Flying Colors - Discography -2012-2020- -eac-flac- Extra Quality 💯 Easy
This "Solid Report" refers to a technical log generated by the Exact Audio Copy (EAC) software, used to verify the integrity and "perfection" of a digital rip from a physical CD.
In the context of the Flying Colors discography (the progressive rock supergroup featuring Steve Morse, Mike Portnoy, Neal Morse, Dave LaRue, and Casey McPherson), this specific report confirms that the audio files (FLAC) are bit-perfect copies of the original discs released between 2012 and 2020. Discography Breakdown (2012–2020)
Based on that timeframe, the "Solid Report" would cover these primary releases:
Flying Colors (2012) – The debut studio album featuring the hit "Kayla."
Live in Europe (2013) – Captured during their first tour in Tilburg, Netherlands.
Second Nature (2014) – Their second studio effort, leaning further into prog-pop.
Second Flight: Live at the Z7 (2015) – A high-energy live performance from Pratteln, Switzerland.
Third Degree (2019) – The third studio album, featuring tracks like "More" and "Love Is What I Am."
Third Stage: Live in London (2020) – Recorded at the iconic Shepherd’s Bush Empire. What "EAC-FLAC" Means for You
EAC (Exact Audio Copy): The gold standard for CD ripping. The "Solid" status means the software encountered no read errors and the checksums match the global database (AccurateRip).
FLAC: A lossless format. Unlike MP3s, no audio data was discarded. You are hearing exactly what is on the CD. Technical Value
Collectors and audiophiles look for these reports to ensure they aren't getting "transcodes" (e.g., an MP3 converted back into a FLAC file). If the report is "Solid," the frequency response and dynamic range are fully preserved.
The discography of the American supergroup Flying Colors between 2012 and 2020 represents a unique fusion of high-level progressive rock virtuosity and accessible pop-rock songwriting. Composed of virtuosos Mike Portnoy (drums), Steve Morse (guitar), Neal Morse (keyboards), Dave LaRue (bass), and Casey McPherson (vocals), the band has maintained a stable lineup dedicated to "complex music with accessible songwriting". Studio Albums (2012–2019)
The band's studio output is defined by a trilogy of albums released roughly five years apart.
Final Verdict
From the immediate, hook-laden rush of their 2012 debut to the sprawling, cathartic suites of Second Nature and the mature introspection of Third Degree, Flying Colors proved that supergroups can evolve. For the listener who demands to hear every cymbal shimmer, every bass harmonic, and every breath between vocal lines, the Flying Colors – Discography – 2012-2020 – EAC-FLAC collection is not merely a set of files—it is a masterclass in modern progressive rock preservation. Fire up your DAC, cue up "Cosmic Symphony," and listen to the difference that lossless audio makes.
- Flying Colors (2012)
- Released: September 11, 2012
- Format: EAC FLAC
- Second Flight (2014)
- Released: October 29, 2014
- Format: EAC FLAC
- Live in Europe (2016)
- Released: April 29, 2016
- Format: EAC FLAC (live album)
- Third Degree (2019)
- Released: September 27, 2019
- Format: EAC FLAC
These albums showcase the band's musical evolution and impressive musicianship, featuring a blend of progressive rock, metal, and pop elements.
Flying Colors – Discography (2012–2020): A Deep Dive into the Supergroup’s High-Fidelity Journey
In the world of progressive rock, the term "supergroup" is often thrown around, but few bands embody the spirit of collaborative genius like Flying Colors. Comprising virtuosos from the worlds of prog, metal, and pop, the band has spent nearly a decade crafting a sound that is as complex as it is catchy.
For audiophiles and collectors, the quest for the ultimate listening experience often leads to the EAC-FLAC (Exact Audio Copy - Free Lossless Audio Codec) format. This ensures a bit-perfect rip of the original CDs, capturing every nuance of the band’s intricate arrangements. Below, we explore the Flying Colors discography from 2012 to 2020, focusing on the studio releases that defined an era. The Lineup: A Perfect Storm
Before diving into the music, it’s essential to understand the pedigree involved: Casey McPherson: Vocals (Alpha Rev) Steve Morse: Guitar (Deep Purple, Dixie Dregs)
Neal Morse: Keyboards, Vocals (Spock’s Beard, Transatlantic) Dave LaRue: Bass (Dixie Dregs, Joe Satriani)
Mike Portnoy: Drums, Vocals (Dream Theater, The Winery Dogs) 1. Flying Colors (2012)
The self-titled debut was an experiment in "pop-prog." The goal was to combine old-school craftsmanship with contemporary songwriting.
