraid. It's not bad, it's just not really my cup of tea, I guess.
-
I just love the rhythm and style of All Falls Down. Its a really catchy song
That one is starting to grow on me a bit, but I still like 8 of the songs a lot better. I can't imagine putting them in order of personal preference this early on, though.
-
Infinite Fire has really grown on me. I liked it from the beginning but it gets better every time I listen to it.
-
Stylistically it's a little bit too schizophrenic for me as well
Barry! Not you, too.... :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Multiple personality disorder*
-
Stylistically it's a little bit too schizophrenic for me as well, but I get that they were trying to appeal to a wide audience.
I like that facet of the album, it reminds me of my old mix tapes.
Infinite Fire has really grown on me. I liked it from the beginning but it gets better every time I listen to it.
My favorite FC song.
-
letting my wife hear it for first time....
she likes it!
-
I've had this a week now (I was lucky enough to get it signed) but I've only listened to it three times.
Early on, I'd say there are parts that blow me away, other parts that I know will grow on me.
Not really a fan of Casey's vocals on the album. Although that clip Portnoy posted impressed me quite a bit.
LaRue and Steve Morse are the stars for me so far on this album, but I guess that's kind of obvious.
I don't seem to rank Kayla as high as many seem to here either and the production/mix isn't making me very happy either.
My experience tells me that this is a grower on so many levels and I'm going to enjoy it all as it unfolds before me.
That said, I know this band is going to kick my ass live. We'd be lucky to get more than a week of dates in the States though. Fortunately, I'm fairly certain I'll get to a gig or two.
-
I also agree the that production/engineering on this could be better. If this sounded as good as a Transatlantic or Morse solo record it would enter godly territory.
-
I don't think the sound of it is great, but it hasn't struck me as being poor or anything.
Also, people keep mentioning the alleged Muse references on this, but I haven't heard one part yet that made me think, "That sounds like Muse." *shrugs*
-
I heard it in parts of at least 3 different songs, possibly 4.
-
I don't seem to rank Kayla as high as many seem to here either and the production/mix isn't making me very happy either.
My experience tells me that this is a grower on so many levels and I'm going to enjoy it all as it unfolds before me.
Yeah, I've refrained from doing a full review because honestly with music, it can take a lot of listens before you can objectively review it. But I'll say yeah, I agree with you on Kayla. So yeah for me, I think everyone can get a pretty good idea of this album from the reviews on this forum except that I disagree with the love for Kayla and the hate for Shoulda Coulda Woulda.
-
Kayla is a nice tune, but the vast majority of the songs are better.
-
I don't think the sound of it is great, but it hasn't struck me as being poor or anything.
Also, people keep mentioning the alleged Muse references on this, but I haven't heard one part yet that made me think, "That sounds like Muse." *shrugs*
Later parts of Woulda Coulda Shoulda chorus sounds a lot like Muse to me and that's just one example. Woulda Coulda Shoulda is awesome BTW...
-
The chorus in Infinite fire sounds a bit like Muse to me. And that's all when it comes to Muse moments on this album.
-
The chorus in Infinite fire sounds a bit like Muse to me. And that's all when it comes to Muse moments on this album.
The chorus sounds more like Frost* to me.
And Kayla is the best song on the album.
-
I don't think the sound of it is great, but it hasn't struck me as being poor or anything.
Also, people keep mentioning the alleged Muse references on this, but I haven't heard one part yet that made me think, "That sounds like Muse." *shrugs*
Later parts of Woulda Coulda Shoulda chorus sounds a lot like Muse to me and that's just one example. Woulda Coulda Shoulda is awesome BTW...
That part actually reminds me of Nightmare by Avenged Sevenfold.
-
Man I've had this album on pretty much continually since it came out, and I REALLY dig it. I find myself coming back to The Storm more than any other track, specifically because I really dig the last lyric of the chorus "Only some things can be made in the storm". SO COOL!
And Dave LaRue's bass playing is awe-inspring. Period.
-
i 've come around on shoulda coulda woulda kinda having a muse vibe...though i still stick by my "stone temple pilots meets metallica's 2X4" comparison for the song.
damnit, if i click "Post", i'll no longer have 666 such entries :-[
ah well, here goes...
-
i 've come around on shoulda coulda woulda kinda having a muse vibe...though i still stick by my "stone temple pilots meets metallica's 2X4" comparison for the song.
Yes, I've also gotten an STP vibe from this song. Some people have said they don't think the vocals work, but I think Casey sounds perfectly fine. Definitely a 90's alternative-type song, which I really enjoy. I don't think "All Falls Down" is a bad song, but I easily prefer SCW as the better of the two "heavy" songs.
-
i 've come around on shoulda coulda woulda kinda having a muse vibe...though i still stick by my "stone temple pilots meets metallica's 2X4" comparison for the song.
Yes, I've also gotten an STP vibe from this song. Some people have said they don't think the vocals work, but I think Casey sounds perfectly fine. Definitely a 90's alternative-type song, which I really enjoy. I don't think "All Falls Down" is a bad song, but I easily prefer SWC as the better of the two "heavy" songs.
The only thing I don't like about SCW is Caseys vocals suffer from The Dark Eternal Night syndrome. But damn that rhythm in All Falls Down is amazing.
-
What do you mean?
-
What do you mean?
unnecessary distorted vocals.
-
Did the album fall flat? Adrenaline Mob was able to chart; I'd be disappointed if FC failed to do even that.
-
What do you mean?
unnecessary distorted vocals.
Oh, okay :tup
-
What do you mean?
unnecessary distorted vocals.
Oh, okay :tup
See, to me, this fits just fine with it being a song in that 90's alternative/grunge vein.
-
It's an alright song. The distorted vox don't bother me, but I'm not crazy about the chorus. Thankfully, the bridge section with that super-fuzzy bass tone really kicks ass to make up for it. Not crazy about MP's outro either, with is really odd since I normally get off pretty hard on those.
-
It's an alright song. The distorted vox don't bother me, but I'm not crazy about the chorus. Thankfully, the bridge section with that super-fuzzy bass tone really kicks ass to make up for it. Not crazy about MP's outro either, with is really odd since I normally get off pretty hard on those.
I actually agree that the outro goes on too long. I was all like "Hey Mike, this ain't Train of Thought, bro... LOL"
-
:lol
It really does drag on.
-
Does anyone else get a Toto feel from parts of this album? Or is that just me?
-
Does anyone else get a Toto feel from parts of this album? Or is that just me?
When I listened this cd for the first time, my dad came to my room and asked "Are you listening to Toto?" so you're not alone.
-
Loving this album....
'Forever In A Daze' is rocking me hard since the first listen!...
also
despite being a non-ballad person I am arse-kicked by 'Kayla'... it is plain awesome...
other favourites are 'All Fall's Dow'n and 'Infinite Fire'..
I really like all others too.. except 'Shoulda Coulda Woulda' ... looks like a filler track to me... In all honesty, right after Blue Ocean, it disappointed me immensely that I feared that the rest of the album were mediocre.. thankfully that wasn't case!
there are quite a few influences/references in there but I think Oueen vibe on 'Love Is What I'm Waiting For' stands out!
Beatles, The Doors, yess Toto feel are there too!
me likey!
-
Does anyone else get a Toto feel from parts of this album? Or is that just me?
I love Toto. Maybe that's why i love this album.
-
Interesting observation. I always thought that Toto was one of those bands with both feet firmly planted in pop, but the players themselves had great chops and could have gone a bit prog if they wanted to. Great sound, great songwriting, great arrangements, and little things like the extended jam at the end of "Rosanna" let you know that they guys had some game.
-
Yeah, I can see that hef. A little proggy and a little poppy.
-
The CD debuted at:
#81 on the Billboard 200
#24 on the Rock Album chart
#9 on the Hard Rock Album chart
-
On track two. Pretty good so far.
-
Copy that ZKX-2099. Keep reporting in!
:P
-
...right......
Good to hear some "Mike Portnoy" after his absence on Omerta.
-
Does anyone else get a Toto feel from parts of this album? Or is that just me?
I hadn't thought of Toto, but now that you mention it, yeah...
-
The CD debuted at:
#81 on the Billboard 200
#24 on the Rock Album chart
#9 on the Hard Rock Album chart
So... A-Mob wins? :lol
-
Well they do walk a big walk.
-
So I'm digging this album too, and the Toto comparisons are right on. I also dig Toto so that's not a bad thing to me at all. It's players with chops doing more straight-forward stuff, but I wouldn't go so far as to call it pop music. It sounds like progressive rock to me, just poppy progressive rock. The Asia comparison works too. I just got the album a few days ago so we're still getting acquainted, but Kayla and The Storm are the stand out tracks for me so far.
One minor critique- I'm not super in to Casey whatshisname's vocals. I was never blown away by Neal's vocals before but on this album whenever he comes in with a lead vocal part I'm like "yay!" :lol
-
For first week sales, I have to wonder how the pre-order system effected the numbers. I pre-ordered my copy through their official thing, and my copy came from the Netherlands. It would be interesting to see how many Americans bought the album without it counting as an album sale in the US.
-
The CD debuted at:
#81 on the Billboard 200
#24 on the Rock Album chart
#9 on the Hard Rock Album chart
So... A-Mob wins? :lol
Well it is possible that A-Mob sold less but charted higher (due to week to week variations and no sales number shown), chances are that A-Mob outdid Flying Colors.
-
For first week sales, I have to wonder how the pre-order system effected the numbers. I pre-ordered my copy through their official thing, and my copy came from the Netherlands. It would be interesting to see how many Americans bought the album without it counting as an album sale in the US.
I think all pre-orders count towards first week sales, but I could be wrong.
-
The CD debuted at:
#81 on the Billboard 200
#24 on the Rock Album chart
#9 on the Hard Rock Album chart
So... A-Mob wins? :lol
Well it is possible that A-Mob sold less but charted higher (due to week to week variations and no sales number shown), chances are that A-Mob outdid Flying Colors.
IIRC, A-Mob sold ~6600 the 1st week.
There's no accounting for taste, I guess... :P
-
Yeah, AMob was 6,000, I was just saying there was no number posted for this.
-
One minor critique- I'm not super in to Casey whatshisname's vocals. I was never blown away by Neal's vocals before but on this album whenever he comes in with a lead vocal part I'm like "yay!" :lol
I know you're not the only one who's having some problems with Casey's voice, but to me it's one of the things that takes this album to the next level.
SO EMOTION; SO FEELINGS!!!
-
Casey does a great job.
-
I like Casey's vocals for the most part, and I enjoy when Neal comes in. Had Neal been the primary vocalist, FC would have been labelled as YANA (Yet Another Neal Album).
-
One minor critique- I'm not super in to Casey whatshisname's vocals. I was never blown away by Neal's vocals before but on this album whenever he comes in with a lead vocal part I'm like "yay!" :lol
I know you're not the only one who's having some problems with Casey's voice, but to me it's one of the things that takes this album to the next level.
SO EMOTION; SO FEELINGS!!!
Yeah I think it's more just because Neal's vocals are familiar to me and I'm still getting to know this album. I had to think of a critique so I didn't just sound like a gusher :lol. Ok here's another- I think at this point Portnoy's drumming is beginning to feel very "been there, done that" to me. Just kind of predictable to the point of being boring. Probably my fault since I spent a few years of my life basically only listening to music that he drummed on :lol.
I like Casey's vocals for the most part, and I enjoy when Neal comes in. Had Neal been the primary vocalist, FC would have been labelled as YANA (Yet Another Neal Album).
Very true.
-
I enjoy MP's drumming on FC because, for the most part, it fits with the music and doesn't sound like he's overplaying or playing to draw attention to the drums. Whether or not it's super-original, I'll have to trust better ears than mine. I'm not one who's really able to discern things like "MP's been playing the same stuff since 2002."
-
I'm not one who's really able to discern things like "MP's been playing the same stuff since 2002."
You can't discern what's not there anyway, so don't feel bad.
-
For first week sales, I have to wonder how the pre-order system effected the numbers. I pre-ordered my copy through their official thing, and my copy came from the Netherlands. It would be interesting to see how many Americans bought the album without it counting as an album sale in the US.
I think all pre-orders count towards first week sales, but I could be wrong.
What I'm saying though is that if someone in the US buys the album, but it turns out that they're buying it from the Netherlands, it won't count toward the US sales total.
-
I like Casey's vocals for the most part, and I enjoy when Neal comes in. Had Neal been the primary vocalist, FC would have been labelled as YANA (Yet Another Neal Album).
True. It is still regarded by many as a Neal Morse side project, but by having someone else do most of the lead vocals, it deflects a lot of that away from him. Plus, I'm sure Neal doesn't mind just focusing on keys sometimes and not having to worry about the vocals.
-
For first week sales, I have to wonder how the pre-order system effected the numbers. I pre-ordered my copy through their official thing, and my copy came from the Netherlands. It would be interesting to see how many Americans bought the album without it counting as an album sale in the US.
I think all pre-orders count towards first week sales, but I could be wrong.
What I'm saying though is that if someone in the US buys the album, but it turns out that they're buying it from the Netherlands, it won't count toward the US sales total.
True, but I don't think that's going to be a statistically significant number of people.
-
Ordinarily I would agree, but with Flying Colors' first week number in the US (6,300), and the much higher ratio of pre-orders on a project like this, I think it could have had an impact.
Ultimately, it isn't all that important. At the end of the day, the most important sales figure for them is the overall number, which would be the same either way. It's just something to think about.
-
Having Casey as the singer did wonders to the album, I agree.
rumborak
-
So AMob, a band that's been promoted very heavily by Eddie Trunk, MP, and other metal magazines, sold what, 6600 in the first week? Flying Colors, which has had relatively little promotion (especially in news outlets beyond the members' own facebook pages), sold 6300 copies in the first week. Pretty darn good, I'd say.
-
So AMob, a band that's been promoted very heavily by Eddie Trunk, MP, and other metal magazines, sold what, 6600 in the first week? Flying Colors, which has had relatively little promotion (especially in news outlets beyond the members' own facebook pages), sold 6300 copies in the first week. Pretty darn good, I'd say.
I don't think the two are particularly comparable, but we're playing that game then you should also factor in that Flying Colors have well established members from a number of different well-known bands, and so have a wider variety of existing fan audiences to be tapping into. Whereas AM basically just has Portnoy and Allen. But regardless, I don't think opening week sales mean anything.
Having Casey as the singer did wonders to the album, I agree.
rumborak
Yeah I think he does a really good job.
-
Rich hits the nail on the head. I personally think for a debut album this did rather well, but in either case people have either overvalued this, or they've undervalued the draw of Adrenaline Mob.
I hope the first week sales are enough to have them do a more extensive tour.
-
I don't know whether somebody else got the same vibe or mentioned it before but I taste a lil Supertarmp at Love is What I'm Waiting For along with Queen....
wow... loads to find out about this album....
-
I don't know whether somebody else got the same vibe or mentioned it before but I taste a lil Supertarmp at Love is What I'm Waiting For along with Queen....
wow... loads to find out about this album....
Yep! :tup Felt that vibe a LONG time ago, but it's still awesome.
Also, still discovering more Yes-moments on the album in addition to the ending of "Everything Changes" and the organ-part near the end of "Infinite Fire" which starts with just organ solo, then guitar and drums come in roaring. Reminds me of something Yes would've done post-CTTE.
-Marc.
-
wow yes!
never would have thought I'd dig so many ballads on an album... they obviously nailed it!
always nice reviews Marc!
-
Just listened to Kayla and holy damn the mix was bad. Really bad. The song was OK I guess.
-
So AMob, a band that's been promoted very heavily by Eddie Trunk, MP, and other metal magazines, sold what, 6600 in the first week? Flying Colors, which has had relatively little promotion (especially in news outlets beyond the members' own facebook pages), sold 6300 copies in the first week. Pretty darn good, I'd say.
I don't think the two are particularly comparable, but we're playing that game then you should also factor in that Flying Colors have well established members from a number of different well-known bands, and so have a wider variety of existing fan audiences to be tapping into. Whereas AM basically just has Portnoy and Allen. But regardless, I don't think opening week sales mean anything.
John Moyer from Disturbed did join Adrenaline Mob, even though he's not on the album. That may have created some interest.
-
Anyone think a Flying Colors Survivor would be cool? I know they JUST released their debut album, but I'd like to do one sometime in the coming weeks if there's enough interest in it.
-Marc.
-
Anyone think a Flying Colors Survivor would be cool? I know they JUST released their debut album, but I'd like to do one sometime in the coming weeks if there's enough interest in it.
-Marc.
I'm down for it.
-
Can we all just agree now that The Storm wins?
-
You want us to agree that a song inferior to Infinite Fire wins?
-
Can we all just agree now that Blue Ocean wins?
-
You know, if that, Kayla or The Storm wins I would be happy. Infinite Fire is great, but not as good as those.
-
Awesome. I'll do the survivor on the first of May, giving everyone at least 4-5 weeks with the album. I think that'll be enough time for everyone to absorb the songs.
-Marc.
-
Can we all just agree now that Blue Ocean wins?
-
I'd be rooting for Everything Changes, Kayla, and The Storm, personally, but to be honest this is such a solid record I'd be okay with any of the songs winning.
-
I already know the outcome
Kayla will be 1
SCW or All Falls Down bottom 2
I would be happy if All Falls Down gets higher, That song is the perfect length.
-
Serious question: During the verses in Kayla, is that a vocal effect or auto-tuning? I am pretty sure it is a vocal effect, but either way, it seemed unnecessary. Why not let him sing that melody with his natural voice and without any help?
Also, there is no way that Kayla is better than at least four or five of the songs from this, although I suspect the catchiness of it will make many think otherwise. And I say that while recognizing that "better" is completely subjective.
-
i'm surprised by the apparent lack of love in this thread for Forever in a Daze...i'd say it and Shoulda Coulda Woulda are the two funnest songs on the album (and, obviously, its more than apparent SCW doesn't get much love).
-
Forever In A Daze is amazing.
-
Forever in a Daze is definitely a really good song. I love Steve Morse's "whiny" guitar lead, and the chorus is one of the catchiest ones on the whole record. :tup :tup
-
Let's see, rank the choruses on the album:
Blue Ocean
Forever In A Daze
Better Than Walking Away
Love Is What I'm Waiting For
Everything Changes
The Storm
Infinite Fire
Fool In My Heart
Kayla
Shoulda Coulda Woulda
All Falls Down
-
Forever in a Daze is definitely a really good song. I love Steve Morse's "whiny" guitar lead, and the chorus is one of the catchiest ones on the whole record. :tup :tup
true dat. i almost feel obliged to sing the FIAD chorus out loud.
Let's see, rank the choruses on the album:
man, i'd have to throw the album on and start analyzing...but i'd say your 1, 2, and 4 positions would be among my top spots as well.
-
Yeah, it's hard when almost all the choruses are great.
-
It's still hard to put the songs in a specific order, much less the choruses. :lol
However, on a slight down note, as much as I like Everything Changes, and as big a fan as I am of Neal Morse, the bridge in that song not only is pretty average, but it sounds completely out of place in regards to the rest of the song. Put a much better bridge in that tune, and I'd be calling it the best from the album for sure.
-
I love the bridge. I feel all, "giddy".
-
okay, im not gonna put my analyzing cap on, but the thread now has me in the mood for the album...randomizing this isht starting out rocking on FIAD. :metal
instrumental bit following second chorus and vocal build up into third chorus = :hefdaddy
man, i love this song.
-
When I listen to this song, it turns me into a thousand horses.
-
I love every aspect of the music in 'Forever In a Daze', but some of the lyrics are pretty questionable. 'You turn me into a thousand horses'. What the hell is that about?
-
Yeah, I don't get it.
-
:lol Bizkit... you killed me....
pain of occupation... thanks man.. I find the lack of enthusiasm for FIAD disturbing too :p
the song is friggin brilliant!... brilliant!
I'm down for a survivor too... although the result will probably devastate me :-\
-
DTF Survivors = FAIL
-
:lol spot on!
-
Yeah, this album has definitely been in my head alot. :metal
-
DTF Survivors = FAIL
Indeed.
Also, Forever in a Daze is awesome, I don't get why people don't seem to like it.
-
This album is a surefire 2012 AOTY contender... but "Love Is What I'm Waiting For" really drags it down... a bit too... "top 40" for me.
-
I wish I could love this album as much as you guys seems to do, but I've spun this one a couple of times and it doesn't do anything for me. Nothing grabs me, aside from a few catchy choruses here and there. Hopefully it will click some day, but right now it's far away from Album Of The Year for me.
:sadpanda:
-
This album is a surefire 2012 AOTY contender... but "Love Is What I'm Waiting For" really drags it down... a bit too... "top 40" for me.
Take a close listen to this song with headphones on. It's a mixing masterpiece, it's almost a Sgt. Pepper outtake.
-
'Love Is What I'm Waiting For' is great as well. This is surely an AOTY contender so far, though I can't say I've heard a lot from 2012.
-
This album is a surefire 2012 AOTY contender... but "Love Is What I'm Waiting For" really drags it down... a bit too... "top 40" for me.
I am not even sure what that means. Can you name a current top 40 song that it sounds like so I can have a reference?
-
Not really. But I could easily hear it on the radio in the pharmacy I work at.
-
Okay, but why is that a bad thing?
-
Love is what I'm waiting for is easily one of my favorites on the album, it's one of those perfect songs. And this album has three, so that's really saying something about this release.
-
So I gave my friend (my band's bassist) a copy of the album, and his taste in music varies a lot, but isn't nearly as proggy as mine is (more mainstream rock/metal kind of stuff, but he's also into jazz and other things), and after a couple weeks with it, he tells me he's been listening to it non-stop in his car. He told me his favorites were tracks 3, 4, 5, 8 and 10, and I could see that - they were all the shorter tracks, the more concise rock songs, but he said he was just stunned by how GOOD everyone was on the album, vocals, solos, all the instruments, etc. etc.
Felt so good to share some great music with someone who has the capacity to understand and appreciate good musicianship in great music! :tup
-Marc.
-
damn... I love those moments.... but since I tend to smother people when I really like a band, I stopped rec'ing people music.... that's one of the reasons why I started my webzine ... to satisfy this need!
-
It sounds like this is something I should definitely look into. Is this group anything like Transatlantic sound-wise?
-
It sounds like this is something I should definitely look into. Is this group anything like Transatlantic sound-wise?
No.
-
Then what do they sound like?
-
I think Infinite fire sounds a bit like Transatlantic, maybe that's why it's the best song on the album. But overall it's a mixture of all sorts of influences and elements, although I don't know if I could name any bands.
-
Yeah, I can't narrow it down to any one band or style; you just have to listen for yourself.
And I don't even think Infinite Fire sounds like Transatlantic that much. Sure, it sounds the most like TA because it is the only prog rock song on there, but saying that implies that it sounds a lot like TA. Which it really doesn't.
-
Yeah, I can't narrow it down to any one band or style; you just have to listen for yourself.
And I don't even think Infinite Fire sounds like Transatlantic that much. Sure, it sounds the most like TA because it is the only prog rock song on there, but saying that implies that it sounds a lot like TA. Which it really doesn't.
Well, I think the only way that comparison makes sense is that Neal Morse had a hand in both - most of TA tends to be Neal's writing, and I'm pretty sure most of "Infinite Fire" was from Neal.
Other than that, you can't really pinpoint ONE influence/sound on this album - it's a lot of EVERYTHING from five very different people, and even if you narrow it down to Mike/Neal having worked together, and Steve/Dave having worked together, once you throw in someone like Casey into the bunch, you get a whole other side of music in there that those four guys normally do not perform.
-Marc.
-
It sounds like this is something I should definitely look into. Is this group anything like Transatlantic sound-wise?
No.
Generally I agree with Kev, but there are moments where you can see some of the Beatles influence that Neal and Mike brought into TA creeping into this album.
-
SO you say there's only one prog song on there. Is it so diverse that you can only call it hard rock? How heavy does the album get?
-
As heavy as 'All Falls Down' and that song feels out of place.
-
There are really only two hard rocking songs (and they are two of the three I usually skip).
Overall, it is just rock. There is a lot of catchiness to it, and they mostly kept things nice and simple. And that works to its advantage.
-
As heavy as 'All Falls Down' and that song feels out of place.
Yeah it should've been placed more in the 4th 6th song.
Implode, just listen to it. You won't know unless you try
-
Oh yes. I plan on listening, and I'm excited to. I wanted to get more of an idea while I waited for classes to end so I can go listen to it.
-
The instrumental section in the middle of Infinite Fire sounds a lot like Transatlantic. It's one of my favorite parts of the album.
-
The instrumental section in the middle of Infinite Fire sounds a lot like Transatlantic. It's one of my favorite parts of the album.
I love "Ray Manzarek" keyboard sound Neal uses in that part.
-
i agree with nick. you can hear transatlantic-isms at moments throughout the album (particularly in how you can hear the beatles influence in both bands).
-
I think that is more or less the Neal Morse influence, which is obviously very prevalent on the Transatlantic records. But that's it.
-
And I don't even think Infinite Fire sounds like Transatlantic that much. Sure, it sounds the most like TA because it is the only prog rock song on there, but saying that implies that it sounds a lot like TA. Which it really doesn't.
Maybe I should have put it differently. Some bits in there remind me of Neal Morse, which includes Spock's beard and Transatlantic. I'm sure he's the one that came up with most of the verses and chord progressions, the verse that begins with ''Bitter land of sight unseen'' just screams Neal Morse. It's just so him and therefore my favorite part of the album. ;D
-
So, I listened to the album. Wasn't too impressed - Forever in a Daze was amazing though.
-
I love the album. It's really really good. Glad MP put it out with A-Mob too cause I was about to give up with him after that one.. definitely shows MP is still capable of putting good stuff out. I also read about a possible new TA album and tour, so fingers crossed.
But yeah, this album is definitely a masterpiece. I can't wait for the next one.
-
Ok, here's a thing that really annoys me about FC: Spotify knows two bands called "Flying Colors" but it merges them, which means after listening to the good stuff you're "treated" to some rather boring reggae.
rumborak
-
:lol exactly :(
-
Ok, here's a thing that really annoys me about FC: Spotify knows two bands called "Flying Colors" but it merges them, which means after listening to the good stuff you're "treated" to some rather boring reggae.
rumborak
Press the name of the album and only that album will appear.
-
So when is there going to be a survivor?
-
You want us to agree that a song inferior to Infinite Fire wins?
-
So when is there going to be a survivor?
I was going to wait a couple weeks or so, but I can start it now if you guys want!
-Marc.
-
Still waiting for my copy in the mail. :facepalm:
-
Still waiting for my copy in the mail. :facepalm:
Then I'll wait. How about this - I'll start it on May 1st. So everybody who has their copy can get their listens in and their rankings (in prep for the Survivor), and for those who are still waiting can get a chance to at least hear it a few times before the Survivor begins!
-Marc.
-
Cool! Can't wait for the blood bath survivor :laugh:
-
Still waiting for my copy in the mail. :facepalm:
Then I'll wait. How about this - I'll start it on May 1st. So everybody who has their copy can get their listens in and their rankings (in prep for the Survivor), and for those who are still waiting can get a chance to at least hear it a few times before the Survivor begins!
-Marc.
Yeah, that's fine. I should get it within the next couple of days, so that's heaps of time.
-
Sounds good to me. :tup
-
wife's lucky the large tee fits (i almost always order mediums).
good summer tee; thin as fuck.
-
Should be arriving from good ole Amazon tomorrow. Looking forward to it! ;D
-
Wore my Flying Colors t-shirt for the first time this weekend to a NJ Nets game. I was hoping another prog over would recognize the shirt, but no luck.
(https://img833.imageshack.us/img833/3554/flyingcolorsn.jpg) (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/833/flyingcolorsn.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (https://imageshack.us)
-
Who is that?
-
Who is that?
Mebert78.
-
Future Mebert at 78 is what he meant.
-
Who is that?
It's Mr. Whammy, a.k.a. an energetic senior citizen who sits behind the opponent's basket and tries to jinx them.
This was my fav band t-shirt that I received over SX, OSI, Redemption, Arch/Matheos, etc. It's a nice light material with a tight neckhole.
-
Still pretty lukewarm on this album. Some great songs and some so-so songs. Casey is great on some and not so great on others. Lots of potential for this group though if they choose to do anything further together.
It's kind of funny about MPs drumming for me. I've never really notice the "same-ness" of his drumming lately as others have pointed out, but I notice one particular fill that he does a ton on this album and many times in DT songs. It's two measures of 16th notes where he does four on a low drum and then four on a higher drum or symbol or tambourine or something (it varies from time to time, but it's the same sequence). It's bugging me so much for some reason. Not really that big of a deal musically, but it's just an "ah... there's that damn fill again!" kind of thing.
-
Wore my Flying Colors t-shirt for the first time this weekend to a NJ Nets game. I was hoping another prog over would recognize the shirt, but no luck.
(https://img833.imageshack.us/img833/3554/flyingcolorsn.jpg) (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/833/flyingcolorsn.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (https://imageshack.us)
Hmm... I might have to get me one of them.
I'm liking the album - I'm on the second listen and there's nothing that I don't like....
-
Wore my Flying Colors t-shirt for the first time this weekend to a NJ Nets game. I was hoping another prog over would recognize the shirt, but no luck.
(https://img833.imageshack.us/img833/3554/flyingcolorsn.jpg) (https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/833/flyingcolorsn.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (https://imageshack.us)
I know the feeling Mebert! looking good with that tee though!!!!
and that dude throwing the horns is just so cool... very nice pic!!!!
-
There seems to be another band called Flying Colors making more jazzy prog that always shows up when searching for this band. I have searched the internet for info on this other band but can barely find anything lika a discography or some information. Anyone have any idea about this?
They had an album called "The Other Side" that was out 2010?
This may have already been talked about but there's like 30 pages so my enthusiasm for a thorough search was lacking.
-
Flying Colors: Inside "Shoulda Coulda Woulda"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwhTaa7rMSM
-
Great video. The captions were hilarious. "Steve has used the same guitar for over 400 years." :lol
-
Right, that video's convinced me. I fancy buying this album.
Question, though - and I can't find the answer on Amazon, on Radiant Records, on the Flying Colors website, anywhere. What's the difference between the standard edition and the limited edition?
-
The limited edition is a digipak.
That's the only difference. :)
-
Interesting video, although it figures that they did one for one of the few songs I do not like. :lol
-
The limited edition is a digipak.
That's the only difference. :)
Aha! That explains it.
I don't even like digipacks, so - perfect! Free money! Thanks, Flying Colors.
-
The captions :lol
'Jamming on the Ostinato is illegal in South America'
-
Loved Steve Morse's narration. Nice to see a guitar player who understands the mechanics of his instrument.
rumborak
-
Love the captions. I love watching the behind the scenes stuff in music as well as sports.
-
pain of occupation inb4 mike portnoy on the shoulda coulda woulda stone temple pilots comparison.
-
That was a great video. It's so much fun, especially the parts with Neal, Mike and Casey working out the vocal harmonies. Also, the captions are hilarious. :lol
-
Excellent video.
-
pain of occupation inb4 mike portnoy on the shoulda coulda woulda stone temple pilots comparison.
Yeah he loves to make those comparisons on every song :)
-
Hope they announce a tour soon, I'm interested in seeing them live.
-
Love the captions.
MIXING
Nothing interesting happened.
:lol
-
That is a GREAT video. In lieu of a proper making-of-DVD with the release of the album, these clips are pretty good. I'd like to see one for EACH song, featuring video from some (or all) of the band members and their input on the song.
I think releasing one of these every couple weeks would be a great way to build up to a major tour announcement!
-Marc.
-
As cool as that would be, it's a lot of work, and I'm really happy with this one if it is the only one.
-
You never know what these guys will pull out ;)
-
That's what she said.
And also, WHAT DO YOU KNOW?!?
-
The album is actually aging pretty well. The vocals are kind of flat in parts, but when he nails it...he fucking nails it.
-
haven't seen the video yet... keep forgetting to check it out when I have access to YT.... maybe because they chose my least-fav track to shoot video for... :-\
-
haven't seen the video yet... keep forgetting to check it out when I have access to YT.... maybe because they chose my least-fav track to shoot video for... :-\
The metal track is your least favorite? I think this forum is getting to you :)
-
Metal or not, the vocal melodies are too ugly for SCW to be anything more than mediocre. The music is good, but the vocal melodies are just blech. It almost sounds like they went for a Muse feel with them, but missed the mark badly, at least in terms of quality. Thank goodness most of the rest of the album is really good (save for tracks 9 and 10).
-
Metal or not, the vocal melodies are too ugly for SCW to be anything more than mediocre. The music is good, but the vocal melodies are just blech. It almost sounds like they went for a Muse feel with them, but missed the mark badly, at least in terms of quality. Thank goodness most of the rest of the album is really good (save for tracks 9 and 10).
I totally agree. It is my least favorite song on the album as well. I was making a joke :)
Although, I like Fool in my heart. It's a really nice song.
-
Couldn't disagree more about SCW, it's one of my favourite songs on the album, and a large part of that is the vocal melodies. Each to their own I guess.
-
Couldn't disagree more about SCW, it's one of my favourite songs on the album, and a large part of that is the vocal melodies. Each to their own I guess.
Either that or your musical taste sucks.... It doesn't really, just in this particular case
-
WHY I OUGHTA
-
WHY I OUGHTA
You better, otherwise you'll always think...
Shoulda, coulda, woulda.
-
SCW has gotten much better over time :tup
-
I like SCW. It's a fun song.
-
MP tweeted that we're getting tour dates tomorrow, "very special tour w only a handful of dates".
-
I also remember a tweet awhile back that said Sep. 4th, LA, Sep. 6th NYC, save the dates! or something to that effect. I hope that's NOT Flying Colors as I'm leaving on a big trip Sep 7th, and while that won't keep me from the show, it would make it quite difficult on me.
-
I hate to be a downer, but I would almost guarantee this will be US (+Canadian date or three maybe), and Europe.
And before any full announcement, I'd like to come back to my prediction of the small size of this tour. :)
-
Calling this a "special tour' with the implication being that it is special because fans will only be able to catch them in a small number of cities is rather silly, considering they'd probably go to as many cities as possible, but demand for it is probably nil since they are still a complete unknown, thus they are likely taking what can get right now; that is hardly special. ;)
Having said that, I'd like to see them, but I seriously doubt St. Louis will be one of the chosen few.
-
Hoping for a London show.
-
I hope Atlanta :tup
To be honest, I've never been to a "real" concert :(
-
A Philly date with tickets in the $25-30 range would make me a happy camper.
-
A Philly date with tickets in the $25-30 range would make me a happy camper.
Would much prefer Philly to NYC, but I doubt they'll do both, likely be NYC, and if TA and NM are any examples I'd be looking at $40+
-
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=32173.0
Flying Colors - Flying Colors Survivor (Round 1)
-Marc.
-
FLYING COLORS 2012 TOUR DATES
Mike Portnoy • Neal Morse • Casey McPherson • Dave LaRue • Steve Morse
• Tues Sept 4th - Torrence, CA - James Armstrong Theater
(Special Guests: New World Martyr)
• Thurs Sept 6th - New York, NY - Best Buy Theater
(Special Guests: Jolly)
• Sun Sept 9th - Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle
(Special Guests: Beardfish)
• Mon Sept 10th - Berlin, Germany - Columbia Club
(Special Guests: Beardfish)
• Tues Sept 11th - Munich, Germany - Theaterfabrik
(Special Guests: Beardfish)
• Thurs Sept 13th - Milan, Italy - Alcatraz
(Special Guests: Beardfish)
• Fri Sept 14th - Zurich, Switzerland - Volkhaus
(Special Guests: Beardfish)
• Sat Sept 15th - Stuttgart, Germany - Longhorn
(Special Guests: Beardfish)
• Sun Sept 16th - Aschaffenburg, Germany - Colos Saal
(Special Guests: Beardfish)
• Mon Sept 17th - Cologne, Germany - Gloria
(Special Guests: Beardfish)
• Wed Sept 19th - Paris, France - La Trionon
(Special Guests: Beardfish)
• Thurs Sept 20th - Tilburg, Holland - 013
(Special Guests: Beardfish)
• Fri Sept 21st - London, England - Shepherd's Bush Empire
(Special Guests: Beardfish)
As there was a very limited window of availability that the band's collective schedules allowed, these will be the only Flying Colors shows in 2012.
If we're not playing near you, c'mon out and take a road trip to share these very special shows with us!!
www.flyingcolorsmusic.com
---------------------------------------------
TICKET INFO:
CA Tickets on Sale Sat May 5th
CA Tickets available ONLY at: https://www.calprog.com/
NYC Tickets on Sale Fri May 11th:
https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/2B0048A273EF38A2
Tickets for all German shows on Sale Sat May 5th: www.ticketmaster.de
Milan Tickets on Sale Fri May 5th:
www.ticketone.it
www.livenation.it
Zurich Tickets on Sale Fri May 5th:
www.taifunmusic.ch
www.ticketcorner.ch
Paris Tickets on Sale Fri May 5th:
www.fnacspectacles.com
Tilburg Tickets on Sale Fri May 5th:
https://www.ticketmaster.nl/event/FLYING-COLOURS-SPECIAL-GUESTS-tickets/FL200912
London Tickets on Sale Mon May 7th:
https://www.gigsandtours.com/r/FlyingColors
-
I might consider traveling to one of these, it only depends on the exams and the cash. A lot of cash. :lol
But man, it would sure be swell. ;D
-
I'll be at the London show.
Interesting comment from MP on his forum:
In fact, It was originally ONLY a European tour as Steve ONLY had X amount of time available (he is at the mercy of Deep Purple and G3 schedules) and I twisted his arm to add a few more dates to add a couple of US shows as I knew we HAD to play at least both coasts...
-
Flying Colors + Beardfish on one evening? Yes, please! :)
-
Well, my schedule is cleared for September 6th :hat
-
Cool that they're doing an L.A. and a N.Y. date, but I can't do those, unfortunately. :(
-
Flying Colors + Beardfish on one evening? Yes, please! :)
I'm thinking of going too. Depends a bit on the pricetag. Plus I don't know any Beardfish music yet, although I've heard good stories about them for ages.
-
Awesome! Although there does seem to be a disproportionate number of shows in Germany.
-
I'm tempted to road trip up to NY for the show, but it's a lot of time/money I may not have at the time.
Also, I'm hoping a show gets filmed for an eventual live release (CD, DVD and/or BR).
What they plan on playing, however, is what I'm mostly interesting. I really want to see them pull off "Seeds Of Gold", just so we can get Steve Morse playing his actual solo in that song! I also wouldn't mind hearing Neal's other T2 songs "Absolute Beginner" and "Supernatural". I expect we'll get at least ONE Transatlantic tune, maybe a Spocks' Beard tune, something from The Beatles, and maybe something Steve/Dave have done together.
-Marc.
-
Flying Colors + Beardfish on one evening? Yes, please! :)
I'm thinking of going too. Depends a bit on the pricetag. Plus I don't know any Beardfish music yet, although I've heard good stories about them for ages.
Cool! To be honest, I've only heard Mammoth and I recommend that to basically anyone. Great album, but I too have to check out some of their other stuff.
-
No Chicago date? I'm crying.
-
Holy crap, the CA show is right around the block from where I work! I like the Flying Colors album and all but not enough to be terribly motivated to see them live, but now I feel like I kind of have to!
-
Flying Colors + Beardfish on one evening? Yes, please! :)
I'm thinking of going too. Depends a bit on the pricetag. Plus I don't know any Beardfish music yet, although I've heard good stories about them for ages.
Cool! To be honest, I've only heard Mammoth and I recommend that to basically anyone. Great album, but I too have to check out some of their other stuff.
Nice! Presale tomorrow, I'll keep you posted!
-
No Chicago date? I'm crying.
No Philly date either, I will join you in the crying :'(
But Germany gets like 6 shows... I'm so jealous.
-
I really want to go to the LA show, but I can't think of anyone to go with.
Still, seems like too significant of a show to pass up
-
Damn, so many shows in Germany, and I'm sitting here in Boston :(
It is ludicrous that an American band can't get enough draw in their own country to do more than a few gigs.
Wondering right now also what's next for MP. I doubt FC will play too many gigs outside those, and AM is probably also only going to yield a few more gigs.
rumborak
-
If he really wants to put in the work to make AM successful, I think they could make it and become a somewhat decent touring band.
Although I much prefer FC, the other members are just too busy with their REAL jobs to make it a priority. It will never be all that successful.
-
I only gave this a listen yesterday and it's really good!
-
I only gave this a listen yesterday and it's really good!
Superb, isn't it?! Really, really well done.
Just got it in the last week. Only listened... twice, maybe? Three times at a stretch, but probably twice. And yet, I can't stop thinking about the songs. They keep playing over, looping round in my head. The whole thing's brilliant, so much more than just another collaboration between Mike Portnoy and Neil Morse. The moment they hired their singer was the moment I thought "there might actually be a germ of something here," but I never expected anything even half this good. Nothing but praise. Love it to bits. Pleased to be wrong.
-
No more beating around the bush rob, just tell us if you like it. :D
-
As someone recently got me...
Superb, isn't it?! Really, really well done.
Just got it in the last week. Only listened... twice, maybe? Three times at a stretch, but probably twice. And yet, I can't stop thinking about the songs. They keep playing over, looping round in my head. The whole thing's brilliant, so much more than just another collaboration between Mike Portnoy and Neil Morse. The moment they hired their singer was the moment I thought "there might actually be a germ of something here," but I never expected anything even half this good. Nothing but praise. Love it to bits. Pleased to be wrong.
The whole thing's brilliant, so much more than just another collaboration between Mike Portnoy and Neil Morse.
Neil Morse
Neil
Fail. :D
-
That was deliberate! I was, um, satirising you. And all you stand for.
No more beating around the bush rob, just tell us if you like it. :D
It's alright.
-
The DPRP finally put up their RTR:
https://www.dprp.net/reviews/201215.php
-Marc.
-
So much fail in those reviews, but that's what you get when you have prog guys review a CD that they feel isn't proggy enough. In particular, Basil Francis' review is laughably stupid; he said so many stupid things, including the following:
"The latest prog rock supergroup" is the term I keep hearing to define this outfit
Er, I am pretty sure most people are not calling this a prog rock supergroup. The band has always been vocal about the fact that this was not gonna be a prog thing.
It pains me that they have chosen the American spelling of 'colours' over the British spelling
:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol
Yeah, an American group should use the British spelling. Okay. :rollin :rollin
The story behind the music is the classic case of 'real musicians' trying to make 'real music'.
I love how he says that like it is a bad thing. Yeah, real music is just terrible. :tdwn :tdwn
Fans shouldn't be fooled, as the music here is nothing like Dream Theater, Transatlantic, Deep Purple or indeed any of the bands that the musicians have been in before.
Why would that fool anyone? No one in the band has said that this would sound like any of those bands.
Everything is too simple, see-through.
"Too simple" done well can be great.
There are no clever musical themes, or interesting lyrical ideas, but instead solos and catchy choruses.
Wait, a prog guy is saying that solos are a bad thing? And what is wrong with catchy choruses? Yeah, I hate songs with choruses so catchy that they get stuck in your head for hours. /sarcasm
At no point can I see any use of the brain on this album.
That's funny because at no point in his review did I see any use of a brain. Ironic.
-
:lol
Kev, you should find work reviewing reviews.
-
Heh, maybe, but seriously, am I wrong? That guy clearly went in looking to hate the CD because it "ain't prog," even if he never said those exact words. Hell, even the first reviewer, while giving it a good overall review and an 8/10, said he went in almost determined to not enjoy the album? Who goes in looking to NOT enjoy an album? ???
-
I really hate the expression "haters gonna hate" (hmmm, ironic or something) but if ever there was a classic case of it, here it is. Flying Colors is exactly what it was meant to be, exactly what the band says it is, nothing they said it wouldn't be, and reviewers still don't like it. Even if they actually do like it, they still shit on it because it wasn't what they expected. Why? Because they weren't paying attention to what the band actually said to expect, and not to expect?
Professional reviewers are idiots and should shut up.
-
Yeah, if you ever see me do a review like this please just shoot me.
-
I really hate the expression "haters gonna hate" (hmmm, ironic or something) but if ever there was a classic case of it, here it is. Flying Colors is exactly what it was meant to be, exactly what the band says it is, nothing they said it wouldn't be, and reviewers still don't like it. Even if they actually do like it, they still shit on it because it wasn't what they expected. Why? Because they weren't paying attention to what the band actually said to expect, and not to expect?
Professional reviewers are idiots and should shut up.
QFT.
-
Heh, maybe, but seriously, am I wrong? That guy clearly went in looking to hate the CD because it "ain't prog," even if he never said those exact words. Hell, even the first reviewer, while giving it a good overall review and an 8/10, said he went in almost determined to not enjoy the album? Who goes in looking to NOT enjoy an album? ???
Everyone on this board with Adrenaline Mob. :p
-
It pains me that they have chosen the American spelling of 'colours' over the British spelling
:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol
Yeah, an American group should use the British spelling. Okay. :rollin :rollin
I know, right? I mean, I can't think of a single U.S. band who spells the second word of their name in American English.
-
I hate to be a downer, but I would almost guarantee this will be US (+Canadian date or three maybe), and Europe.
And before any full announcement, I'd like to come back to my prediction of the small size of this tour. :)
Not rocket science Nick, but we should be happy Mike pressed for the US dates. I didn't think there would be a US tour at all if I were honest about it.
The city on a weeknight is usually a killer, but I'm in.
Tickets seem to be a little more reasonable than I was expecting too.
-
How much are tickets going for? I would guess around 30 bucks or so before service charges.
-
$30 for NYC I think, but probably will be closer to $50 for a single ticket once all the charges are in.
-
That sounds about right.
Also, my brother checked out The Storm on youtube today, liked it, and bought the mp3s from iTunes tonight. His first text to me about it was:
Blue Ocean good, 2nd song is awful
:lol :lol :lol
I had to agree. :biggrin:
-
Hmm, don't get me wrong, the whole album is amazing, but my favorite song is definitely Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda. :lol Interesting to see that many of you do not like the song.
-
Finally listening to this for the first time, and I'm only onto the third song, but so far it's pretty decent, it sounds really fresh. Great to hear Morse getting some killer leads in. IMO though, MP's drums are too loud, especially the kick drum.
-
Finally listening to this for the first time, and I'm only onto the third song, but so far it's pretty decent, it sounds really fresh. Great to hear Morse getting some killer leads in. IMO though, MP's drums are too loud, especially the kick drum.
It's MP, his drums are always really loud :P
-
Yeah, if you are buying a CD that Portnoy plays on, it is usually safe to assume going in that the drums will be very high in the mix. Most of the time they aren't intrusive despite this, so it is usually okay with me (although there are several glaring examples to the contrary over the years, but whatever).
And the more I listen to this, the more I realize that Kayla ain't even close to be the best song on this. It is a good song, but Blue Ocean, The Storm, Everything Changes and Infinite Fire all kick the snot out of it.
-
The volume of his drums never really bothered me at all in the past, but I think because it's a different more laid back style of music, I notice it a ot more.
-
The only qualm I have with MP is that I think Fool in my Heart could have been a lot better with Casey singing all of it. I find myself really anticipating his entry into the song because by that point I'm kinda tired of the vocals. Especially the whole "cut to his knee-hees" I find rather distracting.
rumborak
-
The only qualm I have with MP is that I think Fool in my Heart could have been a lot better with Casey singing all of it. I find myself really anticipating his entry into the song because by that point I'm kinda tired of the vocals. Especially the whole "cut to his knee-hees" I find rather distracting.
rumborak
I've grown to like it, and any qualms I had with the song before have all but disappeared. Any fans who dislike the song, however, should not blame Mike for it (his singing), but rather should blame Neal - he wrote it and urged Mike to sing on it, despite reluctance to do so. SO... if you blame anyone for disliking "Fool In My Heart", it should be Neal, not Mike.
Either way, I still like FIMH more than AFD.
-Marc.
-
YEAH, BLAME NEAL!!!
;)
MP's vocals on Fool in My Heart are a nice change of pace. I like a variety of vocalists on an album.
-
MP's vocals on Fool in My Heart are a nice change of pace. I like a variety of vocalists on an album.
This.
-
I enjoy the harmonies the most. Probably why I enjoy All Falls Down. That, Blue Ocean, and The Storm make my top 3.
-
As much as I enjoy this album, I'm just not sure its necessary for me to go to NYC to hear it performed. Can't decide yet. I'm going to Marillion back to back nights next month. Then Rush in October. Then Disney/Universal for 8 days in December. Just don't know if its worth the effort and the cash.
-
MP's vocals on Fool in My Heart are a nice change of pace. I like a variety of vocalists on an album.
This.
Agreed. I also think this track has MPs best vocals ever.
-
They are not as bad as some of his other "lead" vocal performances, mostly because the majority of them in this song are more of the talking vocal variety, as opposed to having to actually sing a lot, but the song, which is a fairly nice one, still would have benefited greatly if Neal or McPherson had sang it instead. Damn it, Neal. :facepalm: :lol
-
MP's vocals on Fool in My Heart are a nice change of pace. I like a variety of vocalists on an album.
This.
Agreed. I also think this track has MPs best vocals ever.
I would agree, but that is not saying too much. He hits a couple very sour notes---------> "This fool loves you still"
Ouch
-
^ Agreed (although for the most part he sounds fine).
-
^ Agreed (although for the most part he sounds fine).
he does a decent job for sure.
-
They are not as bad as some of his other "lead" vocal performances, mostly because the majority of them in this song are more of the talking vocal variety, as opposed to having to actually sing a lot, but the song, which is a fairly nice one, still would have benefited greatly if Neal or McPherson had sang it instead. Damn it, Neal. :facepalm: :lol
As good a singer as Casey is, I prefer Neal by a mile. Casey is technically a better vocalist, but the intangible quility of Neal's vocals make him one of my favorites. I would have been much happier if Neal sang the whole album.
-
^ Agreed (although for the most part he sounds fine).
he does a decent job for sure.
Just listened to that song and it sounds like MP is *smothered* in pitch correction...
-
^ Agreed (although for the most part he sounds fine).
he does a decent job for sure.
Just listened to that song and it sounds like MP is *smothered* in pitch correction...
Not a big surprise.
-
They are not as bad as some of his other "lead" vocal performances, mostly because the majority of them in this song are more of the talking vocal variety, as opposed to having to actually sing a lot, but the song, which is a fairly nice one, still would have benefited greatly if Neal or McPherson had sang it instead. Damn it, Neal. :facepalm: :lol
As good a singer as Casey is, I prefer Neal by a mile. Casey is technically a better vocalist, but the intangible quility of Neal's vocals make him one of my favorites. I would have been much happier if Neal sang the whole album.
Whenever Neal shows up, I'm almost immediately waiting for Casey to start singing again.
Neal's a unique vocalist, but one that I've never been particularly enamored with.
-
I mean I've LOVED Neal's vocals for a long time, but I really like Casey on this album and frankly I just really like how they varied it up on the album.
-
I definitely prefer Neal as a vocalist (considering I've never heard any of McPherson's stuff outside of this project), but for Flying Colors, I am glad that they let someone else be the lead vocalist. Neal is too closely associated with his solo stuff and Transatlantic, and this project needed its own identity.
-
I definitely prefer Neal as a vocalist (considering I've never heard any of McPherson's stuff outside of this project), but for Flying Colors, I am glad that they let someone else be the lead vocalist. Neal is too closely associated with his solo stuff and Transatlantic, and this project needed its own identity.
Agree with this completely. Glad Neal's vocals are on the album, but that they have someone else being the primary vocalist.
-
Yep. Plus, had Neal been the main lead vocalist, there would have inevitably been those who said Flying Colors sounded like a Neal solo album or Transatlantic album, but with simpler songs. I mean, look at how some thought The Whirlwind sounded like another Neal solo album (which made zero sense); it would have been the same thing with Flying Colors.
-
^ Agreed (although for the most part he sounds fine).
he does a decent job for sure.
Just listened to that song and it sounds like MP is *smothered* in pitch correction...
Not a big surprise.
I have heard the raw tracks. I can assure you this is not the case. And fwiw, they were looking at a few different styles of vocal, and this one fit the song the best.
-
I agree Kev, and while my personal enjoyment of the album wouldn't have been affected by it, it would have been rather annoying to see.
^ Agreed (although for the most part he sounds fine).
he does a decent job for sure.
Just listened to that song and it sounds like MP is *smothered* in pitch correction...
Not a big surprise.
I have heard the raw tracks. I can assure you this is not the case. And fwiw, they were looking at a few different styles of vocal, and this one fit the song the best.
Bobs ownd. :lol
Edit: And for the record, Portnoy doesn't claim to be a great lead vocalist, and I remember him saying he only sang the song because Neal really pushed for it, and so frankly I don't care if they had used pitch correction for it.
-
Yep. Plus, had Neal been the main lead vocalist, there would have inevitably been those who said Flying Colors sounded like a Neal solo album or Transatlantic album, but with simpler songs. I mean, look at how some thought The Whirlwind sounded like another Neal solo album (which made zero sense); it would have been the same thing with Flying Colors.
People would have said that, but as the listener, I can really care what people say about anything I listen to. As long as I dig it, it doesn't matter.
Many of my friends can't stand Labrie, and I could care less about that either.
but whatever, Casey does a good job.
-
I've had a digital copy of this album for a while (*ahem...*) But I was FINALLY able to get an awesome local independent record store to order this in for me. It arrived the other day and it's all I've been listening to. I've always really dug this album but now I LOVE it! I still don't like Shoulda Coulda Woulda or All Falls Down...to me, they just don't play to what this band's strengths are. Every other song I absolutely love!
Brilliant album. 9.5/10. It's going to be tough to top this one for album of the year, but we'll see what Momentum has to offer.
-
As much as I enjoy this album, I'm just not sure its necessary for me to go to NYC to hear it performed. Can't decide yet. I'm going to Marillion back to back nights next month. Then Rush in October. Then Disney/Universal for 8 days in December. Just don't know if its worth the effort and the cash.
Not worth the effort and cash for Disney, but that's just me.
I'm already on board for the rest, even though ticketbastard had to be involved with most of it.
-
I'm really digging this album. Unique, fresh and really great tunes. The guys seem to sound really great together as a band. Hopefully we see a second album.
-
Yeah, I'm totally looking forward to a second album.
This one blew me away.
-
As much as I enjoy this album, I'm just not sure its necessary for me to go to NYC to hear it performed. Can't decide yet. I'm going to Marillion back to back nights next month. Then Rush in October. Then Disney/Universal for 8 days in December. Just don't know if its worth the effort and the cash.
Not worth the effort and cash for Disney, but that's just me.
I'm already on board for the rest, even though ticketbastard had to be involved with most of it.
Its just not music I need to see performed live.
and this will be my 3rd time to Disney with my family. We always have a great time.
-
Just bought my ticket :D
I like that it's a Thursday. That way I can make it a long weekend and come down with the train during the day.
rumborak
-
Wow, I'm going to meet Rumbo for the 2nd time... the last time was in 2006.
-
Sounds like we need another pre-concert meetup!!
rumborak
-
Sounds like we need another pre-concert meetup!!
rumborak
Would be awesome, but unfortunately I won't be able to get into the city very early.
-
I'm really digging this album. Unique, fresh and really great tunes. The guys seem to sound really great together as a band. Hopefully we see a second album.
Yeah, I'm totally looking forward to a second album.
This one blew me away.
I have to agree with both of you--still not the biggest fan of All Falls Down, but that doesn't detract from what is a solid album. I'm so bummed that their domestic tour is so short, but I realize that aligning all of their schedules is a major accomplishment so... hoping for more US FC dates in 2013!
-
I don't understand the dislike for All Falls Down, easily top 3 of the album and could possibly be my fav on the entire album.
-
It's not that I dislike All Falls Down, though it is my least favorite from the album. It just feels the most out of place. I just don't think it fits well with the album itself, but as a stand alone song, I like it :tup
-
All Falls Down is a perfectly cool song, but it's a bit like a Falconer song in the middle of a pop rock album. In fact, that's exactly what it's like.
Shoulda Coulda Woulda, meanwhile, sounds like a Flying Colors song in the middle of a Flying Colors album. And a damned cool one, too. Bit of an edge, strong vocal melodies, good riffs, ace drumming at the end... don't get the objection to it at all. Not the standout best on the album, but that's fine, it's a pretty consistently amazing disc.
-
All Falls Down live is gonna win over all the naysayers. :metal
(same for SCW)
Side note, I've noticed the return of webrobster. Does this mean a return of the review factory?! :corn
-
Hahaha - oh, fuck! I forgot about that! I've still got them all in a playlist somewhere. That's probably worth dredging up, actually. I did enjoy it, whenever I sporadically got round to it.
I'd never say nay to AFD, perfectly cromulent song, it's just on the wrong album. Maybe even in the wrong band!
-
All Falls Down is my least favorite, but I still like it. I find the large amount of styles on this album a strength, not a weakness. Some of the best bands of all time were all over the place stylistically, such as the Beatles in their later years.
-
I don't mind the stylistic differences, the song itself doesn't work for me. It's just okay, whereas Love is what I'm waiting for, also very different from the rest of the album, is fantastic.
-
As much as I enjoy this album, I'm just not sure its necessary for me to go to NYC to hear it performed. Can't decide yet. I'm going to Marillion back to back nights next month. Then Rush in October. Then Disney/Universal for 8 days in December. Just don't know if its worth the effort and the cash.
Not worth the effort and cash for Disney, but that's just me.
I'm already on board for the rest, even though ticketbastard had to be involved with most of it.
Its just not music I need to see performed live.
and this will be my 3rd time to Disney with my family. We always have a great time.
Enjoy. Some people like Disney and some people don't. That's all I'm saying.
-
As much as I enjoy this album, I'm just not sure its necessary for me to go to NYC to hear it performed. Can't decide yet. I'm going to Marillion back to back nights next month. Then Rush in October. Then Disney/Universal for 8 days in December. Just don't know if its worth the effort and the cash.
Not worth the effort and cash for Disney, but that's just me.
I'm already on board for the rest, even though ticketbastard had to be involved with most of it.
Its just not music I need to see performed live.
and this will be my 3rd time to Disney with my family. We always have a great time.
Enjoy. Some people like Disney and some people don't. That's all I'm saying.
:tup
-
I don't understand the dislike for All Falls Down, easily top 3 of the album and could possibly be my fav on the entire album.
this.
-
AFD is like powermetal and muse. it's weird.
-
The flying colors album is really cool....
but it gets old fast :<
-
The flying colors album is really cool....
but it gets old fast :<
Strangely, I was just listening to this album driving around a few minutes ago. I think as good as the vocalist is, he wears thin. I like the album, but its not the kind of music I need to go see live. I'm gonna pass on NYC, and that's an easy show for me to go to.
-
I still haven't listened to this. I almost did yesterday, but something just doesn't seem very convincing about this project. :huh:
-
What's not convincing about it? I know that when they said they were going for a more poppy feeling I was concerned but after listening to it all of that disappeared.
-
I still haven't listened to this. I almost did yesterday, but something just doesn't seem very convincing about this project. :huh:
Well, you'll never know unless you listen to it.
-
Mmmm I don't know to be honest, I can't really put my finger on it, I guess it just never grabbed my attention from the beginning. With that being said, I will listen to this record next (after the new Rush that is).
-
Mmmm I don't know to be honest, I can't really put my finger on it, I guess it just never grabbed my attention from the beginning. With that being said, I will listen to this record next (after the new Rush that is).
I had that. Left it months. Wouldn't have ever listened if I wasn't bored and digging through Spotify. Glad I did, though - it's much better than I gave it credit for, reams of fun. Give it a go!
-
Fun is the right word for sure. That bass section in the bridge of Forever In A Daze is highly infectious.
-
Wow, I'm going to meet Rumbo for the 2nd time... the last time was in 2006.
You'll go to this show but you pass on Marillion? Get your priorities straight, boy.
:tick2:
-
Wow, I'm going to meet Rumbo for the 2nd time... the last time was in 2006.
You'll go to this show but you pass on Marillion? Get your priorities straight, boy.
They clearly are straight as this lineup is about 5x better than modern Marillion. :p
-
Mmmm I don't know to be honest, I can't really put my finger on it, I guess it just never grabbed my attention from the beginning. With that being said, I will listen to this record next (after the new Rush that is).
I had that. Left it months. Wouldn't have ever listened if I wasn't bored and digging through Spotify. Glad I did, though - it's much better than I gave it credit for, reams of fun. Give it a go!
Agreed! :tup Great record!! Fun, as you mentioned would be a perfect word to describe this album. MP's drumming was ace and Casey's voice fits the songs perfectly. Can't wait to give it another spin. :azn:
-
Wow, I'm going to meet Rumbo for the 2nd time... the last time was in 2006.
You'll go to this show but you pass on Marillion? Get your priorities straight, boy.
They clearly are straight as this lineup is about 5x better than modern Marillion. :p
Great lineup, but Marllion has 5x the substance on any of there albums than this adult contempto, sort of progressive record. Its a nice album, but its very thin overall, and in no way holds a candle to Marllion. You should have gone to a show Nick. You would have become a believer.
-
Marillion is boring.
Flying Colors is not boring.
Seems like an easy decision to me.
-
Marillion is boring.
Flying Colors is not boring.
Seems like an easy decision to me.
Flying Colors is very pedestrian.
Marillion is epic in every sence.
You can't compare one rushed album to the crafted work of the great Marillion.
That's enough from me. To each his own.
-
Marillion is boring.
Flying Colors is not boring.
Seems like an easy decision to me.
You can't compare one rushed album to the crafted work of the great Marillion.
You're absolutely right.
You can't compare 20 years of crafted meh to one quick album from Flying Colors because it's so much better there isn't much to compare. :p
-
Marillion is boring.
Flying Colors is not boring.
Seems like an easy decision to me.
You can't compare one rushed album to the crafted work of the great Marillion.
You're absolutely right.
You can't compare 20 years of crafted meh to one quick album from Flying Colors because it's so much better there isn't much to compare. :p
We will have to just agree to disagree.
-
My favorite is still All Falls Down, I love the subject and how the music sounds as if an Earthquake has hit, When it all falls down. Love Is What I'm Waiting For still remains my least favorite, although I do enjoy the queenesque solo.
1. All Falls Down
2. The Storm
3. Blue Ocean
4. Kayla
5. Everything Changes
6. Better Than Walking Away
7. Infinite Fire
8. Shoulda Coulda Woulda
9. Forever In A Daze
10. Fool In My Heart
11. Love Is What I'm Waiting For
-
Wow, I'm going to meet Rumbo for the 2nd time... the last time was in 2006.
You'll go to this show but you pass on Marillion? Get your priorities straight, boy.
They clearly are straight as this lineup is about 5x better than modern Marillion. :p
I'll take the best of both worlds thank-you-very-much. (Well, as long as I don't have to hear anything from Brave anyway)
I'm sure Flying Colors will be every bit as amazing as Marillion was.
The hat trick will be completed when I see Rush in October.
-
Flying Colors is GOLD stuff!!
My favorite song is "The Storm" hands down, my favorite song of 2012!
Mike Portnoy should continue working with this band for sure.
Flying Colors > Adrenaline Mob
I love the time signature changes in "Kayla" 7/4 and 4/4 I think.
"Coulda Shoulda Woulda" sounds like an angry Collective Soul song, love it!
"Forever in a Daze" chorus is catchy.
Just a 9.5/10 on this album!
-
So, how is this album aging? I haven't heard it in a few months, but that's not because I grew tired of it. I just listened to other stuff. This album is DAMN good, and I guess here are my updated rankings:
Blue Ocean
Forever in a Daze
Infinite Fire (I absolutely love the first few minutes, but I wish the song was a bit shorter)
Everything Changes
Love is What I'm Waiting for
Kayla
Everything Changes
The Storm
Better than Walking Away
Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda
Fool in Mah Heart
All Falls Down
-
I'd say the album is "very good" at best. I believe the second album can and will be even better, though!
-
Blue Ocean
Kayla
Forever in a Daze
Infinite Fire
The Storm
Love is What I'm Waiting for
Everything Changes
Fool in My Heart
Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda
Better than Walking Away
All Falls Down
I really like this album, my favorite of the year so far.
-
I'd say the album is "very good" at best. I believe the second album can and will be even better, though!
Agreed. Considering how little push this first album got, there is probably no point in trying to write another Shoulda Coulda Woulda, which sounded like their (ultimately poor) attempt at writing a possible radio hit. This probably ain't a band that is gonna catch on in the mainstream anywhere, anyway.
-
Still the album of the years for me. Not because it's that awesome, but because a better album hasn't been released so far. :lol But yeah, it's really good, I still listen to some of the songs on a weekly basis. Blue ocean is aging especially well, it wasn't one of my favorites in the beginning. The absolute winner is, of course, Infinite fire. :hefdaddy
-
The length keeps Infinite Fire from getting higher in my rankings. I'm not sure why that one needed to be so long, 7-8 minutes would've been more reasonable I think. Not that the instrumental bits are bad.
-
What part of the song is not to like? Every second is pure gold. :heart
-
What part of the song is not to like? Every second is pure gold. :heart
I do love the song, I just don't get why it needed to be so long. I guess I was expecting something with more of an "epic" feel.
-
I'd say the album is "very good" at best. I believe the second album can and will be even better, though!
Agreed. Considering how little push this first album got, there is probably no point in trying to write another Shoulda Coulda Woulda, which sounded like their (ultimately poor) attempt at writing a possible radio hit. This probably ain't a band that is gonna catch on in the mainstream anywhere, anyway.
no! portnoy et all, if youre reading, please deliver more of the rocking version of flying colors tuneage!
-
anywayz, i'd say the album has aged well despite the initial romance wearing off...no longer spinning it 60 times a month, but whenever it gets spun, its still enjoyed to the utmost. :metal
-
Kayla was much more single-worthy than Shoulda Coulda Woulda. It's better too.
-
Great album, absolutely. Has aged very well.
rumborak
-
I listened to it last week for the first time in a while. Still sounds great.
-
I still listen to this album probably at least once a week. Love it. Sad that the album got basically no promotion at all.
-
Kayla was much more single-worthy than Shoulda Coulda Woulda. It's better too.
This.
-
pretty much half the album coulda shoulda woulda made for a great first single.
-
The Storm was probably the most likely single on the record, but Shoulda Coulda Woulda just sounds like something that was written specifically to be a single.
-
pretty much half the album coulda shoulda woulda made for a great first single.
To what end?
What's the point of singles anymore, anyway? I'm not sure what it's like elsewhere, but around Philadelphia there's not a radio station where I'd even imagining a band like Flying Colors getting play, regardless of how good the single. There's basically three types of stations in Philly: Light Rock, Top 40 Pop-rap, and "Hard/Classic Rock" stations that still play the same AC/DC songs every day.
-
pretty much half the album coulda shoulda woulda made for a great first single.
To what end?
What's the point of singles anymore, anyway? I'm not sure what it's like elsewhere, but around Philadelphia there's not a radio station where I'd even imagining a band like Flying Colors getting play, regardless of how good the single. There's basically three types of stations in Philly: Light Rock, Top 40 Pop-rap, and "Hard/Classic Rock" stations that still play the same AC/DC songs every day.
What would you know about Philly, Chinaman.
-
I listened to this album again yesterday, for the first time in a while. It's still great. But the problem I have with it is the same as I have with a lot of albums lately. Albums are twice as long as they used to be, and takes longer to absorb so much music. I just don't have the time for dedicated listening that I used to have, so while the album overall sounds great and has lots of great songs, I still couldn't name more than three or four of them, and I couldn't tell you which ones I like best.
-
pretty much half the album coulda shoulda woulda made for a great first single.
To what end?
What's the point of singles anymore, anyway? I'm not sure what it's like elsewhere, but around Philadelphia there's not a radio station where I'd even imagining a band like Flying Colors getting play, regardless of how good the single. There's basically three types of stations in Philly: Light Rock, Top 40 Pop-rap, and "Hard/Classic Rock" stations that still play the same AC/DC songs every day.
I know what you mean, being from New Jersey, where I get both NY and Philly stations,
and in no way could I see any station playing any singles from any prog or prog-related band, unless
someone has a special show for an hour, which kind of doesn't count; and that's usually on college stations if you're lucky.
The only reason I could see the point of trying to have a 'single' on an
album these days is the chance it blows up on YouTube, which IS possible,
but not likely.
-
Kayla was much more single-worthy than Shoulda Coulda Woulda. It's better too.
This.
yup
-
And NOW we get the Making Of DVD!!!
https://flyingcolorsmusic.com/the-making-of-flying-colors/
-Marc.
-
"Every decade, one film comes along that defines a generation. A movie that collectively captures the world’s imagination, uniting and redefining who we are as the human race.
This is not that film. " :lol
-
Pretty cool, wouldn't mind checking it out if it's cheap. I always enjoy studio videos.
-
Pretty cool, wouldn't mind checking it out if it's cheap. I always enjoy studio videos.
Same here. Otherwise, Neal/MP just have way too much out to keep up with everything. I know it's all about supporting the artist, but if I bought every NM or MP related thing to come out this year that's pretty much be the only albums I'd get at all.
-
I'm so gonna watch that. :hefdaddy
-
Pretty cool, wouldn't mind checking it out if it's cheap. I always enjoy studio videos.
Yeah, was thinking the same really. I don't see myself buying a DVD I will never watch more than once.
rumborak
-
Okay, EXTREMELY late to the party, but I finally just got this yesterday (it's complicated). I've started three times, but haven't gotten through the whole album yet. What I will say so far:
Blue Ocean is REALLY cool. Liked it from the getgo.
Kayla and The Storm are nice, catchy pop rock.
Casey is a good singer, but I'm still undecided about whether I like his vocals.
There seems to be more "rock" on the album than I had been led to believe. I thought it was going to be less guitar driven.
Drumming is interesting. Mike is walking that line between "overplaying" and "taking drums to another level." Sometimes I feel he crosses the line just a bit, but being close to the line is a good place to be. He really drives the songs, even if he does overplay in some spots for this type of music.
-
I pretty much agree with everything you just wrote, bosk
I've had the album since about a week after it was released and I guess I have come down on the side of "don't really like" with respect to Casey's vocal stylings. It's the tendency to constantly slip into falsetto that bugs me. I've never liked that kind of singing. With that said, I wouldn't say the vocals are "bad" but they do distract me at times.
Musically, the album is....OK. The problem with an album like this, for me at least, is I get bored with this kind of music pretty quickly. So, after listening to the album for a couple of weeks I put it away and I haven't really felt a need to go back to it.
Also, the production is very bland. I was kind of surprised by that. I expected it to sparkle and instead it sounds kind of dull and flat.
"The Storm" is my favorite track.
-
The problem with an album like this, for me at least, is I get bored with this kind of music pretty quickly.
Way too much talent to make such a bland album.
-
Good thing it's not a bland album.
-
Still likin' the album Infinite Fire really does it for me. The Storm, to which I was initially indifferent, has grown on me.
-
pretty much half the album coulda shoulda woulda made for a great first single.
To what end?
What's the point of singles anymore, anyway? I'm not sure what it's like elsewhere, but around Philadelphia there's not a radio station where I'd even imagining a band like Flying Colors getting play, regardless of how good the single. There's basically three types of stations in Philly: Light Rock, Top 40 Pop-rap, and "Hard/Classic Rock" stations that still play the same AC/DC songs every day.
I know what you mean, being from New Jersey, where I get both NY and Philly stations,
and in no way could I see any station playing any singles from any prog or prog-related band, unless
someone has a special show for an hour, which kind of doesn't count; and that's usually on college stations if you're lucky.
The only reason I could see the point of trying to have a 'single' on an
album these days is the chance it blows up on YouTube, which IS possible,
but not likely.
WDHA would play songs from it. I don't listen to DHA very often, but they do play Rush... heck, I heard them play Solitary Shell once.
-
I will say, while I really like the record, I hope the next one has better sound production.
-
Hey guys, I created a music video for Infinite Fire ;)
Check it out here => https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ablME8jlpdk
-
That's really great, man!
-
I will say, while I really like the record, I hope the next one has better sound production.
That's really my only complaint. I like all the material, but the production is weird and inconsistent. For instance, the two heavier songs lack the punch they need, and the vocals in Blue Ocean are too loud. But still...great album.
-
Hey guys, I created a music video for Infinite Fire ;)
Check it out here => https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ablME8jlpdk
That's really cool. :tup
I was having this nagging feeling that the background vocal harmonies REALLY reminded me of another band, but I couldn't think of which one. This morning, I was listening to Blue Ocean and it hit me that I was thinking of Extreme. (which is a good thing, in case that wasn't obvious)
-
I never thought of that and Extreme is one of my favorite bands. :facepalm:
It seems so obvious now.
-
Hey guys, I created a music video for Infinite Fire ;)
Check it out here => https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ablME8jlpdk
Dang, that was great! :tup :tup
-
The flying colors album is really cool....
but it gets old fast :<
Strangely, I was just listening to this album driving around a few minutes ago. I think as good as the vocalist is, he wears thin. I like the album, but its not the kind of music I need to go see live. I'm gonna pass on NYC, and that's an easy show for me to go to.
Drudging up on old quote while I catch up on this thread. My wife really dislikes almost the whole album and it is because of the singing. Which surprised me, I thought she would enjoy the shorter and more pop-like nature of the album. But the singing was a deal breaker for her.
-
You guys are weird. I find the singing one of the strongest aspects of the album.
-
You guys are weird. I find the singing one of the strongest aspects of the album.
Amen Rumbo, amen.
-
You guys are weird. I find the singing one of the strongest aspects of the album.
Yep, Casey's voice is great.
-
I also agree with rumborak.
-
I like the singing too. A fresh voice was nice, and really kept the band from becoming just another Morse/Portnoy collaboration. That said, there are a few duds on the album, as well as a few pretty average songs. All around, though, the album was as good as I hoped it'd be.
The only really big disappointment was the "legendary" production of Peter Collins. While the mix is pretty good, the album clips all over. The end of "Fool in My Heart" was pretty much an abomination, and there are definitely a few other areas on the record like that. You've gotta wonder whether or not the legend was asleep at the soundboard.
-
All Falls Down is the song of The album.
-
You guys are weird. I find the singing one of the strongest aspects of the album.
This, no question.
BTW, bosky, not sure why you thought there wouldn't be as much guitar on this album. I mean, it's Steve Frickin' Morse.
-
I just noticed (and I'm too lazy to watch if this has been discussed already) that Steve Morse's solos in AFD and SCW (in the other words the fast songs) are someway too weak, too jazzy. He kills the feeling of the song with the bad solo. I mean he is a great player but he can't play the solo for that kind of song. He is a jazz rock player, not a heavy rock player at all.
I don't know if anybody can agree with me but this is my opinion.
-
I don't know All Falls Down well enough to critique the solo, but I think the style of Steve's solo on Shoulda Coulda Woulda creates a nice contrast.
-
I just noticed (and I'm too lazy to watch if this has been discussed already) that Steve Morse's solos in AFD and SCW (in the other words the fast songs) are someway too weak, too jazzy. He kills the feeling of the song with the bad solo. I mean he is a great player but he can't play the solo for that kind of song. He is a jazz rock player, not a heavy rock player at all.
I don't know if anybody can agree with me but this is my opinion.
I couldn't disagree more with bolded part of your statement. Steve's a pretty diverse player (stylistically) and he does the rock thing extremely well. Point in case:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWxmUVRDWHA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzAsRoVu-Rc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emDQlJ6H_8Y
-
You guys are weird. I find the singing one of the strongest aspects of the album.
This, no question.
BTW, bosky, not sure why you thought there wouldn't be as much guitar on this album. I mean, it's Steve Frickin' Morse.
Yeah, I know, but I had just heard so much about it being more of a "pop-oriented" album that I just figured it wouldn't be as guitar-driven. Not that there wouldn't be a lot of guitar, but I guess I expected the keyboards to drive a lot of the songs more than the guitar, if that makes sense.
-
I see.
-
You guys are weird. I find the singing one of the strongest aspects of the album.
It's just a taste thing. I wouldn't say there's anything technically wrong with the vocals, it's just the style of singing I'm not crazy about. The frequent use of falsetto is something I find distracting.
-
So the tour starts on Tuesday, who's going to a show? I'll be at London, hoping for something special since it's the last gig of the run.
-
So the tour starts on Tuesday, who's going to a show? I'll be at London, hoping for something special since it's the last gig of the run.
Nick will be there and write a concert report, I think.
-
I just noticed (and I'm too lazy to watch if this has been discussed already) that Steve Morse's solos in AFD and SCW (in the other words the fast songs) are someway too weak, too jazzy. He kills the feeling of the song with the bad solo. I mean he is a great player but he can't play the solo for that kind of song. He is a jazz rock player, not a heavy rock player at all.
I don't know if anybody can agree with me but this is my opinion.
I disagree, and the statement I bolded is factually incorrect.
-
I'm going to see them in Paris, can't wait :tup Their album has really grown on me, The Storm and Infinite Fire are my favorites right now. :hat
-
There are songs on the album I find really meh, and a couple I would find meh if it weren't for the guitar solo saving them, so we have different tastes.
-
So the tour starts on Tuesday, who's going to a show? I'll be at London, hoping for something special since it's the last gig of the run.
I'm seeing them in NYC on Thursday.
-
I'll also be at the show Thursday. You going to be around to grab a beer before the show rumborak?
-
So the tour starts on Tuesday, who's going to a show? I'll be at London, hoping for something special since it's the last gig of the run.
Nick will be there and write a concert report, I think.
Yup, NYC Thursday. If I'm able to write a review it won't be till Sunday at the earliest though.
-
It's just a taste thing. I wouldn't say there's anything technically wrong with the vocals, it's just the style of singing I'm not crazy about. The frequent use of falsetto is something I find distracting.
Yes and no. I suppose it depends on your definition of "technically wrong".
If a singer is always using falsetto when singing in their upper register, as it seemed was the case when I tried listening to Flying Colors, it implies they're a technically flawed singer. That doesn't mean that falsetto vocals are "wrong" though and it could well be that it was a purely stylistic choice.
But anyway, I've never particularly liked hearing falsetto vocals and they killed my enjoyment of Flying Colors stone dead. Which was a shame 'cos the trailers for it had won me over after I'd taken an initial position of "oh no, not more Neal Morse".
-
I would disagree on your assertion. Maybe the songs are in another key or out of his register. I don't really see Casey's singing as bad at all. For some, it's just not their cup of tea.
-
I think he's a fantastic singer, and really makes the band.
-
Nick, write a short review. Will be seeing them on Sunday. :coolio
-
I'll also be at the show Thursday. You going to be around to grab a beer before the show rumborak?
Nick just sent me a message too about grabbing something to eat beforehand. I don't know places in NYC, maybe something close to the venue?
-
Bill probably knows a place a lot better than I do, so hopefully we can work something out.
-
Blue Ocean
Shoulda Coulda Woulda
Love Is What I’m Waiting For
The Storm
Everything Changes
Forever in a Daze
Better Than Walking Away
All Falls Down
Fool In My Heart
Kayla
Odyssey (Dixie Dregs cover)
----------------------------
The Millionaire Waltz (Queen cover)
Out Of The Night (Transatlantic cover)
I Walk Beside You (Dream Theater cover)
Hey Jude (The Beatles cover)
----------------------------
Infinite Fire
Pretty cool setlist!
-
so glad you got to enjoy that...sounds awesome!
-
Whoa, a DT cover.
-
I wasn't there tonight, not seeing them till the 21st.
-
Whoa, a DT cover.
And I'll bet Mike didn't have to learn much for Odyssey, either.
Really cool! Interesting, though. Feels weird, knowing Mike's still playing DT songs - but it's no different to any of the other artists playing songs from bands they'd left. It's a cover. Still, so curious to hear that.
Also, took me a little while to realise that the Flying Colors songs were the entire album, played pretty much in full! That's cool. Don't tell me that's not cool.
And WRT the last page - yes, the singing is ace, one of the best things about FC.
-
Oh, hold up - I've checked on MP.com (was wondering if he had any comments to add!) and apparently, the setlist on the last page is something some numpty on Setlist.FM made up. It's not a million miles off, but here's the one that's up now...
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/flying-colors/2012/james-armstrong-theater-torrance-ca-7bdc4e88.html
1. Blue Ocean
2. Shoulda Coulda Woulda
3. Love Is What I'm Waiting For
4. Can't Find a Way (Endochine cover)
5. The Storm
6. Odyssey (Dixie Dregs cover)
7. Forever in a Daze
8. Better Than Walking Away
9. All Falls Down
10. Fool In My Heart
11. Repentance (Dream Theater cover)
12. June (Spock's Beard coer)
13. Kayla
14. Everything Changes
Encore:
15. Infinite Fire
Could still be that the first one's correct, I'd rather have heard I Walk Beside You, but I'm just reporting what I'm reading. If I'm wrong, apologies to Cyberdrummer! June's cool.
-
Nest777 once again fabricated portions of a setlist at Setlist.fm (he did the same with recent DT shows). There's just no need for it but he thinks it's funny, for some curious reason.
Anyway, I am happy they didn't play Hey Jude. Phew.
Looking forward to seeing them in London.
-
I should add that the setlist posted at MP.com is from a moderator so I would be surprised if it's incorrect.
-
Somebody get me a video of Repentance...
-
Somebody get me a video of Repentance...
I second this.
-
I would have preferred I Walk Beside You to Repentance (which I think is a pretty weird choice given the overall tone of most of the rest of the material), and I think it would have been cool to see them do Hey Jude. None of that really matters though, because they're playing June, and I fucking love that song.
-
I should add that the setlist posted at MP.com is from a moderator so I would be surprised if it's incorrect.
Good stuff! Cheers for the clarity. And I hope you'll all join me in wishing a pox on the original editor's family. (Alright, maybe not a pox, but a strong cold, at the least.)
And - agreed WRT Hey Jude. And with axeman about June, on that note. "And the sun came up on a sleepy day and never went down at night..."
-
Rob's setlist looks correct (from foggy 3 hour sleep memory). Show was really good. Repentance was sung by MP, and Casey's voice sounded great live.
-
I'll also be at the show Thursday. You going to be around to grab a beer before the show rumborak?
Nick just sent me a message too about grabbing something to eat beforehand. I don't know places in NYC, maybe something close to the venue?
Bill probably knows a place a lot better than I do, so hopefully we can work something out.
I know a couple of bars within walking distance of the venue, but I don't know if that works for Nick (you said your sister's coming in with you, right?). Shouldn't be too hard to find some place to chill for a while before the show. I'll probably be in the city from the early afternoon on.
-
Rob's setlist looks correct (from foggy 3 hour sleep memory). Show was really good. Repentance was sung by MP, and Casey's voice sounded great live.
Good to hear it! Did they play all of Repentance? With the harmonies and everything?
