The Dream Theater Experiment

[Prog Snob]

...and half of the guys here just stopped their showers.

I mean, yeah, that was the other reason I wanted to remind everybody of her age. I already knew it from some of the other posts she has made on this forum, and so with that context in mind, some of the comments in this thread were rather uncomfortable to read.

I'm glad someone else beside Ang caught on to my point.   

[pcs90]

Next time you have them listen to songs (because obviously multiple songs are played each day even if the write-ups take longer), you should ask at least one if they enjoyed the extensive use of whahibrido pickingant that JP uses in his playing.

[OnTheBacksofAngela]

Now, we have Sophia one more time for Erotomania! 

Me: Hey Sophia, welcome!
Sophia: I came as soon as Ashley told me to prepare. What's wrong?
Me: Oh, nothing....well congratulations! You are the first person to listen to this type of song by Dream Theater!
Sophia: Um, yay?
Me:  Prepare yourself.
Sophia: *gulp*
Me: Alright, let's just get right to it!
Sophia: Ok. I'm gonna put on the headphones now.
Me: You go do that.
Sophia: *Puts on headphones*
After Erotomania
Me: WELL?
Sophia: Umm, what the heck did I just listen to?
Me: An instrumental. An instrumental is just music with instruments and no voices.
Sophia: Well, you should've warned me about that! I was wondering why the singer wasn't singing.
Me: Well, I didn't say to look at the lyrics sheet so I thought you'd get it....
Sophia: Well, I didn't.
Me:  No need to repeat the obvious.
Sophia: *blushes*
Me: Let's get the interview cracking shall we?
Sophia: Sure. Though I'm not sure how you could interview me for this song.
Me: Remember, keep an open mind.
Sophia: Yeah.
Me: Ok. This instrumental is the start of the "A Mind Beside Itself" trilogy. Any opinions on that?
Sophia: Um, ok?
Me:  Silly me. Let me describe it more. There are three steps in this suite: Erotomania, Voices, and The Silent Man. They touch on pretty similar subjects....
Sophia: Really?
Me: Yeah. And Nikki has the next two songs.
Sophia: How will she do?
Me: Well, for Voices......
Sophia: Hmm?
Me: It's.....ummm. It's pretty awkward. She might not like it, but she might enjoy the Silent Man.
Sophia: Oh. I'm glad I'm not her. I'm done after this right?
Me: Fortunately.
Sophia: No, no. It's not that. I'm just saying.
Me: It's fine. Now, let us analyze this piece, just like we did with Caught in A Web, shall we?
Sophia: Yeah.
Me: So, what instrument plays in the beginning?
Sophia: Umm...you taught me this....a synth, right?
Me: Yes! You got it! What about that "dark" guitar sound?
Sophia: Er...a riff?
Me: Perfect!  
Sophia: Thanks! That's enough! Angela, let go! Are you trying to crack my ribs?!
Me: Um.....
Sophia: Why are you hesitating?!
Me: No reason!  Don't worry, I won't hurt you.
Sophia: You just did!
Me: 
Sophia: 
Me: 
Sophia: Ok, ok. Next question.
Me: Well, it's not a question, but some analysis. What do you think of this part? *Plays from 2:10 until 3:05*
Sophia: Ummm.....
Me: Remember what I taught you about Caught in a Web: chemistry, riffing, and the piano.
Sophia: Oh yeah, I remember. The instruments complementing each other and stuff.
Me: Yeah! Did you think that as good?
Sophia: Well, it flowed well. I guess it was good. I loved the piano throughout.
Me: Yes, keep on going!
Sophia: Umm, what was the part with the guitar thing.
Me: Excuse me?
Sophia: You know, when the guitarist played like a solo.
Me: This? *plays 4:35-5:24*
Sophia: Yeah, that. It was kind of enjoyable.
Me: I thought you didn't like these kinds of instrumentals.
Sophia: I have to get used to it because....there is more in store.
Me: Yes! Keep an open mind. *whispers* (And maybe I won't give you The Glass Prison or Burning My Soul to listen to).
Sophia: What was that Angela?
Me: Nothing!
Sophia: *Eyes me suspiciously*
Me: Anyways, What's your opinion on the drums?
Sophia: Hm? Well, I don't focus on the drums. I guess with all the other instruments playing, drums don't stick out to me.
Me: Remember, all the instruments are important. Tell me, do you know what this is called? Focus on the drums.
Sophia: Ok.
Me: *Plays 5:24-5:29*
Sophia: Um, a drum solo?
Me: Not quite. There is a name for that. It's called a fill.
Sophia: A fill?
Me: Yeah. Basically a short break that either signals the end of a phrase or a lick that "fills" in the gap of music. For example, a drummer is playing a four by four. A four by four is a time signature, meaning that there are four quarter note beats. The hi hat would play all the four beats and the kick and snare drum would be played at the first and third beats, respectively. So, it'd be one, two, three, four....*drums on the table* A type of fill would be two hits on the snare, and two hits on three toms each in rapid succession....
Sophia: ANGELA!
Me: Huh?
Sophia: I have no idea what the heck you are talking about.
Me: Why didn't you stop me?
Sophia: I didn't want to be rude.
Me: Well, you interrupted me now.
Sophia: Good point.
Me: Don't worry Sophia, you'll get it in time. I promise I will make this as easy as possible. It's interesting to see your reactions for each particular type of song.
Sophia: I'll bet it is...
Me:
Sophia: I guess we are done?
Me: Correct you are. Can you bring Nikki now?
Sophia: Sure thing.
Me: And since she has two songs in succession, it might take a bit longer.
Sophia: That's fine. I'll go bring her now.
Me: Thanks Sophia. And thanks for participating.
Sophia: Anything for a friend.
Me: And food. 
Sophia: 

