LaBrie-Hater Club

[MasterCylinder]

I think I agree with Autumn -- the time has run out for the LaBrie-Hater Club members.

Ever since SCENES FROM A MEMORY (and yes, that does include 6DOIT), DT has got the formula -- it is a sense of maturity that is reflected by reviewing all of the discs since day one.

The releases before SCENES all reflect a song or two of immature sonic samples from all of the players involved........the music is always technically excellent.......but, I think DT is now past the day that everything they do involves the "watch this" approach.

They can now say "watch this" without sticking it in our faces.......today's DT has survived a smoothing process........especially regarding LaBrie.

BTW........have you all noticed that OCTAVARIUM has a smattering of riffs, lyric lines and musical phrases ripped from previous compositions but utilized in different ways ?

[BinFrog]

Sorry, but LaBrie is the only thing holding them back from being a great band in my opinion. The music rocks, the musicians are top notch, but he is such a cheesepuff. I saw them a couple of years ago when they toured w/ Satriani (who I went to see). I went w/ my buddy who actually runs DT's mailing list. Satriani was incredible as usual. Even better from the 3rd row .

DT came out and played (I think) a medley of instrumentals which were on fire. Then James came out with his leather pants and flowing hair and silk shirt and started to sing. Maybe it was the 80's glam metal voice, or the fan blowing on him causing his shirt and hair to flow in the breeze, or his "I can't quite pull off Rob Halford's stage presence but I'll try like hell" demeanor, but I just cringed every time I looked at him. I was looking at everyone else thinking "Move on!!!!"

Again, that's just my opinion.

[kexodusc]

Sorry, but LaBrie is the only thing holding them back from being a great band in my opinion. The music rocks, the musicians are top notch, but he is such a cheesepuff. I saw them a couple of years ago when they toured w/ Satriani (who I went to see). I went w/ my buddy who actually runs DT's mailing list. Satriani was incredible as usual. Even better from the 3rd row .

DT came out and played (I think) a medley of instrumentals which were on fire. Then James came out with his leather pants and flowing hair and silk shirt and started to sing. Maybe it was the 80's glam metal voice, or the fan blowing on his causing his shirt and hair to flow in the breeze, or his "I can't quite pull off Rob Halford's stage presence but I'll try like hell" demeanor, but I just cringed every time I looked at him. I was looking at everyone else thinking "Move on!!!!"

Again, that's just my opinion.

Here we go again...

I disagree, I've seen these guys live 4 times now, and LaBrie continues to improve. IMO he is the icing on the cake that separtes DT from the typical boring growly metal crap and standard, over-done, flasetto whispery euro-prog singers, and is a big reason why they have millions of fanatics world-wide. I always get a kick when people post that DT should dump LaBrie and get a singer who sounds like this guy or that guy or every other act out there.


If you don't like DT or LaBrie, that's fine, but substituting anybody else in there wouldn't be an improvement at all.

Just my opinion.

[MasterCylinder]

I can agree, to an extent, with frog's assessment.........especially the "80s metal glam" description.

All five of the members were that way in the early days because that is the context in which they were learning their trade.

I believe the arrival of Rudess has caused them to mature to a new level.......Petrucci and Myung are now at that level. Portnoy and LaBrie still reflect the occassional immaturities......and to your point, they reflect this perhaps more in stage presence than in the studio work.

My point is, go listen to OCTAVARIUM and an earlier release such as AWAKE or A CHANGE OF SEASONS and I think the maturity evolution is remarkably positive.

[Dusty Chalk]

The last time I saw them live (SFOAM tour), LaBrie had, indeed, improved. Prior to that, I was a card-carrying member of the LBHC; he couldn't even hold a note. But I've since turned in my credentials. I think his singing and lyrics are good for the band. I mean, what would you like him to do? Warble like Christina Aguilera? NO THANK YOU! Do that experimental key changes thing like Toyah? I mean, that worked in Sunday All Over The World, but I don't think it would work in DT. I think the "hair metal" "crooning" type of singing is a perfect complement to the rest of their music.

I don't go to their concerts any more because it gets too crowded. I've seen what I need to see.

[Stone]

I hate LaBrie.

I have no idea who/what he/she/it is, but I hate LaBrie anyway.

[kingcrim05]

Octavarium is his best work by far. If you're still a member of the club after hearing their latest, there's something wrong in your head.

[Dave_G]

Well,

they are opening for Megadeth here in Atlanta for crying out loud.

Guess they're a full blown metal band now, huh.

Sad.

Dave

[3-LockBox]

I have the Budakahn DVD, and was very pleased with his performance on it