TRANSATLANTIC'S THE WHIRLWIND - Available Now!!!

This ending is up there in some of the most epic song endings of all time in my opinion.

I can't wait for mine to arrive!!!  And OMG, I hope there isn't any preaching on this masterpiece. 

Derango

So I'll drop the other shoe...I agree that this feels like a Neal Morse solo album. The reason is, all the God references. I understand he had a profound experience and wanted to change his life to pursue his new goals, but if he wanted to sign on for another Transatlantic album I think he should have left that stuff at the door. I think the reason the first two albums worked so well is that the lyrics were unassuming, unpretentious, and possibly spiritual but vague enough to leave hope and doubt alive in the listener. When I listen to The Whirlwind, at times I feel like there's no more wonder; I'm getting "the way it is" from a preacher instead of "what if...?" from someone who still sees magic in the world.

I too, noticed the change in lyrics from Neal, but I wasn't bothered by it. He didn't come off as overly preachy to me and while I do prefer the "spiritual, not religious" approach that the previous albums had going for them, I don't think this went as far as some of Neals solo albums in the other direction

I dunno, I'm finding the spiritual overtones to be a little much for me. I'm not saying I don't enjoy the album so far, I think in terms of the music there are some really spectacular parts, but some of the lyrics aren't jiving with me right now.

shit...not on iTunes.

I'll check back when I wake up tomorrow (well technically today I guess..)

I'm really bankin' on iTunes... I just moved to London and I don't know where any record stores are, let alone ones that will carry this disc...

Ignoring specialist shops that are harder to find, the big HMV on Oxford street probably has (will have) it. Otherwise I'm sure they'll order it in for you.

Godd*nit, f*** this pre-order sh**!  How long do I have to wait this time???

Yeah, I've listened a couple of times now and here are my initial impressions:

I like CD1 quite a bit.  But yeah, it's basically a Neal Morse solo disc with special guest musicians.  Now I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but this music sounds quite a bit different from the previous two albums, and lyrically, it walks right up to the edge of what I can take, and that's all I'm gonna say about that.  I agree that Pete is a monster on this album, his bass lines are tremendous.  All in all I like it, but I'm not blown away like I was by the other two.

CD2 will probably never come out of the sleeve again.  Sorry, I don't really like covers, and the only track on CD2 that I find interesting is "Spinning" the rest is, meh.

As of right now, I'll give it 3/5 stars.  A decent comeback, but nothing earth shattering.

Perhaps the best Portnoy performance I've ever heard.

megadtsbfan

GilliamsBrazil


GOT MINE TODAY!!! Did anyone else who ordered with So Many Roads only get The Whirlwind?  I know the SMR release date isn't till next month, but I recall Radiant said it would be sent out early if ordered in the bundle.

Got my copy today, too late in the day to hear it (my wife didn't tell me she hid the package in the basement!)  I also ordered mine with the So Many Roads CD and did not receive it.  I guess they couldn't live up to their promise of getting it early.  I'm OK with that, as long as they send it out at some point.

I ordered both and received both, so it looks like they messed up your orders.

Bluntobject

Derango

So I'll drop the other shoe...I agree that this feels like a Neal Morse solo album. The reason is, all the God references. I understand he had a profound experience and wanted to change his life to pursue his new goals, but if he wanted to sign on for another Transatlantic album I think he should have left that stuff at the door. I think the reason the first two albums worked so well is that the lyrics were unassuming, unpretentious, and possibly spiritual but vague enough to leave hope and doubt alive in the listener. When I listen to The Whirlwind, at times I feel like there's no more wonder; I'm getting "the way it is" from a preacher instead of "what if...?" from someone who still sees magic in the world.

I too, noticed the change in lyrics from Neal, but I wasn't bothered by it. He didn't come off as overly preachy to me and while I do prefer the "spiritual, not religious" approach that the previous albums had going for them, I don't think this went as far as some of Neals solo albums in the other direction

I dunno, I'm finding the spiritual overtones to be a little much for me. I'm not saying I don't enjoy the album so far, I think in terms of the music there are some really spectacular parts, but some of the lyrics aren't jiving with me right now.