-
Rob's setlist looks correct (from foggy 3 hour sleep memory). Show was really good. Repentance was sung by MP, and Casey's voice sounded great live.
Good to hear it! Did they play all of Repentance? With the harmonies and everything?
Pretty much the whole song, didn't have all the spoken repentance. Dave LaRue did a killer bass intro for the track. When I listen back to the show I will know for sure. When you're old, 3 hours of sleep makes me pretty fuzzy.
-
I was blown away by the set list I saw on the previous page (Hey Jude and I walk beside you would be awesome), then I was slightly disappointed when I realized those two weren't played, then I realized how cool the actual set list is. :tup
-
Ok guys,
what about just meeting at 6pm at the very venue, and then when we have everybody, look for a place around there where we can eat? Communication is slow it seems, and I'm not sure about my internet capabilities tomorrow.
-
Ok guys,
what about just meeting at 6pm at the very venue, and then when we have everybody, look for a place around there where we can eat? Communication is slow it seems, and I'm not sure about my internet capabilities tomorrow.
Sounds good to me, see you guys at the venue around 6pm.
-
My girlfriend and I will join you guys at 6! :D
-
NYC 6:00 gathering of the awesome:
Matt
Leah
Bill
Ralf
Nick
John
-
Try to be there by 6.
So much for spoilers, but it's not like there was a lot to spoil.
The Spock's cover was a no brainer as was the Dregs cover so I guess Repentence is the welcomed surprise for me.
-
Repentance is well placed for a piss break. Good!
-
I'd like to hear their take on Repentance, and MP on vocals makes them performing it quite healing, if you look at the subject of the song.
-
Any videos? :)
-
Repentance is well placed for a piss break. Good!
Enjoy the piss!
MP
-
MP! Any chance we'll get a Flying Colors LIVE DVD recorded sometime on this tour? I'm sure that might seem like a silly question since, between you and Neal, almost everything gets documented/recorded for, at very least, posterity.
I'd love a Flying Colors DVD and/or 2CD set!
-Marc.
-
Repentance is well placed for a piss break. Good!
Enjoy the piss!
MP
Took MP himself to get me to spoil part of the set! I figured there would be some covers in the set, and while I'm surprised to see Repentance, I certainly look forward to seeing it again.
-
Wow, tickets still available for tonight's show...
The quality of the meet-up alone is worth a trip to the city, I think :biggrin:
But, alas, I'm broke until I start receiving a paycheck :(
-
I wish they were playing N. Cal.
-
I'd like to hear their take on Repentance, and MP on vocals makes them performing it quite healing, if you look at the subject of the song.
I agree.
Not a song Dream Theater have ever played in full, is it? Which makes Flying Colors its live debut. Man, that's weird! Can't wait to see footage of it, though. Been eagerly traipsing YouTube. I bet it's really cool.
As, I'm sure, is Blue Ocean. Must be an ace way to start a gig off. Wish I could afford this tour - but I'm very poor, and London's too far. Ah well. Maybe next time.
-
Repentance is well placed for a piss break. Good!
Enjoy the piss!
MP
Hey Mike :smiley: Looking forward to seeing you and Flying Colors in Paris this month :tup
...and I for one am pumped to see Repentance, honestly it's not one of my favorite DT songs by any means but it's a pleasant surprise that it will be on the setlist.
-
...and I for one am pumped to see Repentance, honestly it's not one of my favorite DT songs by any means but it's a pleasant surprise that it will be on the setlist.
Good call. It's interesting to see the broad spectrum of reactions that song gets. I know for me personally, I've always felt that it is a great song with some awesome mood and melodies, and the spoken word part is a really creative way of driving home the unique point of the song. However, that being said, everything about the song feels overly long and repetitive to me. The solo is a nice way to break it up, but just before the solo, the song is already just starting to lose me, and then by going back into a soft repetitive theme for the entire spoken word part...I dunno. As great as it is, it just doesn't have a lot of replay value. I have to be a in certain mood to want to listen to it, if that makes sense. So, in summary, it's an interesting paradox because on one hand, it's an incredible song that I like considerably. But on the other hand, it's a song I rarely ever want to listen to. But it would be cool to see it live. I hope this tour gets captured for a video release.
-
I definitely enjoy Repentance, it just strikes me as an odd choice given the tone/mood of most of Flying Colors' material.
-
I definitely enjoy Repentance, it just strikes me as an odd choice given the tone/mood of most of Flying Colors' material.
Trust me, as I have seen them perform this version. It's very cool. And if they do the same intro that was done the other night, you will be impressed.
-
I just wanna know what Morse does with Petrucci's solo...
And somebody ban Mike till we get another Tranatlantic release. :neverusethis:
-
Repentance is well placed for a piss break. Good!
Enjoy the piss!
MP
:lol
BTW, I am looking forward to hearing you tonight. And I am serious, I am really looking forward to the concert. I even resold a Rush ticket to see you guys tonight.
EDIT: Sig'd.
-
ZeppelinDT and I will be there tonight. Taking the 5:30 train and should be there by like 6:30-6:45. Can't wait!
And i love "Repentance," so I'll be happily holding in my piss during that song! :D
It's my second fav tune on the album after "The Ministry of Lost Souls."
-
And i love "Repentance," so I'll be holding in my piss during that song! :D
I'm sure whoever will be standing in front of you is glad to hear it.
-
I hope someone records one of these shows! I would definitely like to dedicate a few hours to explore Flying Colors Live Edition! :)
-
Gnh. Lucky people who live in countries relevant for gigging. *back to the gloomy corner* :mora:
-
Repentance is probably a good pick, if they had to pick a DT song to play that Portnoy wanted to sing, since it is probably one of the easier (or least difficult) DT songs to sing.
-
Repentance is a good pick because it's a good song, period; Mike and the band should be really proud of that one.
-
MP! Any chance we'll get a Flying Colors LIVE DVD recorded sometime on this tour?
^This. Some of us live in god-forsaken places like rural S. Carolina, and due to things like jobs, family, time, etc. can't travel hundreds of hours to see a show. Most of us don't live near NYC or LA, but we'd love to see a show.
And yes, I'm aware of why there isn't a larger tour and I understand that progressive and metal acts would hemorhage money touring the southeast, but it would be nice to have access to something to make up for all the fun we miss out on.
-
And i love "Repentance," so I'll be holding in my piss during that song! :D
I'm sure whoever will be standing in front of you is glad to hear it.
:rollin
-
These last few posts about piss, including Portnoy's = :lol
-
Damn. Hadn't I already been on the train to NYC when I read the post, I would have quickly made a shirt with "I enjoy my piss!" on it and worn it tonight.
-
On my way to Times Square for the show tonight as we speak. Won't be there till 6:30. Can someone post here and let me know where you decide to go and I'll track you down?
-
I'm on the back of the line with a black DT shirt and a beard and pony tail..... I'll look like everyone else. Hahaha
-
Jk were at shake shack
-
On 8th?
-
Hey guys: If you like what you hear, then go tell somebody.
-
Yeah but were back online now
-
Sorry. Tangent. I was listening to King's X.
-
(https://www.nickeh.com/phone/fc.jpg)
-
Hope you guys have a good time. :)
-
Steve morse is one pale motherfucker!
-
Posting during piss break! Woohoo!!
-
I guess Repentence is being played right now.
-
Portnoy's tweet yesterday:
To all the people commenting on my FC house music CD asking why no metal...I make diff playlists for different bands/tours...FC is NOT metal.
Just sharing! :metal
-
Aweeeesome concert, enjoyed it massively. Such great music. Everybody seemed to have a blast on stage.
Repentance was shite, sorry. Mike sang awfully off pitch the whole song. Odyssey was too complex for the mix too I think.
-
Great show! Mike portnoy sings like a bird. Great to see so many DTF personalities.
-
Portnoy's tweet yesterday:
To all the people commenting on my FC house music CD asking why no metal...I make diff playlists for different bands/tours...FC is NOT metal.
Just sharing! :metal
The house music CD included The Church And the Dime by The Dear Hunter. What more could anybody want?
-
repentance seems quite the odd choice outta the DT catalogue.
-
Mike sang awfully off pitch the whole song.
Mike portnoy sings like a bird.
Fascinating.
-
*Trying to find out what bird sings off pitch* :justjen
-
*Trying to find out what bird sings off pitch* :justjen
Peacocks I believe. I never liked their unnerving screams...
-
Anybody get any videos of this?
-
Aweeeesome concert, enjoyed it massively. Such great music. Everybody seemed to have a blast on stage.
Repentance was shite, sorry. Mike sang awfully off pitch the whole song. Odyssey was too complex for the mix too I think.
Mike isn't a singer. He keeps trying to be, but its not good. Fool In My Heart is loaded with flat notes galore on the record..."this fool loves you still" ouch!
Wish I was there last night.
I will be in NYC for Neal Morse Momentum tour, Oct.11th! I have meet and greets for the show! :metal
-
Mike sang awfully off pitch the whole song.
Mike portnoy sings like a bird.
Fascinating.
I think one reason for the discrepancy in opinion is that in the main room they had pulled down his voice quite a bit. In the lounge area you could clearly hear the mix though, and it was pretty bad.
-
We also had a quick run-in with Mike Orlando. Fun.
-
Yeah that was kinda really awkward. Haha good thing he started talking .
-
We also had a quick run-in with Mike Orlando. Fun.
Did anyone go Psychosane?
Also, I'd probably go psychosane with temptation to make audible AMOB slagging comments... Just sayin' :biggrin:
-
No, but Nick and I made up a new freight train hand shake that's pretty gay... and were going to show Russell Allen one day.. hes going to hate us.. or love us.
-
Mike sang awfully off pitch the whole song.
Mike portnoy sings like a bird.
Fascinating.
I think one reason for the discrepancy in opinion is that in the main room they had pulled down his voice quite a bit. In the lounge area you could clearly hear the mix though, and it was pretty bad.
Actually, I think the reason for the discrepancy is me consuming lots of alcohol. But seriously, ZepDT and I were talking on the ride home and we thought he sang "Fool In My Heart" pretty well, but "Repentance" wasn't as good.
That was a fun night tho. I feel like I met a mini DT celebrity: rumborak. :metal
-
The Storm was hands-down my favorite tune last night. So energy, so powah.
EDIT: Also, wtf at the Fonz joke!
-
Actually, I think the reason for the discrepancy is me consuming lots of alcohol. But seriously, ZepDT and I were talking on the ride home and we thought he sang "Fool In My Heart" pretty well, but "Repentance" wasn't as good.
That was a fun night tho. I feel like I met a mini DT celebrity: rumborak. :metal
You have bad luck with meeting celebs... You should probably get that checked out. :lol
-
Portnoy's tweet yesterday:
To all the people commenting on my FC house music CD asking why no metal...I make diff playlists for different bands/tours...FC is NOT metal.
Just sharing! :metal
I saw the playlist on facebook, that's one awesome playlist. Can't go wrong with Weezer, Muse, Coldplay, Travis and Radiohead. :heart
-
Steve Morse should take Casey to the side at some point and teach him how to prepare a guitar for a gig. His constant tuning was rather distracting.
-
It's cool when you can hear a guitar solo or a guitarist's tone and know immediately who it is. There are a couple of songs where there would be solo passages where even if I didn't know it was Steve Morse, I'd have guessed it to be him, simply because of the way some of his solos sound. Which isn't a bad thing, of course.
-
Just watched the live videos on YouTube and they weren't very good live...
-
I saw a video of "The Storm" which seemed completely passionless. I saw "seemed" because you can never really tell if you weren't there.
Mike was trying to bring the energy to the performance, as always, but the rest of the band and the audience were just completely stationary. Neal Morse seemed like the most bored of all up there, too. Ultimately, I dunno, it doesn't look like a band up there. I could be wrong, but after watching some of these vids I'm kinda realizing why this is just a part-time gig.
-
Rumbo, I heard you yelled out at the top of your lungs, "Piss break" at the perfect moment. :lol
-
There are some nice videos to be found, I'm really digging them. I hope this won't be their only tour because I really couldn't really sort it all out in order to see them live this year. Casey is a pretty cool guy onstage, and it's so weird to see Neal Morse hanging in the background not being in the center of attention, that must feel weird for him as well. ;D
-
Yeah. I am too. Wish I got to see them live. I really dig the album. Hope to here more from them.
-
There are some nice videos to be found, I'm really digging them. I hope this won't be their only tour because I really couldn't really sort it all out in order to see them live this year. Casey is a pretty cool guy onstage, and it's so weird to see Neal Morse hanging in the background not being in the center of attention, that must feel weird for him as well. ;D
Funny ol' performance in general - you can tell they're a new band. Just finding their roles. That's a good thing, though, I think. I like the unpolished nature. New, raw, unknown. Very nifty stuff. Vocals sound great to me. And how neat's the instrumental stuff in The Storm?
Though, Casey's not quite got the trademark JLB backstage-wander down pat. That's fine, early days!
-
I saw a video of "The Storm" which seemed completely passionless. I saw "seemed" because you can never really tell if you weren't there.
Mike was trying to bring the energy to the performance, as always, but the rest of the band and the audience were just completely stationary. Neal Morse seemed like the most bored of all up there, too. Ultimately, I dunno, it doesn't look like a band up there. I could be wrong, but after watching some of these vids I'm kinda realizing why this is just a part-time gig.
Nah man, at the show i thought Neal Morse was the most energetic next to portnoy. Casey did kinda seem out of place, and his vocals weren't the strongest. but that's because I'm not used to that kind of show environment i guess? idk it looked like Larue and Morse were having a blast aswell. Casey just kinda sat there tho. he didnt seem to be all into it.
-
How many people were there?
-
I'd say it was pretty close to full. Hard to tell becuase the venue is pretty spacious with some corridors. (First time I was there, Great place to see a show.)
It was great meeting everyone again and in some cases for the first time. It was a blast.
It felt great to hear some dynamic range on the Flying Colors tunes. I'm glad Dave LaRue was unleashed. It was so sweet to hear the songs as they were meant to be heard. It's going to be hard going back to the album now.
A live album/DVD package would be great.
So would some 2013 shows.
-
I'd say it was pretty close to full. Hard to tell becuase the venue is pretty spacious with some corridors. (First time I was there, Great place to see a show.)
Nah... definitely wasn't full. Two of the three seating sections weren't even open, so it wasn't anywhere near capacity. With full seating it holds 2,100. But with the two sections closed, I would say there were closer to maybe 1,000 - 1,200 people there.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IJybiW-KstM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IJybiW-KstM)
Couple of observations:
1) Cool thing they did the DT tune. Really, really cool. Also, I think that out of the AA suite Repentance is the song that will less likely get rotation in future DT tours, so it's good to see it live in one way or another.
2) With all due respect, how can there be people that argue that Portnoy sings better than LaBrie? I mean yeah, his lyrics and everything, but come on.
3) I'm all for cool new arrangements in music and stuff, but Steve Morse's solo wasn't the best thing ever.
-
This is just a hunch, and it's hard to tell with the distortion, but I think they're playing this in a different key. Probably E.
And yea, JP's solo is better. But it's hard to beat that awesome solo.
-
While this album isn't really my cup of tea, I got to hand it to Everything Changes; that's a quality tune right there. :tup Hopefully in time, I can get the rest of the album to click too.
-
IMO Portnoy should not have sang. It was still really cool to see them play it, but I feel Neal or someone should've sang. Not trying to be disrespectful but the vocals aren't the best :\ But he did a really good job singing "Fool In My Heart"
-
This is just a hunch, and it's hard to tell with the distortion, but I think they're playing this in a different key. Probably E.
And yea, JP's solo is better. But it's hard to beat that awesome solo.
I think the original was in C# and this one is in C, down a semitone.
IMO Portnoy should not have sang. It was still really cool to see them play it, but I feel Neal or someone should've sang. Not trying to be disrespectful but the vocals aren't the best :\ But he did a really good job singing "Fool In My Heart"
Even though they have better vocalists in the band, I can see why that song is closer to MP and he wanted to sing it himself.
-
This is just a hunch, and it's hard to tell with the distortion, but I think they're playing this in a different key. Probably E.
And yea, JP's solo is better. But it's hard to beat that awesome solo.
I think the original was in C# and this one is in C, down a semitone.
I could've sworn that the original was in B.
-
This is just a hunch, and it's hard to tell with the distortion, but I think they're playing this in a different key. Probably E.
And yea, JP's solo is better. But it's hard to beat that awesome solo.
I think the original was in C# and this one is in C, down a semitone.
I could've sworn that the original was in B.
On second thought, the intro is in C#, the verses are in B, so I think we're both right. I think the majority of the song is in B though, so you're more correct. :P
-
2) With all due respect, how can there be people that argue that Portnoy sings better than LaBrie? I mean yeah, his lyrics and everything, but come on.
Kinda an "easier said than done" type of thing. I mean, if you like Portnoy's voice (which I don't) you can still easily see that he ONLY sang parts in DT which were completely in his comfort zone. Wasn't that why he'd sing in the first place? He'd hear a part of a song that was more suited to his voice than James' (allegedly), and he'd sing there. And he'd never try to sing any melody that wasn't outside his already pretty limited vocal range.
Well, there's MP singing Repentance. It's not really in his vocal range, but there it is.
-
This is just a hunch, and it's hard to tell with the distortion, but I think they're playing this in a different key. Probably E.
And yea, JP's solo is better. But it's hard to beat that awesome solo.
I think the original was in C# and this one is in C, down a semitone.
I could've sworn that the original was in B.
On second thought, the intro is in C#, the verses are in B, so I think we're both right. I think the majority of the song is in B though, so you're more correct. :P
Haha, OK. I can live with that :P
-
Rumbo, I heard you yelled out at the top of your lungs, "Piss break" at the perfect moment. :lol
:lol
-
2) With all due respect, how can there be people that argue that Portnoy sings better than LaBrie? I mean yeah, his lyrics and everything, but come on.
Kinda an "easier said than done" type of thing. I mean, if you like Portnoy's voice (which I don't) you can still easily see that he ONLY sang parts in DT which were completely in his comfort zone. Wasn't that why he'd sing in the first place? He'd hear a part of a song that was more suited to his voice than James' (allegedly), and he'd sing there. And he'd never try to sing any melody that wasn't outside his already pretty limited vocal range.
I wish he did that live too. Then we'd have a Schmedley Wilcox that wasn't ruined by his stupid falsetto.
-
I just remembered: didn't Portnoy once say he has "perfect pitch" or something to that effect? I never really questioned it, because he always sounds right on the money with the live DVDs. But that performance was not what I'd expect "perfect pitch" to sound like.
-
He probably has relative pitch. At least he should, as a former music major. Perfect pitch, maybe, it's quite possible.
-
https://www.mikeportnoy.com/aboutmike/faq/answers/7.aspx
Item 8.
-
Rumbo, I heard you yelled out at the top of your lungs, "Piss break" at the perfect moment. :lol
Strangely, I didn't hear that.
But I did look back briefly during the song (which for the record I enjoyed) and he was gone.
Definately a moment of levity right there.
Yeah, Zep Best Buy is quite the labyrinth. I found it hard to accuarate determine just how big the crowd was.
-
I just remembered: didn't Portnoy once say he has "perfect pitch" or something to that effect? I never really questioned it, because he always sounds right on the money with the live DVDs. But that performance was not what I'd expect "perfect pitch" to sound like.
Then I'm not sure perfect pitch means what you think it means. It's to do with the ear/brain, not the voice. You can have perfect pitch, and still sing completely pitchy.
And singing is usually more difficult when you're also playing an instrument, especially drums I would imagine. MP should be used to it with his backup vocals in DT, but lead vocals are probably a bit more demanding.
-
I just remembered: didn't Portnoy once say he has "perfect pitch" or something to that effect? I never really questioned it, because he always sounds right on the money with the live DVDs. But that performance was not what I'd expect "perfect pitch" to sound like.
Then I'm not sure perfect pitch means what you think it means. It's to do with the ear/brain, not the voice. You can have perfect pitch, and still sing completely pitchy.
And singing is usually more difficult when you're also playing an instrument, especially drums I would imagine. MP should be used to it with his backup vocals in DT, but lead vocals are probably a bit more demanding.
I can tell you from experience that it is. It´s not so difficult to sing backup a couple of lines in a chorus or something, but to sing lead all the way through while playing drums? That´s quite a different kettle of fish!
Kudo´s all the same!
-
Thursday the 20th :metal
-
Thursday the 20th :metal
Maybe I'll be there too, depends on whether I'll have enough money at that time...
-
Considering how he’s grown into the professional musician he has over the years evolving from a lowly Chinese delivery boy, how does Mike feel about being one of the most influential drummers in the world? faq id: 24
Oh my goodness :lol
-
I just remembered: didn't Portnoy once say he has "perfect pitch" or something to that effect? I never really questioned it, because he always sounds right on the money with the live DVDs. But that performance was not what I'd expect "perfect pitch" to sound like.
Then I'm not sure perfect pitch means what you think it means. It's to do with the ear/brain, not the voice. You can have perfect pitch, and still sing completely pitchy.
And singing is usually more difficult when you're also playing an instrument, especially drums I would imagine. MP should be used to it with his backup vocals in DT, but lead vocals are probably a bit more demanding.
Actually, singing while drumming is, of the instruments in a band, the easiest of them all (IMHO). The reason being that the two activities don't interfere with each other much. Drums is a purely rhythmic activity, whereas singing is (mostly) a pitch thing. Try to play a guitar melody and then sing over it a very different line, and that's where it becomes a total brainfuck.
-
I just remembered: didn't Portnoy once say he has "perfect pitch" or something to that effect? I never really questioned it, because he always sounds right on the money with the live DVDs. But that performance was not what I'd expect "perfect pitch" to sound like.
Then I'm not sure perfect pitch means what you think it means. It's to do with the ear/brain, not the voice. You can have perfect pitch, and still sing completely pitchy.
And singing is usually more difficult when you're also playing an instrument, especially drums I would imagine. MP should be used to it with his backup vocals in DT, but lead vocals are probably a bit more demanding.
Actually, singing while drumming is, of the instruments in a band, the easiest of them all (IMHO). The reason being that the two activities don't interfere with each other much. Drums is a purely rhythmic activity, whereas singing is (mostly) a pitch thing. Try to play a guitar melody and then sing over it a very different line, and that's where it becomes a total brainfuck.
In the case of drums, I'm not talking about musical coordination-wise (and I know exactly what you're talking about having done it myself), I'm talking about drumming being relatively more of a physical activity, making it harder for sustaining notes and holding a pitch without wavering.
Not that Repentance is a taxing song to play on drums, but it's still a full body activity, and not something I'd try to dismiss.
-
I'm not a singer, and I hold pitch horribly to begin with, but as I'm playing drums if I try to sing along the movements I'm making make it extremely difficult to hold notes and such.
-
I'm not a singer, and I hold pitch horribly to begin with, but as I'm playing drums if I try to sing along the movements I'm making make it extremely difficult to hold notes and such.
This is so true.
-
To that I say:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czuRE6W4LS8
-
To that I say:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czuRE6W4LS8
:hefdaddy
-
And make sure to stand up to get full use of your diaphragm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePfNRm7Jr4s
-
Thursday the 20th :metal
Maybe I'll be there too, depends on whether I'll have enough money at that time...
Cool.
-
To that I say:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czuRE6W4LS8
That guy is awesome :tup
-
And make sure to stand up to get full use of your diaphragm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePfNRm7Jr4s
Nice avatar, Ron! :tick2:
-
Damn, I fear I won't make it to the gig on Sunday. My girls play a volleyball game in the afternoon (I'm the coach) and depending on how long the game lasts, I think I'd miss Beardfish - and in that case, I'd rather miss the whole gig.
-
Beardfish has higher priority than Flying Colors?
-
Beardfish has higher priority than Flying Colors?
While the Flying Colors album is excellent, frankly Beardfish have a much longer record of fantastic releases.
-
Honestly, Flying Colors should be opening for Beardfish, if I had my way.
-
it is kinda weird with the established band opening for a new band (which might not even be more than a one-off project).
-
Weird if the potential one-off didn't feature various members who have probably sold more albums in a single year than Beardfish have in their entire career.
-
kind of my rationale when people are surprised queensryche opened for chickenfoot on their first tour, you have van halen members, a guitar god, and a member or RHCP against a band like queensryche, even though theyre the more established band. i dont see anything wrong with it
-
Well, to be honest, my main reason for going next Thursday is to see Beardfish and Neal Morse. Getting Flying Colors along with the package is a nice extra, but Beardfish is the real deal for me.
-
Weird if the potential one-off didn't feature various members who have probably sold more albums in a single year than Beardfish have in their entire career.
Yeah, but that's not Flying Colors.
If MP's post-DT career has made any argument about that , it's "being able to play crowds of 5-6,000 people in your main band doesn't translate into being able to sell-out even a fifth of that in your new side-project"
-
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=4994.0
-
I think you're trying to tell us something, but I'm not sure what...
-
Well, I love Beardfish. Got to hang around with the guys a couple of times, too. Very nice guys. So it will be great to meet them again.
Flying Colors: of course I wanna see them, too! But Beardfish is the icing on the cake. Don't wanna miss them.
So I decided to make a 3.5 hour drive on Saturday, instead of the 2 hour drive on Sunday. Who cares for gas prices? :lol
-
Weird if the potential one-off didn't feature various members who have probably sold more albums in a single year than Beardfish have in their entire career.
trueche.
-
the youtube videos of the performance in NYC is pretty weak. which is what I figured would be the case.
-
the youtube videos of the performance in NYC is pretty weak. which is what I figured would be the case.
Yup, I'm waiting for a good quality vids
-
I've watched a relatively good vid last night...couldn't make it all the way through... a bit painful to listen to...
-
Bootleg :D
https://www.dimeadozen.org/torrents-details.php?id=420629&hit=1
-
WOOHOO!! According to MP on Facebook, they're gonna record a DVD/Blu-ray of the Tilburg show on Thursday! And I and Elite are going to be there :biggrin:
-
WOOHOO!! According to MP on Facebook, they're gonna record a DVD/Blu-ray of the Tilburg show on Thursday! And I and Elite are going to be there :biggrin:
:tup
WOOHOO! Another Tilburg show to add to my collection (TFK, TA, PT, and now FC!). Can't wait to get this live album next year!
Have fun at the show! Let us know how it turns out!
-Marc.
-
I'm really glad they're doing this--especially since the U.S. tour is so minimal. This at least gives more of us an opportunity to experience the band in a live setting.
-
Yep.
I'm hoping it has better video production than the Testimony 2 live DVD. It was a few steps backward from the Testimony 1 DVD.
-
To that I say:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czuRE6W4LS8
This, and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBzqoT6ytMs
-
To that I say:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czuRE6W4LS8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czuRE6W4LS8)
This, and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBzqoT6ytMs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBzqoT6ytMs)
Those, and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnzU4giW52I (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnzU4giW52I)
-
And
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyKNMKu8TR8&feature=player_detailpage#t=335s
-
And I can show multiple youtubes of little children playing Chopin.
Doesn't make it easy.
-
WOOHOO!! According to MP on Facebook, they're gonna record a DVD/Blu-ray of the Tilburg show on Thursday! And I and Elite are going to be there :biggrin:
Cool! :eek
Tilburg must be a favourite place for prog bands to record stuff! Let's see if we can make it onto the DVD as well :biggrin:
-
EDIT: This was supposed to go in the WPAPU thread. Ignore me.
-
Nevermind, this was a reaction to Scorp's post, which is in the wrong topic.
-
When Nick and FC Unite. :D
-
When Nick and KFC Unite. :D
Sorry, this is how I first read it.
-
(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/317477_10150360914739833_1336326857_n.jpg)
-
A Farewell to Wings.
-
:rollin
-
A Farewell to Wings.
:clap:
-
I'm actually kind of sad that I always think of the best captions outside of the Caption Game thread...
-
Totally different topic: What's the sound at 1:49 in Fool in my Heart? Been noticing at every listen.
-
That squeak? Hah, have no clue. Maybe an autotune artifact?
-
Alpha Rev have just announced a special acoustic performance in a tiny bar in London on Saturday night - amazing news :biggrin:
-
Alpha Rev have just announced a special acoustic performance in a tiny bar in London on Saturday night - amazing news :biggrin:
I love City Farm: Roots. Not as crazy about previous stuff... but that's for an Alpha Rev thread.
-
Tonight was awesome. Beardfish was very, very good and Flying Colors was as well.
Also included a DTF meetup of me and Onno. Good times, nice concert, a fine evening.
-
Tonight was awesome. Beardfish was very, very good and Flying Colors was as well.
Also included a DTF meetup of me and Onno. Good times, nice concert, a fine evening.
Indeed, it was epic! :metal
-
Hmm, I just found out we missed the second encore. We left straight after Infinite Fire, because of trains to catch. Apparently the band played a cover of Deep Purple's Space Truckin' as the final encore. I guess I'll see it on the dvd.
-
Hmm, I just found out we missed the second encore. We left straight after Infinite Fire, because of trains to catch. Apparently the band played a cover of Deep Purple's Space Truckin' as the final encore. I guess I'll see it on the dvd.
Nice! That'll be a fun extra for the DVD! Can't wait for it's release! How was the crowd, excited? I'm sure it was a great show and that the future release of it will be amazing! :tup
-Marc.
-
Yeah, too bad that we missed Space Truckin', I love that song. The crowd was great, especially for a Dutch one!
-
(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/317477_10150360914739833_1336326857_n.jpg)
I think I know that Ren Faire!
...Spock's Beard used to do Space Truckin
-
Alpha Rev have just announced a special acoustic performance in a tiny bar in London on Saturday night - amazing news :biggrin:
:metal I really like Alpha Rev. Great stuff.
-
Alpha Rev have just announced a special acoustic performance in a tiny bar in London on Saturday night - amazing news :biggrin:
:metal I really like Alpha Rev. Great stuff.
Yup. I haven't really gotten into the new EP yet, but New Morning is a *fantastic* album.
-
Saw them on Friday night and they were very good, but not awesome by any means. There's something about this band, five great musicians, and on paper they should be fantastic, but they're somehow less than the sum of their parts.
Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I went to see them, and they were very good, as I said, but...
-
Hmm, I just found out we missed the second encore. We left straight after Infinite Fire, because of trains to catch. Apparently the band played a cover of Deep Purple's Space Truckin' as the final encore. I guess I'll see it on the dvd.
Oh man, we didn't get that in London! :(
It was a really great gig though, the band play so nicely together considering how little time they've spent together. No Deep Purple cover for us though.
-
Last month in Neal's Inner Circle Newsletter, Neal said this:
New Flying Colors Album!
(Since I'm starting all of these little bits of information with a yes, I think I'll start this one with something different....)
NO.... we don't have any solid plans to be recording a new Flying Colors album, but it is being discussed. I thought you'd be happy to know that we were talking about it. The record company seems to be keen so we're just all waiting for everyone's schedule to permit the band gathering together again to make another amazing record. By the way, how did you like my Flying Colors mixes last month? I guess I'll have to go on the Inner Circle Message Board to see if anyone has commented. So... comment, let me know what you think about it and I'll check it out and perhaps I'll even comment back...OMG!
And just today, he tweeted:
neal morse @nealmorse
On a conference call w Flying Colors. Writing on the web. It's going really well! Magic is commencing!
Sounds like FC2 is in the works, everyone! I cannot be happier to hear this news!!! :metal
-Marc.
-
Very cool! First album was alright. I expect the second to be better.
-
I absolutely love FC1, I think it was one of the best releases of 2012. But I have to be honest, I don't see a sequel to be good. Can't put my finger on it why though.
-
Well, I love the first one AND I expect I'll love the second one. :D
-
This is some great news! I'll wait to hear some more before I get really excited
-
And if they're writing on the web, and not in the studio, I can only assume they're going to work out songs first, then get together later on, so hopefully the material have the added benefit of having some time to cook before they pull it out of the oven. Neal and Mike typically flash-fry their songs, but I hope with the conference call writing produces some more polished material by studio time!
-Marc.
-
Alright, bring it on! :metal
-
Epic, loved the first one :D
-
From the IC Newsletter sent out yesterday:
Flying Colors News!
There's really good news in the Flying Colors world! We had a Skype writing session yesterday and it was really producing some very good fruit. I've never tried to do that before, and I was concerned with the work-ability of it all, but it was really cool! Steve had an idea that he had demoed and then I could hear something that would follow it and the other guys were chiming in and we were taking it to new places, sketching it out almost like we might be if we were in the room together. So that's really cool! We've started writing together and we've scheduled some sessions for later on in the year and we're excited that a new Flying Colors album is definitely underway!
Sounds like they're really excited about new music, and I hope their studio sessions are before the end of summer so we can expect a winter '13/'14 release, Spring '14 at the latest!
-Marc.
-
First album was very solid. I'm hoping now that they have a bit of experience writing together, they can really knock it out of the park with the next one.
-
I am excite. Listened to the first album a bunch, very much looking forward to a sequel.
-
yes indeed! loving the first album. still bummed I had to miss them live and plan not to do it again
-
In an interview from NAMM Steve confirms that a new Flying Colors album is on the way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuMZLj93M9k&feature=youtu.be
edit: Not that we didn't already know one was on the way -- just thought him talking about it was pretty cool.
-
https://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=187567
FLYING COLORS — the spectacular new virtuoso prog/pop/metal rock band formed by drummer Mike Portnoy (ex-DREAM THEATER) and guitarist Steve Morse (DEEP PURPLE) — is working a concert Blu-ray and DVD from its 2012 tour. There is no release date or other information at this time.
FLYING COLORS's first-ever European tour kicked off on September 9, 2012 in Hamburg, Germany.
Fan-filmed video footage of the September 13, 2012 show at Alcatraz in Milan, Italy can be seen below. Photos are available from Musica Metal.
The band's setlist for the concert was as follows:
01. Blue Ocean
02. Shoulda Coulda Woulda
03. Love Is What I'm Waiting For
04. Can't Find a Way (ENDOCHINE cover)
05. The Storm
06. Odyssey (DIXIE DREGS cover)
07. Forever In A Daze
08. Better Than Walking Away
09. Kayla
10. Fool In My Heart (lead vocals by Mike Portnoy)
11. Repentance (DREAM THEATER cover; lead vocals by Mike Portnoy)
12. June (SPOCK'S BEARD cover)
13. All Falls Down
14. Everything Changes
-----------
15. Infinite Fire
-
Absolutely can't wait, the only problem is DT release probably in sept, FC release probably winter, transatlantic studio rumors so maybe a spring 2014 release, where am I going to get money for these albums and tours?!
-
https://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=187567
FLYING COLORS — the spectacular new virtuoso prog/pop/metal rock band formed by drummer Mike Portnoy (ex-DREAM THEATER) and guitarist Steve Morse (DEEP PURPLE) — is working a concert Blu-ray and DVD from its 2012 tour. There is no release date or other information at this time.
FLYING COLORS's first-ever European tour kicked off on September 9, 2012 in Hamburg, Germany.
Fan-filmed video footage of the September 13, 2012 show at Alcatraz in Milan, Italy can be seen below. Photos are available from Musica Metal.
The band's setlist for the concert was as follows:
01. Blue Ocean
02. Shoulda Coulda Woulda
03. Love Is What I'm Waiting For
04. Can't Find a Way (ENDOCHINE cover)
05. The Storm
06. Odyssey (DIXIE DREGS cover)
07. Forever In A Daze
08. Better Than Walking Away
09. Kayla
10. Fool In My Heart (lead vocals by Mike Portnoy)
11. Repentance (DREAM THEATER cover; lead vocals by Mike Portnoy)
12. June (SPOCK'S BEARD cover)
13. All Falls Down
14. Everything Changes
-----------
15. Infinite Fire
14 songs and 2 of them with Mike singing. That's not a good thing.
-
Agree.
-
First album was very solid. I'm hoping now that they have a bit of experience writing together, they can really knock it out of the park with the next one.
Well said.
-
I really liked the album a lot, but now, I don't ever find myself coming back to it. Should give it another spin, it's a terrific album.
-
14 songs and 2 of them with Mike singing. That's not a good thing.
Fool in My Heart's ace on the album with his vocals, and he's a fairly logical choice for Repentance.
I'd contend it's not necessarily a bad thing, either.
-
14 songs and 2 of them with Mike singing. That's not a good thing.
Fool in My Heart's ace on the album with his vocals, and he's a fairly logical choice for Repentance.
I'd contend it's not necessarily a bad thing, either.
Yeah, it's not a bad thing. The worst part about FC are the samey vocals (I tried to like the guy they got for the album and failed), so a little variety is in order and I think Mike could do justice to these songs.
-
14 songs and 2 of them with Mike singing. That's not a good thing.
Fool in My Heart's ace on the album with his vocals, and he's a fairly logical choice for Repentance.
I'd contend it's not necessarily a bad thing, either.
Yeah, it's not a bad thing. The worst part about FC are the samey vocals (I tried to like the guy they got for the album and failed), so a little variety is in order and I think Mike could do justice to these songs.
^this. But Casey's vocals are awesome.
-
I don't mind Fool In My Heart and Mike singing two songs doesn't bother me, since he's not using that "rorororo" voice. "Repentance" just wasn't a good choice, though. The Salty Dog cover TA did would actually have been better. "Repentance" just doesn't work well for FC, I don't think.
Actually it doesn't work well for any band :biggrin:
-
14 songs and 2 of them with Mike singing. That's not a good thing.
Fool in My Heart's ace on the album with his vocals, and he's a fairly logical choice for Repentance.
I'd contend it's not necessarily a bad thing, either.
Well for me personally, I have been a vocalist for 25 years so its hard to take mikes singing seriously.
I personally think he shouldn't do it. To each his own but he hits flat notes galore on Fool in my heart. To the point I have to question if he just couldn't do it without flatting so they took the best take they could.
but hey, just my opinion. I don't like hearing him sing in any capacity besides backing vocals.
-
Mike doing some backups is fine, but lead, hell no.
-
Mike, Steve, Casey, Neal & Dave - Nashville 5/12/13: Flying Colors Chapter 2 has begun --->
(https://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/182522_529516763777836_636484646_n.jpg)
-
Oh cool! Let's hope they can recapture the magic of the first album.
-
Awesome. I do listen to the first one every now and then and really enjoy it still. Here's to hoping the next will be even better :)
-
Fuck yes. :metal
-
Looking forward. First one was awesome, and I still love it, even though others have lost their appreciation of it.
-
Cool!!
https://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=189836
FLYING COLORS — the spectacular new virtuoso prog/pop/metal rock band formed by drummer Mike Portnoy (ex-DREAM THEATER) and guitarist Steve Morse (DEEP PURPLE) — is working a concert Blu-ray and DVD from its 2012 tour, to be released later in the year. The set will include the FLYING COLORS tour documentary, "First Flight", which is described in a press release as follows: "Backstage, on the bus, and in extended interviews, discover the seedy and sordid underside to the prog's most dangerous band. And FLYING COLORS. While you're there, check out pro audio/video footage from their first-ever show in L.A., their first in Europe, and their bittersweet curtain call in London. And observe the surreal cavalcade of lost innocence when one crew member does the unforgivable on the tour bus."
-
Even if it is in jest, I :lol :lol at a band with Neal Morse being called prog's most dangerous band. :rollin :rollin
-
the prog's most dangerous band. And FLYING COLORS. [/i]
I believe the joke is that the most dangerous band is a different band. :P
-
the prog's most dangerous band. And FLYING COLORS. [/i]
I believe the joke is that the most dangerous band is a different band. :P
Might be talking about Beardfish, the band they toured Europe with, but if that's the case it's surely still a joke on their end as well.
-
IIRC a similar joke was made with a Neal Morse release.
-
Can't wait! Also check out Casey's band, Alpha Rev, and their album New Morning. Good album.
-
https://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/mascot/flying-colors.htm
YESSSS Hope the US gets a release date for this soon too.
-
Europe: https://flyingcolors.mlgmerch.com/
US & World: https://flyingcolorsusa.mlgmerch.com/
Preorder pages!
-
Europe: https://flyingcolors.mlgmerch.com/
US & World: https://flyingcolorsusa.mlgmerch.com/
Preorder pages!
Thanks! $47 later, I pre-ordered the DVD bundle (with T-shirt and Poster) and the 2CD set! WOO! Cannot wait to get these!
-Marc.
-
Thanks! $47 later, I pre-ordered the DVD bundle (with T-shirt and Poster) and the 2CD set! WOO! Cannot wait to get these!
-Marc.
Marc,
I ordered the BluRay and 2CD set. There was a problem with checkout for me (and others according to facebook). It took me back to a 'bad' page on the merchant site... I got a paypal confirmation but no confirmation from the merchant site with my download link for the exclusive track.
Did you get that?
-
Got the download track. It's not tagged other than the song title. Trying to find out more info so I can fill in the meta data.
-
That's a cool T-Shirt, but I need another T-Shirt and poster like I need a hole in the head. I'm literally out of wall space for the latter (and I've taken over a LOT of my walls). So I think I'll order just the Blu-Ray.
-
That's a cool T-Shirt, but I need another T-Shirt and poster like I need a hole in the head. I'm literally out of wall space for the latter (and I've taken over a LOT of my walls). So I think I'll order just the Blu-Ray.
Bluray still comes with the poster. Find room ;)
-
I might have to swap out the album poster if that's the case!
-
I might have to swap out the album poster if that's the case!
(https://i.imgur.com/ZQRZchY.png)
-
Thanks! $47 later, I pre-ordered the DVD bundle (with T-shirt and Poster) and the 2CD set! WOO! Cannot wait to get these!
-Marc.
Marc,
I ordered the BluRay and 2CD set. There was a problem with checkout for me (and others according to facebook). It took me back to a 'bad' page on the merchant site... I got a paypal confirmation but no confirmation from the merchant site with my download link for the exclusive track.
Did you get that?
After paying with PayPal, I was redirected to a bad page, but I got confirmation emails from BOTH PayPal AND Flying Colors MLG Merch USA, complete with download link for the free song.
-Marc.
-
I love Flying Colors, but I didn't like the snippets from the trailer. The performance sounded kinda lifeless, to be completely honest. I'll buy this anyway, but I hope it's better than what I heard in the trailer.
-
After paying with PayPal, I was redirected to a bad page, but I got confirmation emails from BOTH PayPal AND Flying Colors MLG Merch USA, complete with download link for the free song.
-Marc.
Yeah I Finally got my FC MLG Merch email..
-
https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/444-flying-colors-live-in-europe.aspx
As expected, Radiant is offering their OWN exclusives for the first 100 pre-orderers this Saturday.
I'm happy with my DVD bundle that comes with the poster AND a t-shirt. While it would be nice to have a SIGNED poster by the whole band, I'd rather have the t-shirt, ya know, so I can wear it around and show it off and have people ask me "Who is Flying Colors?" and I can tell them to go check it out because they're AWESOME!
Nice deals though, especially if you haven't already purchased the Making Of Flying Colors DVD that came out last year.
-Marc.
-
https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/444-flying-colors-live-in-europe.aspx
As expected, Radiant is offering their OWN exclusives for the first 100 pre-orderers this Saturday.
I'm happy with my DVD bundle that comes with the poster AND a t-shirt. While it would be nice to have a SIGNED poster by the whole band, I'd rather have the t-shirt, ya know, so I can wear it around and show it off and have people ask me "Who is Flying Colors?" and I can tell them to go check it out because they're AWESOME!
Nice deals though, especially if you haven't already purchased the Making Of Flying Colors DVD that came out last year.
-Marc.
aww WTF. That's just lame. AND Lower pricing when bundling? gee...
10A what timezone?
-
https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/444-flying-colors-live-in-europe.aspx
As expected, Radiant is offering their OWN exclusives for the first 100 pre-orderers this Saturday.
I'm happy with my DVD bundle that comes with the poster AND a t-shirt. While it would be nice to have a SIGNED poster by the whole band, I'd rather have the t-shirt, ya know, so I can wear it around and show it off and have people ask me "Who is Flying Colors?" and I can tell them to go check it out because they're AWESOME!
Nice deals though, especially if you haven't already purchased the Making Of Flying Colors DVD that came out last year.
-Marc.
aww WTF. That's just lame. AND Lower pricing when bundling? gee...
10A what timezone?
Considering he's based in Nashville, TN, I would say Central Time, so 11AM Eastern Standard Time in the US.
-Marc.
-
A free beanie hat? Really? :rollin :rollin :rollin
But hey, at least you can buy just the DVD or Blu-ray for this. I might get the Blu-ray since $14.99 is a good price.
-
Yeah this bundle is actually a really good deal, and confirms why I feel the levin/minneman/rudess project is overpriced. I mean for the same cost of their deluxe album, I can get the dying colors bluray, cd, and making of documentary, as well as potentially a signed poster? That definitely wins, even though I wish I didn't have to choose one over the other :/
-
A free beanie hat? Really? :rollin :rollin :rollin
But hey, at least you can buy just the DVD or Blu-ray for this. I might get the Blu-ray since $14.99 is a good price.
You can do that direct from https://flyingcolorsusa.mlgmerch.com/ with no shipping like radiant and it'll come with a poster. However, if you want to bundle some things together Radiant will come out cheaper.
-
Yeah this bundle is actually a really good deal, and confirms why I feel the levin/minneman/rudess project is overpriced. I mean for the same cost of their deluxe album, I can get the dying colors bluray, cd, and making of documentary, as well as potentially a signed poster? That definitely wins, even though I wish I didn't have to choose one over the other :/
All the same the DVD/CD combo on Radiant (or Flying Colors direct) is $26.99-$30 which is the same as the new levin project so its about the same. The "big 3 bundle" is quite a deal though I agree.
-
I don't think I'm going to be anywhere near a computer on Saturday and I'd love to have that signed print.
I'll trade my newly signed Winery Dogs CD (and possibly something else) for one.
-
Got my preorder in on radiant by 10:02.... the site was slow.
I wonder if there's any real way to tell whether or not I got the signed poster?
-
preordered the bluray bundle :metal
hope i got the poster, or at least the beanie, i wonder if there'll be an email confirming that..
-
preordered the bluray bundle :metal
hope i got the poster, or at least the beanie, i wonder if there'll be an email confirming that..
What order number are you?
-
preordered the bluray bundle :metal
hope i got the poster, or at least the beanie, i wonder if there'll be an email confirming that..
What order number are you?
its in the 33,000's, so im assuming that doesnt have to do with when the order was placed, but i could be wrong :P
-
preordered the bluray bundle :metal
hope i got the poster, or at least the beanie, i wonder if there'll be an email confirming that..
What order number are you?
its in the 33,000's, so im assuming that doesnt have to do with when the order was placed, but i could be wrong :P
I would imagine it would. An auto incrementing field in a database is a good way to generate invoice numbers. each new order gets the next increment and there are no number collisions.
I'm in the 33,000's too, but that's a bit vague.. more like the low 33,500s. Just trying to see how far apart we are.
-
preordered the bluray bundle :metal
hope i got the poster, or at least the beanie, i wonder if there'll be an email confirming that..
What order number are you?
its in the 33,000's, so im assuming that doesnt have to do with when the order was placed, but i could be wrong :P
I would imagine it would. An auto incrementing field in a database is a good way to generate invoice numbers. each new order gets the next increment and there are no number collisions.
I'm in the 33,000's too, but that's a bit vague.. more like the low 33,500s. Just trying to see how far apart we are.
but i mean it probably doesnt just refer to purchases today, probably purchases over time. so thered be no way to know how many purchases had been made on the bundle before us. but yeah im in the high 33,500s, so I'm probably on the far end if i get it at all :-\
-
but i mean it probably doesnt just refer to purchases today, probably purchases over time. so thered be no way to know how many purchases had been made on the bundle before us. but yeah im in the high 33,500s, so I'm probably on the far end if i get it at all :-\
Oh yeah, 33k is "over all".. not today.. yes you're right. I do have an order from a 4 weeks ago from Radiant that's about 600 lower than my one today. So it seems they might do 150-200 orders a week without a new release boom in sales.
I do wish they'd take the promo info down once it's gone (which probably happens wicked fast)..or at least put up something up to give an idea of what the last invoice before the preorder kicked off was.. that way you kind of get an idea.
I got my order in at 10:02. So assuming I was quick on the spot and one of the first (which we have no true knowledge of) you sound like you might get the poster, or at the very least the beanie. I hit "add to cart" right at 10:00AM, and it took about 2 minutes all said to finish (the site got super slow).
Also don't forget your digital download.. it's at the bottom of your email.
-
but i mean it probably doesnt just refer to purchases today, probably purchases over time. so thered be no way to know how many purchases had been made on the bundle before us. but yeah im in the high 33,500s, so I'm probably on the far end if i get it at all :-\
Oh yeah, 33k is "over all".. not today.. yes you're right. I do have an order from a 4 weeks ago from Radiant that's about 600 lower than my one today. So it seems they might do 150-200 orders a week without a new release boom in sales.
I do wish they'd take the promo info down once it's gone (which probably happens wicked fast)..or at least put up something up to give an idea of what the last invoice before the preorder kicked off was.. that way you kind of get an idea.
I got my order in at 10:02. So assuming I was quick on the spot and one of the first (which we have no true knowledge of) you sound like you might get the poster, or at the very least the beanie. I hit "add to cart" right at 10:00AM, and it took about 2 minutes all said to finish (the site got super slow).
Also don't forget your digital download.. it's at the bottom of your email.
yeah taking the info down would help.
I added to cart right at 8am (pst), but had to register for the site which took some more time :/ it should be the first people to get the item in their cart should be the first 100, but i also should have registered ahead of time :facepalm:
-
but i mean it probably doesnt just refer to purchases today, probably purchases over time. so thered be no way to know how many purchases had been made on the bundle before us. but yeah im in the high 33,500s, so I'm probably on the far end if i get it at all :-\
Oh yeah, 33k is "over all".. not today.. yes you're right. I do have an order from a 4 weeks ago from Radiant that's about 600 lower than my one today. So it seems they might do 150-200 orders a week without a new release boom in sales.
I do wish they'd take the promo info down once it's gone (which probably happens wicked fast)..or at least put up something up to give an idea of what the last invoice before the preorder kicked off was.. that way you kind of get an idea.
I got my order in at 10:02. So assuming I was quick on the spot and one of the first (which we have no true knowledge of) you sound like you might get the poster, or at the very least the beanie. I hit "add to cart" right at 10:00AM, and it took about 2 minutes all said to finish (the site got super slow).
Also don't forget your digital download.. it's at the bottom of your email.
yeah taking the info down would help.
I added to cart right at 8am (pst), but had to register for the site which took some more time :/ it should be the first people to get the item in their cart should be the first 100, but i also should have registered ahead of time :facepalm:
Yeah I was registered via prior orders, logged in and ready to go.
Also I'm sure it's based on first 100 to submit the order..
-
I might not even buy this, as much as I love FC. I was at the Tilburg show, and honestly, it sounded a lot more lively than on the preview clip.
I should add that I think a live Flying Colors DVD/BR/CD after just one album is pretty pointless. I mean, the shows are awesome obviously, but what's the point of having a DVD consisting of a live performance whole album (played almost exactly the same as on the album) plus some other songs?
-
I might not even buy this, as much as I love FC. I was at the Tilburg show, and honestly, it sounded a lot more lively than on the preview clip.
I should add that I think a live Flying Colors DVD/BR/CD after just one album is pretty pointless. I mean, the shows are awesome obviously, but what's the point of having a DVD consisting of a live performance whole album (played almost exactly the same as on the album) plus some other songs?
What's the point? It's for folks who weren't fortunate enough to have FC come anywhere near them. Same with a lot of prog bands. They seem to hit the US coasts (NY/CA, etc) and tour semi-extensively in Europe.
TX is definitely an afterthought for a lot of bands.. bums me out.
-
I might not even buy this, as much as I love FC. I was at the Tilburg show, and honestly, it sounded a lot more lively than on the preview clip.
I should add that I think a live Flying Colors DVD/BR/CD after just one album is pretty pointless. I mean, the shows are awesome obviously, but what's the point of having a DVD consisting of a live performance whole album (played almost exactly the same as on the album) plus some other songs?
Ninety-nine percent of the time, I'd rather have a live album than a studio album 7 days a week and twice on Sundays.
-
What's the point? It's for folks who weren't fortunate enough to have FC come anywhere near them. Same with a lot of prog bands. They seem to hit the US coasts (NY/CA, etc) and tour semi-extensively in Europe.
TX is definitely an afterthought for a lot of bands.. bums me out.
That's absolutely true, but I should say that it's for me. I've already seen them live. And I still think that live albums released after 2-3+ studio albums are way cooler, and I'm more likely to buy those.
Ninety-nine percent of the time, I'd rather have a live album than a studio album 7 days a week and twice on Sundays.
For me, it depends on the quality of the performance, and it depends on whether they played an album in full. For example, Score is absolutely amazing and is by far my favourite DT live album/DVD, but often I just want to hear a full studio album. I mean, it's all about the context and atmosphere. Another example: The Roundhouse Tapes by Opeth. Great performance, but listening to one of the studio albums itself is something I do way more often than listening to the live album. Why? Because the live album, great as it is, consists of tracks from different albums, but I'd much rather hear an album in full. One last example is Live Scenes From New York: they do play the whole album, but I like James' vocals on SFAM more than on that live album, so I prefer to listen to SFAM itself.
-
yeah taking the info down would help.
I added to cart right at 8am (pst), but had to register for the site which took some more time :/ it should be the first people to get the item in their cart should be the first 100, but i also should have registered ahead of time :facepalm:
Just FYI. I wrote to Radiant and asked if they could clue me in on if I was in the group to get a poster, beanie or nothing.
I got the signed poster. :metal I hope you did too.
-
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=flying%20colors%20live%20in%20europe&sprefix=flying+colors+l%2Caps&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aflying%20colors%20live%20in%20europe
Preorders are up on Amazon if you dont want to order from Radiant or FC Merch USA.
-
Hey...
I don't listen to the first album nearly enough.... but somehow I've never caught the first 15s of blue ocean very clearly... what are they talking about before the bass guitar comes in? It sounds like some discussion that didn't get cut from the track.
You can hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYD8fqfi3So
-
Hey...
I don't listen to the first album nearly enough.... but somehow I've never caught the first 15s of blue ocean very clearly... what are they talking about before the bass guitar comes in? It sounds like some discussion that didn't get cut from the track.
You can hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYD8fqfi3So
Here's MP explaining it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpVArZ3DMk0
-
Here's MP explaining it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpVArZ3DMk0
Thanks. I don't think I've seen his Q&A series for FC!
-
https://www.classicrockmagazine.com/music_and_videos/video-premiere-flying-colors-the-storm/
Premier of "The Storm" from the live footage.
-
This DVD looks AWESOME!! :metal I love this band
-
Here's MP explaining it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpVArZ3DMk0
Thanks. I don't think I've seen his Q&A series for FC!
Same, and I really like his explanation as well, I think it definitely works the way he intended it.
-
Here's MP explaining it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpVArZ3DMk0
Thanks. I don't think I've seen his Q&A series for FC!
Same, and I really like his explanation as well, I think it definitely works the way he intended it.
Totally agreed! I always figured it was there to make it sound more retro, in keeping with the band's style. Like they're recording live, into an 8-track, as a single take. His explanation is much better. There is often a little something missing with online projects - I think I listen to them with slightly different ears, if that's not too wanky a phrase - but Flying Colors sounds like a full-fledged unified band effort from start to finish, and I think Blue Ocean must help set that tone.
Incidentally - I always presumed "From topping, no stopping" was MP putting on a silly voice. Again, the real story is more interesting.
I really hope Flying Colors takes off. I think it's the perfect vehicle for Mike. He gets to thrash about on the drums, collaborate with interesting musicians, the retro style of music is an ideal fit for his superfan mentality, and there's nothing else quite like it in the music world today. It's a keeper.
https://www.classicrockmagazine.com/music_and_videos/video-premiere-flying-colors-the-storm/
Premier of "The Storm" from the live footage.
Shiiiiiit!!
How brilliant is that?! Gigs always looked a little ramshackle from the crowd footage. Christ, I wish I'd caught them, now.
-
How brilliant is that?! Gigs always looked a little ramshackle from the crowd footage. Christ, I wish I'd caught them, now.
I like Dave LaRue's little skip back to his spot at 2:47. :rollin
-
https://www.classicrockmagazine.com/music_and_videos/video-premiere-flying-colors-the-storm/
Premier of "The Storm" from the live footage.
I wasn't the biggest fan of the album (its fine- just not great) but I enjoyed this live version. Prefer Casey's voice there too. A purchase I think.
-
Great footage, I might actually buy this. Quite some overplaying on MP's side though.
And damn, it's amazing that Steve can play that well with such av whacky picking technique!
-
Great footage, I might actually buy this. Quite some overplaying on MP's side though.
And damn, it's amazing that Steve can play that well with such av whacky picking technique!
I had to go back and watch the video. What's so whacky about his picking?
-
I noticed that as well, looks very weird to me, but the important thing is that it sounds incredible. :metal
-
Great footage, I might actually buy this. Quite some overplaying on MP's side though.
And damn, it's amazing that Steve can play that well with such av whacky picking technique!
It's up there with Marty Friedman's picking and Jim Furyk's golf swing as a HTF does he do that so well???
-
Great footage, I might actually buy this. Quite some overplaying on MP's side though.
And damn, it's amazing that Steve can play that well with such av whacky picking technique!
I had to go back and watch the video. What's so whacky about his picking?
He holds it at a strange angle and his wrist gets really tense. Despite being whacky, he probably has the best picking in Rock music.
-
And he uses a giant pick as well. I noticed that when I saw him on G3 with Petrucci and Satch.
-
Oh that's interesting, didn't notice that.
-
That was fantastic!
-
His wrist doesn't seem to move all that much. I imagine that's very good for avoiding strain or injury.
-
Talking about LaRue, when I met the guys at meet&greet before the show in Cologne, Germany - he and Steve Morse were the nicest ones of the band. At least on that particular day. MP was a bit arrogant (he was very nice when I met him after the AdMob show in Vienna, though!), MacPherson seemed bored and frustrated and Neal Morse seemed to be thinking about album sales, it was only days after Momentum was released.
-
LaRue and Steve seem like the nicest guys ever. I haven´t met them yet, but at least that´s the impression I get.
-
Found this photo of the G3 concert last year:
(https://imageshack.us/a/img89/1518/56ii.jpg)
-
Caption:
JP: "Don't look at me while I'm playing. In fact, don't look at me, ever!"
JS, SM: "Yes, master."
-
Caption:
JP: "Don't look at me while I'm playing. In fact, don't look at me, ever!"
JS, SM: "Yes, master."
:lol :lol :tup
rumborak, can I suggest that you do the same here: https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=38568.msg1665592#new ?
-
Great footage, I might actually buy this. Quite some overplaying on MP's side though.
And damn, it's amazing that Steve can play that well with such av whacky picking technique!
It has been his trademark for years and years. He has a pretty good explanation for it too.
"I hold the pick with thumb and two fingers, with my heel normally resting on the bridge, which allows me to easily cover any unplayed strings with my extended RH 5th finger, or the heel of my RH. This is not the fastest way, for sure. What it does for me is to give me a lot of control, and the ability to easily jump strings, which I love to do. Fastest, for sure, is the traditional, more whip-like floating right hand pick position. I've noticed that my son, who uses a more traditional position can easily outspeed me, but has a little bit more of a challenge to play some parts of mine, such as the intro to "Tumeni Notes". However, it's interesting to me that since he does some parts that jump strings at an early stage, that it may turn out to be the best of both worlds: speed of traditional, but learning untraditional patterns. Remember, though, that a floating right hand (traditional) will never be able to control and mute as well, but will probably give you more speed and endurance."
Taken from: https://www.deeppurple.com/index.cfm/pk/view/cd/NAA/cdid/405016/pid/403020
It allows him to play this kind of things effortlessly though... ;-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ikgrt1atXLE
-
Well, this video popped out a couple of days ago and nobody brought it up here so... here it is! Enjoy...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q76PXgQFQ0k
-
That was really cool. :tup
-
Nice! :)
-
Got my live FC set today from radiant with my signed poster.
:metal
-
mines at home and i dont think i got the poster :( unless its in the packaging in a way my parents could see it when they opened the box
-
mines at home and i dont think i got the poster :( unless its in the packaging in a way my parents could see it when they opened the box
The poster came in a plain manilla envelope separate from the media. I'm sure someone will get one all bent or rolled up, mine was ok.
-
Listening to the cover they do of DT's Repentance! I loved the original track, this is a fun take on it.
-
Full stream of Live in Europe! I'm loving it!!
https://www.progrockmag.com/stream/premiere-flying-colors-live-album-in-full/
And if you thought JLB was awkward on the mic.. :lol well wait til you hear this! But I gotta say I LOVE it this way because nothings planned out and they're always just totally honest. I actually don't think I would personally call it "awkward," but I know some people do call it that.
-
And if you thought JLB was awkward on the mic..
??? I don't. And I don't think I've ever heard that said before, so I'm not even sure what you mean.
But anyway, can't wait to listen to the stream. Checking it out now...
-
Full stream of Live in Europe! I'm loving it!
And if you thought JLB was awkward on the mic.. :lol well wait til you hear this! But I gotta say I LOVE it this way because nothings planned out and they're always just totally honest. I actually don't think I would personally call it "awkward," but I know some people do call it that.
I don't even know what this means either. I also don't find anything said or sung in this live set "awkward"
-
JLB is definitely a bit cringeworthy sometimes - he's admitted himself that he doesn't like talking between songs. But I don't think this FC show is particularly bad.
-
I was just talking about his talking/ little speeches and Helicopter-LaBrie moments. I don't find 99% of it awkward, honestly- I find it incredibly genuine and just the guys' enjoyment of the moment coming across. I HOPE TO GOD they don't change this aspect of their live performances, I love that nothing is planned out at all in their performance other than the music.
And I was just commenting that FC seems to be kind of funny on the mic in between songs too.
Also, I just realized we're in desperate need of a Helicopter-LaBrie emote. Or maybe it's just me who thinks that because I saw it live :angel:
edit: wait a second, do people even know about Helicopter-LaBrie?
-
Yeah, Casey is definitely not a talker. ;D
And I do know what Helicopter-LaBrie is, there was a gif around here a while ago. :lol
-
Full stream of Live in Europe! I'm loving it!!
https://www.progrockmag.com/stream/premiere-flying-colors-live-album-in-full/
And if you thought JLB was awkward on the mic.. :lol well wait til you hear this! But I gotta say I LOVE it this way because nothings planned out and they're always just totally honest. I actually don't think I would personally call it "awkward," but I know some people do call it that.
WE ARE RECORDING A DVD AAHHHH!
:lol :lol :lol
-
I have never heard of "helicopter LaBrie"... ???
Oh wait...unless you're talking about that spin move from the Live in Tokyo home video. I saw that GIF awhile back.
-
And if you thought JLB was awkward on the mic..
??? I don't. And I don't think I've ever heard that said before, so I'm not even sure what you mean.
But anyway, can't wait to listen to the stream. Checking it out now...
"Especially special".
-
And if you thought JLB was awkward on the mic..
??? I don't. And I don't think I've ever heard that said before, so I'm not even sure what you mean.
But anyway, can't wait to listen to the stream. Checking it out now...
"Especially special".
I´m glad someone else finally picked this up!!! WTF does "especially special" mean?!?!?!?
-
Yes, I've got information that my order has been shipped. Any European guys who ordered and already got it? Hope it's not being shipped from US for us....
-
"especially special" is the famous line from Metropolis Pt 1 live at Scenes From New York!!
-
And if you thought JLB was awkward on the mic..
??? I don't. And I don't think I've ever heard that said before, so I'm not even sure what you mean.
But anyway, can't wait to listen to the stream. Checking it out now...
"Especially special".
I´m glad someone else finally picked this up!!! WTF does "especially special" mean?!?!?!?
The 1% of the 1%. Think of it as SUPER SPECIAL!!! Just hyperbole, much like prog event of the millennium.
-
My Bluray is waiting at home. I'm excited to watch it, especially (special) after listening to some of the official stream. Has anyone watched the tour documentary yet? I'm looking forward to that, as those are my favorite bonus features on live concert videos.
-
Well, I'm disappointed. The Bluray does not work, and there seem to be errors in the files themselves when I check them on my PC. Multiple people with the same issue tried to complain on the official Facebook, and the posts were removed :(
EDIT: Hmm, it works in my friend's Bluray player. Bizarre...
-
FWIW, I pre-ordered the bluray bundle from Radiant and the disc played perfectly.
-
FWIW, I pre-ordered the bluray bundle from Radiant and the disc played perfectly.
Yeah, I'm a little confused. Me and my friend watched the entire concert and documentary just fine on his Bluray player, but both of our PlayStation 3s and PCs could not play it (which is bizarre, because I've never had compatibility issues). It isn't a big deal though. Great concert and great audio.
-
It's going to be an issue if my PS3 doesn't play it, it's my only Blu-Ray player. Currently the only other Blu-Ray that hasn't played is LTE...
-
So are you guys happy with the show. From the videos I saw online it seemed very dry, made me less interested in the show.
-
Well, I'm disappointed. The Bluray does not work, and there seem to be errors in the files themselves when I check them on my PC. Multiple people with the same issue tried to complain on the official Facebook, and the posts were removed :(
EDIT: Hmm, it works in my friend's Bluray player. Bizarre...
There was a post about some 'older' players not playing 25FPS video and they were going to remaster it at 29FPS (US standard) and give them to anyone having trouble. I need to try mine out.
-
It's going to be an issue if my PS3 doesn't play it, it's my only Blu-Ray player. Currently the only other Blu-Ray that hasn't played is LTE...
Nick, are you saying that you can't play LTE on any player? If so let me know, I can fix that for you.
-
It's going to be an issue if my PS3 doesn't play it, it's my only Blu-Ray player. Currently the only other Blu-Ray that hasn't played is LTE...
Nick, are you saying that you can't play LTE on any player? If so let me know, I can fix that for you.
My only Blu-Ray player has always been my PS3. When LTE was first released it didn't work. I waited a few years (Ps3 gets system updates), tried again, and no luck. I'll try again tonight and let you know how it goes.
-
turns out i actually did receive one of the posters! :laugh:
for some reason it was delivered separate from the rest of the package, but im glad i got one :metal
-
My poster and Blu-Ray came together, and oddly enough so did another Blu-Ray and poster.
-
And... the menu won't even come up, fantastic.
-
turns out i actually did receive one of the posters! :laugh:
for some reason it was delivered separate from the rest of the package, but im glad i got one :metal
Rock!
-
Just tried my bluray, no love.
-
I know its not the best news, but similar to what Mindflux posted earlier, I received an email back from the company and they said, while it may take 2-3 weeks, they will be mailing out another Bluray to all customers once they re-press it.
Sorry Nick :( I know that doesn't help right now.
-
So now I'm wondering if I should hold off buying it.
-
My poster and Blu-Ray came together, and oddly enough so did another Blu-Ray and poster.
They accidentally sent you two?? :eek Did you order within 2 minutes of an infomercial or something?
seriously though that's weird..
-
And... the menu won't even come up, fantastic.
Grand... I'm in the same boat in that a PS3 is my only blu-ray player. Awaiting my delivery, but gonna be annoyed if it don't work.
-
My poster and Blu-Ray came together, and oddly enough so did another Blu-Ray and poster.
Send one Blu-Ray to me.
Especially since you can't watch it anyway.
-
My poster and Blu-Ray came together, and oddly enough so did another Blu-Ray and poster.
Send one Blu-Ray to me.
Especially since you can't watch it anyway.
I sent an email to Mascot with no reply thus far.
I plan on giving away the extra set on my show at some point.
-
I sent an email to Mascot with no reply thus far.
I plan on giving away the extra set on my show at some point.
"Ok kids, tonight we're giving away a Flying Colors Bluray, that's right! FLYING COLORS, BABY. Ok caller #10 gets a FC Bluray That probably won't work in your player!"
-
Well, it'll be free, I'll mention the issue, and basically suggest noone with a PS3 try for it.
-
Well, it'll be free, I'll mention the issue, and basically suggest noone with a PS3 try for it.
Mine doesn't work and I don't have a PS3. I do have a Sony bluray player though... so it's probably still some crap Sony issue.
-
So are you guys happy with the show. From the videos I saw online it seemed very dry, made me less interested in the show.
I hope someone addresses this; I felt the same way.
-
Well, it'll be free, I'll mention the issue, and basically suggest noone with a PS3 try for it.
Mine doesn't work and I don't have a PS3. I do have a Sony bluray player though... so it's probably still some crap Sony issue.
I really don't know anything about BluRay and stuff, but Sony has in the past done their own thing with CDs where only half of the players could play it.
-
So are you guys happy with the show. From the videos I saw online it seemed very dry, made me less interested in the show.
I'm actually in the same boat. Then again, to be honest, it reflects the live atmosphere reasonably well (I saw them in NYC), because frankly, Casey is a terrible frontman. He looked disengaged most of the time. His constant tuning of his guitar (really a rookie mistake, if you don't let your guitar acclimate) made him look a bit like an amateur surrounded by professionals.
I should point out again that I looooove the album. It's just live it wasn't as good.
-
I got an email from Mascot this morning.
They claim the fixed discs are already being pressed and will be arriving in 2 weeks.
-
So are you guys happy with the show. From the videos I saw online it seemed very dry, made me less interested in the show.
I'm actually in the same boat. Then again, to be honest, it reflects the live atmosphere reasonably well (I saw them in NYC), because frankly, Casey is a terrible frontman. He looked disengaged most of the time. His constant tuning of his guitar (really a rookie mistake, if you don't let your guitar acclimate) made him look a bit like an amateur surrounded by professionals.
I should point out again that I looooove the album. It's just live it wasn't as good.
Yeah, I'm gonna have to skip this one too. While I also love the album, the live versions don't really bring anything to the table. And honestly there's so much Portnoy / Morse live material that I really have to pick and choose which ones I'm going to go for. Otherwise, I'd be spending most of the money I slot for new records and DVDs on Portnoy and Morse :P
-
I comlpetely get not wanting to go out and buy a dedicated Blu Ray player if your PS3 is really supposed to be able to play all Blu Ray disks, and I also get that it sucks buying something and then not being able to play it. But that being said, I also want to point out that Blu Ray players are actually pretty inexpensive, and you can get one for not much more than a couple of Blu Ray movie combos, so...
-
Anyone without a BluRay player should keep an eye out for Black Friday / Cyber Monday sales. As Bosk says, they are cheap already. Around Black Friday, you can get a whole BluRay / sound system combo for a couple hundred bucks (or less)
-
DVD arrived today, together with the poster. Cool!
So, this live concert is definitely a great prop for everyone who attended their shows and for the guys who didn't but want to see them in action. I personally went to one of their gigs so I can compare the live feeling with the DVD. Well, it certainly brewed up some kind of nostalgia within my heart and I liked the cheering Dutch attendees. Highlights of the show were Casey's solo spot, Mike singing Repentance and wildly drumming at the end of Shoulda coulda woulda, as well as Steve soloing. They even played a classic Deep Purple song I won't name right now to avoid unnecessary spoiling :angel:
Minuses were the "too silent sound production", I didn't really get the proper concert feeling until I turned my TV a bit too loud. And the camera views had at times a bit of that "DT concert presented by Ytsejam records" vibe, which is ok when you order from YJR, but when you buy an official, "special" DVD, you maybe expect some more expensive cameras and exclusive views.
Overall, this DVD will nevertheless be a great addition to my concert shelf :metal
-
Just got this today (CD and DVD). Really enjoying it so far. Even though Repentence is on the short list of songs I usualyl skip on Systematic Chaos, this version is really nice. Shortening it up is just what this song needed.
-
Tonight on my radio show (www.wpapu.com) I'll be giving out a Blu-Ray+Poster of Live in Europe. You have to be in chat (www.wpapu.com/chat) at some point during the first two hours of the show (which runs from 6-9pm EST) to win. Alternatively if you sign up for the mailing list at https://www.wpapu.com/Info.html between now and 8pm EST you will also be eligible to win. This list is for a weekly reminder about the show and to receive the podcast of the show. \
Please note that some have reported issues playing the blu-ray, especially on PS3 systems.
Good luck!
-
Yeah Repentance works really well, thanks mostly to 5'07"
But I think MP does a great job on the vocals, too. I don't remember it sounding quite that good.
-
So are you guys happy with the show. From the videos I saw online it seemed very dry, made me less interested in the show.
I'm actually in the same boat. Then again, to be honest, it reflects the live atmosphere reasonably well (I saw them in NYC), because frankly, Casey is a terrible frontman. He looked disengaged most of the time. His constant tuning of his guitar (really a rookie mistake, if you don't let your guitar acclimate) made him look a bit like an amateur surrounded by professionals.
I should point out again that I looooove the album. It's just live it wasn't as good.
I'm enjoying it (finally got around to the DVD.) I was expecting a little more energy, but based on the lineup it probably wasn't going to be that kind of a show. I think I enjoyed the New York gig a little more, but we didn't get the Spock's Beard version of Deep Purple's Space Truckin, which was uber cool.
Based on my limited listening/watching experience so far. it may be a toss up between the live and studio versions. Usually 99 percent of the time live wins out, but in this case I'm not so sure.
-
So, just like Nick, I just received a second Bluray set (with poster and all). At first I thought, "oh cool, they got the replacements out quick," but, alas, it again doesn't work on my PS3. So they are either incompetent and don't know how to press a modern Bluray disc, or they are incompetent and are shipping duplicates of the original set to people :lol
-
Sounds like both, actually. :lol
-
So, just like Nick, I just received a second Bluray set (with poster and all). At first I thought, "oh cool, they got the replacements out quick," but, alas, it again doesn't work on my PS3. So they are either incompetent and don't know how to press a modern Bluray disc, or they are incompetent and are shipping duplicates of the original set to people :lol
Duplicate here too.
-
Has anyone had any luck actually contacting them? I tried Mascot Records and got nowhere.
-
So, just like Nick, I just received a second Bluray set (with poster and all). At first I thought, "oh cool, they got the replacements out quick," but, alas, it again doesn't work on my PS3. So they are either incompetent and don't know how to press a modern Bluray disc, or they are incompetent and are shipping duplicates of the original set to people :lol
I don't think it's incompetence. I think they just assumed that you got a faulty copy and thus sent you another one. It's certainly a more sensible way of going about it for them than printing up a completely new BluRay.
-
I don't think it's incompetence. I think they just assumed that you got a faulty copy and thus sent you another one. It's certainly a more sensible way of going about it for them than printing up a completely new BluRay.
I dunno ..... I got a duplicate and it wasn't a BluRay (I ordered a few things).
-
Has anyone had any luck actually contacting them? I tried Mascot Records and got nowhere.
I got a response when I emailed them to let them know my BD didn't work. I emailed: order@mlgmerch.com
-
And now a word from our record label…
Mascot Label Group here about the Flying Colors Blu-ray. We printed the Blu-ray at 25 frames per second with the understanding that there's one universal system for Blu-ray that could play all frame rates. Unfortunately, selected US Blu-ray players (mainly Sony and Panasonic) can’t play the disc. Sending a replacement now would make no difference, because all discs are the same.
A new pressing, which should play on these players, is being manufactured as we speak. When we receive them, we will send replacement discs to all customers who bought the Blu-ray who and are having problems. This can take about 2 to 3 weeks, so we would like to apologize for the inconvenience.
Please contact order@mlgmerch.com with proof of your order (order confirmation or receipt) and we'll replace your copy. Please note this concerns a select amount of players; most Blu-ray players don't encounter problems whatsoever.
Again, we would like to apologize for the inconvenience.
-
That's pretty good service and loyalty if you ask me.
-
You would think in this day and age of video compression they would actually be independent of the frame rate. That is, the player itself should decide whether to play it at 25 or 29 frames per second.
-
Are there many differences between the live versions and the studio versions?
-
Just got mine today and (surprise surprise), it doesn't play in my PS3. >:( Message sent to order@mlgmerch.com.
-
I still havne't watched mine. I've listened to the audio (CD), and it's great. Just haven't gotten around to watching the show yet.
-
The main problem I have with this live album (apart from it not being a new studio album *hint hint*) is the fact that nearly every song is played in a different key to the studio versions. It may be a minor issue to most, but to me and others, it completely changes the feel of the song. Morse and Portnoy did the same when they played The Whirlwind live with Transatlantic. I can understand the idea of preserving the singing voice, but if they felt they couldn't perform it live in its original key, they should've recorded it in a key they can sing live on a regular basis.
-
The main problem I have with this live album (apart from it not being a new studio album *hint hint*) is the fact that nearly every song is played in a different key to the studio versions. It may be a minor issue to most, but to me and others, it completely changes the feel of the song. Morse and Portnoy did the same when they played The Whirlwind live with Transatlantic. I can understand the idea of preserving the singing voice, but if they felt they couldn't perform it live in its original key, they should've recorded it in a key they can sing live on a regular basis.
I completely agree. It's one thing if they are singing live songs they wrote 10 years ago, but it's annoying when bands record something with complete disregard for how it will sound live on the upcoming tour.
-
Do they all downtune their instruments for this? I would think solos and stuff aren't easily translated to a different key.
-
I got my replacement disc in today, playing fine on my PS3. Good job Mascot.
-
I got my replacement disc in today, playing fine on my PS3. Good job Mascot.
Good to hear. I haven't even gotten a response from my email.
-
I got my replacement disc in today, playing fine on my PS3. Good job Mascot.
Good to hear. I haven't even gotten a response from my email.
Hmm. Before they put out their notice I had emailed them and gotten no response. Then I emailed them again the day they put out the notice (albeit before they actually posted the notice) and got a response either that night or the next day. I'd consider sending another email.
-
I got my replacement disc in today, playing fine on my PS3. Good job Mascot.
I was just coming here to ask if anyone had gotten theirs yet.
I'll be checking my mailbox intently.
-
I got my replacement disc in today, playing fine on my PS3. Good job Mascot.
I was just coming here to ask if anyone had gotten theirs yet.
I'll be checking my mailbox intently.
Mine came today as well!
-
Well I forgot to check on the way home and now it's pouring rain.. doh
:loser:
-
I got my replacement disc in today, playing fine on my PS3. Good job Mascot.
I was just coming here to ask if anyone had gotten theirs yet.
I'll be checking my mailbox intently.
Mine came today as well!
Did you guys order directly from the label? I got mine from Amazon. Just wondering if they're replacing those sold at other retailers.
-
I got my replacement disc in today, playing fine on my PS3. Good job Mascot.
I was just coming here to ask if anyone had gotten theirs yet.
I'll be checking my mailbox intently.
Mine came today as well!
Did you guys order directly from the label? I got mine from Amazon. Just wondering if they're replacing those sold at other retailers.
I forwarded my receipt from Radiant on to mascot with my shipping info and they claimed they would take care of it.
-
The main problem I have with this live album (apart from it not being a new studio album *hint hint*) is the fact that nearly every song is played in a different key to the studio versions. It may be a minor issue to most, but to me and others, it completely changes the feel of the song. Morse and Portnoy did the same when they played The Whirlwind live with Transatlantic. I can understand the idea of preserving the singing voice, but if they felt they couldn't perform it live in its original key, they should've recorded it in a key they can sing live on a regular basis.
I completely agree. It's one thing if they are singing live songs they wrote 10 years ago, but it's annoying when bands record something with complete disregard for how it will sound live on the upcoming tour.
Maybe this is what's bugging me and I was never able to identify it. Admittedly, I've only seen the DVD twice and listened to the CD three times because the new music pipeline is flowing rather heavily these days.
Something just seems "off."
-
I just won a signed CD from a Flying Colors contest on Facebook. Rad!!
Signed by Steve and Mike
-
FC#2 is a wrap
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=710115775672734&l=87ae3765fe
-
FC#2 is a wrap
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=710115775672734&l=87ae3765fe
Well the writing is - I suspect that they will reconvene in the New Years to do the proper recording over in Neal's studio, then the album will probably see a summer release.
With that in mind, Neal will also probably have his new solo album out next fall or winter as well. Another year with another triple-dose of Neal Morse! Woohoo! I do look forward to the new FC though. They set the bar pretty high, for me at least, so I'm hoping their sophomore effort warrants a return to the studio in years to come!
-Marc.
-
Wtf, a whole year from now? That's kinda... ludicrous.
-
Wtf, a whole year from now? That's kinda... ludicrous.
Well, I am only speculating. Unless the guys record the whole album proper in January, I doubt we'll see it sooner than summer. Remember, because of various engagements by the band members, the first album took a year between recording and release, so it's possible this could be the same.
Also, you have to take in to account that Neal and Mike will be gearing up for PN14 Cruise and the TA tour, and I'm sure Steve Morse will be getting ready for the Deep Purple tour in February, so I can imagine January being a VERY busy time for them. With THAT in mind, and if Dave and Casey are available, April might be the next best month for them to record TOGETHER (although, with the writing done, they COULD just record separately and send them all in).
But worst case scenario,they all get together again in April to record for a week or two, then it takes 3-5 months for mixing/mastering/producing, leading up to a Fall or Winter release. Just trying to be realistic and not get my hopes up for a Spring or Summer release from them. So while it is a bit ludicrous, I'm ready to wait. I recall reading MP's studio diary for this then-new supergroup, only to find out that the material wasn't going to be released until a year AFTER the studio sessions!!! It was a BIT frustrating, but I think it was worth the wait.
-Marc.
-
Given their schedules I don't see how that is in any way ludicrous. You also have to consider that, even if the album is completely 100% ready, they could still wait a bit till they can actually start touring in support of it.
-
That is true, but then why say anything about it publicly at all? Just keep quiet about it on all fronts until the release date is a few months away. Saying, "The album is a wrap, and hopefully we'll have it out by the end of next year," is nothing but a big tease.
-
Yea, shame on them for telling us it's done with a nice picture of their rehearsal studio. Who do they think I am? A fan who enjoys hearing updates from them?
-
Yea, shame on them for telling us it's done with a nice picture of their rehearsal studio. Who do they think I am? A fan who enjoys hearing updates from them?
Seriously. We should just be happy that they told us in advance it'll still be awhile. They could have very easily said we'll have it "soon".
-
I finally grabbed a hold of the Live in Europe DVD and I'm enjoying it quite a bit so far. Can't find a way is such a nice song.
-
Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but something's been bugging me.
What makes the "Limited Edition" of Flying Colors' album special, compared to the standard edition? The only difference I've noticed is the words "Limited Edition" in the corner. There's no bonus tracks or anything.
-
I totally forget, but lim. ed. often times it comes in a "Digi-pack", which to me makes it lose all of its value from a packaging standpoint.
-
Amen. Digipacks are Satan.
-
I agree. Hopefully that trend ends soon
-
That "trend" has been plaguing the music world for pretty much a decade now, I wouldn't hold your breath.
-
Oh I didn't realize it's been quite that long! Actually, if it's been a decade, I'm more relieved, I think that means it's almost over!
