Description
PROMO
Samples: www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/4850742/a/moonbabies.htm
Planet X: Tony MacAlpine (guitar); Derek Sherinian (keyboards); Virgil Donati (drums).
Additional personnel: Billy Sheehan, Tom Kennedy (bass).
Planet X MoonBabies
Label: Inside Out Music IOMCD 106
Format: CD, Album PROMO
Country: Germany
Released: 2002
Genre: Rock
Style: Prog Rock
Tracklist:
1 MoonBabies 5:38
2 The Noble Savage 6:12
3 Ataraxia 6:16
4 70 Vir 4:00
5 Micronesia 6:00
6 Interlude In Milan 4:29
7 Digital Vertigo 4:23
8 Ground Zero 6:01
9 Midnight Bell 3:54
10 Ignotus Per Ignotium 6:24
Bass Billy Sheehan (tracks: 5), Jimmy Johnson (5) (tracks: 3, 7, 8, 9), Tom Kennedy (2) (tracks: 1, 4, 5, 6, 10)
Drums Virgil Donati
Guitar Tony MacAlpine
Keyboards Derek Sherinian
Producer, Engineer, Mixed By Simon Phillips
———————————————————
5.0 out of 5 stars 21st Century Progressive Onslaught, September 12, 2002
By Archel (Sydney, Australia) – See all my reviews
This review is from: Moon Babies (Audio CD)
You’ve probably already heard or read plenty about this album’s ultra-complex/ultra-technical nature and the extreme virtuosity displayed by the musicians involved. Not being musically literate or a player of any instrument, I have little to add to the technical side of things. I will say, however, that I’ve heard about two dozen fusion or progressive rock albums recently which are regarded as showcases for extreme virtuosity/complexity/technicality and only about four of them are nearly as compelling to listen to as Moon Babies (one of the four happens to be ‘Universe,’ Planet X’s previous release).
The compositions on Moon Babies are some of the most inspired, imaginative and progressive you are likely to hear.
The music is very dense, full of unconventional progressions, melodies, hooks, textured and lyrical playing, layers of odd rhythms, and staggering tempo shifts, to be discovered and digested over many listening sessions.
Both emotional excitement AND intellectual stimulation are a constant throughout this album.
Like Universe, Planet X’s previous release, Moon Babies carries a very distinct and majestic ambiance which I cannot think of a better word to describe apart from futuristic.
[Controlled] dissonance is a very strong characteristic of Planet X, but is not as apparent on Moon Babies as it was on Universe.
Having mentioned Universe, I should say that Moon Babies is not necessarily better. Both albums are amazing and different enough to complement rather than substitute each other. Universe rocks harder and is slightly more hooks-laden, which can make it easier to get into. Moon Babies is slightly more variable, complex and intricate, and closer to the jazz side of fusion, and requires more focused listening.
One thing that is definitely a plus for Moon Babies is a stronger presence of the bass guitar and much better production overall.
The many praises heaped on Donati, MacAlpine and Sherinian are clearly justified, but not enough credit is given to the three guest bassists on this album, especially Tom Kennedy (of Dave Weckl’s band) and the humble maestro Jimmy Johnson (of Allan Holdsworth’s band). Not only is each of them a technical giant, but their playing is incredibly tasteful and distinctive. Their contributions provide an uncanny sense of groove and vital ‘flow’ throughout the music. They tie all the seemingly discordant pieces of the music together so brilliantly you would swear they are core members of the band. What makes Kennedy’s and Johnson’s contributions particularly impressive is that Planet X’s music is way more aggressive than the jazzier fusion the two normally play.
Billy Sheehan also makes a great contribution, albeit on only one track (The Noble Savage). For more of his magic, try his own soul-pumping fusion gig, Niacin, with Dennis Chambers on drums and Joe Novello on keys.
Getting back to the core members, I must agree that Sherinian’s unique textural keyboard playing gets better with each release.
I find MacAlpine’s free, semi-dissonant, and uniquely lyrical guitar playing with Planet X a lot more compelling than the neo-classical, Malmsteenish stuff he is renowned for. For those who appreciate the latter style, it does appear in moderate doses in some of his leads on Moon Babies.
As great as all the musicians on Planet X are, Virgil Donati’s drumming stands out the most. His skills and physical capacity are unparalleled. His sense of time and coordination are out of this world. Furthermore, he is extremely intelligent in the way he applies his abilities. The meticulous intricacies in his playing are as dazzling as his speed and unique double bass assaults are overwhelming. He must be one of the most innovative drummers in decades, with tastefulness to match. For a ‘power’ drumming dynamo, he is incredibly eloquent. He also happens to be the principal songwriter on Moon Babies.
If you are a progressive music lover to whom the descriptor ‘progressive’ refers to actual PROGRESS (as opposed to regressive regurgitation of past progress) or you simply suffer from an infinite thirst for challenging music you should not be without Moon Babies for a minute longer.
