60 posts
Shit. Good? Thats just depressing. I can't dig that kind of music. It's no fun. Sorry.
The music is incredible. The message of the song is powerful. It can't all be "sweet home alabama" you know. This song is about something that is very real, and is supporting those involved.
I get that. but does it have to be so dark? I would rather look at the positive side. like, they are home and alive so lets party for a while.
I would have thought that anyone who had experienced what this song is about would certainly not want to listen to it. The kind of stuff that brings you down wheras they need to be lifted up.....going in the wrong direction.
Musically I really don't like this stuff at all.....all a bit of a yawn for me.
the lead at 5:13 is pretty awesome!
otherwise, not really a fan of this - cutting in interviews... just too "we're a socially conscious band" for me. they make their point, sure, but it comes off a bit like van halen's work on Twister to me -- background to something else. or, put another way, the music isn't as powerful as the message so it comes off poorly placed right next to it. maybe it would stand on it's own... but this video/mix didn't let that happen.
thanks for posting though! reminds me to go listen to DT... never really have.
here's what I mean... Scott Walker's Bish Bosch - one of the tracks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ih7KzKLLWA
THAT is the soundtrack of psychosis, imo. freaks me the eff out. like peering into the mind of a seriously disturbed dude. strangely compelling, even though I wish it weren't.
but taking a heavy rock song, pasting in some interviews and adding some obvious lyrics... weaksauce. not evocative to me. just too obvious, doesn't have much power.
if they want me to get their point, they shouldn't beat me over the head with it... but write music that evokes what they want me to feel.
I have a feeling this video was the record companies idea.
The funny thing is, this is my least favorite song on the disc, although i like it. The rest of the disc is spectacular. Their best in many years IMO. Perfect blend of melody, emotion, technicality and restraint when its called for. Lots of layers and complimentary parts rather than everyone playing the same thing - why they went away from this to begin with I'll never understand, but I'm glad this approach is back.
I always think it's stupid when a well established band with lots of albums puts out a self-titled album...
<post removed. opinion not welcome>
DreamTheaterRules — Oct 02, 2013The music is incredible. The message of the song is powerful. It can't all be "sweet home alabama" you know. This song is about something that is very real, and is supporting those involved.
Haha! I think "Sweet Home Alabama" is
super depressing totally great. That song just makes me
cringe want to dance, and celebrate the anniversary of the Watergate break-in every year.
Ok, note to self. Don't post any more Dream Theater tunes here, and change your screen name. :)
I counted at least 7 friends or family, and 10 more people I know, who suffer some degree of PTSD. I guess the message of this song hit me differently than the rest of you.
As for the music.... to each his own, but "boring" and 20 year old Slayer? To quote ESPN, "come on, man!"
Yep, I learned that a while ago Howie...
charger — Oct 03, 2013The interviews are so blech... it reminds me of something like "Right Now" by Van Halen. "Here, this is emotional, see?" No, it's a fucking song, and you're a musician, and get over yourselves, you're not Bono.
And no, it doesn't mean we don't care about the troops if we find this video crappy and manipulative. It means the video is crappy and manipulative.
Of course, I didn't really like Dream Theater before... something about those damn synths, and I can't take the singer, and John Petrucci is just not my ball of anything. But I was wondering at about the one minute mark, when they do that tight low E monotone riff (or maybe it's detuned, I'm not gonna try to figure it out)... and I was thinking... when did Dream Theater become Slayer or Sepultura? That's the kind of riffing they were doing... in 1990...
My GOD!!! How dare they tread on Bono's sacred ground???? THE BASTARDS!!!! He should sue them for this...
::)
alright.
so say you're me, and you watch a video... you think, damn, that solo toward the end is awesome but otherwise, it's not doing much for me. the singer is kinda meh and the interviews aren't musical... the topic of the song (and the non-musical interviews) is more powerful than the actual song to me. I wish this evoked emotion in me the way those Scott Walker tunes I listened to did... that would be an amazing listening experience since this is a really powerful issue.
what would you post?
PS: honest question.
