Nektar - Time Machine (2013)

[Sunhillow]

I wasn't thrilled (to say the least) about their previous, covers-filled "A Spoonful Of Time". So when this album arrived in my mail-box, I was hesistant to even listen to it, knowing how much I love and like the 70s-Nektar.

But this is in fact quite good. Not an exact masterpiece, and certainly not on par with their 70s-material, but a nice listen all the way. Not every track is equally strong, the singing is not their best point, and I could go on about the production and the hideous artwork.

So, there's a lot to complain about this new Nektar, but it's enjoyable nonetheless. Here's a clip:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1vAr1znp7Y

Someone else heard this already, or is curious thanks to this clip?

[Joe F.]

Someone else heard this already, or is curious thanks to this clip?

That song does nothing for me. The whole dreamer/schemer chours is cringe worthy, imo. Musically, it's not much better.

Is the rest of the album of the same calibre?

[rickawakeman]

First listen last night, grabbed me immediately. Especially impressed by the keyboard work, never heard of the keyboardist; is he known for other work?

[Gerardo]

I wasn't thrilled (to say the least) about their previous, covers-filled "A Spoonful Of Time". So when this album arrived in my mail-box, I was hesistant to even listen to it, knowing how much I love and like the 70s-Nektar.

But this is in fact quite good. Not an exact masterpiece, and certainly not on par with their 70s-material, but a nice listen all the way. Not every track is equally strong, the singing is not their best point, and I could go on about the production and the hideous artwork.

So, there's a lot to complain about this new Nektar, but it's enjoyable nonetheless. Here's a clip:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1vAr1znp7Y

Someone else heard this already, or is curious thanks to this clip?


It is a very good record. I would have trimmed it a bit. I would have taken "Set Me Free, Amigo" and "Mocking the Moon" off the album. I listened to it without those two tracks and it flows better. I agree with you regarding the production, it could have been a lot better but I enjoyed it very much on the first few listens nonetheless.

[bobert]

I agree with Gerardo on his saying that he enjoyed Time Machine, I also really like it. I am a long time fan of the band so of course I will be a bit biased but I think its a strong album.

And regarding the production I guess I don't have as sophisticated of a listening ear as most of you who are putting it down,not only in this thread but in the others that have talked about the new one from Nektar, it sounds fine to me.

[Gerardo]

I agree with Gerardo on his saying that he enjoyed Time Machine, I also really like it. I am a long time fan of the band so of course I will be a bit biased but I think its a strong album.

And regarding the production I guess I don't have as sophisticated of a listening ear as most of you who are putting it down,not only in this thread but in the others that have talked about the new one from Nektar, it sounds fine to me.


The production isn't bad, it's just that it could have been better. I ripped it to my computer and I had to turn the volume way up to really appreciate it. Last night, I listened to it on my stereo and put my headphones and some songs sound really good while others don't. Like others have commented, it has a "digital" sound to it, I don't know how to explain it, like it was recorded and mixed in a laptop or something. Other than that, the songs are good and I enjoyed the record very much.

[bobert]

The production isn't bad, it's just that it could have been better. I ripped it to my computer and I had to turn the volume way up to really appreciate it.

I did notice this too . But turning up the volume is not a problem and that is all I do. I remember when I used to buy remastered cds just because they were remastered , then I learned that on a good portion of these remasters all they do is turn the volume levels up and I could have saved myself a lot of money if I simply turned up the volume on my stereo.

As to this digital sound, I don't hear it , but many people are saying this so it may be true. Like I said it sounds good to me and that is really all that matters.

[Gerardo]

I did notice this too . But turning up the volume is not a problem and that is all I do. I remember when I used to buy remastered cds just because they were remastered , then I learned that on a good portion of these remasters all they do is turn the volume levels up and I could have saved myself a lot of money if I simply turned up the volume on my stereo.

As to this digital sound, I don't hear it , but many people are saying this so it may be true. Like I said it sounds good to me and that is really all that matters.


I agree with you, as long as it sounds good to you, that's what matters. I just thought it could have been better. I bought 'Time Machine' together with the covers album 'A Spoonful of Time' and noticed the same "digital" production values to it. I don't know if this is the way Billy Sherwood likes to produce/mix since he is the producer/mixer on both records.

[markowitz]

Just spinning TM for the first few times. Had it on in the living room and my 19 year old son, was singing "living on the edge, living on the edge...." so he is digging it. Have not got used to the whole CD, but for sure there are sublime moments on this disc. I'm impressed with the backing vocals, keyboards, and guitar playing which are strong. Some nice instrumental interludes. Definitely a very good effort, thanks again Nektar. Great to have some fresh tunes from the band.

[Gerardo]

That song does nothing for me. The whole dreamer/schemer chours is cringe worthy, imo. Musically, it's not much better.

Is the rest of the album of the same calibre?


I don't know if this will help you, but these are my initial impressions that I posted last night on the Nektar-Time Machine thread that Bruno posted two weeks ago:

"I like 'Time Machine'. Very good album. To these ears, the standout track is the title track followed by "A Better Way", "Destiny", "Diamond Eyes", and "If Only I Could". "Set Me Free, Amigo", "Mocking the Moon", and "Talk to Me" are the most accessible tracks with the latter being my favorite of the three. "Mocking the Moon" is probably the most commercial sounding song on the record. "Juggernaut" is a nice instrumental. Overall, I'd say very good on the first few listens." (copy-pasted from last night)

[Banquo]

This had to grow on me, but now I really, really like it. I've often been a critic of Billy (mostly negative), but he does a helluva job here.