If you try and objectively listen to Stranger in your Soul, there's little "doubt" there as to what it's about really. And leave hope alive?   hope of what exactly?

This is very much a TA album to me and not a Neal solo album with guest musicians. That's too easy of a opinion to make to me. There are plenty of times where you hear the others singing not just back up but leads too. If it's the lyrics that are making you feel that way, then you aren't paying attention to the music enough IMO.

This album is freaking amazing and I have only listened to it once so far. I can't wait to spin it over and over! Great Job MP and the rest of TA! This is more than I could have imagined when it was announced TA is back! \m/ \m/

aredore


This is very much a TA album to me and not a Neal solo album with guest musicians. That's too easy of a opinion to make to me. There are plenty of times where you hear the others singing not just back up but leads too. If it's the lyrics that are making you feel that way, then you aren't paying attention to the music enough IMO.

This album is freaking amazing and I have only listened to it once so far. I can't wait to spin it over and over! Great Job MP and the rest of TA! This is more than I could have imagined when it was announced TA is back! \m/ \m/

So aredore, what's your pick so far?

Shadow Gallery or TA?

I really hate how Neal is over-scrutinized since his change.

Here's my take. This is the least god-y that Neal has been since his departure from Spock's Beard. I would even go as far as saying that this is equal to or less god-y than Snow. It's definitely not as god-y as anything from Testimony on.

Neal has been spiritual from the beginning. It shows up repeatedly through the years. The unfortunate issue now is that people who have no tolerance for his post Spock output cannot take off the blinders and over amplify anything remotely spiritual that the guy has to say and they call it preachy. I don't find anything preachy in The Whirlwind (the song). I will admit that the Neal song on disc 2 sounds like something that would be on one of his solo records.

It's kind of a shame because my enjoyment was changed slightly when I heard the word God in the lyrics. I have no problem with it, but clearly many people do. I knew that it was only a matter of time before the backlash hit.  I'm over it now and keep loving the record with every listen.

At this point, Neal could write a death metal song about horrible things or fill in for Tom Araya in Slayer and people would dismiss it because Neal is preaching at them even though he's not.

Maybe I'm just looking through rose colored glasses.

I don't know what else to say really. Seems pointless now. Oh well, Post Message.

EDIT: Just noticed aredore's post and I need to agree fully. It's ignorant to call it a Neal solo disc. Did you watch the DVD? It's clearly a collaborative effort. However, Neal is involved and this crap will never go away. Such a downer that that is the case.

professorpeart

Here's my take. This is the least god-y that Neal has been since his departure from Spock's Beard. I would even go as far as saying that this is equal to or less god-y than Snow. It's definitely not as god-y as anything from Testimony on.

That was my thoughts as well. I was expecting some kind of shift in lyrical content. That's to be expected given where Neal is coming from now. But it feels on par to the religious overtones that were in Snow rather than Testimony.

I honestly probably wouldn't be even mentioning it if I didn't already know the reasons why Neal quit Transatlantic and Spock's Beard to begin with.

Derango

professorpeart

Here's my take. This is the least god-y that Neal has been since his departure from Spock's Beard. I would even go as far as saying that this is equal to or less god-y than Snow. It's definitely not as god-y as anything from Testimony on.

That was my thoughts as well. I was expecting some kind of shift in lyrical content. That's to be expected given where Neal is coming from now. But it feels on par to the religious overtones that were in Snow rather than Testimony.

I honestly probably wouldn't be even mentioning it if I didn't already know the reasons why Neal quit Transatlantic and Spock's Beard to begin with.

Exactly. Great statement. You hit the nail on the head. Remove Neal's post Spock's catalog and tell me if we would even be having this conversation.

My guess - No.