The Sound: Produced by Peter Collins, the album balances short, radio-friendly tracks like "Kayla" and "The Storm" with the sprawling, 12-minute epic "Infinite Fire."
Why FLAC Matters: The layered vocal harmonies and Steve Morse’s crystalline guitar tones benefit immensely from a lossless format, preventing the "muddiness" often found in high-compression MP3s. 2. Second Nature (2014)
If the debut was a blind date, Second Nature was a marriage. The band took more risks, leaning further into their progressive roots while maintaining their melodic sensibilities.
Key Tracks: "Mask Machine" provides a heavy, riff-driven punch, while "Cosmic Symphony" showcases the band's ability to weave multiple movements into a cohesive narrative.
The Production: This album features a more organic, dynamic range. Audiophiles seeking the EAC-FLAC version will notice the incredible separation between Dave LaRue’s intricate bass lines and Portnoy’s thunderous percussion. 3. Third Degree (2019)
After a five-year hiatus, the band returned with what many consider their most mature work. Third Degree refined the formula established in the previous two records. Flying Colors - Discography -2012-2020- -EAC-FLAC-
The Highlights: "More" is a psychedelic journey with modern production, whereas "Love Letter" serves as a technicolor tribute to 60s/70s pop (think Beach Boys meets ELO). The closing track, "Crawl," is a masterclass in emotional buildup and payoff.
The Sonic Detail: By 2019, the band’s recording techniques had peaked. The EAC-FLAC rips of this album reveal a stunning soundstage, particularly in the delicate acoustic sections of "The Loss Inside."
The EAC-FLAC Standard: Why It’s the Gold Standard for Prog
For fans of Flying Colors, listening in standard streaming quality is like looking at a Da Vinci through a foggy window.
Exact Audio Copy (EAC): This software ensures that the data extracted from the CD is 100% accurate, correcting any read errors that standard rippers might ignore.
FLAC (Lossless): Unlike MP3s, which discard "unnecessary" audio data to save space, FLAC preserves every single bit. In progressive rock, where a song might have 50 different instruments or vocal layers, this clarity is vital.
Dynamic Range: Flying Colors albums are mastered to breathe. Lossless files preserve the peaks and valleys of the music, ensuring the loud sections hit hard without distorting, and the quiet sections remain whisper-quiet. Conclusion
The Flying Colors discography from 2012 to 2020 represents a rare moment in music history where five distinct egos merged into a single, harmonious voice. From the pop sensibilities of their debut to the grand architectural prog of Third Degree, they have provided a wealth of material for those who value musicianship and high-fidelity sound.
Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer, experiencing these albums in EAC-FLAC is the only way to truly appreciate the "Flying Colors" in their full spectrum.
The American supergroup Flying Colors—consisting of Steve Morse (Deep Purple, Dixie Dregs), Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater, Transatlantic), Neal Morse (ex-Spock's Beard), Dave LaRue (Dixie Dregs), and vocalist Casey McPherson (Alpha Rev)—has defined a unique niche since 2012 by blending technical virtuosity with pop-accessible hooks.
For audiophiles and collectors, the "EAC-FLAC" designation refers to copies ripped using Exact Audio Copy, the industry standard for securing 100% bit-perfect digital replicas of original CDs. The Core Studio Discography (2012–2020)
Between 2012 and 2020, Flying Colors released three main studio albums, each expanding their signature "prog-pop" sound:
Flying Colors (2012): Their self-titled debut introduced the world to their eclectic style, featuring the fan-favorite epic "Infinite Fire" and the melodic single "Kayla".
Second Nature (2014): A more progressive-leaning effort that balanced hard rock with complex suites like "Open Up Your Eyes" and the three-part "Cosmic Symphony".
Third Degree (2019): Their most recent studio outing, further refining the balance between complex arrangements and the emotional depth of McPherson's vocals. Essential Live Releases
The band is renowned for their live performances, often capturing their concerts in high-fidelity formats:
Why avoid torrents labeled “-EAC-FLAC-“
Those are often Scene releases — convenient, but:
- Potentially incomplete (missing logs, wrong tagging)
- May contain transcodes (MP3 → FLAC)
- No metadata standardization
- Illegal distribution hurts a relatively niche prog band
If you need help finding the official store links or CD UPCs for Flying Colors, reply and I can provide those.