[FLEEBS]

As much as I am enjoying reading this, I definitely don't think it's real. I've never known a 13 year old to have enough money to take 6 friends out for steaks, let alone have enough money to buy her own steak. I also have never known a 13 year old to write so well and know many of the words she uses (if it really is a she) well enough to correctly use them in sentences. Too many questions and answers, from both sides, are a little too sophisticated for 13 and 14 year olds to be using in this context. Maybe most importantly, I would never expect a 13 year old (a girl, nonetheless) to be interested enough (at all, really) in a band like Dream Theater to have researched enough about the music, song meanings and lyrics, instrumentation and the like, and band history to know the in depth information that she does. I myself was 13 when I bought Images and Words back in '92, and I certainly enjoyed the album, but I was more interested in the cool sounding songs than being able to break them down and analyze them. It took me years and years for me to be able to dissect the music well enough to discuss it the way she does. True, I'm not her, but I just can't buy it. Lastly, as clique-y as teenagers are at that age, I wouldn't expect one who actually is into DT to associate with girls that are into One Direction and Justin Bieber.

Sorry to be such a cynic, but for what it's worth, keep it up. It's definitely interesting.

[Prog Snob]

If she is faking it, then she has an incredible imagination and I'm still intrigued.

[OnTheBacksofAngela]

As much as I am enjoying reading this, I definitely don't think it's real. I've never known a 13 year old to have enough money to take 6 friends out for steaks, let alone have enough money to buy her own steak. I also have never known a 13 year old to write so well and know many of the words she uses (if it really is a she) well enough to correctly use them in sentences. Too many questions and answers, from both sides, are a little too sophisticated for 13 and 14 year olds to be using in this context. Maybe most importantly, I would never expect a 13 year old (a girl, nonetheless) to be interested enough (at all, really) in a band like Dream Theater to have researched enough about the music, song meanings and lyrics, instrumentation and the like, and band history to know the in depth information that she does. I myself was 13 when I bought Images and Words back in '92, and I certainly enjoyed the album, but I was more interested in the cool sounding songs than being able to break them down and analyze them. It took me years and years for me to be able to dissect the music well enough to discuss it the way she does. True, I'm not her, but I just can't buy it. Lastly, as clique-y as teenagers are at that age, I wouldn't expect one who actually is into DT to associate with girls that are into One Direction and Justin Bieber.

Sorry to be such a cynic, but for what it's worth, keep it up. It's definitely interesting.

Oh, not this again!
I'm not trying to be rude or anything, but for the last time, it is real. Sure, it may raise doubts, but it is definitely real. Let me analyze each and every one of your points. You said that you've never known a thirteen year old who has enough money to take 6 friends out for herself. I mean, where you live, that may not have been the case, but here in Los Angeles....well, it is a pretty crazy city. Anything is possible. I don't have the money myself (obviously), but my parents have it. I could just tell them that my friends and I are getting steak at Outback and if they could lend me money. I am thirteen years old. I am naive. I have no understanding about money and how damn expensive stuff can be. I learn like that. Make stupid mistakes and learn from it. I thought Outback would be a great idea to convince them to partake in this experiment. And that is pretty sexist. How dare you say girls can't be interested in Dream Theater. Sir, I am highly offended by that remark. A girl not liking Dream Theater? Cut the damn sexism. There can be girls who like Dream Theater and don't you dare say girls can't like the bands which guys like. And, the lyrics really appeal to me. Songs like Disappear and The Best of Times, they speak a lot. If I just listened to the song for the instruments and not the lyrics, I would miss out on the heartwarming message from Portnoy to his dad. Lastly, just because our music taste's are different, does not mean we can't be friends. It is only music tastes! We still have a lot in common! We go to the same school. We love to go shopping together. We still watch the same TV shows, we have a lot in common.

