Infinite Cactus: The Top 50: The Movie

[GasparXR]

Neat bass work (dat 8 strangz) by JM

....Wat?








Really, I've never heard of JM using anything with more than 6 strings, beside the Chapman Stick. I don't know if you're being serious or not.

He used an 8 string on Blind Faith. Like a 12 string guitar. But 4 strings plus the octaves. Google it my man. It was a Hamer. It's only at the beginning I think. Just a neat little fact.

I didn't even know those existed. That is interesting to say the least.

[DebraKadabra]

OtBoA, Blind Faith and These Walls

The others not so much.

[Infinite Cactus]

30. The Way it Used To Be
This song is awesome. I love the harmonies in the Red Barchetta esque section. Dat Petrucci solo is tasty as chocolate cake (lolol). I really enjoy James' delivery in this song.

29. A Change of Seasons
The first epic. Not much to say about this song except I think the inevitable summer is the best part. Also, Derek's lead during it is dynamite butt!


28.Pull Me Under
Back at the tail end of 2004, a friend of mine Wes got into Dream Theater. I hadn't heard them before but the drummers at my school used to talk about them all the time. Fast forward to late 2005. I had just gotten out of my second serious relationship that wasn't all hand jobs and giggles (She made up a guy that didn't exist, was a sociopath and psychotic). It was also when I was finally diagnosed with depression and anxiety (for years my original doctor said the suicidal thoughts and panic attacks were no big and I'd get over it). So with what felt like at 16 years old, hopelessness and no direction, the Van Halen and Motley Crue just weren't connecting to me anymore (It came back, but I wasn't in a David Lee Roth cocaine and jump splits mood.) I asked my friend what he could recommend as far as Dream Theater was concerned. Still never having heard them. He suggested Images and Words and Train Of Thought. I also requested their first and most current album to which he didn't care for, but burned my copies any way. This was the first song I heard by and I couldn't believe it. I must have listened to the watch the sparrow falling section at least 10 times that first play. I don't remember exactly when it was in '05 (I originally thought '04 when writing this but it couldn't have been) I do remember being on the bus to Vocational school and it snowing. I distinctly remember starting out the window and just being immersed. I also remember walking through the halls after those first several listens and blasting another song that makes the list later. Even though it's played out, it still holds a special place in my heart.

27/26. Strange Deja Vu/Overture 1928
This entry is in order of preference, but they need a single entry. For a while, this was me and my friend John's jam. Driving in his shitty Toyota singing all the harmonies on the way to the mall to pick up wimminz (which happened maybe once out of 1400 times), hanging out at parties blasting it. And my personal favorite, the prom date swindle. You see, John was dating a girl I had dated that we affectionately called "Horseface" and I was going to prom with a girl I wasn't dating named Stephanie (who was really into me despite me saying no thanks, then again, I shouldn't have taken her to prom, mixed signals, being 17, dumb.) Anyway, Cathy and Stephanie didn't want to listen to Dream Theater or Van Halen and came up with some bullshit about how it's "their night so they get to decide what music we all listen to." The said we could listen to 2 songs first and then they would get 4 songs and alternate back. So John and I, being sly, decided we would throw in SFAM and LIE ABOUT HOW MANY SONGS WE LISTENED TO. His display was messed up on the cd player so you couldn't see the number. We figured we could make it to at least Beyond This Life before the girls thought it was a second song since everything else flows really well. We made it to Fatal Tragedy. We probably would have gotten away with it if it wasn't for me giggling. Then we had to listen to Sean Paul, Big and Rich, and Rascal Flatts. I'm still mad about that.

[BlobVanDam]

I like your stories. They make me feel....... strange inside.

And at putting ACOS at 29. It doesn't deserve higher than that. COME AT ME BROS.

[Infinite Cactus]

I like your stories. They make me feel....... strange inside.

And at putting ACOS at 29. It doesn't deserve higher than that. COME AT ME BROS.

Thanks, and I'm glad we've had this moment. Because knowing your song preferences and which ones you hate, we are not going to have a moment like this again I think.

I forgot to mention the up next:

The controversial picks begin, Awake makes another appearance, and ADTOE again.

[BlobVanDam]

I like your stories. They make me feel....... strange inside.

And at putting ACOS at 29. It doesn't deserve higher than that. COME AT ME BROS.

Thanks, and I'm glad we've had this moment. Because knowing your song preferences and which ones you hate, we are not going to have a moment like this again I think.

Damn. In that case, let me savour the moment.

[Scorpion]

Even though ACOS is too low, I'll gladly let that be, considering how awesome your stories are. That prom story had me giggling along like a madman.

