The Real Wizard 04.07.2009 01:40 |
http://www.mikeportnoy.com/forum/m2357900.aspx When's the last time a prog album was in the top 10? Thirty years ago? It's undoubtedly their strongest and most consistent album since 1999's Scenes From A Memory. They have finally returned to focusing on the SONG and not on the instrumental section in the middle of the song that actually has nothing to do with the song in the first place. After the boredom and generally derivative nature that was most of Systematic Chaos, the holders of the prog torch are back at last. This is the accessible album they haven't created since Images And Words, even though 4 of the songs are over 10 minutes long. Bravo for DT and progressive music as a whole. |
john bodega 04.07.2009 03:05 |
Good to see music in the top ten!!! |
thomasquinn 32989 04.07.2009 06:32 |
Interesting. I just hope the label they're signed to won't make them "go commercial" upon this. |
@ndy38 04.07.2009 11:12 |
I'm happy for them, they've consistently produced good music for ages now. I saw them live a few weeks ago and they're even better in person. |
Holly2003 04.07.2009 12:58 |
If they want to be really famous they need to introduce some dance routines into their stage show, really crank it up a notch... |
Saif 04.07.2009 13:04 |
I'm really digging the fact that metal in general is becoming more popular in the US. Iron Maiden's most recent album entered the charts at #9 and Judas Priest's Nostradamus reached #11(their highest position yet). Furthermore, Children of Bodom's Bloodrunk, a DEATH METAL album("extreme power metal", if you will) for fuck's sake reached #22 last year, which is very good for a genre as awesome, abrasive and extreme as death metal. Opeth's last reached #28 as far as I remember. Dethklok's awesome debut is, however, the highest charting (Melodic) Death Metal album, at #21. Slightly off-topic, but is it just me or is Pantera really heavier than a lot of death metal bands? I really love and respect Dream Theater. I've met, or rather, "sighted" John Petrucci a few months back at a concert. Felt really awesome. :D |
Stephan 05.07.2009 05:36 |
#6 on the U.S. Billboard charts #1 in Finland #3 in German #3 in Holland #7 in Canada #7 in Norway #5 in Italy (just behind 4 italian artists) #2 in Hungary #2 in Japan #3 in Sweden #7 in Mexico #9 in France and ... #1 on European album charts (according to Billboard) |
Saif 05.07.2009 10:54 |
Great chart debuts. What about the UK? Anyway, these guys totally deserve it. *death grunt* Keep fucking supporting metal!!! *gasp* |
Yara 05.07.2009 20:05 |
Great news. Let's see if I finally get hold of the album the next weekend!!! Congrats to the guys! |
The Real Wizard 06.07.2009 01:53 |
To be fair, the recession is probably lending a helping hand. Think about it... A fair chunk of the teeny-boppers aren't buying music in these tough times, downloading it for free instead. But fans of decent music, including Dream Theater fans, will never stop purchasing the tangible product. Either way, it's a great triumph of music over mass-consumption. |
*goodco* 07.07.2009 12:55 |
just to keep the topic going......... I have not heard the new album, other than the Queen covers, because Roadrunner Records JUST shipped my order Thursday. So much for trying to be loyal. Went to Best Buy over the weekend, and had to NOT purchase BC&SL. Thanks for reviewing the new release here. Have read good reviews from other sources. |
The Real Wizard 07.07.2009 16:56 |
*goodco* wrote: Roadrunner Records JUST shipped my order Thursday. So much for trying to be loyal. Went to Best Buy over the weekend, and had to NOT purchase BC&SL. Sorry you had to go through that. I hope they have a good explanation. As for the record itself... hopefully it'll be worth the wait. |
its_a_hard_life 26994 08.07.2009 13:12 |
Dream Theater are great. I had the chance to see them once at the Royal Albert Hall. I didn't go though. I wish I did.... :( |
*goodco* 08.07.2009 20:32 |
