Cover 2 Cover

As I dust off my old Walkman and pop in MORSE / PORTNOY / GEORGE's latest re-mastered offering, Cover 2 Cover, I am transported back to a time when hair was big and guitar solos were even bigger. This album is a nostalgia trip like no other, with the power trio taking on iconic tracks from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Queen. The opening track, a blistering rendition of Rainbow's "Stargazer," sets the tone for the rest of the album - these guys mean business. Mike Portnoy's thunderous drumming, Dave LaRue's funky bass lines, and Neal Morse's virtuosic keyboards all combine to create a sound that is both faithful to the originals and uniquely their own. Standout moments include a barnstorming version of Deep Purple's "Highway Star" and a surprisingly tender take on The Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." But it's the epic 15-minute medley of classic rock hits that really steals the show - these guys can shred with the best of them. While Cover 2 Cover may not reinvent the wheel, it's a joyous celebration of the music that shaped a generation. So grab your air guitar, crank up the volume, and let MORSE / PORTNOY / GEORGE take you on a trip down memory lane. It may be cheesy, it may be bombastic, but damn it if it isn't a whole lot of fun.