[ronmac]

I've given it three solid listens (albeit while driving) and think it's really, really good. Better than a solid effort. The songwriting is very good, but I have yet to read the lyrics. What I've heard are okay, but a bit too cliche in spots. I don't think there's a bad song on the album, but I do think "Evolution" is better. I think it sits right along side, Evolution, though.

Roye's guitar playing, as usual, is stunning. All the instrumentation is top notch, but, like the others, I don't like the sound of Ron's drums. I also think Klaus' playing is great, even if he does wander into '80s atmosphere in more than one spot (not so much that it detracts from anything). But, the guy can really play. BIlly's playing is very good, too. The harmonies are fantastic and Roye sounds really good.

Dare I say that I find it all very accessible. Not sure if the prog purists would like to hear that. Some might call it borderline AOR. I don't think that's an insult, though.

I do think this is better than Black Sabbath's newest, although it's certainly not fair to compare. But, the compositions are not predictable like Sabbath's.

In all honesty, I think "Time Machine" is one of the weaker tunes and "Juggernaut" should be the title track, as originally planned.

Cover art, meh. Okay, but the execution is a bit weak. (But, I'm a designer, so I'm pickier than the average person.) I actually have a good friend, and long-time prog-head, who is a great illustrator and would be worthy consideration for a cover in the future.

Bottom line is that it was well worth the wait and all involved should be extremely proud.

[spacefreak]

It left me indifferent... Very close to AOR. And hated that drum sound.

[ronmac]

Just saw these positive reviews:

http://www.classicrockrevisited.com/show_review.php?id=1100

http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=14651

Also, a simple Google search will yield some of what appear to be illegal downloads. Roye, if you're out there...

[Gerardo]

Just saw these positive reviews:

http://www.classicrockrevisited.com/show_review.php?id=1100

http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=14651

Also, a simple Google search will yield some of what appear to be illegal downloads. Roye, if you're out there...


The Sea of Tranquility review nails it right in the head. That's my assessment as well.

[markowitz]

From the Classic Rock Review:
"Yes indeed, this is Prog Rock your girlfriend can listen too—that is if you HAVE a girlfriend, as we know the life of a true Prog Rocker can be a lonely lot! Still, maybe with this release you can GET a girlfriend!"

Funny stuff, but this is a roundabout way of saying, you can hum the choruses of some of these songs. Frightening words to some of the hard core proggers here, but I think they hit a nice balance on this album, and the more progressive side dominates in the end.

[Mick]

I also absolutely agree with Pete Pardos' assessment on Sea of Tranquility.
It IS a different Nektar (which IS also par for the course of ALL Nektar albums),
So at first listen, I was a little disappointed... but then it grew on me.
A Better Way is a great opener, so I'm happy to see that the band is also opening their tour dates with it. It's a mixed bag with enough goodies for everyone, so I really hope it gets enough airplay in time for their NEXT tour.

[ronmac]

So, true. I even commented to my wife that I think she'd enjoy it. I agree that they struck the right balance. It's a very sophisticated piece of work.

I hope Cleopatra gives it the promotion it deserves.

[Cats On Glue]

haven't heard the disc but it was the worst song of their live set imo

[Gerardo]

This album gets better and better with repeated listenings. It's becoming addictive and rewarding at the same time.

[ronmac]

This album gets better and better with repeated listenings. It's becoming addictive and rewarding at the same time.

Me, too. In fact, the whole thing is putting me on a Nektar kick. The problem is that I have a box of about 30 Nektar CDs that, for some reason, I cannot find.

I'M DYING HERE!

[Harbottle]

I got this recently, and thought it was very good. I particularly liked Juggernaut. Some cracking songs. I didn't even mind the Amigo song, but it did sound a bit out of place. I've listened it quite a lot since getting it. Reminds me a lot of 'Remember the Future' era Nektar in places.

I don't think it's even been released in the UK - Amazon.co.uk were selling a US import (And they also autoripped me mp3s of it as well when I ordered.) I don't even know if Cleopatra release in the UK - I have seen Tateryche's album in the shops, though. Well, I saw one copy. And a large empty space where the new RealRyche album copies were.

[ronmac]

Yeah, "Set me free, Amigo" doesn't bother me at all.

I've learned that nothing is out of place with Nektar.

[Banquo]

Man, I am on such a Nektar kick right now. I just can't shake it.

NP - RTF
I got it cranked way up loud, cuz no one else is home. ;)

[gibberish]

I have listened to Time Machine 3 times now, one of the listens last night on the ride to Milwaukee to see the excellent show. I must say that Nektar didn't release an album half full of filler just to get something out there. This is a solid album which folks might find one song that doesn't do it for them, maybe next listen, they like it. I like the lyrics of the whole thing and if there is an argument of prog or not prog, it really shouldn't be an issue. Very well written, and I didn't hear the digital component of what a couple of folks spoke of. 2oo or so at the gig in Milwaukee. A great night.

[Sunhillow]

It's on Progstreaming right now! As is the new Arabs In Aspic, which I think is even more interesting.