FROM THE VAULT

For collector's only. Most of this is a collection of bonus tracks that you may already have on the individual albums. That being said, I like this collection as a collector and fan who wants to get my hands on every bit of recorded output. If you're like that, you'll like this.

1) Stratus - An instrumental cover of a track by fusion drummer Billy Cobham (from 1973's "Spectrum"). Neal cites in liner notes that this is Nick's favorite way to start rehearsals and Neal and Al have been jamming to it since they were teenagers. It's good, but not great. Mainly of interest to fans/collectors to hear them cover an influential song.

2) Into Fire - A straight up (and tongue-in-cheek) heavy metal song. Music by Ryo, Lyrics by Neal, Dave, Ryo. Written and recorded in 4 hours. The sheer silliness of this is offset by the fact that this is spot on 80s metal. Definitely not their normal thing and so, again, this is for fans/collectors.

3) Fire / Waste Away (Live) - This is the exact same recording as on "The Beard Is Out There - Live" (1998)

Tracks 4, 6, 8 and 9 are "Home Demos" of album tracks. These are for collectors only as they are certainly not worthy substitutes for the real thing, but are an interesting look into how the band works.

5) Excerpt from The Doorway (live) - From Neal's notes: "Recorded at Progfest '95, this is so nobody feels left out of this bonus track thing. The other one (on Darkness) is 'On The Edge' from our 'Live Bootleg' album. You may breathe normally; your collection is complete." Interesting, but not essential.

7) Waste Away (Alternate Mix) - Unnecessary and uninteresting. For collector's only.