Neal Morse

[roger]

I apologize if this is a repeat or old news, but here it is anyway:

Neal Morse - Sola Scriptura

I could do without the religion, but damn, this is some excellent music.

[thehealingroad]

Same here, Roger! And somehow Neal knows even in commercial less successful times how to get excellent musicians for his concerts.

[NorCalKurt]

I have resisted music with religious themes for many years. Not until the last couple of years have discovered a great amount of very fine music done with religion in mind. I have decided music is music for what it's worth. I even get some solace in some of the lyrics from the likes of Neal Morse. Go figure.

[Rick and Roll]

Originally Posted by bobrelayer59

I have resisted music with religious themes for many years. Not until the last couple of years have discovered a great amount of very fine music done with religion in mind. I have decided music is music for what it's worth. I even get some solace in some of the lyrics from the likes of Neal Morse. Go figure.

Well said, Bob.

Lyrics are a bonus. "Would you like to see the Pope at the end of a rope" (although the song containing that lyric is religious in nature) carries the same weight to me as "I love Jesus".

Anyway, isn't it more "spiritual"? I'd rather listen to that then someone telling me "God bless the USA" or even "Love the one you're with". Fake morality is even worse than forced religion.

About Sola Scriptura. I have played it twice and twice on the show (one repeat). I find it a step down from "?" and "One", but that's a hard duo to compare to. They were outstanding efforts. Sola is heavier in spots (almost metal) and since Neal puts out so many records, I think he needs a songwriting break.

In total, it's a really good effort, especially the first two songs (well that's 45 minutes itself lol).

[sharcnorris]

It gets to Much for me.
What If the WHO wrote every album about Tommy with the exact same music as their hits. When would the public just not care anymore
I wish Neal would do a Disc about disbelief
I Love the Styles but I find after the Inital Plays wear off, I just dont play them over and over like I did with the Beard ....Long live NDV

[PFD]

I've been following Neal's career for years. I didn't mind his stuff and his "preaching" didn't bother me. If the guy found Jesus and is happy that's great.

Intially, though, I didn't like Sola Scriptura. I thought the message was too "in your face" and bordered on anti-Catholicsm. Nothing wrong with professing one's faith, but to write a "hate" album for a particular album threw me off.

yes, I'm Catholic.

I've been listening to it again lately, and musically I do find it quite good; but the theme just bothers me.

[roger]

thanks for the discussion guys. I don't want this to devolve into a religious battle; it's really my own issue about that type of lyric. but sadly, it does prevent me from enjoying some very fine music.

thanks for the recommendations, rick, I'll check them out, and sharc, what's your favorite Beard album?

[Ted]

Originally Posted by roger

thanks for the discussion guys. I don't want this to devolve into a religious battle; it's really my own issue about that type of lyric. but sadly, it does prevent me from enjoying some very fine music.

thanks for the recommendations, rick, I'll check them out, and sharc, what's your favorite Beard album?

Roger,

I'll make no bones about it -I like & appreciate Neal Morse and his religious music. But I can appreciate also what you and the others have said. Personally, I was blown away by the fact that there was music of this quality with a religious message.

I really like the music, and PFD is right, you have to understand that there is a bias in the lyric.

It always amazes me to see the music played live - that is also why I appreciate your posting the link to the dvd. I didn't realize it was being done. I have recently bought a YES dvd and have several ELP dvd's - and since I have never seen any of these bands live - it is neat to see how the music translates from CD/LP to a live performance.

I have been listening to ELP for years and their music is not always the most uplifting lyric, and I appreciate Jon Anderson's spirituality - even though it iis not quite my cup of tea, I have really liked the music and appreciated the talent.

Thank you to all you on Aural Moon who have helped me to BETTER appreciate Progressive Rock and exposed me to new music and bands... Like 'Apple Pie' - I don't think that they are a christian band, but their album - Crossroads - has a christian, if not spiritual message, about redemption. This is something I would never have discovered on my own.

Thank you Roger for starting this discussion and letting us share with you.

Regards,
Ted
from Texas!

[Rick and Roll]

Great pic Ted.....

I have the Testimony DVD. Given my lack of fortitude in watching DVD's (I am only through about 1/5 of my collection, and I'm too "lazy" to rip DVD music for my show), it's amazing I was able to watch half of it. It's a 4 hour DVD...and it is GREAT.

Also try the Transatlantic DVD. Although I'm not a huge fan of them, I do have their CD's, and Neal doing "We all need some light now" is stunning.

Yes Roger..."One" and "?"...get them!

[Ted]

Originally Posted by Rick and Roll

Great pic Ted.....

I have the Testimony DVD. Given my lack of fortitude in watching DVD's (I am only through about 1/5 of my collection, and I'm too "lazy" to rip DVD music for my show), it's amazing I was able to watch half of it. It's a 4 hour DVD...and it is GREAT.

Also try the Transatlantic DVD. Although I'm not a huge fan of them, I do have their CD's, and Neal doing "We all need some light now" is stunning.

Yes Roger..."One" and "?"...get them!

