Cover to Cover ［2LP+CD］

When you hear that a member of Dream Theater has launched a side project, it's understandable to assume that it's going to be more of the heavy prog metal that they've become renowned for. But the 2006 release, Cover to Cover, is a true anomaly. Credited to ex-Spock's Beard guitarist Neal Morse, Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy, and bassist Randy George, the album features covers by the expected suspects (Cream's "Badge" and the Who's "I'm Free/Sparks"), as well as a few surprises (Joe Jackson's "I'm the Man" and Chicago's "Feelin' Stronger Every Day"). And with covers of Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed" and George Harrison's "What Is Life?" (as well as the aforementioned "Badge," which was also penned by Harrison), the trio make no bones about being Beatles worshipers. Not exactly a very necessary release (you can probably stroll down to your neighborhood bar and hear a local band play these tunes), but Spock's Beard and Dream Theater fans who need to own every recorded morsel should enjoy it. ~ Greg Prato