The Flying Colors discography from 2012 to 2020 includes three studio albums and three major live recordings. This "supergroup"—comprised of Casey McPherson, Steve Morse, Neal Morse, Dave LaRue, and Mike Portnoy—is known for blending technical virtuosity with accessible melodic rock. Studio Albums
Flying Colors (March 26, 2012): The band's self-titled debut featuring tracks like "Blue Ocean," "Kayla," and the 12-minute epic "Infinite Fire".
Second Nature (September 29, 2014): Their sophomore effort, which reached #4 on the Billboard Hard Rock chart and included the single "Mask Machine".
Third Degree (October 4, 2019): A well-received third installment featuring popular tracks "The Loss Inside" and "Last Train Home". Live Albums
Live in Europe (October 11, 2013): Captured during their first tour in Tilburg, Netherlands.
Second Flight: Live at the Z7 (November 13, 2015): Recorded at the Z7 Konzertfabrik in Switzerland.
Third Stage: Live in London (September 18, 2020): Their most recent major live release, recorded at the Shepherd's Bush Empire.
For those looking for high-fidelity audio versions, these releases are commonly available in FLAC and high-resolution formats on platforms like Qobuz and Bandcamp. Flying Colors - Spotify
Flying Colors discography from 2012 to 2020 consists of three studio albums and four live recordings. This supergroup features Mike Portnoy Neal Morse (keyboards), Steve Morse Dave LaRue (bass), and Casey McPherson Studio Albums Flying Colors (2012)
: The self-titled debut. It features the 12-minute epic "Infinite Fire". Second Nature (2014) This "Solid Report" refers to a technical log
: Their second release, which reached Top 10 chart positions worldwide. Third Degree (2019)
: The third studio effort, known for the single "Mask Machine". theprogressiveaspect.net Live Albums Live in Europe (2013) : Captured during the tour for their debut album. Second Flight: Live at the Z7 (2015) : A performance recorded in Switzerland. Third Stage: Live in London (2020) : Recorded in 2019 at Shepherd's Bush Empire. Morsefest 2019 (2021) : A collaborative performance with The Neal Morse Band. Band Lineup
The group's sound blends progressive rock virtuosity with pop-oriented songwriting: Flying Colors – Third Degree - T P A
Flying Colors: A Comprehensive Discography (2012-2020) in EAC-FLAC Format
Flying Colors is a progressive rock supergroup formed in 2011, comprising of seasoned musicians from various renowned bands. The group consists of Steve Morse (guitar, vocals), Mike Stern (guitar, vocals), Billy Sheehan (bass, vocals), Steve Lukather (drums, vocals), and Jason Pierce (keyboards, vocals). With their unique blend of progressive rock, jazz, and pop, Flying Colors has released a string of critically acclaimed albums between 2012 and 2020. In this article, we'll explore their discography and provide an overview of each album, all available in EAC-FLAC format.
1. Flying Colors (2012)
The self-titled debut album, released on September 11, 2012, marked the beginning of Flying Colors' journey. This album showcases the band's ability to craft catchy, intricate songs with complex arrangements. Standout tracks like "Astounded" and "Uncharted" demonstrate the band's technical prowess and musical chemistry.
2. The Light in the Sky (2014)
The sophomore album, released on October 14, 2014, further refines Flying Colors' sound. The Light in the Sky features a more mature and polished production, with tracks like "The Light in the Sky" and "Mission Statement" showcasing the band's ability to create anthemic, arena-ready rock songs.
3. Sonic Universe (2019)
The third studio album, released on May 24, 2019, sees Flying Colors pushing the boundaries of progressive rock. Sonic Universe features a more experimental approach, with tracks like "Connected" and "Fractured" incorporating electronic elements and complex time signatures.
Discography Details:
- Flying Colors (2012)
- Release Date: September 11, 2012
- Genre: Progressive Rock
- Format: EAC-FLAC
- The Light in the Sky (2014)
- Release Date: October 14, 2014
- Genre: Progressive Rock
- Format: EAC-FLAC
- Sonic Universe (2019)
- Release Date: May 24, 2019
- Genre: Progressive Rock
- Format: EAC-FLAC
Additional Information:
- All albums are available in EAC-FLAC format, ensuring high-quality audio and accurate ripping.
- The discography covers the band's output from 2012 to 2020, showcasing their growth and evolution over the years.