I understand your doubt, but please keep it to yourself. I don't want this thread to be plagued with discussions about whether this is real or not. Believe what ever you want to believe, but don't post it here. You saw what happened a while ago. There was a minor fight and just by reading that, my heart broke. It just plagues me with the question: "Are they just reading it to prove me wrong? Do they not appreciate the time I'm taking to write this?" I'm doing this for you guys. I want you to know what other girls think.

Sorry for the rant, but I had to get it out of my system.
And just remember, if you think it is fake, go ahead. I don't really care. There are people here who are enjoying reading this and I don't want another argument about whether this is real or fake. Just keep it to yourself. If this keeps happening, I'm just going to have this damn thread locked. I don't have to post this here. So please and thank you very much.

[Prog Snob]

[Train of Naught]

Yeah, regardless of whether you believe it's real or not, that whole comment was pretty ridiculous. Especially the part where he said you can't be interested in analyzing music at the age of 13.

[Paintbox]

(Angela's eloquent response)

Your response is too long, well written and mature for a 14 years old, you are fake!
Really Angela, keep posting. We already talked about our doubts and came to the conclusion that even if you take the creative licence to add something to describe your friends's reaction it's really interesting to read. I know other people who listen to DT from a young age, and surely I know a lot of people who had strong appreciation for music and other things at your age. It's kinda sad that we consider your writing "suspiciously good" just because a lot of people on the internet can't tell the difference between "your" and "you're". You write good, it's obvious you like to write, so keep going.

[Mastermax0213]

(Angela's eloquent response)

Your response is too long, well written and mature for a 14 years old, you are fake!
Really Angela, keep posting. We already talked about our doubts and came to the conclusion that even if you take the creative licence to add something to describe your friends's reaction it's really interesting to read. I know other people who listen to DT from a young age, and surely I know a lot of people who had strong appreciation for music and other things at your age. It's kinda sad that we consider your writing "suspiciously good" just because a lot of people on the internet can't tell the difference between "your" and "you're". You write good, it's obvious you like to write, so keep going.

You're well written response deserves some love. Your a talented complimentor.

[V_R11]

Because this actually made me kinda mad, I'd just like to state that I'm a girl, and I'm 18 now but back when I started listening to DT I was 13-14ish. I have never been intrigued like that, I was completely blown away by the fact that such music could exist. I digged up a lot of background information too. As a 14-year-old I would have been able to tell you details like the last note on SDOIT is the same as the first note on ToT or what SFAM was all about and stuff like that. About instrumentation and musical terms I learned in music theory class when I was 12.  Just because the OP doesn't fit into the category of stereotypical 13-year-old girls doesn't mean she's fake. I sure wasn't one of those myself

I rest my case. Been following this thread a while and I like it 

[jakepriest]

 

[OnTheBacksofAngela]

Because this actually made me kinda mad, I'd just like to state that I'm a girl, and I'm 18 now but back when I started listening to DT I was 13-14ish. I have never been intrigued like that, I was completely blown away by the fact that such music could exist. I digged up a lot of background information too. As a 14-year-old I would have been able to tell you details like the last note on SDOIT is the same as the first note on ToT or what SFAM was all about and stuff like that. About instrumentation and musical terms I learned in music theory class when I was 12.  Just because the OP doesn't fit into the category of stereotypical 13-year-old girls doesn't mean she's fake. I sure wasn't one of those myself

I rest my case. Been following this thread a while and I like it 

Thank you. I'm glad you are enjoying this.   

[Prog Snob]

I just want to say it's awesome to see so many younger girls getting into Dream Theater. I turned my ex-wife's daughter into a huge Dream Theater fan and she was 13 at the time it happened. We should be applauding this, not questioning and doubting it. Furthermore there's nothing wrong with being a fan of both Dream Theater and bands like One Direction. I can rock out to Dream Theater and also listen to a singer like Christina Aguilera and totally appreciate the immense talent of which she is capable.

Rock on, female proggers!!   

[mikemangioy]

Yeah, regardless of whether you believe it's real or not, that whole comment was pretty ridiculous. Especially the part where he said you can't be interested in analyzing music at the age of 13.

Back then I had a sheet paper with all of the time signatures of TDOE, and everyday I would try and get a little part done on the drumset. I was all mad about that.