As always with DT, it's going to take more than a few spins to grasp each track. I'm getting too old to enjoy the 'cookie monster' vocals that rear their ugly head too often for my liking, as well as an overabundence of Petrucci's speed metal. 'A Nightmare to Remember'....the middle five minutes should have been a song on its own (melody-wise). The intro is terrific, can see this as the opening concert number (unless a 16 minute track is too long). 'Rite of Passage'...it's OK. 'Wither' ...withered and wilted. I love the semi-ballads of the band. Not this one. 'Shattered Fortress'.....glad Mike is done with his 12 Steps offerings. Including new snippets of the previous tracks of his saga is rather unique. Not sure if it works for me or not. 'Best of Times'.....maybe I think of Styx too much with the song title, and this could have been shortened. 'Count'....as with all their long tracks, there are parts I like, but not over the entire 18 minutes. Sadly, I've enjoyed the cover version disk more. I'm spoiled from 'Images', 'Scenes', 'Six Degrees' (minus 'The Great Debate'), and 'Octavarium'. I even prefer most of 'Falling Into Infinity' to this release. Those albums were more my style. These are my first impressions. I hated 'Systematic Chaos' at first and second listen, but other than 'Dark Eternal Night', grew to like it. posted 7/14 |
*goodco* 14.07.2009 10:58 |
just a bump due to an error in chronological listings here |
The Real Wizard 14.07.2009 13:48 |
Of DT's last 6 discs, five of them grew on me over time. Upon every listen, one or two more tracks would go into the win column. Systematic Chaos didn't go over with me because so much of the album is technical wankery that just isn't musical to me. It's like they stitched in excessive instrumental sections that had absolutely no relation to the actual songs, most of which weren't too strong to begin with. They must have clued into that, because Black Clouds is a complete 180 from SC in that respect. On Black Clouds, to me the last three tracks are the strongest. But the first three are stronger than anything on SC (other than perhaps The Ministry Of Lost Souls) because they are focused on the songwriting. That's when virtually any band are at their best. Give it another few spins. Patience will be greatly rewarded. |
Yara 14.07.2009 15:31 |
And I still didn't get the album. Believe it or not. The store I go to has almost DT's entire catalogue bar the new release. They said it'll be there by the weekend. Let's see. I like the Budokan gig DVD. People who are more into DT than me don't seem to like it that much. : -( A friend told me to buy "scenes from new york" or something like that and said I'd like it. Let's see... I liked "Train of Thought" a lot. It's one of the few cds of their catalogue that I have. Well...this is my DT expertise: Image and Words, Octavarium, Train of Thought and the Budokan gig. lol Let's hope I can finally get it next weekend. I liked they selected more unusual - though arguably as good as or better than many hits - Queen songs. Curious to listen to the covers and the whole album. Great thread! Yara |
Rick 14.07.2009 15:44 |
Would it be worth buying this album for the Queen covers alone? Let me put it differently: is it a suitable album to get into DT? |
Stephan 14.07.2009 18:03 |
Buy it! I think that you should probably like "Images & Words" and "Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory". The new album is great (not only because of the Queen cover) but "Images & Words" and "Scenes From A Memory" are definitely their strongest outputs, because they are "catchier" and less heavy than some other albums. Moreover, "Images" and "Scenes" show their singer James LaBrie at his best (a lot of high, operatic singing). "But I was also, by one of those strange alignments of the planets, able to see the band who have just delivered what my mate Rog called (totally unprompted last week) "The best Queen cover job ever". Yes, the redoubtable Dream Theatre. IT was a revelation. Their scope is way beyond covering Ancient Rock Bands, of course ... and actually way beyond Rock, I'd say. They are what would have been called, about 30 years ago - truly 'progressive, with more than a touch of fusion'. But their musicianship is way beyond even that. The whole band are virtuosos ... I'm kind of ashamed I never discovered them before. Their set was completely without any hint of 'playing to the Gallery'. They took their time mapping out their songs, which I can only say succulently drip with the best kind of complexity. Wonderful playing. I will be back for more. So will about 80,000 Classic Rock fans who gave them a great reception in the old "Monsters of Rock" fields - what we all used to know as the Donnington Castle gig." (Brian May after visiting a gig of Dream Theater at the Download Festival) “Bloody hell… DREAM THEATER seem to be amazing … thanks. I had not heard this… Beautifully done… great vocals … great musicianship … great production… and … Cop that solo in ‘Tenement Funster’!! Ouch! Thanks… ! Love it. and it’s a great compliment to us… OK … I have to hear more now. Great to hear someone ‘do’ our stuff, and fathom all our conjuring tricks, and then add some great new ones of their own.” (Brian May) |
