Had never heard of Nektar till the late 70's when I came across Tab In The Ocean (TITO) in a "used" record bin; and bought it based on the album cover alone. Being thrilled to come across Nektar by chance, I then purchased 4 more "used" Nektar albums (still have them), and became a huge fan!! Unlike the fame of Yes, Genesis, ELP, no one I know had ever heard of Nektar. Great stuff!! THANK YOU Jim for bringing them to light! Please do more Nektar!!
If I may interject again here, with another recommendation (and run the risk that you already know this record) Queen, before they turned into a hit factory, released a magnificent album in 1974: QUEEN II. While the first and third albums ("Queen" and "Sheer Heart Attack") are also quite good, Queen 2 sees them swimming in Art Rock, and I say it still stands as their best album.
I love hearing my name! :P I remember my brother having this album back when it came out and I remember it being very good. It was a fairly popular album here in Canada.
Nektar has just yesterday been added to the 2022 "Cruise to the Edge" line-up for the first week in May. And as luck would have it, I am booked on board!!!
And I was lucky enough to share a doobie with drummer Ron Howland after 2 consecutive shows at the Orion Studios in Baltimore just before covid hit. Hopefully those 2 shows (different set lists) will end up on a live release in the near future!
Greetings from Vermont, Jim! My name is Bruce, and while I am only 17, I have been diving into all of this interesting music of the past, just like you! I’m so glad that I can do it with someone else! My favorite band of all time is Yes, but I have been digging into loads of other stuff (such as Nektar!). I recently discovered a band called Soft Machine, and I think you would love their 8th album “Bundles” (Jazz Rock!). It was my intro to them when I discovered them a few weeks ago, and I have been listening to it excessively ever since. Thanks for the reactions, keep it up! :)
Interesting bit of trivia about Nektar: their 1977 release, "Magic Is a Child" features a nubile (then about 12 years old) Brooke Shields on the cover.
Can't get over the space in this vinyl Jim....so different to my cd experience which I've listened to countless times......more echo and space between the instruments and vocals....it's like listening to a new record 🤷♂️🤠
@@nathanaelcole8466 yeah that's cool ...have to say this records great listening either way...usually the difference is not so big ...this was huge difference.....🤷♂️
Jiiiiimmmmmmbooooooooo!!!!! You da geeza!❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏chuffed you are doing Nektar!!👍 This record has grown on me since i was having my Nektar phase a while back...always was 5* but now it's 5*+👻....it flows together alot like Nonagon Infinity infact🤟
Just a thought.....as you said, the 70's was so rich in classic prog. One band I don't think you've played yet is Triumvirat with their classic album illusions on a double dimple, worth a listen. Great album cover with the mouse coming out of an egg, take a look!
A Tab in the Ocean, loved it since I first heard it (Thanks to the guy who introduced me to Nektar! He also spotted that the album is the wrong way round! Side 1 has an epic finish but the start isn't quite there, Side 2 has an amazing start to it but the end isn't quite as epic, So: play Side 2 first and end with Side 1, that makes the album flow even better, give it a go!
Thanks man! I didn't play this record for ages. Now you did 🙂See you at the other side (of the record ;-) Tip: Gabriel Bondage - Take it on a Dare, from 1977's "Another Trip to Earth"
Excellent Nektar choice! Some further 'Trivia' Ian Curtis of Joy Division was a fan seen in his Nektar manT shirt in early publicity shots, Iron Maiden also fans and covered King of Twilight from side 2, for a while in the 1980s guitarist Roye Albrighton RIP ran a wine bar in Stafford town centre. I was introduced to them back in 1977 by the late Quireboys founder member/guitarist Guy Bailey RIP who ordered his copy of Recycled from a Stoke record shop (enough of my drivel, need to get out more lol ). More importantly, in the UK they were a bit of a cult band and should have got more notice they did okay in Germany and Europe and had reasonable airplay in etc United States especially with RTF this album is my favourite Nektar fix so thanks Jim!
I always thought Nektar was a German band. I must have heard their music in my teenage years - a friend of mine bought a lot of this kind of music - but I can’t really remember anything about them. Distorted voices 🙄 but not too long 😋 Musically, I like it very much. Singing is good but I heard better. Definitely a band to find out about. I can recommend the Krautrock band Grobschnitt. Listen to Rockpommel’s land. And Solar Music live. Their English has a German accent but musically it’s great. I see you have a Denon amplifier or receiver. Me too, I have the Denon DRA 800H receiver.