Stopped today at a local record store just for the heck of it to ask if they'd get The Wirlwind at all.
"Umm.. Yeah we got it actually."
"The special edition?"
"Yeah. It's not supposed to be on sale yet, but.. no one has asked it and it's an import and not so mainstream so... I can sell it to you."

Cost 24,90€

professorpeart

Derango

professorpeart

Here's my take. This is the least god-y that Neal has been since his departure from Spock's Beard. I would even go as far as saying that this is equal to or less god-y than Snow. It's definitely not as god-y as anything from Testimony on.

That was my thoughts as well. I was expecting some kind of shift in lyrical content. That's to be expected given where Neal is coming from now. But it feels on par to the religious overtones that were in Snow rather than Testimony.

I honestly probably wouldn't be even mentioning it if I didn't already know the reasons why Neal quit Transatlantic and Spock's Beard to begin with.

Exactly. Great statement. You hit the nail on the head. Remove Neal's post Spock's catalog and tell me if we would even be having this conversation.

My guess - No.

I have to disagree.  I catch some spiritual overtones on Neal's SB stuff, and even on parts of the first two TA albums.  However, it's never come off as super obvious.  More of an implied aspect to the music that doesn't detract. 

Thing is, two or three songs into The Whirlwind, i was already thinking, "wow, he's hitting the spiritual stuff pretty hard, isn't he?"  I understand that he's not the only one that writes spiritual lyrics...some of the stuff Roine writes for TFK is spiritual, but again, never super obvious.  Some of the lyrical stuff on the new TA disc just sounds forced in a way i've never experience from the guys.  I would have hoped that the other players would reign Neal in a bit.

Still killer music, but yeah, it seems destined for 3rd place, far below the first two TA albums.

I'm spinning it again right now. Really loving the way it's settling in.
I'm humming along to many parts. Lot's of Stevie Wonder moments
in this one. The more I spin it, the more I feel it's right on par with
the other TA albums in musical quality.

goo-goo

aredore


This is very much a TA album to me and not a Neal solo album with guest musicians. That's too easy of a opinion to make to me. There are plenty of times where you hear the others singing not just back up but leads too. If it's the lyrics that are making you feel that way, then you aren't paying attention to the music enough IMO.

This album is freaking amazing and I have only listened to it once so far. I can't wait to spin it over and over! Great Job MP and the rest of TA! This is more than I could have imagined when it was announced TA is back! \m/ \m/

So aredore, what's your pick so far?

Shadow Gallery or TA?

Man this is a hard pick because I just heard the new Winger album too. All three of these are SOLID releases IMO. Ugh I don't know yet.

I'll just say this, if the lyrics are bothering you that much, then you have more personal things to deal with than just the lyrics imo. But I don't want to get too much into that comment otherwise this thread would get locked.

Just some running thoughts on the first few listens. I have to say its very overwhelming, so much going on to absorb in the beginning. As people have said Pete's playing is out of this world just jaw dropping, he's my fav player on this album. I love MP's playing and the sound of the drums, gives a very typical and familiar TA feel to it. Roine and Neal are great and love their vocals on the album though I might be liking Roine's a little more than Neal's.

Some thoughts on parts of the title track.

Overture/Whirlwind - Great vocal intro to the album with Roine's vocals. It gave that very welcoming feel when I listened to it the first time. The overture itself is awesome and gives a great intro for whats in store of the rest of the album.

The Wind Blew Them All Away - This musically feels like a combo of some NM stuff along with all of the above's soldier of fortune [Camouflaged in blue] part. I think this is my least liked part in the whole track.

On The Prowl - Bass work out of this world on this track. Lyrics sorta feels corny with the 'wolf's on the prowl' part.

A Man Can Feel - Roine has a very creepy old guy voice in the beginning haha I really love the chorus. This track from 1:33 for a short while has a very Jacob's ladder vibe to it

Out On The Night - Very TA with great vocals from Roine and love the MP and Pete individual lines. I think the previous 3 tracks are the most TA sounding.

