Neal Morse - Sola Scriptura [2007]

“

Okay, let's just start off by saying that I think this is an album that deserves to be heard. It's not just a good album, it's an impressive album, and even that is selling it short. I haven't had any experience with Neal Morse's previous solo efforts, but if this is any way a benchmark for his musical talents, I'm going to buy everything album he has released since leaving Spock's Beard. Yes, it is that good. Be warned though, this is not an easily listenable album. First off, the album only has four tracks, yet it's length is a rough 76 minutes. This is clearly modern chamber music. There are is a certain unconventional approach to the compositions, which works out amazingly well, considering Morse flirts with for example praise music (for example part 3 of the first track) and spanish influences in part 4 of the second track. Yet though these influences might seem a bit strange at a first spin, he manages to fit it in perfectly and it actually enriches the album as a whole. Due to these more "unique" influences (it's not that no-one ever tried those before, it just doesn't happen that often) this is a high quality progressive rock/metal album. Some people might be intimidated by scary numbers like 29 minutes for the first track, but apparently, boredom is not a word that's in Neal's vocabulary . This isn't all because off Neal's skill at writing good music, just as much credit goes to Mike Portnoy on drums (Dream Theater and a shitload of other projects) and Randy George on bass(Ajalon). And a special mention goes to special guest Paul Gilbert (mr. Big, Racer X) who has some absolute insane solo's throughout this album (yes, the "I might as well throw my guitar out of the window" kind). Diversity might be key on this album, but there are also parts where virtuosity is lifted to great heights. The music is quite heavy most of the time, with the notable exeption of the ballad "Heaven in my heart", which is a welcome breather before the last track. Lyrically, the album is about Martin Luther (not to be mistaken for Martin Luther King) who rebelled against the roman church in 1517 and started the process that's known as the Protestant Reformation. So yes, the lyrics are christian in nature, and a lot of people won't like that. Personally, I don't mind it at all, since it is written from Martin Luther's point of view, and as such it's more of a biographical album. But still, you might not like the concept of the album, but be warned, if you pass this album because of the lyrics, you'll miss out on a beautiful musical experience. So stop reading and go download it, now! ~ Jonathan @ Gothtronic.com

”

Tracklisting

1- The Door (29:14)
I Introduction
II In The Name Of God
III All I Ask For
IV Mercy For Sale
V Keep Silent
VI Upon The Door

2- The Conflict (25:00)
I Do You Know My Name ?
II Party To The Lie
III Underground
IV Two Down, One To Go
V The Vineyard
VI Already Home

3- Heaven In My Heart (5:10)

4- The Conclusion (16:34)
I Randy's Jam
II Long Nights Journey
III Re- Introductions
IV Come Out Of Her
V Clothed With The Sun
VI In Closing

Line-up
- Neal Morse / vocals, guitars, keyboards
- Randy George / bass
- Mike Portnoy / drums

Guests:
- Paul Gilbert / guitars
- Chris Carmichael / violins, viola
- Wil Henderson / vocals
- Rachel Rigdon / violin
- Michael Thurman / French horn
- Hannah Vanderpool / cello
- Debbie Bresee / backing vocals
- Wade Browne / backing vocals
- Revonna Cooper / backing vocals
- Richard Morse / backing vocals
- Amy Pippin / backing vocals
- Joey Pippin / backing vocals
- April Zachary / backing vocals


Download
http://rapidshare.com/files/123558555/Morse__Neal_-_2007_-_Sola_Scriptura.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/123558561/Morse__Neal_-_2007_-_Sola_Scriptura.part2.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/123558397/Morse__Neal_-_2007_-_Sola_Scriptura.part3.rar
Covers
http://rapidshare.com/files/124248254/NM-SS-covers.rar

Thanx to downinahole@127.0.0.1