TRANSATLANTIC'S THE WHIRLWIND - Available Now!!!

Set us Free is AMAZING.  I love that recurring synth motif throughout the album.  I'll need another listen or two to digest the album more, but I like it quite a bit thus far (even though I think it's gonna take a little while before I can comfortably listen to the whole thing in one go)

I want to post what I said on the Neal Morse forums:

-

I am not a Christian - far from it, but I appreciate Neal Morse's lyrics for what they are. People ask me why Neal Morse is one of my very favourite musicians when they know I don't believe in the majority of his lyrics. I respond by saying it's that I just accept them for what they are. Everything else about Neal Morse; namely his song writing, musicianship, composing ability and personality far outweigh my qualms with his lyrics.  I find trite or nonsensical lyrics much more offensive - Dream Theater and Shadow Gallery's latest for instance.

I'm just listening to this for the first time (up to Rose Colored Glasses). So far it's been amazing. I was a bit worried about the lyrics at first, but fortunately they aren't like Neal's solo stuff.

I skimmed trough this thread and didn't really notice many comments about the production, except for that awesome bass tone. The music is great and fortunately this time the production values are on the same level. Great dynamics and clarity, which brings out ALL the instruments. No overcompression.

Great to see the shift towards dynamics instead of overcompression lately with albums like Whirlwind, Devin Townsend's Ki and Addicted and POS's Linoleum.

KirksNoseHair

Lately I've found that I really like this CD a LOT more if I just skip the last track, which really gets on my nerves and is probably the most anti-climactic climax of any epic in the Transatlantic catalog. 

But hasn't this been a problem with many of Neal's albums since his
lyrics turned religious? I thought the ending of Snow was the first
to suffer and I've felt the same about Testimony, One and I think
also '?' (if I remember correctly - it's been a while to be honest...).
It's like he always adds some kind of lame (sometimes rather long)
coda after the albums have reached their actual musical climax.

Kyo

KirksNoseHair

Lately I've found that I really like this CD a LOT more if I just skip the last track, which really gets on my nerves and is probably the most anti-climactic climax of any epic in the Transatlantic catalog. 

But hasn't this been a problem with many of Neal's albums since his
lyrics turned religious? I thought the ending of Snow was the first
to suffer and I've felt the same about Testimony, One and I think
also '?' (if I remember correctly - it's been a while to be honest...).
It's like he always adds some kind of lame (sometimes rather long)
coda after the albums have reached their actual musical climax.

Yes, I agree.  They could have ended it at track 11 and I would have been perfectly fine with it.  It kind of feels like it should end there to me.  But hey, it's really not a big deal for me, I just didn't put that track on my iPod.  There are a few other lyrical passages that kind of make me cringe, but yeah, overall he doesn't quite bludgeon the listener with religious doctrine like he does on his solo stuff.

You know something else, I don't really get why people become so defensive and pissed off when some of us bring this topic up.  I'm sorry, but the lyrical content of the album is certainly fair game and open to honest critique.  No one here is bashing Neal for his beliefs (I could not possibly care less what Neal or anyone else believes, that's their business) and I don't see any posts that are overly negative.  People need to understand that not everyone worships the ground that Neal (or any other artists) walks on. 

When I release my album, I expect some criticism.  There is no way you can please everyone.  And sometimes, the criticism can help you grow as an artist.

Evermore is probably my favorite song on the amazing album. I love the vibe. The bass on this song (and the album) is the best sounding bass ive heard. Its right out there. Is it me or is Neal's voice changed for the album?ive never heard him sing like that. Mike's drumming is nothing short of awesome and I think I like his drumming more in TA then in the last few DT cd's. The only negative thing is I think some material sounds like Neal Morse's solo material. But other than that I am digging this record. So pumped for the North American tour! :D

Palpatine's  behind it all!

I like the idea that when the play live, there is a possibility whole Whirlwing will be played start to finish.  I haven't really listened to separate sections of this behemoth.  It. Is. One. Song.  I just keep listening to it straight through.  That, and Spinning live, and I am good to go.  A buddy of mine from Buffalo plan on seeing one show wherever it takes place the closest.
 
 

So I finally received my copy of The Whirlwind (stupid cdwow and their delays). All the way through it once and I like - this sorta album needs various spins for one to make a really valid opinion. I can say by now it's not on par with BAF, but I never ever expected that. 

Also I might think this is Mike's best performance in years!

