My thoughts on 'Dream Theater' (***SPOILERS***)

[ariich]

Yeah, maybe it's what most bands do... but DT is not just a regular band... They not ALWAYS do that..

Well, I didn't say regular bands, I said most bands. I don't even know what "regular band" means. However...

They don't in these songs:

       - Scarred
       - A Change of Seasons
       - Regression
       - The Great Debate (first called "Conflict at Ground Zero", so it would be the opposite case to BitS/TST)
       - Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence (or, if you want: About to Crash and About to Crash (reprise))
       - Honor Thy Father
       - Panic Attack
       - In the Presence of Enemies
       - Repentance
       - Prophets of War
       - The Ministry of Lost Souls
       - In the Presence of Enemies
       
And now we should also add to the list "Illumination Theory"

Exactly, they do it for some of their songs, and they have done it for one of the songs on this album, so it seems pretty much par for the course for them. Interesting that you posted that list though, hadn't realised they had so many songs like that on SC.

[Viking of the Sagas]

Storywise SC was one of their stronger albums, to be honest. Lyrics were fantasy-esque and didn't convey very well, but they did get around roleplaying a lot in that studio... zombies and vampires and whatever.

So I'm not extremely surprised that so many songs from SC are in that list.

[ToT-147]

In fact, SC is their most strange album, beyond the lyrics content or besides that list...

Is the first album out of the Meta-album (SFAM to 8V), and among the latest it's the only one to begin that way (without a 'quiet and ascending' intro); it has Repentance, the only non-heavy song in the 12 Step Suite; it has two songs with the same name!!!; and, among others peculiarities, its name (Systematic Chaos) is the only one title with two words of all their albums, being this so common in others bands..
I know the latter is maybe too much detailer, but keep in mind they've only had names with 1, 3, 5 or 7 words (all odd numbers), except for SC (and now DT), with 2 words (even numbers)...

Maybe these facts (excluding the last one), are also part of the reasons why this is (if not their most) one of their most underrated albums... A real shame considering the musical quality, the rare power and all the single nature it has...

[(nothing)]

Maybe these facts (excluding the last one), are also part of the reasons why this is (if not their most) one of their most underrated albums...

I'd be worried if people made opinions about albums based on such small (and imho unimportant) details.

[Outcrier]

Maybe these facts (excluding the last one), are also part of the reasons why this is (if not their most) one of their most underrated albums...

Nah, they don't like it because most think SC it's simply not good or because it doesn't compare to other albums(the majority of the fans will rank SC in the bottom).

[Tis BOOLsheet]

Maybe these facts (excluding the last one), are also part of the reasons why this is (if not their most) one of their most underrated albums...

Nah, they don't like it because most think SC it's simply not good or because it doesn't compare to other albums(the majority of the fans will rank SC in the bottom).

Bingo

[425]

I'm not sure the majority rank it at the very bottom. I think at least an equal number of fans would say that WDADU is their least favorite, and then you'll also have a significant number who will put BCSL there. Then there are smaller numbers who will put another album like 8VM, ToT or FII at the bottom. I think you could say maybe 30% or even a little more of fans put SC at the bottom, but I would not be so quick to say a majority. It's not like a St. Anger type of thing where most people agree that it is significantly worse than the rest of their discography. There is not a consensus to that effect.

[King Postwhore]

Maybe these facts (excluding the last one), are also part of the reasons why this is (if not their most) one of their most underrated albums...

I'd be worried if people made opinions about albums based on such small (and imho unimportant) details.

Oh never mind.  It's just (nothing).

[ToT-147]

I quote myself then.. I said: "part of the reasons"... Little part of the reasons I should have "say" (write)... Anyway, sorry for having diverted the post's main topic..

To go back to the subject, I got to ask this... Noxon, seems like you haven't just heard the album in a Listening Party.. Maybe you explain it before, sorry in that case.. But, how did you obtain it? if I may ask.. I guess you have exceptional access to it or something.. 

[RMGadelha]

I quote myself then.. I said: "part of the reasons"... Little part of the reasons I should have "say" (write)... Anyway, sorry for having diverted the post's main topic..

