Dream Theater: The Studio Albums 1992-2011

[Nothingface]

So, DTF, I've been pirating the fuck out of Dream Theater's music the past few months...

Most of the time, the pitch has been raised - making JLB sound more like a woman than he already does. Needless to say, it sounds pretty cool, but I'd rather listen to the music the way it was meant to be.

This conundrum, coupled with the fact that I'd love to own their physical albums (it's almost Christmas, after all), I've been on a search for a conveniently packaged Dream Theater collection.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00K5DMZLE/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1447567842&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=dream+theater+collection&dpPl=1&dpID=61UEnXKt2RL&ref=plSrch

Apparently, this is my only option, as buying them individually would surely bankrupt me (this is unfair to the other obnoxious prog wank albums on my wish list).

So what does the forum think about this particular item quality-wise? It doesn't contain their debut, the EP, or their s/t, but I could always pick those up at a later date.

[Madman Shepherd]

Cool post, dude.

[KevShmev]

JLB sounds like a woman?  Dang, I thought he sounded so manly that it scares Chuck Norris.

[theseoafs]

I'm confused. You're asking what we think of a box set including almost all of Dream Theater's albums? You do realize this is a Dream Theater forum?

[Nothingface]

I'm confused. You're asking what we think of a box set including almost all of Dream Theater's albums? You do realize this is a Dream Theater forum?

For a band like Dream Theater, that is notoriously pompous and over-the-top, one would expect there to be a thesaurus-sized booklet for each CD and other such frills; but apparently, all you get is a flimsy cardboard sleeve protecting each one (without so much as a lyric booklet).

But for about $50, I think I'll live.

[Calvin6s]

So you want it cheap, but you don't want them to produce it in a way that keeps it cheap?

[Nothingface]

So you want it cheap, but you don't want them to produce it in a way that keeps it cheap?

Don't get me wrong, I'm just looking for something reasonably priced and reasonably packaged.

There's cheap, and then there's wrapping each CD in plastic wrap and slapping it inside a cardboard box.

The inner Jew in me is rather conflicted.

[SwedishGoose]

I'm confused. You're asking what we think of a box set including almost all of Dream Theater's albums? You do realize this is a Dream Theater forum?

For a band like Dream Theater, that is notoriously pompous and over-the-top, one would expect there to be a thesaurus-sized booklet for each CD and other such frills; but apparently, all you get is a flimsy cardboard sleeve protecting each one (without so much as a lyric booklet).

But for about $50, I think I'll live.

I would not buy the CDs without booklets...

[Calvin6s]

If I didn't already have all the CDs, I'd buy that package.  I rip to FLAC and store the CDs anyway.

Album/CD liners were cooler when you couldn't go on the internet and find tons of videos, interviews, album lyrics and band information.  Besides seeing them live, they were your only chance to put a face to the band.  That's just not the case any more.

[ariich]

Are you capable of posting without being insulting or showing off about illegally pirating the band's music? Consider this a formal warning.

[Evermind]

Album/CD liners were cooler when you couldn't go on the internet and find tons of videos, interviews, album lyrics and band information.  Besides seeing them live, they were your only chance to put a face to the band.  That's just not the case any more.

Well, there's that, but I still love me a good booklet to go with an album. I may not read or browse it often, but it evokes a feeling or certain, dunno, satisfaction I guess. The package feels more whole with the full-scale booklet.

[Nothingface]

or showing off about illegally pirating the band's music?

Don't worry, I'll use Spotify for the time being - it's a slightly less fraudulent way to steal their music (plus, it's forum approved!)

[Rodni Demental]

Well, if you wanna own the physical copies then might as well get the package, can always fill in the gaps and get missing stuff separately. Personally I got the package so I'd have backup discs for driving and for lending.

[Calvin6s]

Are you capable of posting without being insulting or showing off about illegally pirating the band's music? Consider this a formal warning.

He's definitely colorful and I swear some of the posts remind me of Blabbermouth comments, but he likes Anacrusis and Thought Industry ... so I'm intrigued.

[Calvin6s]

Well, there's that, but I still love me a good booklet to go with an album. I may not read or browse it often, but it evokes a feeling or certain, dunno, satisfaction I guess. The package feels more whole with the full-scale booklet.

I used to have that feeling, so I totally get it.  Maybe it's because at 18 I could read the smallest print of a cd booklet in a dark room, but now the room better be pretty well lit 

When I was 18, I could probably name every member (current and past) of my favorite bands.  Now I'm lucky to know the name of one member (of recent bands I like). 

But mainly, if this guy wants the booklets, then pony up the cash.  If not, enjoy the most important part (the music) on the cheap.

[Nothingface]

I may not read or browse it often, but it evokes a feeling or certain, dunno, satisfaction I guess. The package feels more whole with the full-scale booklet.

Basically this. I'd be more apt to just browse the DT wiki while listening than to touch the booklet, but it's still a nice thing to have.

Seems like every time I buy something like this, the band ends up releasing a more complete, updated version a week later.

He's definitely colorful and I swear some of the posts remind me of Blabbermouth comments, but he likes Anacrusis and Thought Industry ... so I'm intrigued.

Ah yes, gotta love the dank Anacrusis

[ariich]

Seems like every time I buy something like this, the band ends up releasing a more complete, updated version a week later.

Yeah I find this sort of thing really annoying as well. Tends to happen to me more with DVD boxsets or whatever, but still.

[Nothingface]

Mobile posting is hell.

[Mosh]

I was able to find most of DT's discography pretty cheap and in good condition used. A quick glance on Amazon shows some pretty good prices.

[Cyclopssss]

I was able to find most of DT's discography pretty cheap and in good condition used. A quick glance on Amazon shows some pretty good prices.

This. It's not that hard to find.

[Progmetty]

This boxset looks sweet, I can't find my copies of SC, 6 Degrees or BC&SL, but I can't justify buying this :/