-
As opposed to a jewel case? My copy is like that. The booklet is in an incredibly tight slot. First time I tried to put it back in, I nearly ripped it.
But also, that's it?!! That's all that's special about it?! Utterly ridiculous excuse to tag something as a limited edition!
For the record, this is nothing on the album itself. It's an amazing album! Looking forward to number 2, whenever it comes.
-
Realize I'm saying that I've seen that difference be the case between regular and limited edition, though I don't remember if that it's the case with this particular album. In either case, yeah, it blows. I would honestly happily pay an extra dollar per item to have everything I've ever bought in a digi-pack in a jewel case instead.
-
I thought the big deal with digi-packs was that they're like miniature record album jackets, and thus appeal more to old fogeys and other vinyl collectors. The kitsch factor. Other than that, I really don't see the appeal. They're usually less convenient and less durable as well. For this you pay extra?
-
What bothers me the most is that I'm really obsessive about my collection, and I want it to be uniform. If all my discs were in digipacks, I'd probably be more ok with it.
Though, they're still not very durable.
-
I thought the big deal with digi-packs was that they're like miniature record album jackets, and thus appeal more to old fogeys and other vinyl collectors. The kitsch factor. Other than that, I really don't see the appeal. They're usually less convenient and less durable as well. For this you pay extra?
I like them more, personally. No tabs to break off and completely lose all hinge function of the front of the case. I get so many used CD's with busted cases it drives me up a wall that nobody bothers to swap out the damaged parts. Granted if you screw up a digipak you can't swap out a part.
-
I was under the impression the digi-packs were introduced under the guise of being more environmentally friendly (when it's probably just cheaper for the record company).
-
I have albums with really nice digipaks and albums with really awful digipaks. I'm not going to condemn them as a whole.
-
Fair enough. I only have a few, and with all of them, it's practically impossible to get the CD out, and they don't lay flat. Everything is very tight. I do like that they're like miniature record albums, so it's a trade off, I suppose. In general, they sit on the shelf anyway, since I listen to them a few times, then rip them to mp3, so it's not a huge deal either way.
-
I'm generally fine with digipaks as long as they still have some sort of tray for the disc.
Any design where the disc is in a sleeve or pouch is terrible.
-
I'm generally fine with digipaks as long as they still have some sort of tray for the disc.
Any design where the disc is in a sleeve or pouch is terrible.
Agreed.
I hate, hate, hate the digipaks that indie-rock albums usually come in. Usually just nothing more than cheap, cardboard sleeves with the CD jammed in between two pieces of cardboard. I do kinda prefer the larger digipaks though; think the style that the Porcupine Tree rereleases are done in or even the cheaper Nuclear Blast-style digipaks even though those are clearly of the less durable sort and more prone to damage. Digipaks are much more conducive to trying to replicate the art aspect of vinyl (IMO) so I appreciate that.
It is nice that you can easily replace a broken jewel case though, but god, do they break easily. I constantly have to buy more cases to swap out the ones that are cracked, with broken tabs or hinges. I don't think I've ever had a digipak get so damaged to the point of uselessness... at least not yet anyways.
-
FC2 is due for a "September-ish" release according to MP.
-
FC2 is due for a "September-ish" release according to MP.
Wow that's quick! A lot quicker than the year-long wait between recording and release for the first album. Mike was just recording vocals in his hotel last week while on tour!
-Marc.
-
Alright, bring it on! :metal
-
What a nice surprise!
-
I only wish they toured more. Flying Colors and The Winery Dogs are my favourite MP projects since he left DT. And yeah, I´m still hoping PSMS puts out a few songs of their own.
-
Very late to the question, but the special edition also had a poster, IIRC.
-
Flying down to Florida today to meet up w Neal, Casey, Steve & Dave and shoot some videos for the upcoming @FlyingColors 2nd album!!
AWW YISS.
-
So they claim the album was mastered and then re-mastered by Paul Logus at PLX.
I guess they weren't happy with the first mastering?
-
Hopefully, it'll sound a lot better than the first album. I like the first album quite a bit, but that is despite how it sounds.
-
Hopefully, it'll sound a lot better than the first album. I like the first album quite a bit, but that is despite how it sounds.
What's wrong with the first album?
-
It's a bit too muddy at times, especially on the songs that were probably thought of as being the singles (The Storm, Kayla).
-
I never had any issues with it.
-
I never had any issues with it.
I didn't notice any of it particularly muddy either. Oh well.
-
I thought the first album sounded beautiful, production wise.
-
I thought the first album sounded beautiful, production wise.
Maybe KevSchmev got some turd encoding off TPB.
-
I'll give it another whirl and see if I am imagining things. :lol :lol
But even just looking at the mp3 for The Storm in Audacity, the levels are all hitting the max a lot during the rocking parts.
-
I never thought there were any issues with it. One of my top albums from 2012.
-
Yeah, I still like it a lot, regardless. I still think Infinite Fire would have gotten way more love had it not been looked at as another Morse/Portnoy long song. And it should have, as I think it is better than either long epic from the last TA album or the long epic on Neal's last solo album.
-
I'll give it another whirl and see if I am imagining things. :lol :lol
But even just looking at the mp3 for The Storm in Audacity, the levels are all hitting the max a lot during the rocking parts.
Did you encode it yourself or buy from iTunes/Amazon?
-
I bought them from Amazon; the Amazon.com Song ID thing is still under the comments part when I check the file's info. :lol
-
I bought them from Amazon; the Amazon.com Song ID thing is still under the comments part when I check the file's info. :lol
Lets see what my version of The Storm looks like in Audacity (encoded in iTunes at 320kbps):
(https://i.imgur.com/Mxfkdqk.png)
It does appear quite maxed out. I still don't have problems with the actual sound though.
-
While the album is great and enjoyed it a lot, there are two things that stood out that makes the album less enjoyable for me:
a) Casey's voice. The Muse style in which he sings most of the times. That got on my nerves...and his vibrato as well..
b) The album's sound. The sound quality of the album is really bad. My ears get fatigued really fast with this one. While it's not brickwalled to the max, for some reason, my ears get tired very very fast when listening to this record. Don't know if it's a combination of Casey's voice and the way the high frequencies are mixed up or maybe a combination of both. The live album on the other hand is warmer and better and this is what I listen when I want to hear some Flying Colors.
-
Maybe not totally brickwalled, but pretty close. It sounds very dense. Somehow it doesn't sound compressed in the way that albums/songs which are compressed are obviously compressed, but there's a density to everything that I'm sure some people like because it sounds "rich and full" but I, like you, find it somehow fatiguing to listen to.
-
In the case of what's being talked about here it won't matter much, but talking about production and mastering while dealing with lossy files is downright silly. You don't take a picture of a painting and then judge the painting by the picture. I'm not saying the album doesn't have any issues, but at least listen to the CD or a lossless file before you make any final determinations.
-
In the case of what's being talked about here it won't matter much, but talking about production and mastering while dealing with lossy files is downright silly. You don't take a picture of a painting and then judge the painting by the picture. I'm not saying the album doesn't have any issues, but at least listen to the CD or a lossless file before you make any final determinations.
Yeah, that waveform is kind of misleading since it's a lossy format. My comments were directed with the full CD in mind.
-
Maybe not totally brickwalled, but pretty close. It sounds very dense. Somehow it doesn't sound compressed in the way that albums/songs which are compressed are obviously compressed, but there's a density to everything that I'm sure some people like because it sounds "rich and full" but I, like you, find it somehow fatiguing to listen to.
And that's the weird part...I've heard so much worse album but I don't get ear fatigue. DT12 (normal cd edition), Redemption's "This Mortal Coil" are two other albums that are very compressed but don't cause my ear to fatigue so fast.
-
In the case of what's being talked about here it won't matter much, but talking about production and mastering while dealing with lossy files is downright silly. You don't take a picture of a painting and then judge the painting by the picture. I'm not saying the album doesn't have any issues, but at least listen to the CD or a lossless file before you make any final determinations.
I realize that. I was trying to see if his Amazon had some weird encoding happening compared to mine (from my CD). It probably appears near identical, but I don't find the sound on the disc (or mp3s) to be tiring or blown out like say DT12.
-
Yeah, I still like it a lot, regardless. I still think Infinite Fire would have gotten way more love had it not been looked at as another Morse/Portnoy long song. And it should have, as I think it is better than either long epic from the last TA album or the long epic on Neal's last solo album.
Wow! :omg:
umm....NO!
-
Yeah, I still like it a lot, regardless. I still think Infinite Fire would have gotten way more love had it not been looked at as another Morse/Portnoy long song. And it should have, as I think it is better than either long epic from the last TA album or the long epic on Neal's last solo album.
Wow! :omg:
umm....NO!
I agree with Kev.
-
I always thought the album sounded fine, I never had any issues.
-
I always thought it sounded too compressed, specially Blue Ocean and the keyboards in general.
-
I know they had other stuff to do, but I still think they lost momentum with FC by delaying the next album so much.
-
I know they had other stuff to do, but I still think they lost momentum with FC by delaying the next album so much.
Possibly, but because of who they were, I don't think anyone really expected a follow up so quick, if at all. Once the next album comes, the hype will come back.
-
I know they had other stuff to do, but I still think they lost momentum with FC by delaying the next album so much.
Agreed. I loved the first album when it came out but with all the new music I've heard since then, I've sorta forgotten about it. I'm not nearly excited about this as I would've been even a year ago.
-
Eh, I don't see the issue at all. Even if your enthusiasm has waned, if the new album is good, it'll all come back quickly, so it's a non-issue as far as I'm concerned.
-
I know they had other stuff to do, but I still think they lost momentum with FC by delaying the next album so much.
Three years isn't too much. I'd say that's about average. Maybe we're so used to DT's "fast-track" album recording process that we forget other bands can sometimes spend up to a year or longer recording a new album.
I'm sure FCII will be worth it when it comes.
-
I know they had other stuff to do, but I still think they lost momentum with FC by delaying the next album so much.
Three years isn't too much. I'd say that's about average. Maybe we're so used to DT's "fast-track" album recording process that we forget other bands can sometimes spend up to a year or longer recording a new album.
I'm sure FCII will be worth it when it comes.
3 years? The first album came out in 2012 and the second is slated for this fall. 2 years is a perfectly fine gap!
-
I know they had other stuff to do, but I still think they lost momentum with FC by delaying the next album so much.
Three years isn't too much. I'd say that's about average. Maybe we're so used to DT's "fast-track" album recording process that we forget other bands can sometimes spend up to a year or longer recording a new album.
I'm sure FCII will be worth it when it comes.
3 years? The first album came out in 2012 and the second is slated for this fall. 2 years is a perfectly fine gap!
Indeed. A two-year wait is NOT that bad. The wait between recording and release, however, was pretty long for the first album. It took about a year for the first album to come out after initial recording sessions. This time we were far luckier. Recording commenced earlier this year and we are getting it in September. That's pretty good, IMO, and I'm glad we don't have to wait til next Spring/Summer for it.
-Marc.
-
A bit more than 2 1/2 years, assuming the album gets released in September.
Regarding the album, the expectations are actually pretty low for me. I kinda have the impression that the quality level of the first album was a stroke of luck. I think it's quite likely that the next one will be a mix of Transatlantic and Neal Morse solo.
-
INB4 rumbo's self-fulfilling prophecy this winter when he says the new Flying Colors sounds like a mix of TA and solo Neal Morse, regardless of what it really sounds like. :biggrin:
-
Eh, I don't see the issue at all. Even if your enthusiasm has waned, if the new album is good, it'll all come back quickly, so it's a non-issue as far as I'm concerned.
I tend to agree with this. I don't like when things take too long, but I don't see why that should make it any less exciting when it comes, and this did not take too long in the first place. Most bands can't even come out with music every 3 years, and this one's just a project!! Plus it's pretty great getting TA and FC in the same year!
-
Yeah, the wait between the debut and this one doesn't seem too long at all. It's right around the same amount of time most other bands put out a new record. I haven't given the debut a listen in a long time--I might actually do that soon--but I thought it thoroughly consistent and while not anything amazing, I liked it. If the quality of the new one matches that of the debut, I think I'll be pretty satisfied, and I'm definitely gonna check it out.
-
You guys are nuts. If a band doesn't put out an album per year, they suck. Period. Doesn't matter if it's "just a side project", they owe it to their fans to keep them completely immersed in new, high-quality musical product on a regular basis, and if they don't, the excitement dies down and they might as well just hang it up. That is the unfortunate reality in which we live today. There's just too many other bands out there vying for my attention, and I can't wait two years for them to get off their butts and finally bother to get together and make a new album. I'm sick and tired of hearing about "other commitments" like the other bands they're in and bullshit excuses like somebody's wife had a baby or somebody was critically injured in a car accident. I really don't care. What counts is the music. That's what they say, right? Well is the music the most important thing or not? If the answer to that question isn't a clear and unequivocable "Yes" then they're just not worth my time and energy. At this point, I don't even care if the new album comes out, everyone talks about how good it is, the samples sound great, sales go through the roof, every show sells out, and they all quit their respective main bands to focus solely on Flying Colors; obviously that's all crap and there's no way it can be any good and there's no point in getting excited about it. They made us wait too long. They have lost me as a fan.
-
:lol
-
I know they had other stuff to do, but I still think they lost momentum with FC by delaying the next album so much.
Such as, coincidentally enough...
(wait for it...)
...Momentum.
-
INB4 rumbo's self-fulfilling prophecy this winter when he says the new Flying Colors sounds like a mix of TA and solo Neal Morse, regardless of what it really sounds like. :biggrin:
Hey, I easily could have said the same thing about the first FC! :lol
I will try to go into it with an open mind though. I really loved the first FC, IMHO by far MP's best post-DT output. It's just when I hear things like "the new album is proggier", it sounds less likely that it will have the same pop glory the first album had.
-
i agree that the wait between the two albums seems very reasonable, but i think part of why it felt so long is that they barely toured. the album was out, they toured a little, and then a long period of nothing. Obviously everyone else was doing other things, but not hearing a peep out of FC for a while made it feel like a longer break than it was.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/44gW2nF.png)
-
Oh cool!
One thing I pray for though, pleaaaase no uncomfortable videos like TA did. :lol
-
I am not sure if this is confirmed or not, but i came across this in Finnish music store site.
https://www.levykauppax.fi/artist/flying_colors/second_nature/
If this is true, it sounds beyond awesome!
-
I am not sure if this is confirmed or not, but i came across this in Finnish music store site.
https://www.levykauppax.fi/artist/flying_colors/second_nature/
If this is true, it sounds beyond awesome!
I can confirm that, at last weekend's Night of the Prog festival in Germany there were flyers for the only Flying Colors show in Germany, which had that album art and title etc. on the backside of the flyer.
-
I am not sure if this is confirmed or not, but i came across this in Finnish music store site.
https://www.levykauppax.fi/artist/flying_colors/second_nature/
If this is true, it sounds beyond awesome!
I can confirm that, at last weekend's Night of the Prog festival in Germany there were flyers for the only Flying Colors show in Germany, which had that album art and title etc. on the backside of the flyer.
Nice!! The album sounds fantastic. I loved the first one, and i'm sure i'm gonna love this one!
-
Hmm, 9 songs as opposed to 11, with a multi-part epic at the end?
Seems like this one might more Transatlantic influenced than the last :P
I could be wrong though.
-
That artwork kinda sucks though. Quite a let down after the really cool (imo) artwork for the first CD. Everything else seems promising though, starting to get excited! :tup
The 3 part epic seems exciting. If they can keep their pop/prog blend I won't mind some longer tracks. Infinite Fire was a much more inventive epic than either of the long tracks on the new Transatlantic or anything else Neal Morse has done in the past few years.
-
What a brilliant title!!
-
I love the title, and that's an interesting track list. Here it is for those who didn't click the link:
Flying Colors - Second Nature
1. Open Up Your Eyes
2. Mask Machine
3. Bombs Away
4. The Fury Of My Love
5. A Place In Your World
6. Lost Without You
7. One Lost Forever
8. Peaceful Harbor
9. Cosmic Symphony
I. Still Life Of The World
II. Searching For The Air
III. Pound For Pound
Just being a bit nit-picky, but I kind of wish they had separated the titles of "Lost Without You" and "One Lost Forever", so as not to have two songs with "Lost" in the titles back-to-back. I wonder if there are any themes running through these songs' lyrics? "Mask Machine" and "Bombs Away" sound menacing, then we have what look like love/relationship songs with "The Fury Of My Love" and "A Place In Your World", then two songs about losing something, and finally "Peaceful Harbor", all before the 3-part symphony.
I expect a similar structure to the album this time around. "Open Up Your Eyes" will probably be a 5-7 minute opener, and the closing epic will likely range around 10-15 minutes, probably taking up the whole last side of the 2LP Vinyl, which leaves 8 songs over the course of 3 sides, so probably 2-3-3 in terms of tracks per side.
The artwork is nice, if a bit obviously pieced together in Photoshop. The wind turbines aren't even the same model, and it would've made sense to have more, if at least in the background. Ah well...as long as the music rocks, I'll be happy! Both Neal and Mike have gone on record as saying this one lives up to the first, so I hope we get more of the same, if not better!
More importantly, the release date is given to us as September 26th, so probably the 30th in North America as Europe tends to get stuff before the weekend and NA gets it after. In that case, Radiant Records will likely have a pre-order campaign up sometime soon.
-Marc.
-
I like the album title a lot too.
I think we can maybe expect preorders to go up within the week and maybe a single too. From the Facebook page:
Mark July 29 on your calendars.
-
Terrible album cover but I'm excited because the 2014 hasn't yet offered any good albums and I have high hopes for this!
And we Finns know it first!
-
I actually really like the cover. Track list is also exciting, especially the last track. There can never be too many epics in the world.
-
I like the album cover.
-
Yeah I don't think it's bad.
Not super exciting either, for me, but nothing upsetting about it either.
-
Digging the album title, and the cover isn't anything horribly offensive. Cool to get a tracklist!
Cosmic Symphony sounds interesting, and it looks like the album might be structurally similar to the debut given the closing prog epic (if it is indeed an epic).
-
I think the artwork is from Hugh Syme, because when DT12 hadn't been released, I remember seeing that image as a possible cover for DT's self-titled. Oh and thanks godtrucci he removed that horrible dancer from the pic.
-
It looks *very* Syme-y, that's for sure.
-
That album cover is absolutely gorgeous, it truly fits the band. I'm really looking forward to this. :metal
-
I'm actually kinda bummed they defaulted to Syme for the album art. Looks like a mix between the FII (person with binoculars looks into distance from elevated platform) and the 8V cover (rolling hills with large objects in foreground).
EDIT: Make your own Syme album cover:
https://www.workbook.com/portfolios/syme
Right the first two pictures.
-
That album cover is absolutely gorgeous, it truly fits the band. I'm really looking forward to this. :metal
It's to signify they only have TWO FANS. :neverusethis:
-
I'm actually kinda bummed they defaulted to Syme for the album art. Looks like a mix between the FII (person with binoculars looks into distance from elevated platform) and the 8V cover (rolling hills with large objects in foreground).
EDIT: Make your own Syme album cover:
https://www.workbook.com/portfolios/syme
Right the first two pictures.
Actually, more so this one than the first one with balloons:
(https://www.workbook.com/static/artist/2460/thumbs_large/01150099671391608031.jpg)
+
(https://www.workbook.com/static/artist/2460/thumbs_large/06548689421368237808.jpg)
-Marc.
-
https://www.mascotlabelgroup.com/flying-colors
Pre-orders are up at the band's label.
There's a trailer as well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IDyGrc1Z8k#t=16
EDIT - Samples are also available:
https://www.mascotlabelgroup.com/flyingcolors-secondnature.html
-Marc.
-
https://www.mascotlabelgroup.com/flying-colors
Pre-orders are up at the band's label.
There's a trailer as well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IDyGrc1Z8k#t=16
EDIT - Samples are also available:
https://www.mascotlabelgroup.com/flyingcolors-secondnature.html
-Marc.
Preorders tomorrow at Radiant. First 200 get signed litho. 11AM central
-
https://www.mascotlabelgroup.com/flying-colors
Pre-orders are up at the band's label.
There's a trailer as well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IDyGrc1Z8k#t=16
EDIT - Samples are also available:
https://www.mascotlabelgroup.com/flyingcolors-secondnature.html
-Marc.
Preorders tomorrow at Radiant. First 200 get signed litho. 11AM central
Saw that, too. Sounds tempting, but it depends on the price. And it also depends on whether or not they're offering the CD/DVD/T-Shirt combo that Mascot Records is offering.
-Marc.
-
Samples sound great, I'm really looking forward to this! The Fury of My Love sounds like a lovely little ballad
-
:omg: :omg: :omg: :o OMG THIS IS SO EXCITING!
-
Why does One Love Forever make me think of The Lion King?
Digging the samples for the first two tracks in particular.
-
I wonder if the Radiant preorder will have the bonus DVD 'behind the scenes' footage that Mascot has...
-
I wonder if the Radiant preorder will have the bonus DVD 'behind the scenes' footage that Mascot has...
Or the t-shirt. I've gotten t-shirts with both FC releases so far (1st studio album, then the live album), so I'd like to keep the trend going.
Also, I wonder if they'll offer the bonus tracks that Mascot has as well.
-Marc.
-
Or the t-shirt. I've gotten t-shirts with both FC releases so far (1st studio album, then the live album), so I'd like to keep the trend going.
Also, I wonder if they'll offer the bonus tracks that Mascot has as well.
-Marc.
I don't care about the shirt. I want the LP and the CD and the bonus tracks and making of DVD. If I have to I'll order the LPs from Mascot to get the bonus DVD (Since it comes with ANY FC Preorder).
-
flyingcolorsmusic.com has updated with track list times and tourdates:
Total - 65:58
1. Open Up Your Eyes (12.24)
2. Mask Machine (6.06)
3. Bombs Away (5.03)
4. The Fury Of My Love (5.10)
5. A Place In Your World (6.25)
6. Lost Without You (4.46)
7. One Love Forever (7.17)
8. Peaceful Harbor (7.01)
9. Cosmic Symphony (11.46)
I. Still Life Of The World
II. Searching For The Air
III. Pound For Pound
Surprising that the opening track is the longer of the two epics on the album! This one's about 6 minutes longer than the first album. Not bad! :tup
10/2 Los Angeles, CA James Armstrong Theather
10/3 Chicago, IL Arcada Theater
10/4 Philadelphia, PA Keswick Theater
10/7 Barcelona, Spain Razzmatazz 2
10/8 Milan, Italy Milan Live Club
10/9 Tilburg, Netherlands 013
10/11 Frankfurt, Germany Batschkapp
10/12 Pratteln, Switzerland Z7
10/13 London, UK Islington Assembly Hall
10/14 Paris, France Alhambra
Only 3 US dates, with 7 in Europe. Ah well...
Also, the US site for Mascot now has their pre-orders up: https://usa.mascotlabelgroup.com/flyingcolors-secondnature-cdshirt.html
-Marc.
-
Listening to FC1 with my hands on the trigger for preordering at Radiant.
-
Listening to FC1 with my hands on the trigger for preordering at Radiant.
You're sitting at your computer for the next hour waiting?! :lol
I mean, I would be, too, but I'm at work. Thankfully, I'll be at my desk computer around noon EST, just in time for the pre-orders to go live. Now, if they offer the T-Shirt/CD/DVD/Bonus Tracks/Poster bundle for the same price as Mascot (only $30.00 + Shipping!!!), then I'll buy, but if it's a lot more than that, I'll just get Mascot's bundle. I mean, a t-shirt alone would usually cost $15-20, then the CD would be $15-20, so throwing in a poster AND a DVD is just icing on the cake.
-Marc.
-
Did they take down the samples? The page that had them yesterday now only shows the bundle.
-
Listening to FC1 with my hands on the trigger for preordering at Radiant.
You're sitting at your computer for the next hour waiting?! :lol
I mean, I would be, too, but I'm at work. Thankfully, I'll be at my desk computer around noon EST, just in time for the pre-orders to go live. Now, if they offer the T-Shirt/CD/DVD/Bonus Tracks/Poster bundle for the same price as Mascot (only $30.00 + Shipping!!!), then I'll buy, but if it's a lot more than that, I'll just get Mascot's bundle. I mean, a t-shirt alone would usually cost $15-20, then the CD would be $15-20, so throwing in a poster AND a DVD is just icing on the cake.
-Marc.
I'm working. I program for a living.
https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/503-flying-colors-second-nature.aspx
Comes with Bonus Tracks but no DVD it seems?
-
Looks like no DVD from Radiant
-
Looks like no DVD from Radiant
That's a shame. Looks like I'm going with Mascot, then. As lovely as the signed poster would be, I'd rather have the t-shirt, DVD, and a regular poster anyway for $33.00 (since shipping was only $3.00 for me anyway). It's a much better deal and I bet Mascot will ship it a lot sooner/faster than Radiant would.
If I *really* want the signed poster, I guess I could order the 2LP Vinyl for it, so I'm not overlapping any of my media between Mascot and Radiant, but then that's another $25+shipping just for the vinyl AND the signed poster...and I'm pretty strapped for cash lately.
-Marc.
-
I can't register on mascot. It's barking about a house number field that I don't even see.
-
I can't register on mascot. It's barking about a house number field that I don't even see.
On the US site or the EU site? I managed to sign-up and order on the US site pretty easily. In fact, I just placed my order for the CD/DVD/T-Shirt/Poster bundle. Cannot wait to get this in September!
I'm still refreshing Radiant's page, though. I think I might try to get the 2LP with the signed poster. It depends on the shipping and all, though.
-Marc.
-
I can't register on mascot. It's barking about a house number field that I don't even see.
On the US site or the EU site? I managed to sign-up and order on the US site pretty easily. In fact, I just placed my order for the CD/DVD/T-Shirt/Poster bundle. Cannot wait to get this in September!
I'm still refreshing Radiant's page, though. I think I might try to get the 2LP with the signed poster. It depends on the shipping and all, though.
-Marc.
US Site.
-
radiant is slowing down
-
I can't register on mascot. It's barking about a house number field that I don't even see.
On the US site or the EU site? I managed to sign-up and order on the US site pretty easily. In fact, I just placed my order for the CD/DVD/T-Shirt/Poster bundle. Cannot wait to get this in September!
I'm still refreshing Radiant's page, though. I think I might try to get the 2LP with the signed poster. It depends on the shipping and all, though.
-Marc.
US Site.
Not sure what to tell ya. Try refreshing your cart and restart the checkout process. Double check your billing and shipping addresses and make sure that if they're the same, you only fill out one address.
After all that, you should be able to create an account with a user name and a password.
-Marc.
-
I can't register on mascot. It's barking about a house number field that I don't even see.
same problem here, its strange... :huh:
-
Well it's 11:00 CST/12:00 EST and nothing's up yet...hmmmmm.
-Marc.
-
Well it's 11:00 CST/12:00 EST and nothing's up yet...hmmmmm.
-Marc.
:facepalm:
-
I can't register on mascot. It's barking about a house number field that I don't even see.
same problem here, its strange... :huh:
I got around it by not registering..
-
Well it's 11:00 CST/12:00 EST and nothing's up yet...hmmmmm.
-Marc.
:facepalm:
Only the CD pre-orders are up...
-Marc.
-
21 to ship the LP to texas? WHAT?
-
DOne!
-
DOne!
Same here. Ordered the CD only since the LP shipping was insanity.
I wonder if I can find out from Radiant if I got the signed poster, if not I'd cancel and just order the Mascot bundle.
-
21 to ship the LP to texas? WHAT?
$21.08 (USD) to ship to Maryland. From Tennessee. "WHAT?" indeed. I guess I'm not ordering the LP for the poster, then, and I'm not interested in getting 2 copies of the CD. I guess this time around, I am NOT ordering from Radiant, even for the signed poster.
Congrats, Mascot, for having a better pre-order than Radiant. :clap:
EDIT - actually... I just realized I could use my PayPal account to order and used my Bill Me Later credit for the LP+Shipping...soooooo, I got it anyway. :facepalm
Still, though, that shipping is atrocious, so the LP better look and sound amazing (not that I have a record player...yet). I guess having the poster signed, and getting all the great stuff from Mascot kind of evens out.
My total Flying Colors purchases today: $79.07
-Second Nature CD
-Anthology DVD
-2LP Vinyl (with download code)
-XL T-Shirt
-Poster
-Signed Poster (hopefully!)
-Bonus Tracks (twice!)
Not bad, really. As I said above, the CD would retail for $15, the t-shirt for $20, the vinyl for $25, the DVD for $20, and the poster for $10, which would all add up to about $90 anyway, so as I see it, I still spent $10-15 less than I would have getting all this stuff separately.
Thank god for Bill Me Later, though. I guess I'm not ordering/pre-ordering much for the next month, now.
-Marc.
-
Pre-ordered from Mascot. :metal
-
ordered the CD from Radiant and the vinyl from Mascot! :lol
stoked they announced a show at the Keswick, will be there wednesday for the winery dogs! literally every time i have been to that venue it is to see Portnoy in some band :lol :lol
-
ordered the CD from Radiant and the vinyl from Mascot! :lol
This is what I did.
-
ordered the CD from Radiant and the vinyl from Mascot! :lol
Wait...would that have been cheaper?!? :facepalm:
*Goes to check*
Damnit... :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:
Ordering the CD/Poster from Radiant + the Vinyl/T-shirt/DVD bundle from Mascot would've cost me $13.48 less.
Oh well...kudos to you both for saving yourself that much, countoftuscany42 & Mindflux!
-Marc.
-
ordered the CD from Radiant and the vinyl from Mascot! :lol
Wait...would that have been cheaper?!? :facepalm:
*Goes to check*
Damnit... :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:
Ordering the CD/Poster from Radiant + the Vinyl/T-shirt/DVD bundle from Mascot would've cost me $13.48 less.
Oh well...kudos to you both for saving yourself that much, countoftuscany42 & Mindflux!
-Marc.
It still ended up being expensive. Like $20.50 for the Cd at Radiant (shipped) and $31 for the LP+Bonus DVD from Mascot (Shipped)
-
i didn't really think of the amount i was saving, i just wanted everything but the tshirt and this seemed easier, plus everyone was saying they were gouged shipping the vinyl through radiant...
-
i didn't really think of the amount i was saving, i just wanted everything but the tshirt and this seemed easier, plus everyone was saying they were gouged shipping the vinyl through radiant...
Yeah, that is pretty bad with the shipping. If the poster I get is signed, then I'll feel a little better about it. As I said above, at least I paid with Bill Me Later, so I don't have to worry about paying that back for a little while, but still, that shipping shouldn't even been HALF that much. Ten dollars, tops, but nowhere near twenty.
-Marc.
-
Ordered the T-Shirt, Cd, Dvd from Mascot. $33 isn't bad at all, thought it'd be a bit more
-
I will likely buy the vinyl on pre-order ($31 shipped) to get the bonus DVD, and then do what I did last time and pick up the CD for $10 when it drops that low on Amazon.
-
I will just buy the album as MP3s. The visuals of this album (shirt and album cover) don't excite me at all, so instead of having a physical CD rot in my basement, I will go to MP3 straight.
-
I will just buy the album as MP3s. The visuals of this album (shirt and album cover) don't excite me at all, so instead of having a physical CD rot in my basement, I will go to MP3 straight.
A few of us might have extra download codes due to multiple orders.
-
I will just buy the album as MP3s. The visuals of this album (shirt and album cover) don't excite me at all, so instead of having a physical CD rot in my basement, I will go to MP3 straight.
Same here. I only buy physical CDs for favorite bands and whatnot nowadays.
-
I will just buy the album as MP3s. The visuals of this album (shirt and album cover) don't excite me at all, so instead of having a physical CD rot in my basement, I will go to MP3 straight.
A few of us might have extra download codes due to multiple orders.
Ooh, let me know if that happens!
-
10/3 Chicago, IL Arcada Theater
Oh, come on. This got me all excited and then I go online to find that not only is the Arcada Theater not in Chicago, it's more than an hour's drive away. :lol
-
Unless they add a concert closer to New England, I won't see them this time. NYC was the farthest I'm willing to go for Flying Colors. I've flown (and driven) to the Keswick in PA, but frankly, that was for Frost*. Which needs no explanation.
-
I will just buy the album as MP3s. The visuals of this album (shirt and album cover) don't excite me at all, so instead of having a physical CD rot in my basement, I will go to MP3 straight.
Same here. I only buy physical CDs for favorite bands and whatnot nowadays.
+1
This is not one of those bands for me. But I'll buy the MP3 album from Amazon, in support of Neal. Didn't care much for the first album. :|
-
10/3 Chicago, IL Arcada Theater
Oh, come on. This got me all excited and then I go online to find that not only is the Arcada Theater not in Chicago, it's more than an hour's drive away. :lol
Yeah, St. Charles is not only not in Chicago, it's not even considered Western Suburbs. Usually it's considered Far Western Suburbs or just "way the fuck". It's an hour and then some from downtown, because a good part of the trip is on surface roads; no direct line on the freeways.
But no one's ever heard of St. Charles, so they just say Chicago.
-
That's the same thing here, where our most popular outdoor venue is in Maryland Heights, but it's part of the entire St. Louis metropolitan area, so it's just easier to call it St. Louis.
-
Yeah, St. Charles is not only not in Chicago, it's not even considered Western Suburbs. Usually it's considered Far Western Suburbs or just "way the fuck". It's an hour and then some from downtown, because a good part of the trip is on surface roads; no direct line on the freeways.
But no one's ever heard of St. Charles, so they just say Chicago.
Pretty unfortunate, because I definitely would have seen them if they were even remotely close to the city. Oh, well.
-
The Arcada Theater is a pretty nice theater, and St. Charles is a nice little town. We used to live in Elgin, half an hour up the road (and a total shithole by comparison) and saw a play at the Arcada about 100 years ago. But if proximity to the city is an issue, then yeah, this won't work at all.
-
Specs of the DVD:
A special edition, available from our trusty label, also features an epic DVD packed full of heroic video extras:
1) Music videos for “Mask Machine” and “A Place in Your World.”
2) Over an hour of interviews with the band.
3) Over an hour track-by-track analysis of the album from the band.
4) The exciting album trailer.
5) Casey’s Hat confessions: A social commentary on horse radish.
https://flyingcolorsmusic.com/announcing-second-nature/
Looks like over 2 hours of material! Very exciting!
-Marc.
-
Specs of the DVD:
A special edition, available from our trusty label, also features an epic DVD packed full of heroic video extras:
1) Music videos for “Mask Machine” and “A Place in Your World.”
2) Over an hour of interviews with the band.
3) Over an hour track-by-track analysis of the album from the band.
4) The exciting album trailer.
5) Casey’s Hat confessions: A social commentary on horse radish.
https://flyingcolorsmusic.com/announcing-second-nature/
Looks like over 2 hours of material! Very exciting!
-Marc.
Cool. This should have been available at Radiant too. That's just some shady stuff.
-
Specs of the DVD:
A special edition, available from our trusty label, also features an epic DVD packed full of heroic video extras:
1) Music videos for “Mask Machine” and “A Place in Your World.”
2) Over an hour of interviews with the band.
3) Over an hour track-by-track analysis of the album from the band.
4) The exciting album trailer.
5) Casey’s Hat confessions: A social commentary on horse radish.
https://flyingcolorsmusic.com/announcing-second-nature/
Looks like over 2 hours of material! Very exciting!
-Marc.
Cool. This should have been available at Radiant too. That's just some shady stuff.
Yeah I agree. Editing probably was done by Randy George who handles most of the video stuff releases from Neal and Transatlantic. I was hoping not to do the "buy from two places and sell the other copy just so I can get the complete package" move.
-
I think that artwork is very nice on the eyes. I love the hot air balloons ^.^
Also, I was a little bit surprised that the longest song on the album is also the opener, but that makes me even more excited :) I'd love to buy the MP3 version of this album and have an HD version of that cover in my collection of wallpapers :)
-
Looks like some decisions have to be made.
-
October 3rd = Yom Kippur. So much for my chances of seeing the Chicago show.
-
Really surprised they are playing the Philly area (Keswick) instead of NYC. Saw TA at that venue and loved it, and am looking forward to FC there.
-
So I just got the CD from Mascot since it comes with the DVD, and I think the poster (right?). In total it was like 15 bucks. I'm also getting bonus tracks too according to the Mascot website:
As always we will include a free poster with each order.
But wait, that's not all! Each pre-order will include a free bonus DVD with behind the scenes footage, interviews and more, and we will send you MP3s of 2 bonus songs that are not available on the album**.
**The bonus tracks are being prepared by the band. As soon as we receive them, we will send everybody who pre-ordered the album a link to get these bonus MP3s.
Then in checkout, the product is listed as "Second Nature (+ Ltd. Bonus DVD)".
But then Radiant is offering the same price except you don't get the DVD, and only the first 200 get the poster?? So Mascot is giving me like an extra $35 worth of stuff?
This is way more confusing than it really should be but holy crap I'm excited for this album!
-
so excited about the CA show! I hated missing them last time
:metal
-
So I just got the CD from Mascot since it comes with the DVD, and I think the poster (right?). In total it was like 15 bucks. I'm also getting bonus tracks too according to the Mascot website:
As always we will include a free poster with each order.
But wait, that's not all! Each pre-order will include a free bonus DVD with behind the scenes footage, interviews and more, and we will send you MP3s of 2 bonus songs that are not available on the album**.
**The bonus tracks are being prepared by the band. As soon as we receive them, we will send everybody who pre-ordered the album a link to get these bonus MP3s.
Then in checkout, the product is listed as "Second Nature (+ Ltd. Bonus DVD)".
But then Radiant is offering the same price except you don't get the DVD, and only the first 200 get the poster?? So Mascot is giving me like an extra $35 worth of stuff?
This is way more confusing than it really should be but holy crap I'm excited for this album!
The first 200 get a signed poster. After that you just get the bonus tracks. All and all the mascot deal is better if you aren't trying for the signed poster.
-
I'm having a hard time believing that anyone could offer a better deal than Radiant.
-
Does anyone know if there has been any discussion on more NA dates?
-
I'm having a hard time believing that anyone could offer a better deal than Radiant.
:rollin
-
Does anyone know if there has been any discussion on more NA dates?
I would think it's quite unlikely. Look at the spacing of the concerts as they are, they are racing around the globe. My guess is that this is the only time frame they could all get together and play, so they had to squeeze the tour into this ridiculously small time frame (and also delay the album by almost a year to make the tour line up with the release).
-
Really surprised they are playing the Philly area (Keswick) instead of NYC. Saw TA at that venue and loved it, and am looking forward to FC there.
It's not a bad venue, but it's kinda buttf*ck nowhere. Especially when compared to Time Square.
-
Does anyone know if there has been any discussion on more NA dates?
I would think it's quite unlikely. Look at the spacing of the concerts as they are, they are racing around the globe. My guess is that this is the only time frame they could all get together and play, so they had to squeeze the tour into this ridiculously small time frame (and also delay the album by almost a year to make the tour line up with the release).
THIS^
-
I agree. Just wishful thinking on my part, I suppose. I would have loved to see them but with the closest being an 8 hour drive to Philly I'll just have sit this one out.
-
They had to work in the little time they could with Morse's Deep Purple commitments taking the bulk of his time.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IDyGrc1Z8k Album trailer
Question: Under Bill Evan's name it says "founder". What's that about? I thought this was another project started by Morse and Portnoy. How much of a hand does he have in the writing and stuff?
-
Sounds great!
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IDyGrc1Z8k Album trailer
Question: Under Bill Evan's name it says "founder". What's that about? I thought this was another project started by Morse and Portnoy. How much of a hand does he have in the writing and stuff?
According to Wikipedia:
"The formation of the band started with the idea of having virtuoso musicians and a pop singer joining together to make new-fashioned music the old fashioned way. The idea was brought in 2008 by executive producer Bill Evans and the record was done with the help of music producer Peter Collins. Intrigued by the idea, and the prospect of working together, the musicians signed on to form a band and record a full-length album."
And from the Flying Colors website:
"In 2008, executive producer Bill Evans began putting the idea into action. It needed exactly the right musicians. In addition to be being extraordinary players and writers, they would need to be a natural creative fit, complementing each others’ abilities. There would be proven chemistry from past collaborations, but the new band would be different from anything they’d done. The world didn’t need another supergroup."
"Evans drew up a short list of four musicians and a producer: Mike Portnoy, Dave LaRue, Steve Morse, Neal Morse and (producer) Peter Collins. Each artist was renowned in his domain. Drawing from rock, metal, prog, jazz-fusion, they had the potential to fuse their diverse styles into a unique, cohesive sound."
"Attention then turned to finding a pop singer who could channel their combined musicality into an accessible mainstream form. Evans and Collins reviewed over 100 top contemporary singers, but no one felt exactly right. As desperation began to set in, Mike Portnoy casually mentioned, “I know a guy.” That guy turned out to be a new signing to the Hollywood/Disney label: singer/songwriter Casey McPherson."
"An initial conversation between Evans and Casey revealed that the singer had always wanted to do a project like Flying Colors. It quickly became obvious that Casey wasn’t just right for the band—he was perfect."
Seems like the whole idea was Bill Evans', and he had a fairly easy time contacting the initial four. Of course, Neal and Mike have worked for a very long time together, and Steve had then-recently worked with Neal for a solo on Testimony 2. I'm assuming with Steve on board, getting Dave was no issue. And then Mike brought in Casey. The rest is history.
-Marc.
-
Very interesting, had no idea it was formed that way.
-
Really surprised they are playing the Philly area (Keswick) instead of NYC. Saw TA at that venue and loved it, and am looking forward to FC there.
It's not a bad venue, but it's kinda buttf*ck nowhere. Especially when compared to Time Square.
Um, that first sentence is just wrong. Yes, compared to Time Square it's not as big, but it's a major Philly suburb, surrounded by other large suburbs, with a Philly metro station and about five minutes off the PA turnpike. My surprise simply comes because NYC is the largest east coast metro area, and by default if a band plays one show in the East that's almost always where it is. I'm thinking it's likely that TA just created a great relationship on their run through there and so the people wanted to work together again for FC.
-
I'm having a hard time believing that anyone could offer a better deal than Radiant.
So wait this is a joke right?
One comes with a signed poster for the first 200 pre-orders,
One comes with a poster (not signed I guess), a DVD, and bonus tracks with every purchase.
-
I'm having a hard time believing that anyone could offer a better deal than Radiant.
So wait this is a joke right?
One comes with a signed poster for the first 200 pre-orders,and bonus tracks for every order
One comes with a poster (not signed I guess), a DVD, and bonus tracks with every purchase.
He was joking of course. Radiant doesn't often have 'the best deal' except their clearance section is nice on occasion.
Also FTFY
-
Oh ok cool.
Radiant- CD (or whatever format), bonus tracks, signed poster for first 200 pre-orders (which I think is gone)
Mascot- CD (or wahtever format), bonus tracks, un-signed poster, DVD
I ordered Mascot. CD, poster, and DVD for $17 including shipping is not bad!
-
Will probably go to the London show. Quite expensive though.
-
Really surprised they are playing the Philly area (Keswick) instead of NYC. Saw TA at that venue and loved it, and am looking forward to FC there.
It's not a bad venue, but it's kinda buttf*ck nowhere. Especially when compared to Time Square.
Um, that first sentence is just wrong. Yes, compared to Time Square it's not as big, but it's a major Philly suburb, surrounded by other large suburbs, with a Philly metro station and about five minutes off the PA turnpike. My surprise simply comes because NYC is the largest east coast metro area, and by default if a band plays one show in the East that's almost always where it is. I'm thinking it's likely that TA just created a great relationship on their run through there and so the people wanted to work together again for FC.
That's all fair, I'm just saying this with the backdrop of Philly already not being a main hub of the East Coast, and then it's another solid drive from there. So, if you're in the New York or DC area, this venue is not bad. If you're from New England, it's essentially a no-go.
Then again, especially Neal Morse has historically made a wide berth around New England, so this is not all that surprising.
-
Really surprised they are playing the Philly area (Keswick) instead of NYC. Saw TA at that venue and loved it, and am looking forward to FC there.
It's not a bad venue, but it's kinda buttf*ck nowhere. Especially when compared to Time Square.
Um, that first sentence is just wrong. Yes, compared to Time Square it's not as big, but it's a major Philly suburb, surrounded by other large suburbs, with a Philly metro station and about five minutes off the PA turnpike. My surprise simply comes because NYC is the largest east coast metro area, and by default if a band plays one show in the East that's almost always where it is. I'm thinking it's likely that TA just created a great relationship on their run through there and so the people wanted to work together again for FC.
That's all fair, I'm just saying this with the backdrop of Philly already not being a main hub of the East Coast, and then it's another solid drive from there. So, if you're in the New York or DC area, this venue is not bad. If you're from New England, it's essentially a no-go.
Then again, especially Neal Morse has historically made a wide berth around New England, so this is not all that surprising.
Must be the witches! Ha Ha!
We in the US should be lucky to get anything at all. The market is clearly overseas for this kind of thing.
The Keswick is actually a very friendly venue for the kind of music many of us like here and scoring a Saturday night gig is probably a gift for those that will travel. I'm not saying you should or shouldn't , but it's a favorable travel date.
Getting a Saturday night gig in New York for a band such as this was probably borderline impossible on fairly short notice is my guess.
-
Tickets for LA just went on sale https://calprog.com
I'm seeing Flying Colors in a 502-seat venue :metal :omg:
-
The Keswick is actually a very friendly venue for the kind of music many of us like here and scoring a Saturday night gig is probably a gift for those that will travel. I'm not saying you should or shouldn't , but it's a favorable travel date.
I see what you are saying, but I won't drive for 5 hours (in good traffic) or fly for 2 hours and drive another, for an album I yet have to hear. When they played in NYC the album had been out for a good amount so I knew my trip would be worth it. This is just too much of a gamble.
-
"Mask Machine" is now available on Spotify!
-
I really enjoyed that! My expectations for the album continue to rise!
I'd say this track definitely has that element of 'pop glory' that I think Rumborak mentioned a little while back. I'm not much of a dancer, but if I was this would be on the playlist :laugh:
-
That was not a bad tune at all actually.
-
"Mask Machine" is now available on Spotify!
It doesn't show up in my Spotify :( Maybe it's different for different countries?
-
"Mask Machine" is now available on Spotify!
It doesn't show up in my Spotify :( Maybe it's different for different countries?
Where are ya?
-
Listening now.. squeeeeee
-
Have you tried both spellings ?
-
Also on Rhapsody.
Heavy Muse influence, the song.
-
Yeah Muse was the first thing that came to mind for me. Good thing
-
Can't find it on Spotify. :( Might be US only.
-
Can't really say I like it much. There's a decent tune, but it's buried under way to many embellishments and harmonies. Sounds like a big mess to me.
It reminds me a lot of Prophets of War, only better (but not by much).
-
not everyone uses Spotify (nor Rhapsody, or even iTunes)
a clip is up on Amazon at least
https://www.amazon.com/Mask-Machine/dp/B00MASONRQ
-
not everyone uses Spotify (nor Rhapsody, or even iTunes)
a clip is up on Amazon at least
https://www.amazon.com/Mask-Machine/dp/B00MASONRQ
Sounds interesting though I hope the quality of the album is better than that snippet.
-
Nothing really great, but not bad.
-
Wiki has the album length at 65:58. 9 tracks totalling that length means there's bound to be one or two 10-minute-plus songs in there! *insert "shaking with excitement" smiley here*
-
Masked Machine has a lot of energy. The guitar solo and after made me smile. It reminds me of Muse, pink floyd, and queen, mixed with a pop rock style like Imagine Dragons. The keys have a nice atmosphere to them. The quality is iffy, but I know it'll be better on the album, I hope.
-
@RoeDent:
These days I'm kinda over the epics. And on the first album, the epic song was really just left-over Neal Morse song. That's why I'm also cautious about the "proggier than the first album" comment.
-
Wiki has the album length at 65:58. 9 tracks totalling that length means there's bound to be one or two 10-minute-plus songs in there! *insert "shaking with excitement" smiley here*
Track list
Open Up Your Eyes - 12:24
Mask Machine - 6:06
Bombs Away - 5:03
The Fury of My Love - 5:10
A Place in Your World - 6:31
Lost Without You - 4:40
One Lost Forever - 7:21
Peaceful Harbor - 7:14
Cosmic Symphony - 11:53
-
Pre-ordered... I was going to wait and try and find an MP3 deal (I think I got their first album from amazon for around $5 at some point)... But I fell for the mascot deal. Cd, bonus dvd (not even sure what's on it), poster (don't really care about that), 2 bonus mp3 tracks, all for a price that doesn't seem over the top. I wasn't a huge fan of the first, hoping this second disc is pretty good. I don't mind making a blind purchase with Neal and Mike involved, it's gotta at least be okay.
-
Mask Machine seriously disappointing me.
I've had bad feelings about this album since the start tho
-
@RoeDent:
These days I'm kinda over the epics. And on the first album, the epic song was really just left-over Neal Morse song. That's why I'm also cautious about the "proggier than the first album" comment.
Infinite Fire was much more inventive and exciting than anything Neal Morse has done in recent years.
-
@RoeDent:
These days I'm kinda over the epics. And on the first album, the epic song was really just left-over Neal Morse song. That's why I'm also cautious about the "proggier than the first album" comment.
:\ (not worth commenting any further)
-
Well, the one thing I worry about is I hope this album doesn't get close to the Transatlantic proggy kind of sound. The first FC album was spectacular and when they say it will be more proggy it kinda concerns me.
-
@RoeDent:
These days I'm kinda over the epics. And on the first album, the epic song was really just left-over Neal Morse song. That's why I'm also cautious about the "proggier than the first album" comment.
Have to agree. Infinite Fire was easily the weakest track on their debut for me and that was because of its prog sensibilities. It's also why I am cautious regarding the new, improved, more progressive brand of Flying Colors. What made the first album great, in among the slices of rock driven pop, was the overall lack of progressive rock. Flying Colors doesn't need to morph into Transatlantic.
I think it comes down to the perceived Morse effect. I don't mean the religiosity - although that's certainly not an aspect I can identify with - more his overall songwriting style. It's as if everything he touches sounds the same. That's not to say I don't think he's talented. He is - very.
That said, I am sure LaRue's bass and Morse's guitar work will be outstanding once again and I'll buy the album for those reasons.
-
@RoeDent:
These days I'm kinda over the epics. And on the first album, the epic song was really just left-over Neal Morse song. That's why I'm also cautious about the "proggier than the first album" comment.
:\ (not worth commenting any further)
Wow, great comment Kev. ::)
-
Honestly, even though Infinite fire was my favorite on their debut, I was kinda hoping the new album would have more straightforward, poppy tracks in the vein of Kayla, Love is what I'm waiting for, Forever in a daze or even Can't find a way. Now that I see the lengths, that doesn't seem likely.
-
Infinite Fire definitely sounded like a Neal song.
-
Honestly, even though Infinite fire was my favorite on their debut, I was kinda hoping the new album would have more straightforward, poppy tracks in the vein of Kayla, Love is what I'm waiting for, Forever in a daze or even Can't find a way. Now that I see the lengths, that doesn't seem likely.
There are more like these on the new album.
-
Not sure why anybody would blame any "progginess" solely on Neal. Steve Morse has a vast prog background of his own, as does LaRue, and MP goes without saying.
-
Not sure why anybody would blame any "progginess" solely on Neal. Steve Morse has a vast prog background of his own, as does LaRue, and MP goes without saying.
It's such a real shock when 4 members from other prog outfits do something proggy.
-
I was gonna say the proggyness might be Dave and Steve's prog style, which I don't mind at all, like dixie dregs style.
-
I mean, they can obviously do whatever they want with their project, but I kinda understood FC to be the direct antithesis of the "bulk" of prog. That is, make concise, good pop rock songs by prog veterans who got the chops. That worked marvelously on the first album, and what made it special for me.
-
I mean, they can obviously do whatever they want with their project, but I kinda understood FC to be the direct antithesis of the "bulk" of prog.
I think it could be a case of reverting to type with the new album.
Regarding the recent Neal Morse comments, it's because, for me, Infinite Fire sounded like it could have come from any one of his albums.
-
the first album has good songs, although I don't care for Love Is What I'm Waiting For, Infinite Fire I just couldn't get into much. The album's a good debut, but I expect them to kick up a notch on both the pop and prog mix.
-
Wiki has the album length at 65:58. 9 tracks totalling that length means there's bound to be one or two 10-minute-plus songs in there! *insert "shaking with excitement" smiley here*
Track list
Open Up Your Eyes - 12:24
Mask Machine - 6:06
Bombs Away - 5:03
The Fury of My Love - 5:10
A Place in Your World - 6:31
Lost Without You - 4:40
One Lost Forever - 7:21
Peaceful Harbor - 7:14
Cosmic Symphony - 11:53
Cool! I genuinely thought Cosmic Symphony would be the longest, especially as it has three titled movements. Still, all good! Can't wait for it!
-
I bit the bullet and got the single from Itunes. I am kind of disappointed. A little too much of Muse in the song.
-
I guess I'm in the minority (which is ok), but I like Mask Machine better than anything off of the first Flying Colors disc. It's on spotify, that's how I've listened to it. I think the only song I really go back to and listen to from the first album is Everything Changes. Love that song.
-
I think it's a pretty good song too. The chorus is the weakest part, but other than that I quite like the verse and the long bridge. MP's drumming is a bit phoned-in, but it doesn't bother me too much.
-
Don't know what you guys are on about, the song's pretty awesome. Liked it from the first listen, it's got a really good groove. Luckily I'm not quite cynical enough to hate a song just because it sounds a bit like Muse. :lol
-
Sounds pretty bland, especially that limp chorus. Given the similarity in lack of quality plus the obvious Muse vocal effect, this will probably be this album's Shoulda Coulda Woulda, which was also forgettably bland.
I'm sure most of the rest of the album will be good, fortunately.
-
Luckily I'm not quite cynical enough to hate a song just because it sounds a bit like Muse. :lol
I agree. It's a silly reason to hate a song just because it sounds like something else. Everything's already been done before; there's nothing 100% completely new in the world anymore, so appreciate each bit of art on its own terms.
-
Ugh, I hate the "everything has been done before" argument. No, it hasn't. Every year there are bands who innovate. While it personally doesn't bother me too much in this case, FC clearly went into the song with a "Muse approach". Distorted bass + arpeggiated chords + falsetto is the hallmark of Muse.
-
Sounds pretty bland, especially that limp chorus. Given the similarity in lack of quality plus the obvious Muse vocal effect, this will probably be this album's Shoulda Coulda Woulda, which was also forgettably bland.
I'm sure most of the rest of the album will be good, fortunately.
Hm, that actually restores a bit of my faith in this album. There were a few duds on the first Flying Colors, but the record overall was still really awesome. So maybe this will just be one of the duds on another really great album.
8 out of 9 ain't bad.
-
Kev, you're like the Benny Hinn of DTF. People will follow. Start asking for money. :lol
-
Kev, you're like the Benny Hinn of DTF. People will follow. Start asking for money. :lol
???
Sounds pretty bland, especially that limp chorus. Given the similarity in lack of quality plus the obvious Muse vocal effect, this will probably be this album's Shoulda Coulda Woulda, which was also forgettably bland.
I'm sure most of the rest of the album will be good, fortunately.
Hm, that actually restores a bit of my faith in this album. There were a few duds on the first Flying Colors, but the record overall was still really awesome. So maybe this will just be one of the duds on another really great album.
8 out of 9 ain't bad.
Indeed. I didn't care for three songs on the first album, but the rest were all winners. If the new one has a similar ratio, I won't be unhappy.
Ugh, I hate the "everything has been done before" argument. No, it hasn't.
Even if has, so what? Not every song has to be innovative or ground-breaking. If a song is done well in the vein of Muse, fine by me, but the problem with this song, as well as the one from the last album, is that it just doesn't very good.
-
Gessh Kev, it was a joke. You turned a member from hatting the new album to feeling ok with one post.
IT'S A MIRACLE! :lol
Not meant in you're a shyster.
-
No, no, I know it wasn't meant in a negative way or anything; I just didn't get it. I must be having a slow day. :facepalm: :lol
-
It's Friday, you started the weekend early. :lol
-
I thought the first album was pretty good. Couple of tracks I routinely skip and I'm not too crazy about the falsetto vocal stylings of Casey, but with Neal Morse and Mike Portnoy involved and with even the hint that it might be a little proggier than the first one that's enough for me to pull the trigger on a CD/DVD/Shirt bundle from Mascot.
-
The Keswick is actually a very friendly venue for the kind of music many of us like here and scoring a Saturday night gig is probably a gift for those that will travel. I'm not saying you should or shouldn't , but it's a favorable travel date.
I see what you are saying, but I won't drive for 5 hours (in good traffic) or fly for 2 hours and drive another, for an album I yet have to hear. When they played in NYC the album had been out for a good amount so I knew my trip would be worth it. This is just too much of a gamble.
I see where your coming from and I'm not trying to convince you to do it (although it would be great if you did.)
For me there are bands that I will see live regardless if I've heard the new album (I suppose I have total confidence given those involved that I will love it (or like it at the very least))
I haven't even preordered yet! (Since the incentive to do so has passed I'll just preorder the weekend before or something so I'll have it before the gig.)
I'm trying to think of a band I wouldn't see live until I heard something and right now for the life of me I can't think of anyone!
But if I knew I wasn't going to have a good time or if I had to travel on a gamble I wouldn't go either so I definitely understand that.
-
I'm just hoping the mix is muddy. I suppose I'll find that out when it shows up in the mailbox. Of course that would mean I'd have to ORDER it first.
-
Yeah, muddy mixes are my favorite. ;D
-
What really doesn't work in the song is the flourishes though. Casey's falsettos, the "whoawhoa" parts, and MP's solo spots.
-
Just listened to it. It's definitely different. Not what I was expecting.
We'll see how it meshes with the rest of the album.
-
Just heard that the new album is self-produced. Hmm, not sure how I feel about that. MP's self-produced DT albums have been more miss than hit IMO.
-
I like the new single. The chorus is the weakest point, but I really like the verses and the bridge later on in the song.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdnKddL9giw&feature=youtu.be
Mask Machine video.
-
I like it! Just the band performing on a stage with little effects thrown in and no awkward posing. The way it should be.
Also, the song is starting to grow on me a bit. Had it been on the first album, it'd still probably be one of the weaker songs for me, but it's still enjoyable. That soft middle section is very cool. As long as there are only a couple of obviously Muse influenced songs like last time, with more songs in the vein of Kayla, Blue Ocean, and Forever in a Daze, I'll be quite satisfied.
-
I quite enjoyed that, from beginning to end. Then again, I thought the song was pretty good to begin with :lol
I'm amazed how Steve Morse can play at all, with that kind of picking technique.
-
Ooh, I'm really digging it. The chorus is slightly underwhelming at first, but the verses are catchy and the part after the solo is pretty damn awesome.
-
Loving it.
I know they record the band playing and then overlay the sound and for the most part it's fine but there's a part where you can hear MP doing something interesting and the video shows him playing the most basic drumming ever. Come on, put a little effort into it :P
-
I am absolutely LOVING Mask Machine! The whole song is awesome, but I particularly love the quiet middle section starting at 3:27. So so pumped for Second Nature now! :metal
-
Nice! I quite liked that one :tup
-
Dug it very much. This will be a release day purchase for sure.
-
That's a really good song, love it! Sounds a bit compressed though, so I'll probably buy the vinyl.
-
Great tight little tune! Can't wait for the new album.
-
I really, really like both the song and the video. I especially like the breakdown and the many vocal parts underneath - sounds awesome. :tup
-
Yeah, the video was very nicely done. Understated, to great effect.
On another note: Jesus on drums. (maybe that's why NM likes to collaborate with MP!)
-
Interesting toon - that style ( I suppose Muse-y) usually does zero for me , but I found myself sorta liking it anyway.
An album full of that style might be a different story , but I'm not expecting that.
-
Oh yea, if the whole album is like that I'm almost certain I won't like it. But if it's sparingly like on the first album, I'm totally fine with that. It's a nice change of pace too.
-
Granted I don't listen to much Muse, but I do not really consider this to be Muse-like at all. Okay, the singer uses falsetto and there are heavy guitars. End of similarity.
-
Plus the way it grooves with that driving beat and the way the vocals and guitars are produced in general. It's very Muse.
-
Musically, I like it, but I am not sure what I think of the vocal melodies. We'll see if they grow on me. If nothing else, this is much better than the Muse-like song on the debut (Shoulda Coulda Woulda).
-
Granted I don't listen to much Muse, but I do not really consider this to be Muse-like at all. Okay, the singer uses falsetto and there are heavy guitars. End of similarity.
The bass effect at the beginning of the song is totally just like the one Muse uses a lot. And the effect on the vocals during the verses is exactly like the one Muse uses in several songs. So, it's more than just the falsetto and guitars.
-
Is it just me, or does it seem that Mike´s drumming hasn´t been this busy in ages? I love what he did on Mask Machine.
-
I don't know, the fills were kind of familiar.
-
Familiar, but he hasn´t done them in a long time - The Winery Dogs sound doesn´t really ask for busy fills.
-
I'm happy to see i'm not the only one thinking of Muse when listening to the tune.
B.Lee
-
Cool tune! I'm not completely sold on the chorus but the verses are nice and the bridge section is great. Video worked well too, nice and simple just keeping it a performance video.
Familiar, but he hasn´t done them in a long time - The Winery Dogs sound doesn´t really ask for busy fills.
I'd have to go back and listen again but after my first listen I actually was thinking that all his fills sounded completely familiar from the WD album.
-
Not really digging the new tune, but I'm sure it will grow. Love Morse's solo though.
-
I wish they'd put less effects on Casey's voice.
-
Granted I don't listen to much Muse, but I do not really consider this to be Muse-like at all. Okay, the singer uses falsetto and there are heavy guitars. End of similarity.
That.
-
Love the video AND the song. And I'll agree with the sentiments regarding MP's drumming - it's busy, but in a good way. It's similar to stuff he did with DT and maybe a bit with Neal Morse, but unlike his work with TWD. I like it a lot and I like that he got some time to shine in the spotlight. Steve's solo was also pretty awesome!
Everyone got the spotlight on them, in some manner, from Dave's bass grooves, to Neal just rocking out in the back, arms stretched out and bobbing his head along. I don't mind the Muse-y vocal effects as they work with the song and all, and I'm sure this is only one of the two or so songs that might have it if this album is like the first one. This is a rocking song, with the Muse influence, so the vocal effect had to be there to complete the influential style!
Looking forward even MORE to the new album! It cannot get here any sooner!
-Marc.
-
Granted I don't listen to much Muse, but I do not really consider this to be Muse-like at all. Okay, the singer uses falsetto and there are heavy guitars. End of similarity.
That.
You guys can't be particularly familiar with Muse. E.g.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYWklAV_cwQ at the beginning,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYWklAV_cwQ#t=145 same song but further in.
-
Yeah, I hear some superficial similarities. But still nothing that makes me think "Muse" when listening to that Flying Colors song.
-
I didn't really get any Muse feeling from the song at all.
-
I immediately thought Muse. but didn't find it anywhere near the awesomeness of All Falls Down, aka Muse on 'roids.
-
It's Flying Colors, not Muse. So stop saying it's Muse. It's like calling any band who use distortion Muse.
Again, it's FLYING COLORS, and it's AWESOME!
Besides, where in the Rules of Music does it say that a song sounding like another band is a bad thing?
-
It's Flying Colors, not Muse. So stop saying it's Muse. It's like calling any band who use distortion Muse.
Again, it's FLYING COLORS, and it's AWESOME!
Besides, where in the Rules of Music does it say that a song sounding like another band is a bad thing?
Uh dude...
We all know it's Flying Color, but there are definite similarities to Muse(whether or not a couple of people don't hear it). Nobody is saying it's bad necessarily that this song sounds a lot like Muse, we're just noting that it definitely has a sound very akin to Muse.
-
It's Flying Colors, not Muse. So stop saying it's Muse. It's like calling any band who use distortion Muse.
Again, it's FLYING COLORS, and it's AWESOME!
Besides, where in the Rules of Music does it say that a song sounding like another band is a bad thing?
Well, as a forum rule you can compare the sound of a band to another and point out all the similarities as long as it's not DT ;)
-
BRO THEY USED GUITARS!
TOTAL SRV RIPOFF
-
BRO, IF I MOCK VALID POINTS, THEY BECOME INVALID!
Also nobody is saying it's a rip off, just that there's a definite similarity, which most just mean as an influence. So why don't we all calm down and if you like the song cool, and if you like the song and think it has a lot of influence from Muse cool. And if you think the latter and don't like the song anyways(me) cool.
-
BRO, IF I MOCK VALID POINTS, THEY BECOME INVALID!
Also nobody is saying it's a rip off, just that there's a definite similarity, which most just mean as an influence. So why don't we all calm down and if you like the song cool, and if you like the song and think it has a lot of influence from Muse cool. And if you think the latter and don't like the song anyways(me) cool.
Sorry I don't hear it. I dont like Muse at all, so if I felt that it was Musey at all I'd probably be over here vomiting.
-
I don't hear Muse. I hear Pop rock, akin to Muse and Imagine Dragons, the guitar harmonies reminisce Hotel California, the drum fill is like Tom Sawyers.
I love the song because its good energy driven pop rock, that middle section made me smile a lot.
-
If you dont hear a Muse resemblance, then you dont know what Muse sounds like.
Seriously, its uncanny.
-
Who cares if it sounds like Muse. It's hip, it's fresh and different for prog right now and I like it.
-
If you dont hear a Muse resemblance, then you dont know what Muse sounds like.
Seriously, its uncanny.
This. And mind you, I have no problem with it at all.
-
BRO, IF I MOCK VALID POINTS, THEY BECOME INVALID!
Also nobody is saying it's a rip off, just that there's a definite similarity, which most just mean as an influence. So why don't we all calm down and if you like the song cool, and if you like the song and think it has a lot of influence from Muse cool. And if you think the latter and don't like the song anyways(me) cool.
Sorry I don't hear it. I dont like Muse at all, so if I felt that it was Musey at all I'd probably be over here vomiting.
Just to let you know, you can dislike a band, but enjoy another band taking a similar approach. #FYI
-
Seems like the only people here who don't hear the Muse are those who don't listen to much Muse.
It sounds like Muse. That's not a bad thing though.
-
Seems like the only people here who don't hear the Muse are those who don't listen to much Muse.
Funny how that works.. :justjen
Anyway, I don't see what the big deal is. You either hear it or you don't, why does that have any bearing on your opinion of the song?
-
Seems like the only people here who don't hear the Muse are those who don't listen to much Muse.
It sounds like Muse. That's not a bad thing though.
This exactly.
It IS reminiscent of some things Muse-y. But who cares, cause it's good.
-
It's fun and I need a little fun in my prog. Something different.
-
If I see "Muse" one more fucking time... :lol
-
If I see "Muse" one more fucking time... :lol
Mews.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/IszV06D.png)
:lol
As much as I hate to beat a dead horse, I can hear a slight Muse vibe, but I'm not gonna dispute against those who don't hear it. You just hear it or you don't. Even so, it's a great tune. Not mind-blowing, but I'm liking it a lot. :metal
-
If you dont hear a Muse resemblance, then you dont know what Muse sounds like.
Seriously, its uncanny.
That's just silly. I'm a huge Muse fan, and I don't think this sounds much like Muse. Beyond being a vaguely proggy pop-rock song, anyway.
I think it's a very cool tune, definitely carries on the vibe of the debut!
-
For this sounds like Muse conversation:
Intro and verses has some strong Muse influences but the chorus has it's own feeling, it's more proggy and definitely Flying Colors (It's still the weakest part of the song). The bridge has it's own feeling, nothing reminds me of Muse. Many songs have parts which sound like other bands and many bands do same things than other bands. What's wrong with that?
I have high hopes from this record. :)
-
If you're commenting this much about Muse when it comes to discussing this song, I can only imagine how the boards went insane when Never enough was released.
-
If you're commenting this much about Muse when it comes to discussing this song, I can only imagine how the boards went insane when Never enough was released.
OMG don't remind me.
-
If you're commenting this much about Muse when it comes to discussing this song, I can only imagine how the boards went insane when Never enough was released.
It definitely did get discussed quite a bit, well, at least until we found ourselves trapped in an Octavarium with a case of nuggetz.
-
For the lutz.
Muse stole from Queen, who DT has covered and DT stole from Muse.
*Queue in The Circle Of Life song*
-
DT stole from Elton John with Anna Lee
-
DT stole from the bottom of the barrel with Raw Dog.
-
I stole from Rush recording on my 4 track at home as a teen.
Poorly though. :lol
-
Wow, we're trapped inside these influences!!
-
the influence pile doesn't stop from getting taller
-
I once had influenza
-
Muse once had influenza, just saying.
-
FULL CIRCLE
-
TRAPPED INSIDE THIS--!
-
DT lifted catch phrases from me and bosky.
Wait til I see JP.
-
DT lifted catch phrases from me and bosky.
Wait til I see JP.
DT lifted shadows off a dream once broken.
-Marc.
-
DT lifted catch phrases from me and bosky.
Wait til I see JP.
You'll have to travel to talk to him. BAZINGA!!
-
Up yours, king! The Patriots are going DOWN tonight!
You know, in that meaningful game we are playing.
-
:lol
I was going to ask you if you had your beers ready for a meaningless game.
That I will still watch. :lol
-
Yes, I actually do!
-
from FC Facebook:
"The deal grows sweeter. Our label asked us what you guys wanted. Other than a pony. So now if you pre-order the vinyl & shirt bundle, in addition to the awesome DVD & sort-of-ok poster, you’ll apparently get the Official Flying Colors guitar pick collection. Five exciting colours. Same picks used by Dave and Steve. Trade them with your friends for lunch-boxes, domesticated ocelots, or Mojitos. Get it all here: https://bit.ly/1sb8CzW"
Trade them with your friends for lunch-boxes, domesticated ocelots, or Mojitos :rollin
-
??? That doesn't make any sense. My friends don't even have ocelots.
-
Hmm, last thing I need is another shirt, or more junk in general, but still, tempting to cancel my vinyl pre-order and grab the vinyl+shirt bundle now.
-
For a few guitar picks..?
-
guitar picks :facepalm: What we want :facepalm:
No thanks. I have plenty of guitar picks and no need for t-shirt.
-
But...but...OCELOTS!
:jedimindtrick: These are not the guitar picks you are looking for...
-
I'm gonna preempt this by saying that I'm super-positive about the upcoming album, but:
Guitar picks? :lol
The ones you get are usually just crazy cheap chunks of plastic no serious guitarist would ever play with.
-
I listen to Muse, but I can barely hear the influences.
-
Rumbo, just a negative Nancy....haha
But for realz.
-
I'm gonna preempt this by saying that I'm super-positive about the upcoming album, but:
Guitar picks? :lol
The ones you get are usually just crazy cheap chunks of plastic no serious guitarist would ever play with.
Not just serious guitarists. I don't even know how a beginner would be able to play with those things. :lol
-
Bonus Tracks from MLG Merch are up.
-
One Love Forever is... interesting. I'm not too into it but maybe it'll be more dynamic on the record.
-
One Love Forever is... interesting. I'm not too into it but maybe it'll be more dynamic on the record.
I don't think it'll be on the record. I think these bonus tracks are digital only.
-
But...but...OCELOTS!
Ocelots just piss on everything, and their piss reeks. They are fun on train rides to Canada though.
-
According to the e-mail, it doesn't say, but I'm guessing they are only digital. They also asked not to share since us whom preordered showed support.
-
One Love Forever is... interesting. I'm not too into it but maybe it'll be more dynamic on the record.
I don't think it'll be on the record. I think these bonus tracks are digital only.
The recording of One Love Forever we got is the acoustic version of a song that will certainly be on the record.
-
But...but...OCELOTS!
Ocelots just piss on everything, and their piss reeks. They are fun on train rides to Canada though.
I've never seen an ocelot!
-
You should sometime; they're really beautiful animals. Go to the zoo or something.
(https://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120124172226/shipoffools/images/2/28/Ocelot.jpg)
-
But...but...OCELOTS!
Ocelots just piss on everything, and their piss reeks. They are fun on train rides to Canada though.
If you didn't make the reference, I was going to. :lol
-
You should sometime; they're really beautiful animals. Go to the zoo or something.
(https://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120124172226/shipoffools/images/2/28/Ocelot.jpg)
Sorry I was quoting Archer. I have actually seen an ocelot haha.
-
Ah, the joke's on me, then. I've never seen Archer. Looks interesting enough, I just don't watch a lot of TV.
My point stands, though. Ocelots are awesome.
-
I've never seen Archer.
:omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: :tdwn
Yeah, I have no idea what Archer is.
-
Some of my best friends are muses....
-
I don't know if this is known, but according to Amazon UK and a local record shop where I live, Second Nature is coming out on October 6 here, not September 29 as previously thought.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Second-Nature-Flying-Colors/dp/B00M4QNOW4/ref=pd_sim_m_h__1?ie=UTF8&refRID=02AFV12H570S60JHYK3F
-
Kinda weird how they released that video to create some momentum for the new album, but lately it's been super-quiet.
-
Shame, because the song is really really good. I keep listening to it and getting good vibes from it. I for one am massively excited for the album.
-
FYI:
Flying Colors - Second Nature DVD Trailer: https://youtu.be/mjbbtkgDBPs
Definitely only getting the CD. MP's musings about "Lost" are not exactly something I would sit through.
-
I'm very excited for the new album. And of course MP is going to ramble, he likes to be vocal and the center of attention, but I don't have a problem. That's just him. The samples sound AWESOME and i'm so pumped to hear the rest of it.
-
Yeah, Mike is rambling. The fury thing?! :lol
-
Regarding the samples, I'm actually a bit more cautious now than I was after hearing Mask Machine (which I think is great). That snippet in the video sounded rather TA.
-
FYI:
Flying Colors - Second Nature DVD Trailer: https://youtu.be/mjbbtkgDBPs
Definitely only getting the CD. MP's musings about "Lost" are not exactly something I would sit through.
Yeah, I can't take anymore making-of DVDs or anything like that with Portnoy blathering on about anything. Pass.
And Lost the best show ever? Jesus. :eek :eek :eek
-
The album is being streamed in full here: https://classicrock.teamrock.com/news/2014-09-22/flying-colors-stream-second-nature-in-full-exclusive
-
Wicked... will be listening later today.
-
Bombs away is awesome!!!
-
Thanks for the link! Listening to it now... Not too sure what I think of this album yet but One Love Forever was epic!
-
I really like One Love Forever as well. Overall, it seems a much more consistent effort than the first one. Thumbs up!
-
First up, Bombs Away is awesome! It has a bounce to it that I love!
They played Lost Without You on a radio show late last night (great timing from me; I literally tuned in just as the DJ was announcing it), and the chorus is soaring! Sounds like a great summer track to me.
-
Too bad the raining season is starting. :lol
-
I'm like 4 songs through and so far... and I'm feeling a huge Transatlantic 2.0 vibe here. I'm not sure if that's a good thing, given that's not the sound I want to listen from Flying Colors.
It's not bad, tho. I'll keep listening.
-
Too bad the raining season is starting. :lol
Yes, I am quite aware of that. But the opposite thing sort of happened last year with the Blackfield song Jupiter. That song evoked images of rainy winter nights, yet it was released in August.
-
The first two and the last two tracks are instant favorites, while the middle of the album has grown on me. It's a solid album and a worthy follow-up to their debut. I hope they plan on playing all of these songs on their upcoming tour, and I hope they record a show somewhere. With two albums at over 2 hours of original material, I wonder if they will do any more cover songs or if they'll just play both albums? Perhaps some extended jams or solos will be done in lieu of cover songs?
-Marc.
-
I'm like 4 songs through and so far... and I'm feeling a huge Transatlantic 2.0 vibe here. I'm not sure if that's a good thing, given that's not the sound I want to listen from Flying Colors.
It's not bad, tho. I'll keep listening.
This is what I was afraid of. Unfortunately I'm not really a fan of Transatlantic so I don't think I'll be picking this up
-
I'm like 4 songs through and so far... and I'm feeling a huge Transatlantic 2.0 vibe here. I'm not sure if that's a good thing, given that's not the sound I want to listen from Flying Colors.
It's not bad, tho. I'll keep listening.
This is what I was afraid of. Unfortunately I'm not really a fan of Transatlantic so I don't think I'll be picking this up
Have you heard the album yet? Sure, there are some elements of the TA sound but only largely because the band does happen to include half of Transatlantic, but Casey's contributions, as well as Steve's and Dave's, definitely equal the weight of Neal's and Mike's. This album tightens up a bit of what they did on the first album as far as song writing, even though the tracks are a bit longer, but there are some great Steve guitar solos and some awesome Dave bass grooves and solos. Casey's voice is very soulful in a way that Neal's isn't, and there's less lead vocals from Neal this time around.
Listen to the stream first and try to distance yourself from any preconceived notions about this being anything like Transatlantic. If it helps, focus on the vocal harmonies and Casey's lead vox more, and Steve's guitar (which is on fire on this album). Also, that bass solo near the beginning of "Cosmic Symphony" is just sooooo good, it gets me excited every time it comes on.
-Marc.
-
Open Up Your Eyes is so good that, i'm hesitant to stop replaying it and move forward. :lol
-
I'm like 4 songs through and so far... and I'm feeling a huge Transatlantic 2.0 vibe here. I'm not sure if that's a good thing, given that's not the sound I want to listen from Flying Colors.
It's not bad, tho. I'll keep listening.
This is what I was afraid of. Unfortunately I'm not really a fan of Transatlantic so I don't think I'll be picking this up
Have you heard the album yet? Sure, there are some elements of the TA sound but only largely because the band does happen to include half of Transatlantic, but Casey's contributions, as well as Steve's and Dave's, definitely equal the weight of Neal's and Mike's. This album tightens up a bit of what they did on the first album as far as song writing, even though the tracks are a bit longer, but there are some great Steve guitar solos and some awesome Dave bass grooves and solos. Casey's voice is very soulful in a way that Neal's isn't, and there's less lead vocals from Neal this time around.
Listen to the stream first and try to distance yourself from any preconceived notions about this being anything like Transatlantic. If it helps, focus on the vocal harmonies and Casey's lead vox more, and Steve's guitar (which is on fire on this album). Also, that bass solo near the beginning of "Cosmic Symphony" is just sooooo good, it gets me excited every time it comes on.
-Marc.
I just finished the album and yeah, Flying Colors is in there. At this point I still like the debut more because the songs felt much more focused and had more direction. I'm not bashing or anything, I think Second Nature is a good album with some excellent ideas (the chorus for A Place In Your World has an amazing hook) that are lacking direction. I'm not coming aboard the "they need an outside producer" train, but in places it felt like they needed someone to tell them to cut off some fat.
I get that most of the guys in the band come from a prog background and that's a good thing, and Casey is pop link within the band; but I kinda wished they were continuing where they left of in the debut. Cosmic Symphony was pretty amazing, tho. Probably my favorite moment in the whole records. That's probably one of the few songs that feel authentic.
Don't hate me, pls.
On the brighter side of things, Casey's vocals are as awesome as ever. He's the link that's gonna make me keep listening to this album.
-
Cosmic Symphony has a great bass solo!
-
Cosmic Symphony has a great bass solo!
Yeah, and it was the only song in the record where I really got my ear stolen by a drum part. There are some pretty tasteful grooves by Mike Portnoy.
-
I'm like 4 songs through and so far... and I'm feeling a huge Transatlantic 2.0 vibe here. I'm not sure if that's a good thing, given that's not the sound I want to listen from Flying Colors.
It's not bad, tho. I'll keep listening.
This is what I was afraid of. Unfortunately I'm not really a fan of Transatlantic so I don't think I'll be picking this up
Must be a cash grab by the band. :jets: JK dude, but really, have a listen and make the determination for yourself. I don't really hear much of a TA vibe - at least, any moreso than the first album - even though it is inevitable with the MP/NM connection. I definitely feel it's a FC album, and digging it wholeheartedly.
-
I'm like 4 songs through and so far... and I'm feeling a huge Transatlantic 2.0 vibe here. I'm not sure if that's a good thing, given that's not the sound I want to listen from Flying Colors.
It's not bad, tho. I'll keep listening.
This is what I was afraid of. Unfortunately I'm not really a fan of Transatlantic so I don't think I'll be picking this up
Must be a cash grab by the band. :jets: JK dude, but really, have a listen and make the determination for yourself. I don't really hear much of a TA vibe - at least, any moreso than the first album - even though it is inevitable with the MP/NM connection. I definitely feel it's a FC album, and digging it wholeheartedly.
Lol, I'll still give the album a try, but I don't consider it making preconceived notions about an album when many people have said it sounds like Transatlantic 2.0 around the interwebs. It deserves a listen though, as I did enjoy their debut. :tup
-
Only one listen down on it. It's very solid, I'm liking it about as much as the debut. The first two tracks are pretty stellar, as well as the last two. My only gripe is that everything in between falls flat here and there and doesn't hold the same staying power, though I am only one listen in so I'll give it time before being concrete.
-
Considering that 40% of Flying Colors IS Transatlantic, some of their elements are bound to creep in there.
-
Considering that 40% of Flying Colors IS Transatlantic, some of their elements are bound to creep in there.
No doubt, but what others are saying is that those elements aren't just creeping in there, but that the band is morphing their sound into another Transatlantic. Again, I'll give the album a listen, but that doesn't sound entirely promising for me, as I thought Flying Colors were this lovely blend of pop and slightly prog rock.
Edit: So far this first song sounds like a complete departure from that. Yup, this is what I was afraid of. In all honesty, it's not that bad I guess, I can listen to this compared to Transatlantic but it isn't what made me like Flying Colors in the first place, and it doesn't really inspire more listens. Will listen to the rest of the album but I'm kinda sad about it.
-
I'm almost done with my 1st listen and unfortunately it didn't grab me like the 1st one (production issues aside). This one seems to be more prog than pop, which is ok, but the songs to me feel a bit stale. I hope it grows on me but I see that this one might sit on the burner since it seems like the new Evergrey will kick ass, the new Threshold is kicking my ass, and the new Enchant will also take a bunch out of my time since it's their new album in 10 yrs...and the live DT album.
-
Sounds excellent to me. I liked the first one but wasn't blown away by it. I wanted more guitar and Casey's vocals weren't to my taste - the live dvd was better.
I certainly hear Transatlantic in this but really I hear Neil Morse all over it, even if he's not singing.
Might just have to buy this if a second listen is as good.
-
Haven't gotten to the last track, but the last 2:30 of Peaceful Harbor is absolutely glorious. GLORIOUS.