———————————————————
5.0 out of 5 stars AhhhhStounding,
McAlpine, Sherinian & Donati. Too much talent for one band? Can people with this sort of blazing, ripping genius collaborate to make -music- instead of simple acrobatics?
You bet. While Planet X was harsh sounding and even stark, this new disc is a tapestry of fusion textures and sounds that will leave you wide eyed with wonder. And it sounds good too.
Compare to Liquid Tension Experiment only with a total dedication to burn at all times. Not simple bombast mind you, but maximum shred. Derek is the only keyboard player I know of barring maybe Kuprij that has a sense of heaviness this monumental.
If you know a metal head who won’t cross over into instrumental fusion or bands with a dominant keyboard because they ‘aren’t heavy enough’ lay this monster on him. …
Tony plays out of character here. Some of his work has featured similar riffs lately such as the CAB discs and even Chromaticity had some recycled ‘McAlpine-isms’. His playing and soloing on this offering is ‘all new and improved’. Much tastier and less technical while still being impossible for mortals to play.
Much more adventurous than Sherinian’s previous offerings this disc travels the road less traveled, and even the path that goes straight through the walls. This isn’t only for the fan of complex music, you can listen on a purely emotional level also.
Very heavy, very strong… buy two and give one to someone you love a lot.
———————————————————
5.0 out of 5 stars This band raises the bar for sure!,
Shocking would be a one word to describe the latest effort from Planet X. I have truly enjoyed Planet x’s previous recordings especially the last one “”Live From OZ””. The most impressive live recording as far as pure technical ability, tightness of the collective playing and sound quality. But Moonbabies is definitely on another level. More fusion oriented than Universe but at the same time even more powerful. The diversity of the incorporation of many styles and sounds is truly amazing. Every song is truly original and its amazing how this band can be absolutely technically brilliant and so in your face at the same time. This is not pedestrian fusion. This is got grit and guts to it. Let me say this these guys have taken the bull by the horns and taken progressive fusion to another level.In fact its not safe to even try and pigeonhole this band with stylistic labels. Because this recording does not allow you to. Virgil donati has definitely raised the bar when it comes to the superimposing of multiple rhythms over odd times yet does it with tremendous fluidity and feel. His drumming is extremely tasty and dynamic along with being outrageously complex. His phrasing is out of this world. Tony macalpine is the most melodic and musically tasteful I have ever heard him to be. Also more stylistic diversity in his playing than I have ever heard. Some of his riffing is so brutal and heavy but fits in perfectly with the overall sound of the band. Amazing soloing to go along with it. Derek sherinian pulls some amazing sounds out of his keyboards. Technically more impressive than ever. I believe playing with Virgil and Tony has caused him to push his playing to another level. Like the other musicians his playing is ever so tasteful. And his best soloing to date. This is what hits me so hard about this recording their individual playing perfectly enhances what the the other musicians are doing. And the strength of the songs are as impressive as the overall playing. The bass playing of Tom Kennedy and Jimmy Johnson is a perfect addition. I wish they could snag Kennedy as a fulltime member. This recording is not just impressive technically but is also a beautiful album to listen to. It hits you on a emotional level also. The best recording I have heard in a long time. This band truly have their own sound and identity. They are an original.
———————————————————
5.0 out of 5 stars Moonbabies From All Over The Globe…
What’s The Word From Planet X Fans All Over The Globe…
OH MY GOD!!! This is impossible!! Now playing: MOON BABIES…. is this truely happening? Can real humans actually play this kind of music? I’m amazed… Just shocked!! How unfair…THE ALBUM of the century!! FREAKING UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! Congrats to Derek, Virgil and Tony for succeeding in making the best record EVER!
Another VERY satisfied Planet X listener here! The new ‘moonbabies’ album is really stunning.
The new album is better than ‘universe’ due to the more transparant (mature) production, more appealing melodies and an even greater diversity! Derek, Tony, Virgil: eternal thanks and
congrats for this crown achievement Hope to see the Planet-guys in Holland!!!
I just wanted to congratulate the band(and Simon Phillips) on this INSANE album…It is so much better than I expected, and I expected something amazing. One of the most original and unique
albums I’ve ever listened to. PX has set a very high standard – how will you surpass the mark you’ve set with MoonBabies is beyond my imagination. Thanks for the inspiration!
This album is freakin’ great!!!!! I love track 2 with the jazzy intro and the blast into the main riff.. Fantastic.. I think each album has it’s comparatively better points like Universe had Europa and King of the universe and Warfinger which were strangely tuneful for prog songs yet still wonderfully pretentious… But this album has Ignotus, Noble, and tonaz which are dead cool One last thing will we ever see tab or sheet music for this stuff cos I would love to study Tony’s amazingly tasteful widdle style…
Every rock-head kid in high school should have a Planet X portfolio of music. This stuff needs to be EXPOSED to the masses!!! That’s what I love about PX, they are rockin’ enough to cross over to the rock-metal fans and introduce them to a level of musical sophistication that is rarely heard on FM radio play. Let the world of Metalica fans come to the light!