Rick,

Thanks for the info about Testimony... and Transatlantic... I have been really enjoying playing my dvd's while I am fixing supper - not fully concentrating on them, but more enjoying the music and it gives me a chance to share with my family... I have enjoyed listening to the music from the dvd's in my car too...

Roger - I would second Rick's recommendation of One and ?....

I am looking forward to getting his "Songs from the Highway" - it is more of just him and an acoustic guitar - more religious... more folksy... but a very nice change of pace... you should check the clips of them on his website...

Regards,
Ted
from Texas (now - not originally.... )

[prickly]

At first Neal Morse is one of the last masterminds.
On second we have his lyrics that gave us some very hot discussions on our German language Spock's Beard forum.

I have decided for myself to let him doing his worship gigs in churches because I have nothing to do with religion in my life. There are a lot of people who likes this kind of happenings to become inspired and feel comfortably with this get togethers.

For me personal I prefer the rock shows in small clubs with his band especially the great guy Collin form the Netherlands on drums. I have seen them on the "?"-tour and they were awesome inclusive a Snow-Medley and We All Need Some Light Now.

Perhaps it is a little bit to naive but for all the peolpe who were not born with English as their mother language, the lyrics of One and "?" are acceptable. Testimony and Sola Scriptura have more direct and explicit lyrics...one of the reasons that I don't listen to them so often.

I have never heard someone said something about Wakemans or Emersons keyboards or Gilmours guitar sound. Neal have found his trademarks, his style for his own musical universe.

Oh and before I forget...the Transatlantic DVD is near perfect not only because of the Beatles medley. You will getting the best of Spock's Beard, Dream Theater, Marillion and...well, Roine Stolt.

[thehealingroad]

Neal is a great musician and an honest guy. I love his music and I appreciate his important contribution to kind of a Progrock revival in the nineties.

His new albums? Well... I like some of the music but TO ME (!!!) the message is all too simple. A friend of mine also has a daughter born with "a hole in her heart" and he's been told by the doctors that this is something that happens quite often an in most cases it will close and everything will be ok. My friend's an atheist but his daughter is as alive and well as Neal's kid.

I still like Neal's music very much... 'nuff said.
hans

[Wojtek]

Music is music: It shows emotions, reflections of soul & mind so if someone feels he wants to tell us about spirituality, he has right to do so.
Therefore I listen and will be listening to Neal morse albums. However, I do agree that Neal sometimes seems to be preachy. Not incredibly preachy but still. Personally I think that the greatest style of lyrics by Christian band is provided by Iona. Not at all preachy but with huge amount of spirituality, Christianity etc etc. This is what Iona does superbly. And Neal? Well... even his descpritions of discovering God have the elements of something supernatural (voices, God orders) what makes me a bit suspicious. But if music is good, I like to listen. I didn't want to see him to step on controversial religious topics but he did it with Sola Scrpitura. Like PFD, I consider it a one step too far because, firstly, I'm not boundless defender of Catholic faith but I live in unique Polish Catholicism so I still am a Catholic; and secondly I think that religion's role in 21st century is far more connected with making this crazy world a better place than reminding us that Luther did great job.
Problem of religion is horrifyingly complex and yet it's message is extremely simple (what was noted also in this discussion) so maybe that's why it is difficult to create good Christian lyrics. I'm not a big fan of recent themes Neal chooses but still I like his music.

I find I'm in a bit of a dilemma when it comes to Religious lyrics.

As those of you that know me know (is that good syntax? ) I don't follow any particular religion but have a strong faith. I believe that the thing we are ALL blessed with is The Human Spirit. We all have that regardless of what Religion we follow. I find it unbelievably sad, and not a little ridiculous, that most conflicts are caused by a perceived difference in faith when if you look at it we're really all the same.

Hey Ho! 'twas always thus and 'twill always be I guess.

I listen to the lyrics but don't take that much notice of them. I'd rather listen to lyrics that are about emotions rather than beliefs.

That's my 0.02p worth.

[roger]

Originally Posted by KeithieW

I listen to the lyrics but don't take that much notice of them. I'd rather listen to lyrics that are about emotions rather than beliefs.

That's my 0.02p worth.

that's well said, Keith.

[OverHillandDale(Admin)]

I'm much more of a musically inclined person, in that I listen to melodies over lyrics. Verbage was extraneous in most cases. But the melody of what was sung was always important.

So, coming upon a musically talented musician such as Neal Morse is a rare treat. However, when I notice that song after song is heading in the same theological direction, and quite often too repetative, then he's not using his full imagination. It limits the creativity of the moment.

And I don't say that because of his chosen subject - it could be about carrots for all I care (not that I have anything against carrots, either). As I said, keeping to one subject line, even with different "takes" on it, limits one's creativity. It also limits the capacity for the audience to enjoy the material. You begin to limit the market.

Not everyone wants all Red songs. Some want blue and green and purple mixed in. That is when you reach the full expression of emotions, ideas and spirituality. For it is not in just one thing but all things. (well, at least that's how I see it.)

It's really not too unlike a musician finding a new electronic tool (or toy) and using it endlessly during a live solo (you've all heard these). Over and over with the same sound they think is soooo cool. All you can think is please do something different for a change!

And Today, I get to look at life differently. It's actually snowing today in Georgia. How beautiful!