When Day And Dream Unite - Which version to get?

[leestyx]

Hey guys,

I am looking to buy the Dream Theater debut album and have noticed that there are at least 3 versions of it listed on Amazon.com:

1989-Original, Mechanic/MCA Records

2002-Limited Edition, Original Recording Remastered, One Way Records

2004-Original Recording Remastered, Aao Music

Can anyone explain what the differences are between these versions and advise me on which one to get?

Thanks so much,
Lee

[hefdaddy42]

The one that is titled correctly.

But hey, welcome to the forum!

(Not the remaster)

[TheGreatPretender]

I didn't even know there were two different remasters. Damn, I'm also interested in hearing how they compare.

[BlobVanDam]

I don't even know which version I have, but I doubt it would make much difference anyway. The album was not well recorded in the first place, so there's only so much difference a remaster could make. There's a certain phrase involving poop and polishing that applies here (speaking only of the production here of course).

[darkshade]

None, unless you're a completionist. Just get When Dream and Day RE-Unite, so you get JLB on vocals.

To be more helpful, I have one of the remasters, I think the 2004 one, and I've heard the original one, and the only difference to my ears is that the remaster is just louder, that's it.

[54_diplomats]

Just get the original. I think it's a pretty good album.

[VioletS16]

The original I think.

[Ħ]

I physically own the remaster that was only made in 10000 copies. Still in the shrinkwrap though, so I can't tell you anything about quality. From what I have heard, there is little difference, and both sound pretty terrible anyway.

[TheGreatPretender]

None, unless you're a completionist. Just get When Dream and Day RE-Unite, so you get JLB on vocals.

To be more helpful, I have one of the remasters, I think the 2004 one, and I've heard the original one, and the only difference to my ears is that the remaster is just louder, that's it.

I found the original to be way too quiet, so louder is still an improvement. IF I had to choose. But I'd really like to know what the difference between the two remasters is.

[Nick]

Basically the original label Dream Theater was with still has full rights to the first album, so they constantly push out new versions to try and capitalize on the name and get a few more bucks. Really none is more official than the others as that label does sadly own the rights, so get whatever. The album has some production issue, and Charlie is different than LaBrie, but you should definitely get this and NOT the re-unite version first and hopefully get an appreciation for a lot of fantastic music. There is something special about this album that hasn't been touched by the band since.

[bosk1]

The album was not well recorded in the first place, so there's only so much difference a remaster could make.

This.  I don't think it makes too much difference, other than the volume level being a bit higher on the remasters.  I would just get whichever version you can more easily find that is affordable. 

[iamtheeviltwin]

2004 remaster is much better on the ears than the original release in my opinion, it is slightly louder and just a touch less muddy.

[ZeppelinDT]

https://www.ytsejamrecords.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=20&idcategory=8

[KevShmev]

None, unless you're a completionist. Just get When Dream and Day RE-Unite, so you get JLB on vocals.

Wrong answer.

[Nekov]

I have a remastered version from 1996. Weird.

Anyways, even after the remaster the production issues remain but if you can get past that you will listen to some great music.

[The Letter M]

The version I have is in a book-style case, no booklet/liner-notes included, and it's got a hard cover with just the CD. It's got a gold-number stamped on it saying it's part of a limited number run.

That's about it. Unfortunately, the case is slightly bitter than the usual CD jewel case, so it doesn't fit in many cases/slots, but luckily I own a CD tower, so it fits with the rest of my DT CD cases now!

-Marc.

[darkshade]

None, unless you're a completionist. Just get When Dream and Day RE-Unite, so you get JLB on vocals.

Wrong answer.

[Nick]

I agree with Kev... but have this strong desire to agree with shade...

[Madman Shepherd]

None, unless you're a completionist. Just get When Dream and Day RE-Unite, so you get JLB on vocals.

gotta disagree with your detective work there. 

Yes, everyone needs to get When Dream and Day Reunite at some point but the first album has its moments and Charlie isn't a horrible vocalist though most people, including me, needed time to adjust to how different it is.

The sound quality is horrible and there is not much that can be done about that.  Once you grow accustomed to it, it is easy enough to see past and enjoy a very underrated album. 

