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| 1. The Whirlwind (Part 1-12) (77:56) - Transatlantic |
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CD Description
The Whirlwind is a 77 minute piece of music that is sure to satisfy the legions of Transatlantic fans that have patiently waited almost the entire decade for the reunion of these four musicians. Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy, Neal Morse of Spock's Beard, Marillion's Pete Trewavas and Roine Stolt from the Flower Kings once again converge for another trademark outing into the prog-rock stratosphere.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
As a Prog old-timer, I often find today's "retro"-Prog a little forced: modern musicians trying too hard to recreate a vibe that died essentially 30 years ago. While Transatlantic is a bunch of accomplished musicians with their own styles and sensibilities, they can still fall into the same trap with a listener concentrating more on influences than on the music itself - and The Whirlwind has them all ....
.... that said, it is a fine album: assured songwriting, melodies with lots of variety; elegant, creative arrangements; rousing performances, excellent musicianship; well recorded: the suite [not a single piece!] mostly flows pretty well from pastoral beauty to vamped-up rock to rustic acoustic to grandiose ballad; intensity shakes hands with gentleness, fluctuating moods; lengthy instrumental sections liberally dispersed. Trewavas' energetic basslines are superb; heavy, powerful; I find Portnoy a trifle too hyper at times on drums, and some lyrics become a trifle preachy, but that's a relatively minor quibble.
My only previous Transatlantic record was debut SMPTe which left me unconvinced; a typical supergroup that flattered to deceive; but nine years later they sound much more `together' as a true band working in harmony, with subtle interplay and sensitivity: this is key to my enjoyment of this record and whether I will still feel as positive about it in a year's time, but I think I will! The Whirlwind is a classy, well-balanced record: the best retro-Prog album I have heard for many years; it knocks spots off most neo-Prog output!
PS - the extras on disc 2 [special edition] are fully realised recordings; OK in themselves but they don't really add any value unless you are a committed Transatlantic fan.
.... that said, it is a fine album: assured songwriting, melodies with lots of variety; elegant, creative arrangements; rousing performances, excellent musicianship; well recorded: the suite [not a single piece!] mostly flows pretty well from pastoral beauty to vamped-up rock to rustic acoustic to grandiose ballad; intensity shakes hands with gentleness, fluctuating moods; lengthy instrumental sections liberally dispersed. Trewavas' energetic basslines are superb; heavy, powerful; I find Portnoy a trifle too hyper at times on drums, and some lyrics become a trifle preachy, but that's a relatively minor quibble.
My only previous Transatlantic record was debut SMPTe which left me unconvinced; a typical supergroup that flattered to deceive; but nine years later they sound much more `together' as a true band working in harmony, with subtle interplay and sensitivity: this is key to my enjoyment of this record and whether I will still feel as positive about it in a year's time, but I think I will! The Whirlwind is a classy, well-balanced record: the best retro-Prog album I have heard for many years; it knocks spots off most neo-Prog output!
PS - the extras on disc 2 [special edition] are fully realised recordings; OK in themselves but they don't really add any value unless you are a committed Transatlantic fan.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I was initially a little reluctant to get this, although I have the first two; the reason being my concerns about the possible domination by Neal Morse. I acknowledge his musical prowess but have become wary of his fixated output.
However - I needn't have worried as this is a GROUP affair; indeed Stolt, Trewavas and Portnoy frequently lead things. Reference has been made by one or two reviewers to Portnoys imposing drumming; well, he is an imposing drummer. Personally, I don't think he is that overpowering. Listening to this one appreciates Trewavas's solid bass and assured playing and Stolt's tight guitar runs. Of course Morse's smooth multi-instrumental skills are pretty much a backbone.
The title track is a 12 part 78 minute excursion into a variety of styles reflecting the performers various characters and influences; it's all played to perfection and very much a group effort - it might be my imagination, but I kept picking up The Beatles and Yes - what a mix. Then - it is Marillion, Flower Kings and Spock's Beard all rolled into one - not much Dream Theater!!
I am reviewing the Special Edition 2 disc set and believe it well worth getting.
CD2 starts with 4 originals the most surprising of which, is Trewavas's "Lending a Hand" - a even paced rock song led by Pete's plaintive voice and some really lush instrumentation.
They have fun with the Genesis cover - "The Return of the Giant Hogweed" which builds to a frantic climax.
Another surprise is a cover of Procol Harum's "A Salty Dog" with Mike Portnoy taking the vocal role and dedicating it to his father.
It ends with a rousing "Soul Sacrifice" - a real belter.
I am very glad Transatlantic have returned - they made it all worthwhile; all four playing together as one but each making their mark. A first class rock album from a first class outfit. My fears are allayed and - well; Neal's done good!!
