Sacul's weird and controversial DT Top 50 v. Humanity's masterpice revealed!

[Prog Snob]

Enigma Machine above Erotomania?  WOW. 

[Crow]

As a song itself is quite weak

Problem is. This is a songs list, I'd personally judge each song on its own merits rather than have things like this influence an opinion of a song.
Also EM should not be here but w/e's
Hiding a song name is kinda annoying but w/e's
A Fortune In Lies is meh but w/e's
TSM is cool though

[Sacul]

As a song itself is quite weak

Problem is. This is a songs list, I'd personally judge each song on its own merits rather than have things like this influence an opinion of a song.

What I meant is that although I understand the song as a bridge between TLG and TBP, I still like it by its own, so that's why it's on my list.

Hiding a song name is kinda annoying but w/e's

Well, I've been trying (and will countinue trying) some different dynamics to make the topic a bit more interesting. I thought you would like guessing the song

Enigma Machine above Erotomania?  WOW. 

I can't stand the first organ riff, and the rest of the song is quite meh.

Are people really that disappointed in Enigma Machine?

Totally. I haven't found a single comment on any FB fanpage saying "EM is awesome" or "A great instrumental".

[Laughingplace56]

Are people really that disappointed in Enigma Machine?

Totally. I haven't found a single comment on any FB fanpage saying "EM is awesome" or "A great instrumental".

I don't get why. Raw Dog (which i like too) I'd understand as it's djent influenced and that's not everyone's style, but EM is fun and driving. If that many people don't like it and they decide to play Dance with a SFAM anniv. section instead, I'd be content. But if they played it instead of Erotomania, I wouldn't be as thrilled.

TSM is a great song but i don't think it makes my top 50.
AFIL is good but not in my top 50 either.

[Tom Bombadil]

Like the silent man and AFIL.

[Crow]

EM was the first song out of two songs I actually liked on DT12. It's still like 60's range for me but it has no place being on a top 50 much less placed above the instrumental that inspired it.

[ThatOneGuy2112]

40- Enigma Machine
The so-waited instrumental, the first one in almost 10 years had very high expectations and it dissapointed everyone... except me. As a song itself is quite weak, but when you listen to it as a bridge between TLG and TBP, it really makes sense to me. The main riff might be dull, but it's still a funny song with some killer solos and fills.

You are not alone.

It's really surprising how much people berate this one. In terms of DT instrumentals, it's no Erotomania or Stream of Consciousness for me, but the riffs are all sorts of kick-ass, fun, and pretty satisfying in the end.

You seem to be causing quite the uproar with your picks. I like it.

[?]

It's just a ballad, so I wouldn't rank it higher.

[RoeDent]

Totally. I haven't found a single comment on any FB fanpage saying "EM is awesome" or "A great instrumental".

You should try Twitter. Lots of fans of it there.

[jakepriest]

I like The Silent Man. Not keen on the rest.

[Sacul]

You seem to be causing quite the uproar with your picks. I like it.

That's the idea

It's just a ballad, so I wouldn't rank it higher.

Although I like ballads, I prefer songs with balls.

You should try Twitter. Lots of fans of it there.

I'm on an Argentinian fans group, and EVERYBODY seems to just love DT12 and LALP as if they were perfect.  Well, different strokes for different folks, I guess.

Be ready for today's update, you'll see some cool songs very low.

[Laughingplace56]

40- Enigma Machine
The so-waited instrumental, the first one in almost 10 years had very high expectations and it dissapointed everyone... except me. As a song itself is quite weak, but when you listen to it as a bridge between TLG and TBP, it really makes sense to me. The main riff might be dull, but it's still a funny song with some killer solos and fills.

You are not alone.

It's really surprising how much people berate this one. In terms of DT instrumentals, it's no Erotomania or Stream of Consciousness for me, but the riffs are all sorts of kick-ass, fun, and pretty satisfying in the end.

You seem to be causing quite the uproar with your picks. I like it.

Agreed that it's fun and kick ass, don't agree that SoC is better. That song drags and is boring in places for me. Erotomania is better than SoC, but i think EM is better than both honestly.

[Crow]

I sincerely hope you're not trying to make your list controversial on purpose 

[Sycsa]

I sincerely hope you're not trying to make your list controversial on purpose 

He's given reasonable explanations for all his picks, besides there's nothing truly controversial on the list yet (Enigma Machine is a killer song, not a universally hated one like some people make it out to be).

[Crow]

Well posts like this:

You seem to be causing quite the uproar with your picks. I like it.

That's the idea

Are what make me worried more than anything.

[Sacul]

He's given reasonable explanations for all his picks, besides there's nothing truly controversial on the list yet.