Received my copy of Moonbabies yesterday. It truly is a shocking piece of work. I cannot stop listening to it(I am sure this will go on for quite awhile)even though I must take a break every so
often to let my head stop spinning. It is a masterpiece. It is absolutely original and innovative yet so diverse. Virgil is genius insane. How on earth does this guy come up with these outrageous polyrythymic foundations let alone play them. His playing is so musical and dynamic along with being absurdly
complex. Tony and Derek are brilliant also. Their respective playing very complex, diverse, tasteful and played with great feeling. The bass playing a perfect addition to the rest of the band. You guys have set the standard very high. Won’t even attempt to pigeonhole this music. It is toooooo! good to try and do that. Thanks guys for this amazing piece of art.
———————————————————
5.0 out of 5 stars Out of this world.,
I imagine another planet…a planet called Planet X. Yes, it’s true. On this world, they must consider us earthlings such sad creatures. Only the most prime members of our species could ever hope to create something as freakin’ good as _Moon Babies_, but the Planet X folks make it sound easy. Virgil Donati (drums), Derek Sherinian (keys), and Tony McAlpine (guitar), as well as a crack team of bass virtuosos (Jimmy Johnson, Tom Kennedy, and Billy Sheehan) have churned out an AMAZING heavy fusion album. It’s heavy (but not in an overtly metal way), energetically fusionized (without losing its thrill promptly), and downright excitingly performed and composed. Most importantly though, _Moon Babies_ is defined by a simple magic that, to many of us, makes the album irresistible. The big testimonial: the night I wrote this review I literally spent six hours doing almost nothing but listening to _Moon Babies_. No album album in recent memory that had me so hooked. (I had to be up early that morning!)
Hey, I liked _Universe_ too, but _Moon Babies_ approaches a more complex world of advanced fusion that satisfies more deeply (for me). Beneath a decent share of hooks and ear-catching grooves, there is a universe (CLEVER PUN!!!) of complexity to find and drool over. I love Sherinian’s shredding — his style and his tone absolutely slaughter — but with Planet X his biggest strength is creating a futuristic ambiance around the powerful fusion assault. When he does solo, you’ll have to stop what you’re doing and soak in his amazing lead tone and writhing note selection. Mm, his tones are like the equivalent of Vai guitar tones for keyboard. The complexity of Sherinian’s playing is startlingly subtle, and takes a number of listens to discern it. Tony McAlpine’s aggressive technique is incredibly clean but with a rough heaviness that befits the metallic trimmings of the music. His playing ranges from fierce shredding to snaky jazz licks, and I’m in love with it all. The biggest star, I think, is Virgil Donati – I am in awe of this man. He is an absolute virtuoso but very, very discriminating and calculated with the application of his ability. He’s a true Groove Demon.
This album is totally stunning. Just when you think you know every drum fill and guitar lick, you discover some new realm of depth which renews the album’s excitement all over again. Each new listen is like discovering the album all over again, such is its complexity. I can’t really add much to what has already been written, so…I won’t. See what others have written, and pay attention to the enthusiastic responses to this album. I strongly recommend it to that guy over there.
———————————————————
5.0 out of 5 stars The best instrumental album of all,
Undescribably awesome music. Could you posssibly tell me if it’s allowed to have three geniuses as them on the same cd??I thought the last planet x was a good, but when I ordered this one I couldn’t believe my ears.I’ve been listening to MaCalpine since i began playing guitar so i decided to give planet x a shot and it wasn’t long before i noticed planet x is even on a more musically developed level than MaCalpine alone.If you like music at all buy this album.
———————————————————
5.0 out of 5 stars Great, Dark-side, Hard Fusion!,
Never had heard of this band before. I read some review both on Amazon & Editorial and decided I would take a chance. It was worth it. This is complex, hard edged electric fusion. Punctuation of the rythmns is solid and very tight. NO VOCALS (so far… I am on the fifth track)! They sort of remind me of Eddie Jobson’s Zinc in a way, but far most complex. They also share some conceptual ideas from Liquid Tension Experiement but same tightness with a bit more complexity and texture. This will get cranked in the car for sure! If you like hard driven fusion, this is an awesome spin!
———————————————————
5.0 out of 5 stars Miles Ahead!
There is not much to say – because words would not be enough to describe the ferocious playing on this CD!!! Tony rips it up right along with Derek and Virgil! Just don’t fool around with the other stuff, get right to it – with this disk!!! Superb! Amazing! Miles-ahead of the other stuff! I give this CD 1,000 stars!
———————————————————
5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelevable!!!,
Oh My God!!!! I am truly amazed by these accomplished, world class musicians… This one really make me feel so great and fulfulling every single time I listen to the album… How the hell did these guys come up with such an amazing idea and compositions…. Only true dedicated musicians who honed their craft can execute such an amazing album…. I truly respect Tony, Virgil and Derek for making such an impact in my life…. Everytime when I listen and play drums to this album, I will have tears of joy rolling down my cheek. All true muscians without a doubt will embraced it for a very long time. Let the music do the talking……
“
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.