[Ħ]

There is something special about this album that hasn't been touched by the band since.

Major suckage?

[Dublagent66]

Just because the production is bad doesn't mean the album is.  I like to compare it to an old 8-bit video game.  Graphics are bad but they sure made some great games.

[Samsara]

https://www.ytsejamrecords.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=20&idcategory=8

Agreed.

[TheGreatPretender]

gotta disagree with your detective work there. 

Yes, everyone needs to get When Dream and Day Reunite at some point but the first album has its moments and Charlie isn't a horrible vocalist though most people, including me, needed time to adjust to how different it is.

The sound quality is horrible and there is not much that can be done about that.  Once you grow accustomed to it, it is easy enough to see past and enjoy a very underrated album.

Reunite is better experienced on DVD anyway, with the visuals included.

[?]

I think I have the original edition, it says 1989 on the back cover and the mastering is pretty quiet compared to other DT releases. I don't know what the difference betweeen the remastered editions is, but if you prefer a louder volume, get one of them.

Yes, everyone needs to get When Dream and Day Reunite at some point but the first album has its moments and Charlie isn't a horrible vocalist though most people, including me, needed time to adjust to how different it is.

The sound quality is horrible and there is not much that can be done about that.  Once you grow accustomed to it, it is easy enough to see past and enjoy a very underrated album. 

My thoughts exactly. Hearing the album for the first time I was surprised at how much I liked it after all the bashing it has gotten here. I still don't have WDADRU (I've watched some of those songs on YT) but I do recommend listening to the original studio release first - it may not be their best album but it's a part of the DT history just like all the other albums.

[KevShmev]

There is something special about this album that hasn't been touched by the band since.

Major suckage?

Constant Motion down?

[Ħ]

GTFO bro

[IdoSC]

Reunite. Seriously.

If you REALLY want the studio version, I'd personally go with the remastered one, but you're good that way or the other.

[SuperTaco]

Basically the original label Dream Theater was with still has full rights to the first album, so they constantly push out new versions to try and capitalize on the name and get a few more bucks. Really none is more official than the others as that label does sadly own the rights, so get whatever. The album has some production issue, and Charlie is different than LaBrie, but you should definitely get this and NOT the re-unite version first and hopefully get an appreciation for a lot of fantastic music. There is something special about this album that hasn't been touched by the band since.

Bolded for intense truth. There's a charm and a raw energy in that music that is like nothing else. The only music that ever came close to this was the next album, I&W. For me it has a lot to do with KM's strong and atmospheric keys, JP's use of clean guitar lines alongside his regular distorted tone, and believe it or not, the production of the album. It's a kind of energy that can't be achieved simply with skill or talent, it has to come from deep within and it has to be special.

On topic, I would recommend the original album. The remasters are just a bit louder. WDADRU is a worthy pickup once you've heard the studio versions with the original singer.

[TheGreatPretender]

There's a charm and a raw energy in that music that is like nothing else. The only music that ever came close to this was the next album, I&W.

I would say Awake is much more raw than Images and Words.

[Ħ]

There's a charm and a raw energy in that music that is like nothing else. The only music that ever came close to this was the next album, I&W.

I would say Awake is much more raw than Images and Words.

True. Awake and WDADU are very raw. And so are the Majesty Demos, so what does that tell you?

[TheGreatPretender]

True. Awake and WDADU are very raw. And so are the Majesty Demos, so what does that tell you?

I dunno. Personally, I prefer the polished sound of their other albums more.

[Ħ]

Good.

[hefdaddy42]

There's a charm and a raw energy in that music that is like nothing else. The only music that ever came close to this was the next album, I&W.

I would say Awake is much more raw than Images and Words.

True. Awake and WDADU are very raw. And so are the Majesty Demos, so what does that tell you?

Nothing. 

[ZeppelinDT]

If you really can't decide, you could also always just do what I did and get all of them...

[wasteland]

OMG they have all misprinted artwork! They must be worth a fortune!


ETA: thanks to ZDT fast reaction, the joke doesn't make sense anymore