Like opinions on DT are very, very diverse, it seems quite difficult that a list really turns into controversial. Unless someone chooses Burning My Soul as a top #1. That deserves the stake.

Well posts like this:

You seem to be causing quite the uproar with your picks. I like it.

That's the idea

Are what make me worried more than anything.

Don't worry, it was just sarcasm. The "weird and controversial" thing is just to make it more interesting. Here there are some beautiful choices:

38- Metropolis Pt.1
It's not DT's magnum opus and will never be, IMO. James singing is very awesome and the fact this song lacks of a chorus makes it even better. The instrumental section is Ok, but I've heard better ones. The lyrics (their meaning) are so uncomprensible, but I don't really care about lyrics at all . This and the following song just... I don't feel they are better than the rest on the list.

37- Take the Time
Most of you seem to love this one; I really like it too. So, why is TTT so low? I don't know. Although is a cool song with some epic moments (like "If there's a pensive fear..."), it seems endless to me, specially that solo that never ends. I mean, is great and all, but... I would rather listen to the following songs on my top.

36- Beneath the Surface
One of my favourite ballads. It's so beautiful and calm. JP should make a musical threesome group with James and the Wizard and release an EP with acoustic prog music. I'd just be like "Shut up and take my money".
Back to the song: the first time I listened to it, I tought LaBrie's singing was a bit dull, but after that amazing MorphWiz solo, I imagined the song would end up quietly and then: And begaAAAAAAAAANNN TO FORGEEET, WHY I LONGED TO BE SO CLOSE. AND I DIIIISAAAAPPEARED INTO THE DARKNEEEEEESS... The best and most epic part on ADTOE. Yes, I went there.

35- Eve
Record label guide to how to make fans angry:
- Choose a cool band with a solid fanbase.
- When they realease something, take out a song.
- Release the complete thing only in Japan.
- Extra tip: Release cool and rare stuff like SHM-CDs, singles, instrumental versions, etc. Only in Japan, of course.

Now, seriously. IMO, Awake has and will ever have 12 songs. This little gem called Eve is something the band created during the I&W tour and that was recorded for the Awake album. Sadly, it was only released as part of TSM single and for the Japanese edition of Awake.
Is my favourite instrumental. The melancholy is present but not in a cheesy way and the guitar/piano duo is awesome. Petrucci's guitar seem to almost cry sometimes. Just amazing. I think this should be higher on the list, but the next songs are great, so this will stay here.

[Lucien]

I stared at 38 for a good 30 seconds.

[Prog Snob]

Wow. It makes me really curious to see the Top 10!

[Shadow Ninja 2.0]

I like your placement of Metropolis, and your comments on the lyrics.

[?]

All of those are in my top 20

[ThatOneGuy2112]

38- Metropolis Pt.1
It's not DT's magnum opus and will never be, IMO. James singing is very awesome and the fact this song lacks of a chorus makes it even better. The instrumental section is Ok, but I've heard better ones. The lyrics (their meaning) are so uncomprensible, but I don't really care about lyrics at all . This and the following song just... I don't feel they are better than the rest on the list.

If they haven't before, people are really sure to get riled up now.

I respect your thoughts. Though Metropolis is surely a top 5 song at the very least. It's got phenomenal performances from every member of the group and beautifully crafted lyrics that always induce these wondrous images in my head. There isn't a single weak second in it. That's just me though.

I'm noticing a shift in tone here. You seem to talk more negatively or indifferently about songs that are mostly well-liked and when you talk about the not-so popular ones, you seem to put them under a much greater light. Is it just me noticing this?

[jakepriest]

Metropolis at 38 

Take The Time wouldn't make my top 90.

Beneath The Surface and Eve are amazing.

Quite a polarising update

[Shadow Ninja 2.0]

I'm noticing a shift in tone here. You seem to talk more negatively or indifferently about songs that are mostly well-liked and when you talk about the not-so popular ones, you seem to put them under a much greater light. Is it just me noticing this?

That's natural. If you're talking about a well-liked song you placed lower than most people, naturally you would elaborate on why.

Similarly, if you place a less liked song higher than usual, you would try to justify it.

[Tom Bombadil]

Take the Time at 37

Metropolis wouldn't make my top 90.

Beneath The Surface and Eve are pretty solid.

Quite a polarising update

FTFM

[ThatOneGuy2112]

I'm noticing a shift in tone here. You seem to talk more negatively or indifferently about songs that are mostly well-liked and when you talk about the not-so popular ones, you seem to put them under a much greater light. Is it just me noticing this?

That's natural. If you're talking about a well-liked song you placed lower than most people, naturally you would elaborate on why.

Similarly, if you place a less liked song higher than usual, you would try to justify it.

That's probably it. The juxtaposition in his explanations for TTT and BTS threw me off.