In conclusion, Flying Colors' discography from 2012 to 2020 is a testament to the band's creativity, technical skill, and dedication to their craft. With their unique sound and exceptional musicianship, Flying Colors has established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the progressive rock scene. If you're a fan of complex, engaging music, be sure to explore their discography in EAC-FLAC format.
Flying Colors - Discography (2012-2020) - EAC FLAC
Flying Colors is an American progressive rock supergroup formed in 2012. The band consists of Steve Morse (The Dixie Dregs, Steve Morse Band), Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Winery Dogs), Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big), and Jason Bonham (Foreigner, Bonham). With their unique blend of progressive rock, hard rock, and jazz fusion, Flying Colors has released several critically acclaimed albums, showcasing their exceptional musicianship and songwriting skills.
In this article, we'll take a look at the discography of Flying Colors from 2012 to 2020, featuring their studio albums, live recordings, and EAC FLAC versions.
Studio Albums
1. Live in Europe (2016)
Live in Europe is a live album and DVD, recorded during the band's European tour in 2014. Released on December 9, 2016, it features performances from various cities, showcasing the band's energetic live shows.
Why EAC-FLAC? The Audiophile’s Rationale
Before dissecting the albums, one must understand the significance of the format.
- Exact Audio Copy (EAC): In the world of CD ripping, EAC is the gold standard. It utilizes a "secure mode" that reads every audio sector multiple times, comparing results to ensure that jitter, scratches, and read errors are mathematically eliminated. An EAC rip guarantees a bit-perfect copy of the original compact disc.
- FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec): Unlike MP3 or AAC (which discard frequencies to save space), FLAC compresses without losing a single ‘1’ or ‘0’ from the source. Listening to Flying Colors in FLAC allows you to hear the wood of Steve Morse’s fretboard, the attack of Portnoy’s kick drum beater, and the subtle decay of Neal Morse’s Hammond organ reverb.
The "2012-2020" span captures the band’s complete studio output across three major releases, plus bonus tracks that are often missing from streaming services.
3. Peaceful Machines (2016)
The third studio album, Peaceful Machines, was released on September 16, 2016. This album features ten tracks, including "The Storm," "Quiet Like a Bomb," and "Forgotten About You."
Flying Colors — Complete Discography (2012–2020) — EAC/FLAC Guide
Overview
- This guide covers official studio albums, live releases, and major EPs from progressive rock supergroup Flying Colors between 2012 and 2020, with recommended Exact Audio Copy (EAC) rip settings and FLAC encoding settings for archival-quality lossless files.
Discography (2012–2020)
- 2012 — Flying Colors (studio album)
- 2014 — Live in Europe (live album DVD/CD)
- 2014 — Second Nature (studio album) — actually released 2014
- 2015 — Second Nature: Live (live releases / Blu-ray)
- 2019 — Third Degree (studio album) — released 2019
- 2020 — Live at the Z7 (live album/video; some editions released 2020) Notes: Releases include studio albums (2012, 2014, 2019) and multiple live/video packages (2014–2020). If you need exact tracklists or regional bonus tracks, specify which release/version and I’ll list them.
Ripping source selection
- Prefer original CDs or official live CD discs (not lossy rips of video streams).
- For live concert videos/Blu-rays, prefer extracting audio from the disc where possible; for digital-only releases, use the highest-quality provided files.
EAC (Exact Audio Copy) settings — recommended for secure, accurate rips
- Compression: None (rip to WAV) or use FLAC compression after ripping WAV.
- Drive read offset/secure mode:
- Use Secure mode (default) for accurate results.
- Let EAC detect drive read offset when inserting the disc; apply the detected offset.
- Read retries and error recovery:
- Use default Secure mode retries; enable “On status change write to log.”
- Set “AccurateRip” enabled to verify rips against the AccurateRip database.
- Gap handling:
- For albums with pregap hidden tracks, enable “Detect gaps” and rip pregap as separate track if present.
- AccurateRip:
- Enable and verify match; if no match, keep logs and consider re-ripping or trying a different drive.
- EAC WAV header: use default WAV/PCM (16-bit for standard CDs). For SACD/DVD-A extractors, different tools are required (e.g., foobar2000 with SACD plugin).
FLAC encoding settings — archival-quality and practical trade-offs
- Encoder: FLAC 1.3.x or later.
- Compression level: 5–8 recommended.
- Level 5 — good balance speed and size.