[MoraWintersoul]

I think I once or twice did the "yeah I'll just play one DT song I promise"-and-then-bust-out-an-epic, but I never thought of trying the entirety of SFAM, you guys are nuts

[nicmos]

great writeup of On the Backs of Angels.  I agree the lyrics are better than average for DT.

[DebraKadabra]

And at putting ACOS at 29. It doesn't deserve higher than that. COME AT ME BROS.

Y'all will have to COME AT ME too.

[Infinite Cactus]

Here we go.

25. Bridges In The Sky
It actually took me a while to get into this one. I really enjoy the verses a lot. This song makes perfect use of JR. Not much to say about it as it's just a really good song. But it hasn't been out long enough for me to a have a particular story about. Unlike

24. Lifting Shadows Off a Dream
BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL SONG! The harmonics in the intro, the delay. It's very atmospheric. Someone way back in 2005 at the original DT.net forums said that this song is a perfect example of Kevin Moore creating atmosphere. And I agree. Very interesting instrumental section as well.


23. Status Seeker
Now wait a minute, Status Seeker. Over A Change Of Seasons? OVER ALL THOSE OTHER SONGS? DERRICK. DERRICK STAPH! No seriously, like I said earlier, I requested the first album when my friend burned me those DT cds way back when, loved WDADU. I still do. It's my number 4 album by them. But I used to spin Images and WDADU religiously. I love the intro, I love the chorus drenched clean guitar. That bass line is to die for on the verses. The lyrics, the GUITAR SOLO. It's so good. Coming from an 80s background this song had/has everything I want from a short concise Dream Theater song. Aside from 2 songs on WDADU, I actually prefer Charlie on these tracks. This is a great vocal performance.


22. The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun
But this song is better than it. The intro is so cool. Kevin and the Johns doing what they did best back then. And then it kicks into the heaviest song for years to come. I feel this song heavier than anything up to SDOIT sans Lie and The Mirror. When that double bass kicks in over my cars speakers I get so pumped it's stupid. The instrumental section has more in common with modern DT than it does with other songs of that era. I love the keyboard progression and groove under "Every reason I risk my life..." is DELICIOUS.

21. Lost Not Forgotten
On my first play through of this song when I got the album, I laughed. Not during the tickle section, but during the first verse. This is in my opinion, how James is supposed to sound in his lower-mid register. That second verse is so good. JM is back. Love the interplay between bass and guitar. The snippet of the chorus and post chorus  that was on YouTube made this my most anticipated song from ADTOE. And it didn't let me down.

Up nexticles: AA Saga's best song, the best song never played, a track split, when I sing along to this song I sing the samples, and I mixed out the dumb section of this one when I got the stems.

[iamtheeviltwin]

BiTS is one of the strongest metal tracks the band has released in years.     My favorite from the new album.

[aprilethereal]

BiTS is one of the strongest metal tracks the band has released in years.     My favorite from the new album.

Has it leaked already?

[?]

Great picks, I love TOWHTSTS and Status Seeker is pretty good despite the cheesy intro. I also agree with this:

BiTS is one of the strongest metal tracks the band has released in years.     My favorite from the new album.

[Ruba]

Status Seeker and The Ones... are both great songs. I actually had Status Seeker even higher on my list.

[Infinite Cactus]

BiTS is one of the strongest metal tracks the band has released in years.     My favorite from the new album.

Has it leaked already?

LOLOLOLO!!!!!!11

You silly goosebutt.

[DebraKadabra]

BiTS is one of the strongest metal tracks the band has released in years.     My favorite from the new album.

Has it leaked already?

LOST NOT FORGOTTEN

[Infinite Cactus]

I had internet issues, a doctor's appointment, and two shows with my band. So I'm back now and ready to make love to my list again.

20. A Nightmare to Remember
When I first got BC&SL I was ecstatic. It was in my top 5 DT albums for a while. Then the length of the songs started to get to me. Well not the length as much as the repetitive structures coupled with the length. And with only 6 songs,the variety isn't really there. However, the first 8 minutes of ANTR hold up very well. Beautiful Agony is gold. The best thing DT has done since 1998. I like sections after that too, but that is the song's peak. Also, and obviously I'm not the first nor the last to say this, but the day after day section is the stupidest part of any Dream Theater song ever. But no really, screams, growls, or aggressive James vocals would have been fine. Actually, Mike's part with the original James part would have been fine. HELL. I ENJOY THE SPOKEN WORD RAP AT THE END OF POW, THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN FINE. So I got the stems, and mixed that part out. I still listen to the original, but I laugh every time it gets to that part. Still, the first 8 minutes and change are so good.


19. 6:00
I love Awake. And I love this song. I like the samples, and I like the chaos of the song. This was the first DT song to make me think ".....the rhythm guitar is more complex and intricate than the guitar lead...." I like the lyrics a lot as per the usual Kevin stuff. A great song. With a great vocal MELODY WALKS THROUGH THE DOOR AND MEMORIES FLY OUT THE WINDOW.