[Shadow Ninja 2.0]

Take The Time wouldn't make my top 90.

Don't have any illusions. I will not forgive you.




/Ocean reference

[Crow]

Metropolis this low: 
TTT this low: 

Eve should be higher too, can't complain about BTS though.

[Evermind]

I can complain about BTS placement though!

Overall, good update. 

[Sacul]

Damn double post.

[Sacul]

I stared at 38 for a good 30 seconds.

All of those are in my top 20

Metropolis at 38 

Metropolis this low: 
TTT this low: 

Sorry guys

I like your placement of Metropolis, and your comments on the lyrics.

I can complain about BTS placement though!

Overall, good update. 

Thanks!

I'm noticing a shift in tone here. You seem to talk more negatively or indifferently about songs that are mostly well-liked and when you talk about the not-so popular ones, you seem to put them under a much greater light. Is it just me noticing this?

That's natural. If you're talking about a well-liked song you placed lower than most people, naturally you would elaborate on why.
Similarly, if you place a less liked song higher than usual, you would try to justify it.

This.

That's probably it. The juxtaposition in his explanations for TTT and BTS threw me off.

Sorry, I didin't notice that. I guess I should re-read all the writeups and don't give so much negativity to a song that I obviously like. Tomorrow I'll begin to post my top 5 worst DT songs and the top 5 tunes that could/should be here.

Wow. It makes me really curious to see the Top 10!

Soon my friend, soon.

[son_ov_hades]

The fact that Metropolis is this low is a true travesty  . Easily one of the best songs the band ever wrote! You're inspiring me to make a list and put it MUCH MUCH higher.

[Sacul]

The fact that Metropolis is this low is a true travesty  . Easily one of the best songs the band ever wrote! You're inspiring me to make a list and put it MUCH MUCH higher.

I'd like to see that list

34- The Count of Tuscany
"Now wait a minute, man. That's not how it is, you must be confused. That isn't how I'd make my list"- A normal DTF User.
I've never paid so much attention to this song, until I saw lots of people praising it, so I decided to listen it more carefully. It took AGES to grow on me, and still has some parts that doesn't convince me. It's kind of weird to think that the lyrcis from Metropolis and this song were made by the same guy. But, as I said before, I never care about the lyrical content.
My fav BC&SL song. The first time I listened to the intro, I felt it was... ugly, but now I like it a bit more. The chorus is great and the JLB/MP duo seems to work during the entire song. The instrumental sections are meh, but the JP ambient solo is wonderful. The beginning of the last section, from the acoustic guitars till the "Now wait a minute..." is awful. I mean, is James the one that makes it awful, c'mon! He could have sang that section way better. The ending is just awesome.

33- Blind Faith
What a cool tune. The intro is unusual for a DT song, but it works. The chorus is great and those remoteness effects on James voice are just brilliant. The instrumental section is cool but... dat piano solo. I can't think of bad things about this, only that this song isn't better than the next ones.

32- Repentance
I don't think SC is a bad album; in fact, it would be one of my favourites if TDEN had never existed. One of the reasons I like it so much is because of Repentance. This song has a strong Opeth's Damnation/Steven Wilson vibe, and I FUCKING LOVE THAT VIBE. This song is almost perfect, the only bad things are: it feels longer than it should be and the voices part is boring. Despite that, is an awesome song.

31- Octavarium (Score)
Octavarium is one of DT's worst albums IMO. Despite the live version is way better than the studio, it still sonfuses me. Jordan's solo at the beginning is amazing, but Someone Like Him and Medicate are too boring. Full circle is meh. The instrumental sections are really great and I never get bored of them. Intervals is my favourite movement, with some of James' best moments ever. The orchestra at the beginning of Razor's Edge nails it perfectly and the guitar solo is one of Petrucci's best.
A curious thing: Octavarium is the opposite of Illumination Theory in the way that 8VM has a musical link between all the movements but no lyrical sense connection while IT talks about life and all those things but the sections are musically different.

And now let's begin with the Top 5 Worst DT Songs Ever.

5- Pull Me Under
I'd rather listen to BMS than to PMU. It isn't so bad, but the thing doesn't go anywhere. Its very repetitive and has little diversity; now I understand why this song was so succesful and why TTT and AD didn't work out as singles. The second worst song on I&W.

[Tom Bombadil]

Love TCOT, Blind Faith, and Octavarium, but Repentance is too dragged out for me. And I'm indifferent to PMU so no complaints there. Good update, although it means you put 30 things ahead of TCOT and 8VM

[Lucien]

UAGM would have been a better single than PMU, even if it wouldn't have made DT popular.

[Bolsters]

Top 5 Worst DT Songs Ever.
5- Pull Me Under