SPOCK'S BEARD - At the End of the Day | FIRST TIME COUPLE REACTION (BMC Request)

[@dennismoore3383]

Nick N Lex, thank you so much for reacting to this one. This was my big introduction to Spock's Beard. Many commenters have already mentioned Neal Morse leaving after album #6 and currently being in The Neal Morse Band, Transatlantic and Flying Colors with Mike Portnoy. The higher voice you noticed behind Neal's during the quiet section is drummer, Nick D'Virgilio, who followed Neal as lead singer. After that came Ted Leonard of Enchant. If you do more Spock's Beard, check out the songs "The Light" and also "The Doorway". I can email you the albums in zip files so you'll have them if you want to use them. Then you'll always have better quality than You Tube uploads. Neal's been involved with many epic songs and concept albums. In fact, some of the best multipart songs are in the 20-30 minute range. The Neal Morse Band album, "The Similitude of a Dream" is amazing. Transatlantic's "The Whirlwind". Spock's Beard's "Snow". All amazing concept albums. And remember... lot's of tasty Mike Portnoy involved. Do you have the same email you had in March of this year? Zip files are easy to open. Just download from your email, right click and click extract all. Amazon sends mp3 albums the same way. Again, thank you so much! Dennis

[@markd9130]

I saw Flying Colors and Winery Dogs shortly before the COVID shutdown. So glad I did. Liquid Tension Experiment, Winery Dogs, Transatlantic, Spock's Beard swap lineups a bit between them.

[@mvunit3]

Thank you Dennis for obviously (as seen in the comments), exposing music/bands WE love, to a new group of people that will search them out :).

[@rudolfbecker4313]

@@markd9130 Hi Mark, big MP fan here, saw Spocks Beard opening for DT in 2000 on the Scenes Tour, saw Transatlantic twice, have my 1 second appearance in the DVD filmed in Cologne, saw Neal Morse Band twice, first was the Momentum tour, great gig with Flower Kings, mixing up for some Transatlantic encore, saw Winery Dogs in a small venue and Sons of Apollo at Graspop Open Air with the most horrible sound, that I ever heard from a band, MP was involved ... Billy Sheehan "destroyed" everything... never made it to Flying Colors, I have to admit that I don't like Casey's singing very much

[@stevejones18]

LOVE Flying Colors and also the Winery Dogs - obviously featuring Mike Portnoy in both bands

[@stevejones18]

Nick D'Virgilio is in Big Big Train now I believe ( a VERY Genesis sounding band. Their lead singer sounds just like Phil Collins)

[@ericmeredith8754]

Great reaction! Great song! What a journey of a song. The transitions were so smooth and very well Placed. I loved this ! Will Be seeking out this band for sure! I must say you give reaction channels a good name! You are both very kind and have great taste in music! Thanks for that. I look forward daily to seeing what is next!

[@laylakayla2]

Check out The Doorway. Also Transatlantic "Stranger in your Soul".

[@davidpickford515]

Totally agree David it's my fave transatlantic song the live in europe version is brill

[@theheepster]

Everywhere where Neal Morse is there, like The Neal Morse Band, Transatlantic, Flying Colors, Spock's Beard, you get great melodic prog rock. I have all of these bands' studio and live albums, as well as his solo albums. The great Mike Portnoy sits on the drums on most of the albums. Album tip: Neal Morse Band-The Similitude of a Dream. A real masterpiece. There is still a lot to discover for you. I'm 65 years old and I'm still exploring.

[@gaspode8]

And while you are discovering, try »Sylvan«: For example »Given, Used, Forgotten« from X-Rayed or the whole concept album »Posthumous Silence«.

[@theheepster]

@@gaspode8 Sylvan is in my collection. They are from my Homeland🇩🇪

[@gaspode8]

@@theheepster Stimmt. Hätte ich auch am Namen erkennen können. 🙂 Dann kennst Du ja sicherlich auch „Everon“.

[@tixximmi1]

And don't forget the band, "Yellow Matter Custard". A Beatles cover band that shows Neal and Mike.

[@theheepster]

@@tixximmi1 Oh, forgotten

[@davidbarker77]

The name Spock's Beard started as a joke with the Morse brothers coming up with weird names. The reference is to an original-series episode of Star Trek where Kirk and others find themselves in an alternate universe. In that universe, Spock has a beard. Thank you so much for doing this song. It's a good one, one of their finest. Glad you enjoyed it. I believe that's Nick D'Virgilio on drums (now playing with Big Big Train). Neil Morse (lead singer and master keyboardist) left Spock's Beard to start Transatlantic, a supergroup with Roine Stolt (Flower Kings), Pete Trewavas (Marillion) and Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, etc.). They also have some terrific albums. Neil also released a number of albums as The Neal Morse Band, again with Portnoy on drums, that is faith-based prog rock. It was fun hearing this again.