18. In The Presence of Enemies Pt. 1
I split it. I like the second part, but the first part is top 20 material. I remember hearing the samples of this song on Amazon before the release and being totally pumped. Love it.

I will do 2 more later tonight. Just wanted to get something up. (wink wink sexual)

[DebraKadabra]

Beautiful Agony

[Destiny Of Chaos]

Please try to finish this by July 1st. If you are busy and would like to put it on hold so that someone else can start their list, please let me know.

[Infinite Cactus]

17. Don't Look Past Me
This song is beyond perfect. The harmonies are beautiful as well as the lyrics. This song should have been released, and I hope against hope every tour cycle that they attempt this one live. JP's solo is tasty caketown chocolatezord.


16. The Root of All Evil
Octavarium was the first album that really came out as I was becoming a fan of DT. This song had me hooked. The ambient intro is really awesome as a live opener.

15. A Fortune in Lies
WDADU as I have said before, is one of DT's best albums in my opeenyawn. The first song on the first DT album. And what an introduction. Charlies vocals are stellar on this song, and I actually prefer his voice on this song even over James' Live at the Marquee performance. The solo is in fact my second favorite Petrucci solo. My favorite is coming up soon.


14. Caught In A Web
Should have been the lead of single from Awake. Them choruses are soo good. It's also nice to see James first DT lyrical contribution. I love the 70s spidery instrumental section.

13. New Millennium
Another one of me and my friends' go to jam songs. I'm being honest when I say that this song has one my the best instrumental sections by DT period. I love how Derek and John's unison splits off into a harmony at the end of the lines. One of the grooviest things every written by the band. The budokan version is perfect.


I have had internet troubles lately. But I will be updating more regularly.

Up next. The song I've been referring to as controversial. When you think about it being over ACOS, Learning To Live, The Count of Tuscany, 6DOIT, and all of SFAM, you will pee in anger.

[GasparXR]

I don't recall DT writing any songs about a house burning down and being pissed off about it.

[DebraKadabra]

[Ruba]

Oh wow, NM this high! But it's just good, I love it.

[Infinite Cactus]

12. To Live Forever
Brilliant song. Every version is a gem, whether it be with Charlie, James, Jon Hendricks, whomever. The solo is extraordinary. The use of delay, it's just a well put together song. The lyrics, though vague they may be, suit the song very well. I especially love the last verse by Kevin, although like I said in the other thread, the '91 version has better vocals overall.

11. Light Fuse and Get Away
Here it is. The controversial song. Just shy of the top 10. In fact it was in the top 10 until I forgot I hadn't another song to the list by mistake. I.ABSOLUTELY.ADORE.THIS.SONG. The intro is awesome. When it kicks into the verses it's just too god damn much. The chorus is funky as shit in points. The solo section is really great and chill. Then it builds to that incredible Steve Morse esque solo by JP. Charlie rocks this song. But James does really well on this one too (It's James, of course he would). The lyrics are cynical, dark, and sarcastic. Kevin Moore. More liek Kevin Moody. This is one of the heaviest songs in the DT cannon. The outro is incredibly dramatic in it's execution. The drums playing almost a march, the keys playing their big chords. The guitar arpeggios in their chaotic dissonance. Dynamite. But, let's not forget, THE SAD JOHN MYUNG BASS LEAD.

[GasparXR]

LFaGA is one of my least favourite DT songs. There is a part I like though. It's right after the second chorus, the ambient part with the funky drums.

[Shadow Ninja 2.0]

Ha, I love Light Fuse And Get Away, probably my favorite from WDADU. I'd imagine it's a pain to sing, though. Too many words all at once.

[DebraKadabra]

TLF

I'm one of the few around here who REALLY dig Light Fuse and Get Away.

[GasparXR]

TLF

I'm one of the few around here who REALLY dig Light Fuse and Get Away.

I dig it too.


I dig it a hole to die in.

[DebraKadabra]

 

[Shadow Ninja 2.0]

TLF

I'm one of the few around here who REALLY dig Light Fuse and Get Away.

I dig it too.


I dig it a hole to die in.

[GasparXR]

Only by relative DT standards of course. I'll gladly take it over many shitty radio songs.

[DebraKadabra]

That's not saying much when you want to dig a hole for it.  What did it ever to do you?

[GasparXR]

That's not saying much when you want to dig a hole for it.  What did it ever to do you?

Well, everyone who likes it can't construct sentences properly.


Just kidding, but I don't hate it THAT much. Just felt like making the terrible pun.

[DebraKadabra]

HEY!!!