[OnTheBacksofAngela]

For the song Voices, we have Nikki! 

Me: Hey there Nikki, you ready?!
Nikki: Yeah! Bring it!
Me:  You might not like it though.....
Nikki: Why?
Me: It's uh......I don't know how to explain it.
Nikki: Hm. Then I guess we should hurry and get listening.
Me: Yes, let's do that.
Nikki: *Puts on headphones*
Me: Good luck Nikki. The lyrics are right here and enjoy it.
Nikki: *nods*
After the music
Me: Um, how was it?
Nikki: .................I'm conbaffelated.
Me: Understandable.
Nikki: What the heck did I just listen too? I mean seriously.
Me: You listened to one of Dream Theater's underrated songs! It is a really good song if you think about it.
Nikki: You are kidding me, right? I had no idea what the heck this song is about and the part where the singer goes like sex is death and death is sex?! What the heck does that mean!?
Me: Well, it's about a man who has schizophrenia. It basically explores the relationship between sex, religion, and insanity.
Nikki: You know, this is the weirdest song I have ever listened to in my entire life.
Me: Coming from a girl who only listens to One Direction and 5SOS. 
Nikki:
Me: It's fine. This is really pushing you out of your comfort zone, isn't it?
Nikki: Oh yeah, it is. Definitely. I mean.....I really don't know what to say. I'm speechless.
Me: It's fine. Let's just get on with the interview.
Nikki: Yeah, let's do that.
Me: What did you like about the song? Dislike?
Nikki: Well, I loved the guitar solo in the middle. Better than anything 5SOS can whip up.
Me: D-did you just really compare Dream Theater to 5SOS?!!! 
Nikki: Why not?
Me: Do not EVER compare them together at all. They are totally different genre's and comparing them two would be like comparing a termite and a Komodo Dragon.
Nikki: Who's the termite?
Me: 5SOS.
Nikki: That's a load of- I mean, yeah right. I'll bet 5SOS would be the Komodo Dragon and the Dream Theater would be the termite.
Me: You are really funny. 
Nikki: I was being serious. 
Me: Oh. Well, we are entitled to our own opinion. Let's leave it that.
Nikki: Yes, let's.
Me: So, any dislikes?
Nikki: Um, the lyrics were very awkward....the singer was...I have mixed opinions.
Me: Describe it please.
Nikki: Well, the singer still excels with his vocal range, but it was a bit more...err, harsh?
Me: Yeah, he sings like that throughout this entire album...though the next song you have, The Silent Man, his vocals are very clean and enjoyable. You will enjoy it.
Nikki: I really hope I do!
Me:  What did you think of all the instruments personally?
Nikki: Um.
Me: So, starting with the guitar.
Nikki: Nice.
Me: Bass?
Nikki: Uh, I don't know.
Me: Keyboard?
Nikki: Shady.
Me: Drums?
Nikki: Cool.
Me: Really? One word responses? XD
Nikki: That's the first thing that came to mind.
Me: Oh Nikki. That's what I love about you.
Nikki: What?
Me: Nothing~
Nikki: You love nothing about me?
Me: No! That wasn't what I meant!
Nikki: *crosses arm* Sure.
Me: No, seriously!
Nikki: Oh lighten up Angela. I was joking.
Me:  You made it sound real.
Nikki:
Me: Anyways, what did you like about the guitar solo?
Nikki: Well, I love the mood, actually. The overall mood. The introduction....can you play it again?
Me: Sure. *plays introduction*
Nikki: See? It starts off quiet and eerie, then it explodes.
Me: Yep!
Nikki: I loved that.
Me: Did you know that the instrument in the beginning was the bass?
Nikki: No.
Me: Well, now you do.
Nikki: Oh, that's cool I guess?
Me: Yep. John Myung is a good bass player.
Nikki: Myung?
Me: Yeah.
Nikki: He's Asian, right?
Me: Yeah, Korean American.
Nikki: Wow, that's interesting.
Me: Yeah.
Nikki: Ok great. I'm done now. May I listen to the next song now?
Me: Sure thing!
Nikki: Great, thanks.
Me: Mhm. Hang tight while I pull it up.

[pcs90]

I've never known a 13 year old to have enough money to take 6 friends out for steaks, let alone have enough money to buy her own steak.

Did she ever flat-out say "I am using my own money that I made by myself to buy everyone dinner"? I don't think so...some parents are very generous. I would hope that she let her parents know before making that deal with her friends, so assuming that was the case, there is no problem here with her statements.

I also have never known a 13 year old to write so well and know many of the words she uses (if it really is a she) well enough to correctly use them in sentences.