[@shyshift]

Star Trek: Mirror,Mirror

[@pete3397]

Big Big Train would be another band for them to check out along with Rikard Sjöblom's solo work.

[@fabioriato]

Actually, Morse didn't leave SB to start of Transatlantic, he was still SB's leader even after the first two TA albums. He left to pursue his religious views, he didn't want to force them within the band, so he chose to leave.

[@mvunit3]

@@fabioriato - And, talking with his Brother Alan, Alan was "pissed" because they were about to go on Tour :p. But they had played together in 2017 for the Anniversary of "Snow" made-up of all 3 eras of the band, so I'm glad they're not mad at each other. Its here at Yt under: "Spock's Beard SNOW LIVE 2017 |1080p|"

[@rudolfbecker4313]

@@fabioriato the reason, why he became so religious was, that his new born daughter was born with a hole in her heart, the chances to survive were small, but he prayed to God, she survived and is nowadays 18 or 19 years old. He dedicated the song Jayda on Testimonium 2

[@Daves_not_here]

It was so cool that you reacted to this, that I had to subscribe. Damn… I’ve loved this album for 20 years. Peace

[@johnladd8421]

very yes influenced to my ear. never heard them before. sounds great.

[@dogtownczar]

On this album the French Horn players where Katie Hagen and/or Dave Meros - who also played bass, stand-up bass, and shared in vocals. The rest of the linup was: Neal Morse - lead vocals, piano, all synths, acoustic guitar / Alan Morse - electric guitar, vocals, cello, sampler / Nick D'Virgilio - drums, percussion, vocals / Ryo Okumoto - Hammond organ, Mellotron / Chris Carmichael - violin, viola, cello / Kathy Ann Lord - English horn / Joey Pippin - trumpet

[@HollowGolem]

One of the cool things about Spock's beard is that the Morse Brothers, Neal and Alan, had a choir director for a dad, and had a lot of experience arranging vocal parts. So all those harmonies are actually the whole band singing. You should see them do a song like "Thoughts" or Gibberish" live to really see them go crazy on those multipart harmonies. Interesting that you mention them sounding like Enchant, because Tod from Enchant would join as their lead singer in 2013. And interesting that you mention them sounding like genesis, because Nick, their drummer, played some of the studio sessions for Genesis's _Calling all Stations_ album, and they have a lot of really eerie parallels with Genesis (lead singer leaves to pursue a solo career, and gets really spiritual, 6th album is a double disc concept album sed in New York, on their 7th album the drummer becomes the new lead singer. They do their self-titled album later in their discography. On top of the musical similarities that you noticed) Pretty much every one of their albums has at least one great song, and I would say the first six were great albums, the next four were solid, and the most recent three, despite being weak in my mind, are still good albums overall. It's just that their 90s and early 2000s output set the bar so high that once they came back down to earth after Neal left, it was hard to meet that early standard. My favorite tracks by them: The Light The Doorway Time Has Come Waste Away Open Up the Floodgates (both parts) June (the "radio hit") Gibberish Edge of the In Between Rearranged Something Very Strange And if you really want them to sound like alternative rock or grunge, something like "Surfing Down the Avalanche" will show just how far in that direction they were willing to go.

[@ronortega95]

This is a fantastic song. I had never heard this band before, I will definitely check out more of their music. Thanks to the person who suggested this and for the both of you for the reaction.

[@KawaTony1964]

Man - I love this song. This is the best one you 2 have turned me onto so far.

[@drogusmaxwell6640]

Now you're reacting to Spocks Beard! You guys rock!

[@your_local_dummy4137]

As a Prog Rock tragic from the very start in the late 60's I stumbled across Spock's Beard in the late 90's. They gave me hope that prog is still around, this music is great and why is not played anywhere and why are they almost an underground group? That also made me think that back in the 60's and 70's almost everything got some air time and a chance to be heard. Great you guys got around to them.

[@jpirard]

Nick D'Virgilio is now the drummer in BIG BIG TRAIN, another amazing band you MUST check out.

[@centralscrutinizer7398]

It's terrific to see that you guys have given the Beard a listen. One commonality that they share with Yes and Genesis is the ability to be complex yet tuneful at the same time, something that is NOT easy to pull off, but speaks volumes about their level of talent.

[@lamentiamusic]

Cool that you mention Enchant. The singer from Enchant is the current singer for Spocks Beard. My favorite Spock songs are the great nothing, the light, walking on the wind

[@KawaTony1964]

This is so good. Released in 2000. How did so much crap music get popular while this never got heard?

