Official DT Top 50 Thread (Riceball Up Now - starting Page 66)

[glaurung]

I might even put UaGM higher too.

[Perpetual Change]

Blind Faith would probably be in my top 10.

[hefdaddy42]

Blind Faith would probably be in my top 10.

It would definitely be in that neighborhood for me, as well.

[Pirate]

30. 6:00 - Awake
I mainly like 6:00 for the drums. That beat is one of Mike's grooviest and most original. Among his top five performances, without a doubt. Of course, I like the song for other reasons as well. Again, in his prime, James is top-notch. Myrrh's keys are fantastic as well, even though sometimes the samples get obnoxious. An awesome song and one of my favourites from Awake, as well as a spectacular performance by Mike.

29. Surrounded - Images And Words
Another from my favourite album. Surrounded has recently begun to see the appreciation it deserves I think, in my time I've seen at least two different threads about it (I'm pretty sure). Initially I thought it was amazing and wholly underrated. A beast melody, some creative (while still nice and poppy) songwriting, more beautiful vocals and keys make Surrounded a DT classic for sure.

28. Wait For Sleep - Images And Words
The first of two ^solo Myrrh songs (IMO) on my list, Wait For Sleep is also a more subtle masterpiece. It's not a 20 minute-long epic and it doesn't need to be. This is "short and sweet" at it's best, I'd say. Kevin Moore lays down a great piano piece that is fairly simple (as simple as 5/8-1/8-4/8 goes) that is an amazing intro to LtL that sees an epic reprise in the song itself. Kudos, Kev (you too, James)!

27. The Killing Hand - When Dream And Day Unite
This song is the last on my list from WDADU. Since we are talking about studio-only, I won't mention the various versions of Another Hand/ The Killing Hand (even though they would probably put this in the top ten). The Killing Hand features Charlie's best work in DT, in my opinion (I am the killing... haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand). The song is an example of DT's early songwriting prowess, a definite influence on their later work. It's their most mature on WDADU, I think. It's also got possibly the most win moment ever, when Charlie sings "I laugh at what I've done" and JP does the zaniest laughing effect on his guitar. Just chillingly epic.

26. The Best Of Times - Black Clouds And Silver Linings
Besides being a touching, sweet, heartfelt song written for MP's dad, this song just plain goddamn rocks shit. The "Rush" intro-thing (not entirely sure what you would call it, maybe an interlude?), the uplifting verse and chorus, the saddening bridge, and JP's final-boss-epic guitar solo make The Best Of Times a new DT classic.

[AwakeFromOctavarium]

Great to see Surrounded and 6:00 so high!

[Silver Tears]

Surrounded is in a good place, not so sure about the others though 

[Mladen]

The "Rush" intro-thing (not entirely sure what you would call it, maybe an interlude?), the uplifting verse and chorus, the saddening bridge, and JP's final-boss-epic guitar solo make The Best Of Times a new DT classic.

[MetalManiac666]

Still good picks, for the most part.

[Dark Master Of Sin]

Four days - no update. Someone is falling behind.

[Dcrupi]

Glad to see Surrounded on here! Great song

[Pirate]

Four days - no update. Someone is falling behind.

Explanation: I'm in Ottawa watching baseball.

[hefdaddy42]

Four days - no update. Someone is falling behind.

Explanation: I'm in Ottawa watching baseball.

You are excused. 

[Pirate]

25. Caught In A Web - Awake
CIAW is another song that I don't think is praised too much. However, I happen to be quite fond of the song. I rather like when some compositions consist of a low, muted guitar riff with a spacey keyboard over it. DT tends to use this technique a few times, I'd say pretty effectively (although none will be as insanely awesome as Alien Hip-Hop by Planet X  ). Anyway, the song has a catchy chorus, a neat instrumental section and of course some great solos by the instrumentalists. AND COWBELL

24. Sacrificed Sons - Octavarium
This song is a great new DT song which showcases some really creative musical techniques by the band, while still being catchy and memorable. The soft, brooding beginning sets up the chorus hauntingly. After awhile of buildup, the bands' instrumental side kicks in again and some intriguing sections (Rush?) are played along with yet more great solos. JM gets a nod with a short bass break turns out to be pretty classy compared to what it's played into. Anyway, the song should speak for itself. It's great "new" DT with an instrumental break somewhat akin to other recent songs (I think somebody compared it to Endless Sacrifice) but not so fucking boring!