PPS: keep in mind that I was unaware that DTR has family and friends with PTSD, not that it should make much difference to my opinion about the music... but I couldn't be deferential to your life experience without knowing about it.
Sheep, my reaction was more towards charger's post. Yours was respectful and didn't shit on something that touched others, even if it didn't touch you.
I just don't want to miss out on music posts because people think we don't want to hear X,Y or Z. I may not like X,Y or Z but that doesn't mean that I don't like having the opportunity to listen to X, Y or Z to form that opinion! quite the contrary. :)
yeah, I'm not really sure what to think of those comments either. The inspiration for the song is listed in the video. This is not an "upbeat" subject. I applaud them writing a song about it. And regardless of whether you like the video or not, their intent seems to be solid. I sent this to a couple of my friends, one of whom is the father of a soldier that is completely disabled by PTSD. He loves Dream Theater ( he is a guitar player and went to see them with me on Gigantour a few years ago) and he said that he appreciated that they did this to raise awareness. He also said that his son listens to them as well and that while he will probably like the song, he hopes he doesn't watch the video.
Dream Theater has a very large fan base, for what they are. In the grand scheme of things. 1/100th of the people who saw the latest Miley Ray Virus video will ever even see this, so I'm not sure I buy that it's a cheap commercial play either. I still think the song is great, regardless of whether or not people like the video. Like I said, since I have friends dealing with this and have heard some of what it does to them, I guess it just hit me differently than it did most of you guys.
And, I like Slayer. But "come on, man!" ;D
I guess charger doesn't realize DT was around in 1990 as well...
Ok, even though the majority here doesn't care, I'll throw this out there for some who might (sheep).
This song is not at all representative of the rest of the album. I'm not cracking on the song at all, I really like it, but it is very much a "one of these things is not like the other" as far as the latest album goes. Although I will add the song is not out of character for DT either. They cover a lot of ground for what they do.
You can check out the whole thing here -> http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/dream-theater-channel-prog-metal-in-dream-theater-premiere-20130916. The stream is very crappy, the album sounds much better. HDtracks even better for dynamic range.
As far as the songs go, 1,2 and 4 are my least favorite, but I do like them and don't skip them when listening. the rest are just amazing, but can take a while to get your head around.
Open minded opinions welcomed. :)
There is a reason the disc is self titled, but it's only apparent to those that have followed the band for a LONG time and understand all that they've gone thru with their original drummer. They have not come right out and said it, but its glaringly obvious, and I am thrilled that they feel this album is what they are now.
BTW, if you listen to the whole thing, check out the crazy ass stuff the drummer does with his "mirrored" kit. :)
I'm iPad-tethered for awhile... but will definitely listen later tonight!
I think Howie now has Posting Traumatic Stress Disorder. :D
One of my favorites about Bono was when he was in the middle of a concert in Ireland and he stopped all the music then waited for the crowd to get quiet. He then started slowly clapping his hands and stated "Every time I clap my hands, a child dies in Africa." After a short pause a voice yelled from the crowd "Then stop fooking doing it!!!" ;D
Actually, theme-wise the song fits the album, as the album deals with getting thru life's harder stuff. its just the most straightforward song on the album musically. Some of the songs were inspired by events like the Boston Marathon bombings and the Cleveland kidnappings.
I'm sure I'll eventually get it - heck, I've got all the others! :)
And I repeat:
DT is the greatest, most original band ever. And their videos are so amazingly heartfelt and touching. I want to give them money. I want to join their social cause, and give them money. And hugs.
Glad to see I'm
freedom of opinion is still allowed to LOVE Dream Theater on the internet!
Best band ever! xxooxxoo!
who said you had to like it?
That said, I'm sorry for what your family has been thru.
I like to watch what they do. I don't like to hear them. ;D
k, listened to the album... typed out stream of consciousness thoughts as the songs went along. overall, I'd sum up with this: there are about 5 - 10 minutes in there that blew me away. thanks for the link, time well spent!
1) video game trailer music? better. errr, epic carnival? hrm.
2) intro is righteous w/o interviews, wow. chug
I was going to post a link to the whole thing tonight. Since paul beat me to it, here is my simple request.
