#1 · Jun 30, 2009 16:20 UTC
Thoughts on the new Dream Theater album???
#2 · Jun 30, 2009 16:30 UTC
Who? :D
#3 · Jun 30, 2009 16:33 UTC
The good stuff:
1) John rediscovering his acoustic + 12 string
2) return of the Rush influence
3) really great sounding mix
4) some really amazing music
5) they seem to have broken out of some tendencies they were stuck in
6) some goosebump moments that they haven't had in a while (ie. parts that really move me emotionally)
The bad/ugly:
1) Mike's cookie/rap whatever you want to call them vocals
2) the lyrics
I really like it a lot so far, now to see if it stands the test of time. I remember liking SC a lot when it first came out, but over time only the 2 part epic really stands out. SO far musically the only part I don't like is the melody in the first couple choruses of The Best of Times, really cheezy. The saving grace on that one is after the song changes, the chorus melody is much stronger, and John's fade out solo is unreal... Speaking of John, his playing is unreal throughout the disc, really one of his best efforts ever I think.
1) John rediscovering his acoustic + 12 string
2) return of the Rush influence
3) really great sounding mix
4) some really amazing music
5) they seem to have broken out of some tendencies they were stuck in
6) some goosebump moments that they haven't had in a while (ie. parts that really move me emotionally)
The bad/ugly:
1) Mike's cookie/rap whatever you want to call them vocals
2) the lyrics
I really like it a lot so far, now to see if it stands the test of time. I remember liking SC a lot when it first came out, but over time only the 2 part epic really stands out. SO far musically the only part I don't like is the melody in the first couple choruses of The Best of Times, really cheezy. The saving grace on that one is after the song changes, the chorus melody is much stronger, and John's fade out solo is unreal... Speaking of John, his playing is unreal throughout the disc, really one of his best efforts ever I think.
#4 · Jul 03, 2009 17:50 UTC
so far, I agree with you almost across the board. About the Best of Times, agree. And, is it me, or is this disc a bit Jordon light compared to the others?
What aren't you liking in the lyrics? First of all, they've always been secondary too me and second I haven't heard it enough to have the lyrics down yet.
What aren't you liking in the lyrics? First of all, they've always been secondary too me and second I haven't heard it enough to have the lyrics down yet.
#5 · Jul 03, 2009 18:33 UTC
Cookie/rap vocals? Ugh... That would completely ruin it for me. Bummer! 
#6 · Jul 04, 2009 11:50 UTC
+1 on the acoustic. I saw on the liner notes him thanking Taylor guitars. Ahhhhhh....finally not having to listen to those damn piezos.
If Portnoy is going to do cookie, he just needs to friggin' do it. Cookie rap isn't good. If you really want cookie vocals, hire the guy from Opeth or Devin Townsend and it will be done right. Personally, I generally think he needs to shut up and play his drums (don't care much for his vocals).
Nightmare to Remember- Very strong opener. I approve.
Rite of Passage- The chorus is a very jarring contrast to what's being set up (musically and lyrically) in the other parts of the song. I can actually do without the chorus of this song. Musically and lyrically doesn't make sense with the rest of the song and seems a little cheezy and commercial compared to the rest of the song.
Wither- Wasn't sure about this one at first, but it grew on me (I'm not usually into DT ballads).
Shattered Fortress- Nice culmination to the Mike Portnoy 10-step series. Wraps the series of songs up pretty well.
The Best of Times- Nice acoustic work. Again, DT ballads give me the willies and this one excels at that. The violin solo is a tad maudlin for my tastes.
Listening to Count of Tuscany now. Now that's what I'm talking about. Little tips of the hat to La Villa Strangiato and Xanadu era Rush. Nice
Here's a question; how many of you who bought the special edition have listened to disc 2 with the cover songs? I love the cover of Stargazer by Rainbow.
If Portnoy is going to do cookie, he just needs to friggin' do it. Cookie rap isn't good. If you really want cookie vocals, hire the guy from Opeth or Devin Townsend and it will be done right. Personally, I generally think he needs to shut up and play his drums (don't care much for his vocals).
Nightmare to Remember- Very strong opener. I approve.