The eponymous Grobschnitt album (their first) is also superb. A bit different with its 2 drummer. I also like very much the Jumbo album. There are 2 version of the Jumbo album, one with the singing in english and another with the singing in german. I prefer the german version because it was the first I discovered 40 years ago and I also think that Wildschwein's (the singer) voice sounds less contrived than in english.
Oh, Yes and Pink Floyd, and you're right, Jim, some Bowie, too, but because of all that, even more like the Cosmograf. You can hear the influences, but not as copying, but representing the genre.
To me the best Nektar album by far is Remember The Future. Try to listen to both sides in one sitting. Even tho A Tab In The Ocean has its moments, the album is a bit misjointed, whereas Remember The Future flows beautifully. Enjoy!
Woah it sounds strangely different on vinyl....also that intro has more acoustic guitar near front this version at start....interesting....my mix sounds tiny bit heavier and compact...🤔...
@@brunosamppa thanks for the heads up Bruno.... suspected something was different. I do prefer the one I have. The German mix is bit more harmonious sounding to me in terms of leveling....
@@threestringsomg The original german mix is far better. The US Remix sounds like a mix from the 60s. Drums isolated in one channel (WTF) and some other instruments also very widly isolated in left and right, the center space of the stereo image it's almost empty. The vocals are also very dry. The original mix have all the power and the etheral sound wich is really what this albums represents.
VERY different mix on my CD version (bacillus/bellaphon, late 80's), which is is pretty awful to be honest. I have to look out for a different copy. Who knows more?
I am huge fan of this album since I heard it in 1973 . My vinyl '73 version ( Bacillus / Bellaphon ) is same as the CD version bought in the 90's ; a bit slower than this , and with more medium frequencies ; this sounds a recent remix
@@JimNewstead Hi Jim. The music is so good that it can override this horrible US mix. If you really like this record, I encourage you to listen the original german mix. Is far better. The US Remix sounds like a mix from the 60s. Drums isolated in one channel (WTF) em some other instruments also very widly isolated in left and right, the center space of the stereo image it's almost empty. The vocals are also very dry. The original mix have all the power and the etheral sound wich is really what this albums represents. Maybe you can get a European copy sometime or stream it. Cheers!
Love the band since hearing Prodigal Son. Went backwards and enjoy them all. Met Roy and the band on the 2016 Cruise to the Edge. Wonderful guys and very talented. RIP Roy. The newest album is very good too, even without Roy. Another band from this era that is very similar is Eloy. Enjoy the trip Jim.
Had never heard of Nektar till the late 70's when I came across Tab In The Ocean (TITO) in a "used" record bin; and bought it based on the album cover alone. Being thrilled to come across Nektar by chance, I then purchased 4 more "used" Nektar albums (still have them), and became a huge fan!! Unlike the fame of Yes, Genesis, ELP, no one I know had ever heard of Nektar. Great stuff!! THANK YOU Jim for bringing them to light! Please do more Nektar!!
If I may interject again here, with another recommendation (and run the risk that you already know this record) Queen, before they turned into a hit factory, released a magnificent album in 1974: QUEEN II. While the first and third albums ("Queen" and "Sheer Heart Attack") are also quite good, Queen 2 sees them swimming in Art Rock, and I say it still stands as their best album.
Good call re: Queen. I do know a lot of their music but by no means all.
I love hearing my name! :P I remember my brother having this album back when it came out and I remember it being very good. It was a fairly popular album here in Canada.
Great Choice Jim! IMHO one of their two best albums the other being "Remember The Future"
I owned RTF & Recycled...RTF is a classic!
So King Crimson had a child with ELP, who would have thunk.
I started following you because of your Marillion videos but I love that you have introduced me to new music.
Thank you for that!
Nektar has just yesterday been added to the 2022 "Cruise to the Edge" line-up for the first week in May. And as luck would have it, I am booked on board!!!
And I was lucky enough to share a doobie with drummer Ron Howland after 2 consecutive shows at the Orion Studios in Baltimore just before covid hit. Hopefully those 2 shows (different set lists) will end up on a live release in the near future!
Another great Nektar record. A brilliant live act too.
Thank you for this reaction. "Journey to the Centre of the Eye" is another incredible album by them.