To go back to the subject, I got to ask this... Noxon, seems like you haven't just heard the album in a Listening Party.. Maybe you explain it before, sorry in that case.. But, how did you obtain it? if I may ask.. I guess you have exceptional access to it or something.. 

He's been reviewing Dream Theater albums for a good time now, so he got a promo copy.

[Outcrier]

I'm not sure the majority rank it at the very bottom. I think at least an equal number of fans would say that WDADU is their least favorite, and then you'll also have a significant number who will put BCSL there. Then there are smaller numbers who will put another album like 8VM, ToT or FII at the bottom. I think you could say maybe 30% or even a little more of fans put SC at the bottom, but I would not be so quick to say a majority. It's not like a St. Anger type of thing where most people agree that it is significantly worse than the rest of their discography. There is not a consensus to that effect.

Ow man, don't complicate things, when i said "in the bottom", i didn't meant the absolutely WORST, just one of the 3 or 4 most low rated albums by the fans... even the majority of people that aren't DT fans but like their music a bit will agree to that (about Systematic Chaos)

[ToT-147]

I quote myself then.. I said: "part of the reasons"... Little part of the reasons I should have "say" (write)... Anyway, sorry for having diverted the post's main topic..

To go back to the subject, I got to ask this... Noxon, seems like you haven't just heard the album in a Listening Party.. Maybe you explain it before, sorry in that case.. But, how did you obtain it? if I may ask.. I guess you have exceptional access to it or something.. 

He's been reviewing Dream Theater albums for a good time now, so he got a promo copy.

Thanks for the answer!.. For being something too obvious, nobody was saying anything about it .. Lucky guy then...

[ToT-147]

Actually, that's another reason for that low appreciation, which of course exists... I'll only modify your last sentence by this one: Specially the majority of people that aren't DT fans but like their music a bit will agree to that (about Systematic Chaos)...

I mean, most of the people who don't like SC (being fan or not) haven't heard it the enough times it takes to get to understand it in its complexity and artistic rarity... Only giving it the proper time they should be able to judge it.. That is, pretty much as all, (not just, I always say) a personal opinion.. So I'm just saying it.. SC is different from the other albums also in that way.. It takes longer than usual to digest than any other DT album (which btw it's already too long by itself)..

[Outcrier]

I mean, most of the people who don't like SC (being fan or not) haven't heard it the enough times it takes to get to understand it in its complexity and artistic rarity... Only giving it the proper time they should be able to judge it.. That is, pretty much as all, (not just, I always say) a personal opinion..

So, if i don't like an album, i don't understand the complexity of it? Didn't know that, i will go listen to St.Anger again, maybe it's a masterpiece 

But seriously, some posts here in DTF makes me laugh

[Nefarius]

Or, it could be a concept album about the Hulk.

PETRUCCI SMASH!

Greetings...
Nef

[425]

So, if i don't like an album, i don't understand the complexity of it? Didn't know that, i will go listen to St.Anger again, maybe it's a masterpiece 

Saint anger 'round my neck... He never gets respecFLUSHITOUT, FLUSHITOUT.

Yeah no.

Ow man, don't complicate things, when i said "in the bottom", i didn't meant the absolutely WORST, just one of the 3 or 4 most low rated albums by the fans... even the majority of people that aren't DT fans but like their music a bit will agree to that (about Systematic Chaos)

Yeah, I get this. Just checking. I would agree that a majority would put it in their bottom 3 or 4.

[?]

I mean, most of the people who don't like SC (being fan or not) haven't heard it the enough times it takes to get to understand it in its complexity and artistic rarity...

I have listened to SC quite a few times and it has only gotten worse. When I got it I thought it was a cool record, but later I started to see more and more flaws in the songs.

[FatalDreams]

"flaws"... *rolls eyes*

[adastra]

I mean, most of the people who don't like SC (being fan or not) haven't heard it the enough times it takes to get to understand it in its complexity and artistic rarity... Only giving it the proper time they should be able to judge it.. That is, pretty much as all, (not just, I always say) a personal opinion.. So I'm just saying it.. SC is different from the other albums also in that way.. It takes longer than usual to digest than any other DT album (which btw it's already too long by itself)..

haha.... Yeah, "Oh it sucks? Well you just understand it"  .. That statement always wins!