KNH, just can't stay away, can ya? :)

For the record, I LOVE The Whirlwind, I don't pay attention to lyrics, I think the ending is great. Unlistenable? If Jay-Z decided to rap part 12 I would agree but it's just Neal singing in what he believes in, and although the lyrics are spiritual, Neal doesn't say "follow me or you will go to hell", the man is singing from his heart and that's good enough for me. For the record I am a not a religious person at all.

utopiarun


KNH, just can't stay away, can ya? :)

For the record, I LOVE The Whirlwind, I don't pay attention to lyrics, I think the ending is great. Unlistenable? If Jay-Z decided to rap part 12 I would agree but it's just Neal singing in what he believes in, and although the lyrics are spiritual, Neal doesn't say "follow me or you will go to hell", the man is singing from his heart and that's good enough for me. For the record I am a not a religious person at all.

My opinion is my opinion.  I don't see what the problem is.  People need to chill and accept the fact that not everyone is gonna gush about this CD.

I absolutely love this album, too -- don't get me wrong. It is BADASS!

In fact, I was Spinning it (pun intended) last night and noticed ANOTHER theme in the opening cut that surfaces later as the beginning of the incredible "Evermore"; it first happens at 3:08. That makes no less than ELEVEN themes established in the first cut -- insanity!

As for Neal, I love his music and his passion and totally respect his beliefs and choices; however, I must say that, as a music fan, I've grown a little numb to his passion at this point, having heard it all before many, many times.

Like I said earlier, "Testimony" really, truly moved me; I think it's an amazing album and, for a Christian-themed record, it's one of the very few I can spin repeatedly and not let the subject matter negatively affect me.

But since "Testimony", I've simply grown weary of the subject matter Neal has presented over the last four or five albums (not to mention the somewhat similar nature of many of the musical passages and structural devices).

As a musician, songwriter, and music fan, I like to see some variation and growth, some cha-cha-cha-changes, from my favorite artists. I honestly feel Neal Morse -- the songwriter -- has become a bit stagnant at this point in the game.

All that said, Neal possesses an incredible musical imagination and I will always hold hope that one day he'll move on to new musical frontiers. I'll be right there with him.

kErrY
www.myspace.com/marshollow

KirksNoseHair

My opinion is my opinion.  I don't see what the problem is.  People need to chill and accept the fact that not everyone is gonna gush about this CD.

The people who 'gush' about this CD do it once or twice. There's nothing wrong with your opinion, it's just that you've basically repeated yourself numerous times over.

The most enjoyable thing for me about The Whirlwind is simply the music. Can't get enough of this and I still haven't watched the making of the Whirlwind DVD yet. They must of had the time of their lives creating this in the studio. The magic and chemistry must have been awesome. If I only was an fly on the wall in that recording studio. HaHa!
 
The message of the lyrics for me is irrelevant. What this CD has done for me, it is has taken me back to my roots (sorta speak). Now I'm gonna back to what I grew up with early Kansas, Genesis, ELP, Saga, Deep Purple etc. Especially with my fav tracks "On The Prowl", "Man Can Feel" and "Out Of The Night". Can't wait for the Transatlantic tour next year, I hope!

 
http://www.youtube.com/user/newThreefanatic

 

Devnoy


So I finally received my copy of The Whirlwind (stupid cdwow and their delays)

i ordered mine and it said expected to ship in 7-10 days, now its on backorder 

http://www.facebook.com/HalcyonOfficial
http://soundcloud.com/plini

IceDog

...
The message of the lyrics for me is irrelevant. 

 
Speaking for myself, the exact content of the lyrics is not very important, but the emotion and feeling it evokes I find interesting.  I do not think he is preaching to me on what to do or how to live my life.  I believe he is conveying one idea of finding contentment and fulfillment in an existence.  It could be construed as a little preachy, but if you are happy in yourself and the way you live, I couldn't imagine why it would bother anyone. 

crazyfatkid


 

Devnoy


So I finally received my copy of The Whirlwind (stupid cdwow and their delays)

i ordered mine and it said expected to ship in 7-10 days, now its on backorder 

That's so lame. Mine was backordered as well, but since mine was a preorder placed for a LONG time ago I guess mine was one of the first to get shipped after they got them restocked. Patience dude... it'll be there eventually! 

I put the deluxe edition on my christmas list..I am a sucker for making of DVDs.
This will also be my first transatlantic album!

"A Dramatic...Turntable..of Events"

I've been listening more of this and watched the bonus dvd, which was great. The more I listen to it the more I like it. My initial impression is that this is the best TA album so far musically and especially sonically. I just love the vibe and groove. I feel that all of them have really progressed as singers and the playing is top notch as usual. Loving Mike's drumming especially.

