An amazing release for sure! I went for the full Super Deluxe Boxset version of 5 LP's (clear vinyl) 3CD & Blu Ray..Still trying to take it all in and listened to the abridged version first which I loved. Now played the Forevermore version about 4 times and still digesting it..There are so many hook laden epic tracks within and the band members all shine in so many ways.
I picked up the limited edition deluxe box set and man is it killer. They continue to produce incredible music and always give the fans wonderful packaging and bang for the buck. Several more listens are needed to fully appreciate this gem of an album which will only get better with time. Lets hope live performances are feasible soon, that's where this concept will truly be amazing to experience. Great review Pete!
Great review Pete. As much as I have to rely on Amazon for my cd's, I can't wait till we can get back to normal, and go out and physically purchase our music
I'd really like to hear Pete's reviews of the 2 new albums from the Randy McStine & Marco Minnemann collaboration that was released last year. They are called "McStine & Minnemann" and "II", and they are both fantastic. If you haven't heard them both yet, you really need to check them out.
Have You heard of the brand new band Blind Golem? You have to check out their debut album, “A Dream of Fantasy”. It's definitely a contender for the best album of 2021. They sound awesome, cool, prog-sounding rock band with lots of Hammond Organ, sounds a lot like Uriah Heap/Deep Purple/ELP. Cover art by Rodney Matthews! They even have Ken Hensley appear on a song that was recorded before his passing, pretty sure it was the last thing he did. This has Prog lovers written all over it! Definitely, a group for you to look into!
Transatlantic Live at The Middle East Club in Boston !!! I was There and consider myself so Lucky . First tour I think .. Neils Keyboard had fell over .. just love them all and got the big package of the new release ..
Yea Pete, you gotta try the "abridged version"( I hate that it's called that.), too. I went all out and got the abridged, extended and the blu-ray. I ended getting the shorter one first, so that's the one I've jammed the most. I haven't even listened to the other two yet, though I will start with the 2-disc set in the car this week. This is pretty much how I've categorized them: The 1 disc version - Neal Morse Mix The 2 disc set - the Band Mix Blu-ray version - the Mike Portnoy Mix Which from accounts I've heard is how it went down, but I could be wrong.
Thanks Pete! I have their entire catalog and I believe this is my favorite. That said, I do have both versions and I have to say I like Breath of Life ( abridged) a bit better. To my ears it is quite a bit different from the full version. Exuberant! Is the best word I can think of for the abridged version. Neal’s mix is alive and joyous. Both albums are utterly fantastic and will pull you out of any doldrums you may be experiencing. But BOL is easier to digest and, to me, is just more vibrant than Forevermore.
Sounds pretty cool. I've honestly never listened to Transatlantic, I'll go put that in my cart on discogs and probably pick it up here pretty soon. Thanks Pete. Cheers.
Loving the album and have been enjoying going back and forth between the 2 disc and 1 disc version. As you mentioned though that run of shorter tunes on the extended version Swing High Swing Low, Bully, and especially Rainbow Sky are some of my favorites. Overall there are some absolutely breathtaking melodies on this album
It's worthwhile to get both versions . For me , there's enough differences to warrant the extra purchase . The overture on the Breath of Life version is great as well .
Pete got another recent prog release that you may not have heard of. Ellesmere - Wyrd - released Dec 2020 - Album art by Rodney Matthews. Ellesmere is Roberto Vitelli - Italian multi-instrumentalist, lyricist, and writer. With the helping hand of several prog artists such as Mattias Olsson (drums for Änglagård and White Willow), Tomas Bodin (keys for The Flower Kings), David Cross (violin for King Crimson), John Hackett (flute, brother of Steve Hackett whose solo albums include John prominently), Giorgio Pizzala (vocals), and much, much more. Given this lineup of guests or prog demigods, it should come as no surprise that Wyrd is ’60s/’70s prog-rock worship to the fullest.
Great review Pete. I concur with your rating!! I have both versions of the albums and I favor the "Forevermore" version. However, they are both masterpieces!!
Pete. Are you aware that the single disc version of The Absolute Universe is not just abridged? It has different arrangements of the songs, different singers on many tracks and even different lyrics. For a completist, an essential, if indulgent, essential.