- Level 8 — maximum compression; slower, slightly smaller files.
- Verify:
- Use --verify or enable “Verify encoded file” in EAC to ensure lossless integrity.
- Metadata:
- Fill tags: ARTIST, ALBUM, TITLE, TRACKNUMBER, DATE, GENRE.
- Add extended tags: ALBUMARTIST, COMPOSER, DISCNUMBER, ISRC (if known), MUSICBRAINZ_TRACKID/RELEASEID.
- Embed cover art (front, 600×600–1400×1400 PNG or JPEG).
- ReplayGain:
- Calculate and store track and album ReplayGain tags if you want normalized playback without altering audio data.
- File naming:
- Use a clear scheme, e.g., %artist%/%album%/CD%disc% - %tracknumber% - %title%.flac
- Cuesheets:
- For multi-track or continuous live recordings, save a .cue sheet and single FLAC file per disc; include gap and index info.
Verification & checks
- AccurateRip match: green (good). If mismatch, re-rip.
- FLAC verification: use “flac -t filename.flac” or EAC verify.
- Compare sizes and hashes if you keep multiple copies; store MD5 checksums (EAC logs include CRC).
Tagging & organizing
- Tools: Mp3tag, Picard (MusicBrainz), foobar2000.
- Prefer MusicBrainz release matching for accurate metadata.
- Include release-year and release-version in ALBUM field for editions (e.g., “Second Nature (Deluxe Edition)”).
- Keep live vs studio clear in album titles or by using Release Type tag.
Backup & storage recommendations
- Keep two separate copies on different media (external drive + cloud or second drive).
- Use checksummed archival formats (ZIP/7z only for file grouping; do not recompress audio).
- Consider storing logs and cues alongside FLACs in a "logs" folder.
Quick step-by-step (rip a CD to verified FLAC)
- Insert original CD.
- Open EAC; let it detect drive offset and AccurateRip.
- Set Secure mode; rip to WAV with “Write CUE sheet and log” enabled.
- After rip, encode WAV to FLAC using compression level 5–8 and enable verification.
- Tag FLACs with metadata and embed cover art.
- Verify FLAC with flac -t and confirm AccurateRip match.
- Store original EAC log and CUE file with the FLACs.
Common issues & fixes
- Read errors: clean the disc and retry; try another drive.
- No AccurateRip match: verify rip in another drive or check for a different edition (pressings differ).
- Gaps on live discs: use cuesheet to preserve track boundaries; consider single-file FLAC for uninterrupted concerts.
If you want
- Full tracklists for each release and their ISRCs (where available).
- Exact EAC configuration screenshots or an exportable EAC log template.
- A ready-made file/folder naming template for taggers.
Related search suggestions (automatically provided)
The story of Flying Colors' discography from 2012 to 2020 is one of seasoned virtuosos— Mike Portnoy Steve Morse Neal Morse Dave LaRue Casey McPherson
—finding common ground between complex progressive rock and accessible, melodic pop. The Genesis: Flying Colors (2012)
Born from an idea by executive producer Bill Evans to pair a "charismatic pop singer" with virtuoso musicians, the band wrote and recorded their Self-Titled Debut in just nine days. The album was a high-energy "taster" that blended heavy rockers like "Shoulda Coulda Woulda" with the epic 12-minute prog-workout "Infinite Fire".
Live Record: Live in Europe (2013), captured at Tilburg’s 013 venue, showcased the band's immediate chemistry on stage. Establishing the Sound: Second Nature (2014)
Their sophomore effort, Second Nature, saw the band leaning into greater complexity and emotional depth. Tracks like "Peaceful Harbor" became fan favourites for their soaring vocal arrangements and the addition of a gospel choir. The album received "Album of the Year" and "Band of the Year" nominations at the Prog Awards.
Live Record: Second Flight: Live at the Z7 (2015) was a tech-heavy release, featuring early 4K video experiments and immersive "3D audio" headphone mixes. The Third Cycle: Third Degree (2019)
Released after a five-year studio hiatus, Third Degree is often cited as the band's most cohesive work, where they truly gelled as a singular unit. It balanced technical mastery in "Crawl" with pure melodic hooks in "Love Letter".