Why are you doubting her gender...? You can be 13 and write well. Have you seen the kids younger than her playing super technical stuff? There's an 8-year-old drummer playing TDOE (very well I should add).

Too many questions and answers, from both sides, are a little too sophisticated for 13 and 14 year olds to be using in this context.

So maybe she added in some big words for the purpose of the write-ups. So what? True, it'd be nice to know exactly what was said (especially from the girls listening), but you can't possibly be telling me that 13 and 14-year-olds can't use big words? My opinion here is, for the thoughts of the girls, it should be kept very close to the original (if it's even changed) since that's kind of the point of the thread. But I see absolutely nothing wrong with having some creative writing thrown in if it does not change what they say -- she is a writer and obviously has a passion for this. Let her express it.

Maybe most importantly, I would never expect a 13 year old (a girl, nonetheless) to be interested enough (at all, really) in a band like Dream Theater to have researched enough about the music, song meanings and lyrics, instrumentation and the like, and band history to know the in depth information that she does.

I'm not a girl, but if I knew about DT when I was 13 they would instantly cause me to be fascinated with their music. I have always been drawn to music where the instrumental parts were good, or the melodies were good, rather than the lyrics. A lot of 13-14-year-old girls know every little fact about Justin Bieber or 5SOS, so it's not like it's impossible for her to know the same for DT. Not everyone likes the same music, and her gender again should have nothing to do with it to be honest. I don't know any girls who listen to DT...that doesn't mean they don't exist.

[FLEEBS]

As much as I am enjoying reading this, I definitely don't think it's real. I've never known a 13 year old to have enough money to take 6 friends out for steaks, let alone have enough money to buy her own steak. I also have never known a 13 year old to write so well and know many of the words she uses (if it really is a she) well enough to correctly use them in sentences. Too many questions and answers, from both sides, are a little too sophisticated for 13 and 14 year olds to be using in this context. Maybe most importantly, I would never expect a 13 year old (a girl, nonetheless) to be interested enough (at all, really) in a band like Dream Theater to have researched enough about the music, song meanings and lyrics, instrumentation and the like, and band history to know the in depth information that she does. I myself was 13 when I bought Images and Words back in '92, and I certainly enjoyed the album, but I was more interested in the cool sounding songs than being able to break them down and analyze them. It took me years and years for me to be able to dissect the music well enough to discuss it the way she does. True, I'm not her, but I just can't buy it. Lastly, as clique-y as teenagers are at that age, I wouldn't expect one who actually is into DT to associate with girls that are into One Direction and Justin Bieber.

Sorry to be such a cynic, but for what it's worth, keep it up. It's definitely interesting.

Oh, not this again!
I'm not trying to be rude or anything, but for the last time, it is real. Sure, it may raise doubts, but it is definitely real. Let me analyze each and every one of your points. You said that you've never known a thirteen year old who has enough money to take 6 friends out for herself. I mean, where you live, that may not have been the case, but here in Los Angeles....well, it is a pretty crazy city. Anything is possible. I don't have the money myself (obviously), but my parents have it. I could just tell them that my friends and I are getting steak at Outback and if they could lend me money. I am thirteen years old. I am naive. I have no understanding about money and how damn expensive stuff can be. I learn like that. Make stupid mistakes and learn from it. I thought Outback would be a great idea to convince them to partake in this experiment. And that is pretty sexist. How dare you say girls can't be interested in Dream Theater. Sir, I am highly offended by that remark. A girl not liking Dream Theater? Cut the damn sexism. There can be girls who like Dream Theater and don't you dare say girls can't like the bands which guys like. And, the lyrics really appeal to me. Songs like Disappear and The Best of Times, they speak a lot. If I just listened to the song for the instruments and not the lyrics, I would miss out on the heartwarming message from Portnoy to his dad. Lastly, just because our music taste's are different, does not mean we can't be friends. It is only music tastes! We still have a lot in common! We go to the same school. We love to go shopping together. We still watch the same TV shows, we have a lot in common.

I understand your doubt, but please keep it to yourself. I don't want this thread to be plagued with discussions about whether this is real or not. Believe what ever you want to believe, but don't post it here. You saw what happened a while ago. There was a minor fight and just by reading that, my heart broke. It just plagues me with the question: "Are they just reading it to prove me wrong? Do they not appreciate the time I'm taking to write this?" I'm doing this for you guys. I want you to know what other girls think.

Sorry for the rant, but I had to get it out of my system.
And just remember, if you think it is fake, go ahead. I don't really care. There are people here who are enjoying reading this and I don't want another argument about whether this is real or fake. Just keep it to yourself. If this keeps happening, I'm just going to have this damn thread locked. I don't have to post this here. So please and thank you very much.