Hi Pete, I got the abridged and the extended. I’ve listened to both back to back and I have to tell you. Very hard to keep up with the changes and different titles. Reaching for the sky is on the abridged and on the extended it’s called heart like a whirlwind. So if you get the abridged good luck. Lol. But there both great. Enjoy! Dante
@@dantewhiterose1958 there is a dvd 5.1 and stereo version with visualizer film ,was only avalaible with expensive ultimate version but due to demand is released on its own over 100 mins
HEY PETE, Enjoyed the shown, good stuff. Would you ever be willing to show off your guitar skills? I see those Les Pauls, but they're just sat there. I'm sure you play them in private, but it'd be cool to see some jammin. Just a suggestion, my friend. Take care.
Watching this channel is getting expensive. After the Yngwie Malmsteen worst to best I ordered on the internet a 4 CD box that combines the first 6 Malmsteen/Rising Force albums upto Eclipse (I have most of the early stuff on vinyl in the attic but hadn't listened to these records for literally decades). And now I definitely have to get this new Transatlantic album. I may try and hold out until the lockdown ends so I can get it from my local record. store. They probably need the business more than Amazon and friends.
Have You heard of the brand new band Blind Golem? You have to check out their debut album, “A Dream of Fantasy”. It's definitely a contender for the best album of 2021. They sound awesome, cool, prog-sounding rock band with lots of Hammond Organ, sounds a lot like Uriah Heap/Deep Purple/ELP. Cover art by Rodney Matthews! They even have Ken Hensley appear on a song that was recorded before his passing, pretty sure it was the last thing he did. This has Prog lovers written all over it! Definitely, a group for you to look into!
I thought this record was honestly... just not very good or interesting. There's nothing here you cant already find in abundance on every other Transatlantic album, just lots of Hammond Organ with some alright melodic guitar playing on top of it. Elementary level lyrics about the sun, god, the sky, Neal Morse's soul. Idk, i've seen this same movie before so many times. Even the fact that the band couldn't agree on releasing one definitive version of the album doesn't leave me feeling very confident as the listener.
great music, good album... not so sure about the voice of the singer... it's like meh... too normal... but the musicianship and emotion of the songs are really great... I like the shorter version
This is the sort of thing I want from my prog bands. Complex, yet melodic and memorable. It brings into perspective even more, just how disappointing and forgettable the Steven Wilson album was.
How come all prog singers sound like the guy singing Disney’s ‘whole new world’ It’s pathetic. It’s not prog it’s stale. Stagnant. Prog singers are too Disney or too raspy throat death shouters. It’s always one of the two. Very few exceptions. Lame!!!!!!!!!!!!
A fantastic album and another masterpiece from one of the best supergroups of the prog rock genre
This will probably be my Album Of The Year.
Another great album from Transatlantic, both versions.
A great combination of excellent prog music with truly wholesome and uplifting lyrics. I highly recommend this.
I pity the people that have never and will never get to experience this music. Its a complete masterpiece.
You’re gonna need more! Every time I listen I hear new things. Great album.
An amazing release for sure! I went for the full Super Deluxe Boxset version of 5 LP's (clear vinyl) 3CD & Blu Ray..Still trying to take it all in and listened to the abridged version first which I loved. Now played the Forevermore version about 4 times and still digesting it..There are so many hook laden epic tracks within and the band members all shine in so many ways.
I love bands who produce songs longer than the average sitcom episode!
Wow, definitely will check this out. Hope you get a chance to review the new Epica album soon. Maybe the new Therion too?
I picked up the limited edition deluxe box set and man is it killer. They continue to produce incredible music and always give the fans wonderful packaging and bang for the buck. Several more listens are needed to fully appreciate this gem of an album which will only get better with time. Lets hope live performances are feasible soon, that's where this concept will truly be amazing to experience. Great review Pete!
Great review Pete. As much as I have to rely on Amazon for my cd's, I can't wait till we can get back to normal, and go out and physically purchase our music
I'd really like to hear Pete's reviews of the 2 new albums from the Randy McStine & Marco Minnemann collaboration that was released last year. They are called "McStine & Minnemann" and "II", and they are both fantastic. If you haven't heard them both yet, you really need to check them out.
Great show! The brand new album by Inglorious 'we will ride' is the best album I've heard this year so far! 👍
Have You heard of the brand new band Blind Golem? You have to check out their debut album, “A Dream of Fantasy”. It's definitely a contender for the best album of 2021. They sound awesome, cool, prog-sounding rock band with lots of Hammond Organ, sounds a lot like Uriah Heap/Deep Purple/ELP. Cover art by Rodney Matthews! They even have Ken Hensley appear on a song that was recorded before his passing, pretty sure it was the last thing he did. This has Prog lovers written all over it! Definitely, a group for you to look into!
