New Release from Dream Theater

[MasterCylinder]

Been listening to this for a couple of days now. More rock & roll virtuosity, as we expected. This disc has a bit more edge at times; in addition, the production (IMO) feels very digital -- it could use some warmth.

I won't provide much detail because I don't want to spoil your first listen, but the version I bought is 3 discs :

1) Black Clouds & Silver Linings

2) A CD of 6 cover songs

3) Instrumental version of Black Clouds & Silver Linings

This release has a very personal composition from Portnoy called THE BEST OF TIMES.
It is a tribute to his Father, who died early this year; perhaps why I got this in the mail the day before Father's Day. This CD has 6 new songs, 4 of which run between 12 and 20 minutes

Disc # 2 is an interesting selection of covers; I was thrilled at the choice on 2 of these........really well-done.

Disc # 3 -- have not quite yet figured out why this is included......................time to kill in the studio ?

From what I've heard so far, this is a recommended purchase............but I confess I would say that about any CD from Dream Theater.

[N. Abstentia]

I've got everything else by DT, so I went ahead and ordered this one too. I've only heard the one song and to be honest it's just so-so. DT needs to change something up. Portnoy's drumming is very predicable and I think I'm getting tired of James's voice. If it wasn't for the covers disc, I may not have bought this one. I love the covers that they do, and I think that's because..like you eluded to...they don't sound digital.

[ForeverAutumn]

I've got everything else by DT, so I went ahead and ordered this one too. I've only heard the one song and to be honest it's just so-so.

I agree with your assessment of the one song that I heard too (I don't know if we've heard the same song). But to be fair, I listened on my crappy little macbook speakers. It'll probably sound a lot better on the good speaks.

I also ordered the 3-disk set and I'm looking forward to its arrival later this week.

[kexodusc]

This one's a bit darker, heavier, and definitely more metal leaning than some of their other stuff. Reminds me a bit more of Train of Thought. Some of the keyboard work is just incredible - finding that sweet spot of melody and wankery and making it work in the context of a song - I don't think anyone does it better than Jordan Rudess today. Wicked awesome stuff.

As an album I like it a lot better than Systematic Chaos and Octavarium, though there were 1 or 2 pretty great songs on each of those. I suspect a lot of their fans will be put off a bit by it though. Maybe some others will like the heavier side more. And for that I dunno where it ranks in the 10 or so albums they have, but I really don't care. It rocks hard. It's not breaking new ground, but it's not breaking new ground just for the sake of breaking new ground either, which all too often backfires. To me they've fallen into the same trap as some of my other favs like Porcupine Tree and Marillion. They're not really pushing the envelope in terms of taking the music where it hasn't been before, but when it's good, more of the same is fine by me.

I think you guys will like it.

[ForeverAutumn]

This one's a bit darker, heavier, and definitely more metal leaning than some of their other stuff. Reminds me a bit more of Train of Thought.

Hmmm. Not a good thing IMO. ToT is one of my least favourite DT albums.

As an album I like it a lot better than Systematic Chaos and Octavarium

Again, not boding well. Octavarium is one of my favourites.

I think you guys will like it.

I guess I'll just have to wait and form my own opinion. Is it Thursday yet?

[kexodusc]

Hmmm. Not a good thing IMO. ToT is one of my least favourite DT albums.



Again, not boding well. Octavarium is one of my favourites.



I guess I'll just have to wait and form my own opinion. Is it Thursday yet?

Hmmm, well considering I love ToT and you aren't thrilled with it, it might be fair to say this one might not be tailor-made for FA as much as it is for Kex. But you have to admit it's kinda cool that we can dig the same band for completely different reasons. That's something DT has going for them more than most artists I can think of.

I think there's stronger songwriting on this one than ToT...and I'd say it's more proggy than Pantera-y by comparison, but it's definitely prog-metal not prog-rock. Let me know what you think.

[Mr Peabody]

I also like ToT, I'm thinking about trying this one.

Any one else have Scar Symmetry? I picked up Holographic Universe. Only had one quick listen, they sort of sound like a cross between DT and Opeth. A lot of good lead guitar, mix of clean and growling vocals. Some of you might like it.

[BarryL]

Been listening to this for a couple of days now. More rock & roll virtuosity, as we expected. .

Hmmm.On first listen, virtuosity of course, but more of the same. They should study the cover songs and learn a thing or two about song writing. Unfortunately, this album on the heels of their last four makes it another DT cliche. I suppose writing great songs is too easy for them. Fortunately, the cover disk helps the overall value proposition.

There comes a point in vice-gripped balls singing that singers have to find a new lower-key sytle. Geddy Lee seems to have made the transition. It's time for LaBrie to make his move. His singing on the Queen songs is horrible. He seems to be struggling more than ever at the operatic range.