Listen to track 4 Enigma Machine. At about 5:15, back up to 4:50 or so. Listen to that section 3-4 times. If you don't think that is one of the sickest drum parts you have ever heard, then I will know better than to share my musical opinions here any more because that will prove that we are from different planets! ;D ;D
Sheep, I would almost have to re-read your post while listening in order to follow your thoughts. :) Lets just say this. I don't love the vocalist. Let me tell you another secret. Rush is an all time favorite band of mine. Never loved theirs either! Its all about the music with me.
Paul, really surprised to hear your least fav songs. Enigma Machine might be my favorite.... Not sure yet though. With DT it changes and I only have about 2 1/2 times through the CD. I find some of their songs blow me away immediately and others grow on me and the order of favs might change.
P.s and now I. Am trying to go hear my solo...
[quote author=ironsheep link=1380648372/25#27 date=1380853584] petrucci should do a wankfest rock/jazz/prog fusion solo project
I'll have to go back and listen to Enigma Machine for drums, I couldn't hear them... was totally focused on guitar.
watching Liquid Tension live stuff on youtube... liking this!
re: Enigma Machine drum part... yeah, that's cool... but drums are a lot like vocals for me. they can be completely missing and I'd be ok, heh. (ie, I'm not qualified to comment on how impressive drums are... they don't impress me like, ever... just because I'm completely ignorant as to how hard it is to do whatever they do)
Oh, and I wanted to add. I listened JUST to the song I posted on the way to work this morning. Twice. LOUD. I think it is a killer song! Listen to it loud (not on PC speakers in your office like I did for a week before it came out). I think I scared some old people that were stopped next to me in town. LOL
nah, not keys. I can be a fan... but usually prefer my keys in Chopin or Mozart format.
or, Rubinstein playing anything on the piano... or Jan Johansson. I like deep purple hammond and also rhodes music.
I don't dig key solos on things that sound synthy. not sure why, just don't.
I like listening to instruments with pitch ranges... drums/percussion just doesn't get my interest. I definitely appreciate them in songs, no doubt... just have never listened to anything for their sake. (ie, I'd listen to a solo guitar/piano/oboe/vocal/flute/whatever song for 15 minutes... I couldn't listen to drums solo for 15 minutes)
and with vocals... sometimes, I totally love vocals. normally, I wish they weren't there. it's rare, but there are some I find awesome... louis armstrong, bobbie watson, sade... drawing a blank... but there are more.
DreamTheaterRules — Oct 04, 2013Oh, and I wanted to add. I listened JUST to the song I posted on the way to work this morning. Twice. LOUD. I think it is a killer song! Listen to it loud (not on PC speakers in your office like I did for a week before it came out). I think I scared some old people that were stopped next to me in town. LOL
They probably thought you were a little off because you had loud noises coming from your car that irritated them. They could have thought your engine was about to blow up. ;D ;D
hey watch it man. YOU are the one who enjoys looking at them but not listening to them. Sounds sort of... uh.,. well it's not PC to say it anymore.... LMAO
charger — Oct 03, 2013And I repeat:
DT is the greatest, most original band ever. And their videos are so amazingly heartfelt and touching. I want to give them money. I want to join their social cause, and give them money. And hugs.
Glad to see I'm
freedom of opinion is still allowed to LOVE Dream Theater on the internet!
Best band ever! xxooxxoo!
Howie! We have a new convert!
Everyone who listens will be a convert. Dream Theater does, after all, RULE! ;D ;D
A convert in one way or the other.... even ones like Hook who only like them for their looks! (I'm a bit creeped out just saying this. Roy, I read your post about marriage in Trippers thread, but I think it's time you find you a WOMAN, bro! :D
Sheep, where was my solo? I submitted several for their consideration but I don't HEAR any of them in there. :)
dunno man, it sounded like all your other solos to me! :D
Sheep, that was an awesome play by play
There is a DT wannabe/clone band called Ice Age. Their singer actually DOES sound like Dennis Deyoung. It is godawfull.... :)
Howie, regarding my favorite/least favorite songs, I've thought about it a bit. This album is very different from what they had been putting out leading up to Mike Portnoy's departure, in that there is a lot less unison playing in favor of more layering and complimentary parts. I love a good unison romp, but I much prefer when everybody is doing their own thing and it blends together into this massively organic/moody/emotional whole. DT's earlier albums were built this way, lots of evolving parts and atmosphere and thought involved, rather than everybody just playing the same line or a harmony of the same line. Mike Portnoy was steering them more towards this unison thing, as well as the "this is our metal song, this is our ballad, this is our anthem" which to me is the wrong thing for them; they are awesome when they are mixing things up within songs, rather than separating things into pre-sorted bins. And don't get me started on MP's bland as hell vocal direction...