-
Just got through Open Up Your Eyes, and it is rather Transatlantic. But, it seems like a more restrained less 20-minute-song-or-else-it's-shit mentality. I dig that song alone more than anything on Kaleidoscope.
-
Through my first listen now. I will definitely need to listen to it a few times more, but my first impression so far is: It doesn't really feel like a Flying Colors album. The first half is quite TA in places (for better or for worse), but even in the places where it doesn't sound like TA, it honestly sounds like a different band with the same musicians as the original FC. Weird.
-
On a completely separate note, is there a "Buy Neal Morse new keyboard patches" donation page? Good god, he's been using the same patches for 20 years now.
-
Second listen in, my resume so far is: It's a reasonably solid semi-prog album. But it's not what I fell in love with on their debut. In fact, in a weird way it's the music I was afraid it would be before I heard the first album. Given the lineup I had thought it would be proggy guitar rock, but when it wasn't that I was totally surprised and blown away. This new album fell into that lineup trap I think. I think they all went back into their habitual styles.
Don't get me wrong, there's some good moments on it. But for me it nowhere near captures the lightning in the bottle that was the debut.
-
Second listen in, my resume so far is: It's a reasonably solid semi-prog album. But it's not what I fell in love with on their debut. In fact, in a weird way it's the music I was afraid it would be before I heard the first album. Given the lineup I had thought it would be proggy guitar rock, but when it wasn't that I was totally surprised and blown away. This album fell into that lineup trap I think. I think they all went back to what they thought they are good at, I.e. prog.
Don't get me wrong, there's some good moments on it. But for me it nowhere near captures the lightning in the bottle that was the debut.
My exact thoughts
-
The Debut is pretty safe. This one they felt comfortable, the only way its pop is due to casey. But its pop prog.
-
I really also can't understand their decision to drop the producer and do it themselves. Of course one shouldn't necessarily judge the sound too much based on a SoundCloud stream, but at times the album is a total wall of sound, where everybody is noodling something. MP derides the debut's producer's decision to "trim the fat", but I think that was one crucial ingredient in giving the debut the poppiness it had. This new album occasionally collapses under its own sonic mass, a common problem for prog albums.
-
The Debut is pretty safe.
Totally and utterly disagree. The debut was a decisive departure from anything any of the members had done before. It wasn't the singer-songwriter stuff Casey does, it wasn't the guitar rock Steven does, nor the straight prog Neal and MP do.
This new album is *far* safer in that it returns to what they all usually do.
-
I only listened to it once, but liked it far more than the debut.
-
First listen, I like it, and I agree that it is way more proggy than the first, which I am not sure is good or bad. I kind of liked how they made it a point to not go overboard with the prog on the first one, but like others have said, some of the fat was definitely left on this time around.
On the brighter side of things, Casey's vocals are as awesome as ever. He's the link that's gonna make me keep listening to this album.
Took the words right out of my mouth. As much as I love Neal's voice, every time I hear him sing, I am disappointed that it's not Casey singing.
On a completely separate note, is there a "Buy Neal Morse new keyboard patches" donation page? Good god, he's been using the same patches for 20 years now.
:lol :lol I know what you mean. That synth lead he plays a little over a minute into the first song (that is basically playing a variation of that main melody really fast) just screams NEAL MORSE.
-
On a completely separate note, is there a "Buy Neal Morse new keyboard patches" donation page? Good god, he's been using the same patches for 20 years now.
:lol :lol I know what you mean. That synth lead he plays a little over a minute into the first song (that is basically playing a variation of that main melody really fast) just screams NEAL MORSE.
For better or for worse, I love that Neal has a distinct sound to his key parts. His sound banks are just as constant as his style of playing, and I like that about him. I don't think he'll ever change up too much, and I hope he doesn't either. His playing and sounds have a charm of their own, and if he changed just to be different or sound like other keyboardists out there, then he's not really being himself, now is he?
-Marc.
-
Eh, that's a myopic way of looking at it. It's like saying that if he ever changes anything, then he's not being true to himself. And I think he has done a decent job over the years of having new sounds (some of the stuff on The Whirlwind was very new-sounding, and that solo in the middle of the Kaleidoscope title cut is very different sounding for him), but that part I was talking about just sounds like the same synth sound he has been using since 1997. :lol :lol
-
Eh, that's a myopic way of looking at it. It's like saying that if he ever changes anything, then he's not being true to himself. And I think he has done a decent job over the years of having new sounds (some of the stuff on The Whirlwind was very new-sounding, and that solo in the middle of the Kaleidoscope title cut is very different sounding for him), but that part I was talking about just sounds like the same synth sound he has been using since 1997. :lol :lol
That is entirely possible! :rollin I don't think Neal has ever parted with any of his equipment, and I'm sure he keeps most of what he's used over the last 20 years always in his studio. He's done so many albums at his home studio since 2003, I'm sure he's used everything he owns, and then some! He just likes what he has. To paraphrase Genesis, he knows what he likes and he likes what he knows (in his keyboards).
-Marc.
-
I have listened the album a couple of times now, and its excellent! :metal
I also agree with others here, it has more prog elements in it. I think most of us expected that, and i think this was a natural progression for the band. I believe, none of them wanted to do the debut- album all over again. But IMO, they don't completely throw everything from the old album out the window, and there is still lot's to enjoy for the fans of the debut.
IMO i love this album more than the last!
-
I think they had something special and unique with the debut (at least from most of these musicians), but this new one seems to be the beginnings of throwing that sound out and replacing it with more "Neal Prog". It isn't a bad album by any means, but I can't help but be disappointed. I mean, we already have Transatlantic and however many Neal solo bands there are now, and now it appears that Flying Colors is joining this homogenisation.
I'm thinking that they needed to keep the outside producer.
-
Some killer melodies on the album but I agree pretty much word for word with Rumborak and Bolsters.
Flying Colors' debut was set apart by its pop/rock approach and was all the better for it. As I've said previously, the weakest track on the debut was Infinite Fire (that repeating guitar motif drives me a little crazy) and that's the type of music Second Nature is packed with.
Still, it's not bad. I just didn't want it to be so progressive. One man's meat is another's poison and I am sure the majority of posters here will love it because of its Transatlantic-Lite approach.
-
I never thought I'd find people on a forum for a prog band saying they don't want prog in an album. :facepalm:
----------
I particularly like Dave LaRue's use of slap bass in some of the songs. The bass line of Forever In A Daze, particularly in the break, is one of my favourite parts of the debut album, so it's nice to hear him incorporating it a bit more in Second Nature.
-
I never thought I'd find people on a forum for a prog band saying they don't want prog in an album. :facepalm:
Just because we're all on a prog band forum doesn't mean we all only listen to that, or want every album we buy to be that. We all have other tastes aswell, not everything has to be prog.
Having said that, my disappointment isn't so much that this album is more progressive than the debut, it's that it's the same Neal-inspired progressive rock in the vein of what we already get from Transatlantic. And Neal Morse solo albums. And had with old Spock's Beard. Flying Colors used to be different from that, but now not so much. I don't mean to imply there's anything wrong with Transatlantic etc. as I love some of those albums. However, Flying Colors was something else, different from that, and now it isn't. We just have more of what we were already getting somewhere else.
-
I never thought I'd find people on a forum for a prog band saying they don't want prog in an album. :facepalm:
Just because we're all on a prog band forum doesn't mean we all only listen to that, or want every album we buy to be that. We all have other tastes aswell, not everything has to be prog.
Seriously, this. Prog elements are fine for prog bands, but in many bands it would be totally out of place. It's as if this was a hot sauce board, and they suddenly dumped hot sauce on sushi in some high-end sushi restaurant, and upon complaining here you'd get the reply "never thought I'd see people complaining that there's too much hot sauce on food on a hot sauce board".
-
I have listened the album a couple of times now, and its excellent! :metal
I also agree with others here, it has more prog elements in it. I think most of us expected that, and i think this was a natural progression for the band. I believe, none of them wanted to do the debut- album all over again. But IMO, they don't completely throw everything from the old album out the window, and there is still lot's to enjoy for the fans of the debut.
IMO i love this album more than the last!
Adding to that, I must say that it's kind of grower cd, like most of the proggier cds are. The melodies don't come so fast/easy like in the first one, but I've already listened to the it about six times and the great melodies in there really came to life at this point... just to point out few examples, to me Peaceful Habour maybe is the most beatiful music they done (what a great, imense choir in the ending!) and it's really incredible that they managed to mix Muse + Pink Floyd + Neil Diamond (what?!) so beautifully and well succeded in one song (Cosmic Symphony). I love so much the first one and I think it's too soon to compare one to another, but I bet I'll love this new one as much. Just in a different style, but it's fine! :tup
-
I never thought I'd find people on a forum for a prog band saying they don't want prog in an album. :facepalm:
Just because we're all on a prog band forum doesn't mean we all only listen to that, or want every album we buy to be that. We all have other tastes aswell, not everything has to be prog.
Seriously, this. Prog elements are fine for prog bands, but in many bands it would be totally out of place. It's as if this was a hot sauce board, and they suddenly dumped hot sauce on sushi in some high-end sushi restaurant, and upon complaining here you'd get the reply "never thought I'd see people complaining that there's too much hot sauce on food on a hot sauce board".
From this day on, I decree that the forum shall be renamed the Hot Sauce Forums. Much more fun.
-
HSF. I like it.
-
It would end people giving me weird looks when I talk about DTF forums :lol
-
I forgot to comment on this:
Through my first listen now. I will definitely need to listen to it a few times more, but my first impression so far is: It doesn't really feel like a Flying Colors album. The first half is quite TA in places (for better or for worse), but even in the places where it doesn't sound like TA, it honestly sounds like a different band with the same musicians as the original FC. Weird.
??? ??? ???
Er, they've only had one album prior to this one. I am guessing what you mean is, "it doesn't really feel like the first Flying Colors album," right? Or are you already putting them in that "they need to always sound like the first album" box?
-
They can do whatever they want. I think I'm not the only one saying that this new album is very different from the first. That's all I'm saying, and later I posted a much more nuanced review. Don't get hung up on my first impression post.
-
It would end people giving me weird looks when I talk about DTF forums :lol
Let's face it though, we are all DTF.
-
Er, they've only had one album prior to this one. I am guessing what you mean is, "it doesn't really feel like the first Flying Colors album," right? Or are you already putting them in that "they need to always sound like the first album" box?
Come on man, don't use that argument. They had a pretty distinct sound on the first album that was a refreshing, sound from these guys; now it's buried under fatty prog. Natural growth in sound from a band is welcomed, but this album just seems like they regressed back into their comfort zone of prog, proggin prog.
-
It would end people giving me weird looks when I talk about DTF forums :lol
Let's face it though, we are all DTF.
:zydar:
-
They can do whatever they want. I think I'm not the only one saying that this new album is very different from the first. That's all I'm saying, and later I posted a much more nuanced review. Don't get hung up on my first impression post.
That's fine. I think it is definitely different from the first, and certainly more proggy, but aside from a few moments here and there, I am not getting this "Transatlantic-lite" thing that some are. Perhaps it's the fact that Casey's voice is the dominant one, but it gives it a different feel and vibe on that alone.
-
Really? Especially the first track just oozes Morse-type TA.
-
I also reeeeaaaaly don't like that they went with Hugh Syme for the cover art :L
That's unrelated to my thoughts on the album, but eyeh.
-
Really? Especially the first track just oozes Morse-type TA.
Agreed. But very little else really has given me that feeling so far. The first song, no doubt about it, but that's it.
Ironically, the long songs sound like the two least best songs to me so far.
-
But to pick up on your comment, I *do* have to scratch my head at their decision to reduce the pop and crank up the prog, and ditch the producer.
I mean, prog is what Neal does. Day in, day out. MP is known for prog. So, they bring out an album that is not prog, and it's immensely popular. And for the follow-up they do .. prog.
Again, they can do whatever the fuck they want. But I personally can't wrap my head around why they would ditch an apparently winning formula for something they can have in their myriad other outfits.
EDIT: And yeah, change the album cover artist too, to the tired artist that DT is using. I bought the shirt for the first album and random people have chatted me up and said "that's a beautiful image, what is it?". The new album cover is total meh.
-
I haven't heard the new album yet, but is the ramping up of prog throughout all the songs, or mainly in the lond opening and closing tracks?
The first album had that final track that was pure NM prog. I don't really mind having one more track like that, although having it open the album does mean setting the tone for the rest of it.
-
I haven't heard the new album yet, but is the ramping up of prog throughout all the songs, or mainly in the lond opening and closing tracks?
The first album had that final track that was pure NM prog. I don't really mind having one more track like that, although having it open the album does mean setting the tone for the rest of it.
Personally to me, while the entire album wasn't full on Transatlanticness like the opener, it's just generally waaaaaay more prog.
-
I think you're overstating, rumbo. Yes, this new album is more prog, but the majority of the songs are still catchy, straight-forward tunes; they just happened to leave some of the fat on them, making them six or seven minutes instead of four or five.
And if nothing else, I don't see this album have any clunkers, unlike the first album which had two or three - Shoulda Coulda Woulda and All Falls Down; Fool in My Heart isn't really a clunker from a writing standpoint, but having Portnoy sing it sorta killed it.
-
I think you're overstating, rumbo. Yes, this new album is more prog, but the majority of the songs are still catchy, straight-forward tunes; they just happened to leave some of the fat on them, making them six or seven minutes instead of four or five.
Honestly didn't find anything to be catchy unlike the first. I hope I don't seem to just disagree to disagree here, trying not to, but I'm with rumbo, and then a little dollop of my own personal thoughts.
:heart
-
The first song is the most brutally obvious Morse-TA song, and indeed it's weird to put it in the front because it sets the mood for the album.
After that they tone down the prog though for a few songs. A Place In Your World is the next Morse song then, with him on vocals and totally sounding like straight from a solo album of his.
The closing two tracks are both hugely epic. At the beginning of Peaceful Harbor you expect JR to whip out the Continuum. :lol
-
With all due respect, you seem to have that kind of "If Neal sings, it sounds like solo Neal Morse" thinking. I remember you said the same thing about The Whirlwind when that came out. Granted, Neal does have a pretty distinct style, but between Casey's voice and Steve Morse's guitar playing, there are enough other dominant musical aspects that drastically lessen the "it sounds like solo Neal Morse" effect for me, for the most part.
-
With all due respect, you seem to have that kind of "If Neal sings, it sounds like solo Neal Morse" thinking. I remember you said the same thing about The Whirlwind when that came out. Granted, Neal does have a pretty distinct style, but between Casey's voice and Steve Morse's guitar playing, there are enough other dominant musical aspects that drastically lessen the "it sounds like solo Neal Morse" effect for me, for the most part.
I agree on this point - hearing Steve's guitar and Dave's bass under Neal is a different sound than hearing Roine and Pete, or Randy. Sure, it'll have Neal singing, but the writing and the musicians themselves give it a different flavor overall.
-Marc.
-
With all due respect, you seem to have that kind of "If Neal sings, it sounds like solo Neal Morse" thinking. I remember you said the same thing about The Whirlwind when that came out. Granted, Neal does have a pretty distinct style, but between Casey's voice and Steve Morse's guitar playing, there are enough other dominant musical aspects that drastically lessen the "it sounds like solo Neal Morse" effect for me, for the most part.
There is probably something to your comment. Yes, I do somewhat overreact when it comes to Neal, historically because he has a way of usurping, and dominating, every project he is in. TA and FC both started out as projects where the musicians were on even keel with each other. But in both projects Neal somehow seems to have gotten the upper hand and, IMHO, squeezed out the influences of the other guys to a good degree.
So yes, when I suddenly heard Neal sing the song, in a band that has a far superior singer, I kinda cringed.
-
Neal most likely writes most of what project he's in. He also probably has a ton of demos to present that he feels would represent said project.
The main problem could be having no outside producer, and of course we all know who dominated that position, NM and MP.
I'm gonna listen to it now with good headphones, so I'll get back to what I think.
-
With all due respect, you seem to have that kind of "If Neal sings, it sounds like solo Neal Morse" thinking. I remember you said the same thing about The Whirlwind when that came out. Granted, Neal does have a pretty distinct style, but between Casey's voice and Steve Morse's guitar playing, there are enough other dominant musical aspects that drastically lessen the "it sounds like solo Neal Morse" effect for me, for the most part.
There is probably something to your comment. Yes, I do somewhat overreact when it comes to Neal, historically because he has a way of usurping, and dominating, every project he is in. TA and FC both started out as projects where the musicians were on even keel with each other. But in both projects Neal somehow seems to have gotten the upper hand and, IMHO, squeezed out the influences of the other guys to a good degree.
So yes, when I suddenly heard Neal sing the song, in a band that has a far superior singer, I kinda cringed.
I don't think that is true regarding Transatlantic. Their first album is way more Neal-dominant than the next three. Even most of the harmonies on that album are just Neal's voice layered over and over. Considering TA was started as an excuse for Neal and Portnoy to work together, it makes sense. Bridge Across Forever was a total band effort, as was The Whirlwind. Kaleidoscope seemed like it started to tilt back in Neal's favor, so we'll see how that next one goes.
-
With all due respect, you seem to have that kind of "If Neal sings, it sounds like solo Neal Morse" thinking. I remember you said the same thing about The Whirlwind when that came out. Granted, Neal does have a pretty distinct style, but between Casey's voice and Steve Morse's guitar playing, there are enough other dominant musical aspects that drastically lessen the "it sounds like solo Neal Morse" effect for me, for the most part.
There is probably something to your comment. Yes, I do somewhat overreact when it comes to Neal, historically because he has a way of usurping, and dominating, every project he is in. TA and FC both started out as projects where the musicians were on even keel with each other. But in both projects Neal somehow seems to have gotten the upper hand and, IMHO, squeezed out the influences of the other guys to a good degree.
So yes, when I suddenly heard Neal sing the song, in a band that has a far superior singer, I kinda cringed.
I don't think that is true regarding Transatlantic. Their first album is way more Neal-dominant than the next three. Even most of the harmonies on that album are just Neal's voice layered over and over. Considering TA was started as an excuse for Neal and Portnoy to work together, it makes sense. Bridge Across Forever was a total band effort, as was The Whirlwind. Kaleidoscope seemed like it started to tilt back in Neal's favor, so we'll see how that next one goes.
Judging by the amount of demos that Neal has released from the Transatlantic albums, it's clear that SMPT:e and Kaleidoscope seem to have a good deal of Neal material presented in its final form on the album, in some shape or another. Neal contributed much of "All Of The Above", "We All Need Some Light", "Kaleidoscope", "Into The Blue", "Shine" and "Beyond The Sun. He's also responsible for good chunks of "Duel With The Devil" and "Stranger In Your Soul", as well as "Bridge Across Forever", but a good chunk of BAF came from studio jamming and Roine and Pete. As for The Whirlwind, only about half of the album comes from stuff that Neal wrote, with probably 25% from Roine, 15% from Pete, and the rest from writing in the studio.
It's interesting, though, reading Neal's, Mike's and Randy's updates on the new Neal Morse Band album that just finished writing, in that almost everyone brought material to the table, including Bill Hubauer. It sounds like it'll be a full-band effort with writing contributions across the board. Neal was worried he didn't have enough material to send out to his band this time around, but it seems like the band brought some in, so I am more excited for a new Neal Morse album than I have been in ages. The prospect of Neal, Mike and Randy being in the studio with Bill and Eric is sure produce some great music!
-Marc.
-
With all due respect, you seem to have that kind of "If Neal sings, it sounds like solo Neal Morse" thinking. I remember you said the same thing about The Whirlwind when that came out. Granted, Neal does have a pretty distinct style, but between Casey's voice and Steve Morse's guitar playing, there are enough other dominant musical aspects that drastically lessen the "it sounds like solo Neal Morse" effect for me, for the most part.
There is probably something to your comment. Yes, I do somewhat overreact when it comes to Neal, historically because he has a way of usurping, and dominating, every project he is in. TA and FC both started out as projects where the musicians were on even keel with each other. But in both projects Neal somehow seems to have gotten the upper hand and, IMHO, squeezed out the influences of the other guys to a good degree.
So yes, when I suddenly heard Neal sing the song, in a band that has a far superior singer, I kinda cringed.
I don't think that is true regarding Transatlantic. Their first album is way more Neal-dominant than the next three. Even most of the harmonies on that album are just Neal's voice layered over and over. Considering TA was started as an excuse for Neal and Portnoy to work together, it makes sense. Bridge Across Forever was a total band effort, as was The Whirlwind. Kaleidoscope seemed like it started to tilt back in Neal's favor, so we'll see how that next one goes.
We have differed on this before, but I already count Whirlwind as a Neal-dominated album. The album is a concept album about the end of days, for crying out loud. Doesn't get more Neal than that.
-
Musically, it is not Neal-dominated, but given your hang-up about the lyrics, I don't expect you to agree. :biggrin:
-
So I listened to probably 1/2 - 3/4 of the album between last night and today...
I'm in the camp with those disappointed at the fact that they dialed up the prog. The first album was perfect in my eyes. It never lost replay value for me. This one is great... but it's much harder to digest.
-
Just finished listening to the new album. I don't think the problem with it is the added prog, I think overall it's just not as interesting and fresh as the first one was
-
Absolutely LOVING, "Mask Machine", "Bombs Away", "Fury of My Love", A Place in Your World", "One Love Forever" and part III of Cosmic Symphony "Pound For Pound"....EVERYTHING MP touches ends up great! :hefdaddy
-
Yeah so far I'm diggin it as well.
-
Absolutely LOVING, "Mask Machine", "Bombs Away", "Fury of My Love", A Place in Your World", "One Love Forever" and part III of Cosmic Symphony "Pound For Pound"....EVERYTHING MP touches ends up great! :hefdaddy
(https://o.scdn.co/300/1a7d8667c2dadf762a41033557e978b7550ff951)
-
I was not expecting this to sound so much like Transatlantic. Interesting.
-
Just finished listening to the new album. I don't think the problem with it is the added prog, I think overall it's just not as interesting and fresh as the first one was
It's a lot of small things that bring this album down. True, the debut had Infinite Fire, but (the producer?) decided to tuck that epic to the end of the album, thus making it almost like a nod to the fact that a lot of those guys usually make long prog epics.
On Second Nature, they put a 12-minute prog epic as the album opener. I gave it another spin earlier, and it doesn't even matter that I truly enjoy Mask Machine; you're coming out of that TA/Morse epic that lasted 12 minutes, and that just taints it right from the get go.
I'm seriously considering to create a "Second Nature EP" from the debut-sounding tracks once the album comes out.
BTW, to preempt the inevitable comment of "if you hate it so much, why do you keep posting in this thread?": I thought the FC debut was probably the best album that came out in that year. It was hands down the best post-DT project MP had done. But to paraphrase Back to the Future: " And then he took it and flushed it down the toilet. "
-
My comment would be to quit bitching about what it isn't and focus on what it is. If you don't like it for what it is, okay, but to keep bitching about what it isn't seems kind of silly. But the old adage rings true: expectations are a bitch.
Peaceful Harbor is pretty freaking gorgeous, I have to say.
-
Peaceful Harbor is pretty freaking gorgeous, I have to say.
Very much so. I got Pink Floyd vibes from it, and it has a sort of "The Spirit Carries On" kind of feel. Perhaps it's the gospel choir, or just the overall feel of the song, but it is one of the most beautiful moments in music I've heard all year. The same goes for the last part of "Cosmic Symphony", as well as both of Steve's solos in that song. Even if the album opens a bit weak because of the Neal-infused epic, it definitely ends REALLY strong with those two songs.
-Marc.
-
My comment would be to quit bitching about what it isn't and focus on what it is. If you don't like it for what it is, okay, but to keep bitching about what it isn't seems kind of silly. But the old adage rings true: expectations are a bitch.
Peaceful Harbor is pretty freaking gorgeous, I have to say.
Are we not allowed to voice negative opinions here anymore? Geez, ffs come on :facepalm:
-
And if nothing else, I don't see this album have any clunkers, unlike the first album which had two or three - Shoulda Coulda Woulda and All Falls Down; Fool in My Heart isn't really a clunker from a writing standpoint, but having Portnoy sing it sorta killed it.
Interesting. This is my first time really paying any attention to Flying Colors discussion, so I had no idea that All Falls Down was considered a clunker. I love that song.
Anyway, I'm about to listen to the stream of the new album for the first time. I am excite.
-
I didn't like All Falls Down at all first off, but I warmed up to it a little bit over time. It's still one of my two least favourite tracks on the album though (the other being Shoulda Coulda Woulda).
-
Fair enough. It's actually one of my favorites on the first album, so I guess I'm an oddball!
-
My comment would be to quit bitching about what it isn't and focus on what it is. If you don't like it for what it is, okay, but to keep bitching about what it isn't seems kind of silly. But the old adage rings true: expectations are a bitch.
Peaceful Harbor is pretty freaking gorgeous, I have to say.
That's the interesting part about this new album. It's a solid, not exciting but solid, prog album. I'm not too much in the mood for retroprog these days anymore, but I can definitely see how people can love this album. I love the debut for not being prog, so that's why I'm disappointed.
-
Makes sense. I get where you are coming from. And honestly, as I've said in other threads, the Morse/Portnoy combo has kind of oversaturated us with stuff as of late, but something about this combination of talents just sounds good to me. I am still digesting the new album, and I have no idea if I'll end up liking it more, less or as much as the first, but most of it is sounding pretty darn good to me. To each his own.
-
And honestly, as I've said in other threads, the Morse/Portnoy combo has kind of oversaturated us with stuff as of late.
Well, let's see...after MP left Dream Theater, he's participated and released the following albums with Neal:
-Flying Colors (debut, Live In Europe, Second Nature)
-Transatlantic (Whirld Tour 2010, More Never Is Enough, Kaleidoscope)
-Solo Neal (Testimony 2, T2 Live in LA, Momentum, Live Momentum)
-Yellow Matter Custard (One More Night In NYC)
-Morse Portnoy George (Cover 2 Cover)
-The Prog World Orchestra (A Proggy Christmas)
That's a total of 13 releases in the last four years, with another TA live album in November, a Neal Morse Band album early next year, and more than likely, another live Flying Colors album next Spring/Summer from the upcoming tour. Then after all of that, a live album from Neal's next album, probably released late next year.
When you consider Mike and Neal had about 13 releases between their first album together (TA's SMPT:e) and 2009's The Whirlwind (over the course of 9-10 years), it's hard not to agree that we are getting a LOT more of the Morse/Portnoy duo in music, be it live or studio. They've been averaging 3 releases a year for the last four years, and it looks like we'll get three more next year if my guesses are correct (NMB, live FC, live NMB).
-Marc.
-
Indeed to each their own. I find they're just turning the crank these days, and while I don't care when that happens in their various outfits above (I wasn't even aware of a quarter of the released stuff above), I find it's a bummer when it "leaks" into the only interesting thing the two had left.
-
The album almost put me to sleep during my first listen, honestly. I though the songs were too long and proggy, whereas I was hoping for shorter, catchier tunes like Kayla or Forever in a daze. But the more I listen to it, the less prog it sounds and more catchiness and gorgeousness unveil. There's so much grower potential in this, it will be in my playlist for a while, that's for sure.
-
Some of the songs remind me of TA's Black as the Sky from an arrangement standpoint, in that they are catchy enough to be called, well, catchy, but throw in that little bit of slightly-extended instrumental stuff to tow the line between proggy and a short, catchy song. It's kind of the best of both worlds, although, again, I get why some liked the shorter, tighter arrangements on the first album better. Hell, I like a lot of the short songs on the first album a lot, so I am happy with both approaches, so long as the songs are good.
I will agree that the first song, Open Up Your Eyes, really does sound out of place. It's so over the top proggy and definitely gives that "been there, done that" feeling. It doesn't help that the arrangement is kind of copy and paste, as you have that opening section, then it suddenly breaks into another proggy-sounding section, before breaking into a vocal section that does sound very Flying Colors-ish. But the instrumental sections scream MAJOR prog and the transitions are abrupt and make the song not flow well at all. So yeah, I get why some are bothered by that song kicking off the album.
-
Got my CD today. No sign of signed poster from Radiant. Drat.
-
I was going to wait until I got this in the mail to listen. Then there was the youtube trailer of the DVD. I was so intrigued, it sounded so proggy and different from their first disc. Well, I've listened to about half of the new album (the stream on the linked website a couple pages back).
Very pleasantly surprised so far. I think I'm going to wait until I get the actual cd to listen to the whole thing, but I'm digging the different direction. I know I'm probably in the minority, but I didn't care for the overly poppy and love songy sound of the first album. It's not just a Neal thing (I'm a huge Neal fan), I'd be happy if Casey was the only vocalist. But from what I've heard I think the guys in the band are utilizing their strengths more possibly (just my opinion, to my ears of course).
I get why some people don't like the different direction (it's not as unique this time, it may be like more of the same). I can't comment too much on that specifically until I hear more of it, obviously.
Summary: I think I fall in the camp of thinking this will be better than the first cd and love the direction I've heard so far.
-
Finally got around to listening to this, and I was pleasantly surprised. People saying it sounded like TA got me disappointed (I can't stand TA), but other than the first song, I didn't think it sounded anything like it.
I need a few more listens, but so far I really enjoy it.
-
Got my CD today. No sign of signed poster from Radiant. Drat.
Last time they sent me one it was in a separate box for some reason, so it's still possible it's coming!
-
Finally got around to listening to this, and I was pleasantly surprised. People saying it sounded like TA got me disappointed (I can't stand TA), but other than the first song, I didn't think it sounded anything like it.
I need a few more listens, but so far I really enjoy it.
Agreed. As much as the first song sounds like TA at times, the rest of the songs don't sound like them at all. I think some just get stuck on the "anything that sounds like Neal Morse wrote it automatically sounds like solo Neal and/or Transatlantic" thing. Oh well.
Peaceful Harbor and One Love Forever are easily my favorite thus far.
-
I know I'm probably in the minority, but I didn't care for the overly poppy and love songy sound of the first album.
I couldn't get into the s/t either. Only "Everything Changes" and the last song did anything for me. While I certainly welcome any song genre, a lot of it did come off as rather bland. But I do like my prog, and if Second Nature is proggier, then I'll pick it up and give the band another chance.
-
I also agree that the opening song it the only thing that sounds like TA/NM. Even Cosmic Symphony, the other "epic", is slow building and not really in the Morse-prog style.
I have to say, I don't really understand why they even have that first track, let alone why they put it at the start of the album. It's completely out of place.
Other than that, I really dig the album! Some great tunes.
-
I got my Vinyl LP in the mail from Radiant Records yesterday. The package looks beautiful, lovely gatefold and the insert sleeves look great, too!
I tried using my download code on Mascot's website but everytime I tried, it said "No Tracks Available For Download". :|
-Marc.
-
I got my Vinyl LP in the mail from Radiant Records yesterday. The package looks beautiful, lovely gatefold and the insert sleeves look great, too!
I tried using my download code on Mascot's website but everytime I tried, it said "No Tracks Available For Download". :|
-Marc.
Didn't you get a link from Radiant? They're the same exact tracks, same bitrate and everything from Mascot. I compared them both when I got my emails.
-
I got my Vinyl LP in the mail from Radiant Records yesterday. The package looks beautiful, lovely gatefold and the insert sleeves look great, too!
I tried using my download code on Mascot's website but everytime I tried, it said "No Tracks Available For Download". :|
-Marc.
Didn't you get a link from Radiant? They're the same exact tracks, same bitrate and everything from Mascot. I compared them both when I got my emails.
Nope. I'm talking about for the full album, not for the bonus tracks. The vinyls all come with a Download Card with a code on them to download the full album in digital format from Mascot's website, regardless of where you bought the LP from.
EDIT - I got an email earlier today from Mascot saying that my order with them has been "completed", which I guess means they've shipped it to me. I suppose I'll get it Monday or Tuesday. Looking forward to the t-shirt and poster with it, as well as that DVD!
-Marc.
-
Well, it just topped their debut for me - this stuff is still growing! Cosmic symphony is just gorgeous, and so are The Fury of my love and Peaceful harbor. Mask machine grew on me as well, I'm still not sold on the chorus but the rest of the song is brilliant, it's got such a great attitude that I need to crank it up every time it comes on. As for the individual performance, everyone is amazing on here, but I'm still impressed with Casey the most, the guy has a fantastic voice.
It's so great to have a ''new'' band like this around these days, it will be very exciting to follow them as long as they keep doing this.
-
Yep, I really like this new one as well. I like the fact that they didn't do another album just like the first one, while still retaining the catchy elements. I wasn't sure about Mask Machine at first, but I couldn't get it out of my head all last night. The last three songs really stand out as the best ones, IMO. I don't like the end of Open Up Your Eyes that much (the last 55 seconds is waaaay too busy), but everything else about it I am really enjoying so far. :coolio :hat
-
Mask Machine is the most enjoyable tune on the album for me. Don't care too much for the ballad, I think it's a bit too predictable.
-
Which ballad? I think The Fury of My Love and Peaceful Harbor are both ballad-esque, and Lost Without You is a bit, as well.
-
First listen, listening to the last epic right now. I like it, it needs to grow a lot, but I really think it will. I'll try not to overplay it as much as I did with the first album. The second half of the album was definitely better, as I recall it right now.
-
I got my Vinyl LP in the mail from Radiant Records yesterday. The package looks beautiful, lovely gatefold and the insert sleeves look great, too!
I tried using my download code on Mascot's website but everytime I tried, it said "No Tracks Available For Download". :|
-Marc.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaand today, I got my SIGNED POSTER!!! Number 32 out of 200! :metal :metal :metal
https://instagram.com/p/teK52zCh7F/
-Marc.
-
I got my Vinyl LP in the mail from Radiant Records yesterday. The package looks beautiful, lovely gatefold and the insert sleeves look great, too!
I tried using my download code on Mascot's website but everytime I tried, it said "No Tracks Available For Download". :|
-Marc.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaand today, I got my SIGNED POSTER!!! Number 32 out of 200! :metal :metal :metal
https://instagram.com/p/teK52zCh7F/
-Marc.
23 here for the poster.
I got my lp from mascot but no bonus dvd and the jacket corners are kind of bashed in.
-
I got my Vinyl LP in the mail from Radiant Records yesterday. The package looks beautiful, lovely gatefold and the insert sleeves look great, too!
I tried using my download code on Mascot's website but everytime I tried, it said "No Tracks Available For Download". :|
-Marc.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaand today, I got my SIGNED POSTER!!! Number 32 out of 200! :metal :metal :metal
https://instagram.com/p/teK52zCh7F/
-Marc.
23 here for the poster.
I got my lp from mascot but no bonus dvd and the jacket corners are kind of bashed in.
That sucks. Mine LP from Radiant is practically perfect in every way, except maybe a bit of denting at the top of the front half of the gatefold cover due to the vinyl pushing up against it. No other flaws to report, really.
And that sucks that you didn't get the DVD. Did you email Mascot? They're usually pretty quick about getting back to you on that kind of stuff. They sent me another poster from FC's Live In Europe when my first one came all messed up and wrinkly. Did you check the LP itself to see if the DVD hadn't been packed inside the cover?
-Marc.
-
GREAT album and I wish that JP would give a listen to Steve Morse play on this album and remember back during the FII/SFAM days, when he played with emotion and spirituality. I've really missed that with his playing since and the constant mind numbing shredding that has become his signature. He stood out for me when he played with more emotion.
-
GREAT album and I wish that JP would give a listen to Steve Morse play on this album and remember back during the FII/SFAM days, when he played with emotion and spirituality. I've really missed that with his playing since and the constant mind numbing shredding that has become his signature. He stood out for me when he played with more emotion.
I haven't heard the new Flying Colors album yet, but I really liked Steve's playing on the latest Deep Purple album, by far his most tasteful and fitting contribution to their discography, as opposed to some of the out-of-place shredding he occasionally indulged himself with before. I'm looking forward to hearing this one.
Regarding JP, shredding was always an essential component of his musical vocabulary and I find that there is plenty of 'emotion' in his more recent work as well, like the solos in Breaking all Illusions or The Best of Times.
-
GREAT album and I wish that JP would give a listen to Steve Morse play on this album and remember back during the FII/SFAM days, when he played with emotion and spirituality. I've really missed that with his playing since and the constant mind numbing shredding that has become his signature. He stood out for me when he played with more emotion.
I'm sorry, but have you heard the solo section of Breaking All Illusions?
-
Without getting into that nonsense about JP (whose playing is still plenty emotional), I'll agree that Steve Morse's playing on Second Nature is pretty great. Plenty of tasty solos. :coolio
-
And that sucks that you didn't get the DVD. Did you email Mascot? They're usually pretty quick about getting back to you on that kind of stuff. They sent me another poster from FC's Live In Europe when my first one came all messed up and wrinkly. Did you check the LP itself to see if the DVD hadn't been packed inside the cover?
-Marc.
I did email them, but I didn't check to see if the DVD was in the cover. I figured the shrink was put on by manufacturing so I don't think it's in there.
-
Happy release day to everyone in mainland Europe. We have to wait an extra week here in the UK.
-
Those that haven't bought the Live in Europe 3 LP set.. Radiant is blowing them out for $25.
https://www.radiantrecords.com/products/444-flying-colors-live-in-europe.aspx
-
Got my copy Saturday. Haven't quite listened, but so far its great.
-
I've listened enough now to where I can give a tentative order of preference:
1. One Love Forever (best Flying Colors song yet)
2. Cosmic Symphony (flows very well, plenty of great vocal melodies, and has several killer solos by Steve Morse)
3. Peaceful Harbor (gorgeous song, on all levels)
4. A Place in Your World (manages to sound very Neal Morse-ish, while still sounding more like Flying Colors than simply a Neal song)
5. Mask Machine (I wasn't sure about it at first, but it ended up being sneaky catchy, and rocking as heck)
6. Lost Without You (I could see this one moving up several spots very soon)
7. Open Up Your Eyes (love the vocal melodies and the proggy themes, but the arrangement sounds very copy and pasted, and I do not like the last 55 seconds much at all)
8. Bombs Away (good, solid tune)
9. The Fury of My Love (I like this song, even though Casey's vocal delivery on the verses is kind of strange, given the halting way he delivers some of the lines)
-
I was wondering if anyone has had enough time to listen to SN to rank the 9 songs against the 11 from the debut and rank all 20 in order?
I'll come up with mine sometime this week, but I figure I'd pose that question/challenge to everyone here.
-Marc.
-
Peaceful Harbor may be their best song yet.
-
I've listened to the new one a ton since last week (and am still getting the physical copy this week), but I am not sure I could do a list like that already. My ranking of the new ones is very early and tentative. I don't remember ever ranking the songs from the first one, but I know that Infinite Fire, Everything Changes, Love Is What I'm Waiting For and Blue Ocean would be my favorites, and All Falls Down, Fool in My Heart and Shoulda Coulda Woulda would my bottom three.
-
Before this album came out, I saw that their only show around here would be in Tilburg, which will no doubt be awesome, but since I didn't have any expectations for this record I never bothered to order tickets. Now, the album's great, my NM fandom has grew to an all time high, and I'm trying to buy tickets. Not even is this sold out. But I've got a gig myself, some sort of politician-get-together, I get to be the background pianist. Dammit.
-
Stream is down I take it?
-
I got this in the mail and am SO glad I ordered it. I didn't really care for their first release, but heard Mask Machine and thought it had promise, so I ordered it. Honestly, since receiving the cd I haven't even listened to Mask Machine much even. There's so many good songs!!!
The standouts for me... Cosmic Symphony is hands down my favorite FC song. The last section is simply brilliant! Peaceful Harbor is another great surprise. So unique (at least to me) and so beautiful. A Place in Your World and Open Up Your Eyes round out the rest of my favorites.
In addition to the great songs, I am loving the music side of things. Some friggen awesome guitar solos, and some bass guitar solos that are just pure awesomeness you don't hear many places.
Good year to be a Neal fan for sure. TA's latest is BY FAR my favorite TA album, and now this... Can't wait to see what Neal Morse Band churns out.
-
The stream may be down now, but the teaser that the band have put up on Youtube contains my favourite bit of Bombs Away (the verse), so it's all good.
-
Question, although I'm fairly certain of my answer - there's a "Deluxe Edition" floating around mp3 download sites like iTunes and Amazon that includes two bonus tracks (of which you can purchase separately, like I did late last night), both are acoustic versions of songs on the album ("The Fury Of My Love" and "Peaceful Harbor"). Now, is there a PHYSICAL version of this Deluxe edition? Or is it purely digital?
I only ask because I ordered the CD from the band's label's store, Mascot Records, and their tracklists only show the standard edition for every CD option. Not that I'm complaining much since I already bought the bonus tracks, but I was just wondering if there was a CD with those tracks on it.
-Marc.
-
https://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=let%27s+get+physical+images
-
https://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=let%27s+get+physical+images
Gotta get physical, Bosk.
-M.
-
Would it be worth it to see these guys live for about $60?
-
Would it be worth it to see these guys live for about $60?
When they first toured it was a no brainer, it was a great lineup and a solid album you pretty much knew they'd be playing in full. And while I enjoyed their show something about how it came across made it seem... sterile. I don't know how to describe it, but it just didn't seem to come across live as well as it should have. That said they are playing closer to me (and not in NYC) this time around and in a great venue, and so I paid the $50 to see this without issue. That said, chances are they will be playing the new album in full or nearly so, so I'd judge a lot around how you like it.
-
Would it be worth it to see these guys live for about $60?
When they first toured it was a no brainer, it was a great lineup and a solid album you pretty much knew they'd be playing in full. And while I enjoyed their show something about how it came across made it seem... sterile. I don't know how to describe it, but it just didn't seem to come across live as well as it should have. That said they are playing closer to me (and not in NYC) this time around and in a great venue, and so I paid the $50 to see this without issue. That said, chances are they will be playing the new album in full or nearly so, so I'd judge a lot around how you like it.
I see them playing BOTH albums in full, really. With 2 hours of music, and possibly a 2.5 hour show, they have the room for both albums. Perhaps they could do some re-arrangements of songs from the first album, or play a couple of them in an acoustic format. Or they could throw in some solo spots before/after/in the middle of songs from the first album, so they're not exactly as they were on the first live tour/album.
Either way, I would like them to play both albums if possible, and maybe two or three covers to fill out the set. And I just hope they record a show for future release. I'd love to go see them this weekend, but I'm already busy/poor.
-Marc.
-
When they first toured it was a no brainer, it was a great lineup and a solid album you pretty much knew they'd be playing in full. And while I enjoyed their show something about how it came across made it seem... sterile.
I know what you mean, and yeah, the concert was a bit flat in that sense. I actually mostly blamed Casey for that, he felt out of place at times.
-
This album is fantastic. I was listening to the last two tracks on the drive home and, wow, it was an experience.
-
really loving this album! only on my 2nd spin, but looking forward to many more
excited to see them on Thurs!
-
I'll be seeing them Thursday also. Super excited! I still don't think this album lives up to the first, though. The first album alone made them one of my top 10 favorite bands.
-
Much to my surprise, Best Buy had this, and for only $7.99. Woohoo!!
So, I snagged this and the new DT DVD for less than 30 bucks combined. :coolio :hat
-
Much to my surprise, Best Buy had this, and for only $7.99. Woohoo!!
So, I snagged this and the new DT DVD for less than 30 bucks combined. :coolio :hat
:tup Good deal! Only $7.99? Must be a release-week sale or something, as Best Buy usually has.
-Marc.
-
Without getting into that nonsense about JP (whose playing is still plenty emotional), I'll agree that Steve Morse's playing on Second Nature is pretty great. Plenty of tasty solos. :coolio
Sheep :loser:
-
This album definitely has a different feel, and although I like it just as much as the first if not more, I can see why people would prefer the first album. The important thing about the first album for me was not so much the poppiness, but more the catchiness. This album is not as poppy, but it is still catchy, so I'm happy with it.
I have to listen more before I decide my rankings.
-
Much to my surprise, Best Buy had this, and for only $7.99. Woohoo!!
So, I snagged this and the new DT DVD for less than 30 bucks combined. :coolio :hat
My Best Buy let me down. No Flying Colors. Then they say they have 2 Blu Rays of the new DT but there were DVD's and I had to point that out. They were so confused.
So I drove t a local shop and picked up those 2 and new Enchant. Paid a little more but I had to have them.
-
I really fucking love this band.
That being said, I definitely prefer the debut album over Second Nature, by a pretty wide margin. The new one is a great album full of consistently very good songs, but nothing on it comes close to my favorites from the first album. Of course, FC1 is possibly one of my favorite albums of all time, so it was a very hard act to follow for me.
At any rate, though, I'm still very happy with the new release as well.
-
Good deal! Only $7.99? Must be a release-week sale or something, as Best Buy usually has.
Yep. I wasn't even gonna get it there - I was gonna order it online this week - but I figured since I was there to get the new DT DVD, I'd see if they had this, on the off chance, and was shocked when they did.
My Best Buy let me down. No Flying Colors. Then they say they have 2 Blu Rays of the new DT but there were DVD's and I had to point that out. They were so confused.
They've probably never heard of a Blu-ray. :lol :lol
This album definitely has a different feel, and although I like it just as much as the first if not more, I can see why people would prefer the first album. The important thing about the first album for me was not so much the poppiness, but more the catchiness. This album is not as poppy, but it is still catchy, so I'm happy with it.
I have to listen more before I decide my rankings.
I really fucking love this band.
That being said, I definitely prefer the debut album over Second Nature, by a pretty wide margin. The new one is a great album full of consistently very good songs, but nothing on it comes close to my favorites from the first album. Of course, FC1 is possibly one of my favorite albums of all time, so it was a very hard act to follow for me.
At any rate, though, I'm still very happy with the new release as well.
Good comments, fellas. :tup :tup
-
Current overall rankings (highly subject to change):
1. Infinite Fire
2. Open Up Your Eyes
3. Blue Ocean
4. A Place in Your World
5. The Storm
6. Mask Machine
7. Better than Walking Away
8. One Love Forever
9. Forever in a Daze
10. The Fury of My Love
11. Love is What I'm Waiting For
12. Kayla
13. Peaceful Harbor
14. Everything Changes
15. Lost Without You
16. Cosmic Symphony
17. Fool in My Heart
18. Bombs Away
19. Coulda Shoulda Woulda
20. All Falls Down
-
I'm really glad I'm not the only one who regards Infinite Fire as a true gem. :lol I know cause it's straight up prog it's gonna get a lot of flak, but dammit, it's amazing, eh?
-
Tonight was so amazing! Clean sound and vibrant energy. Must see!
-
I know cause it's straight up prog it's gonna get a lot of flak
Huh? On this forum? :lol
Infinite Fire seems to be very popular here. Personally I find it ok, but not that exciting. Same for Open Up Your Eyes, which again seems to be pretty popular for its proggyness. I think there's something about both that's, as rumborak would say, a bit too generic-Neal-Morse. And I'm far from NM'ed out, I just don't think those two songs are very exciting.
On the other hand, I love Cosmic Symphony - I think that's a case where they've made something more proggy and really interesting. You could call Peaceful Harbor proggy too, and that's a strong contender for my favourite FC song.
-
Tonight was so amazing! Clean sound and vibrant energy. Must see!
Ooh, that's great to hear. Do you remember the set list?
-
I know cause it's straight up prog it's gonna get a lot of flak
Huh? On this forum? :lol
Infinite Fire seems to be very popular here. Personally I find it ok, but not that exciting. Same for Open Up Your Eyes, which again seems to be pretty popular for its proggyness. I think there's something about both that's, as rumborak would say, a bit too generic-Neal-Morse. And I'm far from NM'ed out, I just don't think those two songs are very exciting.
On the other hand, I love Cosmic Symphony - I think that's a case where they've made something more proggy and really interesting. You could call Peaceful Harbor proggy too, and that's a strong contender for my favourite FC song.
Probably could have worded it better. It seems most don't really want more prog in the vein of Neal Morse's typical stuff since the debut for FC established the group as having a unique blend between more accessible pop and rock with prog tendencies. What I meant was is that when they stray from that accessible sound and into "generic NM prog", it isn't met with the best of receptions, even by die-hard prog fans.
-
I would never think of Infinite Fire as your "typical Neal Morse epic" or anything like that. For one, the song is built around Steve Morse's recurring motif, the likes of which you never hear in a song on a Neal Morse solo album, and for two, Casey's lead vocals give it a very different feel. Same thing, regarding the latter, with Cosmic Symphony, where the 2nd part sounds Neal-ish, in large part because he sings it, but the first and third parts don't sound Neal-ish really at all.
Personally, I like both of those songs a lot cause, aside from just being really good tunes, they are in that 10-12 minute window, which is the perfect length for a great proggy song. It's long enough to have that epic feel, but not too long to where it feels like work to get through it (which is a problem with some of Neal's 20-minute plus tunes).
-
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/flying-colors/2014/james-armstrong-theater-torrance-ca-4bcf67fe.html
Great set list. :metal
-
As much as I liked the first album, I think this one is even better.
The first listen blew me away
-
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/flying-colors/2014/james-armstrong-theater-torrance-ca-4bcf67fe.html
Great set list. :metal
Hmmm, I thought they'd play more songs, and thus more from the first album, but that still looks good. Good to see they chucked two of the three clunkers from the first one, although I am surprised that Blue Ocean didn't make the cut.
-
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/flying-colors/2014/james-armstrong-theater-torrance-ca-4bcf67fe.html
Great set list. :metal
Hmmm, I thought they'd play more songs, and thus more from the first album, but that still looks good. Good to see they chucked two of the three clunkers from the first one, although I am surprised that Blue Ocean didn't make the cut.
This exactly.
-
I've only gotten the chance to listen through once. Lot to digest, I definitely need another listen or twenty.
-
So, the show tonight was incredible, definitely better than the first time around. They did an Alpha Rev song that led into Peaceful Harbor and that was certainly the highlight of the night for me. That song wasn't my favorite going in, but likely will be going forward. From the new album I'd say Fury of My Love and Mask Machine also went especially well.
-
And speaking of that particular point in the show...
www.wpapu.com/sounds/FC2014-10-04ARPH.mp3
Included Casey's intro as I thought it was rather nice.
Edit: And what the hell, one more for good measure.
www.wpapu.com/sounds/FC2014-10-04FoML.mp3
I have to say, liked Casey before, but he grew on me even more this show. Nothing overly flashy, but a great fit to front this band.
-
Which Alpha Rev song did they do?
-
I love his voice.
-
Sounds like he's getting more comfortable with communicating with the crowd.
-
Which Alpha Rev song did they do?
Colder Months, audio is in the first link I posted.
-
I have my copy! :caffeine:
-------------
New post, but editing this one to save double-posting.
I love the song, but I think I've worked out why I felt a bit strange about Open Up Your Eyes at first. The three vocal sections starting from Neal Morse's section all feel like climactic final choruses to me. It's like, when is this thing actually going to end? And when it does end, it's kind of abrupt.
-
Agreed. When the song speeds up around 9:47, it should have led up to the ending crescendo right there, instead of doing a reprise of another vocal melody and then having that overly busy ending. I might actually make an edit that fades the song out around the 10-minute mark. I think that will be much more satisfying for me to listen to.
-
At first, I thought the ending to "Open Up Your Eyes" was weird, and seemed more like something that (without much knowledge of Steve or Dave and their work) SM and DL would cook up since it didn't really sound too NM-ish to me. It's a weird way to end the song, but rather than give it that typical slow-fade-out, jamming on the same chords deal that Neal likes to do, it's a unique ending to the opener. It's less of a "here's the epic finish" and more of a "here's a fun way to end the song and show our chops", which is FINE by me since it's not an epic in the sense of ending a side of vinyl or closing an album. It'd feel weird, like if they put "Cosmic Symphony" as the opener. So in that sense, I'm glad the ending is the way it is, something unexpected and fun, and I've come to enjoy it.
-Marc.
-
Overall, this is a brilliant album! Favourites right now: Mask Machine, Bombs Away (great groove in the main riff), The Fury of My Love (this album's Better Than Walking Away), and Lost Without You (wonderfully "sunny" chorus).
Casey McPherson really shines in particular. Really comes forward as the band's frontman.
-
GREAT album and I wish that JP would give a listen to Steve Morse play on this album and remember back during the FII/SFAM days, when he played with emotion and spirituality. I've really missed that with his playing since and the constant mind numbing shredding that has become his signature. He stood out for me when he played with more emotion.
+1. Flying Colors is the direction that I've always wished DT would move in as they aged / matured. Yes JP still has his moments, but I think the shredding has overshadowed everything else. Morse shreds, but he picks his spots, which adds to the effect instead of just shredding your face off.
-
This…is…Majestic.
These guys all really need to quit their day jobs and make this thing permanent. Because this is way better than their day jobs.
Pretty surprised to see people complaining about the prog element on this website. I think its a great mix of prog and more accessable melodic awesomeness. Casey is great.
Is there a place in your world for Flying Colors? Hells Ya!
-
So, Peaceful Harbour is pretty great.
-
So, Peaceful Harbour is pretty great.
I agree, that is fantastic.
-
So, Peaceful Harbour is pretty great.
I agree, that is fantastic.
I think its up there with Stairway to Heaven!
Also Is There a Place in Your World and Cosmic Symphony...wow.
-
So, Peaceful Harbour is pretty great.
I agree, that is fantastic.
I think its up there with Stairway to Heaven!
wat
-
Slow down there buddy
-
Just finally got my copy from Amazon yesterday, and had a couple more go rounds with this. Right up there as a top 5 AOTY for me.
-
I'm still trying to absorb all of it, but I am pretty much loving the hell out of it right now. Good Lord, those last three tracks!
-
Decided to give this a spin on Spotify, which was how I tried the first album (which I was less than impressed with), got to the end of Open Up Your Eyes and ordered it off Amazon. Last one never really clicked with me, this one clicked instantly.
-
So, Peaceful Harbour is pretty great.
I agree, that is fantastic.
I think its up there with Stairway to Heaven!
Listening to music, you are doing it wrong.
-
Listening to music, you are doing it wrong.
How do you listen to music wrong? Rating music wrong, sure.. listening? Is that even possibru?
-
Listening to music, you are doing it wrong.
How do you listen to music wrong? Rating music wrong, sure.. listening? Is that even possibru?
You're new to the internet, aren't you? :lol
-
To me, the band seems more gelled together on this album. Like a proper band, rather than just a bunch of musicians cobbled together with no chemistry.
Side point: the snare drum at the beginning of Cosmic Symphony makes me think of She Drives Me Crazy by Fine Young Cannibals. From a distance, perhaps. Just thought I'd put that out there.
-
This has my favorite Steve Morse playing of all time. Melodic, soulful, damn near perfect. A lot of his stuff where he's the sole composer feels really stiff to me. This is the Steve I saw on tour with Satriani last year. Love it.
-
Right up there as a top 5 AOTY for me.
I agree
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fSeyo-nxlQ&feature=youtu.be
Looks like they're recording/filming in Switzerland this time around instead of the usual Holland. Hoping it'll be a great show for them on the 12th!
-Marc.
-
It would be nice to have Casey (or any other besides Portnoy) making the announcements for a change.
Nevertheless, such good news we're getting another DVD.
-
...okay I get why people praise the hell out of Peaceful Harbor. Glorious.
-
Side point: the snare drum at the beginning of Cosmic Symphony makes me think of She Drives Me Crazy by Fine Young Cannibals. From a distance, perhaps. Just thought I'd put that out there.
Hmmm, that never occurred to me. My first impression was that it sounded sorta like the beginning of Rush's Secret Touch.
-
Looks like they're recording/filming in Switzerland this time around instead of the usual Holland. Hoping it'll be a great show for them on the 12th!
-Marc.
Probably straying a bit off-topic here, but why do bands always seem to film live shows in Tilburg? It seems everyone does it.
-
Tilburg always seems to have a good crowd, and obviously seems set up well for filming.
-
Tilburg always seems to have a good crowd, and obviously seems set up well for filming.
I agree. Between Neal Morse, Roine Stolt and Mike Portnoy, I have SO MANY shows filmed in Tilburg at the 013!
-Marc.
-
I have not clicked with this album at all. The only song that I LOVE is Peaceful Harbor. The rest of the album feels to me a bit too proggy, like Transatlantic 2.0. Even though the production on the first one was really bad, I enjoyed most of the songs..They were different, catchy and poppy with the prog tuned down. This one is almost quite opposite. The first track sounds like a track from Transatlantic, even with the Neal Morse signature keyboard tone and part. The rest of the album kind of picks up for me and gets a bit better after Open your Eyes, but it still feels disappointing. One thing I have to give credit is the production and Casey's vocals. Dave's tone sounds awesome and Steve Morse's solo on Peaceful Harbor is nothing short of beautiful.
-
Two tickets in unreserved seating (which appears to be sold out) for sale for the London show on 13 October. Will accept £40 for the pair (a saving of £18 in itself) and will throw in special delivery. Can ship today if needed (Friday). Please PM if interested.
-
I don't understand any of the comparisons to Transatlantic other than certain parts of Open Up Your Eyes.
This album is certainly a different kind of album than the first (probably somewhat due in part to self-producing this one vs. working with a producer on the debut). But it is fantastic. This is almost what I would have expected the first album to sound like (although I was pleasantly surprised by what the first album turned out to be).
I think this album is much more consistently good than the first one. I love it.
-
Loving this album. Playing the crap out of it in the air and in airports this week.
-
I don't understand any of the comparisons to Transatlantic other than certain parts of Open Up Your Eyes.
Agreed, Open Up Your Eyes is the only song that really has anything to do with TA-style prog. I do think that the fact that it opens the album might affect a lot of listeners though, as it sets a tone for the album.
-
I think people hear "prog" music, see Neal and Mike on the roster, and immediately say "Transatlantic!" when Steve and Dave are just as prog as Neal and Mike. They are OG prog/fusion, totally badass.
I would just like to say that Steve's guitar work on the second half of Cosmic Symphony is just gorgeous.
-
I don't understand any of the comparisons to Transatlantic other than certain parts of Open Up Your Eyes.
Agreed, Open Up Your Eyes is the only song that really has anything to do with TA-style prog. I do think that the fact that it opens the album might affect a lot of listeners though, as it sets a tone for the album.
For the most part I found this album to be nothing like TA, and very little like most NM solo, despite reading many comments here first and going in expecting to hear it. So I really don't understand where those comments are coming from. Even the other epic on the album sounds nothing like either of the aforementioned bands.
-
I don't understand any of the comparisons to Transatlantic other than certain parts of Open Up Your Eyes.
Agreed, Open Up Your Eyes is the only song that really has anything to do with TA-style prog. I do think that the fact that it opens the album might affect a lot of listeners though, as it sets a tone for the album.
The only part of this album that sounds like TA is the intro to Open Up Your Eyes. The rest of it barely sounds like TA. Hell, other than the longer song lengths compared to the debut, most of it is barely progressive rock.
-
I'm glad to see that most are realizing this, as well. I knew I wasn't crazy. :lol :lol
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQmfWxGnCis
"A place in your world" video premier.
-
This has my favorite Steve Morse playing of all time. Melodic, soulful, damn near perfect. A lot of his stuff where he's the sole composer feels really stiff to me. This is the Steve I saw on tour with Satriani last year. Love it.
I think seeing the show at the Keswick last week ruined the album for me so far.
The show was pretty amazing (given how tired the band was from travel) and Steve Morse was on FIRE and Neal Morse seemed like he was having the time of his life (he seems to really enjoy just playing and not having to be in charge of everything.)
Because of the Mascot snafu I just got the album yesterday (with a bonus tour pick) and only have listened to it once.
Based on that one listen I have to ask where the hooks are. I also think it's a sonic disaster (again.) Hopefully this grows on me, but this album really sounds hurried. The musicianship is awesome and is just incredible live, but I'm just not feeling it yet.
Hopefully I'll be brave and try to take out Steve Rothery's Live in Rome out of the CD player and get more familiar with Second Nature this weekend.
-
Based on that one listen I have to ask where the hooks are. I also think it's a sonic disaster (again.) Hopefully this grows on me, but this album really sounds hurried. The musicianship is awesome and is just incredible live, but I'm just not feeling it yet.
The album is growing on me but this is my main problem with it. Pop music really relies on hooks and a lot of the songs don't have any. So it's missing a lot of the pop aesthetic that would really distinguish it even more from other NM prog projects. The first album did this and it was great for that. This one has lost that a little.
-
I'm glad to see that most are realizing this, as well. I knew I wasn't crazy. :lol :lol
Same.
-
I have to say I just can't get into this record. I just don't feel it. The biggest disappointment of the year. :mehlin
-
Footage for new DVDs being shot tonight!
-
I don't get the Transatlantic comparisons either, except as noted on Open Up Your Eyes.
The album is kind of hit or miss for me though. Peaceful Harbor will be a strong contender for my favorite FC song, but I don't think this album will make a push for my top 10 of the year in what is shaping up to be a pretty weak and disappointing year.
-
Footage for new DVDs being shot tonight!
Possible Spoilers (not from the concert though)! So please skip this post if you don't want to know.
The newsletter I got from Mascot just a bit before the tour started said that they were going to play the full album. Haven't seen that yet so there's a slight chance they'll do it tonight
-
The only Transatlantic references I get is in one section of Open Up Your Eyes. It sounds a lot like the flower kings.
-
I'm sorry that some of you aren't liking this album as much. I think it's absolutely fantastic.
-
I'm sorry that some of you aren't liking this album as much. I think it's absolutely fantastic.
Call me crazy, but I like it WAY more than the first one.
-
Add me to the list. I'm loving this album.
-
Add me to the list. I'm loving this album.
+1 As I mentioned, it's definitely top 5 AOTY material.
-
Based on that one listen I have to ask where the hooks are. I also think it's a sonic disaster (again.) Hopefully this grows on me, but this album really sounds hurried. The musicianship is awesome and is just incredible live, but I'm just not feeling it yet.
The album is growing on me but this is my main problem with it. Pop music really relies on hooks and a lot of the songs don't have any. So it's missing a lot of the pop aesthetic that would really distinguish it even more from other NM prog projects. The first album did this and it was great for that. This one has lost that a little.
Definitely a slow burner and the way it was produced doesn't help, but that's probably an industrywide problem at this point.
Although I still think (as I usually do that the new songs were much better live) a few are suddenly revealing themselves to me; specifically Open Your Eyes, Peaceful Harbor and Cosmic Symphony. And Steve Morse left his mark all over this album.
-
I cannot stop listening to this album! And Casey's voice is amazing
-
Listened through the album a couple times, I definitely like it a lot! It'll probably take some more time to digest before I determine whether I like it more than the debut, but its certainly an enjoyable record.
Its actually funny, before this project began, I was much more familiar with MP's and Neal's bodies of work than I was of the other members but on this album, I'd say Casey, Steve and Dave are the standouts. That's not to take away from MP's and Neal's contributions both of them sound great, but after listening a few times some of Steve's lead parts, Dave's bass grooves and Casey's vocals are really what have stuck with me.
-
I fail to see any sonic problems with this album? Anyway, I'm really, really liking this album, even though I haven't listened to it as much as I would have wanted. :metal
-
I don't ever tend to hear most of the production problems people on the internet talk about, to be honest. :lol
-
I don't hear any sound problems either.
-
Ditto. I thought the production was on par with the first one, which still sounds great to me. Both albums sound great, although if there ever happened to be HDTracks versions of them, I wouldn't hesitate to get them.
-Marc.
-
The production sounds really unremarkable to me. It isn't bad, but it isn't particularly good either. It also depends on the song though. I think Cosmic Symphony and Mask Machine have good production, Open Your Eyes not so much.
Also not a big fan of the sequencing on this album. The debut had a really great flow and every song seemed to be placed very methodically. It feels like there was less thought put into the tracklisting this time around.
These are my only complaints though. I'm really loving the album aside from that actually. Cosmic Symphony is a mindblowing epic. Probably the first time a Morse epic has really excited me since Duel With the Devil. As an entire album it's a little uneven but I've come to at least enjoy every song except Open Your Eyes (possibly my least favorite FC track).
-
Just saw a really long review of the new album on the front page of https://www.progarchives.com/ and was cringing halfway through the first paragraph.
For the love of God, if you're going to gush about a band, learn their names! It's not Neil Morse! Even if you type "Neil Morse" into Google, it says "Showing results for Neal Morse". How can you spell the man's name "Neil" four times in your review? :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:
Oh well, just thought that was funny enough to share. Anyone else feel frustrated when this happens? I mean, grammatical errors and typos of words are fine - people in this day and age are less likely to fix those - but people's names?! Come on... :rollin
-Marc.
-
I have to agree. I know it's no big deal to some people, but there is a right way and a wrong way to spell someone's name, and if you want people to take your writing seriously, learn to write. And spelling things correctly, especially people's names, is part of writing.
I like the sequencing on this album. I like this album overall more than the first. The guys have some prog in them, a lot of it, and even though this band doesn't focus on it as much as their other projects, it's gonna come out. Heck, "regular" bands dabble in longer-form songs sometimes, so I don't see what people's problem is with a band full of prog guys doing it. So they have a couple of longer, proggish songs. On the first album, they saved the really long one for last, and opened the album with the second-longest one. Here, they're closer in length, but they did basically the same thing only swapped them. But I like how "Mask Machine" follows it right up and gets back to basics. And from there, to me it feels like the idea is to show off the versatility of the band. The first album flowed nicely, but to be honest, it all mushed together. I didn't feel like there were a lot of standouts. Here, the contrast from song to song is obvious, but I like the variety. I guess it's a different kind of flow.
-
I don't mind that the songs are longer but I feel like a few of them really drag, or there are little moments I could do without. Some songs would've benefited from being trimmed down, that's all.
-
Just saw a really long review of the new album on the front page of https://www.progarchives.com/ and was cringing halfway through the first paragraph.
For the love of God, if you're going to gush about a band, learn their names! It's not Neil Morse! Even if you type "Neil Morse" into Google, it says "Showing results for Neal Morse". How can you spell the man's name "Neil" four times in your review? :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:
Oh well, just thought that was funny enough to share. Anyone else feel frustrated when this happens? I mean, grammatical errors and typos of words are fine - people in this day and age are less likely to fix those - but people's names?! Come on... :rollin
-Marc.
The worst ones for me are Dave Gilmour and Steve Wilson. Makes me cringe big time.
Bringing it back to Flying Colors, Cosmic Symphony is really growing on me. It feels like a mini version of Kaleidoscope, with clearly defined movements. But it also has the piano motif that links them together. Great song to close with. And it winds down very nicely too.
-
Just finished listening to the new album. I don't think the problem with it is the added prog, I think overall it's just not as interesting and fresh as the first one was
Forget what I said. After listening to the album for the past week or so I'm totally loving it. That first impression was very very wrong.
-
:clap:
-
Just saw a really long review of the new album on the front page of https://www.progarchives.com/ and was cringing halfway through the first paragraph.
For the love of God, if you're going to gush about a band, learn their names! It's not Neil Morse! Even if you type "Neil Morse" into Google, it says "Showing results for Neal Morse". How can you spell the man's name "Neil" four times in your review? :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:
Oh well, just thought that was funny enough to share. Anyone else feel frustrated when this happens? I mean, grammatical errors and typos of words are fine - people in this day and age are less likely to fix those - but people's names?! Come on... :rollin
-Marc.
The worst ones for me are Dave Gilmour and Steve Wilson. Makes me cringe big time.
Bringing it back to Flying Colors, Cosmic Symphony is really growing on me. It feels like a mini version of Kaleidoscope, with clearly defined movements. But it also has the piano motif that links them together. Great song to close with. And it winds down very nicely too.
I saw "Michael Akerfeld" in a few different articles.
I feel that Cosmic Symphony would be a much stronger song with Neal's part (Searching For The Air) completely taken out.
And it should be called Pound for Pound.
-
Just saw a really long review of the new album on the front page of https://www.progarchives.com/ and was cringing halfway through the first paragraph.
For the love of God, if you're going to gush about a band, learn their names! It's not Neil Morse! Even if you type "Neil Morse" into Google, it says "Showing results for Neal Morse". How can you spell the man's name "Neil" four times in your review? :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:
Oh well, just thought that was funny enough to share. Anyone else feel frustrated when this happens? I mean, grammatical errors and typos of words are fine - people in this day and age are less likely to fix those - but people's names?! Come on... :rollin
-Marc.
The worst ones for me are Dave Gilmour and Steve Wilson. Makes me cringe big time.
Bringing it back to Flying Colors, Cosmic Symphony is really growing on me. It feels like a mini version of Kaleidoscope, with clearly defined movements. But it also has the piano motif that links them together. Great song to close with. And it winds down very nicely too.
I saw "Michael Akerfeld" in a few different articles.
I feel that Cosmic Symphony would be a much stronger song with Neal's part (Searching For The Air) completely taken out.
And it should be called Pound for Pound.
If there is one thing I've learned from Dream Theater, it's that your last line is false. Not every title has to be so head bludgingly obvious.
-
Just finished listening to the new album. I don't think the problem with it is the added prog, I think overall it's just not as interesting and fresh as the first one was
Forget what I said. After listening to the album for the past week or so I'm totally loving it. That first impression was very very wrong.
Good on ya for being man enough to admit it. :tup And welcome to the "I'm Lovin it" camp.
-
If there is one thing I've learned from Dream Theater, it's that your last line is false. Not every title has to be so head bludgingly obvious.
Uh, I just think its a better fitting title for the song. "head bludgingly obvious" or not. :\
-
Just wanted to say how much I love the bridge of "One Love Forever"; I think Neal's voice sounds powerful, the melody is great and the space provides dramatic tension that contrasts the "joyfulness" of the whole tune, bringing a nice balance.
The final vocal harmonies of the song are also gorgeous IMO.
Great tune :D
-
If there is one thing I've learned from Dream Theater, it's that your last line is false. Not every title has to be so head bludgingly obvious.
Uh, I just think its a better fitting title for the song. "head bludgingly obvious" or not. :\
Pound For Pound was the working title. Personally, I prefer It's title now.
-
Cosmic Symphony is a really cool title. Not a fan of Pound for Pound, even as a movement name.
-
are the lyrics in the second verse of Bombs Away really "Snackin' on Cheese Whiz"?
-
are the lyrics in the second verse of Bombs Away really "Snackin' on Cheese Whiz"?
:rollin Every time I hear that lyric, I keep meaning to look it up and check.
-
According to the booklet, yes, that's exactly it.
-
I watched a bit of the Track-By-Track Commentary by the band on the DVD and I think Casey said the working title for the track was "Cheese Whiz", and so they kept the title in the lyrics when it came time to write them.
-Marc.
-
That's awesome :lol
-
Hey, Cheese Whiz is cool. Ain't nothin' wrong with snackin' on Cheese Whiz.
-
I personally think Cosmic Symphony is a bit too ambitious a title for a song only 11 minutes long. I think it would fit better with a proper epic, like 25 minutes. Perhaps completely instrumental too.
That's not knocking the song at all. It's a great song.
-
brilliant album. easy top 3 for me this year.
-
Cosmic symphony packs more substance into eleven minutes than the two latest Transatlantic epics do in 20+ minutes.
-
Cosmic symphony packs more substance into eleven minutes than the two latest Transatlantic epics do in 20+ minus.
I agree.
-
I watched a bit of the Track-By-Track Commentary by the band on the DVD and I think Casey said the working title for the track was "Cheese Whiz", and so they kept the title in the lyrics when it came time to write them.
-Marc.
I still need to watch this and the two Rothery DVDs. Maybe this weekend.
Hopefully my opinion of it might improve after watching the commentary.
-
Cosmic symphony packs more substance into eleven minutes than the two latest Transatlantic epics do in 20+ minus.
I agree.
I agree as well, if only because when I listened to it a week ago, I remember thinking "This sounds like this could go on a LOT longer", like the beginning and the middle portions, expecting them to take a twist and extend the instrumental parts a bit more, throw in a keyboard/synth solo, another reprise of the vocals, etc. etc. - all of the things Neal loves to do.
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE all of Transatlantic's albums and songs, but I do hear the intensity in "Cosmic Symphony" and how it's got the packed punch that TA's epics (and prog epics in general) tend to have in a 20-25 minute time span whilst only being less than 12 minutes. I am glad they were able to write in such a way that condenses their musical prowess from 15-25 minute pieces into something just under 12 minutes. It's like Prog-Concentrate.
-Marc.
-
Cosmic symphony packs more substance into eleven minutes than the two latest Transatlantic epics do in 20+ minus.
I agree.
I agree as well, if only because when I listened to it a week ago, I remember thinking "This sounds like this could go on a LOT longer", like the beginning and the middle portions, expecting them to take a twist and extend the instrumental parts a bit more, throw in a keyboard/synth solo, another reprise of the vocals, etc. etc. - all of the things Neal loves to do
I'm glad they didn't do that. Those tricks got old years ago. At least in Transatlantic you get Roine and Pete's input (as well as MP's arrangements) that make it refreshing. I felt the same way about Infinite Fire actually, but to a lesser extent, because that wasn't structured as a 3 part epic like Cosmic is. This is taking it to the next level.
I wonder if this "Prog-Concentrate" is starting to become a trend in the prog world. The big example around here is going to be Dream Theater who put out a really concise album. But also when thinking of some of my favorite prog bands' recent releases (Haken, Yes, Opeth, Moon Safari, Spock's Beard, etc.). They're all doing shorter songs than before in some way or another. It's a well welcomed change, some bands weren't writing long songs very well anymore. Hopefully Neal Morse's new solo CD will be in this direction too.
-
Hopefully Neal Morse's new solo CD will be in this direction too.
IIRC, Randy was posting in-the-studio updates on Facebook (as he does), and the (new) band (that is, Neal, Randy, Mike, Bill Hubauer, and Eric Gillette) had written a 30-minute epic by Neal with Eric's parts/input, a "funky" song Bill brought in, another Neal song with Mike's "interesting" direction, a piece by Bill titled "Waterfall", and some stuff they demoed last November. All in all, Randy stated they had 9 solid songs to work with (one big epic, 7 shorter-than-you'd-expect songs, and 1 cover that is something from 1968 that we'd never expect them to do), but they "settled on 7 songs of the 9 that were on the table. We would do all 9 but the 7 add up to about 70 minutes or so. The verdict is still out on whether or not there will be a bonus disc."
So it seems we'll get another album akin to Lifeline and Momentum - one huge epic taking up almost half the album, 6 shorter songs with one being an unusual cover. I hope it's got some V and Beware Of Darkness vibes to it.
-Marc.
-
I'm actually a little conflicted with Morse solo as far as epics go. As much as I don't get excited by his epics anymore, they're still highly enjoyable and always the highlights of his albums. The shorter songs are usually disappointments in comparison, almost like an afterthought. I wish he'd just break up his epics and build really strong individual songs with them and make that the album. :lol
-
"Suckin' on his pipe" and "Finger lickin' good" are terrible lyrics, but "snackin' on cheeze whiz" is alright?
-
It's all about context.
-
I've given this album a couple more listens and I gotta say, on the whole, it's pretty alright. I wouldn't call it great though. I think it starts to really slack right around the middle for me and loses a lot of my interest. I like A Place in Your World, but some of the tracks surrounding it just aren't memorable. That being said, the first three songs are all fantastic, as well as the last two. Peaceful Harbor especially. Wow. That's as close to a 10/10 track as it gets. :hefdaddy
I really don't mind the Neal Morse-style prog on Open Up Your Eyes considering they don't really mess with that sound too much for the remainder of the album. It's a great song regardless. My top 5 songs here are gonna have to be:
1. Peaceful Harbor
2. Open Up Your Eyes
3. Cosmic Symphony
4. Bombs Away
5. Mask Machine
It feels like the real bulk of the album is in beginning and end. I'd go back to it though, there's lots of great stuff to be had.
-
It's been awhile since i've done a Survivor here on DTF, so I was wondering if anyone would participate in a Flying Colors Survivor? I did the first album a couple years ago when it came out, and these were the results back then:
1. Blue Ocean
2. Infinite Fire
3. Kayla
4. The Storm
5. Forever In A Daze
6. Love Is What I'm Waiting For
7. Everything Changes
8. Fool In My Heart
9. Better Than Walking Away
10. All Falls Down
11. Shoulda Coulda Woulda
I had about 25-30 voters each round, which was great! I love when participation is high in survivors as it makes for some more accurate results in relation to fans on the board.
It's been over a month since the album came out, so I figured we've all had plenty of time to absorb the album, but even then, if I start the Survivor this week, it'll still be another week or two before we get to the 2nd album, then the Finals.
Anyone here up for it? If there's a lot of response for it by the end of the day, I'll start it tonight!
-Marc.
-
I don't believe it! I'm listening to Second Nature right now, and I was just thinking of what songs I would vote out first if this was done in a survivor! I'd definitely participate!
-
Yeah, I'm in.
-
Totally!
-
In.
-
Four responses in less than three hours, so I went ahead and started the survivor up. First round will be up for three days!
-Marc.
-
Four responses in less than three hours, so I went ahead and started the survivor up. First round will be up for three days!
-Marc.
:tup This be fun
-
The more I look at last year's results, the more I realize they're actually fairly close to my own personal feelings on the album. I mean, I would have to tweak the order quite a bit, but of my five favorite songs on the album, four of them made it to to the top five in the survivor. Granted, my other favorite was eliminated very early, but still. Not too bad overall.
-
It's all about context.
And that is?
-
I have no idea. I never had a problem with any of those lyrics. But if I did, it would be because of the context, not because the lyrics themselves are bad. "Sucking on his pipe" for example is an expression I don't really care for, but I like the way he delivers the line. You can make pretty anything work if you know how to deliver it.
-
The cheese wiz thing doesn't bug me, mostly because I can barely understand the lyrics in those verses anyway. :lol
-
Four responses in less than three hours, so I went ahead and started the survivor up. First round will be up for three days!
-Marc.
where is this going to be? this thread or is there another one?
-
Four responses in less than three hours, so I went ahead and started the survivor up. First round will be up for three days!
-Marc.
where is this going to be? this thread or is there another one?
Check out my signature for links.
-Marc.
-
So yeah, I'm now loving The Fury of my Love.
-
Good song. It is one of my early standouts as well. I applaud your keen insight, sir.
-
Sir, the merest hint of the proposition that someone of your reknown may be somewhat associated with me fills me with a rich aplomb of welling emotion the likes of which, dare I say, are rarely seen, and heretofore unthinkable.
-
Not that this is necessarily the most appropriate response, and I fully understand that things have changed for the better in this regard when it comes to being more aware of our speech, but that disclaimer made, I can't help but think back to a time a few decades ago when, if you had said that to me, the response would be me calling you a slang term for homosexual, followed by us giving a quick bro-hug and high-five, laughing, and then striking off to go and find some worthwhile mischief.
-
Get a Mod room you too.
I'm on the verge of overplaying this album. Loving it.
-
*blows a kiss*
-
I know their second album hasn't been out long...but I hope they keep making more albums.
-
Wasn't really crazy about the first album, so I had pretty low expectations going into this one, but it's probably going to end up in my top 5 for 2014, maybe even in my top 3
-
While I think Second Nature is somewhat average (preferring the debut by a pretty decent margin), I'm still interesting in seeing what more they can do. As a group, they show lots of potential.
-
All three FC discs are on the way. :metal
-
Bring on a third album! :tup :tup
-
Bring on a third album! :tup :tup
Is this a wish or have there been news about a new album?
-
I've seen the announcement for the new Winery Dogs record and thought that this diminished the chances of a new Flying Colors in the near future. But I would be very happy about a third album.
-
Thought I read something from Mike that they were working on it.
-
Thought I read something from Mike that they were working on it.
If true, that'd be amazing. I'm sure they were working on it through Skype as they did last time, since they didn't have a lot of together-time in the studio. Even so, I wouldn't expect a new FC album til at least late 2016 or early 2017. Mike will be busy with The Winery Dogs and Neal probably has other stuff going.
What's unfortunate is that Neal's three bands all have Mike in them, so if Mike is busy with other bands/albums/tours, Neal is stuck just writing and waiting. At this point, I'm sure the other three of them (Casey, Steve and Dave) are all writing and waiting as well, and I could see them recording later this year for a release in the summer/fall/winter of 2016, but probably no sooner than that.
I still can't wait for the next live album that they recorded on the Second Nature tour! As far as I know, the set list was the same throughout the tour, so here's what to expect, likely a 2CD set with an accompanying DVD like last time:
Open Up Your Eyes
Bombs Away
Kayla
Shoulda Coulda Woulda
The Fury Of My Love
A Place In Your World
Forever In A Daze
One Love Forever
Colder Months (Alpha Rev cover)
Peaceful Harbor
The Storm
Cosmic Symphony
Mask Machine
Infinite Fire
Still a shame they didn't play "Lost Without You", but ah well. I hope they whip it out on the next album's tour!
-Marc.
-
I checked Mike's Facebook and he only talks about the live release but there's nothing there about a new album
-
Pretty sure no work on a new album has started. Just a live release. MP is going to busy with The Winery Dogs for awhile.
-
What's unfortunate is that Neal's three bands all have Mike in them, so if Mike is busy with other bands/albums/tours, Neal is stuck just writing and waiting.
Well, he could do a solo album - wait for it - without Portnoy.
-
That's crazy talk.
-
That's crazy talk.
This is the least amount of words I've ever seen you type on this forum. :lol
-
Bring on a third album! :tup :tup
Is this a wish or have there been news about a new album?
A wish.
I fear their lack of popularity will slow down their urge to do a 3rd album quickly, which would be unfortunate.
My brother and his wife saw Alpha Rev, Casey's main band, last night, and they were two of like 50 people there. That's gotta be rough.
-
My brother and his wife saw Alpha Rev, Casey's main band, last night, and they were two of like 50 people there. That's gotta be rough.
Alpha Rev is from Austin and I've yet to make a show. Casey also does a bunch of solo stuff around town too.
I need to carve out time to try to see them.
-
My brother and his wife saw Alpha Rev, Casey's main band, last night, and they were two of like 50 people there. That's gotta be rough.
Alpha Rev is from Austin and I've yet to make a show. Casey also does a bunch of solo stuff around town too.
I need to carve out time to try to see them.
I've never catched him live here in Austin as well. Should try though and give Alpha Rev a shot.
-
I've never catched him live here in Austin as well. Should try though and give Alpha Rev a shot.
I want to go and have him sign my FC stuff. He'd probably look at me like I was insane.
-
why would he do that?! you a cyclops, or sumpin?
-
That's crazy talk.
This is the least amount of words I've ever seen you type on this forum. :lol
He just did. Songs for November came out last year. ;D
Also, love Alpha Rev. Grossly underrated band.
-
I have one Alpha Rev album (don't remember the title off the top of my head). I like it quite a bit.
-
I fear their lack of popularity will slow down their urge to do a 3rd album quickly, which would be unfortunate.
If that's the case, that's a real shame. FC is by far and away my favourite of the new bands MP has started post-DT.
