Customer Reviews

Prodigal Son

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I wasn't sure what to expect from this recording... I've been a fan of Nektar's music for a number of years, and "Remember The Future" is probably one of my very favorite rock recordings of all time, up there with Tull's "Thick As A Brick", Floyd's "The Wall", and so on. I had read all of the reviews on this album here at Amazon before listening, and was approaching the listening with both hope and caution.

I put this disc in the stereo, plugged in the headphones, turned it up loud, and was promptly blown away. This is a fantastic effort from the Nektar boys. The musicianship is excellent all around, the production is smooth, and the songs themselves are well-composed. I thoroughly enjoyed every single song on the disc- I feel it has no weak points at all.

Roye Albrighton has always had an original style of guitar playing, and his technique remains strong and true on this recording. He has lost none of his vocal ability, and the lyrics, though somewhat vague (nothing new in the world of progressive rock), are put together well. I feel the melodies and rhythms on this disc are very reminiscent of the "old" Nektar sound, and it was very pleasurable to listen to.

These guys are playing their first concert in many years at the Nearfest 2002 in New Jersey this summer. The event is already sold out, but if you're able to get tickets (check the Nearfest message board), I feel this would be the concert of a lifetime. I would be going myself, except I couldn't justify a $1000.00+ journey from Seattle simply for a rock concert. I agonized over that decision to NOT buy tickets, and though the Nearfest line-up is very good this year (Caravan, Steve Hackett, etc.), Nektar's presence was the total motivator for me.

"The Prodigal Son" holds a favored position in my music collection, and I'm really quite surprised by some of the negative reviews here on Amazon. Let's get real, "Remember The Future" was released almost 30 years ago. If you listen to "Aqualung" and compare it to Tull's latest "Dot Com" - sure, there's going to be a massive difference, but there ought to be, after so much time gone by (and "Dot Com" is a great Tull recording too, by the way). Those vintage recordings are great, I agree, but the new ones should be listened to with an open mind, free from preconceived ideas and comparisons.

Great job and "well done" to Roye Albrighton, Derek Moore, Alan Freeman, and Ron Howden. You ROCK.

When I purchased this disc I wasn't looking for another "Remember The Future" or "Tab In The Ocean". I wasn't expecting to hear "Recycled" or "Down To Earth" or even "Magic Is A Child". I'm not stuck in the '70's and I didn't expect Nektar to stay there either. What I expected to hear was a project that reflected the fact that much time has passed since those excellent earlier efforts and hopefully the band members had lived and matured through the following decades as I had. This recording is an excellent effort and deserves to be appreciated for what it is. "Terminus/Oh My", "Now" and "The Drinking Man's Wine" will most assuredly tell you what this project is all about. I for one really enjoy the more mature and reflective lyrics. Roye Albrighton's vocals are still forceful and unique - unmatched in all rock music. The arrangements are excellent. Taff Freeman's keyboards are still rock-solid and innovative. And, if you listen closely, you can still pick out a few of the signature chord changes and background riffs that make Albrighton's guitar work exciting to listen to. This is an overall excellent recording.

I've been just getting into Nektar (as a fan of progressive rock), picking up an album or two every year, and I finally picked up their classic "Remember the Future" in a store with a large prog section. I saw this one next to it for $3.99 and decided to grab it too. As there's a few of their classics I have yet to buy, I would've been wary of buying a "new" album, knowing many prog bands stopped making interesting or progressive music after the 70's. Well, let's say I'm glad I only spent $4!
This isn't a bad album, it just isn't a memorable one - it reminds me of the Yes CD "Open Your Eyes" from the late 90's: while it's an OK listen, and there's a few decent tracks on it, I'm left with an overall bland impression and no memory of any particular songs. If you're looking for a return to the classic innovations of their early career, look elsewhere. If you like straightforward rock, or are looking for something like their "Magic Is A Child" album, you may be less disappointed.

...Nektar was a truly outstanding progressive band from the seventies who at times ventured off the edge and experimented with somewhat futuristic psychedelic efforts.
Although they may always be remembered by `Remember the Future' one could only hope they might someday recapture this level of creative storytelling wrapped in melodic progressive musicianship. When the band ended so did a progressive legacy that would never be heard from again..............................UNTIL NOW!
I personally was more than delighted with this release. It is so great to hear these guys with fresh material. Roye Albrighton and the boys are absolutely back!! The production work is now cleaner (recording technology has greatly improved since the seventies) and the overall writing and musicianship is nothing less than Nektar genius for the current age. Although it has a bit more commercial appeal, it is by no means a commerical effort. Prodigal Son is a beautifully written release, which illustrates what this band is all about. If you've ever liked Nektar, take this `trip back in time' and you wont be disappointed. I can only hope they continue to write as creatively as they demonstrate on this release. A warm return for a `once in a century' type of band.
WELCOME BACK GUYS!!!!!!!! See you at NearFest 2002!

