After many, many years of frustration by the band and their fans, the classic Remember the Future by Nektar has finally been re-released and remastered. Let me give you a little history. Back when Bellaphon Records was getting ready to release the original CD of this album back ten years or so, the label unfortunately did not use the original album master but used an abandoned master that really was totally different than the vinyl release. Long time fans, as well as the band, were furious, but could do nothing about it as the CD was already available to the public. Now, close to thirty years after the original album's release, a true remastered CD is available in all its sonic glory.
Without going into too much detail, everything that was flat and muddy about the "other" CD release has been wonderfully improved upon here. There are passages that that your ears will pick up on that were not present before, as well as tons of guitar parts that were missing on the original CD. Roye Albrighton vocals and guitar are clear as day, and Allan Freeman's keyboards are distinct and lively. The booklet contains lots of vintage photos of the band, as well as lyrics and band history. Two short radio promo singles never before released are also thrown in for good measure.
Now, for those who have never heard this album before, Rememer the Future is a forty five minute, two-part concept album. The lyrics have a combined fantasy/religious base, with lots of psychedelic overtones, and the music contains hard rock and progressive styles. Nektar utilized many styles over their career, fluctuating from similarities like Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, and Yes. Here, they combine a bit of Floyd and Purple, with great melodies, crunchy guitar riffs, and raging Hammond organ.
Any Nektar fan probably has plunked down the bucks for this reissue already, but this CD should be a required part of any prog collection.
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