I'll take just one chance to defend myself, and then I'll be done posting here.

I am enjoying reading this, whatever the circumstances are. I would love for you to continue.

I believe all of my points are quite valid.

Not once did I say girls can't be into Dream Theater. I know plenty of girls who are into Dream Theater, just none who are 13 and happen to know so much about them. However, I didn't have the internet when I was young, so I realize it's far easier to get info than it used to be. I definitely don't think DT is strictly a band for guys or even that only guys listen to them. I am not sexist at all, but sorry if that's how I came across. Paraphrasing, I said I would never expect a 13 year old to be into DT and to know so much about them. In my mind, that honestly goes for males and females. That doesn't mean I can't be surprised, even pleasantly surprised, when one comes around that is and does, and takes to analyzing lyrics and music on such a scale.

I am sorry for upsetting anyone. That was not my intent. I felt I had the right to put my two cents in, and I will say no more.

[OnTheBacksofAngela]

No, I'm sorry. I overracted. Your points are valid and I understand. I'm sorry for causing all this drama
It's all my fault. Gosh, I feel really bad right now.

[Prog Snob]

For the song Voices, we have Nikki! 

Me: Hey there Nikki, you ready?!
Nikki: Yeah! Bring it!
Me:  You might not like it though.....
Nikki: Why?
Me: It's uh......I don't know how to explain it.
Nikki: Hm. Then I guess we should hurry and get listening.
Me: Yes, let's do that.
Nikki: *Puts on headphones*
Me: Good luck Nikki. The lyrics are right here and enjoy it.
Nikki: *nods*
After the music
Me: Um, how was it?
Nikki: .................I'm conbaffelated.
Me: Understandable.
Nikki: What the heck did I just listen too? I mean seriously.
Me: You listened to one of Dream Theater's underrated songs! It is a really good song if you think about it.
Nikki: You are kidding me, right? I had no idea what the heck this song is about and the part where the singer goes like sex is death and death is sex?! What the heck does that mean!?
Me: Well, it's about a man who has schizophrenia. It basically explores the relationship between sex, religion, and insanity.
Nikki: You know, this is the weirdest song I have ever listened to in my entire life.
Me: Coming from a girl who only listens to One Direction and 5SOS. 
Nikki:
Me: It's fine. This is really pushing you out of your comfort zone, isn't it?
Nikki: Oh yeah, it is. Definitely. I mean.....I really don't know what to say. I'm speechless.
Me: It's fine. Let's just get on with the interview.
Nikki: Yeah, let's do that.
Me: What did you like about the song? Dislike?
Nikki: Well, I loved the guitar solo in the middle. Better than anything 5SOS can whip up.
Me: D-did you just really compare Dream Theater to 5SOS?!!! 
Nikki: Why not?
Me: Do not EVER compare them together at all. They are totally different genre's and comparing them two would be like comparing a termite and a Komodo Dragon.
Nikki: Who's the termite?
Me: 5SOS.
Nikki: That's a load of- I mean, yeah right. I'll bet 5SOS would be the Komodo Dragon and the Dream Theater would be the termite.
Me: You are really funny. 
Nikki: I was being serious. 
Me: Oh. Well, we are entitled to our own opinion. Let's leave it that.
Nikki: Yes, let's.
Me: So, any dislikes?
Nikki: Um, the lyrics were very awkward....the singer was...I have mixed opinions.
Me: Describe it please.
Nikki: Well, the singer still excels with his vocal range, but it was a bit more...err, harsh?
Me: Yeah, he sings like that throughout this entire album...though the next song you have, The Silent Man, his vocals are very clean and enjoyable. You will enjoy it.
Nikki: I really hope I do!
Me:  What did you think of all the instruments personally?
Nikki: Um.
Me: So, starting with the guitar.
Nikki: Nice.
Me: Bass?
Nikki: Uh, I don't know.
Me: Keyboard?
Nikki: Shady.
Me: Drums?
Nikki: Cool.
Me: Really? One word responses? XD
Nikki: That's the first thing that came to mind.
Me: Oh Nikki. That's what I love about you.
Nikki: What?
Me: Nothing~
Nikki: You love nothing about me?
Me: No! That wasn't what I meant!
Nikki: *crosses arm* Sure.
Me: No, seriously!
Nikki: Oh lighten up Angela. I was joking.
Me:  You made it sound real.
Nikki:
Me: Anyways, what did you like about the guitar solo?
Nikki: Well, I love the mood, actually. The overall mood. The introduction....can you play it again?
Me: Sure. *plays introduction*
Nikki: See? It starts off quiet and eerie, then it explodes.
Me: Yep!
Nikki: I loved that.
Me: Did you know that the instrument in the beginning was the bass?
Nikki: No.
Me: Well, now you do.
Nikki: Oh, that's cool I guess?
Me: Yep. John Myung is a good bass player.
Nikki: Myung?
Me: Yeah.
Nikki: He's Asian, right?
Me: Yeah, Korean American.
Nikki: Wow, that's interesting.
Me: Yeah.
Nikki: Ok great. I'm done now. May I listen to the next song now?
Me: Sure thing!
Nikki: Great, thanks.
Me: Mhm. Hang tight while I pull it up.