-
Mine too, although that's not saying much since those other new bands have been Winery Dogs (decent hard rock that has the staying power of a carton of milk) and Adrenaline Mob (awful).
But yeah, I don't think they have grabbed that many fans. My impression is that they went more proggy on the 2nd album because the 1st album didn't get them as many new fans as they thought it would have, and since many fans were already existing fans of the proggy bands many of the members were in, they figured they'd throw us some red meat by "progging up" the 2nd album quite a bit.
To that end, Open Up Your Eyes is still a major tease. That could have been a great 6-minute song, but instead it's a bloated 12-minute song with an intro that is way too long (that part that begins around the 3-minute mark should have been hacked from the song) and an outro that is way too wanky for what this project was intended to be.
-
That actually has got to be my least favorite Flying colors song. I fell in love with them for not being prog but for incorporating prog elements into short and concise pop songs (Kayla, Love is what I'm waiting for, Mask machine, Bombs away), and although Infinite fire and Cosmic symphony are lengthy, they still feature choruses with great melodies, not to mention that Casey is all over the place on the latter. Open up your eyes sounds like a song that wasn't good enough for a Neal Morse or Transatlantic album, at least to me.
-
I like Open Up Your Eyes, but I do have some reservations. A 12-minute song doesn't need a 4-minute overture at the start. Maybe if they wanted to do that, they could've made a standalone instrumental incorporating themes from the entire album.
Also, the sections following the first two verses sounds like a bunch of 'final choruses' tacked onto the song. It loses momentum as a result. And there's no need for that coda.
-
So Portnoy announced (early?) that the next live album will be called Second Flight: Live At The Z7, and will be out on November 13th.
-Marc.
-
https://usa.mascotlabelgroup.com/flying-colors
First 1000 to order get a signed insert for the new Live album.
-
any word on bundles thru radiant?
edit: who cares, the bundle was too great of a deal to pass up, maybe they'll have something cool for the vinyl :lol
-
any word on bundles thru radiant?
edit: who cares, the bundle was too great of a deal to pass up, maybe they'll have something cool for the vinyl :lol
I thought the pricing was VERY fair. 16.99 for a BluRay+2 CDs. Hell the 3LP set is 24.99. That's a deal too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=33&v=6sbTMHe-O0g
Extended Trailer.
They are going to release it in 4K (somehow?) as well. Cool
-
Although I wasn't a big fan of Second Nature, that trailer looks amazing!
-
Although I wasn't a big fan of Second Nature, that trailer looks amazing!
Definitely this. Looks and sounds fantastic. I might actually get it. Do we have the tracklist, btw?
-
I don't know what the hell is going on with all those sound options, but hell, I'm thrilled to play around with it once it arrives!
Edit: And $20 shipped for a Blu-Ray + 2CD? Yeah, that's pretty damned reasonable. I do very much like Mascot.
-
I don't know what the hell is going on with all those sound options, but hell, I'm thrilled to play around with it once it arrives!
Edit: And $20 shipped for a Blu-Ray + 2CD? Yeah, that's pretty damned reasonable. I do very much like Mascot.
Exactly that. Headphone Surround Lossless Dolby 42 anything? Can't say what it is, but I wanna try! And very cheap indeed. I don't know what it will cost over here, but I'm looking forward.
-
2CD/DVD for me.
-
My live at the Z7 is in my mailbox. WOOHOO.
-
FYI, the band posted the whole live album on their YouTube page for free streaming! I previewed a few tracks, and the album sounds pretty damn good! Cannot wait to get my BD in and watch the concert!
-Marc.
-
My live at the Z7 is in my mailbox. WOOHOO.
Did you get a shipping notification at any point? i forgot when those would be going out, but realized I shipped it to a different home address so i'm not sure if it arrived yet :facepalm:
-
My live at the Z7 is in my mailbox. WOOHOO.
Did you get a shipping notification at any point? i forgot when those would be going out, but realized I shipped it to a different home address so i'm not sure if it arrived yet :facepalm:
I got the notification today and when I checked it, it had already been delivered.
-
My live at the Z7 is in my mailbox. WOOHOO.
Did you get a shipping notification at any point? i forgot when those would be going out, but realized I shipped it to a different home address so i'm not sure if it arrived yet :facepalm:
I got the notification today and when I checked it, it had already been delivered.
My brother just texted me saying I got a package in the mail, so I just checked my email I got earlier this morning and lo and behold, it shipped!!! I'm not sure why they sent the email out on the same day it got delivered, but it's waiting for me in a mailbox, so I cannot wait to get off work tonight!
-Marc.
-
My signed card from mascot was ONLY signed by Dave larue?
-
My signed card from mascot was ONLY signed by Dave larue?
Mine was the same... I guess he was the only one they could get?! :|
-Marc.
-
Mine was the same... I guess he was the only one they could get?! :|
-Marc.
Dunno.
-
Just for record purposes, I got the package the DAY BEFORE I got the shipping notice, and mine had only Dave's signature as well.
-
Mine arrived Monday. Dave Larue was the only signature on the insert. Disappointing, but I couldn't remember what they said we were getting anyway. For some reason I thought it was a signed poster by the band. I got a poster, but it wasn't signed by anyone, so...
EDIT: But I watched the BR last night. It was awesome. Colder Months->Peaceful Harbor was super cool. I'll be listening to this for a while.
-
Just for record purposes, I got the package the DAY BEFORE I got the shipping notice, and mine had only Dave's signature as well.
-
I was just watching (again) the video for "The Fury of My Love (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_rQYZH5kWw)", and thinking - how perfect it is, in every way. It's just this bunch of super-humans nonchalantly playing the most beautiful, accessible yet intelligent music I ever heard.
I mean you could replace the Avengers with Casey, Neal, Steve, Dave and Mike, and Ultron would just, like, surrender at the first notes of that solo at 3:30.
-
I was just watching (again) the video for "The Fury of My Love (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_rQYZH5kWw)", and thinking - how perfect it is, in every way. It's just this bunch of super-humans nonchalantly playing the most beautiful, accessible yet intelligent music I ever heard.
I mean you could replace the Avengers with Casey, Neal, Steve, Dave and Mike, and Ultron would just, like, surrender at the first notes of that solo at 3:30.
They really do deserve super stardom. I wish they'd tour extensively so I could see them.
-
I got both live video releases for Christmas.
They are both fantastic. Watching them within a day or three of each other, I was struck by how much more at ease Casey was with his bandmates in the second. Which is to be expected, I suppose.
Also, Dave LaRue is the man.
-
My favorite Blu-Ray concert of the year. They sound so damn good live. The harmonies are unreal.
-
Wow, I forgot this even existed. Have to get it.
-
Yes.
Yes you do.
-
I was just watching (again) the video for "The Fury of My Love (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_rQYZH5kWw)", and thinking - how perfect it is, in every way. It's just this bunch of super-humans nonchalantly playing the most beautiful, accessible yet intelligent music I ever heard.
I mean you could replace the Avengers with Casey, Neal, Steve, Dave and Mike, and Ultron would just, like, surrender at the first notes of that solo at 3:30.
They really do deserve super stardom. I wish they'd tour extensively so I could see them.
I have a man crush on his voice!
-
From Neal's Inner Circle Newsletter today:
Miracle of Miracles! A tentative writing and recording gathering has been called for later on this year. I am super excited that something is on the books for a 3rd record of this amazing, special group of men.
Looks like a third FC album will be in the works later this year, which likely means a 2017 release for the next album!!! I'm excited to see what these five come up with this time, though I kind of wish they'd get another outside producer, not that the stuff on Second Nature was BAD, but it wasn't QUITE fresh when it comes to music that is generally associated with the band's five members.
-Marc.
-
Second Nature had some good moments, but didn't do much for me. I get the feeling that the outside producer on the debut helped reign them in a bit, because the other album felt a lot less focused.
-
While I defended the second album, I do hope that they go back to an outside producer to keep most of the songs short and concise like on the first album. I still like Second Nature quite a bit, but after a while, it did sort of feel like they tried to prog it up a bit too much, unlike the first, where the focus was obviously on songs and not stretching them out needlessly at all. The end of Open Up Your Eyes is still an utter travesty; I still need to make a more concise edit of that one.
-
The entire Open Your Eyes is a mess, it had no business being on the album.
-
Second Nature is hard for me to listen to it as an album. Open Up Your Eyes is the main reason, it's too long.
-
While I defended the second album, I do hope that they go back to an outside producer to keep most of the songs short and concise like on the first album. I still like Second Nature quite a bit, but after a while, it did sort of feel like they tried to prog it up a bit too much, unlike the first, where the focus was obviously on songs and not stretching them out needlessly at all. The end of Open Up Your Eyes is still an utter travesty; I still need to make a more concise edit of that one.
I agree with every single word.
The new album needs more songs like Kayla, Love is what I'm waiting for and Forever in a daze and less songs like Open up your eyes.
-
Second Nature is hard for me to listen to it as an album. Open Up Your Eyes is the main reason, it's too long.
I agree which is why I deleted it from my phone. That being said, the rest of the album is amazing.
-
I like both albums a lot but agree they should go with an outside producer. Also, I'm not getting excited until they actually meet and start recording. It's 5 guys who usually have a lot on their plate
-
Not entirely sure about the outside producer thing - apart from Open Your Eyes, which simply doesn't fit on the album, Second Nature is fantastic and equal to the debut.
-
I think the point some of us are making is that the first album focused more on keeping things concise. There are four songs under four minutes on the debut record; there are no songs under four minutes on the second, and in fact, every song on the second album is over five minutes, but one. Now, as a prog fan, I obviously don't mind longer tunes :lol, but again, the debut had this really cool charm about it, hearing these prog guys do a bunch of short, catchy songs, all of which packed major punches in small packages.
I was on your side when the album first dropped, but nowadays, I go back to the first album way more than the second. I still like the second quite a bit (although Bombs Away is a snore-a-thon and Open Up Your Eyes is maddening since it has great parts, but way too much padding), but the first is just better all-around, IMO.
-
I love the second album. Yeah, it's different than the first one.
What would the reactions have been if it was the same?
-
It doesn't have to be the same. I have a felling they could have gone to a lot more places had they stuck to their pop sensibilities. However, they decided to go with the sound that was familiar to them and stuck with the prog aspect.
-
I think the point some of us are making is that the first album focused more on keeping things concise.
I don't know that it "focused" on anything. I think they just wrote, and the shorter songs happened to be the result. I could be wrong, but I've never read anywhere that they consciously made a decision to go for certain song lengths.
-
I think the point some of us are making is that the first album focused more on keeping things concise. There are four songs under four minutes on the debut record; there are no songs under four minutes on the second, and in fact, every song on the second album is over five minutes, but one. Now, as a prog fan, I obviously don't mind longer tunes :lol, but again, the debut had this really cool charm about it, hearing these prog guys do a bunch of short, catchy songs, all of which packed major punches in small packages.
I was on your side when the album first dropped, but nowadays, I go back to the first album way more than the second. I still like the second quite a bit (although Bombs Away is a snore-a-thon and Open Up Your Eyes is maddening since it has great parts, but way too much padding), but the first is just better all-around, IMO.
Just to point out that shorter =/= concise. In my opinion, nothing on Second Nature (apart from Open Your Eyes) feels dragged out or too long. Even the longer songs at the end are such because they contain slow build ups that are a huge part of makes them so great.
-
Second Nature is hard for me to listen to it as an album. Open Up Your Eyes is the main reason, it's too long.
I agree which is why I deleted it from my phone. That being said, the rest of the album is amazing.
If it was closer towards the end or in the middle, I'd probably enjoy it more. The rest of the album does have good songs though.
-
Cosmic Symphony is my favorite song by them, and probably one of my favorite 'prog rock' songs from the past 4 years or so.
-
(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/12871459_1073170746079099_2722322166163074723_n.jpg?oh=a99986e8e47ca4d30f3c23dbd20ec6e3&oe=574B1458)
yiss
-
Fuggn' A. 2017 can't get here soon enough. :D
-
Sweet! I've enjoyed their first two albums, looking forward to this for sure!
-
I guess my point is that I listen to the first album way more than the second, and I'd like to see them return to the style of the first record on the third. That's really it. :big grin:
Regardless, the next album of theirs is still an auto-buy for me. :coolio
-
Phwoar! More FC! Woo!
Love the first one. Second one sags in the middle a bit for me but Cosmic Symphony rocks my world. The "I'm neither more I'm neither less..." part is up there with my favourite prog moments.
Gives me as much joy as SB and TA, pound for pound. :P
-
Phwoar! More FC! Woo!
Love the first one. Second one sags in the middle a bit for me but Cosmic Symphony rocks my world. The "I'm neither more I'm neither less..." part is up there with my favourite prog moments.
Gives me as much joy as SB and TA, pound for pound. :P
I see what you did there.
-
I like both, the first maybe a little bit more, but then Cosmic Symphony is one of the best tracks in recent prog and I don't even mind Open Your Eyes.
So bring on a new one. Flying Colors is, for me, the most exciting project where MP is involved. And also where Neil Morse is involved.
-
I don't know that I prefer one over the other; I think there is more that I like on the second, but then again...
Kayla is still one of my favorite songs of all time by any band.
The Storm is still one of my favorite Portnoy moments in his career. When Casey is singing the chorus and Mike is playing that "rat-a-tat" figure - "the storm" and then when the band sings "and all our pain will be washed away" he switches (I don't drum, so I don't know the term, is it a "straight four"?) to a less syncopated, more "smooth" rhythm reflecting the song.... talk about playing to the music. It's just about perfect for me.
He does the same thing in the build up to the solo as well. Fucking A.
So either way, I'll take a third helping of this.
-
I'm all in.
I'm probably the only one that doesn't rank Kayla as a Flying Colors favorite. I don't dislike it though. I just think it's ok.
-
I don't know that I prefer one over the other; I think there is more that I like on the second, but then again...
Kayla is still one of my favorite songs of all time by any band.
The Storm is still one of my favorite Portnoy moments in his career. When Casey is singing the chorus and Mike is playing that "rat-a-tat" figure - "the storm" and then when the band sings "and all our pain will be washed away" he switches (I don't drum, so I don't know the term, is it a "straight four"?) to a less syncopated, more "smooth" rhythm reflecting the song.... talk about playing to the music. It's just about perfect for me.
He does the same thing in the build up to the solo as well. Fucking A.
So either way, I'll take a third helping of this.
Musically speaking, I even use that track in my lessons at the conservatory. I LOVE that IVsus4. Such a rare thing, but so beautifully used. (For the non-musicians that's the chord on the 'all', of the 'all of our pain is washed away')
-
I'm probably the only one that doesn't rank Kayla as a Flying Colors favorite. I don't dislike it though. I just think it's ok.
I like it a lot, but I like at least half of the songs on the debut more, as well as probably half from Second Nature. Of the 20 songs they have, Kayla would probably be in the 11-13 range for me.
Shoulda Coulda Woulda, All Falls Down and Bombs Away are definitely the bottom three.
Top ones would be Infinite Fire, The Storm, Blue Ocean, Love Is What I'm Waiting For, One Love Forever, Peaceful Harbor and Cosmic Symphony.
I'd also put Forever in a Daze, Everything Changes, Better Than Walking Away, A Place in Your World, The Fury of My Love and Mask Machine ahead of it.
So that would put Kayla more around 14 (ahead of the three bottom ones above, Open Up Your Eyes, Lost Without You and Fool in My Heart).
-
I'm probably the only one that doesn't rank Kayla as a Flying Colors favorite. I don't dislike it though. I just think it's ok.
I like it a lot, but I like at least half of the songs on the debut more, as well as probably half from Second Nature. Of the 20 songs they have, Kayla would probably be in the 11-13 range for me.
Shoulda Coulda Woulda, All Falls Down and Bombs Away are definitely the bottom three.
Top ones would be Infinite Fire, The Storm, Blue Ocean, Love Is What I'm Waiting For, One Love Forever, Peaceful Harbor and Cosmic Symphony.
I'd also put Forever in a Daze, Everything Changes, Better Than Walking Away, A Place in Your World, The Fury of My Love and Mask Machine ahead of it.
So that would put Kayla more around 14 (ahead of the three bottom ones above, Open Up Your Eyes, Lost Without You and Fool in My Heart).
If I'm forced to think about it I'd put Fool In My Heart in the top tier (I really love Mike's vocal on this. Very organic and honest) and Mask Machine in the bottom tier but otherwise that sounds frighteningly similar to my assessment. Maybe Infinite Fire in the middle tier. But maybe not.
And Shoulda Could Would and All Falls Down in the middle....maybe it's not that similar. Still pretty close though.
-
Shoulda Coulda Woulda is my 2nd favorite song on their debut :metal
-
Bombs away turned out to be a huge grower for me. It could have used some cutting during the instrumental section, though. What can I say, I love when they're going for a short and more traditional song structure. However, I don't mind having an epic closer - Infinite fire and Cosmic symphony were remarkable.
-
I think the first album is a little bit more interesting because of the more concise songwriting (the Kayla through Forever In a Daze stretch is fantastic), but I find myself coming back to the second album a little bit more. The choir coming in on Peaceful Harbor, along with the second half of Cosmic Symphony, are two of my favorite bits of music to come out in the last few years.
-
Bombs away turned out to be a huge grower for me. It could have used some cutting during the instrumental section, though.
Same here. That and Blue Ocean may be my two favorite FC songs.
Can't remember if I posted this anywhere on the forum, but I saw the Dave LaRue band open for Travis Larson just before this last NAMM. I jokingly said to Dave after the show, "That was fantastic...but I guess hoping for Blue Ocean was a bit unrealistic, eh?" He laughed. ...and then rolled his eyes and walked away.
-
I'm probably the only one that doesn't rank Kayla as a Flying Colors favorite. I don't dislike it though. I just think it's ok.
I like it a lot, but I like at least half of the songs on the debut more, as well as probably half from Second Nature. Of the 20 songs they have, Kayla would probably be in the 11-13 range for me.
Shoulda Coulda Woulda, All Falls Down and Bombs Away are definitely the bottom three.
Top ones would be Infinite Fire, The Storm, Blue Ocean, Love Is What I'm Waiting For, One Love Forever, Peaceful Harbor and Cosmic Symphony.
I'd also put Forever in a Daze, Everything Changes, Better Than Walking Away, A Place in Your World, The Fury of My Love and Mask Machine ahead of it.
So that would put Kayla more around 14 (ahead of the three bottom ones above, Open Up Your Eyes, Lost Without You and Fool in My Heart).
I think the more they sound like "Muse" the less I like it, and that means that I don't really care for "Shoulda Woulda Coulda". I do like "Better Than Walking Away" a LOT, too, though.
-
For "sound like Muse", read "use a vocoder".
-
Bombs away turned out to be a huge grower for me. It could have used some cutting during the instrumental section, though.
Same here. That and Blue Ocean may be my two favorite FC songs.
Can't remember if I posted this anywhere on the forum, but I saw the Dave LaRue band open for Travis Larson just before this last NAMM. I jokingly said to Dave after the show, "That was fantastic...but I guess hoping for Blue Ocean was a bit unrealistic, eh?" He laughed. ...and then rolled his eyes and walked away.
His band is awesome in it's own right. I've seen them a few times myself (One time on a couch from four feet away). But I dig fusion so that kind of thing is in my wheelhouse.
-
Yeah, it wasn't my cuppa tea, but I was still able to appreciate their talent. I was mainly there to see Travis' band. But Old Number 7 was a pretty cool tune.
-
If I'm forced to think about it I'd put Fool In My Heart in the top tier (I really love Mike's vocal on this. Very organic and honest) and Mask Machine in the bottom tier but otherwise that sounds frighteningly similar to my assessment. Maybe Infinite Fire in the middle tier. But maybe not.
And Shoulda Could Would and All Falls Down in the middle....maybe it's not that similar. Still pretty close though.
Fool in My Heart is somewhat enjoyable, and in the case of Portnoy's vocals, it sure helps that most of his in that song were of the talking variety, meaning melodies that are easy for someone of limited vocal ability to pull off.
I think the more they sound like "Muse" the less I like it, and that means that I don't really care for "Shoulda Woulda Coulda". I do like "Better Than Walking Away" a LOT, too, though.
I think they really off have two songs that are "Muse-like," which is the crappy Shoulda Woulda Coulda and Mask Machine, the latter of which only really sounds like Muse in the vocal effect during the verses department.
-
Quiet you, Shoulda Woulda Coulda is awesome.
-
Hahaha.
-
I thought the two Muse-esque FC tunes were Mask Machine and All Falls Down, aka Muse on steroids.
isn't Shoulda Coulda Woulda more metallica's 2X4 meets Stone Temple Pilots?
-
Quiet you, Shoulda Woulda Coulda is awesome.
Love this song!
Anyway... Really happy that we are getting FC3, lets hope it's as good as the ST and Second Nature. Can't wait!
-
Just found out about this band, and I like what I hear. Blue Ocean, Kayla and Better Than Walking Away are the standouts to me so far. I don't have any albums, so I've only heard their stuff on pandora, etc.
-
Just found out about this band, and I like what I hear. Blue Ocean, Kayla and Better Than Walking Away are the standouts to me so far. I don't have any albums, so I've only heard their stuff on pandora, etc.
Both albums are definitely worth buying.
Quiet you, Shoulda Woulda Coulda is awesome.
If by awesome, you mean crappy, then I agree! *high fives* :tup :tup
-
Quiet you, Shoulda Woulda Coulda is awesome.
Love this song!
Definitely! Dunno why some people think it's "crappy" - it just screams badass to me.
-
Quiet you, Shoulda Woulda Coulda is awesome.
Love this song!
Definitely! Dunno why some people think it's "crappy" - it just screams badass to me.
Look, I'm a Portnoy/Flying Colors fanboy, unabashed, and to be fair, I even went back to relisten to it... I'm sticking with "crappy", at least as compared with what comes before it (Song 1) and immediately after it (Songs 3 and 4). There are so many good voices in that band, and so many sweet melodies on that record... just not in that song.
But I get it... taste. And at least those that think it's awesome are listening to Flying Colors, so it's not all bad.
-
Dunno man... I think the main riff is great, stellar drumming, and the chorus is excellent :metal
-
Quiet you, Shoulda Woulda Coulda is awesome.
If by awesome, you mean crappy, then I agree! *high fives* :tup :tup
*slaps face instead of hand*
-
Don't know that Shoulda Woulda Coulda is in my top half of the album, but definitely still an enjoyable song.
-
Count me as not caring very much for Shoulda Coulda Woulda.
-
Eh. It's okay, I guess.
-
My Flying Colors Pandora station is becoming the Mike Portnoy station: Transatlantic, Dream Theater, Liquid Tension, Neal Morse, etc. because I can't bring myself to select thumbs down for any of those songs.
-
My Flying Colors Pandora station is becoming the Mike Portnoy station: Transatlantic, Dream Theater, Liquid Tension, Neal Morse, etc. because I can't bring myself to select thumbs down for any of those songs.
This is pretty much what listen to anyway. I go from Neal to DT to TA back to Neal. Some Flying Colors, Winery Dogs, OSI and LTE thrown in every once in a while. If I get real bored, I'll throw on some Metal Allegiance, Adrenaline Mob, Rising Power, or Nightmare. Very rarely will I throw on something without MP. I have to be in a mood to do so.
-
My Flying Colors Pandora station is becoming the Mike Portnoy station: Transatlantic, Dream Theater, Liquid Tension, Neal Morse, etc. because I can't bring myself to select thumbs down for any of those songs.
Well, he's been involved with lots of great music, so it's cool.
-
It's happening
https://teamrock.com/news/2016-07-04/flying-colors-to-start-work-on-3rd-album-in-december
-
Yay, hoping it's another good one :metal
-
I imagine it might be released around this time next year then. Maybe even late summer/early autumn 2017.
-
I hope they dial back the prog a little and make it more like the debut. More songs like Forever In a Daze and Love Is What I'm Waiting For.
-
I hope they dial back the prog a little and make it more like the debut. More songs like Forever In a Daze and Love Is What I'm Waiting For.
This, please! :heart
-
I hope they dial back the prog a little and make it more like the debut. More songs like Forever In a Daze and Love Is What I'm Waiting For.
Funny you say that - someone on the Facebook post by the PROG Magazine that posted this story said they hoped the next album would be as proggy as their last one, if not proggier. :rollin
Guess you can't please'em all...
-Marc.
-
I hope they dial back the prog a little and make it more like the debut. More songs like Forever In a Daze and Love Is What I'm Waiting For.
Funny you say that - someone on the Facebook post by the PROG Magazine that posted this story said they hoped the next album would be as proggy as their last one, if not proggier. :rollin
Guess you can't please'em all...
-Marc.
I think the non-prog askers have more of a leg to stand on since the being less prog thing was really what separated this out form most of MPs other projects. Might as well just listen to Transatlantic if you want Flying Colours to go full prog.
-
I hope they dial back the prog a little and make it more like the debut. More songs like Forever In a Daze and Love Is What I'm Waiting For.
This, please! :heart
Definitely.
-
I hope they dial back the prog a little and make it more like the debut. More songs like Forever In a Daze and Love Is What I'm Waiting For.
Funny you say that - someone on the Facebook post by the PROG Magazine that posted this story said they hoped the next album would be as proggy as their last one, if not proggier. :rollin
Guess you can't please'em all...
-Marc.
I think the non-prog askers have more of a leg to stand on since the being less prog thing was really what separated this out form most of MPs other projects. Might as well just listen to Transatlantic if you want Flying Colours to go full prog.
My thought exactly. Open Your Eyes (the proggiest song on the last album IMO) sounded like a Transatlantic leftover. They advertised this as a bunch of prog musicians doing something different.
I think the first album nailed it. It was a really interesting blend of prog and poppier stuff. Unfortunately I can only imagine them going proggier with every album and this eventually turning into a smaller scale Transatlantic.
-
The first album was great, but I never really got into the second album apart from a few songs. As said before, too much prog, and too little of the poppy stuff like on the first album to have it stand apart from projects like Transatlantic.
-
I don't mind them going prog as long as they don't sound like one of the member's other bands. The problem of Open Up Your Eyes wasn't that it was prog, it was that it sounded like Transatlantic and that it wasn't a very good song.
On the other hand, songs like Blue Ocean, Infinite Fire and Cosmic Symphony also have a strong prog influence but do sound like Flying Colors and are much better songwise.
So, for me, they should go prog for some songs and leave the prog out for others, mixing it up like they had before. As long as it's an collaborative effort and not one member get's too strong a say, I think they will come up with another good blend of songs.
-
I hope we get more great slap passages from LaRue. Like Forever in a Daze, Open Up Your Eyes or Bombs Away. That's one of the things that distinguishes Flying Colors from other Morse/Portnoy bands. That and Casey's vocals.
I know a lot of people don't want FC to be prog, but it would be cool to see them do a proper epic (15 or even 20 mins +). With that group of musicians.
-
I still think that if Open Your Eyes wasn't on there, people wouldn't have this idea that the album is materially more proggy than the debut. I really don't think it is, apart from that song, but as it comes first, it colours (lol) the tone.
-
I still think that if Open Your Eyes wasn't on there, people wouldn't have this idea that the album is materially more proggy than the debut. I really don't think it is, apart from that song, but as it comes first, it colours (lol) the tone.
Yes, plus great choruses on the album as well.
-
I don't give a crap about the label, I just care if the album has good music on it. And both albums were full of good music, prog or non-prog.
So whatever they do will be fine with me.
-
I still think that if Open Your Eyes wasn't on there, people wouldn't have this idea that the album is materially more proggy than the debut. I really don't think it is, apart from that song, but as it comes first, it colours (lol) the tone.
Totally, this.
I don't give a crap about the label, I just care if the album has good music on it. And both albums were full of good music, prog or non-prog.
So whatever they do will be fine with me.
And this.
-
There's some truth to that, but whenever I listen to the album I skip Open Your Eyes and it still isn't as good as the debut. Not only is it proggier, but it feels like they're using a smaller palette of sounds than on the first album. It also takes a few songs to really get going.
I wouldn't care about the label either if the music was good. But like I said, Open Your Eyes just sounds like a Transatlantic outtake to me. If it was like a 12 minute version of Stranger In Your Soul or something I probably would be fine with it, even if I was a little disappointed that they weren't exploring the poppier side more. It's not so much that the label is important as much as it is that this project was billed as something different for Neal Morse and Portnoy. If the next album has more music like Open Your Eyes and less like Lost Without You (to use a song from the last album as a positive example), it's just going to feel like another typical Portnoy/Morse project.
That said, I do like when they really blend the pop and prog sound. Cosmic Symphony does this perfectly and it's actually my favorite Flying Colors song. I just think Second Nature didn't capture that balance as well as the first album did overall.
-
I love Cosmic Symphony and Peaceful Harbor. Just glorious.
-
I love Cosmic Symphony and Peaceful Harbor. Just glorious.
Best FC songs in my opinion. You know your stuff, Mr. Jeremy.
-
I love Cosmic Symphony and Peaceful Harbor. Just glorious.
Best FC songs in my opinion. You know your stuff, Mr. Jeremy.
*bows with a flourish*
Staying on the second album, One Love Forever is fantastic, and Fury of my Love really scratches my itch.
-
The version of One Love Forever on the live album is so damn good. I love how they slightly changed it up live.
-
The version of One Love Forever on the live album is so damn good. I love how they slightly changed it up live.
Yeah, that was cool.
-
Aww yiss!
https://www.facebook.com/mikeportnoyofficial/photos/a.120890504595267.16304.116713035013014/1456227571061547/?type=3&theater
-
That is fantastic. Once again, fingers crossed for a poppier, less proggy release.
-
That is fantastic. Once again, fingers crossed for a poppier, less proggy release.
Why not a double album? Disc one with poppier songs, and disc two with proggier epics.
Anyway, really excited about this!!
-
Couldn't be more excited for this. I love Flying Colors.
-
That is fantastic. Once again, fingers crossed for a poppier, less proggy release.
I just hope for good music.
First album had good music. I was happy.
Second album had good music. I was happy.
-
I'd be fine with whatever they do. I'd actually like to hear a proper 20-minute epic with this combination of musicians.
-
Aside from the first track, I really don't see how the 2nd album is the massive departure from pop and into prog territory. I think it lacked a Beatles rip off song, but aside from that, the songs from either album could fit on the other.
I'm hoping they keep that up. I don't want them to go pure prog with a 20 minute epic. We have Neil Morse, or Transatlantic for that. Not everything has to do that.
-
That is fantastic. Once again, fingers crossed for a poppier, less proggy release.
I just hope for good music.
First album had good music. I was happy.
Second album had good music. I was happy.
Nothing more to say
-
That is fantastic. Once again, fingers crossed for a poppier, less proggy release.
I just hope for good music.
First album had good music. I was happy.
Second album had good music. I was happy.
Nothing more to say
Ditto
-
I would prefer a more pop orientated prog album like the first one, but offcourse would be happy regardless of their direction if the music is great. I think their debut album nailed a certain balance of pop and prog that none of the other NM/MP projects have, thus it stood out more as it's own thing. Not to say the second album wasn't good or wasn't it's own thing, but the debut hit a certain sweet spot the second one did not for me personally.
-
Firstly, the album being good is the most important thing, but with that said the further the project goes from prog the better. These guys, especially Neal and Mike have plenty of other outlets for prog music. I'd rather they do something fresh and exciting if possible.
-
That is fantastic. Once again, fingers crossed for a poppier, less proggy release.
I just hope for good music.
First album had good music. I was happy.
Second album had good music. I was happy.
Personally I'm hoping for really bad music
-
I'm hoping they utilise Steve Morse...
-
Firstly, the album being good is the most important thing, but with that said the further the project goes from prog the better. These guys, especially Neal and Mike have plenty of other outlets for prog music. I'd rather they do something fresh and exciting if possible.
Agreed. Seems like the more prog the album gets, the more it sounds like "another Neal album". I'd rather it just be fresh.
-
I would prefer a more pop orientated prog album like the first one, but offcourse would be happy regardless of their direction if the music is great. I think their debut album nailed a certain balance of pop and prog that none of the other NM/MP projects have, thus it stood out more as it's own thing. Not to say the second album wasn't good or wasn't it's own thing, but the debut hit a certain sweet spot the second one did not for me personally.
Agreed. I like the second one a lot, but the first one just had that really special vibe about it. And heck, the first even had two songs I flat-out do not care for (Shoulda Coulda Woulda and All Falls Down), and I still think it was pretty special.
I'd be fine with the balance that the second one had, as long as they avoid nonsense like we heard at the end of Open Up Your Eyes. Leave that kind of self-indulgent "look at how fast we can play together" crap for other projects.
-
As much as I do enjoy Open Up Your Eyes, it does feel like a sequence of rejected 'final choruses' for other songs.
-
Bump
https://www.facebook.com/flyingcolorsofficial/photos/a.274616282601220.68378.173369602725889/1572776916118477/?type=3&theater
Hey folks! We're about to announce some recorded music from Flying Colors, but it's not the third album. Really. It's just a small something we think is cool, and hope you'll enjoy. Stay tuned!
-
Bump
https://www.facebook.com/flyingcolorsofficial/photos/a.274616282601220.68378.173369602725889/1572776916118477/?type=3&theater
Hey folks! We're about to announce some recorded music from Flying Colors, but it's not the third album. Really. It's just a small something we think is cool, and hope you'll enjoy. Stay tuned!
:omg: :omg: :omg:
I wonder what this will be...maybe another live release, with all tracks from the first album?
-
I think it's a re-release of their first two albums with MP rapping over the entire thing.
-
Maybe they'll release an EP with a few songs? That would be really cool
-
Another post I saw said that whatever this is goes back to their first album, so I wonder if it's a remix and/or remaster, or album outtakes and/or demos?
-Marc.
-
Hold on to your hats! TODAY we're releasing True Colors, the original sound of our first album, before it was commercially mastered. It's available for $8 (excl. tax) as a digital download directly from us. You've heard of re-masters; this is an un-master!
The mainstream market demands albums to be LOUD, at the expense of sound quality. True Colors includes the original WAV files that Michael H. Brauer mixed down at Electric Lady Studios in NYC. It's the same mix you know, but with more dynamics and detail.
It also includes a brand-new 102-page (51-spreads) digital book, with exclusive HDR photos, along with 50 previously unpublished photos from the making of the album.
https://youtu.be/Zwkg2waXKFA
-
https://calliopia.org/official-store/flying-colors/
Store URL
-
Neat. Kinda upsetting that I have to buy something twice to get it how it should have sounded the first time, but I like that they are giving us the option. The photos are a nice touch as well.
-
Question is why a very niche prog band ever felt it necessary to cater to perceived audio engineering demands of a "mainstream market."
-
Meh. Original sounds good to me.
-
Question is why a very niche prog band ever felt it necessary to cater to perceived audio engineering demands of a "mainstream market."
I agree with this in part, but I will also say they had an outside producer as an experiment and could have done this as another way to give professionals the controls to see what happened.
-
Not interested in this at all. Just give me album number 3 :biggrin:
-
Probably not gonna buy this but the promo video was really fun
-
Not interested in this at all. Just give me album number 3 :biggrin:
Meh. Original sounds good to me.
Nothing to add from me.
-
Could be wrong (can probably be verified by liner notes) but I'm pretty sure a lot of these acts submit their albums for professional mastering in a different studio. I know Transatlantic did it (there's a bit about that in one of the documentaries). So while there's no chance of radio play, they're still getting the volumes close to industry standard.
Interesting release although maybe too much fanfare. Would be more enticing if they bundled it with the making of doc (which I never bought, was disappointed that they released it separate from the album).
-
That video was really funny. And Mike looked so different in that footage!
-
Aha, my decision not to buy the album the first time around is finally paying off.
-
That's funny, I always thought this album was one of the greatest sounding albums I'd ever heard. I've even pointed to it as an example to an audio engineer as my ideal sound production.
Maybe that's just because of the mix and the recording though. Would love to give this a listen.
Also, incredible social media and promo video work!!!!!!
-
I'm not sure what the point of this release is. Is the band dissatisfied with the way the debut sounded? Did the fans ask for an uncompromised, raw mix? I never realized there's something wrong with the way the album sounded - it's still fantastic in terms of production as far as I'm concerned.
-
Out of all the bands/albums I enjoy that (desperately) need this, this is not one of them. I really like the debut a lot, and it always sounded fine to me. To my ears, the mix was great and the mastering wasn't detracting of my experience (but the mix remains the same here, right?). I absolutely prefer the production of the debut to their second album. But still, more dynamic sound is never a bad move, and this does not erase the original or anything. More often than not, post release remasters seem to make stuff louder, so this is a nice thing to have available.
-
I get a tad of comical pretentious prog vibe from all of this, then again, I still listen to mp3s half the time, so whaddaiknow?
-
Haven't listened to this yet, but the original album was quite compressed imo (DR6!) and while this one doesn't seem to be a huge improvement (DR8), hope it's easier on the ears.
-
Haven't listened to this yet, but the original album was quite compressed imo (DR6!) and while this one doesn't seem to be a huge improvement (DR8), hope it's easier on the ears.
I can notice it on All Falls Down.
-
I'm very interested in this.
But no CD no sale.
-
I'm very interested in this.
But no CD no sale.
Boom. Me too.
Though I agree; of the CDs I have from recent years, this isn't in the top 50 of CDs that are "hard on the ears".
-
I bought this download and I must say, it does sound a lot punchier that then the first one. There's a few keyboard parts here and there that I didn't realize they were there before. The bass is where I saw major improvement (i.e. punchiness of the record).
Now I'm not sure how much background vocals MP did for this one, but it seems that Casey did a lot of them (at least from listening to this re-release).
-
Argh. In a way, I didn't want to hear that, because it means that for me this is probably worth getting. I liked the first album well enough, and it sounds good, but it didn't really seem to jump out and grab me. That's probably due to the compression tending to squish things dynamically, even if it doesn't sound brickwalled or anything.
I'll flip for remasters of stuff I've been listening to since the 70's or 80's, but it's hard to buy something again that's only a few years old.
-
Even MP said on twitter during a Q&A this weekend he wasn't sure why they released this 'remaster' as he had no problem with the version released originally.
-
Even MP said on twitter during a Q&A this weekend he wasn't sure why they released this 'remaster' as he had no problem with the version released originally.
So it was basically a label move just to get more cash flowing before album 3?
-
Even MP said on twitter during a Q&A this weekend he wasn't sure why they released this 'remaster' as he had no problem with the version released originally.
So it was basically a label move just to get more cash flowing before album 3?
I'm not even sure the label did it. The website that hosts it seems to carry all things Steve Morse... so maybe someone who works closely with him?
-
Even MP said on twitter during a Q&A this weekend he wasn't sure why they released this 'remaster' as he had no problem with the version released originally.
So it was basically a label move just to get more cash flowing before album 3?
I'm not even sure the label did it. The website that hosts it seems to carry all things Steve Morse... so maybe someone who works closely with him?
It all depends on the contractual agreements between label and individual band members. Seems like Steve Morse might be the big fish in the band or the whole band retained the record's rights and decided to release it. Neal Morse released the "Island of Keyboards" through the Inner Circle which was basically a mix of the 1st Flying Colors album with the keys upfront in the mix. So technically, the 1st FC has been released 3 times (label, Neal Morse, and this remaster).
-
Has anyone heard anything about the next album and a possible tour.....
-
Has anyone heard anything about the next album and a possible tour.....
I haven't. But with Mike being busy with SOA (and NMB) and Steve did a short Dregs tour and everyone else is likely busy. I think Neal is also ramping up on the next NMB album. I seem to recall Mike tweeting a picture of everyone in NMB in a "skype session" recently...?
-
Has anyone heard anything about the next album and a possible tour.....
I haven't. But with Mike being busy with SOA (and NMB) and Steve did a short Dregs tour and everyone else is likely busy. I think Neal is also ramping up on the next NMB album. I seem to recall Mike tweeting a picture of everyone in NMB in a "skype session" recently...?
Yeah, there's a new NMB albums coming shortly. Also Casey will be touring with The Sea Within for sometime. I wouldn't expect this album this year.
-
Has anyone heard anything about the next album and a possible tour.....
I haven't. But with Mike being busy with SOA (and NMB) and Steve did a short Dregs tour and everyone else is likely busy. I think Neal is also ramping up on the next NMB album. I seem to recall Mike tweeting a picture of everyone in NMB in a "skype session" recently...?
Yeah, there's a new NMB albums coming shortly. Also Casey will be touring with The Sea Within for sometime. I wouldn't expect this album this year.
Any timeframe for the Sea Within tour?
-
They've already started and seem to be booked all the way through January next year. There are some wide open patches, like October though.
https://www.keyperformance.se/?page_id=6632 (https://www.keyperformance.se/?page_id=6632)
-
But Mike will still say he always manages to keep up with his 87 bands at the same time... :biggrin:
-
They've already started and seem to be booked all the way through January next year. There are some wide open patches, like October though.
https://www.keyperformance.se/?page_id=6632 (https://www.keyperformance.se/?page_id=6632)
That link is for a dance group of the same name. :lol
-
Hey, don't judge the guys if they want to make dance music! This prog forum is so close minded sometimes....
-
:lol they were just inspired by Permanating!
-
Has anyone heard anything about the next album and a possible tour.....
No.
I don't have the links, but Neal said in several interviews this year that a 3rd Flying Colors record is now not a certainty. I am not counting on anything else from them again any time soon, if ever.
-
Has anyone heard anything about the next album and a possible tour.....
No.
I don't have the links, but Neal said in several interviews this year that a 3rd Flying Colors record is now not a certainty. I am not counting on anything else from them again any time soon, if ever.
Haven't they been working with it since at least December 2016.... on and off?
-
I wouldn't be surprised if they threw in the towell due to conflicting schedules. Maybe they tried to make it work and just couldn't find time.
-
I wouldn't be surprised if they threw in the towell due to conflicting schedules. Maybe they tried to make it work and just couldn't find time.
So they could wait and see if it will work another time instead of calling it quits? They don't have to release anything right now.
But we'll see ;)
-
What if the waiting is already two years long? It actually has been quite some time since the last tour. ;)
-
Haven't they been working with it since at least December 2016.... on and off?
I thought they did a little work on it, but then it got put on the backburner.
I wouldn't be surprised if they threw in the towell due to conflicting schedules. Maybe they tried to make it work and just couldn't find time.
That, and I got the feeling that they thought the band would reach a wider audience due to how accessible the first album was, but it didn't seem to work out that way, unfortunately. I think had the band sold more records and drew bigger crowds, working on a new album would be much more of a priority.
-
Well for me personally I would much rather that Mike put his time into Flying Colours than Sons of Apollo. I think I read somewhere that he would have time for both NMB and FC during 2018 even though the "whole" year was devoted to SOA touring.
-
Well for me personally I would much rather that Mike put his time into Flying Colours than Sons of Apollo. I think I read somewhere that he would have time for both NMB and FC during 2018 even though the "whole" year was devoted to SOA touring.
+1... gimme more Flying Colors. They're more prog than SoA is... and better!
-
My interest in FC waned as soon as I heard Open Up Your Eyes. Sounds exactly like a NMB/TA song and I know it’s only going to get worse if a third album ever comes out. FC is just better as a poppy band with some prog tendencies.
-
Well for me personally I would much rather that Mike put his time into Flying Colours than Sons of Apollo. I think I read somewhere that he would have time for both NMB and FC during 2018 even though the "whole" year was devoted to SOA touring.
+1... gimme more Flying Colors. They're more prog than SoA is... and better!
Indeed! But with Casey busy touring with TSW (and, maybe joining if Daniel can't clear his schedule), Steve Morse doing the Dregs reunion tour, Neal with the new NMB album, and Portnoy doing that plus SOA (who are supposed to write a new album at the end of the year), there's no way FC is a priority for them. And what bothers me is that Mike still brags about being in many bands at the same time. Yes, you're technically part of many bands, but half of them are either dead or inactive for an indefinite time (TA, FC, TWD), so it isn't entirely true, is it?
-
Well for me personally I would much rather that Mike put his time into Flying Colours than Sons of Apollo. I think I read somewhere that he would have time for both NMB and FC during 2018 even though the "whole" year was devoted to SOA touring.
+1... gimme more Flying Colors. They're more prog than SoA is... and better!
+2. By far and away the best post-DT band Portnoy's been involved with. And I don't get how FC apparently sounding like other NM/MP bands is a problem. TA is amazing, so more of that should not be a problem at all. Also, Trewavas doesn't do slap, so there's a FC-unique element.
-
Well for me personally I would much rather that Mike put his time into Flying Colours than Sons of Apollo. I think I read somewhere that he would have time for both NMB and FC during 2018 even though the "whole" year was devoted to SOA touring.
+1... gimme more Flying Colors. They're more prog than SoA is... and better!
+2. By far and away the best post-DT band Portnoy's been involved with. And I don't get how FC apparently sounding like other NM/MP bands is a problem. TA is amazing, so more of that should not be a problem at all. Also, Trewavas doesn't do slap, so there's a FC-unique element.
+3
Flying Colors are now (for me) the bar that all other MP projects are measured against, and probably the main reason I walked away disappointed from SOA. I really wish FC was a full time gig for everyone involved.
-
I wouldn hold hopes about a third FC
Bill Evans posted a photo the other day working on new music with the following message:
What's the best thing after a gruelling workout? Working on new music with Steve Morse, Dave LaRue, and friends. Especially sweet using the new SpectraLayers, which Robin and I designed for it!
Someone asked him if it was FC and he said:
Different project. :)
-
+2. By far and away the best post-DT band Portnoy's been involved with. And I don't get how FC apparently sounding like other NM/MP bands is a problem. TA is amazing, so more of that should not be a problem at all. Also, Trewavas doesn't do slap, so there's a FC-unique element.
More prog by Neal/Portnoy is not the problem, but given that we've already got Transatlantic and Neal Morse Band, it was nice for them to have a project that was more about catchy songs without the self-indulgent prog. Even the one prog song on the debut, Infinite Fire, was not a wankfest by any means. Then the second album came out and we got that ending to Open Up Your Eyes, which is exactly the kind of thing I was hoping they would avoid with Flying Colors. If they are going to make Flying Colors sound like TA or NMB, then what is the point of Flying Colors? The same style with just a couple of different players?
-
Did anyone listen to the second album past the first song? It’s awesome.
I just deleted the opening song on my IPod and it’s a great album.
-
For sure, I do like the second album a lot. Bombs Away is a total dud, but everything else is at least good, and the majority is very good. The first album just has a vibe and a magic to it that they failed to recapture on the second.
-
For sure, I do like the second album a lot. Bombs Away is a total dud, but everything else is at least good, and the majority is very good. The first album just has a vibe and a magic to it that they failed to recapture on the second.
I can see that. I like Bombs Away, though it's not amazing.
I also didn't like the super Beatles songs they did on the first album that everyone else seemed to love.
-
I don't like those songs either. I don't like Kayla either. I like the second album a lot more just because of A Place In Your World and (especially) Peaceful Harbor.
-
I don't like those songs either. I don't like Kayla either. I like the second album a lot more just because of A Place In Your World and (especially) Peaceful Harbor.
Placed in concussion protocol. :lol
-
I don't like those songs either. I don't like Kayla either. I like the second album a lot more just because of A Place In Your World and (especially) Peaceful Harbor.
Placed in concussion protocol. :lol
The chorus is so annoying! I'm also just not crazy about Casey's voice. :biggrin:
-
Medic!!
-
I don't like those songs either. I don't like Kayla either. I like the second album a lot more just because of A Place In Your World and (especially) Peaceful Harbor.
Dude, Kayla and The Storm are the highlights of the album, and maybe the band to me. Those choruses in Kayla are killer, and the drums in The Storm are top five Portnoy for me.
-
I don't like those songs either. I don't like Kayla either. I like the second album a lot more just because of A Place In Your World and (especially) Peaceful Harbor.
Dude, Kayla and The Storm are the highlights of the album, and maybe the band to me. Those choruses in Kayla are killer, and the drums in The Storm are top five Portnoy for me.
I don't think the drums are anything special, but The Storm does kick ass. Kayla? Bah! Bah, I say!
-
I also didn't like the super Beatles songs they did on the first album that everyone else seemed to love.
This. I never listen to those songs on the first album, and, to me, Second Nature is much better overrall, but I agree with the idea that it shouldn't be similar sounding to NMB or TA, because it would be pointless to have FC as another band.
Oh and, btw, The Storm and Kayla are two of the best FC songs, by far! :metal
-
I agree with Kattelox.
-
but I agree with the idea that it shouldn't be similar sounding to NMB or TA, because it would be pointless to have FC as another band.
But it doesn't sound similar to them at all, because TA and NMB don't have Steve Morse, Dave LaRue or Casey McPherson in them. This is like saying Liquid Tension Experiment is pointless because Dream Theater exist. No band's existence is pointless, ever.
-
but I agree with the idea that it shouldn't be similar sounding to NMB or TA, because it would be pointless to have FC as another band.
But it doesn't sound similar to them at all, because TA and NMB don't have Steve Morse, Dave LaRue or Casey McPherson in them. This is like saying Liquid Tension Experiment is pointless because Dream Theater exist. No band's existence is pointless, ever.
That's true, but I still kinda agree with DTA. While Open Up Your Eyes is still a great song, I wish they would have completely stayed with the initial pop approach. Open... could have been performed by any other band involving Neal.
-
Both albums are good but as people pointed out, the first one was really special. I think it's been mentioned before that the fact they had an external producer for the first one made a big difference both in sound and in preventing it from being a prog wankfest.
-
I don't like those songs either. I don't like Kayla either. I like the second album a lot more just because of A Place In Your World and (especially) Peaceful Harbor.
Dude, Kayla and The Storm are the highlights of the album, and maybe the band to me. Those choruses in Kayla are killer, and the drums in The Storm are top five Portnoy for me.
I don't think the drums are anything special, but The Storm does kick ass. Kayla? Bah! Bah, I say!
I just love how Mike mirrors the lyrics in the chorus; echoing the frenzy of the storm itself:
The storm... We will dance as it breaks (BAP, BAP, BAP...)
The storm... It will give as it takes (BAP, BAP, BAP...)
Then the calm as the love part of the metaphor kicks in:
And all of our pain is washed away (boom boom, BAP, boom boom, BAP...)
Don't cry or be afraid (boom, boom, BAP, boom, boom, BAP...)
Some things only can be made... in the storm
-
I don't like those songs either. I don't like Kayla either. I like the second album a lot more just because of A Place In Your World and (especially) Peaceful Harbor.
Dude, Kayla and The Storm are the highlights of the album, and maybe the band to me. Those choruses in Kayla are killer, and the drums in The Storm are top five Portnoy for me.
I don't think the drums are anything special, but The Storm does kick ass. Kayla? Bah! Bah, I say!
I just love how Mike mirrors the lyrics in the chorus; echoing the frenzy of the storm itself:
The storm... We will dance as it breaks (BAP, BAP, BAP...)
The storm... It will give as it takes (BAP, BAP, BAP...)
Then the calm as the love part of the metaphor kicks in:
And all of our pain is washed away (boom boom, BAP, boom boom, BAP...)
Don't cry or be afraid (boom, boom, BAP, boom, boom, BAP...)
Some things only can be made... in the storm
Okay that's it. I haven't heard this album in years. And just ordered it on vinyl via Amazon for 19€ (including shipping) :rollin
-
Both albums are good but as people pointed out, the first one was really special. I think it's been mentioned before that the fact they had an external producer for the first one made a big difference both in sound and in preventing it from being a prog wankfest.
The lack of producer is problematic because then everything winds up being recorded by the same engineer, in the same studio, by the same production team (MP/NM), with the same instruments that makes every album end up sounding the same. Second Nature honestly sounds like any one of Morse's solo albums from a sonic perspective and having tracks like Open Up Your Eyes completely destroyed any sense of a full band composition rather than yet another NM/MP composition. To be fair, Cosmic Symphony is a longer track that is really well done and A Place In Your World and Peaceful Harbor are incredible songs so they did retain some sense of their initial vision. but Open... is just a disaster.
-
Both albums are good but as people pointed out, the first one was really special. I think it's been mentioned before that the fact they had an external producer for the first one made a big difference both in sound and in preventing it from being a prog wankfest.
The lack of producer is problematic because then everything winds up being recorded by the same engineer, in the same studio, by the same production team (MP/NM), with the same instruments that makes every album end up sounding the same. Second Nature honestly sounds like any one of Morse's solo albums from a sonic perspective and having tracks like Open Up Your Eyes completely destroyed any sense of a full band composition rather than yet another NM/MP composition. To be fair, Cosmic Symphony is a longer track that is really well done and A Place In Your World and Peaceful Harbor are incredible songs so they did retain some sense of their initial vision. but Open... is just a disaster.
I wouldn't say it's a disaster. I think it's still la great song! But played by the wrong band. I think people would have loved it, had it been played by the Neal Morse Band.
I think, next to Peaceful Harbour, my favorite song on Second Nature is Lost Without You. Great harmonies, great arrangements (the strings in the chorus), great backing vocals. Love the back and forth thing in the chorus:
Cause I'm - loooooooost (yeeees I'm looohohost)
Without - yoooouuuuu (Wiiithouut yooouuuu)
And Steve plays one awesome guitar solo.
-
Probably have said this before but for me the first album is pretty evenly good while the second has songs that are better than the first album and songs that clearly aren't.
I realize nobody is going to get rich off of a third Flying Colors album and tour but I sure like to be able to enjoy it should it happen when things settle down for those involved somewhere down the road.
-
Saw Neal Morse solo show in Stockholm yesterday.
Great show with Roine Stolt as a guest.
After the show I got some CDs signed and talked a little bit with Neal. Asked him about Flying Colours and he said it is definitely in the works and will be coming next year.
-
I think, next to Peaceful Harbour, my favorite song on Second Nature is Lost Without You. Great harmonies, great arrangements (the strings in the chorus), great backing vocals. Love the back and forth thing in the chorus:
Cause I'm - loooooooost (yeeees I'm looohohost)
Without - yoooouuuuu (Wiiithouut yooouuuu)
And Steve plays one awesome guitar solo.
It's my favourite song on the album, full stop. It sounds absolutely majestic in the summer weather, always gives me goosebumps, and when Casey holds that note at the end of the bridge leading into the solo, it just sends the song into the stratosphere.
Other favourites for me are Mask Machine and Bombs Away. And while I do really enjoy Open Up Your Eyes, I've always said it feels like a bunch of sketches for the climax of a Morse epic, just bundled together with an Overture preceding it.
-
After the show I got some CDs signed and talked a little bit with Neal. Asked him about Flying Colours and he said it is definitely in the works and will be coming next year.
:burns:
-
A Place In Your World is my favorite (after Peaceful Harbor.) Poppy, energetic, straight to the point, love it.
-
After the show I got some CDs signed and talked a little bit with Neal. Asked him about Flying Colours and he said it is definitely in the works and will be coming next year.
Alright! :metal
-
A Place In Your World is my favorite (after Peaceful Harbor.) Poppy, energetic, straight to the point, love it.
I find the opening riff a little random. Those notes could have been other random notes, wouldn't have been a problem. I just don't see a real thought or system behind the motif.
-
Just bumping the thread to praise Infinite Fire, amazing song. It appeared in my shuffle playlist and I decided to listen to the whole album. Love both Morse's solos. Can't wait for the 3rd album... :metal
-
There hasn't been much in terms of news about the third album, but I think it's progressing. Does anyone know if there's a tentative release date?
-
There hasn't been much in terms of news about the third album, but I think it's progressing. Does anyone know if there's a tentative release date?
Por enquanto, nada. MP told in a recent interview that they're still in the process of recording, and in the best scenario we'll have a possible late 2019 release. He still has SoA and NMB as priority, plus touring with his 6x10²³ bands.
-
There hasn't been much in terms of news about the third album, but I think it's progressing. Does anyone know if there's a tentative release date?
Por enquanto, nada. MP told in a recent interview that they're still in the process of recording, and in the best scenario we'll have a possible late 2019 release. He still has SoA and NMB as priority, plus touring with his 6x10²³ bands.
I laugh at all my fellow former students who said they'd never need Avogadro's number after chemistry class.
-
There hasn't been much in terms of news about the third album, but I think it's progressing. Does anyone know if there's a tentative release date?
Por enquanto, nada. MP told in a recent interview that they're still in the process of recording, and in the best scenario we'll have a possible late 2019 release. He still has SoA and NMB as priority, plus touring with his 6x10²³ bands.
I laugh at all my fellow former students who said they'd never need Avogadro's number after chemistry class.
:lol
-
I love Avogadro. I've taken to making my own guacamole, and using it on my hamburgers.
-
I love Avogadro. I've taken to making my own guacamole, and using it on my hamburgers.
Hipster alert!
-
I love Avogadro. I've taken to making my own guacamole, and using it on my hamburgers.
:biggrin:
-
I love Avogadro. I've taken to making my own guacamole, and using it on my hamburgers.
:biggrin:
:lol
-
I love Avogadro. I've taken to making my own guacamole, and using it on my hamburgers.
:biggrin:
(https://i.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/017/204/CaptainAmerica1_zps8c295f96.JPG)
-
Would anyone even REMOTELY buy it if I said I intended that pun?
(I did not, for the record.)
-
Would anyone even REMOTELY buy it if I said I intended that pun?
(I did not, for the record.)
I didn't catch that until Nick posted above you. :rollin
-
Neal states in the latest Inner Circle newsletter that Flying Colors will reconvene in December to finish the album, which probably means a Spring 2019 release, and with hope, a summer tour (after the Neal Morse Band is done touring, of course).
Hard to believe it'll have been nearly 5 years between their second and third albums, but that's just how it goes. Nearly all of the members of the band have other commitments, and I think we all knew that going in, and that this wasn't going to be a super-regular thing, and that's ok. I just hope this music will be worth the wait, and recaptures the magic the band has had with their first two albums (well, most of the second and all of the first).
-Marc.
-
Good news right there. I'm hoping they do something more akin to the first but either way, I'm sure the output will be a good one.
-
The boys are at MP's house as I type this working on the new album. Looking forward to it.
https://twitter.com/MikePortnoy/status/1069687131763851265
-
YES!
The only MP project I get really excited about.
-
Cautiously optimistic.
-
This and TNMB are my go to for Mike.
-
This and TNMB are my go to for Mike.
But... Transatlantic...
And The Winery Dogs...
-
If this new album is even half as good as the first one I will be content. The last one was okay, but the first was phenomenal. This and Transatlantic are my go-to MP projects these days.
-
YES!
The only MP project I get really excited about.
This.
I was lukewarm on the 2nd one for awhile, but it has grown on me quite a bit.
-
The first one at least had Neal doing something different. Not that I don't love all his other music. But it was cool to hear him in a slightly different style.
SN slipped into the Morse/Transatlantic-light style a little but still had some awesome tracks like Peaceful Harbour, Difference Machine, Lost Without You (my personal fav off the album, no kidding) and Cosmic Symphony (Steve's solo wtf).
None of the two albums are "masterpieces" for me though. I'm still looking forward to it! I hope for a spring/summer release. This band makes perfect good-weather-prog.
-
:dangerwillrobinson:
-
This and TNMB are my go to for Mike.
You and me both. :tup
-
This and TNMB are my go to for Mike.
But... Transatlantic...
And The Winery Dogs...
TWD are just ok in my book. I love transatlantic but it seems they are on the back burner right now.
-
This and TNMB are my go to for Mike.
But... Transatlantic...
And The Winery Dogs...
TWD are just ok in my book. I love transatlantic but it seems they are on the back burner right now.
I saw TWD live and it was great, three talented musicians playing real music on real instruments, etc. etc. etc. But I just find the music, well, boring. Maybe "boring" is the wrong word, but it doesn't give me shivers like "Kayla" does or "The Storm". I think King has it right: it's just "ok".
-
Fantastic news. The only MP thing I'm really interested in now.
-
The first album is far and away my favorite of the 2 so far. However, Cosmic Symphony is by far my favorite song of theirs. It was a goosebump moment seeing this live from like the 5th row of the Arcada with Casey sitting at the edge of the stage at the start of Pound for Pound.
Plus, it was my third time seeing Steve with his third different band. I got a bit stuck watching him play because I kinda forgot how great he is.
-
That's made me think. I've not seen Mike live outside of DT and have NEVER seen Neal live. I have to fix that.
-
That's made me think. I've not seen Mike live outside of DT and have NEVER seen Neal live. I have to fix that.
You have no idea.
-
The first album is far and away my favorite of the 2 so far. However, Cosmic Symphony is by far my favorite song of theirs.
Same feelings for Flying Colors as well. Hopefully they return to the sound of the 1st album. The 2nd one felt very wankery, with less focused on the songs compared to the 1st.
-
Looks like I’m alone with this, but I like SN much more than the first album...
-
Looks like I’m alone with this, but I like SN much more than the first album...
You're not alone. The band sounds more solid on the second album.
-
Looks like I’m alone with this, but I like SN much more than the first album...
You're not alone. The band sounds more solid on the second album.
This and it’s also proggier than the first one, that’s what I want to hear from this band. Don’t like it when they get too much into Beatles’ territory, like about half of the first album.
-
At least the first album was unique, it really stood out. The second was "just" another prog-gish album like we've come to hear from Neal Morse or Mike.
-
The second one was not just a typical Neil/Mike prog album. The first song was, but that's about it.
I just skip the first song. Rest of the album is great.
-
The second one was not just a typical Neil/Mike prog album. The first song was, but that's about it.
I just skip the first song. Rest of the album is great.
Literally exactly the same with me. I almost always skip the first song. It's not bad, but it's not very exciting and doesn't seem to fit at all with the rest of the album. Whereas the rest of it is fantastic and very similar to the first album.
-
Looks like I’m alone with this, but I like SN much more than the first album...
You're not alone. The band sounds more solid on the second album.
This and it’s also proggier than the first one, that’s what I want to hear from this band. Don’t like it when they get too much into Beatles’ territory, like about half of the first album.
Not arguing, just showing counterpoint: I have enough "prog" from almost all those guys. It's the "Beatles" side that makes it different than everyrthing else, and makes me want this to continue so bad. I still think that "The Storm" is one of Mike's finest recorded moments; the way he plays the buildup in the chorus ("The storm... we will dance as it breaks"; bap! bap! bap! bap!) then switches to a half-time beat as the storm "washes away the pain".... man. I've listened to that about 1000 times and it's as fresh and moving now as it was the first time.
And I am absolutely NOT one of those people that believes songs or artists "should be" anything - I believe that artists and songs achieve the level of success they are meant to have - but if I WAS to play that game, "Kayla" would be a top five hit and overused in movies, etc. That song is THAT GOOD (to me, my opinion).
-
Kayla and The Storm are highlights of the first album and two of my favorites, so I definitely agree on that, I just prefer their proggier side, and Second Nature is better at that.
-
I would agree both that part of why I like Flying Colors is that it's not just Mike and Neal doing prog with a different cast of supporting characters, and then the second album isn't really all that much more prog than the first. It just gets that rep because of the first song. If you removed it, or even moved it to the end of the album, I don't think people would think that nearly so much.
-
I would agree both that part of why I like Flying Colors is that it's not just Mike and Neal doing prog with a different cast of supporting characters, and then the second album isn't really all that much more prog than the first. It just gets that rep because of the first song. If you removed it, or even moved it to the end of the album, I don't think people would think that nearly so much.
Half of the second record is as good as if not better than the first album. The other half just isn't.
-
From MP on Facebook just now...
Mark my words now....
@flyingcolorsofficial #FC3 Song #3 #Crawl or whatever the hell it ends up getting named, is the Prog Epic Song Of 2019!! #goosebumps #radioheadmeetstransatlantic
That last tag has me interested, though his calling it an epic has me worried the songs might be more on the longer side. Hopefully, if it IS long, it's done more like "Cosmic Symphony" or "Infinite Fire" and less like "Open Up Your Eyes".
-Marc.
-
(https://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah58/jorge_pozo1/C028CCA5-09FC-44B4-B4CA-69FB26A5316B_zpscxd62ya3.png) (https://s1377.photobucket.com/user/jorge_pozo1/media/C028CCA5-09FC-44B4-B4CA-69FB26A5316B_zpscxd62ya3.png.html)
-
Prog epic of 2019? Nah, we’ll have At Wit’s End and Pale Blue Dot :metal
-
Great. More bullshit noodling/repetition like Open Up Your Eyes that sounds like the other NM/MP projects thus making this project completely superfluous and unoriginal.
-
I LOVE Flying Colors, but the "Radiohead" loses me. The songs I like least on the first one are the "Muse"-like songs, so hearing "Radiohead" - a band I think is blindingly overr-rated, and on the level of "Laura Nyro" in terms of being woefully under-qualified for the RnRHoF (let alone second ballot) - does nothing to excite me about what is an otherwise a very exciting development.
-
I think the song’ll be good anyway, I just don’t believe Portnoy anymore when he hypes stuff
-
I just don’t believe Portnoy anymore when he hypes stuff
This is great advice. Though his message was a turn off to me too. Don’t need another Portnoy/Morse prog epic.
-
Knowing Portnoy, he is probably aware of all of the DT chatter in the last week or so, and threw that comment out there as if to say, "See, the epic we are writing will be better than any on the new Dream Theater* record!"
Let's hope this supposed epic is more Infinite Fire (great) than Open Up Your Eyes (a mess).
-
The usual MP hyperbole, I see.
-
I'll tell you what's getting annoying now...the assumption that anything MP says has to somehow be interpreted as a dig at DT. It's been eight years, guys. Come off it.
I really want FC to do a big proper epic on this one, partly to spite those who say they shouldn't, and partly because this band is far less preachy than other Morse projects, and I want a proper Morse non-preachy epic like The Great Nothing again.
-
Not everything has to be interpreted as a dig at DT, but sometimes they are, which means people will find it fun to see what connection they can make, even if there isn't one. So they don't have to, but they do anyway because it's fun and sometimes they're right.
-
I don't see it as a dig. And if it was intended to be, it isn't a very hard dig at all.
As for the song being the "prog epic of the year," I'm not counting on it. Based on the two prior albums, I don't see this unit writing the "prog epic of the year." When the album comes out, I will likely buy it. And I will likely like it. And I will likely not love it. And that's fine.
-
I'll tell you what's getting annoying now...the assumption that anything MP says has to somehow be interpreted as a dig at DT. It's been eight years, guys. Come off it.
I really want FC to do a big proper epic on this one, partly to spite those who say they shouldn't, and partly because this band is far less preachy than other Morse projects, and I want a proper Morse non-preachy epic like The Great Nothing again.
I agree it’s not a dig at all.
But you want them to write a song out of spite? And i really don’t want (nor do a lot of fans) them to be another Transatlantic but with less preach lyrics. A lot of us like this band for what they do different, not just a typical portnoy/Morse thing yet again.
-
Tbh, and I'm only speaking personally, I don't mind if FC expands their sound, as it's the only Morsenoy thing I'm interested in these days. I'm sure it's going to be a wonderful album when it comes along.
-
Radiohead meets Transatlantic will be a cool thing for many, but personally Radiohead gives me a headache and I never enjoyed Transatlantic as much as any of the other MP(/NM) projects. That said, I dislike Coldplay, but the first album had a lot of moments that reminded me of them, but in a package where it worked for me. So who knows.
-
If the album is good I don't care who it sounds like.
-
while I love a lot of his music (pre-2003) :angry:, it seems Neal Morse has a sound, and more or less anything he's involved with sounds like his sound.
Kind of why this project sounds far too much like Transatlantic or his solo music than it should.
It's kind of a shame, per when Flying Colors came out, the Jellyfish and Kevin Gilbert comparisons really had me intrigued, but writing a Prog Epic doesn't exactly fall into that progressive-pop thing that I think of JF and KG for.
-
It will not sound like Radiohead meets Transatlantic and it will not be the Prog epic of the year. Portnoy really needs to stop with these arrogant, childish comments. But then again, we are obviously talking about it so I guess this comment has fulfilled its purpose.
-
I don't find either childish or arrogant, on the contrary, it shows a fan-like enthusiasm of someone who has never forgotten on how to be a fan. Of course he's not the best or most impartial judge of himself, but I don't find arrogance in his comments about new music.
-
Eh....I'll have to heae it first.
Second Nature would be better if it didnt open with Open Your Eyes. Its too long and kind of a chore to get through to listen to the rest of the album. Other than I enjoy it. Never really liked Cosmic Symphony either. Although I do enjoy All Falls Down.
-
I don't find either childish or arrogant, on the contrary, it shows a fan-like enthusiasm of someone who has never forgotten on how to be a fan. Of course he's not the best or most impartial judge of himself, but I don't find arrogance in his comments about new music.
I get that he’s still a big music fan and gets really excited for his own stuff, but according to him he’s released the prog album of the year and the best album of his career like 5 times in the last couple years. He really needs to stop over hyping and over saturating the market with a lot of samey-sounding bands/albums, claiming they’re the best he’s ever done. People just don’t believe him anymore.
-
Seems like nobody likes Open up your eyes. :lol I'd also remove it from the album, but even so, that album would have been too reminiscent of pure prog. Most songs could have used some trimming in order to be as punchy and catchy as the ones on the debut.
-
I don't find either childish or arrogant, on the contrary, it shows a fan-like enthusiasm of someone who has never forgotten on how to be a fan. Of course he's not the best or most impartial judge of himself, but I don't find arrogance in his comments about new music.
I get that he’s still a big music fan and gets really excited for his own stuff, but according to him he’s released the prog album of the year and the best album of his career like 5 times in the last couple years. He really needs to stop over hyping and over saturating the market with a lot of samey-sounding bands/albums, claiming they’re the best he’s ever done. People just don’t believe him anymore.
It wouldn’t be MP if it wasn’t over hyped. At least he gets excited about his projects.
-
Lyrics for the new album aren't finished yet. :facepalm:
-
Lyrics for the new album aren't finished yet. :facepalm:
Did you interview one of the guys recently or did you happen to read this somewhere? Please provide a link so that we can all :facepalm: together
-
That's a very strange thing to bump this thread for with zero context whatsoever. If we're not expecting this album until late summer at the earliest, and it's only March...give them time. I'm sure they've got this.
-
it was mentioned in Neal's inner circle newsletter
-
Lyrics for the new album aren't finished yet. :facepalm:
Did you interview one of the guys recently or did you happen to read this somewhere? Please provide a link so that we can all :facepalm: together
I believe he read it the same place I did - Neal's Inner Circle Newsletter. I typically would post the whole quote and give context, but looks like he brought it up before I could (I've been at work all day and haven't had a chance to stop and post here til now). Here's what Neal has said about it:
For me personally, I'm not even thinking about Morsefest yet because I'm in the middle of The Great Adventour and writing lyrics for the Flying Colors album still. I didn't get as many lyrics together as I had hoped to because I got inspired in other areas while on the road in the U.S.. I wrote quite a few LIFE & TIMES - type songs, just because I felt inspired. I'm sure more of the Flying Colors lyrics will be coming to me. We always have to follow our inspiration and sometimes it doesn't have a timeline, at least one that we understand. But I digress...
Seems like Neal is working on his lyrics, though I wonder if the others (particularly Casey) are also working on lyrics. I suppose the songs are all done, and Mike has tracked his drums, which probably means they all picked songs to write lyrics for, and I doubt Neal is writing ALL of the lyrics. I can't find any information online at this moment about who wrote which songs, so I can't be too sure that Neal *didn't* write all of the lyrics on the first two albums, but given how many vocalists there are, I would think that Casey, and maybe Mike, have written or contributed to the lyric-writing on the first two albums.
-Marc.
-
Oh, yes, sorry. I was just a bit dissapointed and forgot to write more context
-
Oh, yes, sorry. I was just a bit dissapointed and forgot to write more context
It's still Mid-March, and even if they release the album in September, which sounds likely given that Neal has teased that Morsefest might get some new FC songs (which would sound enticing if the album wasn't out yet), they still have about 6 months to finish everything. Lyrics typically come late in the game of finishing an album anyway, so hopefully everyone else has their instruments tracked and sent to Rich for the mix already. I'd be more worried if they were still recording their tracks!!! Neal (and the others) can take another 2-4 months doing lyrics for all we know, and they would still be on time to roll out the album in September.
-Marc.
-
I guess this proves how the lyrics aren't as important as some make it out to be. They've already recorded the instrumental tracks and they're just writing some words for the vocalist to make their instrument (the voice) sound vaguely coherent (ie. using words in a language that sounds vaguely like English, not necessarily in an order we understand).
Also, I checked the first two album booklets, and they're no help at all in terms of who wrote lyrics for those albums. Just the get-out clause that is "All songs written by Flying Colors". Come on, give the individual writers some credit!
-
I guess this proves how the lyrics aren't as important as some make it out to be.
That depends on the band. I remember an Interview in that metal show where JP asked Geddy how they worked writing songs and Geddy told him that Neal would bring lyrics to him and Alex and they would work the music around them.
-
I guess this proves how the lyrics aren't as important as some make it out to be.
That depends on the band. I remember an Interview in that metal show where JP asked Geddy how they worked writing songs and Geddy told him that Neal would bring lyrics to him and Alex and they would work the music around them.
Then Geddy would go back to Neil and try to phrase it differently to help Geddy sing the melody he saw fit the music.
-
I guess this proves how the lyrics aren't as important as some make it out to be.
That depends on the band. I remember an Interview in that metal show where JP asked Geddy how they worked writing songs and Geddy told him that Neal would bring lyrics to him and Alex and they would work the music around them.
I loved that interview. I remember watching it, wishing
1. That it would go on forever
2. That those hosts would just stfu while two Gods are talking
-
Neal just wrote on FB:
Writing lyrics with Casey McPherson today on Skype. Workin on FC3. Really good stuff coming!
https://www.facebook.com/nealmorse/videos/321062171914707/?lh=115ff26f2c758753dcda4f7995a17e49
-
Neal just wrote on FB:
Writing lyrics with Casey McPherson today on Skype. Workin on FC3. Really good stuff coming!
https://www.facebook.com/nealmorse/videos/321062171914707/?lh=115ff26f2c758753dcda4f7995a17e49
I don't know why this popped into my head imagining that.
NM: So then during the bridge, you can say "Watch me walking away..."
CM: Yes! I can say "Watch me walking away from Jesus"
NM:.............no
That's inspired by the movie Saved! by the way.
-
(https://i.ibb.co/thwMGDV/61435158-1882802708486287-5094663332904828928-n.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LPDzF1V)
NEW DATES and Title album revealed
-
Nice
-
I was just gonna post and say "you're not gonna tell us?" then the picture showed up in the previous messages bit on this reply page.
Maybe people should post details in text form as well. Pictures don't always load, and there was no indication that a picture was even supposed to be there.
Anyway, cool title!
-
I will be in NYC on October 7th, if anyone cares. :)
-
HOLY SHIT THEY ARE COMING TO VENTURA!??!?!?
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
I literally spat out my drink upon seeing this!
-
Yes....Your eyes are not deceiving you...FLYING COLORS 2019 TOUR DATES!!!
The good news: Flying Colors’ long awaited 3rd Studio Album “Third Degree” is being finished as we speak and currently set for a September release (a lot more info on that coming very soon!)
The bad news: Steve will be on tour with Deep Purple upon the album’s release...
But wait...there’s more good news: our fearless guitarist has offered himself on DP’s days off to be able to swing some FC shows in select cities throughout their US Tour!!! (Hurray Steve!! Thank you)
And guess what?? There’s even MORE good news: We are going to be able to swing 4 shows in Europe in December as well!! (We will likely be announcing those next week)
Now, the only remaining bad news: THESE ARE IT!!! These 5 US shows, the coming 4 EU shows TBA and our appearance on Cruise To The Edge 2020 are *IT* (at least for the foreseeable immediate future)...
So PLEASE do not bombard us with “Come To Brazil”, “Come To Italy”, & “Come To Saskatchewan” posts...It has been quite difficult to coordinate these 10 appearances as it is...so if we can’t come to you, please do your best to come to us!!! We promise it will be worth the effort...
--------
I wonder who they will have to cover for Steve...
-Marc.
-
No one is covering for Steve.
These dates are on his days off with Deep Purple.
-
No one is covering for Steve.
These dates are on his days off with Deep Purple.
Oh you're right, I was misreading it. Well that's good for Steve then.
-Marc.
-
I will be in NYC on October 7th, if anyone cares. :)
Hey baby.
-
I will be in NYC on October 7th, if anyone cares. :)
I care.
-
I will be in NYC on October 7th, if anyone cares. :)
I care.
Please tell me you're, somehow, going to be there.
I feel like if I ever wanted to destroy all of existence, getting to be with both you and Stadler at the same time is an assured way to do it. If it's just Stadler and me, then maybe only like half of the universe would implode.
-
It's not on Ventura Theater's calendar yet. I wanna know when they are going on sale. Anyone else planning on going?
-
Cool news about FC3! Shame there won't be more tourdates, but something's better than nothing, especially given Steve's gig with DP. Once they retire, I would imagine FC will get more road time.
Coincidentally, I happen to be looking at Hugh Syme's website today, and I happened to stumble across this:
http://www.hughsyme.com/#212
Seems what we recognize as the cover art for Second Nature isn't what was the original idea, based on what he wrote below it: "The real cover". Thoughts?
-
Bummer to see so few shows, but it's pretty understandable as to why. I'll be there for the first show at Morsefest. :hat
-
I will be in NYC on October 7th, if anyone cares. :)
I care.
Please tell me you're, somehow, going to be there.
I feel like if I ever wanted to destroy all of existence, getting to be with both you and Stadler at the same time is an assured way to do it. If it's just Stadler and me, then maybe only like half of the universe would implode.
Oh, no, I'm not going to be there. I just care, that's all.
-
I will be in NYC on October 7th, if anyone cares. :)
I care.
Please tell me you're, somehow, going to be there.
I feel like if I ever wanted to destroy all of existence, getting to be with both you and Stadler at the same time is an assured way to do it. If it's just Stadler and me, then maybe only like half of the universe would implode.
Oh, no, I'm not going to be there. I just care, that's all.
(https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/59189598/and-now-im-sad.jpg)
-
Anyone else thinking about the title? Interesting that they're using "Third" as a follow-up to "Second" in "Second Nature". Makes me wonder how they'll incorporate "Fourth" in their following album.
-Marc.
-
I predict the fourth one will be The Fourth wall, and MP will be pissed about the inevitable comparison to Dream Theater's live album of a similar name. ;)
-
Cool news about FC3! Shame there won't be more tourdates, but something's better than nothing, especially given Steve's gig with DP. Once they retire, I would imagine FC will get more road time.
Coincidentally, I happen to be looking at Hugh Syme's website today, and I happened to stumble across this:
http://www.hughsyme.com/#212
Seems what we recognize as the cover art for Second Nature isn't what was the original idea, based on what he wrote below it: "The real cover". Thoughts?
Ugh, glad they didn't use that one. I'm not a big fan of the artwork they used for Second Nature (it's ok), but it's much much better than what is shown here.
-
Money's tight, but I'm going to do everything I can to catch the Arcada show. Saw them there on the last tour from something like the 5th row. It was an amazing show. Plus, this is right after my birthday so I can use that as leverage for tix.
-
I will be in NYC on October 7th, if anyone cares. :)
Hey baby.
NYC is only a 6 hour drive from me now... but it is a Monday night. :-\
-
So PLEASE do not bombard us with “Come To Brazil”, “Come To Italy”, & “Come To Saskatchewan” posts...It has been quite difficult to coordinate these 10 appearances as it is...so if we can’t come to you, please do your best to come to us!!! We promise it will be worth the effort...
Someone on FB asked what's wrong with fans asking bands to come to play where they are, and I replied explaining briefly how every musician must be fed up with endless "Come to my backyard" posts, considering that it's not their job in the first place and that most are out of place, such as asking for european dates when there's an american tour.... Portnoy (and no one else) liked my comment, I like to imagine him reading and going "yeah.... at least this guy gets it" :lol
That said, I wonder why he singled out Italy in his example - it's just a random pick or my fellow citizens go overboard in asking for it? :biggrin:
About the album I'm interested to see what it will be like, I loved the first but never really cared for the second - I should give it one more try I guess...
-
I will be in NYC on October 7th, if anyone cares. :)
Hey baby.
NYC is only a 6 hour drive from me now... but it is a Monday night. :-\
Drive 8 hours for a Friday night?
-
So PLEASE do not bombard us with “Come To Brazil”, “Come To Italy”, & “Come To Saskatchewan” posts...It has been quite difficult to coordinate these 10 appearances as it is...so if we can’t come to you, please do your best to come to us!!! We promise it will be worth the effort...
Someone on FB asked what's wrong with fans asking bands to come to play where they are, and I replied explaining briefly how every musician must be fed up with endless "Come to my backyard" posts, considering that it's not their job in the first place and that most are out of place, such as asking for european dates when there's an american tour.... Portnoy (and no one else) liked my comment, I like to imagine him reading and going "yeah.... at least this guy gets it" :lol
That said, I wonder why he singled out Italy in his example - it's just a random pick or my fellow citizens go overboard in asking for it? :biggrin:
About the album I'm interested to see what it will be like, I loved the first but never really cared for the second - I should give it one more try I guess...
There are plenty of bands that will play backyards these days, but Flying Colors, obviously, is not one of them.
-
I will be in NYC on October 7th, if anyone cares. :)
Hey baby.
NYC is only a 6 hour drive from me now... but it is a Monday night. :-\
Drive 8 hours for a Friday night?
As a bonus you could hit Philly Friday, and then Saturday's Progstock lineup Saturday and/or Sunday.
That's what I'd like to do, but I already know this will play out to optimally fuck me. Phideaux will be scheduled for Friday forcing me to ProgStock that night and into NYC on a Monday night for Flying Colors.
-
I'll be there for the Morsefest and NYC shows. I'd be doing PA as well, but ProgStock.
-
If the album is dopping in September, when can we expect a single to be released?
-
Neal sent out an Inner Circle update on 5/30 and he mentioned that Rich was mixing the album right now. Rich has to deliver it and then it needs to be mastered so I'm guessing a single is still some time away.
-
So, Ticketmaster's site mentions a June 5th resale for the NYC show. Has anyone seen anything about a password or anything? There is next to no information on the TM site.
-
Neal sent out an Inner Circle update on 5/30 and he mentioned that Rich was mixing the album right now. Rich has to deliver it and then it needs to be mastered so I'm guessing a single is still some time away.
Thank you! New FC is worth the wait, and we'll have it in a couple months anyway. Excited for this album.
-
I will get this either way, but I really hope this album is more like the first album stylistically (short catchy songs mostly with a hint of prog) than the second (which was heavier on the prog).
-
I will get this either way, but I really hope this album is more like the first album stylistically (short catchy songs mostly with a hint of prog) than the second (which was heavier on the prog).
