Is it time for Dream Theater to hang up Constant Motion?

[LieLowTheWantedMan]

I've noticed that a lot of the more casual DT fans seem to vastly prefer the Jordan era stuff, too. Just a weird thing I've noticed. The couple DT fans I know in rl who don't post at forums and got into the band less than 3, 4 years ago don't seem to care much about those early 90s albums.

Actually, I've only been a DT fan for a year. I was a total metalhead at the time and I heard Pull Me Under and liked it. I bought Images on a whim and didn't like it because it wasn't metal enough for me. I then bought SC to give them another chance, and I loved it. It also opened my mind to ballads which got me to appreciate I&W. I then bought every one of their albums and they're my favourite band today. They also made me abandon my metal obsession and now I'm a total prog monkey. 

I'm actually mixed between new and old DT. Scenes and Awake are my two favourite albums, though. Systematic Chaos is actually in third, the reason I assume is the fact it got me into my favourite genre and favourite band. Isn't it funny how a low regarded album ended up opening a whole new world of music for me?

[Perpetual Change]

I've noticed that a lot of the more casual DT fans seem to vastly prefer the Jordan era stuff, too. Just a weird thing I've noticed. The couple DT fans I know in rl who don't post at forums and got into the band less than 3, 4 years ago don't seem to care much about those early 90s albums.

I'm not sure if the fans are any more "casual", but certainly fans who have got into the band more recently are more likely to prefer the newer stuff. Which is surely to be expected? While DT's core approach to music hasn't changed much over the years, their sound has stayed current (something they've always tried to do from day 1) so their newer albums sound more modern. Makes perfect sense that some fans will prefer the newer stuff.

Yeah, I agree actually. It's not because of a change in a band, but if anything a change in some longtime fans' perceptions. In The Presence of Enemies is a lot more impressive if you haven't heard Metropolis already, because of the "man these guys can really play!" factor. If you already know they've got the chops, though, then there's not AS MUCH of a reason to be so excited about it.

[orcus116]

That's how I feel about a lot of technical music nowadays. I've over the wow factor and I'm not really finding anything interesting in this fast, technical stuff that is being played (for a lot of groups).

[LKap13]

Same. It's def one of the things that got me into the band though.

[yorost]

I voted no, but only because I don't think they should do anything with their setlist other than what they want.  I know that's too literal for the original question, but I'm not really a big complainer for setlists, I guess.  Not a big fan of Constant Motion, though, would prefer them playing many other songs at a concert I went to.

[Perpetual Change]

That's how I feel about a lot of technical music nowadays. I've over the wow factor and I'm not really finding anything interesting in this fast, technical stuff that is being played (for a lot of groups).

I'm not wow'd by the band anymore. But them playing is still something I like to hear. James, John P., John M., Jordan, and Mike are all very unique sounding, regardless of what else you might say about them. And, regardless of how impressed I am by the new stuff, I've grown pretty attached to listening to those 5 play together.

[BRGM]

I guess the songs are too complicated for me

wat

Whaat? DTs older stuff is alot wierder and out of place and complicated compared to what they write these days

[PlaysLikeMyung]

I guess the songs are too complicated for me

wat

Whaat? DTs older stuff is alot wierder and out of place and complicated compared to what they write these days

wat

[tri.ad]

I guess the songs are too complicated for me

wat

Whaat? DTs older stuff is alot wierder and out of place and complicated compared to what they write these days

Complicated? Maybe. Weirder? No. Out of place? Hell no.

[ariich]

That's how I feel about a lot of technical music nowadays. I've over the wow factor and I'm not really finding anything interesting in this fast, technical stuff that is being played (for a lot of groups).

On the whole I'm the same, which isn't to say that I've gone off technical music at all (good music is good music regardless) but I don't hold in any higher esteem than any other kind of music. Fortunately the technicality, while always being a fairly big part of DT's music, has never been their main focus.

[BRGM]

I guess the songs are too complicated for me

wat

Whaat? DTs older stuff is alot wierder and out of place and complicated compared to what they write these days

Complicated? Maybe. Weirder? No. Out of place? Hell no.

no, but it's like the song structure is just so random! It feels like those songs are written only so theselves knows the songs. to ME they're simpler now days, and a lot more memorable.

[?]

I guess the songs are too complicated for me

wat

Whaat? DTs older stuff is alot wierder and out of place and complicated compared to what they write these days

Complicated? Maybe. Weirder? No. Out of place? Hell no.

no, but it's like the song structure is just so random! It feels like those songs are written only so theselves knows the songs. to ME they're simpler now days, and a lot more memorable.

What? For me the older albums are easier to get into! Well, it's a matter of opinion.

[LieLowTheWantedMan]

I guess the songs are too complicated for me

wat

Whaat? DTs older stuff is alot wierder and out of place and complicated compared to what they write these days

Complicated? Maybe. Weirder? No. Out of place? Hell no.

no, but it's like the song structure is just so random! It feels like those songs are written only so theselves knows the songs. to ME they're simpler now days, and a lot more memorable.

I understand what you're saying now. I actually always enjoyed their tinkering around with time signatures.