"On and on and on we're spinning, on into the morning sun.."
spiral_mind | Pennsylvania | 09/27/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A comprehensive compilation, a solid album on its own, and a batch of reworkings and new arrangements all at once - THIS is how you do an anthology! The band has re-recorded twelve songs to provide what they consider the definitive introduction to their work. I was just as happy with my first buy (The Last Bright Light), but far be it from me to argue. This incredible group's music is mesmerizing any way you slice it. It's a wondrous blend of Celtic soul, fiery hard rock, musical inventiveness and sheer songwriting magic - they're like the combined musical offspring of Fairport Convention, Pink Floyd, Rainbow and Jethro Tull.The songs touch on vastly different modes but always come out enchanting. "Goodbye Alone" is based around a simple one-measure beat pattern, but its dreamy atmosphere and sweet solos make it captivating for its entire six minutes. "Never the Rainbow" and "Noise From My Head" retain that mystical Autumn quality while burning fiercely enough to peel wallpaper. If something in the closing "Heroes Never Die" doesn't touch you, you probably don't have a pulse. It builds a hauntingly compelling ballad for its first six minutes, before sliding into an extended finale packed with enough achingly bittersweet playing to make you weep. Brian's echoing guitar rings through the heavens, as electrifying and dynamic as a sudden thunderstorm. Just about every Josh guitar solo here is an emotional marvel, come to think of it.. and he's not a bad singer either, as he shows while sharing lead vocal duties with Heather Findlay.Mmmmm.. Heather Findlay. Her voice is honey for the soul. I shouldn't single out any one person too much since MA is a collective group in the finest sense, but that voice is one of my favorite aspects of this band. I'm as enamored with her singing as I am with hearing Annie Haslam.. and for any female singer, that's the highest compliment I can give.Heroes Never Die is a fine introduction to this excellent, excellent group, although any other offering from them is also a worthwhile treasure. My mere words can't truly describe what you're missing if you haven't heard them - the only way to understand is to hear this gorgeous jewel for yourself. Why not start right here?"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1