What I like is that they're actually giving it a chance and appreciating it for what it is. Though I don't know how Dream Theater would be the termite. 

[thosava]

Voices is one of my favourite DT songs, so this was interesting If the vocals in Voices were too harsh, then i will fetch my popcorn for ToT 

[RMGadelha]

And for MP's part on A night to remember and Constant Motion.

[jakepriest]

TOT doesn't really have harsh vocals. Awake's vocals are much more gritty.

Also

"Nikki: What the heck did I just listen too? I mean seriously."

is a reaction I still have to this day. The song's so meh that I don't get the fascination some people seem to have with it.

[thosava]

That's true. But the general heaviness of that album is popcorn-worthy anyway

[metropofreak]

Just wanted to say I've been following this thread for a while now and I think it's a great idea! It's so interesting to see different people's reactions to DT!

No, I'm sorry. I overracted. Your points are valid and I understand. I'm sorry for causing all this drama
It's all my fault. Gosh, I feel really bad right now.

I don't think you overreacted at all! You laid down an excellent counter to comments that weren't very kind. The last thing people of your age (and indeed all ages) need is someone telling them they are fake, and are writing at a level above their age. Unsurprisingly, people are all very different, so if you can write well at any age then you should do just that. So I'd definitely encourage you to continue because I think you're doing a great job, and have made a really excellent thread!

I am not sexist at all

This may be true, but you still said some very sexist things, which I italicized for ease:

I would never expect a 13 year old (a girl, nonetheless) to be interested enough (at all, really) in a band like Dream Theater

I also have never known a 13 year old to write so well and know many of the words she uses (if it really is a she) well enough to correctly use them in sentences.

One of the primary reasons there is such an imbalance in the gender ratio when it comes to listening to this genre are comments like these. Doubting someone's ability to like a band solely based on their gender is harmful to everyone, including the genre itself. Women are often made to feel unwelcome listening to metal in general because of comments like these, so please stop it. It is immensely destructive and disheartening.

OnTheBacksOfAngela, your response was absolutely justified and you have done nothing wrong. It is completely acceptable to rant at someone who makes comments like this, because they definitely had it coming.

I look forward to reading the rest of this great thread! 

[IDontNotDoThings]

No, I'm sorry. I overracted. Your points are valid and I understand. I'm sorry for causing all this drama
It's all my fault. Gosh, I feel really bad right now.

I don't think you overreacted at all! You laid down an excellent counter to comments that weren't very kind. The last thing [people] need is someone telling them they are fake, and are writing at a level above their age. Unsurprisingly, people are all very different, so if you can write well at any age then you should do just that. So I'd definitely encourage you to continue because I think you're doing a great job, and have made a really excellent thread!

So is she good at writing or is she telling the truth?


I NEED ANSWERS DAMNIT!

I am not sexist at all

This may be true, but you still said some very sexist things, which I italicized for ease:

I would never expect a 13 year old (a girl, nonetheless) to be interested enough (at all, really) in a band like Dream Theater

I also have never known a 13 year old to write so well and know many of the words she uses (if it really is a she) well enough to correctly use them in sentences.

One of the primary reasons there is such an imbalance in the gender ratio when it comes to listening to this genre are comments like these. Doubting someone's ability to like a band solely based on their gender...

One of these things is not like the other things
One of these things, just doesn't belong

...is harmful to everyone, including the genre itself. Women are often made to feel unwelcome listening to metal in general because of comments like these, so please stop it. It is immensely destructive and disheartening.

So women don't feel comfortable listening to metal because people don't say many women listen to metal because not many women listen to metal because they don't feel comfortable listening to metal because people don't say many women listen to metal because not many women listen to metal because they don't feel comfortable listening to metal because people don't say many women listen to metal because not many women listen to metal because they don't feel comfortable listening to metal because people don't say many women listen to metal because not many women listen to metal because they don't feel comfortable listening to metal because people don't say many women listen to metal because not many women listen to metal because they don't feel comfortable listening to metal because people don't say many women listen to metal because not many women listen to metal because they don't feel comfortable listening to metal?