Greetings from Vermont, Jim! My name is Bruce, and while I am only 17, I have been diving into all of this interesting music of the past, just like you! I’m so glad that I can do it with someone else! My favorite band of all time is Yes, but I have been digging into loads of other stuff (such as Nektar!). I recently discovered a band called Soft Machine, and I think you would love their 8th album “Bundles” (Jazz Rock!). It was my intro to them when I discovered them a few weeks ago, and I have been listening to it excessively ever since. Thanks for the reactions, keep it up! :)
Good stuff! Amazing music, eh?
Try Gentle Giant.
bauertime, you read my mind again!
Yeah man 😅 i was probably 19 when i first heard Bundles , it was intense, particularly a first encounter with Holdsworth 😮😂
"Softs" from the following year is its twin, with John Etheridge replacing Allan Holdsworth
Great choice!!! We love Nektar!!!
Interesting bit of trivia about Nektar: their 1977 release, "Magic Is a Child" features a nubile (then about 12 years old) Brooke Shields on the cover.
Yes yes yes.. I have this album I think it’s easily there best. Nice job.
Can't get over the space in this vinyl Jim....so different to my cd experience which I've listened to countless times......more echo and space between the instruments and vocals....it's like listening to a new record 🤷♂️🤠
That right there is a main reason I bought a record player a few months ago!
@@nathanaelcole8466 yeah that's cool ...have to say this records great listening either way...usually the difference is not so big ...this was huge difference.....🤷♂️
Tab In the Ocean among the best 3 best prog rock albums!
Man, I need to pull some Nektar records....it's been a long time.
Will that early 70s period be matched? Just did early Fleetwood Mac last week....early 70s too.... outstanding...had no idea🤷♂️
Jiiiiimmmmmmbooooooooo!!!!! You da geeza!❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏chuffed you are doing Nektar!!👍 This record has grown on me since i was having my Nektar phase a while back...always was 5* but now it's 5*+👻....it flows together alot like Nonagon Infinity infact🤟
I am da geeza! Lol…. Thanks so much for the suggestion. Absolutely brilliant!
Just a thought.....as you said, the 70's was so rich in classic prog. One band I don't think you've played yet is Triumvirat with their classic album illusions on a double dimple, worth a listen. Great album cover with the mouse coming out of an egg, take a look!
I saw Nektar in Frankfurt back in 1975 or 76. But, sadly, no one memory of the concert as I took too strong acids ! First and las time !!!
Once bitten twice shy, eh?
@@JimNewstead Exactly. But after all the rest of the journey in Germany was a good memory with my girlfriend from the time !!
Recently listened to Nektar (Remember the Future) and love their work. Sort of a Pink Floyd type of music.
This together with Remembering the Future, just fantastic!
A Tab in the Ocean, loved it since I first heard it (Thanks to the guy who introduced me to Nektar! He also spotted that the album is the wrong way round! Side 1 has an epic finish but the start isn't quite there, Side 2 has an amazing start to it but the end isn't quite as epic, So: play Side 2 first and end with Side 1, that makes the album flow even better, give it a go!
Nice.... top tip!
New year, new luck: "Ahi te vi entre las luces" by "La maquina de hacer pájaros" for an Argentinian Yes/Steely Dan from the 70s :)
My favorite band
Thanks man! I didn't play this record for ages. Now you did 🙂See you at the other side (of the record ;-)
Tip: Gabriel Bondage - Take it on a Dare, from 1977's "Another Trip to Earth"
Always appreciate tips and suggestions. Thanks!
Excellent Nektar choice! Some further 'Trivia' Ian Curtis of Joy Division was a fan seen in his Nektar manT shirt in early publicity shots, Iron Maiden also fans and covered King of Twilight from side 2, for a while in the 1980s guitarist Roye Albrighton RIP ran a wine bar in Stafford town centre. I was introduced to them back in 1977 by the late Quireboys founder member/guitarist Guy Bailey RIP who ordered his copy of Recycled from a Stoke record shop (enough of my drivel, need to get out more lol ). More importantly, in the UK they were a bit of a cult band and should have got more notice they did okay in Germany and Europe and had reasonable airplay in etc United States especially with RTF this album is my favourite Nektar fix so thanks Jim!
I have never heard of this band before, let's see what it is all about!
listen to their album remember the future.
3:36 try to guess what cd the Animal is holding ? I'm not savy in cd cover so what was it ?
Ah……. Spock’s Beard and the album “V”
Hello Jim from Chile...!!!
Hiya Jota :)
I always thought Nektar was a German band. I must have heard their music in my teenage years - a friend of mine bought a lot of this kind of music - but I can’t really remember anything about them.