However - I needn't have worried as this is a GROUP affair; indeed Stolt, Trewavas and Portnoy frequently lead things. Reference has been made by one or two reviewers to Portnoys imposing drumming; well, he is an imposing drummer. Personally, I don't think he is that overpowering. Listening to this one appreciates Trewavas's solid bass and assured playing and Stolt's tight guitar runs. Of course Morse's smooth multi-instrumental skills are pretty much a backbone.
The title track is a 12 part 78 minute excursion into a variety of styles reflecting the performers various characters and influences; it's all played to perfection and very much a group effort - it might be my imagination, but I kept picking up The Beatles and Yes - what a mix. Then - it is Marillion, Flower Kings and Spock's Beard all rolled into one - not much Dream Theater!!
I am reviewing the Special Edition 2 disc set and believe it well worth getting.
CD2 starts with 4 originals the most surprising of which, is Trewavas's "Lending a Hand" - a even paced rock song led by Pete's plaintive voice and some really lush instrumentation.
They have fun with the Genesis cover - "The Return of the Giant Hogweed" which builds to a frantic climax.
Another surprise is a cover of Procol Harum's "A Salty Dog" with Mike Portnoy taking the vocal role and dedicating it to his father.
It ends with a rousing "Soul Sacrifice" - a real belter.
I am very glad Transatlantic have returned - they made it all worthwhile; all four playing together as one but each making their mark. A first class rock album from a first class outfit. My fears are allayed and - well; Neal's done good!!
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
It's welcome back to Transatlantic!! A masterful piece of music - all 77 minutes of it! OK, it sags a bit in parts and is slightly too religious sounding (at least on the two listens I've had) but when you reach the epic closing section "Dancing with Eternal Glory/Whirlwind (reprise)" you'll wonder where the time went!! Of course, although it's sold to us as one piece of music, it's really lots of bits and pieces cobbled together - but it flows nicely!
If I have any complaints about this album it's the fact that Mike Portney's drums are often very prominent in the mix. MP is a great drummer but there are places here where it feels like there's too much of him (part 2, "The Wind Blew them All Away", is probably the worst example of this).
There's also a limited 2CD set available as well, with 4 shorter tracks and 4 cover versions, of which I have only heard their take on the Genesis track "Return of the Giant Hogweed", and an even more limited box set sort of thing with a 'making of' DVD.
Now it's fingers crossed for another European tour!!
If I have any complaints about this album it's the fact that Mike Portney's drums are often very prominent in the mix. MP is a great drummer but there are places here where it feels like there's too much of him (part 2, "The Wind Blew them All Away", is probably the worst example of this).
There's also a limited 2CD set available as well, with 4 shorter tracks and 4 cover versions, of which I have only heard their take on the Genesis track "Return of the Giant Hogweed", and an even more limited box set sort of thing with a 'making of' DVD.
Now it's fingers crossed for another European tour!!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
It is is a cooool album
I think This album is great I love some of the passages with the bass where is plays rythms and it seems to change when the drums come in and add whole level of rhthym on top its... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Cubby Kovu
Excellent Album
This really is a fantastic prog album. It needs to listened to in its entirety so it is best you turn the lights low, take the phone off the hook and sit back for 77 minutes of... Read more
Published 14 months ago by R. Hughes
A must have!!!
If you're a fan of Dream Theater, Spock's Beard, Marillion, then this is an absolute must have. Progrock par excellance!!!!
Published 16 months ago by beatmaster
It's great!
Let's keep it short. It's great. Buy it. You won't be disappointed! I've just recently been turned on to various new 'prog' groups including Neal Morse, Frost* and IQ and... Read more
Published 17 months ago by realmusic
Took a few listens....but got there!
Having been an exponent of Transatlantic over the past few years, and owner of CD's SMPTe and Bridge Across Forever, and one of their concert DVD's, I thought it time to give this... Read more
Published 17 months ago by BobM
transatlantic brilliance!
Following the brilliant performance at "high voltage" festival i couldnt wait to hear this album. it has not been out of my player since! Read more
Published 20 months ago by stratman
Best experienced live...
Being an already well-established prog Super-group, Transatlantic present an exciting, accurate and pleasing dichotomy of
modern and classic progressive rock. Read more
modern and classic progressive rock. Read more
Published 24 months ago by James Murphy
Musically better, lyrically worse
This is a fantastic CD, but I wasn't sure whether to give it four or five stars. After Neil Morse found God and left Spock's Beard, I like many others thought that was also the end... Read more
Published on 11 April 2010 by Big Red
And the forecast is ....... mostly cloudy
Transatlantic, the progressive rock "supergroup" comprised of Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), Pete Trewavas (Marillion), Roine Stolt (The Flower Kings) and Neal Morse (ex-Spock's... Read more
Published on 30 Mar 2010 by D. Boyles
What's the problem?
Before I start, I'm not a Christian. However, I'm confused by the numerous references to Neal Morse's religious beliefs. Read more
Published on 14 Mar 2010 by Mr. Paul Martin West
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