So long story short, while I really like The Enemy Inside and Enigma Machine, and crank up the volume when they are on, I am really drawn to the songs that have all the other stuff I talked about going on.
ironsheep — Oct 04, 2013dunno man, it sounded like all your other solos to me! :D
Oh, THAT one! ;D ;D
right, the one while the band was hunting wabbits. :)
DreamTheaterRules — Oct 04, 2013Everyone who listens will be a convert. Dream Theater does, after all, RULE! ;D ;D
A convert in one way or the other.... even ones like Hook who only like them for their looks! (I'm a bit creeped out just saying this. Roy, I read your post about marriage in Trippers thread, but I think it's time you find you a WOMAN, bro! :D
Sheep, where was my solo? I submitted several for their consideration but I don't HEAR any of them in there. :)
Watch it now. I've taken a extended vacation from women because I discovered how stress free, and drama free, life is without them. Plus, after 14 years with a bitch mother-in-law and a whore for a wife, I deserve it. That being said......
At some point, ole Hook will return to the battlefield. All the guys.... and their wives..... in my hood keep telling me I have it made. And I do, and I know I do. And it's funny when we're hanging out in the garage having a few beer tossing a dart or 2 and one of the wives come over bitching a dude out cause he's not home helping her clean the house or some shit like that. ;D ;D Then he hangs his head in shame and follows her home. And, of course, I'm rolling around on the garage floor laughing my ass off trying not to spill my beer. ;D
Ole Hook ain't switching to lefty, my brother!! ;D
Hook, not to hijack the thread too much, but there's something else you are "free" of without women, and it's not something I'm prepared to give up. LMAO!!!!
Paul, I get that. Know exactly what you mean. Although, there were some pretty incredible things done with the unison/harmony stuff. Several blinding speed riffs with all three J's playing along note for note at 278 MPH then at the end Jordan would go to a harmony of Johns part. Some pretty incredible stuff. I can't tell you how much anticipation there was to see them play some of it live. And to see them actually pull it off was stunning. But yeah, I like both and am glad they have done some both ways.
Sheep, my solos come from within. And it's pretty empty in there! :)
Wrote a little song about it. Like to hear it? Here it goes...
Yeah, not so much that i don't like the unison stuff, just that it was happening too often it was becoming predictable. I'm glad to have some texture back.
Still need to know what planet you guys are from. So far only Sheep has stepped up and admitted that he was from somewhere else. ;D ;D Come on, how about that little drum part? For me, it's one of those that after you year it you are shaking your head going "what? did I just hear that?" The way he manipulates the tempo and just RIPS IT UP... Incredible. I wonder what people who initially didn't like him are thinking now?
DreamTheaterRules — Oct 04, 2013Still need to know what planet you guys are from. So far only Sheep has stepped up and admitted that he was from somewhere else. ;D ;D Come on how about that little drum part? For me, it's one of those that after you year it you are shaking your head going "what? did I just hear that?" The way he manipulates the tempo and just RIPS IT UP... Incredible. I wonder what people who initially didn't like him are thinking now?
Sorry, I guess we forgot our manners.
Welcome to Earth Howie. ;)
Craig, I share and share and share with this community and all I ask for is a little bit of confirmation of acceptance, and what do I get? Sarcasm and "welcome to earth" comments. Now get your ass to the song and listen to that and let me know that you are with me, or pick up a weapon and stand opposed!
;D ;D ;D