Maybe the band ought to become an instrumental band, hence the justification for disk 3. Gives a reason for those who don't like LaBrie to participate in the band's artistic merits.

[MasterCylinder]

Hmmm.On first listen, virtuosity of course, but more of the same. They should study the cover songs and learn a thing or two about song writing. Unfortunately, this album on the heels of their last four makes it another DT cliche. I suppose writing great songs is too easy for them. Fortunately, the cover disk helps the overall value proposition.

There comes a point in vice-gripped balls singing that singers have to find a new lower-key sytle. Geddy Lee seems to have made the transition. It's time for LaBrie to make his move. His singing on the Queen songs is horrible. He seems to be struggling more than ever at the operatic range.

Maybe the band ought to become an instrumental band, hence the justification for disk 3. Gives a reason for those who don't like LaBrie to participate in the band's artistic merits.

The cover of Steve Morse's ODYSSEY is excellent.
Disc 3 is interesting but I wonder what the motive might be............somebody else in the band that had a bad night with LaBrie decides to take all the vocal tracks out and see what the band sounds like ?

[BarryL]

The cover of Steve Morse's ODYSSEY is excellent.
Disc 3 is interesting but I wonder what the motive might be............somebody else in the band that had a bad night with LaBrie decides to take all the vocal tracks out and see what the band sounds like ?

Agree. They also did a great job on Stargazer. The last re-re-re-re-re-release of ELPs Brain Salad had an instrumental version of Karn Evil 9 Ist Impression. It's a fun way to listen to have a new listen to an old ear-worn classic.

There are a lot of people, I suppose, like Troy, who probably love the metal music but dislike LaBrie's vocals. I'm sure the band knows it. I guess if he doesn't have a killer ego, then let the music shine without the vocals. But it does make you wonder whether there is personal disharmony between Petrucci and LaBrie. For example I don't think Jon Anderson would stand for such a move on a Yes album. Anyway, I think it's a good experimental marketing move. The instrumental mixes are likely the rough mixes or even the final ones, in other words, no extra effort was needed. So for a few pennies of plastic, they can reap in a couple of extra hundred thousand dollars.

Personally, I don't mind James' singing when he gets the notes, but I don't think he was having his best day in the studio on this album, even on the DT tracks. On the other hand, I was just listening to the Roswell Six CD with Norlander, Lane and LaBrie, and he sounds great. But the parts aren't written quite as high as he's trying to reach when he ups the octaves on Black Clouds.

BTW, the Roswell Six CD Terra Incognita should be enjoyed by anyone who likes DT. The song writing is better, IMO - more musical and melodical. It's just as heavy for the most part. And the playing is great, but not quite as frenzied as DTs technical thrashing.

[3LB]

Like I said on another meassage board: this is a band, not unlike The Flower Kings, that give me a strong sense of "been there, done that" after about three albums. I may still get around to getting it, but I did pass on the last one. I liked that LaBrie reeled in his vox for albums like Six Degrees, ToT and Octovarium, but maybe he wants to relive his youth - who knows.

[ForeverAutumn]

Spinning DT today, but picked it up at HMV for less than the amazon price. But amazon keeps pushing back the IQ delivery date, now to the first week in July. Maybe they'll get it sooner than they think.

I pre-ordered the DT disk from Amazon on June 3. I got an email from them today telling me that there is a delay and it won't be shipped until sometime between July 6 - July 20. I'll be cancelling the order and picking it up at HMV. Lucky for me I still have an HMV gift cert from Christmas. So I guess there is a Silver Lining.

[MasterCylinder]

Agree. They also did a great job on Stargazer.

Personally, I don't mind James' singing when he gets the notes, but I don't think he was having his best day in the studio on this album, even on the DT tracks. On the other hand, I was just listening to the Roswell Six CD with Norlander, Lane and LaBrie, and he sounds great.

Listening a bit more, I also like the work on the Zebra tune..........and LaBrie shows an amazing range on that song..........had a good day, I guess.

[MasterCylinder]

There are a lot of people, I suppose, like Troy, who probably love the metal music but dislike LaBrie's vocals. I'm sure the band knows it. I guess if he doesn't have a killer ego, then let the music shine without the vocals. But it does make you wonder whether there is personal disharmony between Petrucci and LaBrie. For example I don't think Jon Anderson would stand for such a move on a Yes album.

In a previous life, I was a roadie with a major sound & light company that did large touring shows.............in the Fall of 1973, I was on the road for months with the Carpenters.
Karen and Richard incorporated THE CARPENTERS and all the other band members were actually salaried employees of the corporation...........they were paid a weekly sum whether touring the road, working in the studio, or sitting at home playing with the children..........and every one of them loved the gig and this arrangement.
I say this only to make the point that there are all types of different arrangements out there for musicians.............since LaBrie came in after the first singer (at least partly) established Dream Theater, it could be that Portnoy and Petrucci are a corporation and the other guys are employees............if so, that might explain the control they seem to have over the music and product.