Rose Colored Glasses - First half and chorus (on the dark side..etc) like NM then amazing solo with Shine on you crazy diamond like addons heard on the left side.

Evermore - Yes-ish flavor with TA stamp.

Set Us free - Even though heavy NM preachy lyrics this part has the best MP vocals and musically very typical TA.

Lay Down Your Life - Some very screechy, aka 'Devils got my throat', singing from NM, bit NMish mostly TA feel.

Pieces of Heaven - Great TA jam.

Is It Really Happening? - Not sure what tragedy they're talking about in the samples at the beginning but gives the feeling of Marillion's Ocean Cloud. The 'Is it really happening' lines very much echoes Floyds 'Is there anybody out there'
Great solo in this track building to an awesome ending.

Dancing With Eternal Glory/Whirlwind(Reprise) - More NMish feel and lyrics to the track but this time fits into a TA album ending very much in the vein of Stranger in your Soul. Love the 'A man can feel' chorus reprise.

So yea a lot to absorb and go through, things might change with more listens. Even though there is a NM solo feel to this album I think its not as much as people are saying there is. I mean its there in some parts but overall in the 77 min epic I dont think its a lot to detract from the mostly awesome TA music.

As for lyrics, yea its a bit preachy but hasnt distracted me from listening to it really. But I'm still not sure lyrically what the entire whirlwind track is about lol.

I've only listened to 2nd disc once but really liked the 4 TA tracks esp Spinning.

I love how expressing an honest opinion here a respectful manner is "ignorant"

I'll be sure to keep my ignorant opinions to myself from now on.

I so much can't wait to get home from work today!! Us Austrian's enjoyed a holiday yesterday, hower this one had a downside - no TA shipment for me :((((

I have been lucky enough to cover the wait with some demos on the last Inner Circle release, which I absolutely LOVED!!! The Whirlwind theme has been stuck in my head for the last three weeks!!

Now that I'm reading the good critics I'm even more excited!!! Tonights gonna be a looooong and louuuud night :D D:

And as much as this release had a NM solo feel running through it, lets not lose sight of the fact that the previous two albums had sections that felt very Spock's Beard-y.

So this isn't really anything new, exactly. It's all part of the sound. I can call out sections that sound like The Flower Kings from all three albums as well. Or, to a lesser extent Marillion.

Just finished my second listen to it and it has grown on me considerably as I continue to digest it. As far as I'm concerned Transatlantic is back in business, right where they left off 7-8 years ago.

Derango


And as much as this release had a NM solo feel running through it, lets not lose sight of the fact that the previous two albums had sections that felt very Spock's Beard-y.

So this isn't really anything new, exactly. It's all part of the sound. I can call out sections that sound like The Flower Kings from all three albums as well. Or, to a lesser extent Marillion.

Just finished my second listen to it and it has grown on me considerably as I continue to digest it. As far as I'm concerned Transatlantic is back in business, right where they left off 7-8 years ago.

This is exactly how I feel as well. When I had first heard TA so many parts of the songs were Spocks Beard-ish and yet that never detracted me from listening to it. And agreed about them continuing right back from where they left.

Also worthy of mention...the diversity of Mike's playing on the covers he's recorded this past year.  I mean WOW. From Zebra, to Crimson and now an unbelievable cover of Soul Sacrifice. No one can say the man isn't diverse. I wonder if he played ALL the percussion bits on Soul Sacrifice.

From the making of DVD, they showed the entire band playing the percussion bits. Mike did some of them, but not all of them.

Thanks. I don't have the DVD.

Derango


From the making of DVD, they showed the entire band playing the percussion bits. Mike did some of them, but not all of them.

Maybe I'm crazy, but it looked like to me that Roine was using an electric maraca. Does such a thing even exist? lol 

When will it be on Itunes?

I don't want to get into a debate about Neal's lyrics and get this thread locked, but please try to accept that those of us who don't enjoy his current lyrical direction aren't being hateful or ignorant or whatever. We're not trying to assume superiority over those of you who don't have an issues with his messages, so can we just share our opinions on the album without telling each other that everyone else's opinions are wrong?