After reading the two reviews listed here on the Prodigal Son I felt obligated to review it myself, I would have to agree with the guy who gave this cd 5 stars, this is truly an excellent effort , the guy who bum rapped Prodigal Son obviously did not listen closely and does not know the story, this is not a "concept" album like Remmember the Future or some of the other older stuff that made this band famous, but there is a powerful, dynamic theme here if you listen to what Roye Albrighton is saying, Albrighton had a true brush with death, he had a liver transplant a couple of years ago and very nearly died waiting for the new liver, this album is almost a testament you might say by Roye to what happened to him and his redemption you might say, the music is very strong, the production is first rate, the lyrics are powerfull, this is one of the great comeback albums that I have ever heard, as for the dude who gave it the thumbs down he obviously did not do his homework before writing his review,and he calls himself a Nektar fan, with fans like him who needs critics, I would hate to have read his review if he didn't like the band, if anybody out there cares for true prgressive music this CD is for you. As for the "fan" let this be your crucification.

It took 21 years but 2001 saw the first Nektar release of new material since Man In The Moon in 1980. The band reformed as a 3 piece with only Roye Albrighton and Taff Freeman remaining from the original lineup. In many way this almost sounds like an Albrighton solo album. The material here is quite different from the band's earlier stuff with a blues rock vibe permeating throughout. Roye's lyrics, vocals and guitar seem to be the main focus with Freeman almost a background character through much of this. It also appears to be a very personal album from Roye. He had gone through a very serious health problem where he had a transplant prior to the writing for this album. The lyrics reflect this traumatic event in his life and there also appears to be a strong element of spirituality echoing through this disc. I remember when I first purchased this album it was not at all what I was expecting, and I was not sure if I liked it or not. Over the years it has grown on me and I consider it a good Nektar disc. Fans of the band's classic material may have mixed reactions to this one, but taken by itself this album works for what it was intended.

Made in EU in 2001, Serial# 9729520, Playing Time 54:02

Lyrics enclosed. This is album #12 from NEKTAR, and their previous release "Man In The Moon", goes way back to 1980...

Even though Mr. Albrighton and Freeman are back, this album bears very little resemblance to the music the group produced during the 70's. Roye's voice is easily recognizable, but the musical direction is somewhat more straight-forward.

That's neither a bad thing or a good thing in itself, because the music on this disc speaks for itself. Don't expect a "Remember The Future II"... The band has abandoned all progressive aspects from their style; still, as a trio, this record sounds fresh, polished, and interesting. I personnally found the strongest points to be the first few and few last tracks on the CD, with crisp textures and interesting outlines.

This won't become a million-seller (and perhaps doesn't deserve it), but it's honest, enjoyable and, most of all, a welcome return from people who know how to make music that's solid throughout... NOT just a couple of good tracks spread over an hour of music with mostly "fillers" in-between!

I "found" Nektar when I was in college. An impressionable period, right? Well, I was impressed! So much so that I purchased all of Nektar's albums. I still enjoy listening to them; it's one of the reasons I recently replaced my old turntable. Their music conjours up fond memories. But not this album. It is disjointed & forced. Noting that they have just released a reunion CD, I am sadly fearful that they took a look around &, borrowing a Cranberries title, thought "Everyone else is doing it, so why can't we".
Having said that, I offer this disclaimer: It's only my opinion. Taste is a very individual thing. I'll take a Three Stooges short over Citizen Kane almost any day...

If you like the band Nektar buy this cd, it is the first album by Nektar in over 20 years, Roye Albrighton is back, also Taff Freeman from the orignal band, this album is outstanding. I hear that there will be at least two more to follow, so get ready to take a trip back in time .

Die hard Nektar fans will probably want to crucify me for saying this, so I caution you: You are about to enter the no spin zone. This album, which I awaited in great anticipation, just isn't all that good. Plain and simple. I admit, I was probably wrong in expecting a return to the classic Nektar sound that gave us Recycled, Remember the Future or perhaps even Down to Earth. Lets face it, the 70's are over and Nektar clearly knows it. Fine. But what I wasn't expecting was this somewhat lame offering by this talented group which left me scratching my head in bewilderment. Don't get me wrong, this CD does have its moments, albeit precious few of them, most of which I forgot anyway.

The only consulation here for me at least is that they will also be performing live and I certainly look forward to seeing them (NEARfest 2002). But whether or not they will go back far enough into their impressive catalog of music remains to be seen/heard - but as far as I'm concerned, they can leave this new material on the shelf.

Word of more new material to come from Roye and company provides this listener with comforting thoughts that better days are indeed still ahead for Nektar. I sure hope so. I can say with utmost certainty, when it comes to Nektar, I will always give them another chance.