Agreed. But if they self-produce like they did for Second Nature, and which I suspect they will again (remember the "too many chefs in the kitchen" comment?), I have a feeling it will be closer to it than the debut.
-
Just bought tickets for the Arcada show. As usual, they just went on-sale without warning. Nice little b-day present for myself that week.
-
Can't wait for European dates. I've never seen Neal live FC are my only real choice these days.
-
I will be in NYC on October 7th, if anyone cares. :)
Hey baby.
NYC is only a 6 hour drive from me now... but it is a Monday night. :-\
Drive 8 hours for a Friday night?
As a bonus you could hit Philly Friday, and then Saturday's Progstock lineup Saturday and/or Sunday.
That's what I'd like to do, but I already know this will play out to optimally fuck me. Phideaux will be scheduled for Friday forcing me to ProgStock that night and into NYC on a Monday night for Flying Colors.
I'm waiting for single tickets to go on sale for that likely looking at Saturday though.
-
VIP tickets just announced:
http://www.radiantrecords.com/products/779-flying-colors-2019-vip-passes.aspx
-
Dunno if this is an unpopular opinion but I feel like I'd enjoy FC much more if vocals were strictly Casey's. Not a fan of Neal Morse's vocal contributions.
-
VIP tickets just announced:
http://www.radiantrecords.com/products/779-flying-colors-2019-vip-passes.aspx
Are the actual tickets on sale yet?
-
VIP tickets just announced:
http://www.radiantrecords.com/products/779-flying-colors-2019-vip-passes.aspx
Are the actual tickets on sale yet?
I bought tickets a while ago to the NY show. So.......I hope so haha
-
Ehh...call me when we have album info.
-
VIP tickets just announced:
http://www.radiantrecords.com/products/779-flying-colors-2019-vip-passes.aspx
Are the actual tickets on sale yet?
Yes they are!
-
Schedules worked out for the Philly show. In the afternoon 2:30-4:00pm I'll be in Rahway seeing Phideaux at ProgStock and this onto Philly for Flying Colors.
-
Good news, folks! Guess what?!
MP has just declared that not only is this new album "hands down" his favourite Flying Colors album, it may also be in the top five of his career!
Who'd have thought, eh? :biggrin:
(I say this as someone who's generally a fan of MP and usually thinks this board's reaction to pretty much anything he does is a a smidge OTT :lol)
Anyway, it's being brickwal-- sorry, mastered today.
-
Good news, folks! Guess what?!
MP has just declared that not only is this new album "hands down" his favourite Flying Colors album, it may also be in the top five of his career!
Who'd have thought, eh? :biggrin:
(I say this as someone who's generally a fan of MP and usually thinks this board's reaction to pretty much anything he does is a a smidge OTT :lol)
Anyway, it's being brickwal-- sorry, mastered today.
I’m shocked! :rollin
-
Let me guess.... his 5 most favorite records could be
Sons of Apollo - Album nr 2
Flying Colours - Third Degree
The Neal Morse Band - The Great Adventure
The Winery Dogs - Dog Years
The Neal Morse Band - Similitude of a Dream
;)
-
(https://i.ibb.co/CtMY7MJ/C0-C44-A77-1-EA2-4511-AA8-D-7-F66-F65-D525-E.png)
-
What kind of fans would buy into that sort of promotion these days? I can't believe there are still musicians that bother with building hype that way. At this point in time, most fans would be put off by this.
-
I guess the very fact we're talking about it proves that sort of promotion works. All publicity is good publicity.
-
I guess the very fact we're talking about it proves that sort of promotion works. All publicity is good publicity.
I don't think making fun of MP counts as "good publicity".
-
I am by no means making fun of Mike, I like him a lot. I'm just wondering what fan goes "Whoa, MP says Third degree is a top 5 album of his career! Better buy it!"
-
Can I quote myself from last week? ;)
Mike Portnoy: Taking hyperbole to the next level since the invention of the internet!!
I am pretty sure he said a while back that he considers the best 3 albums he's been on to be Similitude, Scenes and The Whirlwind, so if this is top 5, what's the 4th? Probably not Adrenaline Mob. :lol :lol
-
Either Images and words or Psychotic symphony.
-
Wasn't Systematic Chaos his favorite non-concept album by DT?
-
Whoa, MP says Third degree is a top 5 album of his career! Better buy it!
-
:lol
Only speculation perhaps, but MP is definitely someone who gets very excitable about things he's involved in (this is very much not a criticism, it's one of my favourite things about him) and so I don't interpret it as hype for marketing sake, but genuine excitement and love for what his band has produced.
Completely fair to poke fun at him for it and as some have remarked, I'm sure if anything it puts some people off because it's so over the top.
-
Flying Colors is my favorite non-DT project of his. By Far. I even loved the 2nd album (minus that first song).
My only fear is that when MP gets super excited about this kind of stuff, it makes me worry that it's more super prog than I'd like. I hope they stick to the short catchy fun rock songs, and lesson the 10 minute Transatlantic style epics. But we'll see. I'm skeptical, but only because I think that Portnoy tends to go full prog when he has the chance.
-
:lol
Only speculation perhaps, but MP is definitely someone who gets very excitable about things he's involved in (this is very much not a criticism, it's one of my favourite things about him) and so I don't interpret it as hype for marketing sake, but genuine excitement and love for what his band has produced.
You said it in a way much better than I could have. As soon as I saw MP's post the first thing that came to mind was, 'Great, DTF is going to rip this apart.'
Your explanation is exactly how I always take his comments.
-
Flying Colors is my favorite non-DT project of his. By Far. I even loved the 2nd album (minus that first song).
My only fear is that when MP gets super excited about this kind of stuff, it makes me worry that it's more super prog than I'd like. I hope they stick to the short catchy fun rock songs, and lesson the 10 minute Transatlantic style epics. But we'll see. I'm skeptical, but only because I think that Portnoy tends to go full prog when he has the chance.
Good points all round. Completely agree with you about both FC albums, and the opening track of Second Nature in particular. The other long songs weren't Transatlantic-prog style, they were much slower builds and I honestly really like them, but that opener is just so out of place on the album.
-
As much as I love Neal Morse's music and the songs where he sings, A Place in Your World has not aged well for me. The melodies sound clunky and it sounds like a song that was meant to be more simple, but was progged up a little, to where it sounds like the song that couldn't decide what it wanted to be, if that makes sense. Maybe seeing it live will get me to like it again, as I am sure it will get played at Morsefest.
The Fury of My Love, on the other hand, has aged really well. I love that one.
-
I've always been critical of Open up your eyes, but I listened to it last week and liked it more than I did before. I recall it being way more progressive and reminiscent of Translatlantic, but it was actually fairly poppy. Still, it is tad long, and I like my FC brief and concise.
-
Only speculation perhaps, but MP is definitely someone who gets very excitable about things he's involved in (this is very much not a criticism, it's one of my favourite things about him) and so I don't interpret it as hype for marketing sake, but genuine excitement and love for what his band has produced.
Completely fair to poke fun at him for it and as some have remarked, I'm sure if anything it puts some people off because it's so over the top.
I agree, his excitement is genuine, I just don’t trust his excitement at all. Since leaving DT, Mike has released at least 10 of his top 5 albums... I’m joking, but you get the idea. There’s just no believing him when he releases a few albums every year and each one is “one of the best he’s ever done”. Oh, and how many “main bands” has he formed since he left DT? 3 at least...
Like I said before, there’s nothing wrong with standing 100% behind your art and being proud of that, I respect that, but Mike just overhypes every new thing he does and expects every single one of his fans to love it just because he’s involved with it.
-
Well, I remember Mike being excited about The Similitude of a Dream and not as excited for The Great Adventure and he was right about both.
-
I really don't know what to make of Open Up Your Eyes. I enjoy it a lot, but I can also find much to criticize about it. I think it's too short to justify including a 4-minute "overture" section. The overture takes up about a third of the track. Then, apart from the first vocal section, the rest of it feels like a patching-together of climax sections from different epics.
And the issue I have with MP here is that when you keep saying each album is the best you've ever done, you cannot be correct for all of them. You can only be correct once. Does it mean the previous albums are all rubbish?
-
In a related story, when asked what the top 5 films of his career are, Harrison Ford proudly said they are The Secret Life of Pets 2, Blade Runner 2049, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Age of Adaline, and The Expendables 3.
-
And the issue I have with MP here is that when you keep saying each album is the best you've ever done, you cannot be correct for all of them. You can only be correct once. Does it mean the previous albums are all rubbish?
Only the ones that featured a Canadian and Kevin Moore. :P
-
Actually, it's quite possible. Even if the second album is only slightly better that then first, it's still the best you've ever done, and it doesn't make the first album rubbish. Then you make a third album, and it could be slightly better than the second; it is now the best you've ever done. And so on. There need only be marginal improvement each time to quality as "the best ever" and none of them render the previous works any less worthy.
I'm not saying that Mike isn't being fully hyperbolic as always; I'm just saying that what he says could actually be true. Most artists continue to move forward, try to improve each time they do something. He's not wrong to feel that way.
-
(https://i.ibb.co/v1DYbJ0/Captura.png) (https://ibb.co/sjtHhF8)
Does that mean a double album?
Now that I think about it, maybe the lenght of the songs, are what made a doble vinyl album. But probably not a doble CD album unless the songs are shorter and we are getting a doble album (CD/LP)
-
Actually, it's quite possible. Even if the second album is only slightly better that then first, it's still the best you've ever done, and it doesn't make the first album rubbish. Then you make a third album, and it could be slightly better than the second; it is now the best you've ever done. And so on. There need only be marginal improvement each time to quality as "the best ever" and none of them render the previous works any less worthy.
I'm not saying that Mike isn't being fully hyperbolic as always; I'm just saying that what he says could actually be true. Most artists continue to move forward, try to improve each time they do something. He's not wrong to feel that way.
Your entire post makes total sense, but I think it is worth pointing out that Portnoy's extreme hyperbole (if hyperbole, which is already extreme, can be even more extreme :lol ) is what some of us are poking fun at. What it all boils down to is that Portnoy is a super excited music fan who goes nutty over who his own music quite often on a social media, which comes across as awfully self-congratulatory, but it comes from a good place, I think. The fact that he does so much is always just more evidence that there is no bigger Mike Portnoy fan in the world than Mike Portnoy. :lol :lol
-
Absolutely true.
I was just feeling a bit literal. I mean, we can bag on Mike for his choice of words, but usually that's because what he's saying is so ridiculous that it can't possibly be true, if it even makes literal sense. I was looking at that and realizing that not only does it make sense, but it's also quite true, from a certain point of view.
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/starwars/images/4/4e/ObiWanHS-SWE.jpg)
-
Does that mean a doble album?
Now that I think about it, maybe the lenght of the songs, are what made a doble vinyl album. But probably not a doble CD album unless the songs are shorter and we are getting a doble album (CD/LP)
Nope. Remember, a standard vinyl record is good for 40-45 minutes. I would assume this new album is anywhere in that 60-80 threshold which necessitates a double vinyl release.
For instance, the new Opeth album has packages that include both the English and Swedish versions. They are 2 CD's and 4 LP's. So with FC it is safe to assume 1 CD and 2 LP's.
-
A Dooley Album?
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Best_of_The_Dooleys#/media/File:The_Best_of_The_Dooleys.jpg)
-
A Doble Dooley album? :lol
-
A double album with only Tom Dooley covers.
-
Based on what Neal said in this month's newsletter (small quote below), looks like the 3rd album will be more like the 2nd than the 1st...
"I'm really happy with the way the album's turned out and there are some really nice regular songs, some very rocking edgy tracks, as well as some longer prog epics."
-
If I recall correctly, Mike's screenshot confirmed there was an 11-minute song on the album (the song is called Crawl, apparently), so if there's another epic, lets hope it's not longer than Blue ocean. That way, the album would be more similar to the debut. ;D
-
Fantastic! I don't care that Neal Morse does epics regularly. This isn't Neal Morse. This is Flying Colors. No one moaned about Liquid Tension Experiment sounding too much like Dream Theater, so why are people suddenly doing that now with Flying Colors and Neal Morse? Double standards, hypocrisy.
-
To be fair, I wasn't around for LTE. ;D
-
Got my ticket. REALLY excited. I'm seeing Rick Wakeman, Steve Hackett and (hopefully) Alter Bridge all around that time, and yet this is the show I'm really looking forward to.
-
Fantastic! I don't care that Neal Morse does epics regularly. This isn't Neal Morse. This is Flying Colors. No one moaned about Liquid Tension Experiment sounding too much like Dream Theater, so why are people suddenly doing that now with Flying Colors and Neal Morse? Double standards, hypocrisy.
??? ???
Not sure where you are seeing a double standard or hypocrisy, if you care to unpack that a little more.
-
People seem to want Flying Colors to be non-prog, but that's not going to happen. All these musicians have prog in their DNA and it cannot be suppressed. It should not be suppressed. LET THE PROG FREE AND REACH FOR THE SUN, my glorious progressive warriors! I hope they put out a stonking epic (like, 25-30 minutes) at some point, if not on this album. It will be magnificent!
-
I just hope Casey takes all the lead vocals this time, leaving MP and NM to do the backing vocals only. His voice is the draw for me.
-
People seem to want Flying Colors to be non-prog, but that's not going to happen. All these musicians have prog in their DNA and it cannot be suppressed. It should not be suppressed. LET THE PROG FREE AND REACH FOR THE SUN, my glorious progressive warriors! I hope they put out a stonking epic (like, 25-30 minutes) at some point, if not on this album. It will be magnificent!
No, I think it's that many of us preferred the balance on the first album, where it was more straight forward with a little prog sprinkled in here and there, rather than tilting more towards that direction like it did on the second album. Both Neal Morse and Mike Portnoy have multiple other projects to go full-on or heavy on the prog, and it is just a slight bummer to see this taking a more prog direction again, but hey, it's their band and they can do what they want, and I am sure I will still like this album either way.
I still have no idea what double standard or hypocrisy you are talking about, though.
-
People seem to want Flying Colors to be non-prog, but that's not going to happen. All these musicians have prog in their DNA and it cannot be suppressed. It should not be suppressed. LET THE PROG FREE AND REACH FOR THE SUN, my glorious progressive warriors! I hope they put out a stonking epic (like, 25-30 minutes) at some point, if not on this album. It will be magnificent!
I prefer FC to be proggy as opposed to the Beatles-ish sound some of the songs on the debut had, but I don’t want it to sound like TA or NMB either. There should be a balance.
-
well Gabriel, IMHO, having both Neal and MP in the equation, the Beatles influences would be inevitable :D
-
From Neal's July IC Newsletter -
"We're looking for a release date in October, so look out for that."
-Marc.
-
well Gabriel, IMHO, having both Neal and MP in the equation, the Beatles influences would be inevitable :D
But we got Steve Morse, Dave LaRue and Casey McPherson to fix that :P
-
Schedules worked out for the Philly show. In the afternoon 2:30-4:00pm I'll be in Rahway seeing Phideaux at ProgStock and this onto Philly for Flying Colors.
What are we doing about Dream Theater? Suppose I've been pretty lucky with conflicts such as this up till now.
-
Flying Colors is my favorite non-DT project of his. By Far. I even loved the 2nd album (minus that first song).
My only fear is that when MP gets super excited about this kind of stuff, it makes me worry that it's more super prog than I'd like. I hope they stick to the short catchy fun rock songs, and lesson the 10 minute Transatlantic style epics. But we'll see. I'm skeptical, but only because I think that Portnoy tends to go full prog when he has the chance.
As long as its good, I really don't care what it is. But is does seem that less meandering is a strength of this band.
-
I just hope Casey takes all the lead vocals this time, leaving MP and NM to do the backing vocals only. His voice is the draw for me.
Don't think I'd mind that either.
-
Already have my Flying Colors tickets, and unlike Dream Theater, they are one of the few acts Jennie goes with me to see, so the choice is easy. Had I not already seen SFaM earlier in the year it would be much tougher though.
-
I try to stay away from "I want..." when it comes to the bands I like - I'm well and truly interested in what the musicians want to do - I know for me I keep going to back to "Kayla", "The Storm" and "Better Than Walking Away", and I'd love to hear some more well-crafted, well-written, played-with-integrity music, and am not interested in how it fits in with any genre.
I remember when FC first came out and the title and lengths were posted on a forum, and the place went (relatively) crazy about how "great!" the seven minute and twelve minute songs were going to be! I thought then and still think that's ridiculous. And for my money, they are not even top five on the album.
-
I try to stay away from "I want..." when it comes to the bands I like - I'm well and truly interested in what the musicians want to do - I know for me I keep going to back to "Kayla", "The Storm" and "Better Than Walking Away", and I'd love to hear some more well-crafted, well-written, played-with-integrity music, and am not interested in how it fits in with any genre.
I remember when FC first came out and the title and lengths were posted on a forum, and the place went (relatively) crazy about how "great!" the seven minute and twelve minute songs were going to be! I thought then and still think that's ridiculous. And for my money, they are not even top five on the album.
Yup, this is me 99%. Well said, Stadler. I'm gonna hopefully see FC for the first time this fall, and I just want some good music from these super talented people. On their own I couldn't care less, especially about Neal Morse, but in this group, I look forward to hearing stuff like "The Storm." Not so much BTWA or Kayla, though - that's the 1% :)
-
"The Storm" has one of my two favorite Mike Portnoy moments ever (I love how he shadows the lyric, playing fast while Casey sings about the "storm", then slows it to half time as the "storm" washes everything away (lyrically). I don't know if he intended that or not, but it's beautiful).
"BTWA" makes me cry every time I hear it, to this day, since it resonates very strongly with my personal life (I played it once for my ex-wife and... let's just say it was an emotional moment. The first verse hit wayyyyyyy too close to home for her.)
-
It seems there are 2 versions of the album (regular, and special ed.) the latter with a bonus track. More info coming soon
-
Better Than Walking Away is definitely one of my favorites as well. And as much as I like the shorter songs the band has done, Infinite Fire is pretty sweet. I like how that one is proggy, but never feels overcooked or like the band felt the need to show off. Even though Open Up Your Eyes is a good tune, the part before the first verse were the drums take the lead with the synths feels totally shoe-horned in, and that ending feels way too much like "Hey, look at how great we can play!"
-
Even though Open Up Your Eyes is a good tune, the part before the first verse were the drums take the lead with the synths feels totally shoe-horned in,
The slap bass bit? Oh I love that part! LaRue's slap bass parts are one of the main things I associate with Flying Colors, and makes it stand out from other NM/MP projects. I know it's not used enormously often (Forever in a Daze, Open Up Your Eyes and Bombs Away), but it stands out to me.
-
Love the bass playing in Forever in a Daze
-
Already have my Flying Colors tickets, and unlike Dream Theater, they are one of the few acts Jennie goes with me to see, so the choice is easy. Had I not already seen SFaM earlier in the year it would be much tougher though.
Guess I'll see you guys there. (Got tickets the day they went on sale.) At least I know I'll see Dream Theater again down the road. Can't say with much certainty if I'll ever have the opportunity for another (fourth) Flying Colors gig. Just not used to having to make these decisions.
-
I can confirm there will be two CD editions. I was lucky to work on the design of the extended version. It will include a bonus track indeed and several other additional stuff. I can't disclose anything else at the moment, but it'll be an excellent and lavish package
-
Anyone have any idea on how the tickets are selling?
I won't be able to buy my tickets for Ventura until the 23rd at the earliest. I will hate myself if they sell out before then...
-
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3226763594007927&id=116713035013014
New cover art revealed! Love that the figure from the debut album is there!
-Marc.
-
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3226763594007927&id=116713035013014
New cover art revealed! Love that the figure from the debut album is there!
-Marc.
Awesome!
-
I know it's early to start planning, but anyone going to the NY show, I'm going to likely head down early that day, and would enjoy pre-game company....
-
I prefer the cover of the deluxe edition
-
I know it's early to start planning, but anyone going to the NY show, I'm going to likely head down early that day, and would enjoy pre-game company....
I'm going but it's a work day, not sure how early I can get down there. What time is the show?
Oh wait, it's you. Nevermind. :biggrin:
-
I know it's early to start planning, but anyone going to the NY show, I'm going to likely head down early that day, and would enjoy pre-game company....
I'll be heading into the city after work, Monday is usually my day to leave early so should be able to be in the area for 6pm or so.
-
"More coming Wedneday", MP says on the FB post showing the album cover. :caffeine:
-
Oh, "More" coming Wednesday. I get it now! So this showed up in my Spotify New For You list but I couldn't play it.
(https://i.postimg.cc/CZ726Sx9/Screenshot-20190809-224124.png) (https://postimg.cc/CZ726Sx9)
-
Really? Really?!! In that case I hope we get "More" info tomorrow, like an actual release date or something.
-
Oh, "More" coming Wednesday. I get it now! So this showed up in my Spotify New For You list but I couldn't play it.
(https://i.postimg.cc/CZ726Sx9/Screenshot-20190809-224124.png) (https://postimg.cc/CZ726Sx9)
:rollin :rollin :rollin
The single is titled "More". Hilarious. I'm sure they'll drop the release date, pre-orders, and track listing all tomorrow. Neal said the release date would be in October, so we're, at most, 10 weeks away from the last Friday of October (the 25th), which seems like the right amount of time before the album promotional cycle begins. I'm excited to hear the single! Hard to believe it's been 5 years since Second Nature. I hope we get an album that is all the best parts of the first two, along with some new, fresh and exciting things!
-Marc.
-
Amazon Shows
Third Degree (Limited Deluxe CD Box Set)
Third Degree Limited Deluxe
Box Set
Flying Colors (Artist) Format: Audio CD
See all formats and editions
Editorial Reviews
In chemistry, when certain galvanizing elements come together, they become quite explosive. In music, when certain galvanizing artists come together, they become Flying Colors. In fact, whenever the five gentlemen who encompass Flying Colors - guitarist Steve Morse, drummer Mike Portnoy, keyboardist/vocalist Neal Morse, bassist Dave LaRue, and powerhouse vocalist and songwriter Casey McPherson are able to conjoin their collective talents, the result is a sweet sonic bouillabaisse that reflects where their inherent mastery of melody intersects with top-shelf progressive musicianship. Flying Colors soar to even loftier heights with Third Degree, their third studio album in a decade that's set for release on October 4, 2019 via Music Theories Recordings. Produced by longtime band associate Rich Mouser, Third Degree builds upon the genre-bending momentum of 2012's self-titled Flying Colors and the aural template ascension of 2014's Second Nature. "There's a lot of ear candy sprinkled throughout every song," observes Mike Portnoy, "and each one takes you on a little journey. As albums go, Third Degree is a complete piece that I don't think ever overstays its welcome. I think it's an enjoyable ride from start to finish." Third Degree continues to build upon the deep-rooted musical connection the members of Flying Colors established on their first two boundary-stretching albums. "There's a real special chemistry between the five of us," Portnoy confirms. "We keep getting better and better as we get more comfortable and more familiar with each other, and the music itself keeps getting more and more mature." Adds Steve Morse, "This one, dare I say it, explores new ground for the band. We just do what makes us smile and sounds good, instead of wondering how critics or program directors will like it. It makes for the best music!" "Our mission statement when we came together is still the same now," Portnoy affirms. "It's the same five guys with extremely different musical personalities and backgrounds coming together into a giant melting pot where it all comes out on the other end with music that's accessible, melodic, deep, and colorful. That's always been the goal of this band, and so far, I think we're three for three."
The Deluxe CD box set contains a 40 page photobook, 2 coasters and an extra CD with 6 bonus tracks.
Track Listings
Disc: 1
1. The Loss Inside
2. More
3. Cadence
4. Guardian
5. Last Train Home
6. Geronimo
7. You Are Not Alone
8. Love Letter
9. Crawl
Disc: 2
1. Waiting For The Sun (Bonus Track)
2. Geronimo (Alternate Version)
3. Crawl (Alternate Version)
4. Love Letter (Alternate Version)
5. You Are Not Alone (Alternate Version)
6. Last Train Home (Alternate Version)
-
Pre order:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WLBQWQB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=26I9NO7HKMMAM&keywords=flying+colors+third+degree&qid=1565745780&s=gateway&sprefix=flying+colors+third+deegr%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-1
-
Those are such non-MP quotes. He didn't deal in absolutes, hyperbole, or excessive praise.
Also...
....powerhouse vocalist... Casey McPherson...
-
:lol
-
Pre order:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WLBQWQB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=26I9NO7HKMMAM&keywords=flying+colors+third+degree&qid=1565745780&s=gateway&sprefix=flying+colors+third+deegr%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-1
Thanks for the link! Just pre-ordered, since the price seems fairly low considering what you get in the package, so I was worried the final price might go up. Either way, since it's Amazon, I won't get charged til it ships, so if I see a better deal (or a bundle from Music Theories Recordings with a t-shirt or a poster), I may order that instead.
-Marc.
-
Thanks to the track list being posted, I found this on Google:
https://www.wizard.bg/main.php?page=shop§ion=article&mid=23636
Looks like we'll be getting a sweet-looking blue vinyl set, and on that same page, we get vinyl track listing, which gives us a better idea of how long the songs might be:
A1 The Loss Inside
A2 More
A3 Cadence
B1 Guardian
B2 Last Train Home
C1 Geronimo
C2 You Are Not Alone
C3 Love Letter
D1 Crawl
(Note - the linked page above erroneously lists a Beth Hart album track listing as well. Might be due to that album also being from Mascot)
Looks like "Crawl" is long enough to warrant it's own side of vinyl, so I suspect another closer like "Infinite Fire" and "Cosmic Symphony". If the album is about as long as Second Nature, and being only nine songs, I think we can expect songs in the average range of 5-7 minutes, since each of the first three sides only have two or three songs each. My excitement for this album grows more and more!
EDIT - Link to Amazon's page for the Blue Vinyl pre-order:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W6C9R4M/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1565755558&refinements=p_32%3AFlying+Colors&s=music&sr=1-3
-Marc.
-
That Amazon pages gives a release date of October 4th.
-
Music video for More: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNEW042p0CM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNEW042p0CM)
Release date for Third Degree is confirmed as October 4th.
Also, Google has lengths:
1. The Loss Inside - 5:50
2. More - 7:10
3. Cadence - 7:40
4. Guardian - 7:10
5. Last Train Home - 10:31
6. Geronimo - 5:19
7. You Are Not Alone - 6:21
8. Love Letter - 5:09
9. Crawl - 11:14
TOTAL: 66:24
-
Just listened to the new single. While I love the rocking vibe of the song, I think this guys lost the essence of what made the first album so good. This song suffers of trying to be more than it really needs to be and stretches for too long. Given that all the songs are in a similar time range I don't have much hope for the rest of the album.
-
First thought was Muse...surely I’m not the only one
-
The new Flying Colors album "Third Degree" has been announced, along with the video for the single "More". All the details below #flyingcolors #thirddegree
https://www.sonicperspectives.com/news/progressive-rock-supergroup-flying-colors-reveal-details-of-new-album-third-degree/
-
Guys, I don’t get it, the video says Flying Colors, but YouTube keeps playing a Muse song :huh:
-
First thought was Muse...surely I’m not the only one
The same was absolutely said about Mask Machine from the second album and Shoulda Woulda Coulda from the first. It's just the vocoder. Any time someone adds distortion to their voice it's automatically compared to Muse. Why? Why not just enjoy this song on its own merit? Why does it always have to be pointed out?
-
Pre order:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WLBQWQB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=26I9NO7HKMMAM&keywords=flying+colors+third+degree&qid=1565745780&s=gateway&sprefix=flying+colors+third+deegr%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-1
Thanks for the link! Just pre-ordered, since the price seems fairly low considering what you get in the package, so I was worried the final price might go up. Either way, since it's Amazon, I won't get charged til it ships, so if I see a better deal (or a bundle from Music Theories Recordings with a t-shirt or a poster), I may order that instead.
-Marc.
Pre order with shirts and other things
https://usa.mascotlabelgroup.com/flying-colors
-
First thought was Muse...surely I’m not the only one
The same was absolutely said about Mask Machine from the second album and Shoulda Woulda Coulda from the first. It's just the vocoder. Any time someone adds distortion to their voice it's automatically compared to Muse. Why? Why not just enjoy this song on its own merit? Why does it always have to be pointed out?
Because it’s an observation I made. That’s all. I never said I couldn’t enjoy it.
I didn’t know about the vocoder though, I’m not familiar with it. Thanks for educating me.
-
Except that it's not only about the vocoder. The vocal melodies sound like they are very much inspired by Matt, and I am convinced Casey would be the first to admit it.
The song kind of turned out to be a snoozer for me. I like my Flying Colors a bit more concise and to the point. But I guess people like me who are expecting to hear another debut will get tedious over time. We need to get over it.
-
I liked this song a lot! I guess the Muse’s influence is there (also in the bass lines), but it’s really far from any plagiarism.
Nekov said something interesting about their change of style. I also think that something (really unique) in their original sound was lost when they found their own sound in the second album.
What is that? Neal using a different keyboard sound?!?!
-
Except that it's not only about the vocoder. The vocal melodies sound like they are very much inspired by Matt, and I am convinced Casey would be the first to admit it.
The song kind of turned out to be a snoozer for me. I like my Flying Colors a bit more concise and to the point. But I guess people like me who are expecting to hear another debut will get tedious over time. We need to get over it.
I’m right there with you. Adored the debut. Second Nature didn’t grab me.
-
First thought was Muse...surely I’m not the only one
The same was absolutely said about Mask Machine from the second album and Shoulda Woulda Coulda from the first. It's just the vocoder. Any time someone adds distortion to their voice it's automatically compared to Muse. Why? Why not just enjoy this song on its own merit? Why does it always have to be pointed out?
Because it sucks. :)
I love the first record, it's one of my favorites of the MP (post-DT) catalogue, but the closer it gets to Muse territory, the less I like it. If this is a "Muse-inspired record", my excitement is tamed significantly.
EDIT: Listened to the single. Not jazzed. It's not the vocoder; it's the legato vocal lines (those verses might as well BE off a Muse record). That's kind of my least favorite side of Flying Colors. I'll give it a shot - I want to hear the "Beach Boys meets Asia" song - but I prefer the more poppy, song-oriented material. Ah well, it's not about me.
-
No idea on the other members but I know Portnoy loves Muse, so I’m not surprised if it is.
-
Yes, as others have mentioned, the vocal lines and delivery are VERY Muse-inspired, and this is the same case as with Shoulda Coulda Woulda and Mask Machine (some of the instrumentation on More also reminded me of Mask Machine a lot). However, I wouldn't lose my hope for the album after this song, as the previous 2 albums have only had 1 Muse sounding song, don't worry just yet.
Btw, I'm not one of the "I want another album like the debut" fans, and actually enjoyed Second Nature quite a bit, but I'd LOVE to have more songs in the vein of Kayla or The Storm. Just leave all super proggy stuff for NMB and TA and write great catchy songs.
...also no more Muse influences, please :biggrin:
-
Lyrics
(https://i.ibb.co/tH0psLy/MORE.png) (https://ibb.co/10CGqzH)
-
Yes, as others have mentioned, the vocal lines and delivery are VERY Muse-inspired, and this is the same case as with Shoulda Coulda Woulda and Mask Machine (some of the instrumentation on More also reminded me of Mask Machine a lot). However, I wouldn't lose my hope for the album after this song, as the previous 2 albums have only had 1 Muse sounding song, don't worry just yet.
Btw, I'm not one of the "I want another album like the debut" fans, and actually enjoyed Second Nature quite a bit, but I'd LOVE to have more songs in the vein of Kayla or The Storm. Just leave all super proggy stuff for NMB and TA and write great catchy songs.
...also no more Muse influences, please :biggrin:
I couldn't have said it better (I liked Second Nature too, after the first song).
-
Not a bad song. Don't mind the Muse influence. It wasn't as catchy as I'd like, but it wasn't bad.
Could have been edited down a minute or two though for sure.
Also that video is horrible. Just horrible. With that make up, the guys all look like 60-70 years old. At least.
-
I don't mind the Muse influence, but that song was pretty bland. My older brother, who loves the band and is a huge Casey fan, thought the same thing. Hopefully, the rest of the album is a lot better...
-
Not a bad song. Don't mind the Muse influence. It wasn't as catchy as I'd like, but it wasn't bad.
Could have been edited down a minute or two though for sure.
Also that video is horrible. Just horrible. With that make up, the guys all look like 60-70 years old. At least.
I agree with the first two parts, but not the third - I thought the video was cool, not amazing, but I don't think they look THAT old. Neal is 59, Steve is 65, but everyone looks normal imo. Song could definitely use some trimming, I just thought it was 'meh.' I don't mind the Muse influence - that said, I thought Shoulda Coulda Woulda was way better than this.
-
They should do a cover of Never Enough by Dream Theater.. it’d be like Muse-inspired cover of a song inspired by Muse.
-
I think I just need to stay away from this thread. I really really want to like this song and this band, and everyone's opinions are telling me that that is wrong.
-
I mean, it’s just discussion, right?
If you enjoy it, you enjoy it!
-
I think I just need to stay away from this thread. I really really want to like this song and this band, and everyone's opinions are telling me that that is wrong.
Do you like the song?
Awesome! Like it god dammit!
I enjoyed it for the most part, but I just didn't love it. I'll likely enjoy more with more listens and not watching the video. The video I did dislike, however.
-
I think I just need to stay away from this thread. I really really want to like this song and this band, and everyone's opinions are telling me that that is wrong.
I don't see anyone telling people not to like it. Why are you letting others' opinions dictate how you feel? If you like it that's great. Share your opinions. Besides, people here love Flying Colors. Not being blown away by one song isn't the end of the earth. No need to make a mountain out of a molehill. :)
-
Holy crap. That muse influence is strong. I didn't enjoy the song at all.
-
I actually don't mind the Muse influence, since I love Muse. It's not about that. I just didn't find the melodies all that convincing, so much so that I lost the attention halfway through. And that instrumental prog section kind of kicked in at the most predictable moment. Maybe the song will grow on me, but we'll see.
-
I didn't hate it, but I didn't immediately love it. It's a grower, but it doesn't now surprise me that their lead single, the Muse-inspired song, is once again Track 2 on the album. Guess that's the spot for such a track! At least they didn't open the album with a long song again. Regarding song lengths, though, I am more interested in the back half (6-9) than the front, given there are three 7-minute songs in a row at the front, but I'm sure they all sound varied and different enough from each other to warrant such placement. The second half, with its shorter songs, intrigues me more.
At any rate, I might keep my Amazon order for the 2cd set and order the marble vinyl with shirt from Mascot. That vinyl looks gorgeous, and I don't even OWN a record player - I just want it cuz it's pretty.
-Marc.
-
Meh.
It's a single.
Gimmie the whole album before I judge
-
Meh.
It's a single.
Gimmie the whole album before I judge
Exactly. I liked the video a lot. The song while ok doesn't have the hooks that I like from them.
-
I still think that what lacks on Second Nature (and probably on Third Degree) is PETER COLLINS (the producer, and fresh ears) from the first album. I know NM, MP and company can be producers of their own music as they have done in the past, but with that formula it all starts sounding samey. But IMO the reason the self title sounded so fresh and it's among my favorite records of all time seems to be Peter. I will have to check Third Degree to be completely sure.
-
All vinyls come with a code to download the album on mp3 format
Source: https://usa.mascotlabelgroup.com/flying-colors
-
Nope. WAY too close to Muse for me. I just can't connect
with the music this band creates. Glad others do though.
Sadly, try as I might, MP related projects are harder and
harder for me to connect with and purchase. Hoping
The new SOA album changes that.
-
I still think that what lacks on Second Nature (and probably on Third Degree) is PETER COLLINS (the producer, and fresh ears) from the first album. I know NM, MP and company can be producers of their own music as they have done in the past, but with that formula it all starts sounding samey. But IMO the reason the self title sounded so fresh and it's among my favorite records of all time seems to be Peter. I will have to check Third Degree to be completely sure.
I think the press release said Rich Mouser produced this one? His influence might have changed the music direction a bit, but this first track just isn't a good starting point. Guess we'll have to wait to find out.
Completely agree with the bolded part, though. NM, NMB and TA music all sound too samey nowadays, and if you add FC using the same approach, it just makes having all these bands pointless.
-
I still think that what lacks on Second Nature (and probably on Third Degree) is PETER COLLINS (the producer, and fresh ears) from the first album. I know NM, MP and company can be producers of their own music as they have done in the past, but with that formula it all starts sounding samey. But IMO the reason the self title sounded so fresh and it's among my favorite records of all time seems to be Peter. I will have to check Third Degree to be completely sure.
I think the press release said Rich Mouser produced this one? His influence might have changed the music direction a bit, but this first track just isn't a good starting point. Guess we'll have to wait to find out.
Completely agree with the bolded part, though. NM, NMB and TA music all sound too samey nowadays, and if you add FC using the same approach, it just makes having all these bands pointless.
That's what's turning me off of them now. Their first album was amazing and different for each member. Now, it's just another Portnoy Morse fest.
-
I liked it! Wasn't very keen on Second Nature, like others, and didn't know what to expect from this but really enjoyed it. The voc was Musey but nothing else about it sounded like it to me.
Looking forward to the rest.
-
I still think that what lacks on Second Nature (and probably on Third Degree) is PETER COLLINS (the producer, and fresh ears) from the first album. I know NM, MP and company can be producers of their own music as they have done in the past, but with that formula it all starts sounding samey. But IMO the reason the self title sounded so fresh and it's among my favorite records of all time seems to be Peter. I will have to check Third Degree to be completely sure.
I think the press release said Rich Mouser produced this one? His influence might have changed the music direction a bit, but this first track just isn't a good starting point. Guess we'll have to wait to find out.
Completely agree with the bolded part, though. NM, NMB and TA music all sound too samey nowadays, and if you add FC using the same approach, it just makes having all these bands pointless.
I just read the full press and seems he did (Rich Mouser) produce this one. But, he has always being part of the equation too, on TA, NMB, NM solo, etc, so he is not at all fresh ears here either.
I am still anxious to hear the whole thing.
-
First thought is that this is my least favorite of the Muse-inspired tracks they've put out, though I could see it growing on me. I also personally would have liked to have seen a few more shorter runtimes in the track listing, but I'm still very much looking forward to the new album.
-
still hoping for some Kevin Gilbert/Toy Matinee/Jellyfish -like tunes.
-
still hoping for some Kevin Gilbert/Toy Matinee/Jellyfish -like tunes.
I'd certainly go in for that, but I'm not optimistic.
-
I know absolutely zilch about Muse so I guess I am glad I don't get all of the Muse references. Pretty sure I have never heard a single song from them. Maybe snippets if they were in a commercial or TV show or something.
Thankfully, I guess, 'it sounds like Muse' isn't in my vocabulary.
Oh, pre-ordered the deluxe from Amazon last night after MP shared that it was popping up. I'll be all ready for the show at the Arcada.
-
I didn't really think "Muse" when I heard this, but then again I'm not the biggest Muse fan out there. I know a few of their songs and that's it.
Listened to "More" twice and, what to say? Nothing really stood out. I don't remember anything of the song now. Still excited about the new album though!
-
I know absolutely zilch about Muse so I guess I am glad I don't get all of the Muse references. Pretty sure I have never heard a single song from them. Maybe snippets if they were in a commercial or TV show or something.
Thankfully, I guess, 'it sounds like Muse' isn't in my vocabulary.
If you want to hear some Muse to compare, try this:
Music video for More: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNEW042p0CM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNEW042p0CM)
;D :D ;D :tup
-
I know absolutely zilch about Muse so I guess I am glad I don't get all of the Muse references. Pretty sure I have never heard a single song from them.
Have you heard Never Enough? :P
-
I know absolutely zilch about Muse so I guess I am glad I don't get all of the Muse references. Pretty sure I have never heard a single song from them.
Have you heard Never Enough? :P
Or this one? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeRg33VDFZE
-
Real question: Is it bad that, after listening to the new song a couple times, I now have Mask Machine stuck in my head? :o
-
Yeesh. Just spot checked a bunch of samples of songs from various Muse albums. It was all mostly terrible. The vocalist is super annoying and the music seemed dreadful, for the most part. I recognized nothing. Even the 'popular' songs from the various albums didn't ring a single bell.
I can tell that I don't think I like Muse. I love FC. I'll just leave it like that.
-
So "spot check" muse and decide you don't like them, yet you would probably listen to a known prog bands song 100 times until you liked it.
Go listen to the entirety of Absolution a couple of times and get back to me.
-
Maybe it's just me but I don't think just spot checking samples of any artist is giving them a fair shake. Muse has some really good tunes, I've never actually heard a full album and I've heard some songs I dislike but Knights of Cydonia is a banger. There are some songs on Absolution I know I like, that's a good suggestion. Stockholm Syndrome!
-
I gave the song a second listen and, aside from whatever that effect is that they use on the vocals, it really sounds nothing like Muse. The song sounded a little less bland on the second listen. Still not impressed, but maybe it will be a grower.
-
I gave the song a second listen and, aside from whatever that effect is that they use on the vocals, it really sounds nothing like Muse. The song sounded a little less bland on the second listen. Still not impressed, but maybe it will be a grower.
Haha, what? It's obviously Muse. Even the Melodies are the same as Stockholm or Apocalypse. Apparently you don't listen to Muse much.
-
still waiting on noticing that Kevin Gilbert/Jellyfish influence.
-
I gave the song a second listen and, aside from whatever that effect is that they use on the vocals, it really sounds nothing like Muse. The song sounded a little less bland on the second listen. Still not impressed, but maybe it will be a grower.
Haha, what? It's obviously Muse. Even the Melodies are the same as Stockholm or Apocalypse. Apparently you don't listen to Muse much.
The vocals are pretty Muse, but the music isn't really. And they aren't really like either Stockholm or Apocalypse. But really they remind me more of Mask Machine, which is a better song.
-
I gave the song a second listen and, aside from whatever that effect is that they use on the vocals, it really sounds nothing like Muse. The song sounded a little less bland on the second listen. Still not impressed, but maybe it will be a grower.
Haha, what? It's obviously Muse. Even the Melodies are the same as Stockholm or Apocalypse. Apparently you don't listen to Muse much.
You're right. Muse is only one of my most-listened-to bands of the last 13 years. :P :lol
-
I clearly set off some fuses so I will just shut it down for now. Don't want to argue with people. It's just not fun. I vaguely got a prog snob accusation which is about as far from me as possible.
I jump back into this thread after the album drops.
-
That would be the worst time to drop back into this thread. Can you imagine what they'd be like with a whole bunch of other songs to criticize? Best to stay away from critics, even after you've formed your own opinion on the music. They will wear you down, like they did me with The Astonishing, to the point where you feel ashamed to like the album, like you have to hide that fact.
-
I clearly set off some fuses so I will just shut it down for now. Don't want to argue with people. It's just not fun. I vaguely got a prog snob accusation which is about as far from me as possible.
I jump back into this thread after the album drops.
I haven't posted here in some time. I forget the atmosphere tends to be... different. Don't take me too seriously.
Also, does this mean you won't give Absolution a few spins and let me know what you think?
-
That would be the worst time to drop back into this thread. Can you imagine what they'd be like with a whole bunch of other songs to criticize? Best to stay away from critics, even after you've formed your own opinion on the music. They will wear you down, like they did me with The Astonishing, to the point where you feel ashamed to like the album, like you have to hide that fact.
You LIKE The Astonishing?!?
(I'm kidding, friend.)
-
I clearly set off some fuses so I will just shut it down for now. Don't want to argue with people. It's just not fun. I vaguely got a prog snob accusation which is about as far from me as possible.
I jump back into this thread after the album drops.
I haven't posted here in some time. I forget the atmosphere tends to be... different. Don't take me too seriously.
Also, does this mean you won't give Absolution a few spins and let me know what you think?
<---- Help me out. Monkey Island?
-
I clearly set off some fuses so I will just shut it down for now. Don't want to argue with people. It's just not fun. I vaguely got a prog snob accusation which is about as far from me as possible.
I jump back into this thread after the album drops.
I haven't posted here in some time. I forget the atmosphere tends to be... different. Don't take me too seriously.
Also, does this mean you won't give Absolution a few spins and let me know what you think?
<---- Help me out. Monkey Island?
Indeed. Stan the used ship/coffin salesman.
-
I've finally listened to the song, I enjoyed it, it lacks a memorable chorus IMO. I hope the rest of the album is better in that regard. I didn't liked the "prog" section in the middle, it feels unnecessary to me. Also, it definitely sounds like Muse to me.
-
That would be the worst time to drop back into this thread. Can you imagine what they'd be like with a whole bunch of other songs to criticize? Best to stay away from critics, even after you've formed your own opinion on the music. They will wear you down, like they did me with The Astonishing, to the point where you feel ashamed to like the album, like you have to hide that fact.
Oh, come on. Should we all just genuflect to every song the band releases?
Also, if you feel ashamed of liking an album that others do not...wow. Maybe the internet is not for you? :P
-
If people just hate on something I like for no reason without any constructive criticism, I will find it empowering and probably like the thing even more.
But when people provide legitimate reasons why they do not like something, I take them into consideration and try to figure out if I feel the same. And if I don't, I still like it. I don't know if balanced criticism can destroy one's enjoyment like that.
-
I gave the song a second listen and, aside from whatever that effect is that they use on the vocals, it really sounds nothing like Muse. The song sounded a little less bland on the second listen. Still not impressed, but maybe it will be a grower.
Haha, what? It's obviously Muse. Even the Melodies are the same as Stockholm or Apocalypse. Apparently you don't listen to Muse much.
The vocals are pretty Muse, but the music isn't really. And they aren't really like either Stockholm or Apocalypse. But really they remind me more of Mask Machine, which is a better song.
Yep, agreed with Kev and Adami. This isn't a particularly Muse-sounding song compared to quite a few other FC songs. What I'm surprised by is anyone being surprised by a Muse influence in their music, particularly in Casey's vocals. That's always been there. And I dig it.
I like the song, but it's not desperately exciting on first listen. I can see it being a bit of a grower though, there's a nice moodiness to it.
-
That would be the worst time to drop back into this thread. Can you imagine what they'd be like with a whole bunch of other songs to criticize? Best to stay away from critics, even after you've formed your own opinion on the music. They will wear you down, like they did me with The Astonishing, to the point where you feel ashamed to like the album, like you have to hide that fact.
Oh, come on. Should we all just genuflect to every song the band releases?
Also, if you feel ashamed of liking an album that others do not...wow. Maybe the internet is not for you? :P
I'm not sure I've ever found myself liking something, reading criticism, and then changing my mind or feeling off about it. If anything, there have been occasions where it's actually strengthened how much I've liked it - not sure I can really explain why though. Maybe on a subconscious level it feels like it's more "for me" if it's less for everyone else.
I do sometimes feel a bit of sadness for the artist if something that really speaks to me isn't going down well more generally, but that's quite natural I think.
-
I'm not sure I've ever found myself liking something, reading criticism, and then changing my mind or feeling off about it. If anything, there have been occasions where it's actually strengthened how much I've liked it - not sure I can really explain why though. Maybe on a subconscious level it feels like it's more "for me" if it's less for everyone else.
I do sometimes feel a bit of sadness for the artist if something that really speaks to me isn't going down well more generally, but that's quite natural I think.
I certainly haven't changed my mind about things. But when the majority tell you indirectly that something that you absolutely love, something you listen to that gives you the butterflies and that wonderful euphoria that only music can provide, is terrible, trash, the worst thing the band has ever made, it does make you question things. Are these feelings the music is evoking in me wrong? Are we even listening to the same music? It feels like I'm fighting a battle every single time, and you see so much vitriol for an album that those who appreciate it feel small and insignificant and too scared to speak out because the positive will get utterly crushed by the negative.
-
*Shrug* when it comes to music, I'm past the point of being ashamed of my tastes.
I love The Astonishing, by now I don't really listen to it anymore but I wore out a lot my own edit version of the album. Brilliant songs through and through. And I also like some Lady Gaga songs here and there, lately I've listened to A Million Reasons more than Distance Over Time. Come at me.
About More... weird video! the song didn't really grab me, I'll have to listen to it, ehr, more, and see how the rest of the album goes. I never really gave the second album that many listenings, I should go back to it sometimes.
-
I'm not sure I've ever found myself liking something, reading criticism, and then changing my mind or feeling off about it. If anything, there have been occasions where it's actually strengthened how much I've liked it - not sure I can really explain why though. Maybe on a subconscious level it feels like it's more "for me" if it's less for everyone else.
I do sometimes feel a bit of sadness for the artist if something that really speaks to me isn't going down well more generally, but that's quite natural I think.
I certainly haven't changed my mind about things. But when the majority tell you indirectly that something that you absolutely love, something you listen to that gives you the butterflies and that wonderful euphoria that only music can provide, is terrible, trash, the worst thing the band has ever made, it does make you question things. Are these feelings the music is evoking in me wrong? Are we even listening to the same music? It feels like I'm fighting a battle every single time, and you see so much vitriol for an album that those who appreciate it feel small and insignificant and too scared to speak out because the positive will get utterly crushed by the negative.
I just won a roulette with Voyager and a bunch of responses were "MEH VOYAGER IDK WHAT THE BIG DEAL IS." Stop caring what other people think and enjoy whatever it is you like. :) :)
-
I'm not sure I've ever found myself liking something, reading criticism, and then changing my mind or feeling off about it. If anything, there have been occasions where it's actually strengthened how much I've liked it - not sure I can really explain why though. Maybe on a subconscious level it feels like it's more "for me" if it's less for everyone else.
I do sometimes feel a bit of sadness for the artist if something that really speaks to me isn't going down well more generally, but that's quite natural I think.
I certainly haven't changed my mind about things. But when the majority tell you indirectly that something that you absolutely love, something you listen to that gives you the butterflies and that wonderful euphoria that only music can provide, is terrible, trash, the worst thing the band has ever made, it does make you question things. Are these feelings the music is evoking in me wrong? Are we even listening to the same music? It feels like I'm fighting a battle every single time, and you see so much vitriol for an album that those who appreciate it feel small and insignificant and too scared to speak out because the positive will get utterly crushed by the negative.
I just won a roulette with Voyager and a bunch of responses were "MEH VOYAGER IDK WHAT THE BIG DEAL IS." Stop caring what other people think and enjoy whatever it is you like. :) :)
Same. I did a top 50 albums thread a while back and there was a lot of criticism. :lol
-
Love the dragons and the castles. Don't listen to the guys that have fun with what you love. :biggrin:
-
I'm not sure I've ever found myself liking something, reading criticism, and then changing my mind or feeling off about it. If anything, there have been occasions where it's actually strengthened how much I've liked it - not sure I can really explain why though. Maybe on a subconscious level it feels like it's more "for me" if it's less for everyone else.
I do sometimes feel a bit of sadness for the artist if something that really speaks to me isn't going down well more generally, but that's quite natural I think.
I certainly haven't changed my mind about things. But when the majority tell you indirectly that something that you absolutely love, something you listen to that gives you the butterflies and that wonderful euphoria that only music can provide, is terrible, trash, the worst thing the band has ever made, it does make you question things. Are these feelings the music is evoking in me wrong? Are we even listening to the same music? It feels like I'm fighting a battle every single time, and you see so much vitriol for an album that those who appreciate it feel small and insignificant and too scared to speak out because the positive will get utterly crushed by the negative.
Dude, How can the feelings music is evoking in you be wrong? It's not like it's driving you to do something bad. Euphoria, happiness, butterflies, all those things are great. If other people don't get the same, why does that matter? You are in a forum where most people like progressive music which is by no means a popular genre, yet all of us get some kind of pleasure out of it. Are we all wrong for that?
Just enjoy the music and be happy with what it makes you feel :smiley:
-
But when the majority tell you indirectly that something that you absolutely love, something you listen to that gives you the butterflies and that wonderful euphoria that only music can provide, is terrible, trash, the worst thing the band has ever made, it does make you question things.
Why? Like all art forms, whether music speaks to someone is subjective. Everyone has different tastes, preferences, likes, dislikes. It's completely normal, expected and actually a positive that there will be a spectrum of different views on literally everything. Otherwise we'd all like the same thing, and nobody would ever innovate or create anything new or different.
Are these feelings the music is evoking in me wrong?
No, obviously not. They're awesome, that's exactly what music should do.
Are we even listening to the same music?
Yes, see above.
It feels like I'm fighting a battle every single time, and you see so much vitriol for an album that those who appreciate it feel small and insignificant and too scared to speak out because the positive will get utterly crushed by the negative.
I'm confused about the relevance to this thread. Nobody is talking in the terms you've just described.
-
RoeDent, lets get together, listen to The Astonishing and compare the goosebumps. ;) :lol
-
BTW I also love The Astonishing. I couldn't give a dusty fuck if everyone else in the world hates it, it makes me happy and that's all that matters.
-
BTW I also love The Astonishing. I couldn't give a dusty fuck if everyone else in the world hates it, it makes me happy and that's all that matters.
Definitely going to start using this.
-
I think The Astonishing is awful, but I'm glad others enjoy it. Music is subjective!
-
Music is subjective!
Not according to at least one frequent flyer here! :lol
(Not me, I hasten to add. I am so looking forward to Taylor Swift's new album. Couldn't care less what anyone else thinks!)
-
I'm not sure I've ever found myself liking something, reading criticism, and then changing my mind or feeling off about it. If anything, there have been occasions where it's actually strengthened how much I've liked it - not sure I can really explain why though. Maybe on a subconscious level it feels like it's more "for me" if it's less for everyone else.
I do sometimes feel a bit of sadness for the artist if something that really speaks to me isn't going down well more generally, but that's quite natural I think.
I certainly haven't changed my mind about things. But when the majority tell you indirectly that something that you absolutely love, something you listen to that gives you the butterflies and that wonderful euphoria that only music can provide, is terrible, trash, the worst thing the band has ever made, it does make you question things. Are these feelings the music is evoking in me wrong? Are we even listening to the same music? It feels like I'm fighting a battle every single time, and you see so much vitriol for an album that those who appreciate it feel small and insignificant and too scared to speak out because the positive will get utterly crushed by the negative.
Do you have kids? Serious question.
I kind of - not exactly, but sort of - know what you're saying. I have been a Kiss fan since I was 10 years old. I have not wavered (much; the early '90's were a tough time to be a Kiss fan) in all my years, but I know what you mean. Is it too derivative, and I just don't know my music well enough? Is it bad to be so simple? I got into other music - more metal, prog, alternative - but I always seemed to get as much pleasure as anything else when putting on a Kiss record (and forget about live; seeing them at their best - the first reunion tour - was a life-changing experience).
Then I had a kid. And she LOVED music as much as I did, in terms of almost needing it during her day. And she started listening to Miley Cyrus and The Jonas Brothers. And I was, at first, "WTF?". Then she migrated to Taylor Swift and One Direction. And I took her to a couple shows (The Joe Bros. were the biggest at the time), and it struck me: the music itself doesn't matter. There's nothing inherently "better" about Dream Theater or Frank Zappa over Taylor Swift. Sure, there might be a complexity to some of the musical passages, or the lyrical content may be more in depth, but that's really the difference between The Sopranos or Breaking Bad and Seinfeld or Cheers. Is "The Sopranos" better than "Seinfeld" because there is sex and violence? Nope. And so to me, Taylor Swift is no better or worse - objectively - than Zappa because it's simpler, or it talks about - GASP! - feelings. I watch my kid get as giddy for One Direction as I did for Maiden and Kiss, and I'm just happy she found something to immerse herself in. And, truth be told, we've shared our music. She's now a Kiss, Queen, Def Leppard and Fleetwood Mac fan (I feel Elton John is next, though maybe Van Halen) and I think Swift's "Wildest Dreams" is one of the greatest pop songs ever written, "Once In A Lifetime" by One Direction makes me cry every time I hear it, and I went and saw Harry Styles at MSG on his last tour (and he KILLED it). His solo album is WAY underrated, too. If you're a Bowie fan I can see you liking it.
-
I'm not sure I've ever found myself liking something, reading criticism, and then changing my mind or feeling off about it. If anything, there have been occasions where it's actually strengthened how much I've liked it - not sure I can really explain why though. Maybe on a subconscious level it feels like it's more "for me" if it's less for everyone else.
I do sometimes feel a bit of sadness for the artist if something that really speaks to me isn't going down well more generally, but that's quite natural I think.
I certainly haven't changed my mind about things. But when the majority tell you indirectly that something that you absolutely love, something you listen to that gives you the butterflies and that wonderful euphoria that only music can provide, is terrible, trash, the worst thing the band has ever made, it does make you question things. Are these feelings the music is evoking in me wrong? Are we even listening to the same music? It feels like I'm fighting a battle every single time, and you see so much vitriol for an album that those who appreciate it feel small and insignificant and too scared to speak out because the positive will get utterly crushed by the negative.
Dude, How can the feelings music is evoking in you be wrong? It's not like it's driving you to do something bad. Euphoria, happiness, butterflies, all those things are great. If other people don't get the same, why does that matter? You are in a forum where most people like progressive music which is by no means a popular genre, yet all of us get some kind of pleasure out of it. Are we all wrong for that?
Just enjoy the music and be happy with what it makes you feel :smiley:
If that's wrong, I don't want to be right! :)
-
Enthusiasm is infectious, and meeting people who share the same enthusiasm for the music you love is one of the greatest things ever. But music is also an intensely private and personal experience for each of us. And yet it also can be a public experience.
Anyway, I apologise for diverting the thread. I am super super hyped for Flying Colors' return. It's one of my most anticipated albums of the autumn, alongside IQ's Resistance.
-
But when the majority tell you indirectly that something that you absolutely love, something you listen to that gives you the butterflies and that wonderful euphoria that only music can provide, is terrible, trash, the worst thing the band has ever made, it does make you question things.
Why? Like all art forms, whether music speaks to someone is subjective. Everyone has different tastes, preferences, likes, dislikes. It's completely normal, expected and actually a positive that there will be a spectrum of different views on literally everything. Otherwise we'd all like the same thing, and nobody would ever innovate or create anything new or different.
Are these feelings the music is evoking in me wrong?
No, obviously not. They're awesome, that's exactly what music should do.
This. If that's how The Astonishing, or Flying Colors, or anything else makes you feel, then that's how it makes you feel. It's something special, I think, to feel that way about music. I do get that it can be frustrating to read certain comments - especially those with vitriol. It's normal I think; it's normal to sometimes want to jump in and defend something you love. Or to avoid a particularly vitriolic thread or page of a thread - I've done that before too. But don't let it ruin your enjoyment of something.
BTW, I *love* The Astonishing. I like Flying Colors. Oddly, I really like their long songs like Infinite Fire even though I've never been much of a band of NMB or Transatlantic. It's weird how things hit you in different ways.
-
If that's wrong, I don't want to be right! :)
That would explain your posts in P/R ;)
-
So "spot check" muse and decide you don't like them, yet you would probably listen to a known prog bands song 100 times until you liked it.
Go listen to the entirety of Absolution a couple of times and get back to me.
Not getting in the middle but I think about that theory . For a song or album I give multiple listens to it has time to click but other songs or albums I'll discard quickly. I wonder if I gave ALL music multiple listens if I'd appreciate more.
-
That sounded very in the box to me, I hope the rest of the album is more interesting than the single.
First thought was Muse...surely I’m not the only one
The same was absolutely said about Mask Machine from the second album and Shoulda Woulda Coulda from the first. It's just the vocoder. Any time someone adds distortion to their voice it's automatically compared to Muse. Why? Why not just enjoy this song on its own merit? Why does it always have to be pointed out?
Because it sucks. :)
I love the first record, it's one of my favorites of the MP (post-DT) catalogue, but the closer it gets to Muse territory, the less I like it. If this is a "Muse-inspired record", my excitement is tamed significantly.
EDIT: Listened to the single. Not jazzed. It's not the vocoder; it's the legato vocal lines (those verses might as well BE off a Muse record). That's kind of my least favorite side of Flying Colors. I'll give it a shot - I want to hear the "Beach Boys meets Asia" song - but I prefer the more poppy, song-oriented material. Ah well, it's not about me.
For the love of God please go back to Gene Simmons ;D
-
So "spot check" muse and decide you don't like them, yet you would probably listen to a known prog bands song 100 times until you liked it.
Go listen to the entirety of Absolution a couple of times and get back to me.
Not getting in the middle but I think about that theory . For a song or album I give multiple listens to it has time to click but other songs or albums I'll discard quickly. I wonder if I gave ALL music multiple listens if I'd appreciate more.
I can tell you that this works with some music, but some it absolutely doesn't. My wife listens to some music that drives me more bonkers the more I hear it.
-
So "spot check" muse and decide you don't like them, yet you would probably listen to a known prog bands song 100 times until you liked it.
Go listen to the entirety of Absolution a couple of times and get back to me.
Not getting in the middle but I think about that theory . For a song or album I give multiple listens to it has time to click but other songs or albums I'll discard quickly. I wonder if I gave ALL music multiple listens if I'd appreciate more.
I can tell you that this works with some music, but some it absolutely doesn't. My wife listens to some music that drives me more bonkers the more I hear it.
For sure. Some it's the opposite for me hip hop or rap gets worse and some others. Some music I think just has one layer.
-
I guess I'm THAT guy.
So I stumbled on the email that had the More video last night and in a moment of weakness I decided to click on it.
Not sure what I was expecting but it wasn't this. I only watched it once and I'm trying to avoid anything else before it shows up in the mail.
I'm kind of glad that it doesn't sound too much like what came before. Not knowing anything about it other than watching it once, I'm really looking forward to this. Can't wait for the live gig. Hopefully they play most of the new album.
They really seem to be having a blast with this one. Seems like it would be tough to top a lot of the songs on the first two albums, but I think they've moved the needle which really is getting me psyched.
I love that they just went for it in that video.
-
Finally got a chance to listen to More.
I am baffled at how this excellent group of musicians made a song this terrible. I was excited about FC3 too. Second Nature was definitely a step in the wrong direction with the overdone Open Up Your Eyes but it still had promising stuff like A Place In Your World, Cosmic Symphony (a long song done well unlike OUYE), and Peaceful Harbor. I was really hoping they'd scale back and go more towards the poppier sound of their debut but this is just bland trash. It took 5 years to create this? I disliked Mask Machine and still do so maybe this is the worst song on the album, but with the track lengths trending towards 7+ minutes, I'm not expecting the other songs to sound much different. The Muse-inspired vocal melody is heavily apparent too. Who is still ripping off Muse in 2019?
-
(Not me, I hasten to add. I am so looking forward to Taylor Swift's new album. Couldn't care less what anyone else thinks!)
Well, if there is one thing I can safely say about the new Taylor Swift album it's that it'll probably be better than The Astonishing.
-
Bought the first album to support Mike in his early post DT days and because it also featured Neal Morse, who’s music I’m a huge fan of and Steve Morse who is an incredible guitar player. It had it's moments but ultimately I couldn’t bear the singer. The album went up about 6 notches every time Neal Norse sang anything although I get why Mike may not have wanted to be in another Neal fronted band. For that reason I gave album two a miss and, having listened to the new song, my opinion on the singer has not changed. I so wish they hadn’t gone with a singer I just can’t listen to as, him aside, it’s a stellar lineup. The song is very average though in my opinion, sounds like a totally uncool cringey, middle aged version of Muse.
-
Swing and a miss on your part. Dude has a great voice and I enjoy different styles of singing. Sounds to me you are close minded.
-
I'm a big fan of Casey's voice. :tup :tup
I am still pretty optimistic that the new album will be good, and that More will end up being this album's Shoulda Coulda Woulda or Bombs Away (two songs I also find bland and rarely re-visit).
I'll be curious to see what songs from the first two albums they play at Morsefest in 12 days. At the risk of being greedy, I hope we get Blue Ocean, Infinite Fire, The Storm, Love Is What I'm Waiting For, Peaceful Harbor and The Fury of My Love, among others. I'd love to get Better Than Walking Away, but I suspect that is a long shot.
-
Swing and a miss on your part. Dude has a great voice and I enjoy different styles of singing. Sounds to me you are close minded.
Sounds like he doesn't like Casey's voice. Not close minded. Maybe he wanted this to be more like Neil Morse's solo stuff, or Transatlantic. Maybe not.
It's all good. I still love Casey's voice and wish Neil sang even less.
-
Sure but we are on a prog metal board. I see so many close minded when it comes to music
I know you for one can at least appreciate that. I'm not putting down his opinion but saying, be open.
Maybe I worded it poorly.
-
Sure but we are on a prog metal board. I see so many close minded when it comes to music
I know you for one can at least appreciate that. I'm not putting down his opinion but saying, be open.
Maybe I worded it poorly.
Oh I see close minded people all the time. But he just seemed like he didn't like Casey. That's cool. Plenty of "great" singers I don't like. It happens.
-
Agreed. I see many complain about Casey like he's kn a metal band.
Example from the 1st album. "I don't like falsetto."
So every time I read a complaint. I question it since that was the high % on the 1st album.
-
I just checked out More and it's another miss for me but I was never a big fan of FC. I will say I don't really care for Casey's singing in general but I do think he does a good job here even if it's doing his best Matt Bellamy impersonation.
-
I'm a big fan of Casey's voice. :tup :tup
I am still pretty optimistic that the new album will be good, and that More will end up being this album's Shoulda Coulda Woulda or Bombs Away (two songs I also find bland and rarely re-visit).
I'll be curious to see what songs from the first two albums they play at Morsefest in 12 days. At the risk of being greedy, I hope we get Blue Ocean, Infinite Fire, The Storm, Love Is What I'm Waiting For, Peaceful Harbor and The Fury of My Love, among others. I'd love to get Better Than Walking Away, but I suspect that is a long shot.
Along those lines, I wonder if they'll finally play "Lost Without You" since it was the only song from Second Nature that wasn't played live on their last tour.
With nine (ten?) new songs to play, I'd imagine they'll play at least 6 or 7 of them, which probably means about 6 or 7 songs from their first two albums. I think it's safe to say that we probably won't see either "Infinite Fire", "Open Up Your Eyes" or "Cosmic Symphony" since the older long-songs would take up a lot of set list realty. The return of "Blue Ocean" would be welcomed, and I think, from the first album, we'll probably see "Everything Changes", "The Storm" and "Kayla", with the last two being two of their more popular/more accessible songs from their debut. As for songs from Second Nature, I would love to hear them bring back "Peaceful Harbor", as well as "A Place In Your World".
Honestly, from their first two albums, they could probably play anything and it would be enjoyable! I just hope they play ONLY Flying Colors songs, now that they have enough material to fill a whole 2.5 hour show. I also hope that their Morsefest set is a bit different than what they plan on touring with, because I know we'll get CD/DVD/BD releases of both Morsefest 2019 AND the Third Degree Tour, but given our luck, they'll use the same songs/set list for Morsefest as they will for the upcoming tour.
-Marc.
-
I get the complaints about Casey's voice - even if I don't share them - as he doesn't sound like anyone that Mike has worked with (on a regular basis) before.
Having said that, I don't know how you listen to "Better Than Walking Away" and not acknowledge that it works, even if it's not your thing.
-
Casey is a great singer with a great voice, just don’t make him try to sound like the guy from Muse :huh:
-
(https://i.ibb.co/k99fxmy/68881096-644449939380654-8477831981319585792-n.png) (https://ibb.co/1dd5Lzn)
This is all I say for now:
Third Degree > Flying Colors > Second Nature
-
I think it's fair to mention that only MORE has that effect on Casey's voice. So, don't expect to listen to the same effect other tracks. The album seems short after listening to it, and I listened to the regular version with 9 tracks only, which is 1 hour 6 minutes and some seconds long but it pass flying. The trading vocals it's present in 4 songs, in those songs Casey trades vocals with Neal for only a verse, and in other song he trades vocals with NM and MP for a verse each and that's it. Casey sings ALL the songs except what I just mentioned. There's one song with a HUGE Beatles vibe (I think it's my favorite of the album). The longer tracks are magical specially CRAWL. This album it's really good, and IMO for those that were put off by the Muse vibe of MORE don't let that prevent you from getting/giving this album a chance, it will be worth!
-
Alright nerds... I've got my tickets for Ventura!
GA, because I've never liked the Balcony at Ventura Theater. I'm a Ventura local so if anyone is coming in for this show and has questions about parking or food or anything in the area let me know!
-
I think it's fair to mention that only MORE has that effect on Casey's voice. So, don't expect to listen to the same effect other tracks.
Intriguing that they've chosen the "Muse"-effect tracks as lead singles for the last two albums. Judging by this comment and the vitriol directed towards More earlier in the thread, maybe the band should have chosen another track for the lead single. It's not even like length is an issue, as More is 7:10. It might have staved off the criticism at least until the album came along.
-
I think it's fair to mention that only MORE has that effect on Casey's voice. So, don't expect to listen to the same effect other tracks.
Intriguing that they've chosen the "Muse"-effect tracks as lead singles for the last two albums. Judging by this comment and the vitriol directed towards More earlier in the thread, maybe the band should have chosen another track for the lead single. It's not even like length is an issue, as More is 7:10. It might have staved off the criticism at least until the album came along.
maybe they deliberately chose this one, because they want to trigger lively discussions about it ?(in that case, they succeded) (btw, IMHO Muse had a good run of albums from Absolution until The 2nd Law, I like Simulation Theory quite a bit too, but then again I love Queen a lot and Muse seem to follow in their footsteps, so that's a win win for me)
-
Mike Portnoy Drum & Vox Cam - Flying Colors' More - THIS IS A SPLIT HEADPHONE MIX!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8R_995fE_I&feature=youtu.be
-
Btw, I only just noticed MP's drumsticks being toppled in the YT thumbnail as opposed to the dominoes. Funny detail IMHO.
-
I'm not sure I've ever found myself liking something, reading criticism, and then changing my mind or feeling off about it. If anything, there have been occasions where it's actually strengthened how much I've liked it - not sure I can really explain why though. Maybe on a subconscious level it feels like it's more "for me" if it's less for everyone else.
I do sometimes feel a bit of sadness for the artist if something that really speaks to me isn't going down well more generally, but that's quite natural I think.
I certainly haven't changed my mind about things. But when the majority tell you indirectly that something that you absolutely love, something you listen to that gives you the butterflies and that wonderful euphoria that only music can provide, is terrible, trash, the worst thing the band has ever made, it does make you question things. Are these feelings the music is evoking in me wrong? Are we even listening to the same music? It feels like I'm fighting a battle every single time, and you see so much vitriol for an album that those who appreciate it feel small and insignificant and too scared to speak out because the positive will get utterly crushed by the negative.
I have been proclaiming my love of Hudson Hawk since I first saw it in the theater in May 1991. Still holding my head up.
-
There's a contest over FB to win a litograph signed by the entire band.
All you have to do is to reply with the titlw of the 2 epics of the album. I am sure the lenght of the tracks were posted here before, so, if you want to take a chance: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2506652359378236&set=gm.902125110167606&type=3&theater&ifg=1
-
In the meantime, enjoy the new video from Melanie Mau & Martin Schnella: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcICFwl9oPk
:hat
-
I like the album, but nothing in it stands out for me like many tracks did on the first and second album. Maybe they'll grow on me over time, but for now, I feel that while enjoyable, most tracks are kind of bland.
-
On Wednesday, August 28th, at 10am EST, the band will drop the official video for "You Are Not Alone".
Can't wait to hear it!
-Marc.
-
I'm going cheesy schmaltzy ballad a la Peaceful Harbor or Better Than Walking Away.
-
You Are Not Alone:
https://youtu.be/bMy8QeDnEXI
It will be available by 10am
---------------
Audio only: https://open.spotify.com/album/4g8eXw6P5Tqtl2vqWnN8Rm
-
FLYING COLORS LAUNCH THEIR SECOND VIDEO FOR THE SONG “YOU ARE NOT ALONE”
View Video Here: https://youtu.be/bMy8QeDnEXI
Pre-Order Live Here: https://smarturl.it/Flying-Colors
BAND WILL TOUR IN SUPPORT OF UPCOMING RELEASE WITH
APPEARANCES PLANNED IN BOTH THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPE
Music Theories Recordings / Mascot Label Group and Flying Colors have announced the global release of the band’s third studio album THIRD DEGREE on October 4. Third Degree did not come effortlessly, nor too quickly. “It took time — but that’s the thing with Flying Colors,” Portnoy admits. “It’s very hard to get the five of us in the same room at the same time. But once we do, it flows so easily.”
The second video release is for the song “You Are Not Alone” on which Portnoy comments: “It’s one of the softer songs on the album...a side of Flying Colors that we always try to incorporate on every album...absolutely beautiful melodies, chord progressions and key changes. And Casey’s delivery is just absolutely goosebump worthy!”
The first sessions for Third Degree took place at Steve Morse’s studio in Florida in December 2016, wherein seven songs were written. From there, the bandmembers had to scatter back to their other personal and professional obligations, eventually reconvening two full years later in December 2018.
Portnoy agrees the future of Flying Colors looks quite bright indeed. “Our mission statement when we came together is still the same now,” he affirms. “It’s the same five guys with extremely different musical personalities and backgrounds coming together into a giant melting pot where it all comes out on the other end with music that’s accessible, melodic, deep, and colorful. That’s always been the goal of this band, and so far, I think we’re three for three.”
With Third Degree, Flying Colors continue to fire on all cylinders — and, in the process, they also handily prove the third time’s an unquestionable sonic charm.
Flying Colors have booked nine live dates on their calendar, mostly split evenly between the U.S. and Europe — in essence, to perform as many shows for their fans as they can possibly fit in between their many other band and touring commitments. “There’s an evolution happening within our sound on this record, and I’m excited to explore that onstage,” McPherson notes. “We’ve seen that evolution start with this record, and we’re going to see it happen even more so on the fourth record, in terms of capturing all our beautiful differences.”
Flying Colors will make the following appearances in 2019:
8/30 Cross Plains, TN MorseFest 2019
9/05 Ventura, CA Ventura Theater
10/07 New York, NY Sony Hall
10/11 Glenside, PA Keswick Theater
10/17 St. Charles, IL Arcada Theater
12/11 Pratteln, Switzerland Z7
12/12 Cologne, Germany Essigfabrik
12/13 Tilburg, Netherlands 013
12/14 London, England Shepherd’s Bush Empire
-
Not yet, they haven't. Launches at 3pm UK/10am EST.
-
Damn.
It did nothing for me. /shrug
-
Same here. By-the-numbers cheesy ballad. It's not terrible, but it's nothing special either.
-
Same here. By-the-numbers cheesy ballad. It's not terrible, but it's nothing special either.
Hang on a minute! Aren't you breaking your own rule here and deflating those who eagerly and enthusiastically await the album's release? :biggrin:
Silliness aside, I have to say it didn't do anything for me, either. Bland as.
-
I think the song it's fantastic, very emotional, and I love it!
-
It's not a bad song. It just doesn't tickle my private parts like other Flying Colors' music does.
-
Same here. By-the-numbers cheesy ballad. It's not terrible, but it's nothing special either.
Hang on a minute! Aren't you breaking your own rule here and deflating those who eagerly and enthusiastically await the album's release? :biggrin:
Silliness aside, I have to say it didn't do anything for me, either. Bland as.
I don't even know anymore. I'm tired of trying. There's no point.
-
Pretty uninspiring so far.
-
I don't listen to Muse at all and couldn't name more than 2 of their songs, and after 5 seconds of the vocals on More, I thought "Huh, sounds like Muse." Pretty boring and annoying scratchy-sounding riff (I am sure there is a musical term for that sound). That keyboard solo is horrid.
That second song was alright, brought to you by the team that gave you the video to Hollow Years.
I try not to judge artists by their look, but I really hate (thanks, Stadler) that that train conductor hat Casey always wears.
-
Okay, so you're missing a VERY key word in your post... :)
I like it, not love it, but I'm also pretty against most "pre-release" songs. I HATED Tattoo before the newest Van Halen record came out, and that record was my album of the year (and I really like Tattoo in the context of the record). I'm still a first day buyer, and I'll judge it as a whole.
FC is still my favorite post-DT Portnoy project.
-
When did Flying Colors become Coldplay?
-
Same here. By-the-numbers cheesy ballad. It's not terrible, but it's nothing special either.
Hang on a minute! Aren't you breaking your own rule here and deflating those who eagerly and enthusiastically await the album's release? :biggrin:
Silliness aside, I have to say it didn't do anything for me, either. Bland as.
I don't even know anymore. I'm tired of trying. There's no point.
Plot twist: RoeDent now hates everything.
-
When did Flying Colors become Coldplay?
"The Storm" ;)
-Marc.
-
Two awful songs so far. And this is supposed to be one of MP's top albums ever (according to him)?
-
No connection to that song whatsoever. 2 total swings
and misses so far.
-
I liked it just fine. Will have to see how it settles. Does seem a tad long for that kind of song. I love Casey's voice. (On a barely related note I've found that Ted's voice is stopping me from digging later SB...)
I really hope the album turns out good...
-
Heard it this morning before work, and I enjoyed it enough. It wasn't super surprising but not boring for me, either. I enjoyed Steve's playing a lot, and the quieter drumming was a nice touch. Casey's voice definitely suits this song a lot, but I do hope this is the slowest/softest ballad on the album.
I am still eagerly awaiting the whole album, and despite a lackluster first reaction to "More", I listened to it earlier this week and quite enjoyed it, so I think this album may be a grower.
-Marc.
-
Listened to this new one twice...not too wild about this one either. I am officially a little worried about this new record since they are 0 for 2 now. :( :(
-
In a moment of weakness I clicked on the first video. Not making that mistake again.
Waiting until it shows up in my mailbox.
-
LAst Train Home is pretty slow too, but a little bit more dynamic than You Are Not Alone. Love Letter is them playing The Beatles, Guardian and Cadence have the feel of the first album, but not much stands out in them. Geronimo has a Toto feel and a catchy chorus. Crawl is the saving grace of the album for me.
-
Same here. By-the-numbers cheesy ballad. It's not terrible, but it's nothing special either.
Hang on a minute! Aren't you breaking your own rule here and deflating those who eagerly and enthusiastically await the album's release? :biggrin:
Silliness aside, I have to say it didn't do anything for me, either. Bland as.
I don't even know anymore. I'm tired of trying. There's no point.
Plot twist: RoeDent now hates everything.
You're not far wrong. I'm certainly not getting the joy out of this music that I hoped I would. More is hitting the spot a little bit more (heh...) than YANA, but not quite. Not as much as Lost Without You from the previous album, which still brings me goosebumps and reminds me of happier times.
Let's hope the rest of the album has something that'll hit the spot. If not, let's hope IQ can make the autumn a bit better, music-wise.
-
I liked it just fine. Will have to see how it settles. Does seem a tad long for that kind of song. I love Casey's voice. (On a barely related note I've found that Ted's voice is stopping me from digging later SB...)
I really hope the album turns out good...
Wow, you had all of my thoughts, get out of my head! ;D
-
BTW, is it too much to ask that those of you are getting promo copies early do not get descriptive about the songs? Some of us would like to get the CD and listen to it fresh without knowing this song is the Beatles song, that song is that, etc.
-
I actually liked the new song, much better than the first single. Yeah, it was balladish, but it reminded me of their approach from the first album - pop "style" shorter songs, but with a little musical flair. I dig it.
-
BTW, is it too much to ask that those of you are getting promo copies early do not get descriptive about the songs? Some of us would like to get the CD and listen to it fresh without knowing this song is the Beatles song, that song is that, etc.
Sorry! I thought I was being helpful.
-
I'd like this if it was much shorter. Repeat plays, I get bored halfway through. I think this could easily be half as long as it actually is.
-
I actually liked the new song, much better than the first single. Yeah, it was balladish, but it reminded me of their approach from the first album - pop "style" shorter songs, but with a little musical flair. I dig it.
Exactly.
-
BTW, is it too much to ask that those of you are getting promo copies early do not get descriptive about the songs? Some of us would like to get the CD and listen to it fresh without knowing this song is the Beatles song, that song is that, etc.
Sorry! I thought I was being helpful.
All good. I am just nicely asking to keep spoilers to a low roar. :coolio
-
When did Flying Colors become Coldplay?
It's the vocals that keep me from this band.
-
Swing and a miss for me too. Not 100% sure why. It’s just.....boring.
Melodies are nice. Orchestration is good. But I kept turning it off after a while.
-
I liked it just fine. Will have to see how it settles. Does seem a tad long for that kind of song. I love Casey's voice. (On a barely related note I've found that Ted's voice is stopping me from digging later SB...)
I really hope the album turns out good...
Wow, you had all of my thoughts, get out of my head! ;D
:lol
-
I might give the album a shot once it comes out, but yeah, I think this project in general just isn't for me. I enjoyed the debut well enough but didn't care much for the second. The two tracks released so far are among the weakest material I've heard from them personally
-
When did Flying Colors become Coldplay?
It's the vocals that keep me from this band.
Yeah, I think that's where I'm at now, too. Like, the first album is really good for a debut and has lots of interesting and quirky music, but the second not so much, and the singles for #3 are doing nothing for me. Casey in particular. I hope this is just a case of the singles being the weak links.
-
Tonight! :caffeine:
-
Review of last night concert?
-
LAst Train Home is pretty slow too, but a little bit more dynamic than You Are Not Alone. Love Letter is them playing The Beatles, Guardian and Cadence have the feel of the first album, but not much stands out in them. Geronimo has a Toto feel and a catchy chorus. Crawl is the saving grace of the album for me.
I like Geronimo and Crawl a lot! The opener is a very cool rocker with a catchy chorus, catchier than Mask Machine.
-
Show was great.
First of all, I was pleasantly surprised by who the Ventura Theater got to open. The Travis Larson Band. Really cool 3 piece playing guitar driven instrumental fusion. I guess they literally just got off a run opening for The Aristocrats.
Flying Colors was of course Fan Fucking Tastic. The setlist was the same as the Morsefest set. The 2 singles from the new album were... okay. Crawl, the big song from the new album was really cool, but I wish I could have had the chance to digest it with the album before seeing it live. There were a few fuck ups... which is fine... shows that the guys are human. Casey and Dave were on FIRE. Neal... well... very entertaining to watch him perform. You can tell he's having fun. Steve of course is Awesome. And then Mike is Mike. The only complaint I have, besides the acoustics at The Ventura Theater being shit (You can tell that the band was having issues with their mixes... Dave especially... the guy who runs the front end sound is a dick and needs to find a new career), was the the run of longer songs (Crawl > Peaceful Harbor > Infinite Fire > Cosmic Symphony. I think at least one should have been earlier in the set, but that's just personal preference.
Also, the turnout was really disappointing. The theater is... a 1200 capacity venue. There were maybe 300 people there. It felt very very empty.
Also also: There was a dude in a green long sleeve Haken 1985 shirt there with his young (8 - 10 yr old) daughter... they were both rocking out... it was amazing. The girl was WAY into it, dancing and singing and having fun. Really heart warming :)
-
Seems like many of MP's projects are struggling to
draw a respectable number of people. I know he
always strives to have a good attitude but it must
be deflating at this point in his career.