[aprilethereal]

Actually, that's another reason for that low appreciation, which of course exists... I'll only modify your last sentence by this one: Specially the majority of people that aren't DT fans but like their music a bit will agree to that (about Systematic Chaos)...

I mean, most of the people who don't like SC (being fan or not) haven't heard it the enough times it takes to get to understand it in its complexity and artistic rarity... Only giving it the proper time they should be able to judge it.. That is, pretty much as all, (not just, I always say) a personal opinion.. So I'm just saying it.. SC is different from the other albums also in that way.. It takes longer than usual to digest than any other DT album (which btw it's already too long by itself)..

I love SC, but no. The whole "you don't like the album because you don't understand it" argument is ridiculous. Also, I think SC is one of the easiest DT albums to get into, together with 8VM (and maybe ADTOE).

[Whatsername]

Actually, that's another reason for that low appreciation, which of course exists... I'll only modify your last sentence by this one: Specially the majority of people that aren't DT fans but like their music a bit will agree to that (about Systematic Chaos)...

I mean, most of the people who don't like SC (being fan or not) haven't heard it the enough times it takes to get to understand it in its complexity and artistic rarity... Only giving it the proper time they should be able to judge it.. That is, pretty much as all, (not just, I always say) a personal opinion.. So I'm just saying it.. SC is different from the other albums also in that way.. It takes longer than usual to digest than any other DT album (which btw it's already too long by itself)..

I love SC, but no. The whole "you don't like the album because you don't understand it" argument is ridiculous. Also, I think SC is one of the easiest DT albums to get into, together with 8VM (and maybe ADTOE).

This. Systematic Chaos may not be their best, but by God it's fun. It's definitely not in my bottom, but it's also not my favorite either. And I would say that I definitely understand it considering I've listened to it quite a lot. It's far easier to get into than, say, Awake, or SFAM, which only recently began to click for me.


Also we should remember when dealing with Dream Theater albums that saying one is the worst is like choosing which cookie in the batch of fresh chocolate chip cookies is the worst. And I just made myself hungry.

[BlobVanDam]

It's definitely not in my bottom..

ಠ_ಠ I would hope not. That's not where discs are supposed to go.

[RMGadelha]

 

[Zydar]

[Whatsername]

Oh my God. 

THANK YOU FOLKS, I'LL BE HERE ALL WEEK.

[Kotowboy]

 



Naw - I laughed

[Whatsername]

It's okay. I coaxed an emoticon out of Zydar, so it's a good day.

[Zydar]

Glad to be of service.

[Kotowboy]

If the CD is.....Then what's in the CD player ?


Uh oh...

[Whatsername]

I pretty much have determined I shouldn't DTF without caffeine.

[theseoafs]

Actually, that's another reason for that low appreciation, which of course exists... I'll only modify your last sentence by this one: Specially the majority of people that aren't DT fans but like their music a bit will agree to that (about Systematic Chaos)...

I mean, most of the people who don't like SC (being fan or not) haven't heard it the enough times it takes to get to understand it in its complexity and artistic rarity... Only giving it the proper time they should be able to judge it.. That is, pretty much as all, (not just, I always say) a personal opinion.. So I'm just saying it.. SC is different from the other albums also in that way.. It takes longer than usual to digest than any other DT album (which btw it's already too long by itself)..

Holy hell this is ridiculous.  Yes, I've listened to Systematic Chaos plenty of times, and I still put it on every few months just to see if I like it any better.  I've "digested" it perfectly fine, thank you very much.  No, I don't think it's particularly complex or artistically rare, and I still think it isn't a good album.

[Jaffa]

Holy hell this is ridiculous.

You obviously only think it's ridiculous because you haven't read it the enough times it takes to get to understand it in its complexity. 

[aprilethereal]

I pretty much have determined I shouldn't DTF without caffeine.

[wasteland]

Holy hell this is ridiculous.

You obviously only think it's ridiculous because you haven't read it the enough times it takes to get to understand it in its complexity.

Do I see this becoming a short-lived DT-Side meme? 

[hefdaddy42]

I mean, most of the people who don't like SC (being fan or not) haven't heard it the enough times it takes to get to understand it in its complexity and artistic rarity.

WTF are you high?