Stephan 14.07.2009 18:23 |
Rick (and all the other guys who are interested in exploring DT music), please check out these clips on Youtube: Grand Finale / Losing Time (2002) -> very powerful and operatic, extreme vocal part at 2:30 link Hollow Years (1997) -> amazing ballad with a Queen influenced guitar solo at 6:20 link A Fortune In Lies (1989) -> amazing rock song, both heavy and melodic, amazing vocals link and two songs from the amazing debut album "Images & Words" Another Day (by far the best vocal performance in rock history) link Surrounded (very catchy song with amazing vocals and an intro you probably know...) link P.S. You can very easily find the Queen medley on Youtube. Do you like it??? |
The Real Wizard 15.07.2009 11:04 |
Yara wrote: I like the Budokan gig DVD. People who are more into DT than me don't seem to like it that much. : -(It's definitely not their best work overall, but there are some great moments on it. The version of Hollow Years is worth the price of admission alone, and the 15 minute instrumedley is absolutely brilliant. You know you're a fan when you can follow all the changes, knowing exactly when they're switching from one song to another. From a songwriting standpoint, start with Images And Words. Scenes From A Memory is the concept album that may be an acquired taste, but it is generally seen as their strongest work. A friend told me to buy "scenes from new york" or something like that and said I'd like it. Let's see...It's basically the Scenes album in its entirety (with many embellishments) and the best of their earlier stuff played for the remainder of the show. Disc 3 is basically all the good traits of DT slapped onto one glorious piece of plastic. These 5 songs are also on the DVD as extras. If you like DT's more melodic side, then be sure to check out 70s Yes, starting with Fragile, Close To The Edge, and Relayer. I think it was John Petrucci who said DT were basically like a heavy Yes without all the vocal harmonies. |
The Real Wizard 15.07.2009 11:06 |
Rick wrote: Would it be worth buying this album for the Queen covers alone? Let me put it differently: is it a suitable album to get into DT? The Queen covers are on disc 2 of the 3-disc version, independent from the actual album. They're excellent covers, but they're probably not what will get someone into the band. Black Clouds is a great record, and it certainly may earn your favour. But I'd still start with Images And Words and Scenes From A Memory. The band are an acquired taste as a whole, since they are so different from what our mainstream dictates us to hear (maybe not so much in Europe, but certainly in North America)... but these two records basically encapsulate everything that is good about this band. Just stay the hell away from Systematic Chaos. That record almost made me turn in my badge. |
Yara 15.07.2009 11:54 |
Sir GH wrote:Yara wrote: I like the Budokan gig DVD. People who are more into DT than me don't seem to like it that much. : -(It's definitely not their best work overall, but there are some great moments on it. The version of Hollow Years is worth the price of admission alone, and the 15 minute instrumedley is absolutely brilliant. You know you're a fan when you can follow all the changes, knowing exactly when they're switching from one song to another. From a songwriting standpoint, start with Images And Words. Scenes From A Memory is the concept album that may be an acquired taste, but it is generally seen as their strongest work.A friend told me to buy "scenes from new york" or something like that and said I'd like it. Let's see...It's basically the Scenes album in its entirety (with many embellishments) and the best of their earlier stuff played for the remainder of the show. Disc 3 is basically all the good traits of DT slapped onto one glorious piece of plastic. These 5 songs are also on the DVD as extras. If you like DT's more melodic side, then be sure to check out 70s Yes, starting with Fragile, Close To The Edge, and Relayer. I think it was John Petrucci who said DT were basically like a heavy Yes without all the vocal harmonies. Wow! That's great and beautiful. I love to get tips on records and read comments on them. Ok...the "scenes" seems to be interesting indeed and I think I'll give it a chance first. I listened to Image & Words quite a lot but I didn't keep exploring the band's music, so all I have are some disjointed pieces which I enjoy for what they are. "Train of Thought" is such an album - I really like it. Pretty much like Queen or any other artist, I usually like sections or parts of the