Rite of Passage- The chorus is a very jarring contrast to what's being set up (musically and lyrically) in the other parts of the song. I can actually do without the chorus of this song. Musically and lyrically doesn't make sense with the rest of the song and seems a little cheezy and commercial compared to the rest of the song.
Wither- Wasn't sure about this one at first, but it grew on me (I'm not usually into DT ballads).
Shattered Fortress- Nice culmination to the Mike Portnoy 10-step series. Wraps the series of songs up pretty well.
The Best of Times- Nice acoustic work. Again, DT ballads give me the willies and this one excels at that. The violin solo is a tad maudlin for my tastes.
Listening to Count of Tuscany now. Now that's what I'm talking about. Little tips of the hat to La Villa Strangiato and Xanadu era Rush. Nice
Here's a question; how many of you who bought the special edition have listened to disc 2 with the cover songs? I love the cover of Stargazer by Rainbow.
#7 · Jul 05, 2009 05:19 UTC
I got the special edition. The second CD is... Interesting...
#8 · Jul 05, 2009 06:21 UTC
#9 · Jul 05, 2009 14:58 UTC
Gee Aaron, I didn't know you felt that way...HAHAHA!! :D :D
#10 · Jul 05, 2009 14:59 UTC
Nice one Craig. Charger needs to put that in Bert Cave Logo rotation!!
#11 · Jul 07, 2009 04:03 UTC
Dearthian: — Jul 05, 2009Gee Aaron, I didn't know you felt that way...HAHAHA!! :D :D
Aaron who? I don't see any Aaron... ;D
#12 · Jul 07, 2009 23:23 UTC
Guess he didn't like them that much. HAHA. Come on Aaron, I was just messin' with ya!! :D
#13 · Jul 08, 2009 04:01 UTC
ok, here's something funny for those of you who do like them.
I listened to the second disc twice. But, both times my wife was in the car and I couldn't crank and dissect. Also, I DO NOT look at liner notes, lyrics or otherwise until after I"m familiar with the music. So this should be amusing... my first impression was.... "no wonder they didn't put these songs on albums, they don't sound like Dream Theater!" LMAO My second reaction was "that sounds familiar... hmmm" Then, "that sounds like Queen or something with the arrangement, vocals, keys, etc..." "They've gone real fusion on me!" (The King Crimson tune).
Now, again below conversation levels both times. So the other day, I cranked it up. Impressions...."Hey, this is a Deep Purple song!" "Man, they are nailing a Queen thing with their own signature intact". "Petrucci is trying to do some Steve Morse licks on that song and it sounds like some Dregs stuff." ETC... LMAO..... THEN I read the liner notes. Then I listened again and was REALLY impressed to some stuff that at background levels I wrote off as uninteresting B sides.
Let this be a lesson to you all. Listen loud and clear before you form opinions! ;D
I listened to the second disc twice. But, both times my wife was in the car and I couldn't crank and dissect. Also, I DO NOT look at liner notes, lyrics or otherwise until after I"m familiar with the music. So this should be amusing... my first impression was.... "no wonder they didn't put these songs on albums, they don't sound like Dream Theater!" LMAO My second reaction was "that sounds familiar... hmmm" Then, "that sounds like Queen or something with the arrangement, vocals, keys, etc..." "They've gone real fusion on me!" (The King Crimson tune).
Now, again below conversation levels both times. So the other day, I cranked it up. Impressions...."Hey, this is a Deep Purple song!" "Man, they are nailing a Queen thing with their own signature intact". "Petrucci is trying to do some Steve Morse licks on that song and it sounds like some Dregs stuff." ETC... LMAO..... THEN I read the liner notes. Then I listened again and was REALLY impressed to some stuff that at background levels I wrote off as uninteresting B sides.
Let this be a lesson to you all. Listen loud and clear before you form opinions! ;D
#14 · Jul 08, 2009 05:36 UTC
You were one of those "short bus" kids weren't you? ;)
#15 · Jul 08, 2009 15:45 UTC
well yes, but how does that apply to this conversation? :)
#16 · Aug 12, 2009 14:48 UTC
my thoughts run right along with Paul's, some really cool moments but the fuckin horrid lyrics, and mike and james vocals, make the disc pretty unlistenable for me, thankfully I have disc three to enjoy the magic of the songs without their interference, although I do also lose out on the solos, as it iis only the backing arrangements in the instrumental mixes. Guess I should have busted out for the box set, so I could make my own mixes minus the lyrics and vocals...