23. Scene Three, Part 2: Fatal Tragedy - Metropolis, Part 2: Scenes From A Memory
Okay, I know looking at the discussion shitstorm on Quad's list that I'm gonna take some flak for this one being below the others (whew! Drawn out sentence much?). In all honesty, I love this song. But - It's not the greatest thing ever. It's no the best song on Scenes, it's definitely not better than Part One. I still love the song, and for good reason! It transitions epically effectively as the vocals carry along the song through the verses and chorus, with the "There can be no peace of mind!" 80's thing going on. Then of course, the awesome heavy syncopation riff that eventually leads into the insane instrumental section with IMO some of Jordan and John's best trade-off work. And of course the unison. And of course JM's lyrics (even though I don't really like them).

22. Hell's Kitchen - Falling Into Infinity
Ah yes. That song that garners so much love and affection. I don't even think I can count the amount of appreciation threads for Hell's Kitchen. This is a song that deserves ALL of it's praise. Some of the most uplifting chord progressions from DT accompanied by somehow emotiona-shredding by Petrucci? Once in a livetime, I guess. I fail to see how this is considered just an intro to LitS by anyone, I mean come on!

21. Stream Of Consciousness - Train of Thought
Again, I know I will receive shit for placing this above HK, but what can I say. I like this song better! It manages to remain exciting for 11 minutes. The solos and instruments are continuously amazing. The slow-down in the middle of the song is pretty spicy. Oh, and one more thing. MP'S DRUMS. This is the pivotal performance by him, for me. This is why he is my second-favourite drummer currently and possibly favourite of all-time. I mean, the groove, the complexity, the minimalism, the simplicity, the energy, the power, the emotion, the WTF moments, the speed - holy shit!

[KevShmev]

I definitely wouldn't put SoC ahead of HK, but it is still pretty darn good.  Good to see someone put CiaW so high.

[Mladen]

Great to see Caught in a web. 

[AcidLameLTE]

Great to see Caught in a web. 

[Silver Tears]

Great to see Caught in a web. 

[Pirate]

Okay, it's been a looong time since my last update, but I was in quebec for a while. Anywho, here we go....

20. Space-Dye Vest - Awake
This song is incredible from start to finish. The second Kevin Moore-solo piano song on my list, Space-Dye Vest outdoes WfS in every way. It is way more atmospheric, way darker and more brooding, more entertaining, more emotional, and has overall better musical ideas. It's also much longer, and so there's space for the minimalistic piano solo with the long sample over top. The samples work pretty well too, but that's just Kev's style. I think I'd like to hear it without them.

19. In The Name Of God - Train Of Thought
In The Name Of God starts off heavy as shit, between the 7-stringing on the verses and the intro riff. Soon it eases off a bit, readying for the ever-epic HUGE chorus. Then comes the second verse riff, again with 7-stringing, but this time groovier. More choruses, more verses more bridges, then...
                                      INSTRUMENTAL SECTION?
                                                                              No, more Labrie.
Wait this is cool. Awesome modification of the main riff, with amazing Mike Pork drums!!! Sweet! This should conti-
                                      INSTRUMENTAL SECTION
Okay, this is really where the song shines. I have never actually timed the unison, but I'm sure in all it's like 4 minutes or something. I'd be damned if Kevin Moore or Derek Sherinian could do something of this caliber. And after this it's JP's shredding solo (a good one), which leads back to the main riff, which builds and builds to a ball-busting, labrie-woahing, hallelujah-chanting, Rudess-pwning climax. Good work DT, a baby epic is born.

18. Scarred - Awake
Speaking of epic, Scarred is up next  . I think generally this song tends to be love-it or hate-it (based on what I see on the forums). Depending on how you see my placement, I think I'm sort of in the middle, but of course leaning towards "love it". No, I don't think it's the best thing they've ever done, but it's still absolutely astounding. James is possibly at his consistent best here. Sure, the transitions are a bit choppy, but the parts themselves are top-notch and the sum is once again, amazing. Scarred also features IMO one of JP's best lyrical performances, even if the lines do get a bit cryptic. I don't think anyone, love-it or hate-it can deny the sheer progressiveness of the song (I'm aware how touchy this word can get, so just think "prog").

[Mladen]

Scarred is awesome. It would be higher on my list, though...

[AcidLameLTE]

IT CALMS ME TO KNOW THAT I WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON'T

Scarred is a damn good song...TO THE MAX!

[Martinman300]

ITNOG is not on a 7 string.

[AwakeFromOctavarium]

ITNOG is not on a 7 string.

It's a TRAP!

Scarred is pretty low. But at least it's higher than ITNOG, and I suppose that's the last ToT track to appear in this list.

[Pirate]

ITNOG is not on a 7 string.

It's a TRAP!

Scarred is pretty low. But at least it's higher than ITNOG, and I suppose that's the last ToT track to appear in this list.