Thanks, I check them out. 👍
Transatlantic Live at The Middle East Club in Boston !!! I was There and consider myself so Lucky . First tour I think .. Neils Keyboard had fell over .. just love them all and got the big package of the new release ..
My copy is coming on Tuesday. I need to sit with it and let the album soak in.
Yea Pete, you gotta try the "abridged version"( I hate that it's called that.), too. I went all out and got the abridged, extended and the blu-ray. I ended getting the shorter one first, so that's the one I've jammed the most. I haven't even listened to the other two yet, though I will start with the 2-disc set in the car this week. This is pretty much how I've categorized them:
The 1 disc version - Neal Morse Mix
The 2 disc set - the Band Mix
Blu-ray version - the Mike Portnoy Mix
Which from accounts I've heard is how it went down, but I could be wrong.
Love the My Bloody Valentine shirt!
Thanks Pete! I have their entire catalog and I believe this is my favorite. That said, I do have both versions and I have to say I like Breath of Life ( abridged) a bit better. To my ears it is quite a bit different from the full version. Exuberant! Is the best word I can think of for the abridged version. Neal’s mix is alive and joyous. Both albums are utterly fantastic and will pull you out of any doldrums you may be experiencing. But BOL is easier to digest and, to me, is just more vibrant than Forevermore.
I think this Album is great. Been streaming it but it is good enough to buy and own the cd.
Have the CD. Takes some times to get into. But sounds good so far.
Sounds pretty cool. I've honestly never listened to Transatlantic, I'll go put that in my cart on discogs and probably pick it up here pretty soon. Thanks Pete. Cheers.
I love this album.
I want to get into Transatlantic, I was wondering if this album(s) are a good introduction. Or should I start somewhere else?
Start at the beginning...its worth it with this band
Loving the album and have been enjoying going back and forth between the 2 disc and 1 disc version. As you mentioned though that run of shorter tunes on the extended version Swing High Swing Low, Bully, and especially Rainbow Sky are some of my favorites. Overall there are some absolutely breathtaking melodies on this album
the dvd version is even better
@@mrprogrock1 I recently ordered that version too can't wait to check it out
It's worthwhile to get both versions . For me , there's enough differences to warrant the extra purchase . The overture on the Breath of Life version is great as well .
Listen to first couple of Tracks I'm sold ordered on Amazon double disc will check out past releases ty Pete
Bought the massive package .. Top album...
me too ..awesome!
One of my favorite's of the year
I have to check this new on out. Thanks Pete!
Pete got another recent prog release that you may not have heard of.
Ellesmere - Wyrd - released Dec 2020 - Album art by Rodney Matthews.
Ellesmere is Roberto Vitelli - Italian multi-instrumentalist, lyricist, and writer. With the helping hand of several prog artists such as Mattias Olsson (drums for Änglagård and White Willow), Tomas Bodin (keys for The Flower Kings), David Cross (violin for King Crimson), John Hackett (flute, brother of Steve Hackett whose solo albums include John prominently), Giorgio Pizzala (vocals), and much, much more. Given this lineup of guests or prog demigods, it should come as no surprise that Wyrd is ’60s/’70s prog-rock worship to the fullest.
Great album. It needs a vinyl release!!!
Great albums
I have both
Awesome stuff🎶👍
Great review Pete. I concur with your rating!! I have both versions of the albums and I favor the "Forevermore" version. However, they are both masterpieces!!
the 100 min plus dvd version is even more epic,the ending instrumental section exspecialy
Added to cart !! Sounds good?
H.E.A.T II is a great new one to get your claws on, very catchy!
Pete. Are you aware that the single disc version of The Absolute Universe is not just abridged? It has different arrangements of the songs, different singers on many tracks and even different lyrics. For a completist, an essential, if indulgent, essential.
I imagine .. as Mike Portnoy was on this channel saying just such a coupla days ago .. :-)
Yes. I said that on the show.
I only have the abridged version, but that's fine by me.
Prog album(s) of the year hands down, even though it’s only February.