I can't get over how good this album's sound stage is. Show's how much difference it makes when you don't compress everything to hell and back. The bass tone for example wouldn't sound as great as it does if this had been given a loud master.

LucaBlight

KirksNoseHair

My opinion is my opinion.  I don't see what the problem is.  People need to chill and accept the fact that not everyone is gonna gush about this CD.

The people who 'gush' about this CD do it once or twice. There's nothing wrong with your opinion, it's just that you've basically repeated yourself numerous times over.

Rigghhht...and nobody who likes the CD has done that at all

Oh, and I've had not one good word to say about it either, right?

Like I said, people need to just accept the fact that not everyone is going to gush about this CD.

KirksNoseHair

LucaBlight

KirksNoseHair

My opinion is my opinion.  I don't see what the problem is.  People need to chill and accept the fact that not everyone is gonna gush about this CD.

The people who 'gush' about this CD do it once or twice. There's nothing wrong with your opinion, it's just that you've basically repeated yourself numerous times over.

Rigghhht...and nobody who likes the CD has done that at all

Oh, and I've had not one good word to say about it either, right?

Like I said, people need to just accept the fact that not everyone is going to gush about this CD.

Calm down, Kirk... Time's not worth such a discussion. I'm not too much enjoying his religious lyrics as well.

I dithered, if I should write my opinion down in this thread, but chose not to do so, since I think that discussion leads to nothing.
But for example I can enjoy Bridge Across Forever, since its lyrics are religious in the figurative sense.

Liked the music on "?" a lot, but I rarely listen to it.
Didn't listen to Sola Scripura up to now...

I listened to "?" on the way in to work this morning.  I still think that's his best solo release.

KirksNoseHair


I listened to "?" on the way in to work this morning.  I still think that's his best solo release.

Agree.

Now known as João "John" Piruças

KirksNoseHair

I listened to "?" on the way in to work this morning.  I still think that's his best solo release.

Maybe...
I'm not enough into his stuff to judge.
But I like it better than Testimony. That's for sure...

I enjoy listening to Transatlantic or Spock's Beard more than to listen to Neals solo-records...

Btw: MPs drumming on "?" is awesome imo.

Now that I've listened to the album many times I feel like I can comment on it. I don't think it is as good as the first two, but I still enjoy it and will listen to it whenever I'm in a Transatlantic mood. Really good mix on this one. As far as Neal's lyrics, I'm really tired of the religious lyrics. I have no problem with his solo albums having a religious tilt and it is a given now with his solo career. Why he has to bring the same element to TA is beyond me. It is as if he discovered religion and decided he would never have to be creative lyrically ever again. I mean there are dozens of albums worth of lyrics he could write about the Bible or Jesus, so now he knows exactly where his lyrics will start. Seems to take some of the creativity options away IMO. And it isn't like the lyrics on this album are as full on "save me Jesus" as his solo work lyrics are. Just was really hoping not to be hearing that from TA, and I'm certainly a Christian, so it has nothing to do with me disagreeing about his religious take. Musically it is great as usual.

KirksNoseHair


I listened to "?" on the way in to work this morning.  I still think that's his best solo release.

Agreed.  And I don't think it is close.  Some of the others are very good, but he knocked it out of the park with ?.

This is everybody's fault but mine! -Homer J. Simpson

Progemon


I've been listening more of this and watched the bonus dvd, which was great. The more I listen to it the more I like it. My initial impression is that this is the best TA album so far musically and especially sonically. I just love the vibe and groove. I feel that all of them have really progressed as singers and the playing is top notch as usual. Loving Mike's drumming especially.

I can't get over how good this album's sound stage is. Show's how much difference it makes when you don't compress everything to hell and back. The bass tone for example wouldn't sound as great as it does if this had been given a loud master.

I agree with this entirely - one of the best sounding albums I own, and only just bettered this year in sound quality by OSI - Blood. 

Still listening to this on a daily basis.  Can't believe how much I love this album.  It's gonna be a tossup between this and the new The Tangent for album of the year for me.
 
Also, finally watched the DVD.  Very cool look into their time together.  And even on the DVD the bass sound is incredible. 

A bad DT album (as if such a thing will ever exist) is 100x better than anyone elses good album.