[BarryL]

That would make more sense than the discord. Frankly, LaBrie has a pretty good gig! But I do tend to think he does his best singing as a guest on other albums. Too much DT music on the last few albums are devoid of vocal melody. He shines with melody, and if you've been to a DT concert, that's also what the fans love.

[kexodusc]

I've had a few days with this now. This is a much stronger album than Systematic Chaos. For the first time in several DT albums I enjoy every song. A lot. Behind the metal is terrific songrwiting and some catchy melodies that you can tap your feet to - I've found myself humming or air drumming to them.

They've found a very good balance between turning the metal up and maintaining that great ability to tell a story and convey a dynamic range of emotions in the music. Jordan Rudess is something else.

Haven't spent much time with the 2 other discs - but like MasterCylinder I think it's Portnoy and Petrucci's gig and they like Labrie. I don't mind him here, long gone is the over the top opera stuff - go back and listen to Awake or Images and listen to the last 3 or 4 albums - if any criticism should fall it's that there's more Dave Mustaine than Sebastian Bach in the vocals. Not for everyone, but personally I'm glad they don't have a typical metal singer that would make them sound like every other metal band, or the typical whiny British Radiohead knock-off vocalist some other groups have. Vocals are always a problem in this genre to me. So I give it a pass more often than not.

[MasterCylinder]

Vocals are always a problem in this genre to me. So I give it a pass more often than not.

That is an excellent point, kex ! In addition to genre, can you imagine being the singer in a band with four musicians at this level ?
You will never measure up..............


Re: the corporate / employee relationship........................I also noticed that LaBrie has no writing credits on this CD..............so, if you don't like the melody, remember that it might not be his.

[teej]

I pre-ordered the DT disk from Amazon on June 3. I got an email from them today telling me that there is a delay and it won't be shipped until sometime between July 6 - July 20. )

Oh man....I just converted some WorldPoints miles to an Amazon gift card to order this album! I don't think I can wait a month for it to ship!

Regarding the discussion of the instrumental disc....I am pretty sure DT write the material as a foursome and bring in the vocals at the end. Having watched more hours of DT making-of video out there, that's how it seems to be done. The only exception to this I can think of is LaBrie coming up with some melody on Scenes when he walked passed Jordan as he was messing with some stuff on the keys...James started humming a tune which ended up as part of the song. So I think there is probably an instrumental version of most DT material out there in the Portnoy archives simply through their writing process.

I envy those that have heard all 3 discs already...I can't wait to get my hands on the instrumental one!

tj

[ForeverAutumn]

Oh man....I just converted some WorldPoints miles to an Amazon gift card to order this album! I don't think I can wait a month for it to ship! tj

My order was from Amazon.ca. I don't know what the status is at Amazon.com. You should check for yourself (assuming that you're ordering from dot com).

[Mr Peabody]

Amazon.com has the album in stock $14.99 for the 3 disc set.

[Mr Peabody]

Listened to Lamb of God, Ashes of the Wake tonight. Man, what a monster album.

[ForeverAutumn]

Amazon.com has the album in stock $14.99 for the 3 disc set.

Yeah, plus eight bucks to ship to canuckland.

I picked it up at Future Shop yesterday. I've only listened to the first track in the car on the drive home last night, but it was KILLER! If the rest of the album is that good then me will likey.

[Mr Peabody]

Does Amazon still give free shipping to Canada if buying over $25.00? If so, $8.00 is half the price of another disc. I never pay shipping when buying directly from Amazon, I may have to buy a couple off my list at a time but you know that breaks my heart

[ForeverAutumn]

Does Amazon still give free shipping to Canada if buying over $25.00? If so, $8.00 is half the price of another disc. I never pay shipping when buying directly from Amazon, I may have to buy a couple off my list at a time but you know that breaks my heart

dot com does not ship free to Canada and it appears that their shipping rates have recently increased. They've also started including duty if your shipment exceeds a certain amount (appears to be about $40) which they never used to do. It makes it very expensive to order from there. But I've recently discovered Laser's Edge which only charges the true shipping rate and often has better prices than Amazon anyhow. http://www.lasercd.com.

dot ca will ship for free, within Canada, if your total is $39 or more before tax.

[Mr Peabody]

No one willing to try or comment on Scar Semetry ? Good stuff not quite as artsy as Opeth, melodic lyrics with mixed clean and growling vocals, the music sticking to Metal, soring guitar and keys which give me a DT reference.