Hi Pete, I got the abridged and the extended. I’ve listened to both back to back and I have to tell you. Very hard to keep up with the changes and different titles. Reaching for the sky is on the abridged and on the extended it’s called heart like a whirlwind. So if you get the abridged good luck. Lol. But there both great. Enjoy!
Dante
the dvd 100min version is even better ex the end
What dvd?
@@dantewhiterose1958 there is a dvd 5.1 and stereo version with visualizer film ,was only avalaible with expensive ultimate version but due to demand is released on its own over 100 mins
Hey Pete, love the channel. Will you be doing a review of the new Foo Fighters album "Medicine at Midnight"?
Nope. Not a fan.
its ment to be crap and over hyped
@@mrprogrock1 to each their own lol I thought it was pretty good
@@tylerjurewicz9880 yea just supposed to be light to previous albums
"Bridge across forever" is the only album from them that I know, I should listen to the other albums
The Whirlwind is a masterpiece. Their best album.
@@sidecardog5244 ok thank you I will check it out, have you heard about the band The Tangent? They are amazing too
@@maximegervais2213 Thanks so much for the suggestion. I will definitely look into them.
Got me the 2cd edition as well. Love it, but it needs some listening sessions. It's a "grower".
HEY PETE,
Enjoyed the shown, good stuff. Would you ever be willing to show off your guitar skills? I see those Les Pauls, but they're just sat there. I'm sure you play them in private, but it'd be cool to see some jammin. Just a suggestion, my friend. Take care.
Check his channel, there are vids of him noodling on his guitars here and there.
I've done probably 10 guitar videos.
Watching this channel is getting expensive. After the Yngwie Malmsteen worst to best I ordered on the internet a 4 CD box that combines the first 6 Malmsteen/Rising Force albums upto Eclipse (I have most of the early stuff on vinyl in the attic but hadn't listened to these records for literally decades). And now I definitely have to get this new Transatlantic album. I may try and hold out until the lockdown ends so I can get it from my local record. store. They probably need the business more than Amazon and friends.
Mr. Portnoy talked me into getting the abridged version, too. Pretty much as good as the 2-disc.
100 min version even better,ex the end instrumental t gs e told
Great album. Through the first two months of the year it is, thus far, my favorite release of 2021.
Have You heard of the brand new band Blind Golem? You have to check out their debut album, “A Dream of Fantasy”. It's definitely a contender for the best album of 2021. They sound awesome, cool, prog-sounding rock band with lots of Hammond Organ, sounds a lot like Uriah Heap/Deep Purple/ELP. Cover art by Rodney Matthews! They even have Ken Hensley appear on a song that was recorded before his passing, pretty sure it was the last thing he did. This has Prog lovers written all over it! Definitely, a group for you to look into!
@@johnbenard9550 Thanks for the head's up. I will check into it.
people are saying the blu ray version is a game changer in 5.1 and visual production
Portnoy is becoming the Ripper Owens of drummers LOL. Every time you turn around he’s in different band.
Well, to be honest, he's been in Transatlantic since 1999, though yeah, he's a busy guy!
I enjoyed this album. I prefer Ayreon if I'm honest. Slightly different Ayreon being a collaboration.
the 100 min 5.1 and stereo dvd version with film is an even better version
my mistake ,mean bluray ,same thing to me
What about the new Alice Cooper album ?
2019 was pretty good for me.
Looks a nicely presented album. I wonder if the roaring 20s will be a golden era?
👍💯
I thought this record was honestly... just not very good or interesting. There's nothing here you cant already find in abundance on every other Transatlantic album, just lots of Hammond Organ with some alright melodic guitar playing on top of it. Elementary level lyrics about the sun, god, the sky, Neal Morse's soul. Idk, i've seen this same movie before so many times. Even the fact that the band couldn't agree on releasing one definitive version of the album doesn't leave me feeling very confident as the listener.
great music, good album... not so sure about the voice of the singer... it's like meh... too normal... but the musicianship and emotion of the songs are really great... I like the shorter version
The singer? They all sing!
This is the sort of thing I want from my prog bands. Complex, yet melodic and memorable.
It brings into perspective even more, just how disappointing and forgettable the Steven Wilson album was.
Don't know this band
How come all prog singers sound like the guy singing Disney’s ‘whole new world’
It’s pathetic. It’s not prog it’s stale. Stagnant.
Prog singers are too Disney or too raspy throat death shouters.
It’s always one of the two. Very few exceptions. Lame!!!!!!!!!!!!