Distorted voices 🙄 but not too long 😋
Musically, I like it very much. Singing is good but I heard better.
Definitely a band to find out about.
I can recommend the Krautrock band Grobschnitt. Listen to Rockpommel’s land. And Solar Music live. Their English has a German accent but musically it’s great.
I see you have a Denon amplifier or receiver. Me too, I have the Denon DRA 800H receiver.
Yeah I'm into Grobschnitt at mo to👍....good recommendation....Nektar lived in Germany but we're a mini English invasion at the time I think....
The eponymous Grobschnitt album (their first) is also superb. A bit different with its 2 drummer. I also like very much the Jumbo album. There are 2 version of the Jumbo album, one with the singing in english and another with the singing in german. I prefer the german version because it was the first I discovered 40 years ago and I also think that Wildschwein's (the singer) voice sounds less contrived than in english.
@@galier2 I know all the albums from back then. First one is good too indeed.
Oh, Yes and Pink Floyd, and you're right, Jim, some Bowie, too, but because of all that, even more like the Cosmograf. You can hear the influences, but not as copying, but representing the genre.
What a band Nektar is!
To me the best Nektar album by far is Remember The Future. Try to listen to both sides in one sitting. Even tho A Tab In The Ocean has its moments, the album is a bit misjointed, whereas Remember The Future flows beautifully. Enjoy!
I thought that at first too....this one is the one I took the longest to really like of all their peak records...
Honestly, how good was that? Quite a discovery (for me).
Let's get her going....
It’s coming 👍🏼
@@JimNewstead I meant this video. It was a pre-comment lol
At last 🙂
George Jefferson wore a Nektar t-shirt in a Jeffersons episode.
Not sure what that is, but sounds impressive!
King of twilight!!!!!!!
Side 2 tomorrow :)
Well I guess I’m first today 😅
Curious about Nektar, haven’t listened to them yet!
Hey Ron!
Not even halfway through your video and I think I need to buy this…
@@ronouwe93 Ron... do it! It's fricking amazing!
Wow, indeed! What an incredible song 😀
Got to find myself a copy somewhere!
Nothing to say but "Recycled". Their best.
"A Tab in the Ocean"
Yup.... got it :)
Woah it sounds strangely different on vinyl....also that intro has more acoustic guitar near front this version at start....interesting....my mix sounds tiny bit heavier and compact...🤔...
Well, I don’t have the knowledge of other formats but this one sounds good!
@Zeitghoul. This is the US Remix Version. Not the original german one. US mix is horrible.
@@brunosamppa thanks for the heads up Bruno.... suspected something was different. I do prefer the one I have. The German mix is bit more harmonious sounding to me in terms of leveling....
@@threestringsomg The original german mix is far better. The US Remix sounds like a mix from the 60s. Drums isolated in one channel (WTF) and some other instruments also very widly isolated in left and right, the center space of the stereo image it's almost empty. The vocals are also very dry.
The original mix have all the power and the etheral sound wich is really what this albums represents.
@@brunosamppa yup sounds about right. I've listened to that version so many times Jim's vinyl sounded odd straight away....
VERY different mix on my CD version (bacillus/bellaphon, late 80's), which is is pretty awful to be honest. I have to look out for a different copy. Who knows more?
I am huge fan of this album since I heard it in 1973 .
My vinyl '73 version ( Bacillus / Bellaphon ) is same as the CD version bought in the 90's ; a bit slower than this , and with more medium frequencies ; this sounds a recent remix
This is the horrible US Mix of the album. Go to the original one.
Er…. Um. Sorry I guess! It didn’t sound horrible to me 😬
@@JimNewstead Hi Jim. The music is so good that it can override this horrible US mix. If you really like this record, I encourage you to listen the original german mix. Is far better. The US Remix sounds like a mix from the 60s. Drums isolated in one channel (WTF) em some other instruments also very widly isolated in left and right, the center space of the stereo image it's almost empty. The vocals are also very dry.
The original mix have all the power and the etheral sound wich is really what this albums represents. Maybe you can get a European copy sometime or stream it. Cheers!
Love this album and band which was actually formed in Germany, the album is called a tab in the ocean 😅
Love the band since hearing Prodigal Son. Went backwards and enjoy them all. Met Roy and the band on the 2016 Cruise to the Edge. Wonderful guys and very talented. RIP Roy. The newest album is very good too, even without Roy. Another band from this era that is very similar is Eloy. Enjoy the trip Jim.