[@rudolfbecker4313]

because nowadays many people don't listen to and enjoy the music. they just consume. look, how everybody runs around with headphones, if you ask, what are you listening to, the answer will be: I don't know .... it's from some playlist or it's this shitty chart trash which is all over certain radio stations. when I'm in the car, even the rock stations play the same mainstream rock all day long, and when my 3 "favourite" B's are played (Bruce, Bon and Bryan + the mosthated Nickeldreck, sorry) I look for another station and rather listen to some african, oriental or east european unknown stuff. Luckily I'm only twice a week in my car :-)

[@ViniVPinheiro]

Well, to be far, this was never popular

[@KawaTony1964]

@@ViniVPinheiro That was the point of my comment. My comment was basically the question "why did such a good song never become popular?".

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

The reasons should be obvious: Attention span. The huge majority of people are casual radio listeners. Songs that don't catch and hold your attention within 4 minutes will never get popular, with a few exceptions if you think for example about Meat Loaf (whose songs where cut down several minutes for single release and became popular in these cut versions). It has been always this way. Think of Genesis. Probably THE prog-band par excellence. They never took off widelely until Peter Gabriel left and they gradually started to write more short songs with radio play in mind. Many of the first generation fans resented them for it, but if they hadn't done that they would have never been widely known and never been able to fill entire football stadiums in the mid 80's until Phil Collins left the band after the 1992 tour. It's like Neal Morse sings on their very first album: "The boy's got potential but he will never have commercial success" Which is what they told him and which is absolutely true. This kind of music has always been niche. And even more so, if you go to progrock concerts its even more apparent. It's a mens club basically. Women are extremely underrepresented in the fanbase of this kind of music. Progrock within popular music is a niche product, as is classical music in the whole world of music. Both genres contain the most intricate and musically well constructed pieces of music, that are objectively the best music has to offer. But the masses listen to easier digestable stuff with a steady beat, Taylor Swift showing her long legs and rappers talking about how hard life is in the hood.@@KawaTony1964

[@garywright7686]

First off, big “Thank You” to whoever suggested this to you guys. I’m a huge Spock’s Beard fan, and this is probably my favorite of their albums. As for where to go next, I have an unusual suggestion. For this past year’s “Morsefest”, which was streamed live due to COVID restrictions, The Neal Morse Band opened the second night with the “Thoughts” trilogy - three songs off three different albums that each feature pretty interesting “a cappella” sections. So, maybe go through these three (one at a time) and see what you think. First, from “Beware of Darkness” by Spock’s Beard - “Thoughts”. Then from “V” (the album you just reviewed here) - “Thoughts (Part II)”. And finally, from the Neal Morse album “Momentum” - “Thoughts Part 5”. Again, I wouldn’t do it all at once, but over a period of time you might find them enjoyable. Don’t get me wrong, I loved that they opened the Saturday night show with all three songs back to back - but hey - I’m a huge fan.

[@sidecardog5244]

Afterthoughts from their album Brief Nocturnes can also fit in this group of songs. No Neal Morse but really quite good.

[@mavrick817]

i wish more youtubers reacted to Spock's Beard and Neil Morse

[@4themusicman]

Neal.

[@davedurbz7762]

Thank you guys so much for reacting to Spock's Beard. I would give you a thousand likes if I could! I still remember hearing this for the first time, I was just as blown away as you guys were. It's funny that Nick mentioned the band Enchant, you should react to them, because their lead singer, Ted Leonard is now the singer for the current Spock's Beard. I could go on for hours about how great this band is, more songs to react to, The Great Nothing which is an epic track from the same album. "The Light" from their first album of the same name. "The Doorway" from their second album or "Harm's Way" from their third album. Thanks again!

[@pasit1738]

And here stars a proper rabbit hole. Transatlantic, Marillion, Dream Theater, The Flower King,...

[@Daves_not_here]

Pasi T... you named the greats, mate. Peace

[@raypows]

I've been listening to Spocks Beard since their beginnings. This specific song does remind me of Kansas a bit, especially in the vocal delivery, but you're right, I think it's because of American inflections. I know the guitarist, Alan Morse, and played with him some in the early '90's. His brother Neil Morse is exceptionally talented too. I knew them both when we were teenagers in the 1970's. We were all into prog then, listening and beginning to write as well. The brothers played at our small high school graduation even. I remember they played some Gentle Giant. All the players in Spocks Beard are virtuosic and have cross pollinated with other bands as well.

[@mvunit3]

Yup, you hear a lot of GG in their earlier works. Man, what a great bunch of guys to grow-up with :).