BrickGlass


Now that I've listened to the album many times I feel like I can comment on it. I don't think it is as good as the first two, but I still enjoy it and will listen to it whenever I'm in a Transatlantic mood. Really good mix on this one. As far as Neal's lyrics, I'm really tired of the religious lyrics. I have no problem with his solo albums having a religious tilt and it is a given now with his solo career. Why he has to bring the same element to TA is beyond me. It is as if he discovered religion and decided he would never have to be creative lyrically ever again. I mean there are dozens of albums worth of lyrics he could write about the Bible or Jesus, so now he knows exactly where his lyrics will start. Seems to take some of the creativity options away IMO. And it isn't like the lyrics on this album are as full on "save me Jesus" as his solo work lyrics are. Just was really hoping not to be hearing that from TA, and I'm certainly a Christian, so it has nothing to do with me disagreeing about his religious take. Musically it is great as usual.

That disappoints me, I still haven't heard this album but I was really hoping it wouldn't get the Morse religion treatment 

How much of it is religious exactly?

First listen as I write.  I´m on the last third of pieces of heaven.

There´s a Yes/early genesis feel as far as I have listen to.

I´m really liking it.

So far I really like the vocals.

Lyricaly that will come on the second spin. On this first take
I go for the overall feel.

I´m a woman and I L O V E Progressive Rock (in all its variants) by my own volition, thank you...now back to our regular programming.
"Music needs to be loved, music is art, without love it is meaningless and meaningless art is not art." Perttu Kivilaakso.
"OH MY GOD! This is way more intense than a G3 and much more sexy" Me at Apocalyptica concert.

Taffer

BrickGlass


Now that I've listened to the album many times I feel like I can comment on it. I don't think it is as good as the first two, but I still enjoy it and will listen to it whenever I'm in a Transatlantic mood. Really good mix on this one. As far as Neal's lyrics, I'm really tired of the religious lyrics. I have no problem with his solo albums having a religious tilt and it is a given now with his solo career. Why he has to bring the same element to TA is beyond me. It is as if he discovered religion and decided he would never have to be creative lyrically ever again. I mean there are dozens of albums worth of lyrics he could write about the Bible or Jesus, so now he knows exactly where his lyrics will start. Seems to take some of the creativity options away IMO. And it isn't like the lyrics on this album are as full on "save me Jesus" as his solo work lyrics are. Just was really hoping not to be hearing that from TA, and I'm certainly a Christian, so it has nothing to do with me disagreeing about his religious take. Musically it is great as usual.

That disappoints me, I still haven't heard this album but I was really hoping it wouldn't get the Morse religion treatment 

How much of it is religious exactly?

It's not heavy-handed at all.  But there are plenty of passages that are clearly conveying a message.  The last track lays it on a bit thick, and personally, I really have to skip it, but as I've mentioned before I really don't mind how the epic ends at the 11th track.....

 But as much as I dislike the religious bent to some of the lyrics, if I had it to do over again, I'd definitely buy the album again.  I still listen to it once in a while, and I really think you should give it a shot, the majority of the music on disc one is really, really good, and some of the songs are killer, I'm definitely glad I got it.

Hey Taffer, it isn't overdone on the religious lyric thing. It just is something that is getting old from Neal for me. Don't get me wrong, buy the album for sure. It is good stuff without a doubt, and the occasional religious lyrics don't take away too much. I wonder how the other guys in the band feel about the religious lyrics on this album. They must be at least OK with it, I just wonder if it was discussed out of curiousity.

Great album. For me 60 minutes is absolutely superb, the only tracks that don'y do it for me are "Lay down your life" (just doesn't seem to go with the feel of the album, just can't get into this one) and the last one "Dancing with eternal glory" agree with Kirk, "Is it really happening" feels like the end for me (Mike's drumming from around the 4 minute mark... brilliant). All 'n all 10/12 tracks (60 minutes) contain some of the best music I've heard in recent times... great stuff!

Duke1
the only tracks that don't do it for me are...(snip)...last one "Dancing with eternal glory"

 
Duke, I disliked the chorus of "Dancing" so much I actually rewrote the thing!
 
Instead of the sanitized Christian Network vibe of the old chorus -- which is, in reality, the only part of the closing track I don't like, the rest of the thing is fine by me -- I overdubbed my own version using the chorus from "Rose Colored Glasses" (transposed to Em and A, like Pink Floyd's "Breathe"), changed a few lyrics around so it still made sense, flew it in over the old chorus, and BAM! It flows perfectly, all without that whole "the Lord's Prayer on a grain of rice" vibe of the original chorus, which -- if I haven't made it clear before -- I absolutely cannot stand to hear. It's too much like solo Neal, too much like "Testimony" disk two.
 
kErrY
www.myspace.com/marshollow


 

I am really enjoying the album so far, but you're right in that the light heartedness of some of the classic TA albums isn't there on Disc 1.  It is a pretty dense album theme wise and a lot to consume.  I wish the religious references were a bit more subtle, there's no need to be dropping God or Jesus in a song's lyrics, knowing that a large portion of the audience will be turned off somewhat.   I have no problems with the lyrics from We All Need Some Light which is obviously another religious song but it can still be open to interpretation because it doesn't come out and blatanty point out JESUS IS THE LIGHT!  