-
Seems like many of MP's projects are struggling to
draw a respectable number of people. I know he
always strives to have a good attitude but it must
be deflating at this point in his career.
I think the problems here are location and timing. It's 1-3 hours from LA / Orange County, and was on a Thursday night. I think they usually play a smaller venue in LA proper.
-
did Casey give a little talk about You Are Not Alone being written about his experience going around in a boat rescuing people after Hurricane Harvey hit Houston? That plus the screen showing home footage of him actually doing that definitely added to the song at Morsefest for me.
-
did Casey give a little talk about You Are Not Alone being written about his experience going around in a boat rescuing people after Hurricane Harvey hit Houston? That plus the screen showing home footage of him actually doing that definitely added to the song at Morsefest for me.
Yea. It really does add an extra layer of depth to the song.
-
If that's the setlist, I'm happy. Two of my three favorite songs, and I'd say four of my top five favorite songs (only one missing is "Better Than Walking Away").
I'm fired up for the show, now.
-
I would have been thrilled to have Walking Away in the set.
-
I'm discussing a possible interview with Casey. If you have questions for him, feel free to send them to me!
-
I'm going cheesy schmaltzy ballad a la Peaceful Harbor or Better Than Walking Away.
I think those are two of their best so if it's anything approaching those two I'll be a happy camper.
-
Two awful songs so far. And this is supposed to be one of MP's top albums ever (according to him)?
To be fair, I'm pretty sure he says that about every single thing he ever works on.
Thoughts on the songs:
You Are Not Alone - Kinda boring tbh. Lyrics are a little bland for the most part, it doesn't really do anything exciting musically, and it feels pretty stationary even by ballad standards. There's not a whole lot of momentum in the harmony as far as I can hear and it doesn't generate a whole lot of momentum through the melody or rhythm either, so it mostly just sits and festers instead of actually going anywhere. Also, half the song could easily be cut without damaging it.
More - The vocals on this 100% sound like early/middle Muse. Like...the vocals could've been a cut track from The Resistance or something and I wouldn't be surprised. The first instrumental section wasn't too terribly interesting, and honestly most of it doesn't really flow that well (the transition from the main section to the arpeggios is a little sudden, the internal sections of it don't really connect that well, and the move towards the lighter acoustic section is hella clunky). That ELP solo was kinda awful. Felt that they could do more (ha) with that "More!" shouting idea, because that could be pretty good. Main riff is good, probably the highlight of the song. Overall, this is a good 4 min song with 3 minutes of padding. It's an okay Muse knockoff song without a good editor.
Honestly, I'm starting to feel like I don't actually like prog much anymore outside of a few select bands like DT, Ne Obliviscaris, and iamthemorning. I'm finding I'm enjoying a lot of the recent prog albums I've heard less and less, and a lot of the stuff that defines prog musically is just starting to get on my nerves now because most of it is imo handled really poorly. Or maybe it's not me, and a lot of modern prog just genuinely sucks. Who knows.
-
Our review of the abum:
https://www.sonicperspectives.com/album-reviews/flying-colors-third-degree/
-
Our review of the abum:
https://www.sonicperspectives.com/album-reviews/flying-colors-third-degree/
This excites me
-
I get a 404 when I try that page. *shrug*
-
I get a 404 when I try that page. *shrug*
Label requested to hold the review until 2 weeks before release date.
-
It’s true, MP shared this review, but now it is deleted from his facebook.
When it was up in his page, I asked him about the meaning of “alternative “ instrumental mixes of the second CD of deluxe edition, and he replied that they are rearranged/reorchestrated/remixed instrumental versions of the songs. Much more interesting to me than only original versions minus vocals, which it’s more common to see.
-
It’s true, MP shared this review, but now it is deleted from his facebook.
When it was up in his page, I asked him about the meaning of “alternative “ instrumental mixes of the second CD of deluxe edition, and he replied that they are rearranged/reorchestrated/remixed instrumental versions of the songs. Much more interesting to me than only original versions minus vocals, which it’s more common to see.
That's a neat idea. Make the songs stand out as an insturmental, using the guitar or keys or whatever to fill in the missing vocal melodies and rythmns .
-
Let me sum up the review:
YEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
-
That's funny, cos according to a lot of folks on here, it sounds nothing like
YEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
More like MUUUUUUUUUUSSSSSSSSEEEEEEE.
-
LOVE LETTER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBo3TVaDK3M&feature=youtu.be :metal
-
https://youtu.be/qBo3TVaDK3M
Music video for "Love Letter"
Now THIS sounds good. I love the video, as well. The album inches ever closer and I grow more impatient!
-Marc.
-
MP on that yellow submarine at the end was sooo cool!
-
This is much better. More fun. Beatlesque.
-
Sounds too much like The Beach Boys and The Beatles
:neverusethis:
I actually like this much better than the other two singles.
-
Loving this latest one.
-
Sounds too much like The Beach Boys and The Beatles
No problems there! :)
-
Sounds too much like The Beach Boys and The Beatles
No problems there! :)
:heart
-
What's funny is that I saw a few comments in the video that were along the lines of "This isn't proggy enough" or "We need more stuff like MORE and less like Love Letter".
Like...have you even HEARD the debut album?!
-Marc.
-
Pretty decent tune.
-
I feel like I should like this song as it's clearly better than the other ones but something about it just feels familiar and rehashed. Like a quirky NM song ala Ways Of A Fool. At this point, I just don't think I'm going to like this album very much. I'll still get it to support the guys, and hopefully there's at least one track that blows me away, but I think I'm just burnt out on this particular group of musicians.
-
I feel like I should like this song as it's clearly better than the other ones but something about it just feels familiar and rehashed. Like a quirky NM song ala Ways Of A Fool. At this point, I just don't think I'm going to like this album very much. I'll still get it to support the guys, and hopefully there's at least one track that blows me away, but I think I'm just burnt out on this particular group of musicians.
It reminded me of Ways of a Fool as well. Nevertheless, I really liked this song.
-
A friend of mine who has listened the album shared me his thoughts:
Here it goes:
The Loss Inside - Straight-up rocker that gets right into it. The hook is kind of weird and suspenseful. Has kind of an old-school rock vibe right down to the sick Hammond solo.
More - Again, one of the weakest songs on the album. Just not a very compelling track. Instrumental stuff is fun.
Cadence - My first impression of this song is that it's their attempt at Kayla 2.0, and it works. I really, really like this song, and think it's way better than Kayla. Your mileage may vary but this was the first time Third Degree actually impressed me. Hell, this could've been a single with some trimming.
Guardian - Should have been the first single. In a way this song reminds me a bit of Blue Ocean and has a vibe reminiscent of the first FC album. But oh my lord, the instrumental section. At about 4:00 it backs off a little and then we get a long bass solo that is just so. fucking. tasty. This part might be the very best moment on the record. This should have been a music video of the guys driving down the road having fun, and then cutting to Dave LaRue and Steve Morse jamming out on top of a moving bus or something. Right now it's hard to not call this my favorite song on the album because of what this part adds.
Last Train Home - 10.5 minutes, a lot to unpack here. There's probably a lot of Neal Morse solo comparisons you could make with this one, but that's just my guess since I'm not a fan of his solo stuff. Just has that vibe. The instrumental stuff in this one is very tasty and there's a lot going on in this one. It's kind of ballady, but it has some really pleasant melodic soloing and rhythm stuff to keep things interesting.
Geronimo - Seinfeld bass track. This is groovy and funky and should have been the second single because 1) it shows off the bass VERY well again and 2) has a sound that grips your ear. You Are Not Alone and More don't sound like they have much of an identity to me. The bass drives this song. Nice guitar solo and Hammond flair as it goes on. Love the "whoa-oh-oh" backing vocals. This song is probably my second favorite at the moment. Again, Seinfeld bass.
You Are Not Alone - Just not a fan of this one. Far too long for a ballad, I think it could be half as long easily. But let me just say Steve Morse's guitar tone is deliciously vibrant across the whole record. I love how smooth and rich it sounds.
Love Letter - Reminds me of Beatles-era rock love songs. Imagine a more upbeat and full version of Love Is What I'm Waiting For from the first album. I really dig this song.
Crawl - Over 11 minutes, this one needs more plays to really get a grip on, just like Last Train Home. Some very nice instrumental work, but I can't say much more right now. It's an epic way to close the album.
To me Casey is the weaker link of the record. He's not bad but I don't hear much of anything from him that is impressing me. He serves the songs well, though, which is good. But there isn't enough of that character in his voice - to me - that helped the first album stand out so much. People who are bigger Flying Colors/Casey fans than I am will probably disagree. I also don't think MP is doing anything remotely special here, which is also fine, but I find it interesting having followed his career for so long. I'll be paying closer attention on repeat listens but I think Dave LaRue, Steve Morse, and Neal Morse are doing the heavy lifting on this record. I think it's absolutely worthy of the Flying Colors name. Also, the bonus track "Waiting for the Sun" is nice and pretty. If you think of what a 9-minute Flying Colors song might sound like, you're probably more right than wrong.
I just wish they used Guardian and Geronimo as singles. Overall this album is full of rockers and groovy songs and solos with a lot of heart and emotion. I don't think people will be disappointed with this one even if they don't like the current singles. I liked it a lot. Maybe more than Second Nature!
//////////////////////////////////////////
:metal
-
Looking forward to seeing Flying Colors for the first time next month - and meeting them, too! This album sounds like it's gonna rock. :biggrin:
-
I liked the first two albums just fine, but little on them really excited me. I honestly wasn't even really sure I would buy the new one. At least, I certainly wasn't in a rush to preorder it and not sure if/when I would have gotten around to picking it up. But I really like More. A lot. And Love Letter isn't bad. I think I may have to get this after all. Pretty strong showing so far.
Show was great.
First of all, I was pleasantly surprised by who the Ventura Theater got to open. The Travis Larson Band. Really cool 3 piece playing guitar driven instrumental fusion. I guess they literally just got off a run opening for The Aristocrats.
This guys are INCREDIBLE! All three of them are such good players and so fun to watch. Honestly, Travis is probably the person I pay the least attention to. Jen and Dale are such a blast to watch. If you haven't, pick up an album or two. Shift is my favorite. Their live DVD Shift Happens is also really great if you want to watch them.
-
Where's the review you posted, Ministro? We're well past the 2-week threshold the label asked for.
-
Where's the review you posted, Ministro? We're well past the 2-week threshold the label asked for.
Can't post until this Friday
-
They keep moving the goalposts. Absolute idiots, the lot of 'em.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glJ7oKA0vMs
Another track
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glJ7oKA0vMs
Another track
Rocker :metal
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glJ7oKA0vMs
Another track
I liked it well enough. At this point, I just really want to hear the WHOLE album in context. The next 8 days are going to be hard to wait through!
-Marc.
-
Who's going to the show in New York in a week and a half?
-
I'll be there.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glJ7oKA0vMs
Another track
Man, for an album I was really lukewarm at best about, I can't believe how much I am liking all the songs they keep releasing.
-
Who's going to the show in New York in a week and a half?
Sup?
-
Want to make a plan to meet up? I'm heading down early, I hope to be in the City no later than 2:30, 3:00. I will probably be thirsty at that time. :)
-
Want to make a plan to meet up? I'm heading down early, I hope to be in the City no later than 2:30, 3:00. I will probably be thirsty at that time. :)
Would love to, but I work til 4 in Long Island. So I doubt I can even get there before like 6? But I can meet up then.
-
For me I should be leaving the office at 5:30 and I'm right across the river, so I should be able to be somewhere near the venue at about 6.
-
Has anyone ordered from Mascot Label before? How fast do they ship out pre-orders?
-
Where's the review you posted, Ministro? We're well past the 2-week threshold the label asked for.
Here it is:
https://www.sonicperspectives.com/album-reviews/flying-colors-third-degree/
-
For me I should be leaving the office at 5:30 and I'm right across the river, so I should be able to be somewhere near the venue at about 6.
I'm only getting in that early to miss what will otherwise be brutal traffic. Toying with the train, too, though I know me, and I'll likely bail on that at the last minute as I usually do.
I don't know much around that area, but I'm going to do some recon.
-
Dammit Stads, you fascist lib-tard your inbox is full! Fix it!
-
The FOURTH music video will premiere on September 30th, for "The Loss Inside".
https://youtu.be/1HvrtfJQbIE
-Marc.
-
Even though four songs have been released, that still equates to "only" 24:43 of the album's 66:30 running time.
-
I was FINALLY going to see Flying Colors live next month and then today I find out my car has a blown head gasket which means no f'ing way will I be able to get to the show :'(
-
Official Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HvrtfJQbIE
-
Not bad.
-
Official Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HvrtfJQbIE
Definitely the best out of the songs they've released for this album so far.
-
Got my mp3 download from Mascot Records in my email. Can't wait to give the entire album a spin!
EDIT - Gave it a spin this morning, and first impressions are positive. While I was initially luke-warm to some of the singles, they sound great within context of the whole album. The unheard songs are real treats, as well, though some may have issues with some sections of the two longer songs having very similar-sounding Neal Morse/Transatlantic/NMB moments, but with Steve's guitar tone and Casey's vocals, they really help set this music apart from Neal's. I'm surprised at how LITTLE Neal (and Mike) get behind the mic on this one compared to the first two.
I'm definitely digging this one, and I'm excited to dig into it further as the week goes on. I'm excited to read everyone's opinions on the album and its songs, and I can't wait to get my CD Limited Edition so I can hear the bonus tracks!
-Marc.
-
Got my deluxe edition today! Came early, can't wait to listen to it.
-
Got mine too yesterday. Have listened once but can't really say anything other than it's good, but to tell how good it is needs more listenings.
What I like is that the instrumental version aren't just tracks without vocals but tracks with really different instrumentations and playing. Not sure if I will play them often but it's way better than some tacked on karaoke versions.
-
Got my deluxe edition today! Came early, can't wait to listen to it.
You did, or the CD did? ;)
-
From what I've read in reviews, it sounds like Geronimo is going to be a fun track! Really looking forward to hearing it, along with the rest of the album. I personally haven't picked up any NMB albums (although I am tempted by The Great Adventure), so even though some/many of you might be overdosed on Morse/Portnoy albums, I am not. I'm pumped for this.
-
Got my deluxe edition today! Came early, can't wait to listen to it.
You did, or the CD did? ;)
Haha! :rollin
-
Got my deluxe edition today! Came early, can't wait to listen to it.
You did, or the CD did? ;)
Lol. Why not both? ;D
-
listened to the album a couple of times and it unfortunately gives me few smiles around my mouth. Some parties are good but for me it is a rush project once again. 3/6
-
https://twitter.com/AllMediaReviews/status/1179438992384770048
👍👍👍. Maybe their best. "Love Letter" is a tune many POWER POP fans could love.
╱╱┏╮
╱╱┃┃
▉━╯┗━╮
▉┈┈┈┈┃
▉╮┈┈┈┃
╱╰━━━╯
-
Deluxe CD Edition CD showed up in the mail yesterday (with the poster) and while I probably won't be able to give it the attention it needs for a few days yet,
I did crack it open and look it over. Seems like the photo book is an expanded version of the CD booklet.
Looks great. Can't wait to dig in and commit to memory before next week's show.
On random thought. One of the photos had a "Wrapped Around Your Finger" vibe to it. Not sure who's idea that was. Looks like I'm going to need to fiddle with my Flying Colors shelf to fit this in with the other two live and studio releases.
-
Third Degree is the album I wanted for FC to make originally: more power prog pop than prog in the TA/Neal Morse vein. I was underwhelmed by the first one. I didn’t like the second one except for one or two songs since it was very heavy on the prog. On this one, I haven’t skipped a track. Album is full of melody and Casey’s vocals are great. Some heavy Beatles choruses on this one.
-
From what I've read in reviews, it sounds like Geronimo is going to be a fun track! Really looking forward to hearing it, along with the rest of the album. I personally haven't picked up any NMB albums (although I am tempted by The Great Adventure), so even though some/many of you might be overdosed on Morse/Portnoy albums, I am not. I'm pumped for this.
Geronimo is the coolest track on this album.
-
Third Degree is the album I wanted for FC to make originally: more power prog pop than prog in the TA/Neal Morse vein. I was underwhelmed by the first one. I didn’t like the second one except for one or two so gs since it was very heavy on the prog. On this one, I haven’t skipped a track. Album is full of melody and Casey’s vocals are great. Sole heavy Beatles choruses on this one.
Yup, that's why I said this one it's better than the first 2. This is a great album!!!
-
From what I've read in reviews, it sounds like Geronimo is going to be a fun track! Really looking forward to hearing it, along with the rest of the album. I personally haven't picked up any NMB albums (although I am tempted by The Great Adventure), so even though some/many of you might be overdosed on Morse/Portnoy albums, I am not. I'm pumped for this.
Geronimo is the coolest track on this album.
+1
-
Hmm. First impressions are that this is very dull... :-\
EDIT: I am in a bit of a hard-to-please place with music at the moment, but still...
-
Hmm. First impressions are that this is very dull... :-\
EDIT: I am in a bit of a hard-to-please place with music at the moment, but still...
welcome to my life
-
Got mine! And it's absolutely fantastic! Everything I expect from Flying Colors!
I've wound up with the deluxe box set (it was all they had in. Still only £17, so less expensive than I was expecting), so I find myself in possession of two coasters. In addition to the two CDs (some will say I have four coasters then...) and the photobook.
-
Was pretty unimpressed except for crawl ,Geronimo and love letter . Guardian just seemed like a filler track with no real direction . 6/10 for me
-
Hmm. First impressions are that this is very dull... :-\
EDIT: I am in a bit of a hard-to-please place with music at the moment, but still...
I listened to the first 2 tracks on the the way to work and had to turn it off. I did not like them at all. Not sure if it's my current mindset or I just really didn't like them. Regardless I'm going to hold of on listening to the rest for a bit.
-
Wait until you're in a better frame of mind, and be prepared because you'll probably be forced to make an embarrassing volte-face.
-
First listen and the first 4 songs left me cold, then things improved I think the remaining 5 songs were all much stronger. That is just a first opinion though.
-
I'll come back to it. I really loved the first 2 albums. They were fun and "easy" to listen too. Those first 2 songs were a challenge I have no interest in partaking in at the moment. And thanks to the Dirt Poor Robins thread I'll be going through their stuff for awhile.
-
If anyone is interested, it looks like Mascot Records put up the remaining 5 songs (without music videos) up on their YouTube page so you can finally listen to the whole album on there if you'd like!
-Marc.
-
Hmm. First impressions are that this is very dull... :-\
EDIT: I am in a bit of a hard-to-please place with music at the moment, but still...
i find it thoroughly boring about 8 listens in....and i loved the last album. i dunno. the playing and vocals are great. it's just.....such a tedious listen.
i do like Cadence
Love Letter
you Are Not Alone.
the rest.......yea not doing it.
-
My only complaint so far is that there is a LOT of 7/4 in the album, and it feels very forced in some places. It's like "This could be two measures of 4/4, but if we drop a beat, it'll be more prog!" and I kind of eye-roll a bit when those moments happen, but I'm sure that'll all pass with time. As I have been casually listening to it at work and at home, I've enjoyed the songs more and more, but I'm also picking out things as well, so we will see how my feelings on the album as a whole develop further as the days and weeks go on. I need to remind myself not to burn myself out on this and spin the new IQ every now and then as well.
-Marc.
-
I wish 1 of 2 things would happen:
-Flying Colors do an entire album of songs like Love Letter
-Portnoy form a band with Roger Manning and Ty Tabor and do songs like Love Letter
-
i do like Cadence
Do you mean 'Everything Changes: Pt II' Good thing 'Everything Changes' is their own song from the first album or they'd be in severe plagerism territory.
While I've only got one listen in.....I'm leaning toward the emotion of 'ehhh'. I mean, talented guys.....great musicians....but there's just nothing here that blows me away. It's just more of the same IMO.
-
If anyone is interested, it looks like Mascot Records put up the remaining 5 songs (without music videos) up on their YouTube page so you can finally listen to the whole album on there if you'd like!
-Marc.
They have the whole album here on BandCamp
https://flyingcolors.bandcamp.com/album/third-degree
-
i do like Cadence
Do you mean 'Everything Changes: Pt II' Good thing 'Everything Changes' is their own song from the first album or they'd be in severe plagerism territory.
While I've only got one listen in.....I'm leaning toward the emotion of 'ehhh'. I mean, talented guys.....great musicians....but there's just nothing here that blows me away. It's just more of the same IMO.
it really is a shame as i said i was so looking forward to this.
but as every track past i was like.
um........uuuuum............UMMMMMMMM!!!!!!! lol
i was gobsmacked that basically track after track was just nothing happening.
probably my most disappointing album of the year.
-
I listened to the album this morning and it was ok. To be fair I was never a big fan of flying colors to begin with so it's more with me than the band. Love letter was probably the highlight. One thing that seems to pop out at me, and I could be completely wrong, is that with the third album it already seems paint by numbers.
I think at the heart of it Flying colors is a group of musicians who have their own style, sound, and tricks coming together to form a band where they execute their own style, sound, and bag of tricks. I feel this happens a lot with supergroups where instead of the band finding it's own united voice it's just a collection of people speaking their own language that translates to a lifeless sounds.
Anyway, my ramblings and my take. One final note is that I am coming around to Casey, I really didn't like him the first album and with this new release I enjoy his singing a lot more.
-
i have to say i'm kinda glad i'm not the only one disappointed. i'm in a neal morse fan group on facebook (which i love, BTW)
And they're all praising this out the ass and i'm like.....really guys? REALLY.
nah i'm happy they enjoy it but it's nice to know i'm not alone here is all.
-
i have to say i'm kinda glad i'm not the only one disappointed. i'm in a neal morse fan group on facebook (which i love, BTW)
And they're all praising this out the ass and i'm like.....really guys? REALLY.
nah i'm happy they enjoy it but it's nice to know i'm not alone here is all.
I generally love/like near everything Neal touches. This release is the first time I've been 'let down' i think. I'm on a second listen right now and while I'm finding/hearing some moments I didn't pick up on the first time through I don't think there's going to be enough to sway my opinion from just 'ehhhh..' It's a better 'ehhhh' than before but still can't find anything to redeem it.
And I'm glad some of you are digging Love Letter....but for my ears that's one of the most boring songs on there :lol
-
How utterly depressing. I listened to this today at the end of the work day and was stunned at how bland most of it is. :( :(
I am sure some of it will grow on me, and I still like Love Letter quite a bit, and the last song sounded like it had potential, but it's been a while since I've been this disappointed with the first listen of a new studio album that I was really looking forward to.
-
How utterly depressing. I listened to this today at the end of the work day and was stunned at how bland most of it is. :( :(
I am sure some of it will grow on me, and I still like Love Letter quite a bit, and the last song sounded like it had potential, but it's been a while since I've been this disappointed with the first listen of a new studio album that I was really looking forward to.
that's how i was....utterly stunned how they took an hour and what...7 minutes to say virtually nothing. i've playwd it again trying to find the key to unlock this album.....i want to.......but it's a wall of just nothing.
This is the first time in a long LONG time a morse related project has let me down utterly.
i do have 3 songs i like i mentioned above but even those are merely ok.
really really let down.
-
With any luck, I'll pop back in this thread sooner rather than later to smack myself for being wrong about this, but after two listens, this feels like the record of a band that has lost the plot. It's not like it's bad; it's just...boring.
-
It's kind of disheartening seeing so many OK-to-meh-to-disappointed reactions here, but I can understand why some may feel this way. Neal has been VERY prolific in the last 10 years, and it's become harder and harder for his various bands to distinguish themselves from each other, especially with three of them have Mike Portnoy on drums (and sometimes vocals). Things can become tiresome and boring, and I can completely see many feeling that way, but for me, as a huge fan of Neal's and Mike's, and of Flying Colors in general, I have embraced Third Degree with the same amount of excitement and enjoyment that the first two albums have given me.
I think Casey sounds as great as he ever has, so if you never really dug his voice, this album might not be for you. I honestly hear LESS Neal on this one than the first two. A lot of my focus goes towards Casey's vocals and Steve's guitar, both of which really help set this album (and band) a part from The Neal Morse Band and Transatlantic. Also, Dave LaRue's bass playing is REALLY stellar throughout. I need to pump this album through some REALLY loud, bass-heavy speakers to FEEL how good his playing on the album is, because he deserves it IMO.
While it doesn't get unanimous praise from me (see above complaint about too much 7/4), it's better than I expected after my lukewarm reaction to the first few singles. It's also a lot to take in, and I'm sure it'll grow on me more and more over time, the same way Second Nature grew on me. I've been throwing in some of the first two albums into my listening of Third Degree, to sort of feel their progression through their albums. Given that the band worked on Third Degree for well over a year, I expected the songs to have more polish to them, and I hear that in some places, but in others it feels like they could have edited themselves, or better yet, had an outside producer like on the first album, but I don't outright dislike any one song, maybe bits of a few.
Maybe some folks will feel differently about Third Degree in a few years, but I hope no one here outright exclaims to Mike on social media that "FC is boring and there shouldn't be anymore FC music" (like I saw on Facebook). It might be everyone's cup of tea, but some of us still enjoy it! :metal
-Marc.
-
Marc, while I agree that the Neal/Portnoy projects can kind of blur together at times (and I enjoy them all a ton, to varying degrees), I don't think that is the issue here. Same goes for Casey singing more, as I am a big fan of his voice, or LaRue's playing, which does seem great. I don't care how good the playing is, if the songs aren't there, then it doesn't matter a whole lot, IMO.
Even a song like Love Letter, which I like a lot, feels way too long. It seems like this album's Love Is What I'm Waiting For, but they they made it too long. Sure, it's only a little over 5 minutes, but I think it would have packed a greater punch at a length similar to its younger cousin (which was right at 3 1/2 minutes). Minor quibbling, sure, but as much as I like the song, it feels like it overstays its welcome.
With the 2nd and 3rd albums now being heavier on the prog than the 1st, I think it's clear that the mentality that made the debut special (where it was all about catchy songs with a touch of prog sprinkled in here and there) is one they do not have much interest in trying to recapture. There is not a single song on the new album under five minutes. Quite a contrast to the debut, where seven of the 11 songs were under five minutes.
-
Marc, while I agree that the Neal/Portnoy projects can kind of blur together at times (and I enjoy them all a ton, to varying degrees), I don't think that is the issue here. Same goes for Casey singing more, as I am a big fan of his voice, or LaRue's playing, which does seem great. I don't care how good the playing is, if the songs aren't there, then it doesn't matter a whole lot, IMO.
Even a song like Love Letter, which I like a lot, feels way too long. It seems like this album's Love Is What I'm Waiting For, but they they made it too long. Sure, it's only a little over 5 minutes, but I think it would have packed a greater punch at a length similar to its younger cousin (which was right at 3 1/2 minutes). Minor quibbling, sure, but as much as I like the song, it feels like it overstays its welcome.
With the 2nd and 3rd albums now being heavier on the prog than the 1st, I think it's clear that the mentality that made the debut special (where it was all about catchy songs with a touch of prog sprinkled in here and there) is one they do not have much interest in trying to recapture. There is not a single song on the new album under five minutes. Quite a contrast to the debut, where seven of the 11 songs were under five minutes.
I don't disagree, and when the tracklist was revealed along with the song lengths, I was a bit concerned than the songs would be long for length's sake, and not for any real meaningful reason. Weirdly enough, the two longest songs on the album are probably my favorites and they don't FEEL as long as some of the 7-minute songs.
I guess I'm in the minority here in that the songs don't bore me, or perhaps, I just haven't listened to it enough yet for them to begin to bore me, but my first initial listens were really good to me, so who knows how things will go in the days and weeks ahead of getting into the album.
I think Peter Collins did a really good job at steering the band into the pop-over-prog direction, but given that many of these guys are known for writing long or intricate pieces with virtuoso playing, I think not having that 6th voice in the studio/skype call really let them carry on with the songs a bit too long. They really went from pop-with-prog-elements to prog-with-pop-elements, and for some, that's OK, because their enjoyment comes from what is released, rather than what is/was expected from the band based on their first album (which was made under different circumstances). I think after Second Nature, I knew they wouldn't bring back Peter or any outside producer to help them, so I wasn't expecting a "return to form/FC" but more of a continuation/progression of Second Nature, whatever they would be.
-Marc.
-
That is a great point.....i've always thought of FC as a band that put melody and hooks first with little prog flourishes.
here it it seems to me they want a little to hard with the prog and completely forgot the hooks. i mean where are they? lol.
to me. Second nAture struck the perfect PERFECT balance, i just adored that album.
here they leaned to much on prog. and i DO NOT that's this band. i jusst don't think so. that's in other projects but to me not FC.
ah well can't win em all.
Back to Similitude, lol.
-
Wow. So I've listened to this thing about 10 times since last night. Not ready to call this better than the first two but it does seem to have the consistency of the first album (Not a weak track on it.) It's definitely a grower and gets better with each listen, which I think is great.
I'm also happy them seemed to move the needle a bit and grow as a band. Seems live a very organic approach which I really like. Everyone really seems tunes into this and it does feel kind of special. It's over 66 minutes long but really doesn't feel like it. (Another sign of a good album to me)
I really hope they play as much of this as they can live (Forgot what the set is.)
The ONLY problem I seem to have with this is that it sounds a bit flat sonically. The musicianship is there in spades. Kinda of wish they had Peter Collins to help out with that, but I also imagine he wouldn't come cheap.
This might just be my favorite tour of the three. Less than a week out now.
-
It's.........okay.
Some good songs. I like More a lot...more...without that awful video.
A lot of the songs, though not all of them, kind of feel like b-sides that weren't chosen for the last two albums. A pretty big amount of sounding like other songs.
Also Last Train Home...jesus. What a boring song to be THAT long.
Over all, it's fine. Not great, not awful. I don't have a strong desire to listen to the whole thing again though.
-
With the 2nd and 3rd albums now being heavier on the prog than the 1st, I think it's clear that the mentality that made the debut special (where it was all about catchy songs with a touch of prog sprinkled in here and there) is one they do not have much interest in trying to recapture. There is not a single song on the new album under five minutes. Quite a contrast to the debut, where seven of the 11 songs were under five minutes.
Yeah, that was my main draw for me as well, the debut was so fresh and it was a great idea to have your "usual" short and easy songs of the pop world, but with the benefit of the musicianship and creativity of guys able to write crazy stuff.
For whatever reason - lack of time, can't listen to everything, didn't really like the few listenings I had... - I never really got into the second album either; do you guys think I could just forget about it and listen to the new one, or should I try to get acquainted more with Second Nature before listening to Third Degree?
-
I found Second Nature incredibly forgettable, but the new album works a lot better to me.
But I think I'm right in that if this band was ever going to highly (being like more less 100% of the songs) really resemble Kevin Gilbert/Toy Matinee or Jellyfish, it'll never happen with Neal Morse.
-
With the 2nd and 3rd albums now being heavier on the prog than the 1st, I think it's clear that the mentality that made the debut special (where it was all about catchy songs with a touch of prog sprinkled in here and there) is one they do not have much interest in trying to recapture. There is not a single song on the new album under five minutes. Quite a contrast to the debut, where seven of the 11 songs were under five minutes.
Yeah, that was my main draw for me as well, the debut was so fresh and it was a great idea to have your "usual" short and easy songs of the pop world, but with the benefit of the musicianship and creativity of guys able to write crazy stuff.
For whatever reason - lack of time, can't listen to everything, didn't really like the few listenings I had... - I never really got into the second album either; do you guys think I could just forget about it and listen to the new one, or should I try to get acquainted more with Second Nature before listening to Third Degree?
well I ADORED Second Nature. but opinion on that seems to be split here too.
so i'll be up to you.
But i find it way better than Third Degree. which honestly only gets more disappointing.
-
here it it seems to me they want a little to hard with the prog and completely forgot the hooks. i mean where are they? lol.
Excellent point. With the exception of Love Letter, I have zero recollection of any of the vocal melodies, and this was supposed to be a project centered around catchy songs, yet there are practically no hooks on this record. The first album had them all over the place, and the second had quite a few as well.
One thing I have noticed is the guitar work doesn't stand out. I am sure the Steve Morse fans will want to chase me with pitchforks :P, but many of the riffs on this record seem really dull/forgettable. I hadn't really thought of it, but then my brother texted me earlier that he feels that Steve Morse is the reason this record is so underwhelming so far, and then I kind of got what he was talking about when I spun a few songs again.
-
After a few listens I'm really warming up to the album, the first two albums I had an almost instant liking to them. This one though on first listen I didn't know what to make of it. I knew some parts were great but overall not sure. With the tunes being more familiar the album as a whole is really coming in strong. I do have to say it's my favorite album production-wise, love the dynamics of the tracks and all tones. The bass, in particular, is my favorite thing to listen to during every song.
-
here it it seems to me they want a little to hard with the prog and completely forgot the hooks. i mean where are they? lol.
Excellent point. With the exception of Love Letter, I have zero recollection of any of the vocal melodies, and this was supposed to be a project centered around catchy songs, yet there are practically no hooks on this record. The first album had them all over the place, and the second had quite a few as well.
One thing I have noticed is the guitar work doesn't stand out. I am sure the Steve Morse fans will want to chase me with pitchforks :P, but many of the riffs on this record seem really dull/forgettable. I hadn't really thought of it, but then my brother texted me earlier that he feels that Steve Morse is the reason this record is so underwhelming so far, and then I kind of got what he was talking about when I spun a few songs again.
I felt bad for having the same thoughts. Everyone except for maybe Casey seems like they're just kind of phoning it in. Luckily they're all SO damn good that their version of phoning it in is pretty strong. Still, feels like Steve, especially, is like 20% there. Many of his riffs are dull, many of his leads are derivative of his other stuff.
-
here it it seems to me they want a little to hard with the prog and completely forgot the hooks. i mean where are they? lol.
Excellent point. With the exception of Love Letter, I have zero recollection of any of the vocal melodies, and this was supposed to be a project centered around catchy songs, yet there are practically no hooks on this record. The first album had them all over the place, and the second had quite a few as well.
One thing I have noticed is the guitar work doesn't stand out. I am sure the Steve Morse fans will want to chase me with pitchforks :P, but many of the riffs on this record seem really dull/forgettable. I hadn't really thought of it, but then my brother texted me earlier that he feels that Steve Morse is the reason this record is so underwhelming so far, and then I kind of got what he was talking about when I spun a few songs again.
I felt bad for having the same thoughts. Everyone except for maybe Casey seems like they're just kind of phoning it in. Luckily they're all SO damn good that their version of phoning it in is pretty strong. Still, feels like Steve, especially, is like 20% there. Many of his riffs are dull, many of his leads are derivative of his other stuff.
yea i will agree that Casey is the MVP if i had to pick.
-
I still think More is unlistenable and I haven't listened to it since it was released, I think (I skip it every time I play the album), but I would say the rest of it is really cool.
The opener is a very solid rocker, I had Cadence stuck in my head yesterday the whole day, and Guardian, while a little long, is pretty good too.
I agree that Last Train Home is longer than it should and some sections just feel like they had a jam session inside of it before going back to the proper song.
Crawl was really cool, even though I expected it to be a bit more "epic-ish".
MVP of the album? To me, Dave LaRue.
-
I listened through it once today while doing crap around the house. I enjoyed it, but it can't hold a candle compared to the first album
-
I listened through it once today while doing crap around the house. I enjoyed it, but it can't hold a candle compared to the first album
Or the 2nd. The overall quality declines with each album. I mean, I love Casey's voice, but nothing grabbed me with this release. My guess is that it will not make my 'purchase-worthy' list.
-
I still think More is unlistenable and I haven't listened to it since it was released, I think (I skip it every time I play the album), but I would say the rest of it is really cool.
The opener is a very solid rocker, I had Cadence stuck in my head yesterday the whole day, and Guardian, while a little long, is pretty good too.
I agree that Last Train Home is longer than it should and some sections just feel like they had a jam session inside of it before going back to the proper song.
Crawl was really cool, even though I expected it to be a bit more "epic-ish".
MVP of the album? To me, Dave LaRue.
The middle 'solo' section of Last Train Home is the only good thing about that song. The first third and last third are boring and as cool as the second third is I don't want to sit through the first part.
This album is perplexing to say the least. I love the first two albums but this sounds like such a dramatic departure from the Pop/Prog focus of those. This more Prog/Fusion and they seemed to forget the Pop melody focus which made the first two albums so fun to listen too.
-
There is melody in there. It just doesn't grab you immediately. It has to be given time to sink in. The Loss Inside chorus is starting to pop into my head from time to time.
-
I still think More is unlistenable and I haven't listened to it since it was released, I think (I skip it every time I play the album), but I would say the rest of it is really cool.
The opener is a very solid rocker, I had Cadence stuck in my head yesterday the whole day, and Guardian, while a little long, is pretty good too.
I agree that Last Train Home is longer than it should and some sections just feel like they had a jam session inside of it before going back to the proper song.
this exactly i'm upwards of 20 plays (i do not give up easily, lol. i still can't remember a thing.
there are no hooks here.......it's frustrating.
Crawl was really cool, even though I expected it to be a bit more "epic-ish".
MVP of the album? To me, Dave LaRue.
The middle 'solo' section of Last Train Home is the only good thing about that song. The first third and last third are boring and as cool as the second third is I don't want to sit through the first part.
This album is perplexing to say the least. I love the first two albums but this sounds like such a dramatic departure from the Pop/Prog focus of those. This more Prog/Fusion and they seemed to forget the Pop melody focus which made the first two albums so fun to listen too.
-
Radiant Records must have screwed up again because my copy came in the mail over the weekend while I was travelling, and so I listened to it today on the way down to the show. Only one listen, I will grant you, and I was very critical of the first single release, but I share very few of the criticisms on this thread.
It was a shade proggier than I would like - I think of Flying Colors as a modern day Asia - but it was far from boring. Nothing quite struck me like Kayla but then again the second album didn’t have anything like that either for me. There have been too many releases lately that have been one and done; I will listen to them once then they go on the shelf, but this one I think I’ll give a little more time to. I think Steve Morse is on fire, I think Dave LaRue is on fire, and actually I think this is some of Mike’s better drumming lately.
Since it took a while for Second Nature to really sink in, right now I put this behind the first album but ahead of the second one. I can’t wait to see this live.
-
So I just got my Third Degree 2-CD limited edition in the mail today, and as I was ripping the discs to my computer, I was trying to find where I put the Bonus free downloads for Pre-Ordering Live In Europe 6 years ago (live versions of "Blue Ocean" and "Love Is What I'm Waiting For" from Hamburg) and I can't find them on my harddrive. Does anyone have them handy?
Also, it seems the band also released "Kayla (Live In Hamburg)" in some versions of Live In Europe as a bonus track, but my copies don't have that. Was that a European release exclusive?
Anyways, back to Third Degree, the nearly 9-minute bonus track is pretty interesting, but I'll need a few more listens before I can really form an opinion on it. I will say, so far, it doesn't sound like I would have liked it on the album as it is, but we shall see if my feelings change on it over the week. The alternate mixes of the other songs are fun diversions, especially the acoustic version of "Love Letter". The instrumental mixes are really nice, and do have alternate arrangements from the standard album's tracks, so you do get something different than just the album version without vocals.
-Marc.
-
I listened to that bonus disk on the way home from the show; if you ask me, that's essential listening. It's not just the backing tracks with no vocals; it's actually a remix, and in my opinion it's a showcase for Steve Morse. If you've heard the "Barn Jams" from David Gilmour, it'll give you a rough idea of what we're talking about.
-
Yes, as I said before, it's cool that they rearranged the songs and recorded some new parts for it. Much better than your typical instrumental bonus tracks, where they just remove the vocals.
-
I would almost say, I can see myself listening to those more than the album. Not that the album is bad or "boring" or anything, but there are four songs there, and as a whole, they are very consistent stylistically and thematically, and so make for (I didn't check the times but I would guess to be about) 25 minutes of really good listening. I could see burning a disk or a playlist and going to this often, while working or driving or something like that.
-
Listening a lot this album. It's definately a grower. I was not too sure on the first listen... You're not alone I thought was the worst song they recorded when they released it as a single and now I really like it - the great melodies really showed up after some listenings. I think what differ this album from the first two is that the melodies aren't so acessible. I think there's a much more Steve Morse influence in this departament than before, reminding me a lot the melodies from Steve Morse Band, like it has vocals. But I think the band stayed true and sucessfully to its mix of pop and a few prog.
My faves: The Loss Inside (great rocker), Cadence, Geronimo (great bass song), Love Letter, Crawl and Waiting for the Sun (reminded me in places something of the Van Hagar era). But I truly apreciate all the songs.
And, yes, Dave LaRue rules! Sometimes his tone and style remind me a lot Geddy Lee's PoW/HYF era.
All that been said, I think this is the "less good" album from the 3, just because the first one is totally magical and the second have Peaceful Harbour and Cosmic Symphony, that are my fave songs from them. But nevertheless, IMO a strong discography until now.
-
Given that I still cry to this day when I hear "Better Than Walking Away" (that was two years, plus/minus, of my life right there), the first is still the best, but for me, 2 and 3 are two of a perfect pair, and "Love Letter" has REALLY shown itself to be better than the initial release suggested.
As an aside, I don't know what it is about initial releases; when I was 25 I would get singles from the records and be all "whoa! I can't wait for the record!". But now? Other than Transcendence by Devin Townsend, I am 0-fer however many on "pre-release singles" and the subsequent record. I'm seriously trying to stay away from them from now on.
-
Video trailer for the new album, with a band interview. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QczO9ljK0_w&feature=youtu.be) Something I find intriguing is how LaRue says they feel they've "pushed the ball forward", and yet many of the opinions here would suggest otherwise. I enjoy Flying Colors' music very much, but I am inclined to think that this album doesn't feel like an advance on Second Nature. It sounds like Flying Colors. But both views can't be right. Either they have pushed the ball forward or they haven't.
-
I've spent a week with the album and cannot say I'm impressed by it. Stylistically and in terms of sound, it's the same band. However, when it comes to melodies and hooks, this album doesn't really offer a lot to me. Geronimo and The Loss inside could qualify as highlights, but compared to the best songs on the debut (and even on Second nature), they're a bit lacking. It's not the length of the songs, the tunes would still be underwhelming even if the songs were trimmed down.
At this point, I feel like the debut was a fluke. I know that sounds harsh, because Neal hardly ever disappoints, but they didn't really get me with this one. Still, the ones that dig it are lucky. :tup
-
Video trailer for the new album, with a band interview. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QczO9ljK0_w&feature=youtu.be) Something I find intriguing is how LaRue says they feel they've "pushed the ball forward", and yet many of the opinions here would suggest otherwise. I enjoy Flying Colors' music very much, but I am inclined to think that this album doesn't feel like an advance on Second Nature. It sounds like Flying Colors. But both views can't be right. Either they have pushed the ball forward or they haven't.
I can sort of understand how Dave feels that way. It some ways, it does feel like they have pushed their musical "ball" forward a bit, and that they have developed their sound from their first two albums. There is a certain tightness that I can feel in some of the songs, they seem to have gelled well after three albums. They also spent a lot more time on this material than they did on the last two albums, it seems, so I think that has something to do with it.
That mini-interview was interesting, but a lot of it was what I expected them to say, so their feelings on the new songs and album are pretty typical from them, but it was nice to hear more from Dave and Steve and hear their feelings about it.
I hope by the time they record a live album from this mini-tour that they play more songs from Third Degree, just to let them have their time in the spot light. The problem with the typical studio-live-studio-live release cycle is that, for a new band, they release the same songs over and over, so with every new album, I *want* to see them play the new material live, so the eventual live releases don't feel like such retreads of their previous tours. As of their NYC show, though, they've played 5 songs from each album, which seems like a good balance, but I wouldn't mind seeing them swap out one or two songs from their previous two albums for two newer songs.
-Marc.
-
^ Well, it's not a stretch to say that the first album is an outlier. It's got the more concisely written tunes, it's got an outside producer, it's got a more sparse set of arrangements... I like all three, but CLEARLY the 2nd and 3rd are different than the debut. I used Asia above as a comparison, but really, YesWest is the better example. The first album came out of the blue, had I think four singles, produced by an outside guy, etc. and the next two (studio) records were very much more in the standard Yes vein, longer songs, more instrumental breaks, largely self-produced....
-
^ Well, it's not a stretch to say that the first album is an outlier. It's got the more concisely written tunes, it's got an outside producer, it's got a more sparse set of arrangements... I like all three, but CLEARLY the 2nd and 3rd are different than the debut. I used Asia above as a comparison, but really, YesWest is the better example. The first album came out of the blue, had I think four singles, produced by an outside guy, etc. and the next two (studio) records were very much more in the standard Yes vein, longer songs, more instrumental breaks, largely self-produced....
That's a fair comparison, I think, as YesWest was originally intended to be one thing, but became another. I think comparisons to YesWest, Asia, Yoso, even Circa, are warranted. They've got that pop/prog crossover appeal that seems to wear its influences on its sleeves, which is fine by me. I enjoy the arrangement sand performances overall, so it's just more highly enjoyable music for me to digest! To be honest, there aren't a lot of bands like that these days that fill that void for me, so it's good to hear it from musicians I like.
-Marc.
-
Flying Colors track-by-track guide to new album Third Degree: https://www.loudersound.com/features/flying-colors-talk-us-through-new-album-third-degree
-
I'm starting to like Guardian quite a bit, and You Are Not Alone suddenly is a lot better. Hmmmm, maybe this album has hope after all! :hat
-
I forgot to comment on the NY show!
First, very cool meeting Axeman and Stadler. Still waiting for him to post that pic.
The show itself was.....fun!
The opening band was okay. Seemed like a solo artist and his hired guns, which it turned out to be, but it was okay. Nothing special, but he's talented.
Flying Colors was interesting. Lots of technical problems. Drum techs doing something on the kit for like the entire show. Snare cut in and out a lot. For the last song or few, the kick drum mic got messed up but no one noticed or fixed it.
Some other weird flubs. Casey forgetting the words, people singing really off key, Neil playing the harder parts on Infinite Fire (I think) really poorly. But you know what? They laughed it off. They had fun. It was flawed and very human, which somehow made it more appealing. So I was really into it.
If they had been on stage playing technical perfection at album tempos, it would have been...cool I guess....but not very fun or exciting. So I'm glad the band doesn't do any of that. Seeing the screw ups make it a more unique experience.
Also the video they played for You are Not Alone was really helpful with the song.
-
It's definately a grower.
I agree it's a grower. It's still not as good as the first album. And it doesn't have the highs of Second Nature, but it also doesn't have anything as out-of-fit as Open Up Your Eyes, so on balance it's probably roughly on a par with that overall.
-
Flying Colors track-by-track guide to new album Third Degree: https://www.loudersound.com/features/flying-colors-talk-us-through-new-album-third-degree
I'm gonna read through this and all, but why didn't they put the tracks in album order?! That's the order, dammit! >:(
-
When I first heard the album, I was seriously meh. Since then, it's all I play and it's terrific! I'm still not 100% on board with the 2 long songs but I need to listen to them more. You Are Not Alone and Love Letter are in my head constantly.
I saw the show last night at Keswick. I'm glad they got all the kinks worked out from the NYC show because they were on their game last night! Started a little sluggishly, Casey looking down, etc and then they started to cook. Casey telling the story about You Are Not Alone and his vocals were just great. Steve Morse, what can I say the guy is just a virtuoso. It's funny, you have a band with MP and NM and they are kind of the background guys in this band, which is OK, the balance is great. Dave LaRue as usual was wonderful too.
Going to see Renaissance tonight at the Keswick!
-
Video trailer for the new album, with a band interview. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QczO9ljK0_w&feature=youtu.be) Something I find intriguing is how LaRue says they feel they've "pushed the ball forward", and yet many of the opinions here would suggest otherwise. I enjoy Flying Colors' music very much, but I am inclined to think that this album doesn't feel like an advance on Second Nature. It sounds like Flying Colors. But both views can't be right. Either they have pushed the ball forward or they haven't.
I agree with him. I told a friend of mine that very thing on the way down to the show last night and after watching them on stage last night that I think they really became a band with this record. It just seems so obvious to me. There's not a dud on it. They went places on this record that they've never gone before and it just feels right.
-
^ Well, it's not a stretch to say that the first album is an outlier. It's got the more concisely written tunes, it's got an outside producer, it's got a more sparse set of arrangements... I like all three, but CLEARLY the 2nd and 3rd are different than the debut. I used Asia above as a comparison, but really, YesWest is the better example. The first album came out of the blue, had I think four singles, produced by an outside guy, etc. and the next two (studio) records were very much more in the standard Yes vein, longer songs, more instrumental breaks, largely self-produced....
That's a fair comparison, I think, as YesWest was originally intended to be one thing, but became another. I think comparisons to YesWest, Asia, Yoso, even Circa, are warranted. They've got that pop/prog crossover appeal that seems to wear its influences on its sleeves, which is fine by me. I enjoy the arrangement sand performances overall, so it's just more highly enjoyable music for me to digest! To be honest, there aren't a lot of bands like that these days that fill that void for me, so it's good to hear it from musicians I like.
-Marc.
To a degree (oops) maybe, but I think Flying Colors has a more diverse palette than Asia or Yes-West had and I love both of those bands too. Also this band situation does seem more organic than those other bands and that can take them to different places too.
-
When I first heard the album, I was seriously meh. Since then, it's all I play and it's terrific! I'm still not 100% on board with the 2 long songs but I need to listen to them more. You Are Not Alone and Love Letter are in my head constantly.
I saw the show last night at Keswick. I'm glad they got all the kinks worked out from the NYC show because they were on their game last night! Started a little sluggishly, Casey looking down, etc and then they started to cook. Casey telling the story about You Are Not Alone and his vocals were just great. Steve Morse, what can I say the guy is just a virtuoso. It's funny, you have a band with MP and NM and they are kind of the background guys in this band, which is OK, the balance is great. Dave LaRue as usual was wonderful too.
Going to see Renaissance tonight at the Keswick!
The show did start off a bit weird which is shame because Blue Ocean is a fave of mine. I kind of liked what Casey did with the audience participation with Peaceful Harbor. I thought it was a really cool moment, but it killed the momentum of the song for me. Wouldn't have minded if they played it with that and again without it.
I think Neal Morse wasn't really feeling well but he gave it his best. I think he really likes being in the background of this band anyway where he can just play, sing and enjoy the moment without worrying about it too much.
I thought it was the best show of the three tours I've seen.
Noticed Renaissance was going to be there, but I;m not into them enough to catch them live.
-
I'm going to call it now. I think this album is the best of the three as a whole.
After about 25 listens at home, in the car and seeing the show last night the conclusion is inescapable. Other two albums are pretty great too (Well about two-thirds of the second one anyway) but this one just seems special in the way that the first one is but a bit further down the road. Maybe the increased time together writing helped I don't know.
If they played Last Train Home, the set might have been damn near perfect. I hope a live album or official bootleg is forthcoming.
-
If setlist.fm is to be believed, it looks like the PA show got one less song than NY did (and it was a new song, too). I wonder why...was it curfew issues, or maybe they just didn't feel like playing it last night? Either way, it'll be anther 5 days til their next show, and the last one until the December European tour, so hopefully by Europe, they'll have all the tour kinks ironed out and they'll have a tight set by then. I'm sure a European show will be recorded for release as I'm sure those crowds are a bit livelier than some of the American ones, but I wouldn't mind getting the NY show as an Inner Circle "official bootleg" type show.
-Marc.
-
I agree with him. I told a friend of mine that very thing on the way down to the show last night and after watching them on stage last night that I think they really became a band with this record. It just seems so obvious to me. There's not a dud on it. They went places on this record that they've never gone before and it just feels right.
I know what you are mean. Now that the record is growing on me, I can get over it not being like the first album (which was basically just me being stubborn :lol) and appreciate the growth. This effort seems more natural and organic than Second Nature, which, while good, sounded like a band that couldn't decide if they want to be a pop rock band with some prog flavors or a straight prog band. This one is full experimental, and it sounds like they were all-in.
I think Neal Morse wasn't really feeling well but he gave it his best. I think he really likes being in the background of this band anyway where he can just play, sing and enjoy the moment without worrying about it too much.
Based on a few clips I've seen, I get that as well in regards to Flying Colors. Sometimes, it's just fun to play and sing without having to be the conductor and/or frontman on stage, which is more or less his role with the Neal Morse Band.
-
Our interview with Dave Larue.
https://www.sonicperspectives.com/features/interview-with-dave-larue/
:metal
-
Now that the album has been out for over a week, has anyone come up with an alternate track order, perhaps one that includes "Waiting For The Sun"? I haven't had a chance to sit down and really do a rearrangement of the running order of the album, and I like including all the original studio songs on an album/playlist/CD-r if I can, so I'm trying to find a spot for WFTS.
Our interview with Dave Larue.
https://www.sonicperspectives.com/features/interview-with-dave-larue/
:metal
Thanks for sharing that, that was a fun read! I'm glad that Dave feels so strongly about the new album and that the band is moving forward musically speaking. The more I listen to the album, the more I hear that the songs really had their time to be worked on and weren't rushed out in a week (though to be fair, the first album had the voice of Peter Collins directing the music as well, so that helped them shape it more). Would love to see what Casey and Steve have to say about the new album as well!
-Marc.
-
I found on an italian site an interview with Mike. Relatively standard, nothing mindblowing:
https://www.metal.it/interview.aspx/1317/flying-colors-spotify-ha-ucciso-l-industria-musicale-mike-portnoy-drums/
Some bits here and there:
- He recounts what we all already know, how his different bands differ from each other and what's the dominant style of them
- Third Degree was written in two sessions, one in December 2016 at Steve Morse's house, when they wrote 7 songs, and then in December 2018 at Mike's when they wrote the other 3 songs
- Casey was the singer they wanted, to have a more mainstream / pop feel, because "he comes from the world of Radiohead, Muse, Coldplay and U2". He makes the distinction of the band - Casey the more mainstream voice, him and Neal Morse the prog guys, and the other two the ones oriented on the instrumental music. They wanted all of this to mix, but with the focus on an "easy listening" vibe (which the debut clearly accomplished IMO).
- About drummers that impressed him: talking about modern ones, he mentions Zoltan Chaney, who is very fun to watch live, while if he thinks of the more technical side, he can't answer 'cause YouTube is full of great drummers.
- Artists collaborations, and if there's anything he hasn't done yet: he mentioned he was lucky to have worked with almost all his idols, citing Billy Sheehan, Ritchie Kotzen, Steve Morse, Alex Skolnick and Dave Ellefson, while one he'd like to work with, surprise surprise (not really), is Mikael Åkerfeldt. He also mentions the "legends" for whom he would quit everything to go running to them: Paul McCartney, Jimmy Page, Pete Townshend or Roger Waters.
He concludes saying that it's a nice time to be a musician, if you look at it from the creative side, but it sucks financially because Spotify killed the industry and people expect music for free, thus depriving young bands of a chance to make it big and earn something from their music.
-
Hmmm, I forgot about Waiting for the Sun being a bonus track. I bought the album digitally and that song is not available on iTunes. >:( >:(
Nice interview. I knew Geronimo sounded classic rock-ish, but couldn't put my finger on what band, and then I read the Steely Dan part of the interview and was like, "ah, that's it!" :lol
-
Sorry for the delay...
First, always a pleasure to see Axe (I love his stories) and a real pleasure to finally meet Adami. Really nice man.
I clearly saw the same show as Adami, but some of the things he noted weren't that noticeable to me and others were very noticeable.
I didn't get the lyric flubs, but I got a real vibe of Casey as reluctant front man. Not that he didn't want to be there, but maybe he's humbled by the horsepower behind him, and in a good way. I really enjoyed his performance, and it was good to see someone step up that I haven't seen 1000 times before. I liked the fluidity of his performance; the "I didn't think this through" comment during the sing-a-long, the walking into the audience... I worried his voice would be weak live, but he killed it vocally, in my opinion.
I noticed too the flub from Neal; not that he was checked out, he wasn't, but he was certainly in loose-y-goose-y mode, in my opinion. It was very reminiscient of the Sons of Apollo show; Mike and Neal (Derek) in back, and the lead instruments - Steve, Casey and Dave (Ron, Jeff, and Billy) in front.
Steve Morse KILLED IT. I was so impressed with him. Like the Steve Hackett show a couple weeks ago, I was surprised how much guitar is in that band, and it really came through live. When Casey went into the crowd during "Cosmic Symphony", Steve was playing this really cool line for about five minutes straight, and it was really really impressive.
I think Adami has it right: it was a really fluid show, and they were clearly having fun and enjoyed being there. Not perfect, but just enough stellar playing to show that they're the real deal. I can only imagine how cool it would be to just see them in a rehearsal room.
(https://i.imgur.com/n6rcCZs.jpg)
-
Good stuff. :coolio
In a just world, this band would be popular enough to be a mostly full time band and we'd get albums and tours from them on a regular basis, but it's not a just world, so we have to enjoy what we get when we get it.
-
That picture makes me so happy.
Stads, you need to see Pineapple Thief in November in Cambridge Mass.
-
Hmmm, I didn't get the sense from that pic that he needed a nap. :P
-
He was held up by young, virile men. That's why.
-
We were in a little storefront, because it was raining when we came out of the show. Adami went left, looking for a cab, Bill went right, heading to the train station, and I collapsed into a little heap in the corner until I was well enough to get to my car.
That show may be do-able. I need to check when the family is coming in for T-Giving (which is the following week).
-
Excited for the show tonight in St. Charles. Second time seeing the boys.
The album has been growing on me. First couple of listens were just kind of there. Then on the third listen or so things started clicking. I can't remember the song off the top of my head but I caught a clear Steely Dan reference, at least to my ears. It might have been Geronimo. Being a huge fan of the Dan, that really caught my attention.
-
We were in a little storefront, because it was raining when we came out of the show. Adami went left, looking for a cab, Bill went right, heading to the train station, and I collapsed into a little heap in the corner until I was well enough to get to my car.
To catch the last train home?
-
Wow. Just.........Wow.
I don't say this often, but that was one of the best shows I've ever seen. Just incredible.
District 97 opened. I have been aware of them for years but have never checked them out for some reason. That will change. Their set was eclectic, to say the least. Quite a meshing of styles. And the vocalist, wow. She has a set of pipes on her. Even my mostly metal-head buddy gave her big props.
While they were tearing down I got overexcited when I saw Rich Mouser on the stage. My buddy was like, who? Then he was confused that I was that excited about a mixing engineer. I told him, just you watch, this show will sound fantastic. Rich did not make a liar out of me. The sound was about as good as I have ever heard at a show. No earplugs needed and everything was clear and the separation was excellent.
The boys were at the same time the loosest and tightest band I might have ever seen. Not sure that I have seen 5 guys that genuinely excited to be sharing a stage together. They didn't miss a beat. Steve is just inhuman. No one should be that good and make it look so effortless. I don't think he missed a single note.
I couldn't really catch any mistakes or screw-ups. They played like this was the 100th show of the tour. They had no reason to be that on point. I'm just stunned at how good it was. Casey's voice was excellent, Neal sounded really good and he was blowing his nose all night. Dave was Dave, just a beast on the bass. MP looked like the happiest guy on the planet. The love and joy those 5 give off is something to see.
So glad that I dropped the money on myself for my birthday. It was worth every freaking penny. This is one show that will stay with me.
-
We were in a little storefront, because it was raining when we came out of the show. Adami went left, looking for a cab, Bill went right, heading to the train station, and I collapsed into a little heap in the corner until I was well enough to get to my car.
To catch the last train home?
:rollin
-
If setlist.fm is to be believed, it looks like the PA show got one less song than NY did (and it was a new song, too). I wonder why...was it curfew issues, or maybe they just didn't feel like playing it last night? Either way, it'll be anther 5 days til their next show, and the last one until the December European tour, so hopefully by Europe, they'll have all the tour kinks ironed out and they'll have a tight set by then. I'm sure a European show will be recorded for release as I'm sure those crowds are a bit livelier than some of the American ones, but I wouldn't mind getting the NY show as an Inner Circle "official bootleg" type show.
-Marc.
Don't know if it was the curfew or what seemed like an impromptu audience participation moment with Peaceful Harbor or both. Neal also didn't seem to have had a cold or something so maybe it was that. One thing is for sure. This album needs to be celebrated with a live release.
-
Now that the album has been out for over a week, has anyone come up with an alternate track order, perhaps one that includes "Waiting For The Sun"? I haven't had a chance to sit down and really do a rearrangement of the running order of the album, and I like including all the original studio songs on an album/playlist/CD-r if I can, so I'm trying to find a spot for WFTS.
Still haven't watched Mike's drumming DVD or listened to the bonus disc yet. Don't know what I'm waiting for. I keep wanting to just listen to the album and the bonuses will be there when I'm ready for them. I wouldn't change a thing as far as the order at this point. Would probably just leave the bonus track on the end where bonus tracks usually go.
-
Good stuff. :coolio
In a just world, this band would be popular enough to be a mostly full time band and we'd get albums and tours from them on a regular basis, but it's not a just world, so we have to enjoy what we get when we get it.
Clearly this band isn't a money maker (what bands are these days?) but it would be a shame for this not to continue because it's quite obvious they have so much fun doing it and that really comes across.
-
We were in a little storefront, because it was raining when we came out of the show. Adami went left, looking for a cab, Bill went right, heading to the train station, and I collapsed into a little heap in the corner until I was well enough to get to my car.
To catch the last train home?
I actually did that. But it was for King Crimson a few weeks back, not Flying Colors.
-
Now that the album has been out for over a week, has anyone come up with an alternate track order, perhaps one that includes "Waiting For The Sun"? I haven't had a chance to sit down and really do a rearrangement of the running order of the album, and I like including all the original studio songs on an album/playlist/CD-r if I can, so I'm trying to find a spot for WFTS.
Still haven't watched Mike's drumming DVD or listened to the bonus disc yet. Don't know what I'm waiting for. I keep wanting to just listen to the album and the bonuses will be there when I'm ready for them. I wouldn't change a thing as far as the order at this point. Would probably just leave the bonus track on the end where bonus tracks usually go.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the alternate mixes. I LOVE them. Not more than the album (they are a different vibe than the album) but they are, to me, more than just throwaways that I'll never listen to again.
-
Still haven't watched Mike's drumming DVD or listened to the bonus disc yet. Don't know what I'm waiting for. I keep wanting to just listen to the album and the bonuses will be there when I'm ready for them. I wouldn't change a thing as far as the order at this point. Would probably just leave the bonus track on the end where bonus tracks usually go.
Maybe love is what you're waiting for. :P
Clearly this band isn't a money maker (what bands are these days?) but it would be a shame for this not to continue because it's quite obvious they have so much fun doing it and that really comes across.
True that.
I had to do an unaccompanied road trip this weekend (3+ hours each way), and listened to all three Flying Colors studio albums on the way home today. And that was after listening to NMB's Similitude and Great Adventure back to back on the outbound drive early Friday. Today's listens confirmed what I had been thinking the last week or so, and that the new album might approach being as good as the first album...both are great, the new one obviously being a major grower (my initial listens were so wrong :lol), and the second one, despite being my least favorite of the three, is still really, really good. Let's hope a wait for a 4th album isn't too long. #greedy :hat
-
Now that the album has been out for over a week, has anyone come up with an alternate track order, perhaps one that includes "Waiting For The Sun"? I haven't had a chance to sit down and really do a rearrangement of the running order of the album, and I like including all the original studio songs on an album/playlist/CD-r if I can, so I'm trying to find a spot for WFTS.
Still haven't watched Mike's drumming DVD or listened to the bonus disc yet. Don't know what I'm waiting for. I keep wanting to just listen to the album and the bonuses will be there when I'm ready for them. I wouldn't change a thing as far as the order at this point. Would probably just leave the bonus track on the end where bonus tracks usually go.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the alternate mixes. I LOVE them. Not more than the album (they are a different vibe than the album) but they are, to me, more than just throwaways that I'll never listen to again.
Gotta agree that the alternate mixes are a LOT of fun to listen to! Definitely different, but still very much Flying Colors. I even made a playlist of them along with the 3 acoustic versions of Second Nature songs:
1. Love Letter (Alternate Acoustic Arrangement & Mix)
2. Geronimo (Instrumental Arrangement & Mix)
3. The Fury Of My Love (Acoustic Version)
4. You Are Not Alone (Instrumental Arrangement & Mix)
5. One Love Forever (Acoustic Version)
6. Last Train Home (Instrumental Arrangement & Mix)
7. Peaceful Harbor (Acoustic Version)
8. Crawl (Instrumental Arrangement & Mix)
A shame there were never any acoustic or instrumental mixes of the first album's songs, I'm sure they'd sound great in that format, especially "The Storm" as an acoustic version!
-Marc.
-
Finally got around to Disc 2. I'm usually not a fan of instrumental versions of songs that weren't intended to be that way, but these work. The version of Crawl is the MVP of Disc 2 for me. That acoustic guitar that takes the lead is just excellent. I loved it.
-
Finally got around to Disc 2. I'm usually not a fan of instrumental versions of songs that weren't intended to be that way, but these work. The version of Crawl is the MVP of Disc 2 for me. That acoustic guitar that takes the lead is just excellent. I loved it.
Steve *really* shines on the bonus disc. If you're a Steve Morse fan, you owe it to yourself to get the 2CD Version just for disc 2!!!
-Marc.
-
I agree that the acoustic lead in the instrumental version of Crawl is really good, but while that and the other instrumental versions are all nice, I can't help but wonder where the vocals are when listening to them. :lol :lol
-
Finally got around to Disc 2. I'm usually not a fan of instrumental versions of songs that weren't intended to be that way, but these work. The version of Crawl is the MVP of Disc 2 for me. That acoustic guitar that takes the lead is just excellent. I loved it.
Steve *really* shines on the bonus disc. If you're a Steve Morse fan, you owe it to yourself to get the 2CD Version just for disc 2!!!
-Marc.
I've been telling anyone that will listen (and some that won't) that same thing for weeks now.
-
You guys are making me annoyed that the 2 disc version isn't available on iTunes.
-
You guys are making me annoyed that the 2 disc version isn't available on iTunes.
If you buy physical, you can get the 2CD set on Amazon for only $19.99, though when I pre-ordered it, it was only $16.99 (which is a BARGAIN for such great music, especially with 2 discs!). I'd say the 2CD set is still worth $19.99, especially with the photo book that is included.
I decided to start my 3rd Flying Colors Survivor (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54422.0) today, so please check it out in the Polls/Survivor Forum! The first round can be found HERE! (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=54423.0)
-Marc.
-
Now that the album has been out for over a week, has anyone come up with an alternate track order, perhaps one that includes "Waiting For The Sun"? I haven't had a chance to sit down and really do a rearrangement of the running order of the album, and I like including all the original studio songs on an album/playlist/CD-r if I can, so I'm trying to find a spot for WFTS.
Still haven't watched Mike's drumming DVD or listened to the bonus disc yet. Don't know what I'm waiting for. I keep wanting to just listen to the album and the bonuses will be there when I'm ready for them. I wouldn't change a thing as far as the order at this point. Would probably just leave the bonus track on the end where bonus tracks usually go.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the alternate mixes. I LOVE them. Not more than the album (they are a different vibe than the album) but they are, to me, more than just throwaways that I'll never listen to again.
On my fifth spin today of the DVD. I love the mix more than the album I think, As far as Waiting For The Sun goes: I don't know Doesn't really feel like part of the album to me as I've listened to the CD way more. Can't believe the attempted a UK vibe with it though. I love how they just went for whatever they were feeling.
Still haven't gotten to the bonus disc yet, believe it or not.
Marillion With Friends From The Orchesta (new Rothery solos!) has been Kicking my ass lately (I still haven't ever cracked open the Deluxe Edition of Afraid of Sunlight yet either (but I only really like about half of the album and wanted it for some of the unreleased demos that I might enjoy although there is no immediate need to listen to it.)
-
Finally got around to Disc 2. I'm usually not a fan of instrumental versions of songs that weren't intended to be that way, but these work. The version of Crawl is the MVP of Disc 2 for me. That acoustic guitar that takes the lead is just excellent. I loved it.
Steve *really* shines on the bonus disc. If you're a Steve Morse fan, you owe it to yourself to get the 2CD Version just for disc 2!!!
-Marc.
Sounds like I'm in for a treat when I eventually do make it there.
-
Removed "More" from my phone, and have no desire to listen to it again. ever. (first FC song I've done this with).
Other than that, the album is really good :tup
-
Removed "More" from my phone, and have no desire to listen to it again. ever. (first FC song I've done this with).
Other than that, the album is really good :tup
I thought More was a boring plodder at first, but I like it now. The way I see it, More and The Loss Inside are definitely the least best of the bunch on the new album, IMO, but they are both solid tunes. The keyboard solo near the end of More is really weird in a good way.
-
Removed "More" from my phone, and have no desire to listen to it again. ever. (first FC song I've done this with).
Other than that, the album is really good :tup
I thought More was a boring plodder at first, but I like it now. The way I see it, More and The Loss Inside are definitely the least best of the bunch on the new album, IMO, but they are both solid tunes. The keyboard solo near the end of More is really weird in a good way.
The Loss Inside was an instant like for me, and I still love it. More is the only song on the album that I just cannot stand listening.
-
I still don't think there's a bad song on this album. It's a lot like the first one in that way.
-
Removed "More" from my phone, and have no desire to listen to it again. ever. (first FC song I've done this with).
Other than that, the album is really good :tup
I thought More was a boring plodder at first, but I like it now. The way I see it, More and The Loss Inside are definitely the least best of the bunch on the new album, IMO, but they are both solid tunes. The keyboard solo near the end of More is really weird in a good way.
For me, it's like Tattoo by Van Halen. Stand alone over YouTube it sucks, but in the context of the album is actually pretty good.
-
For me, it's like Tattoo by Van Halen. Stand alone over YouTube it sucks, but in the context of the album is actually pretty good.
I haven't listened to Tattoo in years (I have the entire album except that song in my iTunes and on my iPhone), but I will take your word for it. :)
-
Looking to listen to some new music, and decided to finally give Flying colors a try. Never got into the Portnoy side project stuff like Transatlantic, etc yet...just never did, don't know way.
Tried the Third Degree album....I am absolutely LOVING it.
-
My current ranking:
1. Love Letter
2. More
3. The Loss Inside
4. Geronimo
5. Guardian
6. Cadence
7. Last Train Home
8. Crawl
9. You Are Not Alone
-
For me, it's like Tattoo by Van Halen. Stand alone over YouTube it sucks, but in the context of the album is actually pretty good.
I haven't listened to Tattoo in years (I have the entire album except that song in my iTunes and on my iPhone), but I will take your word for it. :)
I did that same thing at first. I HATED that song when I first heard it; then I was on a trip somewhere, and I streamed it with that song and it sort of clicked. I don't know what it is, but it fits. It helps that I think that's Roth's greatest record lyrically, and I like the lyrics to Tattoo: "From Mouse-wife to Mom-shell in the time it took to get that new tattoo" I think is genius.
-
A song hitting me years later, after not doing much for me initially, is not unheard of, but since Tattoo is not a song I can't imagine ever hearing in public, and has been deleted from my iTunes and my phone, I'd have to go out of my way to hear it again.
As for ranking the new songs...
1. Geronimo
2. Crawl
3. Love Letter
4. Guardian
5. Last Train Home
6. Cadence
7. You Are Not Alone
8. The Loss Inside
9. More
-
I'll join in on ranking the Third Degree songs, at least as best as I can...
01. Crawl
02. Love Letter
03. Last Train Home
04. Geronimo
05. Guardian
06. Cadence
07. Waiting For The Sun
08. More
09. The Loss Inside
10. You Are Not Alone
I could probably swap a few of those around, and this took a bit longer than I thought to organize. It's a fairly level album over all, though those bottom three are definitely my 3 least favorite on the album.
-Marc.
-
Surprised to see nobody ranks Cadence higher, I think it’s really really good.
-
I like Cadence a lot, but I simply like five of the songs from the album more. I have a feeling my order of the top 5 will not be the same in a few months.
-
There all pretty evenly amazing for me although Crawl and Last Train Home appear to be rising above at this point.
-
Crawl is something really special to me. The rest of the album ranges from good to great, with Love Letter probably being my second favorite, but I am in love with Crawl. I actually can't remember the last time a song hit me as hard as this one has.
-
I like Crawl, but to me it fell far short of expectations. I felt like it was going to be this album's Infinite Fire or Cosmic Symphony, but it just doesn't deliver the killer blow those tracks do.
-
Crawl may be my least favorite on the album. It seems like it's pasted together to make an epic. The chorus to me just doesn't fit in and then after Neal's obligatory "God" part it seems like an intrusion.
-
Neal's obligatory "God" part
Great phrase! See also Last Train Home.
-
Silly question about the album names... after Second Nature and Third Degree, do you think they'll keep up with naming the album referencing its progressive number in the discography? the next album could be called Fourth Wall but I think DT's live release blacklisted forever that title for MP :D
How could they go on for the fourth and fifth album?
-
Silly question about the album names... after Second Nature and Third Degree, do you think they'll keep up with naming the album referencing its progressive number in the discography? the next album could be called Fourth Wall but I think DT's live release blacklisted forever that title for MP :D
How could they go on for the fourth and fifth album?
If Fourth Wall is out of the question, how about Perfect Fourth? It's a bit presumptuous, but it's also a term used in music theory.
-Marc.
-
Considering we had Six Degrees, Train of Thought and Octavarium, I'd say Mike likes to match album titles with their number in the catalog :lol
-
It'll be "FOUR Those About to Rock (We Salute You)". My source is very reliable.
-
Fourskin
-
I like Crawl, but to me it fell far short of expectations. I felt like it was going to be this album's Infinite Fire or Cosmic Symphony, but it just doesn't deliver the killer blow those tracks do.
Of those I like Infinite Fire least. Those other songs are among my favorites on those albums and were highlights of this year's live show. Infinite Fire is likely my least favorite on that first album. Didn't really seem to fit.
-
FC4 title: Go Fourth and Conquer
-
Fourclosed. Final album.
-
Fourth Kind.
Sci fi alien abduction concept album.
-
Just to report a really nice Facebook post from the great bassist Bryan Beller about the band:
“FLYING COLORS: I’ve been sleeping on this band and I’m just waking up to how great their new(est) album “Third Degree” is. Setting aside the obvious fact that everyone in the band is a monster player, I’m blown away at the writing and arranging. Just in the first three songs along - “The Loss Inside”, “More” and “Cadence” - you can really feel the emotional lifts of each properly written and song-formed progressive rock piece, complete with super-satisfying mid-song odysseys, breakdowns, and delicious tag-final-choruses that drive the weight of the pieces home without overindulging. I felt like standing up and applauding!
Also, I never knew who Casey McPherson was before this, which just shows my utter caveman-like ignorance. Such an emotive voice, man alive. I’m a fan of the Jeff Buckley/Matt Bellamy world of male frontman singers, so having that touch of vulnerability in there really does it for me. And then, you know, Dave LaRue is a god, plus Steve Morse, Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy…and still, it sounds complete, like a band, not a collection of players. I know, you’re probably thinking, “Yeah dude, uh, this band has been good for a while.” But I’m waking up to a lot of things now that I’m not buried in my own album production, which was all-consuming for me.
So in case you were sleeping on this album as well, check it out. It’s pretty freaking great. “
-
I didn't know who Bryan Beller was (had to google him), but he has 11+K followers on Twitter, and with any luck this kind of shout-out will get the band some new fans.
-
His last album, Scenes from the flood, is excellent. Instrumental rock with diversity and very well composed. Anyway I always think it’s great when a great musician admires a band that we’re fans and it’s not very much known.
-
Gotta say nothing's really stuck with me from this one since it came out aside from Guardian and Geronimo. Those are two cool songs. I'm just not feeling it with the rest. It's fine when it's being played but nothing more than that and I don't really want to revisit the record as a whole. Just two more to the 'main' playlist, as it is. Oh well.
-
I didn't know who Bryan Beller was (had to google him), but he has 11+K followers on Twitter, and with any luck this kind of shout-out will get the band some new fans.
The guy's recorded and/or toured with Mike Keneally, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, The Aristocrats (Guthrie Govan and Marco Minnemann), Dethklok, James LaBrie (first 3 solo albums), among others. And he's a beast on bass :metal
His last album, Scenes from the flood, is excellent. Instrumental rock with diversity and very well composed.
Ditto. I can't recommend this album enough. Plus, it has a couple little know guests such as John Petrucci, Joe Satriani, Guthrie Govan, Gene Hoglan, Ray Hearne... ;)
-
I saw Mike post on FB (or Twitter, can't remember which, maybe both) that he's currently working on the third Flying Color live album, from their last tour. Does anyone know which show(s) they filmed? I'm curious since the second leg of the tour featured more new songs on it than the first leg did.
Either way, this looks to be another MP/Neal release-heavy year, with FC's third live album, TA5, and now some solo Neal Morse album (NOT the Neal Morse Band), with Mike and Randy on it, something that hasn't happened since Momentum.
-Marc.
-
I think they filmed the Tilburg show?
-
I saw Mike post on FB (or Twitter, can't remember which, maybe both) that he's currently working on the third Flying Color live album, from their last tour. Does anyone know which show(s) they filmed? I'm curious since the second leg of the tour featured more new songs on it than the first leg did.
Either way, this looks to be another MP/Neal release-heavy year, with FC's third live album, TA5, and now some solo Neal Morse album (NOT the Neal Morse Band), with Mike and Randy on it, something that hasn't happened since Momentum.
-Marc.
Its' the London show at Sheperds Bush Empire, same venue as the Whirld Tour release. Should be Great ;D
-
I saw Mike post on FB (or Twitter, can't remember which, maybe both) that he's currently working on the third Flying Color live album, from their last tour. Does anyone know which show(s) they filmed? I'm curious since the second leg of the tour featured more new songs on it than the first leg did.
Either way, this looks to be another MP/Neal release-heavy year, with FC's third live album, TA5, and now some solo Neal Morse album (NOT the Neal Morse Band), with Mike and Randy on it, something that hasn't happened since Momentum.
-Marc.
Its' the London show at Sheperds Bush Empire, same venue as the Whirld Tour release. Should be Great ;D
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/flying-colors/2019/o2-shepherds-bush-empire-london-england-339bb4e9.html
This one? Looks like a great set, and it has all of the Third Degree songs they played on tour! Can't wait for this one!
-Marc.
-
Should be a good one. It was a great set.
-
I guess it was London.
Why was I thinking Tilburg? :lol
-
I guess it was London.
Why was I thinking Tilburg? :lol
Because 90% of all prog live recordings are done at Tilburg. :neverusethis:
-
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/flying-colors/2019/o2-shepherds-bush-empire-london-england-339bb4e9.html
This one? Looks like a great set, and it has all of the Third Degree songs they played on tour! Can't wait for this one!
I didn't keep up on their set lists, but that is awesome to see that Geronimo found its way into the sets at the last few shows. The whole album is really good, but Geronimo and Love Letter have held up as my two favorites from Third Degree.
-
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/flying-colors/2019/o2-shepherds-bush-empire-london-england-339bb4e9.html
This one? Looks like a great set, and it has all of the Third Degree songs they played on tour! Can't wait for this one!
I didn't keep up on their set lists, but that is awesome to see that Geronimo found its way into the sets at the last few shows. The whole album is really good, but Geronimo and Love Letter have held up as my two favorites from Third Degree.
The more from Third Degree the better....
-
(https://i.ibb.co/fGLzSSt/unnamed.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TqdxTTR)
Flying Colors (Casey McPherson, Steve Morse, Mike Portnoy, Neal Morse, Dave LaRue) are pleased to announce the Flying Colors Backstage Summit, a 4-day online interactive music experience set to take place May 5th through May 8th. The event will feature all 5 members of the band taking part in songwriting instructions and tips, Q&A sessions, and even a chance to submit your own music and have it critiqued by the band.
“In a world now where there’s a lot of anxiety and stress for things we can’t control - we need music more than ever!! But we have to think outside of the box of how we give, and get our musical creative experiences. I think this is going to be an incredibly fun way to do it.. both for us as a band and for our fans!” ~ Casey
The schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, May 5th - 1:00pm EST | 7:00pm CET - Casey McPherson
Wednesday, May 6th - 1:00pm EST | 7:00pm CET - Mike Portnoy and Neal Morse
Thursday, May 7th - 1:00pm EST | 7:00pm CET - Steve Morse and Dave LaRue
Friday, May 8th - 1:00pm EST | 7:00pm CET - Full band Songwriting Session Live!
For more information and to register visit
https://www.flyingcolorsbackstagesummit.com/
-
That actually sounds pretty cool. I might consider that. I'm a sucker for the "song writing process", even if I do deep down think it's kind of like trying to draw a ghost.
I had a great question for Mike that popped into my head about a week ago, and now I can't remember what it was! :)
-
I expected insane prices but that is damn reasonable. Hell, I'd call it a steal.
Sadly those are my work hours or else I'd consider it for sure. If you can make that, I'd suggest it.
-
In the past 20 minutes or so, both Blue Ocean and A Place in Your World have come up on shuffle. That’s good stuff and the sweet spot for these guys.
-
Love to but the timing is going to work for me.
-
New album by Casey
https://alpharev.com/album/1479923/open
-
Whoa, just like that? No hype? No singles? :omg:
-
Whoa, just like that? No hype? No singles? :omg:
Here's the description from his website
"This is album is a beautiful collection of never heard before songs written over the last two years by Casey McPherson of Alpha Rev and Flying Colors. Some are rough mixes, while others are large productions. All are an exploration into the idea of connection, relationship, and acceptance of life's vast changes that come"
-
As much as I love Casey's voice, his stuff outside of Flying Colors has never done much for me, but I will give this a try.
-
His last album was a collection of very good (art-)pop songs, plus a soundscape/spoken word meditation exercise that I never quite understood. The shorter songs are great though, Casey definitely can write beautiful melodies. Plus, his last album proved what caliber of a singer he really is (more so than FC). So I will give this a listen.
-
In the third part of Neal's Lockdown Interview, released this morning, Neal reveals that the Live In London show from the Third Degree Tour will be released this fall (I'd presume October, just enough time after Neal's solo album, though he could surprise me and release is concurrently - he's released studio AND live albums together before, often offering bundles on his website).
He also added that there would be bonus material from the Morsefest show, which says to me that the Morsefest show won't get its own release. Looking at the setlists, looks like they played "The Fury Of My Love" at Morsefest, but not in London, so I suspect that'll definitely be one of the bonus tracks, but they'll probably throw in a few more given the addition of other instrumentalists for the Morsefest performances.
Either way, at least we finally have a time-frame for release, but I'm not sure how I feel about the possibility of us NOT getting the whole Morsefest 2019 show as a proper release (maybe, if anything, an Inner Circle release?).