[@bytor2112dirkyt]

Nice call, Dennis! Years ago I had just heard of bands like Dream Theater, Gentle Giant, Porcupine Tree and Spock's Beard. I walked onto an album/CD store where you an listen to sample from albums, and I saw an SB album so I listened to it. I wasn't impressed by the 2 songs I tried so I had no idea they were this good. This one was very enjoyable. Thanks!

[@theplanetruth]

How many transitions can one song have? SB: hold my Italian ice.

[@fabioriato]

Glad that more people are starting to react to Spock's Beard. They were the vanguard of the new wave of prog music that started in the '90s, along with Swedish fellows The Flower Kings. Both bands are somehow vastly underrated among people who recommend prog rock to reactors. You guys picked up correctly the Genesis influence: the band is among their major influences, along with Gentle Giant and The Beatles. If you dig this stuff, all bands/groups which Neal Morse is a member of are well worth checking out: Transatlantic, Flying Colors and Morse's solo work (this last one only if you're okay with the explicit religious lyrics). I'll suggest one track per era of the band if you guys are willing to react to more of their stuff: Neal Morse era: _The Great Nothing_ (from the same album as the one you guys just reacted to; it's their magnum opus imo) Nick D'Virgilio era: _Jaws of Heaven_ (from the X album) Ted Leonard era: _Afterthoughts_ (from the Brief Nocturnes and Dreamless Sleep album)

[@stevejones18]

You guys also need to listen to Looking for Answers and June by Spock's Beard. Also re Genesis: You MUST listen to the live version of Supper's Ready off of their 1977 Live album - Seconds Out.

[@DocSardo]

Oh look, it's Steven Wilson riding a Camel across Kansas while drinking Ambrosia! But seriously, I didn't realize Spock's Beard was this good. I'll have to give than a re-listen. The beginning had a definite Luminol vibe.

[@sidecardog5244]

Dave Meros, the bass player also plays French Horn. Alan Morse, the guitarist, also plays cello. Neal Morse, lead singer and composer plays piano, keyboards, acoustic guitar, electric guitar. Nick D’Virgilio plays drums, acoustic and electric guitars, and occasional lead vocals, Ryo Okomoto does Hammond organ and mellotron. If you watch the DVD for Snow you will be in awe of the tightness of this band live.

[@posdt1]

Snow is my fav beard album ...love that now the amazing ted leonard ( from amazing enchant and thought chamber) is their singer

[@MrBlond777]

Omg 😳 You Guys! This is one of my favorite SB albums and songs! Neal Morse can write progressive music like no other…the band are all super amazing with Nick D’Virgilio being one of my favorite drummers. You have so much to explore….check out Transatlantic’s debut with All Of The Above…it’s one of Neal Morse’s masterpieces….and of course any of Neal Morse’s solo albums! Thx so much for this one! 😎

[@Skwidmon]

Great reaction. The Beard is one of the best prog bands out there throughout 3 versions of the band. Their entire catalog is worth perusing.

[@sidecardog5244]

Thanks Dennis. I love Spock's Beard. So so much great music. Also check out TransAtlantic and Flying Colors. ps, Neal Morse is a musical savant. Everything he's involved in turns to gold. For further suggestions, I would point to their debut album The Light with the opening song The Light. Unfortunately, they are not on Spotify and the quality of the uploads is hit or miss. Also, their songs can be quite epic and long, so many reactors shy away. Finally, Morse left the band after the concept album Snow, so they've had a few lead singer changes (Nick D'Virgilio, drummer for Big Big Train and Ted Leonard of Enchant). From their later period, I would suggest The Ghosts of Autumn and Something Very Strange.

[@Stonky77]

This is without question my all time favorite song. For those new to Neal Morse, I suggest The Great Nothing from this album, Stranger in Your Soul by Transatlantic, and Broken Sky/Long Day Reprise from The Similitude of a Dream. There is no better song to close an album.

[@shyshift]

I saw their first major show at Progfest’95 and they were mind blowing. They opened with The Light. When that song ended we gave them a 10 minute standing ovation. Next for your Spock’s Beard journey: The Light On The Edge Beware Of Darkness(George Harrison cover) Thoughts The Doorway In The Mouth Of Madness June Gibberish Day For Night The Great Nothing Snow is a double disc concept album and must be played in full to appreciate. After that lead singer Neal Morse leaves and becomes an amazing solo artist. The drummer Nick D’Virgillo takes over lead vocal and later he quits to play with Big Big Train. For nearly 2 decades Ted Leonard from Enchant is their singer to this day. Enchant seems to have called it a day. Try Neal Morse-Sola Scriptura. Alan Morse, the guitar player has an instrumental album that you would love Nick, Four O’ clock and Hysteria(2007)

[@HollowGolem]

Was that the show that got recorded for _The Beard is Out There?_ God I would have loved to be there, because most of that tracklist was so much better at that show than on the album. I definitely prefer that version of "The Light" and "The Water."