#17 · Aug 13, 2009 21:49 UTC
I can quite honestly say that I have never heard any Dreamthearter music at all...ever. Maybe I need to torrent some to see what all the fuss is about.
#18 · Aug 14, 2009 02:00 UTC
If I heard them on the radio or something, I'd probably change the channel.....until I saw them on T.V., in action. Those guys, all of them, can seriously play their instruments. I've never been so impressed with by any band, and I don't care for their music. Watching the energy of the bass guitarist, lead guitar player, drummer....damn, I'd love to see them live from the front row.
#19 · Aug 14, 2009 03:36 UTC
Richard, now that I've had plenty of time, I'm agreeing with what Paul told me too. Which is, that other than the lyrics (which neither of us pay a lot of attention too) and aside from a song or two that are less than awesome, this is some of their best stuff ever. Musically, much of it is just amazing.
Hook, the most impressive thing is, even as complex as their music is, they not only manage to pull it off live, they seem to thrive on it with more cool twists than you can keep track of. And, they are super tight even when two, three or four of them are playing in unison at machine gun speed. Very impressive live band!!!
Hook, the most impressive thing is, even as complex as their music is, they not only manage to pull it off live, they seem to thrive on it with more cool twists than you can keep track of. And, they are super tight even when two, three or four of them are playing in unison at machine gun speed. Very impressive live band!!!
#20 · Aug 14, 2009 21:14 UTC
I agree. Spot on!!
#21 · Oct 08, 2009 11:32 UTC
Wither really grew on me. Tuscany is probably my favorite. I thought Wither was a cover originally. I did not have liner notes since i picked it up from itunes.
#22 · Oct 08, 2009 14:58 UTC
yeah, dunno whether its because we are tracking vocals right now for the new album or I am paying more attention to vocals now, but I honestly can't listen to the vocals disc... Still thinking about getting the box set so I can remix the tunes without the vocals but with the solos, I the crap they created for Lyrics, aside from "Shattered Fortress" that is. The count, and nightmare are so fucking horrid lyrically, I wonder if John let his 5 yr old write them, wait thats dissing the 5 tr old too much... a toddler could probably compose better lyrics....
However musically it is the best DT in a long time...
Honestly feel its time to let go of James, staple Mike's and John's mouths closed, and just do instrumental discs.
just my opinion
However musically it is the best DT in a long time...
Honestly feel its time to let go of James, staple Mike's and John's mouths closed, and just do instrumental discs.
just my opinion
#23 · Oct 08, 2009 15:46 UTC
What are you listening too these days Richard?
#24 · Oct 08, 2009 21:09 UTC
mainly whatever is playing on http://www.progpalaceradio.com
which plays all of the prog/power metal you can shake a stick at... Greg is always introducing new bands...
or things my students throw my way, which is usually metalcore, death metal or power metal...
dug a new band that debuted their album on PPR couple weeks ago, ForeversEnd, good stuff excellent guitarists. Aeon Zen was also pretty good, more prog rockish but quite good.
the new Shadows Galley sounds amazing have only heard a couple tracks...
The live Pagan's Mind that is coming out sounds pretty good as well...
Honestly lately have been spending most of my time lsitening to mixing of our next album as i try to get it finished before the years end.
which plays all of the prog/power metal you can shake a stick at... Greg is always introducing new bands...
or things my students throw my way, which is usually metalcore, death metal or power metal...
dug a new band that debuted their album on PPR couple weeks ago, ForeversEnd, good stuff excellent guitarists. Aeon Zen was also pretty good, more prog rockish but quite good.
the new Shadows Galley sounds amazing have only heard a couple tracks...
The live Pagan's Mind that is coming out sounds pretty good as well...
Honestly lately have been spending most of my time lsitening to mixing of our next album as i try to get it finished before the years end.