Replace 7-string with heavy guitar. AFO, you'd be correct, no more ToT.

[Pirate]

17. Pull Me Under - Images And Words
Oh yes, DT's ever-popular "Greatest Hit", as they say. I never thought PMU was half the single Another Day was (8 minutes! Or single version... ?), but to me it's twice the song. Pull Me Under has got the catchy intro/main riff, good lyrics, a comprehensible song structure, great Labrie vocals and some memorable solos to boot. IMO some of DT's best work in the riff department, every one is memorable. To sum it up, PMU is not a song to forget. Plus that weird ending. I wish they didn't do that, but whatever. That's memorable too 

16. Scene Eight:The Spirit Carries On - Metropolis, Part 2: Scenes From A Memory
TSCO is my second-favourite song from Scenes, my favourite DT ballad and features one of my favourite solos. As epic as it is, this song doesn't have enough to be the best song on SFAM. Plus the Pink Floyd ripoff, which I think isn't too big a deal, but I won't delve into it. Anyway, it finishes the story perfectly with 2 triumphant solos and singalong chorus. As I said, it's good, but it isn't the best.

15. Scene Nine: Finally Free - Metropolis, Part 2: Scenes From A Memory
Woah, that was quick! This is my favourite off of Scenes. This song is the definition of epic (I know I use that word pretty lightly, w/e). Starts off pretty fine, all is good, but then he get's in the car. Now some scary Zelda music plays us into piano and James, which leads us to more broodery. The verse that follows is just so good. Okay, I'm not going to go throughout the song like this, describing every consecutive section increasingly vaguely. Everything is great, spot on. The verses, choruses, solos, transitioning, vocals, instrumentation, atmosphere, emotion, everything. One of DT's best closers ends one of DT's best albums with one of DT's best riffs. Don't get me started on the riff. It's too badass.

[Mladen]

Some great songs in the recent posts. 

[AwakeFromOctavarium]

Agreeable choices so far.

[Pirate]

14. Erotomania - Awake
The first part of the A Mind Beside Itself Suite, Erotomania is my all-time favourite DT instrumental. The riffs are original and bizarre, the solos and trade-offs memorable and interesting, and the song flows and builds perfectly for it's part in the Suite. Something else I love in this particular tune are the brief acoustic-guitar sections which are almost a call towards The Silent Man. Erotomania has little for flaws, and for me is the best and most memorable of the DT instrumentals.

13. The Count Of Tuscany - Black Clouds and Silver Linings
I really don't like The Count Of Tuscany as much as most people say they do. I have listened to it quite a bit, and perhaps I didn't pay enough attention, but as with every song on DTX, it doesn't live up to it's MP-promotional-comparison ("imagine ACoS, Metropolis, Octavarium, etc."). However, I admit that's nearly impossible to do. So, I view TCOT as "amazing for recent DT". When I listen to it, it's epic and awesome in ways that I can't describe, but for some reason when I look back on it, it loses some of that magic. But of course, to make it to 13., you gotta be good, and I think TCOT gets points on all grounds but one. Guess.

12. Lines In The Sand - Falling Into Infinity
Falling Into Infinity is a strange album. It happens to sport some of DT's best and worst music. LitS is one of three DT classics on the album. It's got a sweet groove that provides a solid foundation for a fantastic song. Riffs are both many and great! Lyrics are pretty good, but I'm tired of people saying "We" like they can speak for humanity! Haha still, they are fine beyond that little nit. Of course, we can't forget the awesome chorus with some vocal help from our friend ... ... ! Oh yeah. And the epic solo by Beartrucci. Done.

[ScioPath]

12. Lines In The Sand - Falling Into Infinity

[toro]

12. Lines In The Sand - Falling Into Infinity

awesome song

[Pirate]

>>Message to the two people actually following this thread: do you really need me to finish this?<<

[DarkEternalNight]

I'm the third!

[Mladen]

I've been following this as well, I hope you'll finish it. Why not, it was going really well?

[hefdaddy42]

>>Message to the two people actually following this thread: do you really need me to finish this?<<

If you don't finish, I will ban you.

[Seventh Son]

Interesting list so far.....

Although SDV at 20 is extremely disappointing, I expect that song to be in everyone's top ten at least. But oh well.

[Pirate]

11. Trial Of Tears - Falling Into Infinity
ToT comes in Skydivingninja's number one spot and my number eleven. The song is the second (or third) saving grace on FII. It's one of DT's mini epics, making not quite as huge but more to-the-point. However, it retains it's awesomeness as an epic and features some of the best, most creative instrumentation in DT and some better lyrics by JM. It's brilliantly crafted, every section works, and It's Raining is one of the best DT movements in this category. Good work, DT.