I love Mike's singing on this album.  For everybody that complained about his singing on BC&SL, this is a completely different feel.  I love the effects on his voice, it really brings out the best in him.  Great sounding voice, good melodies and a very strong outing from someone who has put a lot of effort into his vocals over the years.  It does pay off ... kudos to Mike!

And I LOVE the 2nd disc, really enjoy the feel of each member's solo contributions.  To me they feel like classic Transatlantic, a lot of that Beatlesque feel is present in these songs, one of the things I loved about the first 2 albums with songs like Suite Charlotte Pike and Mystery Train. 

Overall I strongly recommend the album.  It wouldn't appeal to everybody, you have to have patience and enjoy the journey and not just the destination, but what a journey it is!!!

^I've got to admit, Mike's vocals really surprised me quite a bit.  They are very well done.

Hi everyone ! I'm new in the forum 'n I'm italian, so sorry for the language XD !!
Anyway I'm in love of this album !! It's wonderful ! I'm listening it night 'n day !!
Great job !!

I finally listened to it several times now in my car. Ok, wow, it's another Neal Morse solo release. I'm having trouble hearing any of the old Transatlantic vibe. It's 98% solo Neal, with a small section that sounds exactly like The Flower Kings.

Don't get me wrong, I love Neal's first 4 solo releases, but I haven't bought any after that because the sound and content is just too similar.

I've been listening to the second disk a lot recently. Spinning is excellent.

I really need to get around to listening to more of Roine's stuff.

While most of the time I am listening to the music of i.e. Roberta Flack, Judy Collins, Carly Simon with my girlfiriend , she caught a little of the Whirlwind track yesterday.  She pointed out Neal Morse's vocals, and characterized his vocals as "soothing." 

Hey guys!

For all that are wondering if "The Whirlwind" is a Neal Morse solo record or not: you are invited to read this interview that we made with Neal some days ago!

We just put it on his official fansite (English and German available) and it deals - among other things - with the new TA in detail: writing of the lyrics, composing process, everyone's contributions and Neal's personal view on all that.
Most of the questions stem from fans, we collected them on our message board, and Neal gave very intimate and detailed answers. We hope you enjoy reading the interview as much as we enjoyed making it!

Kerstin
on behalf of www.nealmorsefans.com

Land Of Beginning Again - Official Neal Morse Fansite & Community. Follow us on Twitter.

Edit: double post due to DSL reconnect, I'm sorry.

Thanks for that interview! I get so much musical inspiration from Neal.
Progfrog

very nice read!!! Neal is a very polite dude and he gave me a nice perspective of his work!!!

thanks for sharing!!!

  

Some good questions in that interview!

Great interview!  Thanks for posting that!

No offense to anyone, but again, I think it is crazy to say that this sounds like a Neal solo album.  The bulk of it does not sound like anything off of any of his records.  In fact, it is obvious which parts were written by Roine Stolt (Neal pointed out the four movements that are obvious, and they are the same four I would have said, too!) and whatnot, so yeah. 

This is everybody's fault but mine! -Homer J. Simpson

Nice read... Enjoyed it to get to know how he thinks about his music and how he coped with losing the control and stuff...

I haven't followed Dream Theater's tours in the past few years... do they typically visit Seattle? Would it be likely that Transatlantic would play here if they toured? This may be a dumb question, but I've been out of the loop for many years. :)

Great interview, thanks for sharing!

I'm still trying to take it all in and form a opinion but I'm really liking it and in love with the A Salty Dog cover

Absolutely Album of the Year. Gonna see them in Europe 2010 :-)

Ytsejammers Israel - The Official Israeli Dream Theater Fan Club
http://www.dreamtheater.co.il

I'm going to give it my first spin now
 
I'll be back with you all in 77 minutes

*** The Glass Prison Which Once Held Me....Is Gone ***

Just heard it.... Awesome! Love the climax in the 11th movement. Going to take alot of replays to truly appreciate this one. Great album! Thanks!

Are there any discussions on the song meaning?

The money shot moment for me on the CD is 3:41-4:2... of VI Rose Colored Glasses.

Rose Coloured Glasses is awesome :)

Stay tuned.