[@shyshift]

@@HollowGolem I don’t know. I only saw them once in 1995. They played again at Progfest’97, but I had to settle for the vhs.

[@shyshift]

According to Discogs the beard is out there was Europe 1998.

[@HollowGolem]

@@shyshift that's when it was rereleased. I just looked it up, including an old review. It was recorded at Progfest 95. It was called Official Live Bootleg initially. Though the copy I have has six tracks, and the version I keep seeing online only has five. The thing that sticks out the most to me as being fairly unique in their set list for that show is their cover of Jimi Hendrix "Fire"

[@Pcrimson1]

I just started getting into this band. I've never heard this song before, it's pretty wild. I do know the Kindness of Strangers album. It's all good! Probably the most accessible song would be "June", it's not too long, about 5 minutes, and it's beautiful.

[@lougordon5206]

The Mighty Beard!!! There are three versions. The first is with Neal Morse singing. The second is with Drummer Nick D'Virgilio on vocals, and the third with Ted Leonard on vocals. All three versions are exceptional. Killer vocal arrangements and instrumentation. The Doorway is one of the great prog rock songs. Try one of their epics like The Great Nothing, or The Healing Colours of Sound. The Light, Something Very Strange, or Afterthoughts . Brilliant Band!!

[@jpirard]

these guys live are outstanding. Neal plays keys, guitar, drums, the band has a dedicated bassist, Dave Meros drummer, lead guitar, and a keyboardist, Ryo Okimoto. This lineup would do instrument switching in the MIDDLE of a song, Neal would sing, have an acoustic guitar on, while leaning over and playing keys and synth leads, Nick on drums and vocals, Neal's brother Alan on lead guitar and vocals,

[@zestosxristos7408]

Check out the song “The Great Nothing”

[@CaryOn11]

I am so happy you have gotten to this band! They have much to offer as does Neal Morse an original member and the primary writer. Make sure you get to the live performance of the album "Snow" It is one of the best things you will see! Thanks for all your time and efforts. Enjoy the Beard! You asked for a recommendation of what SB to do next. I suggest "Thoughts pt. 2" from the same album V. Strange Nick mentioned Enchant as their lead vocalist Ted Leonard is now the lead vocalist of SB! Initially when Neal Morse left to go solo after the "Snow" album Nick D'Virgillio the original drummer did a Genesis like move and became the lead vocalist. Neal Morse partnered with Mike Portnoy on many bands like Transatlantic, The Neal Morse Band (check out "The Similitude Of A Dream") Flying Colors (with Steve Morse on guitar) and a Beatle's tribute band called Yellow Matter Custard. Speaking of Steve Morse. have you done any Dregs or solo stuff from Steve yet? Highly recommended. He is a guitarist's guitarist. Nick would enjoy him. He has also been in Kansas and Deep Purple during his career.

[@bobford100]

Such a great band, I'd recommend you give their track 'The Water' a listen.... 23 minutes of audio heaven.... Cheers Bob

[@sidecardog5244]

The only SB song with profanity ( and lots of it!). I love the song dearly myself, but it may get them in trouble with big brother YT.

[@bobford100]

@@sidecardog5244 .... Ah that's true..... I think there is a live version on YT, so maybe YT overlooked it....

[@rodneyhearne3405]

You have stumbled into a delightful Prog band from LA, that has created some great music. Thanks for giving it a listen, I really enjoyed your reaction.

[@Kae6502]

"Snow" is another amazing album. Bit of a concept album, but most songs can easily stand on their own. Great video! Thank you! :)

[@davshaw5]

Their concept album “Snow” is an absolute masterpiece, a modern rock opera….

[@SAS-jj8yh]

Spock's Beard HYPE!

[@KingXanadu]

Would LOVE more Neal Morse, any of his side projects or solo work. I think you guys would love Flying Colors - Cosmic Symphony, or Transatlantic - Stranger in your Soul

[@cleversonluizcorreiadesouz5959]

More Spock's Beard please!!!!! Snow, Harm's Way, Flow, Treasure Abandoned...