Yeah, the lyrics are way too blunt for me, for the most part. But an enjoyable listen musically. 3rd place for sure.

Only listened through once completely.  I like it.  There is much to digest and one can't give a complete opinion after one listen.  Overall, I like it a great deal.  Love the sound of the album and love the mix, overall.  There are a couple of parts where I wish Roine's guitars were a bit further up in the mix, but otherwise, love it.  Agree with what most people are saying, I do hear the spiritual lyrics, but I'm probably looking for it, based on the previous NM output.  I have no issue with the spiritual lyrics of NM at all, other than I like a bit of dynamic in my lyrics.  Any artist that wrote about the same subject matter over and over again would wear on me from a lyrical standpoint, whatever they were singing about.  Minor gripe about an otherwise great disc.  Here's hoping that has legs on it and will continue to grow and show itself more and more.

I too am on the lyrical boat... As an atheist, the lyrics are not that appealing to me...  but not much as so as some of Neal's Solo stuff..

The whirlwind is not a "Christian Prog" album, as Neal's solo albums are... the lyrics are much more suttle and not as preachy as the Neal solo stuff (part of the Reason I cannot get into Neals solo material) ... and they do not bother me too much, espically in the light of the phenomonal music.

I feel the same way about the Whirlwind, the same way I feel about "The Spirit Carries On".......Both are great songs, lyrically I might not "jive" with it.... even though the lyrics are well written, but I still enjoy it emmensely.

Well if my comment made anyone feel singled out it was not intended to do so. I guess to me it just felt like the overall album was being attacked for the lyrics and I felt that was unfair. Personally I didn't even pay attention to the lyrics that much at first, I was so into the music and themes and all that.

I have listened all the way through 3 times and I like it more with each listen. I can't say where it stands in regards to the others yet, although I am not a "ranking" type of guy.

I agree with Kirk/Barry, to me it also sounds like a Neal Morse solo album. Now, I love Neal's music so it's a good thing, I was just expecting more of a songwriters "stew" than a mostly Neal penned album with a little help fron his friends.
 
The lyrics don't bother me although I was expecting a bit more secular and less spritual lyrical content.

The mix is fantastic, Mike's drums sound great, Pete's bass is fantastic, and even though he may not be a flashy shreddy type of guitarist, Roine Stolt can play a mighty tasty lead.

All in all, very very good, the jury is still out if it will be great.

This album is brilliantly mixed......  your right.

I just it's a little bit, well, ignorant, to castigate someone's respectfully presented subjective opinion on a piece of art as "ignorant"

I don't think there is anything even remotely disrespectful about offering an opinion that this album sounds a lot like a Neal Morse solo album.  First all all, Mike AND Neal play on both, so there are going to be similarities right there, secondly, the centerpiece of the album is an epic that Neal wrote back around the same time he wrote Sola Scriptura, and I'm sorry if people don't like the comparison, but it's just the truth about what I hear and I am obviously not the only one who hears it that way.

The music sounds a LOT more like Neal's solo material than it does like the first two Transatlantic albums.

Funny thing is, as I mentioned above, that is NOT a criticism, it's an observation, an opinion, based on what I hear in the music, and in the lyrics. 

I LOVE the first CD quite a bit.  It will get many, many spins in my world.  I'm not thrilled with some of the lyrics, but overall I like the album, at least the first CD.  The second CD is already put away.  Not my cuppa.

But man, people around here need to calm down a little bit and understand that not everyone is gonna like everything that everyone does, it's really that simple.  And telling people they're "ignorant" for an opinion, especially when that opinion is given in a respectful manner, is, well.....

....see the thread about "where are all the old timers"  Who the fuck wants to hang out someplace with that kind of vibe?

If you disagree, disagree, and give your viewpoint, I don't think we need to be calling each other "ignorant"

I dunno, maybe I'm asking too much.

I love the "hidden" track at the end of the second disc.