SPOCK'S BEARD

I have to say, the Kansas influence on this one is overwhelming. 'Wherever You Stand' sounds like it could have been a bonus track on 'Song For America' while the intro to the epic track "As Far As the Mind Can See" sounds like it might be part of a more recent Kansas effort such as 'Somewhere to Elsewhere.' Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining or anything. I've always throught that The Beard, especially when it was headed by Neal, was influenced a bit heavily by Livgren and company, but you can definitely hear a nod in their direction with this release.

Apart from that, the album itself is very well executed. There are some sleeper tracks, but the ones that aren't more than make up for it. In fact, I think this one contains two tracks that are the best works the Beard has ever done, with Neal or without (and I'm a huge fan of Neal's solo and transatlantic stuff)! Skeletons At The Feast is the instrumental track of the album and it blew me away the first time I heard it. The other one that will go down in the Beard hall of fame is 'With Your Kiss'. All I have to say on this one is wow. The song takes you through all the emotions of a relationship, from beginning to end in 11+ minutes. You just have to experience this one for yourself. Spectacular stuff.

This one will be in my cd player for a long time before it's replaced. I'll be hard put to find a better album this year.