[@TedSchoenling]

The Light, The Doorway, Cakewalk on easy street, June, Waste Away.. take your pick

[@TheAsphyx666]

I love how Neal Morse's writing is so obviously classically influenced (in his solo work and with Transatlantic as well) in the sense that a lot of his long tracks have a kind of instrumental overture where musical themes are established which are then repeated and varied throughout the song, and the end of the song usually nicely dovetails into the beginning. I don't know why, I'm just a sucker for his style. Also, I love his voice. Also: more hooks in one Spock's Beard song than in other people's whole albums. :D This band deserved to be so much bigger, yet sadly went unnoticed by the public at large. I remember the first review I ever read for an album of theirs ("The Light", reviewed in German Rock Hard magazine), which ended in the sentence "Anything less than a 10 would be ridiculous."

[@louaguado995]

The singer/keyboard player is Neal Morse. He left the band and started his own. He also plays in a band called Transatlantic. He's a Christian, has made a few Christian themed albums. But he's more spiritual than preachy. Many of his songs have spiritual meanings. Check out "on a perfect day" by Spocks Beard. It's the band after Neal left.

[@garygehman415]

The original and IMO the best of the SB lineups. Some other great songs from this era include The Doorway, Waste Away, Day For Night, Distance to the Sun, In the Mouth of Madness, June, Strange World, Open Wide the Flood Gates, and Wind at my Back. As Neal's writing progressed, you can hear more and more Christian influence in his lyrics. After the sixth album, Snow, he left the band to pursue a solo career. where he put out some amazing Christian Prog concept albums. His current band, The Neal Morse Band, put out two masterpiece albums back to back, A Similitude of a Dream and it's sequel The Great Adventure. Both based off the of the 1678 novel, The Pilgrim's Progress, by John Bunyan. You should also check out some of Transatlantic's stuff. My personal favorite of theirs is The Whirlwind. The entire album is one song...one 77 minute, epic song.

[@meruwiropati2041]

Yeah... Finally you reacted to Spock's Beard. They are great... aren't they. "The Light" is epic, it's from their masterpiece album 'The Light' ... Check it out ... Thank you

[@ShetSte]

Glad you are enjoying The Beard. They have so many great songs, but you should definitely try 'The Doorway ', or 'Day for Night'. Their live video in Tilburg is also a must!

[@allengator1914]

Check out their song "The Doorway"

[@itsalolmor]

What a blast to open my KZbin feed on a Saturday late afternoon and see this. Spock's Beard is my favorite band of all time and, in my opinion, Neal Morse is the best pop music composer of our day. Lots of influence from the legends - Yes, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Gentle Giant, Jethro Tull, Kansas, Beatles - but with an original enough flair. I'd say more, and was prepared to, but just saw Dennis' comment and he said it all. Looking forward to see more of your reactions to this awesome band!

[@rikconverse8726]

"Prog Rock" It's not just for Brit bands anymore! ;-)

[@juliuszucker198]

New to the channel. Very cool. Right in my wheelhouse. A couple of bands you seemed to like but have not revisited. Marillion: Afraid of Sunlight. Their signature song Spock’s Beard: The Light. Where it all started Renaissance: Running Hard Go for it. You’ll be glad you did.

[@spencergarrison1162]

Yay Spock's Beard! The guy who wrote all the music for Spock's Beard was Neal Morse (you just reacted to his song The Call!) He is also the singer, keyboardist, and second guitarist. You should check out the Spock's Beard song The Doorway or The Light (if you're feeling bold)

[@glenndespres5317]

I am always so pleasantly surprised to see what you two are offering up next. I am familiar with this band only through a CD a friend burned for me years ago. It was a prog mix and I think the Spock’s Beard song was called Long Time Suffering. I agree with Lex that it’s not always a great thing to compare one band to another (but sometimes you can’t help but be reminded that they sound LIKE some other band.) Nick, before you decide on cutting you hair maybe listen to CSN&Y - Almost Cut My Hair; maybe you’ll decide to let it grow. LOL

[@gkirms]

Top notch album and my favorite album of Spock's Beard and IMO their best with Neal at the helm.

[@KawaTony1964]

Oh yeah - this is cool. This is added to my list: Gordian Knot, Jean-Luc Ponty, Liquid Tension Experiment, and now Spock's Beard.

[@tixximmi1]

Arjen Lucassen? The day that the World breaks down. Or the Prescient

[@peterichards3261]

Great reaction you two. "The Great Nothing" from this album is truly amazing. Yes you should definitely do some Enchant

[@theplanetruth]

FIRST ( time listen to SB)!!!! Ok. For ME: 4:00- is VERY PROG.

[@kevinmarsh8922]

So I thought I'd recommend "Take a Pebble" by ELP, its a tour de force of piano vertuosity.