-Marc.
-
I haven't bought any of their live stuff (I don't buy many live DVD's/Blu-rays anymore cause I never end up watching them more than a few times), but I might get this one. I wish they had played Guardian, which has crept up for me as a top 3 song from Third Degree, but the overall song selection is pretty great. Then again, it's hard to go wrong with just about anything from their three albums outside of a couple of songs I would deem average/okay.
-
They better include Peaceful Harbor with the backing vocalists from Morsefest as part of the bonus material.
-
I haven't bought any of their live stuff (I don't buy many live DVD's/Blu-rays anymore cause I never end up watching them more than a few times), but I might get this one. I wish they had played Guardian, which has crept up for me as a top 3 song from Third Degree, but the overall song selection is pretty great. Then again, it's hard to go wrong with just about anything from their three albums outside of a couple of songs I would deem average/okay.
I'll listen/watch the two live albums more than the two studio albums. Probably still play Third Degree more those two but I'm sure I'll stop as soon as the new live one comes out. It will be nice to savor that one.
-
PRESS RELEASE MASCOT LABEL GROUP/MUSIC THEORIES RECORDINGS
Visit our MLG Press Page for more information and downloads
FLYING COLORS ANNOUNCE GLOBAL RELEASE OF LIVE DVD
'THIRD STAGE: LIVE IN LONDON'
'Third Stage: Live In London'
Released: 18 September 2020
Music Theories Recordings / Mascot Label Group
Watch The Live Video For "Mask Machine” HERE
And The Trailer: https://youtu.be/Kb4TK0KBvJE
“Welcome to the rarest of all sightings, rarer than a UFO sighting, rarer than a sasquatch sighting. A Flying Colors sighting - here on stage, in London.” Mike Portnoy
Supergroup Flying Colors will be releasing their brand new live album, ‘Third Stage: Live in London,’ on 18th September via Music Theories Recordings – home to Ayreon, Jordan Rudess, Von Hertzen Brothers, Michael Romeo, Jason Becker, Paul Gilbert and Spock’s Beard.
‘Third Stage: Live in London’ was filmed during their 2019 US and European tour and the footage captures the exhilarating sold-out final night, on the 14th December at the iconic Grade II Listed, Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London. The album will be released on several formats including, Orange transparent 3LP, Blu-ray, digitally, 2CD/DVD and a 40-page Earbook which includes 5 discs; 2CD album, 2DVDs and a Blu-ray. The Blu-ray and DVDs in the Earbook also include bonus material of music videos and concert footage of their Morsefest 2019 performance in Cross Plains, Tennessee.
When you combine the calibre of supergroup musicians - guitarist Steve Morse (Deep Purple, Dixie Dregs, ex-Kansas), drummer Mike Portnoy (Winery Dogs, ex-Dream Theater, Transatlantic), keyboardist/vocalist Neal Morse (Transatlantic, ex Spock's Beard, and a prolific solo artist in his own right), bassist Dave LaRue (Dixie Dregs, ex-Joe Satriani), and powerhouse vocalist and songwriter Casey McPherson (Alpha Rev, The Sea Within) – the results are going to be lightning in a bottle.
They had only played 9 exclusive shows on the tour, culminating at the sold-out show in London, which saw Portnoy stand up mid-set and quip, “Welcome to the rarest of all sightings, rarer than a UFO sighting, rarer than a sasquatch sighting. A Flying Colors sighting, here on stage in London. This is a very sad night for us because it is the last night of the tour and we don’t get to play together enough, so we’re going to savour every moment tonight and enjoy each and every moment here on stage.”
Their latest studio album ‘Third Degree’ had only been released two months previously, and songs from that record make up just under half to the night’s setlist with the rest of the songs coming from the 2012 self-titled Billboard Top 10 debut and 2014s worldwide Top 10, ‘Second Nature.’ Backed with a HD projector screen, the five take the stage in the darkness amidst a rumble of applause and immediately groove into opener ‘Blue Ocean,’ and from the outset, their technical virtuosity, joyous melodies and reflective lyricism wash over the crowd proving to be the cornerstones of the Flying Colors sound.
Talking about walking out on the stage, McPherson recalls; “I remember how I felt right before the show in London. I was excited because my oldest daughter and her grandmother were there, whom I love dearly, and felt like I had the show, down by then. It's always a good feeling to take the stage when the material is ingrained enough to just let go and let it out!”
They flow into the melodic progressive wonderment of ‘A Place In Your World,’ featuring guitar heroics from Steve Morse before they shift up a gear further for a duo of thunderous new songs, ‘The Loss Inside,’ and the almost rousingly apocalyptic sounding ‘More’ – it’s this that makes them so special, the ability to weave through several genres simultaneously.
The sight of LaRue and Portnoy bouncing off one another is a gloriously effortless sight to behold, whilst the wizardry of Neal Morse throughout is hypnotic. The band flit nimble-fingered through complex yet musical treasure-trove of accessible and sophisticated pop songs, jazz-fusion, progressive-rock and multi-layered vocals from Macpherson, Neal Morse and Portnoy - giving the band added dimensions, many can only dream of. ‘Kayla’ lights up the room and makes the 100-year-old theatre feel like the most intimate of settings.
From its opening in 1903 as a Music Hall, hosting variety performances and revues from the likes of Charlie Chaplin the venue has been a captivating one. The Shepherd’s Bush Empire was designed by architect Frank Matchem, who also designed the world-famous Palladium, Victoria Palace Theatre and London Coliseum. Its mix of stunning Art Nouveau and Baroque style creates a luscious backdrop to the spiralling psychedelic progressive pop stylings of this supergroup. “The Shepherd's Bush Empire is a classic theatre. Little nooks and crannies backstage, and that ornate vibe in the hall. Great people to work with which always makes for a fun gig,” says McPherson.
As the camera weaves from cascading light effects and a captivating video backdrop to the view from the stage, sweeping above the crowd and along the lavish balconies, it’s visually stunning and as the band journey through their back catalogue it at times creates an almost spiritual awakening and has you hooked through further crowd favourites such as ‘Geronimo,’ ‘Infinite Fire’ and new songs alike until it reaches its triumphant finale ‘Mask Machine.’
“Playing in Flying Colors is like being in a movie,” says the singer. “It’s so incredibly powerful emotionally, and to think this was going to be the last show was a bittersweet feeling. I love the other guys in the band and we always have such a good time on the road together. Our Chemistry is like really good sushi. There's not one ingredient you could replace and it taste that good. It is one of the kindest and uniquely unified band's I've ever been in.”
‘Third Stage: Live In London’ captures the band in all their uncompromising glory, five musicians that when they come together prove that they have a special and breath-taking connection. In the words of Mr. Portnoy, it’s the “rarest of all sightings,” but what a sight to behold.
On September 18, Flying Colors will also re-issue the ‘Flying Colors’ and ‘Second Nature’ albums on Light Blue 2LP, both limited to 1000 units.
CD 1
Blue Ocean
A Place In Your World
The Loss Inside
More
Kayla
Geronimo
You Are Not Alone
Forever In A Daze
Love Letter
CD 2:
Peaceful Harbor
Crawl
Infinite Fire
Cosmic Symphony
The Storm
Mask Machine
* Earbook/Blu-Ray includes bonus show Live @ Morsefest
-
Earbook ordered! Glad to see we're getting a good chunk of the Morsefest show on video!
-Marc.
-
The press release seems possibly misleading about this, but according to the Mascot Records website, the regular Blu-ray edition also includes the Morsefest footage, not just the expensive deluxe box set. And their site also gives this list of bonus material that I haven't seen mentioned anywhere else yet:
Bonus Material
Live at Morsefest 2019:
1. More
2. You Are Not Alone
3. The Fury Of My Love
4. Crawl
5. Peaceful Harbor
6. Cosmic Symphony
Music Videos:
More
You Are Not Alone
Love Letter
The Loss Inside
-
The press release seems possibly misleading about this, but according to the Mascot Records website, the regular Blu-ray edition also includes the Morsefest footage, not just the expensive deluxe box set. And their site also gives this list of bonus material that I haven't seen mentioned anywhere else yet:
Bonus Material
Live at Morsefest 2019:
1. More
2. You Are Not Alone
3. The Fury Of My Love
4. Crawl
5. Peaceful Harbor
6. Cosmic Symphony
Music Videos:
More
You Are Not Alone
Love Letter
The Loss Inside
I love that they're putting pretty much half of the Morsefest show on the BD, and they're all great choices too - the three "first performance" songs from Third Degree (More, YANA, and Crawl), one song from Morsefest that wasn't played in London (TFOML), and two of the best tracks from Second Nature (which I'm sure will sound fantastic with the extra musicians). Nice touch to throw in the music videos from Third Degree as well!
Also, if it wasn't mentioned yet, Neal will be signing the first 100 pre-orders at Radiant when the pre-orders for him go up TOMORROW MORNING (I assume 9 or 10am CST, but his post on Facebook didn't specify). I didn't feel like waiting for a Neal signature, nor gamble on their shipping processes (though I've never really had any problems with them before - I've just never heard anyone have any issues with Mascot, unlike Radiant). Also, I trust how Mascot packs and ships their stuff, so I know I'm earbook will be nice and pristine when it arrives in September.
-Marc.
-
PRESS RELEASE MASCOT LABEL GROUP/MUSIC THEORIES RECORDINGS
Visit our MLG Press Page for more information and downloads
FLYING COLORS ANNOUNCE GLOBAL RELEASE OF LIVE DVD
'THIRD STAGE: LIVE IN LONDON'
'Third Stage: Live In London'
Released: 18 September 2019
Music Theories Recordings / Mascot Label Group
Damn, why have I waited so long to get this??? :P :P
-
Oops?
-
Haha, yep.
Reading the comments by the band members, it is a little maddening to think how few shows they did last year. I know they all have other bands and projects, and getting everyone lined up to be free at the same time for an extended period is not easy, but I know I am not alone in wishing they were a little more active. It was five years in between the last two records, and it will suck if we have to wait that long for the fourth album. I am a greedy fan. I want MORE. :metal :metal
-
I'm frustrated that they only go east to NYC. I'm glad Neal started to tour N.E. again the last 2 tours for the NMB.
-
I am just thrilled that St Louis was a mainstay for Neal the last few years. The NMB was here both the Similitude and TGA tours, and he was here by himself when he did that solo tour in 2018. I am hoping it stays that way once concerts resume in 2033.
Edit: Since becoming a fan of Neal's in 2000, he had not played a concert here in St Louis until the Similitude tour.
-
TA played Boston in 2001 but nothing after that until the Similitude tour.
-
TA is the last Neal/Mike thing that I have to see. King, when they come in 2021, we should try to make that happen.
-
Ordered the blu-ray and I'm really happy Radiant Records adjusted the shipping charges. $2.80 for a blu-ray shipped via Media Mail. :tup
-
I won't buy this, but I will, however, buy the Second Nature vinyl reissue :biggrin:
-
The live clip they released of Mask Machine is very underwhelming. It’s like they played it in slow motion. I thought that was a strange choice as the last encore, and it makes even less sense when changing the key and playing it slower.
-
I'm frustrated that they only go east to NYC. I'm glad Neal started to tour N.E. again the last 2 tours for the NMB.
They also played in Glenside, PA, on this tour. It was my first time seeing Flying Colors. Great show.
-
The live clip they released of Mask Machine is very underwhelming. It’s like they played it in slow motion. I thought that was a strange choice as the last encore, and it makes even less sense when changing the key and playing it slower.
Yea....I only got through a minute or so of it. It's about 10bpm slower than the album version and the mix is.......not very good.
-
The live clip they released of Mask Machine is very underwhelming. It’s like they played it in slow motion. I thought that was a strange choice as the last encore, and it makes even less sense when changing the key and playing it slower.
Yea....I only got through a minute or so of it. It's about 10bpm slower than the album version and the mix is.......not very good.
I also thought it was a weird decision to encore with Mask Machine. But, what's more pop than ending the set with your famous single.
If I went to a show, I'd be underwhelmed at it ending with this. It would've worked more higher in the set, like 2nd song.
-
Mask Machine is a "famous" single?
-
Mask Machine is one song I quite enjoy on Second Nature. But this live version, It sounds sluggish in feel with the tempo being slower, you can almost feel MP trying so hard to restrain from going faster. Probably not his decision either on the tempo for certain songs.
I'm sure the other songs sound great.
-
Recent listens of all three albums reminded me that while I like Second Nature, the other two are much, much better. And heck, I like every song on Second Nature, and there are plenty of awesome moments on there, but having a producer would have really helped songs like Open Up Your Eyes and Cosmic Symphony, the former of which is too long and suffers from padding (it could have been an awesome 7-8 minute song instead of 12 minute one it is), and the latter sounds like three little songs that they just threw together for the hell of it. Casey's two movements (I and III) are great enough to elevate the song into really good stuff despite the copy and paste feel of the song structurally, however.
I did find it interesting the other day that Portnoy, in his vinyl video, called out Last Train Home as a particularly good one from Third Degree. Makes me wonder why that one was never played when they toured. I know they only did nine shows, but I sure hope Last Train Home and Guardian don't end up being two great songs that never got played live.
-
I just listened to the live single and yeah, that is a really weird choice to promote an album with. The mix is pretty strange and not only is the tempo far too slow, it's also fluctuating big time...
-
Man, the way you guys are talking about Mask Machine really makes me happy that I haven't bothered checking out the single yet. I'll blissfully wait until September to hear it, then, and hope the rest of the show is much better. Maybe they were all tired by the end of the show and so their tempos weren't as great? They're not all spring chickens after all!
-Marc.
-
Mask Machine is a "famous" single?
:tup
-
FROM RADIANT RECORDS: "In addition to the new Flying Colors, 'Third Stage: Live In London,' we're offering pre-orders for a limited edition repress of 'Flying Colors' 2 LP and 'Second Nature' 2 LP on light blue vinyl."
I'll be autographing all double LPs (a Radiant exclusive!) Pre-order now: http://ow.ly/zTS250AiHXM
-
FROM RADIANT RECORDS: "In addition to the new Flying Colors, 'Third Stage: Live In London,' we're offering pre-orders for a limited edition repress of 'Flying Colors' 2 LP and 'Second Nature' 2 LP on light blue vinyl."
I'll be autographing all double LPs (a Radiant exclusive!) Pre-order now: http://ow.ly/zTS250AiHXM
Saw that and ordered both already. I just started collecting vinyl again recently and have Third Degree already, so I figured why not get the first two studio albums as well, that way I have all three. :metal :metal
-
I already have the fist album as regular black vinyl, but I still considered buying the blue one. But there is so much cool stuff coming out these months, I have to save money... (I still ordered the blue Second Nature though :biggrin:)
-
I'm frustrated that they only go east to NYC. I'm glad Neal started to tour N.E. again the last 2 tours for the NMB.
They also played in Glenside, PA, on this tour. It was my first time seeing Flying Colors. Great show.
That it was. That show will be the standard for my live album comparison. The set alone probably qualifies it as the best of the 3 live albums.
-
I got to see them late last year with Stads and Bill and it was a super awesome show. I'm mostly just shocked at how not good that mix is. And because it's the mix and not the performance, it's not like the other songs will be better in that regard.
-
The live clip they released of Mask Machine is very underwhelming. It’s like they played it in slow motion. I thought that was a strange choice as the last encore, and it makes even less sense when changing the key and playing it slower.
Yea....I only got through a minute or so of it. It's about 10bpm slower than the album version and the mix is.......not very good.
I also thought it was a weird decision to encore with Mask Machine. But, what's more pop than ending the set with your famous single.
If I went to a show, I'd be underwhelmed at it ending with this. It would've worked more higher in the set, like 2nd song.
Probably my least favorite song in the set.
-
Recent listens of all three albums reminded me that while I like Second Nature, the other two are much, much better. And heck, I like every song on Second Nature, and there are plenty of awesome moments on there, but having a producer would have really helped songs like Open Up Your Eyes and Cosmic Symphony, the former of which is too long and suffers from padding (it could have been an awesome 7-8 minute song instead of 12 minute one it is)
I agree. In fact, I found the opening of Second Nature so weak that it kept me from getting into the album for quite a while. Every time I played it, I started with the first couple of tracks, and by the time they were over, I was bored or even annoyed. Sure, it's just two tracks, but that's almost 30% of the album's playing time. To me, Open Up Your Eyes sounds way too much like the usual Morse/Portnoy stuff (and not among their better efforts, either), with an over-long and too familiar opening and several "prog for prog's sake" bits in it. And I've always thought Mask Machine had decent verses and choruses (though not great) that were connected rather awkwardly with that lame instrumental pre-chorus. It still strikes me as a pretty mediocre song. Both of these seem like songs that would've benefitted from having an experienced producer there. I think the rest of the album is stronger and more original than those, but it took me a long time to realize that it would significantly improve my listening experience to just skip those first 18.5 minutes entirely.
-
In fact, I found the opening of Second Nature so weak that it kept me from getting into the album for quite a while. Every time I played it, I started with the first couple of tracks, and by the time they were over, I was bored or even annoyed. Sure, it's just two tracks, but that's almost 30% of the album's playing time. To me, Open Up Your Yes sounds way too much like the usual Morse/Portnoy stuff (and not among their better efforts, either), with an over-long and too familiar opening and several "prog for prog's sake" bits in it. And I've always thought Mask Machine had decent verses and choruses (though not great) that were connected rather awkwardly with that lame instrumental pre-chorus. It still strikes me as a pretty mediocre song. Both of these seem like songs that would've benefitted from having an experienced producer there. I think the rest of the album is stronger and more original than those, but it took me a long time to realize that it would significantly improve my listening experience to just skip those first 18.5 minutes entirely.
Mask Machine (the studio version) has this kind of hypnotic catchiness that I find every endearing. I get why some may not like it, but I am a big fan.
Agreed about Open Up Your Eyes. Like I said before, the song has some awesome moments (all of the vocal melodies are stellar), but the instrumental sections needed some editing down. Portnoy said the other day in his vinyl chatter than they self-produced that album and let the songs be what they were, but a producer probably could have made it better. Some of those little instrumental sections sound shoehorned in and out of place, almost like they couldn't help themselves, and with no outside producer to chime in and fix it, it remained what it is. Still a very good song, since there is a lot of greatness it, but it's a bit frustrating cause you just know it could have been really great.
-
Open Up Your Eyes is odd for me. As a standalone song it's not long, but when I want to listen to the entire album, it tends to drag.
-
In fact, I found the opening of Second Nature so weak that it kept me from getting into the album for quite a while. Every time I played it, I started with the first couple of tracks, and by the time they were over, I was bored or even annoyed. Sure, it's just two tracks, but that's almost 30% of the album's playing time. To me, Open Up Your Yes sounds way too much like the usual Morse/Portnoy stuff (and not among their better efforts, either), with an over-long and too familiar opening and several "prog for prog's sake" bits in it. And I've always thought Mask Machine had decent verses and choruses (though not great) that were connected rather awkwardly with that lame instrumental pre-chorus. It still strikes me as a pretty mediocre song. Both of these seem like songs that would've benefitted from having an experienced producer there. I think the rest of the album is stronger and more original than those, but it took me a long time to realize that it would significantly improve my listening experience to just skip those first 18.5 minutes entirely.
Mask Machine (the studio version) has this kind of hypnotic catchiness that I find every endearing. I get why some may not like it, but I am a big fan.
Agreed about Open Up Your Eyes. Like I said before, the song has some awesome moments (all of the vocal melodies are stellar), but the instrumental sections needed some editing down. Portnoy said the other day in his vinyl chatter than they self-produced that album and let the songs be what they were, but a producer probably could have made it better. Some of those little instrumental sections sound shoehorned in and out of place, almost like they couldn't help themselves, and with no outside producer to chime in and fix it, it remained what it is. Still a very good song, since there is a lot of greatness it, but it's a bit frustrating cause you just know it could have been really great.
I dient see the third episode.. but if even he sees it like that (I agree) why didn't they hire a producer for Third Degree?
-
In fact, I found the opening of Second Nature so weak that it kept me from getting into the album for quite a while. Every time I played it, I started with the first couple of tracks, and by the time they were over, I was bored or even annoyed. Sure, it's just two tracks, but that's almost 30% of the album's playing time. To me, Open Up Your Yes sounds way too much like the usual Morse/Portnoy stuff (and not among their better efforts, either), with an over-long and too familiar opening and several "prog for prog's sake" bits in it. And I've always thought Mask Machine had decent verses and choruses (though not great) that were connected rather awkwardly with that lame instrumental pre-chorus. It still strikes me as a pretty mediocre song. Both of these seem like songs that would've benefitted from having an experienced producer there. I think the rest of the album is stronger and more original than those, but it took me a long time to realize that it would significantly improve my listening experience to just skip those first 18.5 minutes entirely.
Mask Machine (the studio version) has this kind of hypnotic catchiness that I find every endearing. I get why some may not like it, but I am a big fan.
Agreed about Open Up Your Eyes. Like I said before, the song has some awesome moments (all of the vocal melodies are stellar), but the instrumental sections needed some editing down. Portnoy said the other day in his vinyl chatter than they self-produced that album and let the songs be what they were, but a producer probably could have made it better. Some of those little instrumental sections sound shoehorned in and out of place, almost like they couldn't help themselves, and with no outside producer to chime in and fix it, it remained what it is. Still a very good song, since there is a lot of greatness it, but it's a bit frustrating cause you just know it could have been really great.
I dient see the third episode.. but if even he sees it like that (I agree) why didn't they hire a producer for Third Degree?
"but a producer probably could have made it better." is a Kev's statement. Not Portnoy's.
BTW, I agree too.
-
Oh.. okay, I misunderstood then :)
I think that's what made the debut so unique. Portnoy and Morse are an absolute dream team in the genre, but that album marked the first time in many years they worked with an outside producer... (btw, not sure if Morse ever did)
-
My bad, I should have worded that sentence a little better.
-
The live clip they released of Mask Machine is very underwhelming. It’s like they played it in slow motion. I thought that was a strange choice as the last encore, and it makes even less sense when changing the key and playing it slower.
I think something's gone awry somewhere. The version on Spotify is appreciably faster.
-
Recent listens of all three albums reminded me that while I like Second Nature, the other two are much, much better. And heck, I like every song on Second Nature, and there are plenty of awesome moments on there, but having a producer would have really helped songs like Open Up Your Eyes and Cosmic Symphony, the former of which is too long and suffers from padding (it could have been an awesome 7-8 minute song instead of 12 minute one it is)
I agree. In fact, I found the opening of Second Nature so weak that it kept me from getting into the album for quite a while. Every time I played it, I started with the first couple of tracks, and by the time they were over, I was bored or even annoyed. Sure, it's just two tracks, but that's almost 30% of the album's playing time. To me, Open Up Your Eyes sounds way too much like the usual Morse/Portnoy stuff (and not among their better efforts, either), with an over-long and too familiar opening and several "prog for prog's sake" bits in it. And I've always thought Mask Machine had decent verses and choruses (though not great) that were connected rather awkwardly with that lame instrumental pre-chorus. It still strikes me as a pretty mediocre song. Both of these seem like songs that would've benefitted from having an experienced producer there. I think the rest of the album is stronger and more original than those, but it took me a long time to realize that it would significantly improve my listening experience to just skip those first 18.5 minutes entirely.
This is my take as well.
-
The live clip they released of Mask Machine is very underwhelming. It’s like they played it in slow motion. I thought that was a strange choice as the last encore, and it makes even less sense when changing the key and playing it slower.
I think something's gone awry somewhere. The version on Spotify is appreciably faster.
:rollin
I just did now and it is faster and sounds better.
-
Recent listens of all three albums reminded me that while I like Second Nature, the other two are much, much better. And heck, I like every song on Second Nature, and there are plenty of awesome moments on there, but having a producer would have really helped songs like Open Up Your Eyes and Cosmic Symphony, the former of which is too long and suffers from padding (it could have been an awesome 7-8 minute song instead of 12 minute one it is)
I agree. In fact, I found the opening of Second Nature so weak that it kept me from getting into the album for quite a while. Every time I played it, I started with the first couple of tracks, and by the time they were over, I was bored or even annoyed. Sure, it's just two tracks, but that's almost 30% of the album's playing time. To me, Open Up Your Eyes sounds way too much like the usual Morse/Portnoy stuff (and not among their better efforts, either), with an over-long and too familiar opening and several "prog for prog's sake" bits in it. And I've always thought Mask Machine had decent verses and choruses (though not great) that were connected rather awkwardly with that lame instrumental pre-chorus. It still strikes me as a pretty mediocre song. Both of these seem like songs that would've benefitted from having an experienced producer there. I think the rest of the album is stronger and more original than those, but it took me a long time to realize that it would significantly improve my listening experience to just skip those first 18.5 minutes entirely.
Petty much how I felt from the get go. Never really started to hum until almost midway through.
-
From Facebook-
As some of you may have noticed, the previously posted live version of Mask Machine from our upcoming “Third Stage: Live In London” was uploaded with a flaw in the playback speed...we’ve re-uploaded a new version that corrects that issue (and fret not, the versions being released on Blu-Ray and DVD are perfectly fine! 👌) https://youtu.be/CZsyXMjelcI
“Third Stage: Live In London” will be released on Sept 19th and will be available in these formats:
* 5-Disc Earbook (2CD + 2DVD + Blu-ray). The Blu-ray and DVDs also include bonus material of music videos and concert footage from Morsefest 2019
* Orange Transparent 3LP
* 2CD + DVD
* Blu-ray
Pre-order: https://smarturl.it/Flying-Colors
Glad they fixed it! I guess I can watch it now lol
-Marc.
-
Add me to the list of people who skipped the first few tracks of Second Nature. That album does have several great songs though. A Place In Your World is one of my favorite rock songs of the past 10 years or so. I also really like Lost Without You, Peaceful Harbor, and Cosmic Symphony. Don’t really love or hate anything else on it, but the rest aren’t all that interesting to me.
I feel about the same with Third Degree, only there’s no one great track there for me. Love Letter is the high point, and I like Last Train Home and Crawl a good bit. Cadence and Guardian are ok.
This take is going to get bashed, but there is something about Steve Morse’s guitar tone that feels almost lifeless to me at times. Like it lacks any kind of punch or edge and just kind of floats out there.
-
Not sure I agree with that, re: Steve Morse's guitar tone, but I am not a fanboy of his by any means (I like his playing, but he is not even close to being one of my favorite guitar players), so I don't feel the need to defend him to the pain here. :biggrin:
-
Yeah, HOF, I respect your input a lot across the board, but that hot take I have to press back at. I don't think I've ever heard anyone knock his TONE. I know for a while after joining Deep Purple there was some criticism of the samey-ness of some of the solos, but that was chalked up to "samey as compared to what?" and his solo and Dregs work is SO stylistically varied compared to the relative structure of Purple that it's likely just as much perception as reality.
I've seen the guy live... four times with four different bands (Steve Morse Band, Deep Purple, The Dregs, Flying Colors) and was just mesmerized all four times. He's earned the hype.
-
Yeah, HOF, I respect your input a lot across the board, but that hot take I have to press back at. I don't think I've ever heard anyone knock his TONE. I know for a while after joining Deep Purple there was some criticism of the samey-ness of some of the solos, but that was chalked up to "samey as compared to what?" and his solo and Dregs work is SO stylistically varied compared to the relative structure of Purple that it's likely just as much perception as reality.
I've seen the guy live... four times with four different bands (Steve Morse Band, Deep Purple, The Dregs, Flying Colors) and was just mesmerized all four times. He's earned the hype.
He’s an amazing player no doubt. I’ve seen him with the Dixie Dregs actually and it was a very impressive concert. I have never had an issue with his tone outside of FC. It’s not a bad tone or an ugly tone or anything. I think it could be more the way it is mixed on FC where it just seems to be missing some oomph. I don’t think it bothered me as much on the first FC album even. But the last two have left me wanting something more in that department.
-
That's a fair critique.
The Dregs... I go to a fair amount of concerts by myself (by design) and The Dregs was one of them, and I'm so glad. It was in a small theater, and I had front row, and I sat there for two hours plus with a huge grin on my face tapping away. It was everything I love about music; just two hours of no job, no meddlesome kids, no nagging wife, no COVID-19, no Trump, no Clinton, no Kardashians... and the band was having that same level of fun; I don't think I've ever seen a band SMILE as much as that band did while delivering that set.
-
Rod Morgenstein is the smiliest person I’ve ever seen when he’s playing. His drum solo on that night was one of the coolest things musically that I’ve witnessed in person.
-
He’s an amazing player no doubt. I’ve seen him with the Dixie Dregs actually and it was a very impressive concert. I have never had an issue with his tone outside of FC. It’s not a bad tone or an ugly tone or anything. I think it could be more the way it is mixed on FC where it just seems to be missing some oomph. I don’t think it bothered me as much on the first FC album even. But the last two have left me wanting something more in that department.
Not sure I agree with this. A player like Steve Morse, with his skills, could easily dominate the soundscape if mixed a certain way, but Flying Colors seems more about the mix of all of the instruments and, more importantly, the songs. Sort of like Jellyfish in that it is catchy rock played extremely well by proficient players, but they rarely let the proficiency take over (the end of Open Up Your Eyes notwithstanding), and keeping Steve Morse where they do in the mix seems about right in getting the balance just right, IMO.
-
Steve Morse doesn't do much in the way of stage presence, but he just LOVES to play his guitar. If you need someone to play the part of guitar hero. He's not your guy.
One of the reasons I like most of what he does.....
-
re: TOO ONE
That's a conversation my buddy and I had after seeing FC last year.
I agree, Morse's tone seems kinda Samey and lacking, but I have nothing against that. That's his sound.
-
Just listened to Waiting for the Sun for the first time, and I like it a lot! I wish they included it in the main album.
Also for the first time ever, I was able to listen to More from start to finish. I still hate it, but at least I didn't skip it this time :lol
-
I didn't care much for More at first (posts of mine in this thread when it first hit the 'net can back this up :lol), but it eventually grabbed me and now I like it a lot. Really fun song to crank up when cruising on the highway. :metal :metal
-
I didn't care much for More at first (posts of mine in this thread when it first hit the 'net can back this up :lol), but it eventually grabbed me and now I like it a lot. Really fun song to crank up when cruising on the highway. :metal :metal
I just don't think writing these heavily-inspired-by-Muse songs works too well for them. It seems like they like to do one for each album, and More is the worst of all three. Hope that it clicks with me one day, because so far I hate it :lol
-
I didn't care much for More at first (posts of mine in this thread when it first hit the 'net can back this up :lol), but it eventually grabbed me and now I like it a lot. Really fun song to crank up when cruising on the highway. :metal :metal
I just don't think writing these heavily-inspired-by-Muse songs works too well for them. It seems like they like to do one for each album, and More is the worst of all three. Hope that it clicks with me one day, because so far I hate it :lol
A million times this. I have a certain hatred of Muse to begin with, but that style just seems so out of place on the FC albums. More actually seemed a little less awful than the previous ones to me. Still not something I really want to listen to though.
-
Shoulda Coulda Woulda is, IMO, easily the least best of the three "inspired by Muse" songs. Really, none of the songs sound like a song Muse would have done, but the vocal effect and/or fuzzy bass used at times in them certainly gives them that strong Muse flavor.
-
Add me to the list of people who skipped the first few tracks of Second Nature. That album does have several great songs though. A Place In Your World is one of my favorite rock songs of the past 10 years or so. I also really like Lost Without You, Peaceful Harbor, and Cosmic Symphony. Don’t really love or hate anything else on it, but the rest aren’t all that interesting to me.
I feel about the same with Third Degree, only there’s no one great track there for me. Love Letter is the high point, and I like Last Train Home and Crawl a good bit. Cadence and Guardian are ok.
This take is going to get bashed, but there is something about Steve Morse’s guitar tone that feels almost lifeless to me at times. Like it lacks any kind of punch or edge and just kind of floats out there.
Steve uses a heavily gated plate reverb (I think) that has a very quick decay and it sometimes sounds a little weird to me as well. His lead tone has always been a head-scratcher to me. Not a fan of his tone at all, but his playing is impeccable so I guess I just overlook the tone.
As for this band..I enjoyed the first album and I like about 1/2 of Second Nature, but I was unable to make it more than 3 or 4 tracks into the new album before moving on to something else.
-
Might give Third Degree another try tomorrow.
(I love CWS and Muse but I don't hear Muse in it.)
-
Nope. Boring me to tears. Switching off.
-
Might give Third Degree another try tomorrow.
(I love CWS and Muse but I don't hear Muse in it.)
Nope. Boring me to tears. Switching off.
That went well I'd say ;D
-
That went well I'd say ;D
:lol
The first album is one my abs favourites of the last decade. Never mind. :)
-
I'm too in the "the first album was mindblowingly awesome but the third is meh" camp. I should do like you did, give it another chance, but I'm afraid the results might be the same....
-
I had the same reaction as you two. Maybe it's time I gave it another go, too :biggrin:
-
I was initially underwhelmed with Third Degree but it really grew on me after several listens. So much so that I now consider it their best work! I like it even better than their debut - it's close though. In my opinion Second Nature is their weakest work - but curiously it contains my two favorite Flying Colors tracks (Peaceful Harbor & Cosmic Symphony)
-
Rod Morgenstein is the smiliest person I’ve ever seen when he’s playing. His drum solo on that night was one of the coolest things musically that I’ve witnessed in person.
Still remember a few of those shows they did while opening for Dream Theater. Morgenstein sure was smiling a lot. Jordan too as I recall. Probably should say this was Rudess-Morgenstein and not the Dregs who I also saw open for Dream Theater, but I seem to remember less about those gigs possibly because of the intense focus on hearing Scenes From a Memory for the first two or three times.
-
Anybody got the new live blu-ray yet? I got my signed copy in the mail last week.
I'm about halfway through. Pretty good stuff.
-
Anybody got the new live blu-ray yet? I got my signed copy in the mail last week.
I'm about halfway through. Pretty good stuff.
is there anything that's different to their other two live albums? (and yes, I know there is the new material on this new one of course)
-
Nope. Boring me to tears. Switching off.
I tried to get into this album too but it just doesn't do anything for me. I might try coming back to it at some point in the future.
-
I haven’t felt compelled to listen to Third Degree at all since I got it back when it was released. But I did enjoy Crawl when it popped up on shuffle the other day.
-
Anybody got the new live blu-ray yet? I got my signed copy in the mail last week.
I'm about halfway through. Pretty good stuff.
is there anything that's different to their other two live albums? (and yes, I know there is the new material on this new one of course)
Well, it's the same people doing the same thing.
Other than the new material, I'm not sure what else would be different.
-
Anybody got the new live blu-ray yet? I got my signed copy in the mail last week.
I'm about halfway through. Pretty good stuff.
is there anything that's different to their other two live albums? (and yes, I know there is the new material on this new one of course)
Well, it's the same people doing the same thing.
Other than the new material, I'm not sure what else would be different.
Have you heard the "Storytellers" version of Mask Machine from Morsefest 2016? I love that version and it's pretty different than the normal version. It'd be cool if Flying Colors did something like that.
-
Anybody got the new live blu-ray yet? I got my signed copy in the mail last week.
I'm about halfway through. Pretty good stuff.
is there anything that's different to their other two live albums? (and yes, I know there is the new material on this new one of course)
Well, it's the same people doing the same thing.
Other than the new material, I'm not sure what else would be different.
Have you heard the "Storytellers" version of Mask Machine from Morsefest 2016? I love that version and it's pretty different than the normal version. It'd be cool if Flying Colors did something like that.
I haven't heard it, but I also don't really like that song very much.
Although I may like some different rendition, I suppose.
-
Here's an audience recording of it if you're interested. Mask Machine is at 1:13:30.
https://youtu.be/bzXbW8eH00w
-
I listened to this album, and as much as I like the music, the singer spoils it for me - I can't listen to him. He doesn't have the same level musically as the others IMO, he would suit better in a band like Oasis...
And what is it I don't like? His voice is hoarse in an artificial way, I use to call it pop-hoarse. I have their first album, and it's collecting dust on the shelf...sorry to say.
-
Well I have to disagree. I see so many fans who hate singers that use falsetto like it's a taboo technique. His voice is a breath of fresh air of the same old same in this genre.
-
Well I have to disagree. I see so many fans who hate singers that use falsetto like it's a taboo technique. His voice is a breath of fresh air of the same old same in this genre.
It's all opinions. I remember when the first album came out, I was initially interested, even though others in here didn't like the singer. I thought they must be wrong in their heads and bought the album. And I liked the music for some time, until his singing started to annoy me, then it was all over for me to listen to this band. I still gave the new one a chance though - but no. Luckily I have a streaming opportunity, so nowadays I only buy when I'm sure about the music. I have tons of CDs I don't like, and it must stop...
-
Last couple of days I decided to give the Flying Colors albums another spin. What I came away with was kind of unexpected but I've seen it before.
I like each of this band's successive releases a little bit less than the previous one.
I rank them in the order in which they were released - the debut is still their best album, the middle one is the next best and the most recent one is the one I like the least. It's really not related to the vocals at all. In fact, it's the vocals and the vocal melodies that I thought were this band's strength, and they still are, but there's just something about these songs, especially on this most recent release, that makes me have very little interest in listening to them again.
To me it's almost like a really great prog band trying to be commercial or a really great commercial band trying to be proggy, but they're both pushing against their better instincts and I think where in most cases that kind of tension would spark something great, here it only seems to result in a rather musically schizophrenic offering, veering in and out of the two genres but never really pulling off either in a great or remarkable or memorable enough way to compel me to keep listening.
-
Last couple of days I decided to give the Flying Colors albums another spin. What I came away with was kind of unexpected but I've seen it before.
I like each of this band's successive releases a little bit less than the previous one.
I rank them in the order in which they were released - the debut is still their best album, the middle one is the next best and the most recent one is the one I like the least. It's really not related to the vocals at all. In fact, it's the vocals and the vocal melodies that I thought were this band's strength, and they still are, but there's just something about these songs, especially on this most recent release, that makes me have very little interest in listening to them again.
To me it's almost like a really great prog band trying to be commercial or a really great commercial band trying to be proggy, but they're both pushing against their better instincts and I think where in most cases that kind of tension would spark something great, here it only seems to result in a rather musically schizophrenic offering, veering in and out of the two genres but never really pulling off either in a great or remarkable or memorable enough way to compel me to keep listening.
The debut was a great album that offered something new for NM/MP fans. I think they just tried too hard on Second Nature (and probably Third Degree which I still haven't heard) to appeal to the prog audiences since most FC fans probably came from Neal and Mike. To me, this ultimately makes the band completely useless as it's too much in the vein of TA/NMB.
-
I like each of this band's successive releases a little bit less than the previous one.
Oh boy, how immense is the number of bands for which this statement applies, in all kind of genres?
BTW I agree that the biggest draw of Flying Colors was seeing super skilled musicians try their hand at "pop" and easy songs, having some substance and great musicianship to sustain catchy and short songs. The drift over more proggish territories and the long songs left me kinda meh. Love the debut and I would still spin it right now, kinda like the second album, forgot that the third album is even a thing, one day I'll give it another chance.
-
I've been listening to a TON of FC albums this past week or so, and have really been digging Third Degree even more than ever. I think I like it just a bit more than Second Nature, over-all, and as individual songs, there are some killer tracks on there. I feel like Third Degree has a bit more of the spirit of the first album than Second Nature did.
I'm super hyped for the new live album set, and I can't wait for my pre-ordered Earbook to come in! I'm excited to see/hear all of the Third Degree songs played live!
-Marc.
-
I was lukewarm to Third Degree at first but now I think it's better than Second Nature. But the first is still the best imo.
-
I interviewed Steve Morse, and we spoke about Flying Colors for a bit. Here's the link: https://www.sonicperspectives.com/interviews/interview-with-morse-steve/
-
I like each of this band's successive releases a little bit less than the previous one.
Oh boy, how immense is the number of bands for which this statement applies, in all kind of genres?
BTW I agree that the biggest draw of Flying Colors was seeing super skilled musicians try their hand at "pop" and easy songs, having some substance and great musicianship to sustain catchy and short songs. The drift over more proggish territories and the long songs left me kinda meh. Love the debut and I would still spin it right now, kinda like the second album, forgot that the third album is even a thing, one day I'll give it another chance.
Boston is another great example of a band that totally blew their wad on their debut. "Don't Look Back" was pretty great too, but it wasn't as good as the s/t debut and it went downhill from there
-
My Limited light blue vinyl of Second Nature just arrived.
I'm not the biggest FC "fan", but I definitely enjoy their music. I didn't hear SN as often as the debut when it came out. But now that I revisit it, I gotta say, it's a strong album. Their biggest strength is definitely the chemistry between the musicians in my opinion.
My favourites are Cosmic Symphony and Lost Without You. The first is a 12 minute track that finally doesn't completely sound like a Neal Morse composition. Very welcome change. And Steve Morse's guitar solo? WOW.
And Lost Without You is this album's The Storm. In my opinion, this is one of their most under appreciated songs. Personally, I even think it's the album's best "song". Can't get enough of those harmony vocals during the chorus.
I already have the first pressing of their debut but while listening to Second Nature I ordered the new blue pressing for 20 bucks, so I have all their albums in blue. Just my slight OCD kicking in haha...
-
I had the same reaction as you two. Maybe it's time I gave it another go, too :biggrin:
Gave it another go.
Nothing's changed. I found it utterly soporific, disappointingly.
-
Ho-hum. Maybe "Fourth Amendment" will blow our socks off.
-
Ho-hum. Maybe "Fourth Amendment" will blow our socks off.
For sure it won't be called "Fourth Wall", even though it's a common expression and a logical title, MP will never allow the risk of "lol they copied DT's live album" comments to be made :D
-
Ho-hum. Maybe "Fourth Amendment" will blow our socks off.
For sure it won't be called "Fourth Wall", even though it's a common expression and a logical title, MP will never allow the risk of "lol they copied DT's live album" comments to be made :D
Maybe it'll be called "Four On The Floor" and the album will all be in 4/4? :lol
-Marc.
-
Let’s just hope they steer clear of calling it “Four Play.”
-
How about Fourskin?
-
Four Score...
-
The Shattered Fourtress.
-
I'm a bit surprised that so many seem not pleased with the third album. It took me one or two listens to get into, but I think it's pretty good. Definitely #3 out of 3 for me, but not bad in any way.
-
Third Degree is one of those albums I just can't seem to get into, or more, want to listen to it. I listened to a couple songs, but then nothing really stood out. There are good songs though from what I can remember. One of them is Geronimo.
-
This might be the most controvertial opinion here, but I find the song stretch between Forever in a Daze - Better Than Walking Away from the debut album a bit boring. The first 4 songs are much much better than these 4. I don't care much about Fool in my Heart either.
-
:lol at the name ideas.
Infinite Fire is my least enjoyed track on the debut.
Better Than Walking Away is a big favourite for me. Nice to hear a song about something so down to earth.
-
Infinite Fire is awesome and so is Better Than Walking Away. Fool In My Heart and All Fall Down are the lesser tracks on the debut imo.
-
The highs of that first album are SO high: Kayla, The Storm, Everything Changes, Better Than Walking Away (that song makes me cry to this day; I LOVE that song).
The lows: Shoulda Coulda Woulda, All Falls Down are pretty low. I don't like the "Muse" songs (that's what I call them). Forever In A Daze and Love Is What I'm Waiting For are okay, but not at the level of the four above.
Blue Ocean and Infinite Fire are very good, but I think they get undue focus just because of their length.
-
I don't like the "Muse" songs (that's what I call them).
I like the first two, but More... nope.
-
The highs of that first album are SO high: Kayla, The Storm, Everything Changes, Better Than Walking Away (that song makes me cry to this day; I LOVE that song).
The lows: Shoulda Coulda Woulda, All Falls Down are pretty low. I don't like the "Muse" songs (that's what I call them). Forever In A Daze and Love Is What I'm Waiting For are okay, but not at the level of the four above.
Blue Ocean and Infinite Fire are very good, but I think they get undue focus just because of their length.
I agree with the highs. I actually dig Shoulda Coulda Woulda and All Falls Down but they're a bit more....stock I guess, as Metallica would say. And I love Muse, so the Muse songs don't bug me.
I really like Forever in a Daze, but Love is what blah blah is a bit bland.
I agree about Blue Ocean and Infinite Fire. I think they are a double edged sword. They're good songs, and in my opinion did a good job walking the line between the band's pop sensibilities and the typical transatlantic prog stuff. But the band, I guess, maybe saw their popularity as an excuse to go full Neal Morse prog stuff on future albums, which most fans were not wanting. Essentially, it was a good hat trick and the band couldn't duplicate and maybe learned the wrong lessons from.
-
I love me some Forever in a Daze
-
I love me some Forever in a Daze
Same. That song brings the funk.
-
It absolutely does. That song is an example of Flying Colors nailing it from the get-go and represents what I like about them. The live version from the first tour is also tremendous, the chorus works even better when it's half step down.
-
Holy crap! Finally cracked the artbook open a few days ago. Can't get past the Morsefest performance. Watched the studio videos first (Other than More a few times pre-release I had not seen them. They were pretty cool. Not something I'd go back to a lot but I'm happy to have them. Next thing was the Morsefest clips because I didn't have a lot of time to watch and wanted to head to bed and that set featured a lot on my favorite tracks and though it would keep me happy until I dug into the rest of it.
I was not prepared for how awesome this was. I knew it would be great, but I had NO idea it could be this good. I don't know if this will beat the main concert, but right now I don't how it can. I've watched that portion 3 times each night for the last three nights. This is off the charts. Steve Morse and Dave LaRue are leaving nobody left alive. Can't imagine what it was like to be there.
Very hesitant to move on, but I know I have to at some point. Just want to savor it for as long as it lasts.
-
That Morsefest set was so good.
-
I spun Third Degree again the other night around its 1st anniversary. This was one of the big parts of the soundtrack to my winter of 19/20, so the songs brought back memories. Again, Love Letter is such a fun song! It's impossible for me to not smile when it's on. Probably my favourite FC song now.
-
That Morsefest set was so good.
You're not kidding. This package has totally disrupted any listening plans I may have had. The new Fish, Neal Morse (and the Covers Box) and the Scottish Rush Tribute CD are sitting here unopened until they can be given the proper time.
-
That Morsefest set was so good.
You're not kidding. This package has totally disrupted any listening plans I may have had. The new Fish, Neal Morse (and the Covers Box) and the Scottish Rush Tribute CD are sitting here unopened until they can be given the proper time.
This one is still kicking my ass - primarily the Morsefest set but the proper show still has my attention too. Broke away for the Scottish Rush Tribute CD for two listens (Good stuff.) but went back to Flying Colors. This live album is ruling my life right now. How is this one that much better than the previous two live albums? I guess it's the set.....
-
Hey Fritzinger I finally published your review: https://lotsofmuzic.weebly.com/home/flying-colors-third-stage-live-in-london-review-by-friedrich-stenzenl
Sorry it took me this long to do it.
-
Holy crap! Finally cracked the artbook open a few days ago. Can't get past the Morsefest performance. Watched the studio videos first (Other than More a few times pre-release I had not seen them. They were pretty cool. Not something I'd go back to a lot but I'm happy to have them. Next thing was the Morsefest clips because I didn't have a lot of time to watch and wanted to head to bed and that set featured a lot on my favorite tracks and though it would keep me happy until I dug into the rest of it.
I was not prepared for how awesome this was. I knew it would be great, but I had NO idea it could be this good. I don't know if this will beat the main concert, but right now I don't how it can. I've watched that portion 3 times each night for the last three nights. This is off the charts. Steve Morse and Dave LaRue are leaving nobody left alive. Can't imagine what it was like to be there.
Very hesitant to move on, but I know I have to at some point. Just want to savor it for as long as it lasts.
I finally watched it last night...pretty great. The London crowd was lame for much of the show, but they finally got a little energy later in the show and made some noise. Casey going out into the crowd during the last section of Cosmic Symphony was so good. Love moments like that. Itching now for a fourth album by these guys! :hat :hat
-
ALPHA REV to Perform a Two-Hour Online Show to Launch “To Cure A Rose” Foundation
https://www.sonicperspectives.com/news/alpha-rev-to-perform-a-two-hour-online-show-to-launch-to-cure-a-rose-foundation/
-
ALPHA REV to Perform a Two-Hour Online Show to Launch “To Cure A Rose” Foundation
https://www.sonicperspectives.com/news/alpha-rev-to-perform-a-two-hour-online-show-to-launch-to-cure-a-rose-foundation/
My older brother, who is a major Casey fanboy at this point :lol, mentioned this the other day. Very cool.
-
Holy crap! Finally cracked the artbook open a few days ago. Can't get past the Morsefest performance. Watched the studio videos first (Other than More a few times pre-release I had not seen them. They were pretty cool. Not something I'd go back to a lot but I'm happy to have them. Next thing was the Morsefest clips because I didn't have a lot of time to watch and wanted to head to bed and that set featured a lot on my favorite tracks and though it would keep me happy until I dug into the rest of it.
I was not prepared for how awesome this was. I knew it would be great, but I had NO idea it could be this good. I don't know if this will beat the main concert, but right now I don't how it can. I've watched that portion 3 times each night for the last three nights. This is off the charts. Steve Morse and Dave LaRue are leaving nobody left alive. Can't imagine what it was like to be there.
Very hesitant to move on, but I know I have to at some point. Just want to savor it for as long as it lasts.
I finally watched it last night...pretty great. The London crowd was lame for much of the show, but they finally got a little energy later in the show and made some noise. Casey going out into the crowd during the last section of Cosmic Symphony was so good. Love moments like that. Itching now for a fourth album by these guys! :hat :hat
Still really enjoying this. I'm good without a Flying Colors for a while (since there won't be a live album for who knows how long) I'm still trying to get through Transatlantic, Liquid Tension Experiment (when it shows up) etc....
I don't know if this live album will ever be topped, but I'd love to see them try it one day.
-
Still really enjoying this. I'm good without a Flying Colors for a while (since there won't be a live album for who knows how long) I'm still trying to get through Transatlantic, Liquid Tension Experiment (when it shows up) etc....
I don't know if this live album will ever be topped, but I'd love to see them try it one day.
Assuming they do a 4th album and tour at some point, I sure hope they play the songs from Third Degree that didn't get played last time, especially Guardian and Last Train Home, and I'd love to see some of the songs from the first album find their way back.
-
Still really enjoying this. I'm good without a Flying Colors for a while (since there won't be a live album for who knows how long) I'm still trying to get through Transatlantic, Liquid Tension Experiment (when it shows up) etc....
I don't know if this live album will ever be topped, but I'd love to see them try it one day.
Assuming they do a 4th album and tour at some point, I sure hope they play the songs from Third Degree that didn't get played last time, especially Guardian and Last Train Home, and I'd love to see some of the songs from the first album find their way back.
They will have a lot of options.
Difficult to top the last set list but adding those two songs would do it. It would almost be perfect.
-
They will have a lot of options.
Difficult to top the last set list but adding those two songs would do it. It would almost be perfect.
Very true. I don't think Mask Machine works well as an encore (put that one early in the set where it belongs and make Kayla, which is a major fan favorite, as the last encore), but the set list was otherwise pretty great. On paper it looked weird to have all of the longer songs one after another, but it worked pretty well when watching the show.
-
Listening to Flying Colors right now. If Casey was the only one that did vocals, they would be one of my favorite bands.
-
Listening to Flying Colors right now. If Casey was the only one that did vocals, they would be one of my favorite bands.
I think for me if they had a different singer altogether (like Ted Leonard as Neal initially proposed) I'd like them more. I like Casey, I just don't LOVE his voice.
-
I'm glad they didn't go with Ted Leonard.
-
I can’t help but feel Neal’s vocals bring down the music. I don’t know why but when I used to listen to them I didn’t mind ‘em. Now I find it hard to listen to.
-
I'm glad they didn't go with Ted Leonard.
I agree it was probably best to stay away from the more typical prog type vocalist, though I think Ted has the voice for pop too. I just prefer his voice to Casey's quite a bit. Mostly I just find Casey's voice a little annoying at times (same way I don't care for the Coldplay guy).
-
This is the only project that involves Neal Morse where I like each successive album a little bit less than the previous one.
The only one I ever go back to is the debut.
-
I'm glad they didn't go with Ted Leonard.
Same here. I like Ted's voice, but I can't say I love it. Casey's voice is a big part of the Flying Colors magic, IMO.
-
I'm glad they didn't go with Ted Leonard.
Same here. I like Ted's voice, but I can't say I love it. Casey's voice is a big part of the Flying Colors magic, IMO.
The Storm, showcases this for me. From the intro with Caseys vocals behind that piano, drum, and bass line, that is a very pop beat and rhythm. The entire song, I would say defines Flying Colors for me.
-
The only one I ever go back to is the debut.
Same. The first was really good, the second one was kind-of alright and the third one was boring.
For me.
-
The Storm, showcases this for me. From the intro with Caseys vocals behind that piano, drum, and bass line, that is a very pop beat and rhythm. The entire song, I would say defines Flying Colors for me.
I totally agree. I wish they would make more of those songs, instead of Transatlantic-light 12 minute mini epics. Another song like The Storm that comes to mind is Lost Without You. I have said this before, but this is one of the band's best songs ever. This is exactly the kind of songs I want to hear from Flying Colors.
-
The only one I ever go back to is the debut.
Same. The first was really good, the second one was kind-of alright and the third one was boring.
For me.
Kinda in the same boat, but I do go back to Second Nature as well (I thought it was ALMOST as good as the debut). The last one was as bland as a popcorn fart.
-
I don’t really spin any of these albums all the way through. My favorite FC song and one I will still listen to frequently is A Place In Your World, but the Storm, Kayla, and Lost Without You are also favorites from the poppy side. In that vein, Love Letter is the highlight on Third Degree. I do like some of the proggier stuff like Blue Ocean, Infinite Fire, Peaceful Harbor, and Cosmic Symphony. The one proggier song that has kind stuck with me from Third Degree is Crawl.
Each of the first two albums has a few songs I don’t care for, but the first one is still the most complete. The only two songs I really don’t like on that are the heavy/Muse ones.
-
I'm glad they didn't go with Ted Leonard.
Same here. I like Ted's voice, but I can't say I love it. Casey's voice is a big part of the Flying Colors magic, IMO.
The Storm, showcases this for me. From the intro with Caseys vocals behind that piano, drum, and bass line, that is a very pop beat and rhythm. The entire song, I would say defines Flying Colors for me.
One of Mike Portnoy's finest hours; when he plays that fast bit during the first part of the chorus - "The storm...We will dance as it breaks
The storm...It will give as it takes" - then goes into half-time (i guess, I'm not a drummer) for the "And all of our pain is washed away" part I think is just musical perfection.
-
I bought the debut to support Mike. The thing with any band is, if you don't really like the vocalist, it's kind of pointless. He has a very distinctive voice which works great for some and not for others. I just can't get into him. Bottom line.
-
Had the debut album in the car last week. Been ages since I listened to it as I always go for a live album or more specifically the most recent live album. I forgot about many of those incidental studio sounds that weren't replicated live. Still like the album but they seem to be in a totally different place now.
-
I got my Morsefest 2018 package in the mail today, and the Flying Colors portion sounds really good. The blu-ray looks great as well. I listened to Cosmic Symphony all the way through, and what a phenomenal performance. Casey is so talented vocally - powerful and fragile and just dripping with emotion.
I'm pleasantly surprised at how much I'm enjoying this release so far.
-
Agreed. I never really got into them when the first album came out. But I've really enjoyed the Morsefest 19 performance. Not sure what about it that has finally sunk in with me, but glad that it has.
-
I got my Morsefest 2018 package in the mail today, and the Flying Colors portion sounds really good. The blu-ray looks great as well. I listened to Cosmic Symphony all the way through, and what a phenomenal performance. Casey is so talented vocally - powerful and fragile and just dripping with emotion.
I'm pleasantly surprised at how much I'm enjoying this release so far.
I don't love Casey's voice in general, but he absolutely kills it on Cosmic Symphony. That ending section is one of the best things FC has done.
-
I got my Morsefest 2018 package in the mail today, and the Flying Colors portion sounds really good. The blu-ray looks great as well. I listened to Cosmic Symphony all the way through, and what a phenomenal performance. Casey is so talented vocally - powerful and fragile and just dripping with emotion.
I'm pleasantly surprised at how much I'm enjoying this release so far.
I don't love Casey's voice in general, but he absolutely kills it on Cosmic Symphony. That ending section is one of the best things FC has done.
For me it "IS" the best thing they've done. While Second Nature is my least favorite release of theirs, it contains however my two favorite Flying Color songs (Cosmic Symphony & Peaceful Harbor).
-
I got my Morsefest 2018 package in the mail today, and the Flying Colors portion sounds really good. The blu-ray looks great as well. I listened to Cosmic Symphony all the way through, and what a phenomenal performance. Casey is so talented vocally - powerful and fragile and just dripping with emotion.
I'm pleasantly surprised at how much I'm enjoying this release so far.
I don't love Casey's voice in general, but he absolutely kills it on Cosmic Symphony. That ending section is one of the best things FC has done.
For me it "IS" the best thing they've done. While Second Nature is my least favorite release of theirs, it contains however my two favorite Flying Color songs (Cosmic Symphony & Peaceful Harbor).
I think the highs on Second Nature are really high. I love A Place in Your World and Lost Without You as well as the two you mentioned, but a lot of the album is a bit tedious (stuff like Bombs Away and Open Your Eyes).
-
I got my Morsefest 2018 package in the mail today, and the Flying Colors portion sounds really good. The blu-ray looks great as well. I listened to Cosmic Symphony all the way through, and what a phenomenal performance. Casey is so talented vocally - powerful and fragile and just dripping with emotion.
I'm pleasantly surprised at how much I'm enjoying this release so far.
I don't love Casey's voice in general, but he absolutely kills it on Cosmic Symphony. That ending section is one of the best things FC has done.
For me it "IS" the best thing they've done. While Second Nature is my least favorite release of theirs, it contains however my two favorite Flying Color songs (Cosmic Symphony & Peaceful Harbor).
I think the highs on Second Nature are really high. I love A Place in Your World and Lost Without You as well as the two you mentioned, but a lot of the album is a bit tedious (stuff like Bombs Away and Open Your Eyes).
I agree 100%
-
For me, I still find it a bit strange that I rank the debut and Third Degree 1a and 1b considering I think their only two weaker songs are on those albums (Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda and The Loss Inside). I just think those albums have higher highs. And I like every song on Second Nature, many a lot, but if I had to do a FC top 10, probably only one or two songs from the second album would make it.
-
NM wrote:
With 9 weeks to go to Morsefest 2022... check out the first Morsefest Highlights video! Over the coming week's we'll be sharing lots of Morsefest moments to whet your appetite! First up Drums!! http://ow.ly/PNlM50I8BOZ
And get your ticket for MF22 here http://ow.ly/3smT50I8BP2
-
NM wrote:
With 9 weeks to go to Morsefest 2022... check out the first Morsefest Highlights video! Over the coming week's we'll be sharing lots of Morsefest moments to whet your appetite! First up Drums!! http://ow.ly/PNlM50I8BOZ
And get your ticket for MF22 here http://ow.ly/3smT50I8BP2
Skimmed through it, but I didn't see any FC. Did I miss it?
-
Bump because I didn’t want to derail the “Artists who last album was their worst.” thead with more FC talk.
The first Flying Colors album is almost flawless. Never cared for Fool in My Heart and All Comes Down. The latter just sounds totally out of place.
Second Nature is very uneven. Has some great songs like Peaceful Harbor, Fury of My Love and Place in Your World, all of which would fit in perfectly on the first record. But then you have Mask Machine, which sounds like a poor attempt at a Muse song, and Open Your Eyes, which is a failed attempt at whatever the hell it’s trying to be.
Third Degree is just ok. Some decent songs like Loss Inside, Last Train Home, You Are Not Alone. One great song, Crawl. And then the others are just kinda there. My favorite song is honestly the bonus track, Waiting for the Sun. Never cared for Cosmic Symphony.
The first album has a balance of the pop and prog elements, where as the other two aren’t as balanced. Not terrible albums, but nowhere near as strong as that first album.
The first album has something the other two don’t have: An outside producer. If I’m not mistaken, everything else NM and MP have done for the last forever has been self-produced. For the most part I don’t think that has been an issue with their many projects. But I think FC needs that outside voice to kinda reel the band in and keep it from being just another prog band.
-
Bump because I didn’t want to derail the “Artists who last album was their worst.” thead with more FC talk.
The first Flying Colors album is almost flawless. Never cared for Fool in My Heart and All Comes Down. The latter just sounds totally out of place.
Second Nature is very uneven. Has some great songs like Peaceful Harbor, Fury of My Love and Place in Your World, all of which would fit in perfectly on the first record. But then you have Mask Machine, which sounds like a poor attempt at a Muse song, and Open Your Eyes, which is a failed attempt at whatever the hell it’s trying to be.
Third Degree is just ok. Some decent songs like Loss Inside, Last Train Home, You Are Not Alone. One great song, Crawl. And then the others are just kinda there. My favorite song is honestly the bonus track, Waiting for the Sun. Never cared for Cosmic Symphony.
The first album has a balance of the pop and prog elements, where as the other two aren’t as balanced. Not terrible albums, but nowhere near as strong as that first album.
The first album has something the other two don’t have: An outside producer. If I’m not mistaken, everything else NM and MP have done for the last forever has been self-produced. For the most part I don’t think that has been an issue with their many projects. But I think FC needs that outside voice to kinda reel the band in and keep it from being just another prog band.
I agree with almost all of this, except that I think Cosmic Symphony is one of their best songs. I think FC gets in trouble when they try to cram the Muse and other heavier stuff into albums that are more pop or prog-pop. Not only are those songs not great, they just don't really fit with the personality of the band. I don't mind the band doing some proggier stuff like Cosmic Symphony or Infinite Fire, but they are at their best when they are doing songs like Kayla, The Storm, and A Place In Your World, which have some proggy elements but are really just pop songs. It wouldn't hurt for them to have a producer probably, but I kind of doubt they ever will do that again. I think FC1 might be the only time Neal has worked with an outside producer in his career.
-
Bump because I didn’t want to derail the “Artists who last album was their worst.” thead with more FC talk.
The first Flying Colors album is almost flawless. Never cared for Fool in My Heart and All Comes Down. The latter just sounds totally out of place.
Second Nature is very uneven. Has some great songs like Peaceful Harbor, Fury of My Love and Place in Your World, all of which would fit in perfectly on the first record. But then you have Mask Machine, which sounds like a poor attempt at a Muse song, and Open Your Eyes, which is a failed attempt at whatever the hell it’s trying to be.
Third Degree is just ok. Some decent songs like Loss Inside, Last Train Home, You Are Not Alone. One great song, Crawl. And then the others are just kinda there. My favorite song is honestly the bonus track, Waiting for the Sun. Never cared for Cosmic Symphony.
The first album has a balance of the pop and prog elements, where as the other two aren’t as balanced. Not terrible albums, but nowhere near as strong as that first album.
The first album has something the other two don’t have: An outside producer. If I’m not mistaken, everything else NM and MP have done for the last forever has been self-produced. For the most part I don’t think that has been an issue with their many projects. But I think FC needs that outside voice to kinda reel the band in and keep it from being just another prog band.
I agree with almost all of this, except that I think Cosmic Symphony is one of their best songs. I think FC gets in trouble when they try to cram the Muse and other heavier stuff into albums that are more pop or prog-pop. Not only are those songs not great, they just don't really fit with the personality of the band. I don't mind the band doing some proggier stuff like Cosmic Symphony or Infinite Fire, but they are at their best when they are doing songs like Kayla, The Storm, and A Place In Your World, which have some proggy elements but are really just prog songs. It wouldn't hurt for them to have a producer probably, but I kind of doubt they ever will do that again. I think FC1 might be the only time Neal has worked with an outside producer in his career.
I agree with HOF, in that I agree with most of what you said Metropolaris, but Cosmic Symphony is one of my favorites of theirs. For me I break it down like this - the first album is clearly the best and yes, I think the outside producer had a lot to do with that. Second Nature is my least favorite of theirs. But curiously my two favorite FC songs (Peaceful Harbor and Cosmic Symphony) are on it. I'd say I prefer Third Degree over Second Nature as it's more balanced. Meaning that although it doesn't have quite the highs (Peaceful Harbor and Cosmic Symphony), the lows aren't quite so low for my tastes either.
-
I'm a big fan of all three albums, but the first just has that little extra something that the next two do not. I think having an outside producer helped, as every song is concise, even the one long song, and the arrangements are all spot-on.
Open Up Your Eyes has tons of great moments, but is a structural mess, and you could tell there was no producer there to kick them in the butts to work that one out a little better. Even Cosmic Symphony, for as good as it is, sounds like three songs all stitched together (cue the Forrest Gump voice) for no particular reason.
-
Bump because I didn’t want to derail the “Artists who last album was their worst.” thead with more FC talk.
The first Flying Colors album is almost flawless. Never cared for Fool in My Heart and All Comes Down. The latter just sounds totally out of place.
Second Nature is very uneven. Has some great songs like Peaceful Harbor, Fury of My Love and Place in Your World, all of which would fit in perfectly on the first record. But then you have Mask Machine, which sounds like a poor attempt at a Muse song, and Open Your Eyes, which is a failed attempt at whatever the hell it’s trying to be.
Third Degree is just ok. Some decent songs like Loss Inside, Last Train Home, You Are Not Alone. One great song, Crawl. And then the others are just kinda there. My favorite song is honestly the bonus track, Waiting for the Sun. Never cared for Cosmic Symphony.
The first album has a balance of the pop and prog elements, where as the other two aren’t as balanced. Not terrible albums, but nowhere near as strong as that first album.
The first album has something the other two don’t have: An outside producer. If I’m not mistaken, everything else NM and MP have done for the last forever has been self-produced. For the most part I don’t think that has been an issue with their many projects. But I think FC needs that outside voice to kinda reel the band in and keep it from being just another prog band.
I agree with almost all of this, except that I think Cosmic Symphony is one of their best songs. I think FC gets in trouble when they try to cram the Muse and other heavier stuff into albums that are more pop or prog-pop. Not only are those songs not great, they just don't really fit with the personality of the band. I don't mind the band doing some proggier stuff like Cosmic Symphony or Infinite Fire, but they are at their best when they are doing songs like Kayla, The Storm, and A Place In Your World, which have some proggy elements but are really just pop songs. It wouldn't hurt for them to have a producer probably, but I kind of doubt they ever will do that again. I think FC1 might be the only time Neal has worked with an outside producer in his career.
Three of my top five FC songs (I'd put Better Than Walking Away and either Everything Changes or Peaceful Harbor in there too). Those were so captivating when I saw them live.
-
Third is far and away my favorite by quite a huge margin now. First album is solid and the second one has some of their best material and some of their worst.
All that said, I can't get enough of the third live album (I'm also going to include the Morsefest performance with that so I guess that's two live albums. I doubt a month goes by without me listening to either one of them. They really came together on that album and tour. If there is to be another one, I think it will be there best one yet. As much as I like them, I barely listen to those first two albums much anymore because they really raised the bar on the third one. I think one of these reasons I love it so much is because they decided not to have any stylistic limitations within the band (at least moreso than any other Mike/Neal Band.) Transatlantic seemed to stretch out a bit on the various versions of their last album but it wasn't as drastic.
-
Third Degree has grown on me quite a bit over the years, and over-all, I'd say I'd take it over Second Nature, but there are some stronger songs on SN than on some of TD. If I could take the best parts of both albums, I could make an album that rivals the first one in quality.
Altogether, I'd say all three create one of my favorite first-three-album runs from any band in the last decade. Hard to believe their debut is ten years old now! I'm still holding out hope for a fourth album!
-Marc.
-
I changed the thread title.
-
I never really clicked with Third Degree, I like More, but I couldn’t even name another song off of that album. I still think Open Uo Your Eyes is a great opening track for an album though.
-
I like Third Degree a lot, but there was definitely something special about the first album. On that one, I even like the songs I don't like.
-
I like Third Degree a lot, but there was definitely something special about the first album. On that one, I even like the songs I don't like.
On the surface this doesn’t make sense, but I know exactly what you mean. Some of my favorite bands have songs I never need to hear again. Not from overplaying, but that they aren’t that great. But I still enjoy listening to them. I think a lot of Flying Colors isn’t mind-blowing, but it’s all enjoyable.
-
First off - apologies if bumping this thread gives anyone false hopes of FC news. Whoops.
Secondly - happy 3rd Birthday to Third Degree! I have actually been listening to this one over the last day or so! I'd say overall, it's as good, maybe even a bit better than Second Nature as a whole, but there are strong single songs on SN that are probably a bit better than some of the songs on TD. Honestly, three years on from its release, I'd say TD is a very worthy addition to the FC catalog.
I've been revisiting all three FC albums lately and it's made me hopeful that the band will get back together for a fourth album sometime in the next couple of years.
-Marc.
-
I would love a 4th album, but I have to admit that Third Degree became, for me, an album where I was frequently revisiting songs rather than the album as a whole. Love Letter, Geronimo and Guardian are three of my favorites by the band, and More is a great driving tune, but while I like most of the rest (The Loss Inside being the only blah song), the majority of the album just didn't have that pull that made me want to keep listening.
-
I think Third Degree suffered a bit from longer songs that probably didn’t need to be so long. I do like Last Train Home and Crawl, but they both could be more concise I think. Guardian too. Love Letter remains a highlight as well, but I’ve hardly listened to some of the other songs on this one because they just didn’t grab me.
-
I'm definitely a fan of Third Degree and would welcome a fourth album. I've said it before but I'll say it again. For me the first album is clearly the best. Second Nature is my least favorite of theirs - but curiously my two favorite FC songs (Peaceful Harbor and Cosmic Symphony) are on it. And overall I prefer Third Degree over Second Nature.
-
First off - apologies if bumping this thread gives anyone false hopes of FC news. Whoops.
Secondly - happy 3rd Birthday to Third Degree! I have actually been listening to this one over the last day or so! I'd say overall, it's as good, maybe even a bit better than Second Nature as a whole, but there are strong single songs on SN that are probably a bit better than some of the songs on TD. Honestly, three years on from its release, I'd say TD is a very worthy addition to the FC catalog.
I've been revisiting all three FC albums lately and it's made me hopeful that the band will get back together for a fourth album sometime in the next couple of years.
-Marc.
well, the likelihood of a fourth album by them will mainly depend on how well Steve Morse's wife will be doing I think. (he left Purple to care for her, remember)
-
First off - apologies if bumping this thread gives anyone false hopes of FC news. Whoops.
Dammit
-
Given what Steve Morse is going through I wouldn't expect new FC for a long long time.
-
Given what Steve Morse is going through I wouldn't expect new FC for a long long time.
I don't know; his official statement DID explicitly leave open the door for working locally - i.e. not internationally - with "friends of his". I know he gets along great with the FC band members, and they are relatively local (Neal: Nashville, with a house in Florida, Morse: Florida, Casey: Texas) plus they write and collaborate remotely anyway.
-
And no reason he can’t write and record remotely in his private time, right?
-
Flying Colors is officially announced for Cruise to the Edge in March of 2024. Not sure if that means there will be new material and/or another tour around this or if it'll be more of a one-off.
-
Wait, march 2024? :omg:
-
Flying Colors is officially announced for Cruise to the Edge in March of 2024. Not sure if that means there will be new material and/or another tour around this or if it'll be more of a one-off.
(https://i.ibb.co/C5dbWdn/Captura-de-pantalla-2022-11-10-a-la-s-11-32-27.png)
-
:metal :djhef:
-
Wait, march 2024? :omg:
Yeah, no cruise next year.
-
2024 is very far away, but if that means they'll work on a new album next year, then I'm excited. Bring it on! :tup
-
2024 is very far away, but if that means they'll work on a new album next year, then I'm excited. Bring it on! :tup
I'm with you. Can't wait.
-
New music would be cool. But is Steve Morse with them on tour? He resigned from Deep Purple because he wanted to care for his ill wife and therefore stay close to home. A cruise isn't exactly that.
-
New music would be cool. But is Steve Morse with them on tour? He resigned from Deep Purple because he wanted to care for his ill wife and therefore stay close to home. A cruise isn't exactly that.
I wonder if that's why the photo is of figures and not identifiable people.
-
New music would be cool. But is Steve Morse with them on tour? He resigned from Deep Purple because he wanted to care for his ill wife and therefore stay close to home. A cruise isn't exactly that.
I wonder if that's why the photo is of figures and not identifiable people.
I feel ike that's 100% him on the left. He made it clear in one of the posts that the INTERNATIONAL aspect of it was a big deal. Remember, Purple is a touring machine. They play everywhere, year round, and are HUGE in Eastern Europe and Asia. Morse is in Florida; this cruise is not hemispheres away.
EDIT: Bear in mind, too, Steve Morse is a consummate professional and a stand up guy. He's bristled at the Purple touring schedule for years, but has been committed because that's who he is. I'm not at all suggesting he's throwing his wife under the bus, but I think this is a confluence of things. It's possible that this is as much a graceful way of getting off the Purple merry-go-round as anything else.
-
I thought more in the line of 'he's on a ship for several days with no easy opportunity to leave should the need arise'. But you're right, that figure could be him.
-
Off topic, but I like how the cruise is apparently using a Journey/Escape theme for its branding this year.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FhNWP0hX0AAFFkI?format=jpg&name=small)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FhO0W2vWIAoo3Al?format=jpg&name=small)
-
First thing I thought of when I saw those graphics:
(https://imgur.com/htVNey8.jpg)
-
First thing I thought of when I saw those graphics:
(https://imgur.com/htVNey8.jpg)
I half expected them to announce Journey were headlining.
-
Spoke to Dave LaRue at the LA JP/MP show, he hinted that Flying Colors might be on CTTE coming up since I brought my copy of Third Degree for he and MP to sign, nice to see it's actually happening!
Also asked him about Steve Morse, it sounds like he and his wife are doing alright all things considered. It's definitely the intensity of the Deep Purple touring schedule that was the biggest deciding factor, I never interpreted his statements as a full retirement from live performing. Dave also mentioned a new Steve Morse Band album could be happening in the near-ish future, so hopefully things go well enough that they're able to record and maybe even do a limited tour for that material.
-
So my wife bought me Second Flight as an anniversary gift (thanks, babe!). Just finished watching it, and it’s a nice concert. I have to say though, the way Steve Morse holds his pick is driving me nuts. Looks really uncomfortable and awkward, but I’m no guitar legend so who am I to question? Note: he was also wearing a brace of some sort, so maybe he was having to work around that? Can’t say I’ve noticed him doing that before, but haven’t watched much of his playing.
-
Yeah, it looks like his hand is seriously twisted. Such an odd way to hold a pick.
-
First thing I thought of when I saw those graphics:
(https://imgur.com/htVNey8.jpg)
Some of the fragments are the exact same shape...
As to Steve Morse: he's alluded in the past to having a medical issue with his hands; I don't know if it's carpel tunnel or what, but I think I remember him saying he had to sort of rethink how he (physically) did certain things on the guitar as a result.
-
As to Steve Morse: he's alluded in the past to having a medical issue with his hands; I don't know if it's carpel tunnel or what, but I think I remember him saying he had to sort of rethink how he (physically) did certain things on the guitar as a result.
That would make sense and explain the brace.
-
The exciting thing about this I can't believe they'd plan a one-off this far in advance, so I suspect there are tentative plans to record a new album, probably for release later in 2023 or at the start of 2024, with a tour of some sort to coincide with the timing of the cruise. I'd love to see them actually dedicate actual time to a tour this time around, as it felt like the last one was over before it even started.
-
Flying Colors is officially announced for Cruise to the Edge in March of 2024. Not sure if that means there will be new material and/or another tour around this or if it'll be more of a one-off.
It would be a shame if it was just a one-off, but I totally get why it would be
-
The exciting thing about this I can't believe they'd plan a one-off this far in advance, so I suspect there are tentative plans to record a new album, probably for release later in 2023 or at the start of 2024, with a tour of some sort to coincide with the timing of the cruise. I'd love to see them actually dedicate actual time to a tour this time around, as it felt like the last one was over before it even started.
That would be nice. We'll see what the future holds. I don't see this as being a Winery Dogs type of tour. I don't think the Flying Colors tour would be much bigger than the last time, but maybe just limited to North America.
-
There’s probably a better place to put this, but a new Rick Beato interview with Steve Morse just dropped today. Checking it out now.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_Jxp9k72M1c
-
Listened to the FC debut a couple of times over the break. Such a great record still. There are tracks i like more than others but it just came together beautifully.
-
Flying Colors show on CTTE tonight was great. The band seemed excited to be playing together again. And they were surprisingly tight - especially with the keyboard/guitar unison moments. And Dave LaRue was killing it! He sounded great. So did Steve as well. Mike seemed particularly energetic with his fills. And of course Casey and Neal sounded very strong vocally. My wife said afterwards that she thinks Casey is her favorite male singing voice.
The crowd was into it - there were 3 or 4 standing ovations.
Setlist:
1. Blue Ocean
2. A Place in Your World
3. More
4. Kayla
5. Geronimo
6. Forever in a Daze
7. Peaceful Harbor
8. The Storm
9. Cosmic Symphony
10. Mask Machine
11. Infinite Fire
Cosmic Symphony was especially strong. The latter part is really just perfect for Casey’s voice.
The show started 45 minutes late (shocking, I know), and Flower Kings was playing pretty soon afterwards, so I’m curious if they cut anything for time. They play again near the end of the cruise for the other half of the boat who didn’t attend tonight, so I guess if anyone keeps track of that setlist then we’ll see if they get an extra song.
Regardless, it was a great show. Really great to see them back together and putting on such a fun show.
-
Pretty cool. That's a great setlist. Who knows if there will be more Flying Colors shows after this cruise. Agree that Cosmic Symphony is Casey's strongest moment.
-
Kayla gets me every time.
-
Cosmic Symphony is my favorite Flying Colors song. Agree, that's a great setlist! I'm envious you're on the boat with all these great bands.
-
Kayla gets me every time.
Boom, me too.
-
Flying Colors show on CTTE tonight was great. The band seemed excited to be playing together again. And they were surprisingly tight - especially with the keyboard/guitar unison moments. And Dave LaRue was killing it! He sounded great. So did Steve as well. Mike seemed particularly energetic with his fills. And of course Casey and Neal sounded very strong vocally. My wife said afterwards that she thinks Casey is her favorite male singing voice.
The crowd was into it - there were 3 or 4 standing ovations.
Setlist:
1. Blue Ocean
2. A Place in Your World
3. More
4. Kayla
5. Geronimo
6. Forever in a Daze
7. Peaceful Harbor
8. The Storm
9. Cosmic Symphony
10. Mask Machine
11. Infinite Fire
Cosmic Symphony was especially strong. The latter part is really just perfect for Casey’s voice.
The show started 45 minutes late (shocking, I know), and Flower Kings was playing pretty soon afterwards, so I’m curious if they cut anything for time. They play again near the end of the cruise for the other half of the boat who didn’t attend tonight, so I guess if anyone keeps track of that setlist then we’ll see if they get an extra song.
Regardless, it was a great show. Really great to see them back together and putting on such a fun show.
That's a pretty good setlist! Looks like all songs they played five years ago on their last tour, and a fairly balanced selection given the circumstances:
Debut - Five songs
Second Nature - Four songs
Third Degree - Two songs
They definitely cut out more of the TD songs like "Love Letter", "The Loss Inside", and "Crawl" in favor of older songs they probably remember more. I hope this cruise is the spark to light the fire for them to record a fourth album! If all of Mike's side-projects, I'd love for him to revisit Flying Colors the most, and given how busy the other members are, any tour would be difficult to line up even if Mike wasn't back in DT, so it wouldn't make much of a difference I don't think. I feel like Mike would need more commitment for groups of NMB, but Flying Colors seems perfect for Mike's current situation. I also just really want more FC music.
-Marc.
-
Well Mike just posted this:
Some photos of Flying Colors’ Q&A Session on Cruise to the Edge. I may as well address the Elephant in the room with the most burning question asked: What will happen to FC now that I am back in DT…? 🤔
My answer was/is this:
This is really nothing new for Flying Colors as we’ve ALWAYS had to be very strategic with our scheduling as all 5 of us have always functioned in FC while in multiple other bands…
It was always especially difficult navigating while Steve was in Deep Purple as we always had to work around his availability from Purple. And I assume it will be similarly challenging now with me back in DT…especially as I plan on spending these first several years back focused primarily on DT’s schedule which will surely be very busy touring throughout 2024 & 2025…
But once the smoke clears from all the upcoming planned DT activity in the coming year(s), inevitably there will be some downtime and I know all 5 of us in FC would love to continue making music together as we all really love this band and the magical chemistry we have together…
So we just need to be strategic and we ALL just need to be patient! 🙏😉
In the meantime, I can’t wait to play again tomorrow night and soak in every moment while we’re together!
📸 : @joeschaefferphotography
https://www.facebook.com/share/VTpNvKGQUhnnqfvh/?mibextid=oFDknk
I guess that answers my question! :lol
-Marc.
-
You beat me to it. Just posted this in the DT album thread since he states they’ll be touring this year which seems like news!
-
That's good to see. I had kinda written FC off as done because of Casey (from what I understand) pretty much retiring from music to focus on a cure for his daughter, so I'm happy that there may be an opportunity for more FC down the road. It's one of MP's post-DT bands I was most interested in.
-
BEST thing for me out of the Q&A was that DT WILL be touring in '24! :yarr :yarr :yarr
-
Flying Colors show on CTTE tonight was great. The band seemed excited to be playing together again. And they were surprisingly tight - especially with the keyboard/guitar unison moments. And Dave LaRue was killing it! He sounded great. So did Steve as well. Mike seemed particularly energetic with his fills. And of course Casey and Neal sounded very strong vocally. My wife said afterwards that she thinks Casey is her favorite male singing voice.
The crowd was into it - there were 3 or 4 standing ovations.
Setlist:
1. Blue Ocean
2. A Place in Your World
3. More
4. Kayla
5. Geronimo
6. Forever in a Daze
7. Peaceful Harbor
8. The Storm
9. Cosmic Symphony
10. Mask Machine
11. Infinite Fire
Cosmic Symphony was especially strong. The latter part is really just perfect for Casey’s voice.
The show started 45 minutes late (shocking, I know), and Flower Kings was playing pretty soon afterwards, so I’m curious if they cut anything for time. They play again near the end of the cruise for the other half of the boat who didn’t attend tonight, so I guess if anyone keeps track of that setlist then we’ll see if they get an extra song.
Regardless, it was a great show. Really great to see them back together and putting on such a fun show.
Nice set. Casey is awesome. I'd love to see this band again one day. Until then I'll enjoy the the live CDs/DVDs.