songs/concerts/sonatas/whatever more than the songs in their entirety. Bohemian Rhapsody would be my favorite Queen song topping even We Are The Champions if the mock-operetta part were done on the piano and guitar only. Train of Thought has the kind of stuff I enjoy and relate to. It's hard to explain, but I usually go after musical concepts - certain kinds of modulations, some harmonies, a certain type of counterpoint, some traditional, but effective dissonances, and so on...and these things may comprise like...30 seconds of the song and it's enough for me to say that I like the song. So this is me. lol Next time I go to the store and ask for tips you know my profile already. :op Hehehe. Just kidding. Thank you as always for being helpful, thoughtful and, well, a sweetheart. Best regards, Yara |
Stephan 15.07.2009 18:41 |
This is "The Spirit Carries On", a wonderful song from "Scenes From A Memory" recorded a few weeks ago in Bulgaria. Check it out!!! (It's only a bootleg recording, but the quality is awsome!) link |
Yara 15.07.2009 22:17 |
Stephan wrote: This is "The Spirit Carries On", a wonderful song from "Scenes From A Memory" recorded a few weeks ago in Bulgaria. Check it out!!! (It's only a bootleg recording, but the quality is awsome!) link Hi, Stephan! Thank you very much. Well, for an unoficial video the quality is quite good. Thanks a lot, really. I divide it in two parts because I think there are two songs: 1) I didn't enjoy that much the basic three chord motif of the ballad - it drags a bit and is all too predictable because there's not an interesting bridge propelled by either the kitchen or the piano and it invariably relies on basic thirds or fifths for the resolution. Different from the slight spin Brian used to do on the piano for the beginning of the second part of Save Me, for instance - he plays around with an interesting dissonance which results in a brief tension-release of gorgeous dramatic and melodic effect. Simple - well, not that simple - and effective. 2) On the other hand, the guitar work is worth the song. Hands down. I loved it. The guitar seems to play a song of its own, sometimes very loosely related to the theme, and the result is beautiful: the soloing make up for the bridge and for the shortcomings of the basic melody. An alternative, parallel song starts to develop based on the guy's guitar and the cadences are very nice. The guitar only hints at the chorus here and there through broken performanti. It's beautiful and creates a good effect. That'd be my most humble opinion on this piece by these great musicians. The guitar playing is top-notch. Regards and thanks! Yara |
*goodco* 17.07.2009 11:30 |
Stephan, thank you very much for the link. Great performance. Yara, the piano bit appears many times throughout the 'Scenes From A Memory' concept album. Love the Pink Floyd inspired ending (DT's DVD of 'Dark Side of the Moon' is well worth a watch and listen). Just came to realize as I was listening to the 'Count of Tuscany' yet again. First of all, the last 7 minutes is my most enjoyable long segment of 'Black Cloud'. Second....there was a part near the end that sounded vaguely familiar. It starts with the guitar solo at around 11 minutes, and really stands out from 14:50 to 17:10. The vocals and music are so similar to, of all things ............'Say It's Not True'. |
The Real Wizard 17.07.2009 12:07 |
I did a bit of YouTube watching, and found a clip of In The Presence Of Enemies part 1 from their concert in Romania. As much as I don't like much of Systematic Chaos, this track really works well as an opener live. The audience were completely eating out of the palm of their hand. |
*goodco* 30.09.2009 12:38 |
Would appreciate any comments from the Europeans in regards to the second segment of DT's tour across the pond. Concert dates can be found by clicking the tour link at link I enjoyed the two shows I saw with different friends in Philadelphia, PA, and Columbia, MD. Not crazy about parts of the setlists or the limited time they were on stage. Although each of my friends saw their favorite tracks live at each one. Zappa Meets Zappa was absolutely fab. IMHO, I still am not crazy about the 'Dark Clouds' album. 'Nightmare' could have had three minutes cut, 'Passages' two minutes cut (Rudess' solos add nothing), 'Wither' sounds like a Nirvana/Cinderella mix, 'Shattered Fortress' has a great intro, and then the rest is lame (glad Portnoy is done with his 12 steps), 'Best of Times' (about 8 minutes too long), has some incredibly beautiful music, but lyrics and length make it a tad too timid and obvious. A sentimental instrumental beginning, followed by a very familiar 'Red Barchetta' from Rush's 'Moving Pictures'. 'The Count of Tuscany' has some of the best music I've heard..........but what's the point of the lyrics? The intro, part of the middle, and the last 9 minutes (Say It's Not True melody) is absolutely exquisite, some of the best mood setting music I've heard since, ....well disc two of 'Six Degrees', as well as 'Octavarium' ,.......and yet........ They need someone to say 'no' on occasion to their extravagence. anyhoo..................I look forward to any comments or reviews of their shows. I wish I could see one or two over there. |