[@KawaTony1964]

I just discovered something new on the Sea of Tranquility channel. A band called Magma from the 70s. I've only heard 1 song so far: "De Futura". But I like it. So, you 2 and Sea of Tranquility have become my go-to channels for discovering great music I've never heard of.

[@fabioriato]

Magma essentially created a new prog rock subgenre called Zeuhl. Very niche, but also very respected within the community.

[@mvunit3]

@@fabioriato - yup, RIO music or Avant-Garde ("Rock in Opposition"). Lots of Metal bands doing that too in the Prog Metal/Avant-Garde world.

[@kmichaelp4508]

Can you say Yes inspired! Especially the bass player in a Chris Squire way.🤐

[@r.a.fiallos234]

Such a great track! I love the harmonies as well....such great musicianship all around...and Neal Morse is just one of those brilliant composers....you may want to go with the song that started them off--The Light... Neal made a home demo, introduced it to his brother Alan, then they got Nick D'Virgilio (brilliant drummer--go to the Sweetwater channel, he demos a lot of their drums, etc), the mighty Dave Meros on bass, Ryo came a bit later....so good. Bravo on a great reaction video that was not boring :-)

[@TXMusicDrummer]

Need to check out the Snow album, the last one before Neal Morse's departure.

[@frlong1]

Yes, Neal Morse left Spocks Beard when he became a born again Christian .. Mike Portnoy plays drums for his current band, the Neal Morse Band. They have a new release this year I believe. He is also one fourth of Transatlantic - I would start with “All of the Above” from their first release so please react to Transatlantic too!

[@dyrkeschaefer]

Cool track. Not sure I've ever listened to entire Spock's Beard albums. But, every time I hear them, I like them. Something a little less prog but with tons of 70s influences that you might enjoy is the band Jellyfish. Tracks to start: Joining A Fan Club, The Ghost At Number One, Too Much Too Little Too Late ( or any other track from the Spilt Milk album ). Their debut album, Bellybutton, has a lot of great tracks, too. I love the track That Is Why. Unfortunately, the band only released two albums. The singer ended up singing in Slash's Snakepit and, I believe, he produces quite a bit.

[@guym1234]

Transatlantic and Flying Colors should be your next stop on your Journey.....enjoy

[@gregcormier2379]

The name of the band was a reference to a Star Trek episode were in an alternate universe Spock had a beard. They have been around for some time starting back in the early nineties. They wrote some very good prog music in the vein of Porcupine Tree but never got to be as widely know, I would suggest you check out The Healing colors of sound, TheGreat nothing, Winda y my back, and At the end of the day for more of Spock's Beard.

[@stevensabella7287]

Spock's Beard is the band ( along with Dream Theatre and England's stylistically dissimilar Porcupine Tree ) that jump-started progressive rock for the modern era. A supergroup was formed by Spock's vocalist Neil Morse and Dream Theatre's Mike Portnoy, called Transatlantic. This band may be the current king of prog. the album Whirlwind is unbelievable! It plays continiously for 80 min. I Would recommend you try the track "Rose Colored Glasses". Very similar to Spock's Beard. Another Great Spock song would be "The Doorway". TRUST ME.

[@keithpasculli7465]

My favorite Spock's Beard song is the multi part, :As far as the mind can see", amazing music.

[@buddystewart2020]

That's a French Horn, not a Trombone. They remind me a little bit of a Canadian progressive band called FM that formed in 1976. They were: Cameron Hawkins on synthesizer, occasional bass guitar, and lead vocals Jeff Plewman (later known as Nash The Slash) on electric violin, electric mandolin, and backing vocals Martin Deller - drums, percussion, synthesizer

[@mvunit3]

Those 1st 2 albums were awesome. And "Ben Mink" the original Violinist/Mandolin player, played the violin parts in Rush's "Losing It" :).

[@gregpanagos1139]

Nick n Lex...great choice. Try the song from their first album called The Light. But really, anything with Neal Morse is great. You might like Transatlantic too, a project still active with Roine Stolt (Flower Kings, Kaipa), Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) and Pete Trewavas (Marillion). To me, Spocks Beard is unique, especially nowadays. I hear a lot of Yes, Gentle Giant and (weirdly) America..plus some Return to Forever.

[@dogtownczar]

Where to go from here? Each journey has a beginning. "The Light" is the 1st song from Spock's Beard.

[@TwoandaHater]

What a great band, Great Nothing off this album is a long one but classic. The Doorway would be a good next one to check out.

[@TwoandaHater]

Also for 'pretty' try June.