Live Record: Third Stage: Live in London (2020) concluded this era, capturing a career-spanning performance at the iconic Shepherd’s Bush Empire just before the global pandemic shifted the music landscape. Album Type Release Title Release Year Studio Flying Colors Live Live in Europe Studio Second Nature Live Second Flight: Live at the Z7 Studio Third Degree Live Third Stage: Live in London
This guide covers the discography and key historical context for the progressive rock supergroup Flying Colors between 2012 and 2020. This lineup features Mike Portnoy Steve Morse Neal Morse Dave LaRue Casey McPherson 💿 Studio Albums (2012–2020)
Between 2012 and 2020, Flying Colors released three studio albums, each known for blending virtuoso complexity with accessible pop-rock songwriting. Flying Colors (2012)
The debut album introduced the band’s "new-fashioned music the old-fashioned way" philosophy. Key Tracks: "Blue Ocean," "Kayla," "Infinite Fire".
Production: Produced by Peter Collins and executive producer Bill Evans. Release: March 26, 2012. Second Nature (2014)
Expanding on their debut, this record leaned slightly more into progressive structures, featuring the band's first self-production efforts.
Key Tracks: "Open Up Your Eyes," "Mask Machine," "Cosmic Symphony". Artwork: Designed by legendary artist Hugh Syme. Release: September 29, 2014. Third Degree (2019)
Their third studio effort arrived after a five-year hiatus, characterized by diverse styles ranging from psychedelic to emotional epics.
This specific title looks like a digital music release (likely from a torrent or lossless music forum) rather than a physical paper publication. Flying Colors
is a progressive rock supergroup featuring Mike Portnoy, Steve Morse, Neal Morse, Dave LaRue, and Casey McPherson. The "Paper" tag in this context usually refers to Paper Sleeve
(mini-LP) packaging or a high-quality scan of the liner notes and artwork included in the digital archive. 💿 Flying Colors Discography (2012–2020)
Between 2012 and 2020, the band released three primary studio albums and several notable live recordings. All are typically found in
(Exact Audio Copy - Free Lossless Audio Codec) for archival quality. 1. Studio Albums Flying Colors (2012): Their debut featuring the hits "Kayla" and "Blue Ocean." Second Nature (2014): A more progressive effort including "Mask Machine." Third Degree (2019):
Their latest studio work, featuring "More" and "Love Letter." 2. Major Live Albums Live in Europe (2013): Captured during their first tour in Tilburg, Netherlands. Second Flight: Live at the Z7 (2015): Known for its high-quality 5.1 surround mix. Third Stage: Live in London (2020): Recorded at Shepherd’s Bush Empire. 🔍 Technical Specifications FLAC (Lossless) Ripped using
(Exact Audio Copy) to ensure 100% bit-perfect accuracy from the CD. Packaging: The "Paper" mention suggests these are the Japanese SHM-CD versions or Limited Edition Digipacks Final Verdict From the immediate, hook-laden rush of
which come in cardboard/paper sleeves rather than plastic jewel cases. 🎸 Who are Flying Colors? The band is famous for blending complex progressive rock accessible pop melodies Steve Morse: Guitar (Deep Purple, Dixie Dregs) Mike Portnoy: Drums (Dream Theater, The Winery Dogs) Neal Morse: Keyboards/Vocals (Spock's Beard, Transatlantic) Dave LaRue: Bass (Dixie Dregs, Joe Satriani) Casey McPherson: Lead Vocals (Alpha Rev) of a specific album? Recommendations for similar progressive rock supergroups Information on where to officially purchase the physical "paper sleeve" editions?
Why EAC-FLAC for Flying Colors?
- Dynamic Range: Flying Colors’ music moves from delicate piano whispers to full-band walls of sound. MP3’s psychoacoustic masking (cutting frequencies you “can’t hear”) destroys the transient detail of Portnoy’s kick drum and Morse’s pick attack. FLAC preserves the original CD’s 16-bit/44.1kHz fidelity.
- Error Correction: EAC reads each sector of the CD multiple times. Given that many Flying Colors CDs were pressed in limited runs (especially the Japanese editions), a standard iTunes rip might have uncorrected jitter or dropouts. An EAC rip guarantees a perfect 1:1 clone.
- Archival Quality: For fans of Neal Morse’s sprawling catalog or Steve Morse’s intricate picking, the ability to convert FLAC to any format (ALAC for iTunes, WAV for burning) without generational loss is priceless.
Vol. 3: Third Degree (2020) – The Mature Vision
The 2020 release, Third Degree, is a concept album about a man’s descent into mental illness. Musically, it is darker, more aggressive, and sonically the most complex of the three.