Unblinking Eye 13.11.2009 00:09 |
I think that this album is their best since Six degrees. I'm not saying scenes from a memory because I hate the theme. It makes me really sad. I think its a great album but the theme really puts me off. My opinions on each song: ANTR: Brilliant song, and I don't mind Mike's vocals, but I wish he hadn't said roar at the end of his vocals, great solo's from Jordan and John, and JLB singing was stunning!! He has improved amazingly!! I love this song. AROP: Another excellent song, this time a little bit shorter. James' singing on this is also excellent. But I do like the beginning, a great bass solo from John Myung. Overall, I think this song is excellent. Wither: WOW!! This song is so gentle, it could be a lullaby. But it is an excellently written song, with James' vocals once again stunning. The song is just beautiful. Nothing more can be said! SF: Another good song, with all the songs that they have done about AA blended. I think that he really put a lot of thought into this song. An excellent song from Mike :) TBOT: Very Rush!! Doesn't stop it from being a good song! I think it's very good for Mike to write a song about the death of his father. It is a very sad song though, for me, but it moves me very much. Another good song from Mike. :) TCOT: I love this song, the lyrics make me laugh!! The instrumental parts are absolutely amazing. And I love the way James really can change the characters in his voice from one person to another person in a second. Well done John. P :) My favourite: Wither. It is just an amazingly beautiful, striking ballad, with excellent, or may I say brilliant singing from James LaBrie, and just makes me go WOW!! Congratulations to John Petrucci for writing this amazing song!! Rock on DT!! |
The Real Wizard 13.11.2009 11:20 |
Interesting how you pick Wither. It is a great tune. But to me, The Count Of Tuscany is not only the strongest track on the album, but perhaps the best progressive rock piece written in decades. It is just perfect in every way, evoking all the emotions that a progressive piece can manage. It is by far the best thing DT have ever come up with, I think. |
Unblinking Eye 15.11.2009 03:04 |
Certainly, its brilliant. And my 2nd fave DT song ever, with Wither being my first. TCOT is quite amazing though, and never gets boring, even though its very long!! I love all the songs though. But I think I like the more ballady songs, if you know what I mean?? |
The Real Wizard 15.11.2009 21:11 |
Totally. Then do you like songs like Wait For Sleep and Take Away My Pain.. ? Great stuff there. |
Unblinking Eye 16.11.2009 03:04 |
Definitely!! They are brilliant!! And they are so moving. But then again, all DT's songs are great, and there is not one song of theirs I don't like. |
4 x Vision 16.11.2009 13:17 |
Saif wrote: I really love and respect Dream Theater. I've met, or rather, "sighted" John Petrucci a few months back at a concert. lol I'm sorry, but that comment had me in stitches. OFF TOPIC I've made love to Megan Fox, or rather, "pleasured myself" over a sexy photo of her in a magazine. |
*goodco* 03.12.2009 15:57 |
I.Luv.Rog wrote: "Definitely!! They are brilliant!! And they are so moving. But then again, all DT's songs are great, and there is not one song of theirs I don't like." Lucky you. Don't get me wrong, for this band has struck a chord with me this decade. But, 'The Great Debate', 'This Dying Soul', 'Honor Thy Father', 'Repentence' (spoken words segment), and 'Dark Eternal Night', are insufferable. I still think 'Black Clouds' missed the mark. Very, very, very catchy parts throughout, but as a whole.....too dark and overindulgent (even by DT standards). Wish I could have combined the two setlists when I saw them this summer. And wish I could see a show or two during their current second leg of the European tour. The Beatles, Queen, Zep, and old Alice Cooper are still my top four. To say that I loved everything they did, would not be honest. |