[@kennethschreyer2527]

Great Great Song !!! Sounds like a mix of Yes and Steve Stevens and Procul Harem Beautiful Harmony at the End reminds me of The Beatles Got to Get You in My Life

[@ronylopes1540]

Nick, you loved the cover, fun fact: it's olmost the same of the Symphony X album containing the song Fallen (which you guys reacted to) both album named V, both bands fifth album, same year and same label. Please do more Spock's Beard an specially Symphony X please. By the way, AMAZING VIDEO AS ALWAYS!! 👍🏽

[@fajarles21]

Oyeahhh... MORE PROG GUYS🔥 Make PROG Great Again💪💪

[@PaulHilburger]

Spock's Beard rocks

[@k-popplayinklown5473]

This is such an underrated band and this track is one of my favorites . Try their album snow Or June Spock indeed did have a beard in one episode

[@synen]

One of my fav prog bands of all time, too bad Morse left so early.

[@donnielee5331]

Hugh Syme is the artist for RUSH and many DT albums....not so much Spock's Beard, but it's very reminiscent of his work.

[@scottfitch3842]

You still need to check out Steve Hackett “shadow of the hierophant” one of the live versions!!!

[@wushu_jingwu_ar]

Great! SB had so awesome original prog, try the "The Healing Colours of Sound" suite. But the best is the Neil Morse solo work, it's an infinity of prog magic, I strongly advice yu to check "Question Mark" album and mostly any of the dozens of conceptuals he did.

[@chuckschussman]

I second the "Question Mark" recommendation. It is an excellent album. It is a concept album and all the songs run together. It would be best to review listen to the whole thing in one sitting. You will be happy that you did!

[@markjpcs]

Do the entire Snow album!

[@4themusicman]

Yes, Nick. Just a slight trim. Also, please react to Teramaze - Her Halo.

[@shyshift]

If you 2 really like epics with lots of transitions I highly recommend Transatlantic-The Whirlwind. It’s progtastic.

[@mattrink2112]

The comment about "alternative sounding" vocals is interesting. I was always a Spock's Beard fan, purchasing and enjoying each album, but never fully appreciated them (at the time) 'cos I sensed the same thing, the vocals didn't have the soaring power I appreciated from other singers in the genre (Labrie, Tate, Andre Matos [Angra], DC Cooper [Royal Hunt], Mike Baker [Shadow Gallery], Ted Leonard [Enchant], etc). That sense waned over time, and now I really enjoy Neal Morse's vocals. In this song, like plenty of other Spock's Beard songs, the vocal harmonizing is just fantastic. I hear Beach Boys in those high pitch counterpoint background vocals -- which is a huge compliment. Lex's comment about this being a good gateway prog rock song is on point. The 16 minutes go by quick, there are tons of hooks, tons of catchy melodies, it's a great way to expose someone to the epic grandeur of prog rock/metal. BTW- I appreciated the references to the Magna Carta record label. When I discovered MC as a teenager in late 90s it changed my music world. Especially bands Shadow Gallery and Enchant, but also Cairo, Ice Age, Magellan, Mullmuzzler, etc.

[@michaelmontalvo5757]

Neal Morse's solo work is stellar. Checkout Testimony.

[@frankbarnwell____]

Gene Roddenberry chuckling

[@michguzman]

Spock's Beard has a lot influence from Gentle Giant. To me this is the best incarnation of the band, with Neal Morse on main vocals, keyboards and composer. If you are interested in Spock's Beard (the name comes after an episode of an alternate universe in which Mr. Spock has a beard) please listen to The Light. Their first album. Amazing progressive stuff.

[@AlexAlex-dr9zc]

Another band you shall dig in deep ! Hope their epic concept album "Snow" will find its way to you !

[@rush5620]

Welcome to the Universe of Mr. Neal Morse 😊 .... Next; Transatlantic (Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy/Dream Theater, Roine Stolt/The Flower Kings, Pete Trewavas/Marilion) or "The Neal Morse Band" (also with Portnoy)

[@paulayers1111]

I LOVE this band. And their lead singer songwriter Neal Morse always seems like such a super nice and genuine guy. He kinda looks like and reminds me of Phil Dunphy from Modern Family

[@louismonnichii7619]

New listener here. As an avid fan of progressive rock, I am so glad that this is your introduction to the band. It was for me too, and I have never turned back.❤

[@NicknLex]

Welcome to the channel Louis 🤘

[@jairotilleria]

This my favorite song chorus epic melodies fantastic 😅🎶

[@MrFrikkenfrakken]

Good place to start your Spock's Beard journey. I would suggest a suite from the album 'Day for Night' for your next reaction "The Healing Colors of Sound".

[@thecentralscrutinizer5730]

Classic album! Neil Morse🖤🖤🖤🖤 Neo prog!!