You've created a time paradox! (I just really love this emote)











Yeah I only made this reply because I was bored. Meh...

[jakepriest]

So women don't feel comfortable listening to metal because people don't say many women listen to metal because not many women listen to metal because they don't feel comfortable listening to metal because people don't say many women listen to metal because not many women listen to metal because they don't feel comfortable listening to metal because people don't say many women listen to metal because not many women listen to metal because they don't feel comfortable listening to metal because people don't say many women listen to metal because not many women listen to metal because they don't feel comfortable listening to metal because people don't say many women listen to metal because not many women listen to metal because they don't feel comfortable listening to metal because people don't say many women listen to metal because not many women listen to metal because they don't feel comfortable listening to metal?

[seasonsinthesky]

It would be great if people could stop cringeposting so Angela can continue posting the hilarity and not worry about the reactions of the geeks to off-topic crap.

[Darkstarshades]

Nowadays I usually think 13-14 year olds aren't smart enough to use a wide vocabulary and that.

Then I remember that I beat complex RPG games and other stuff when I was around 10 years old, in fact, a lot of us did.

When you grow up you tend to underestimate people younger than you, even if it's just a few years younger, and as far as I know, this continues very well into adulthood.

[OnTheBacksofAngela]

Hey guys! Nikki is back with The Silent Man!

Me: Welcome back Nikki!
Nikki: Thanks.
Me: Let's start shall we?
Nikki: Mhm.
Me: No introduction needed?
Nikki: Mhm.
Me: You ready?
Nikki: Mhm.
Me: Will you please stop saying "mhm"?
Nikki: Mhm.
Me: Thank you.
Nikki: Mhm.
Me: 
Nikki: 
Me: You know the drill.
Nikki: Mhm.
Me: *glares*
Nikki: *puts on headphones*
Me: *Plays the Silent Man*
3 minutes and 51 seconds later
Nikki: *takes of headphones*
Me: How was it?
Nikki: YES! That's what I'm talking about....kinda.
Me: Hm? What was that about?
Nikki: I loved the calm atmosphere of the song, but the lyrics were kinda....you know.
Me: Yep. Lyrics might be a big problem. Some are straightforward while others are you know...cryptic.
Nikki: Yeah. But the singer was-
Me: Ep, ep. The interview hasn't started.
Nikki: Come on!
Me: Now it has. 
Nikki: Ok, so the singer-
Me: Eh, eh, eh, I didn't ask you anything yet.
Nikki: 
Me: 
Nikki: Fire away.
Me: That's the spirit! What did you like the best?
Nikki: Well, the cool atmosphere. This could be like a lullaby. I could sleep to this song.
Me: 
Nikki: What?
Me: That sounds...never mind! Anyways, Labrie says: "LaBrie described the lyrics as dealing with "communication breakdown, for instance between a father and a son. We feel that we have to play certain roles when around one of our parents, and we never really get to know the real person. I'm lucky that I behave with my own father like I would a friend. We can joke around and go for a beer." Any thoughts on that?
Nikki: Hm?
Me: Basically, when our communication isn't strong between our parents. We behave like....like... Damn it. I understand what it means, but it is hard to explain it.
Nikki: That's fine.
Me: But I really want you to know the lyrics.
Nikki: Why? I'm only listening to this band until the albums are over.
Me: You might get used to it and may want to switch to them soon.
Nikki: Never happening. 
Me:  We'll see.
Nikki: 
Me: Don't worry about it. Ahem! The tambourine and the shaking instrument you hear is played by the drummer Mike Portnoy. John Myung also plays the acoustic with Petrucci.
Nikki: Really?
Me: Um, yeah. Here, let's see the music video.
Nikki: OK.
Me: *Turns on The Silent Man, Official Video. Goes to 1:41* See Myung?
Nikki: Yeah. Oh, and he has...the guitar?
Me: Yep! And here. *Goes to 1:52* See, there is Portnoy.
Nikki: He looks so depressed.
Me:  Maybe he's just bored. Dunno exactly.
Nikki:
Me: Anyways, this album's name is Awake. Find any connections with the song?
Nikki: No.
Me: Read the lyrics.
Nikki: *reads*
Me: Well?
Nikki: Um, no connection.
Me: What does the word say there?
Nikki: Awake.
Me: What's the title of this album?
Nikki: Awake. Oh.
Me: Now you get it.
Nikki: Wow.
Me: Yeah, so overall summary of the song.
Nikki: Pretty cool song. Light atmosphere, pretty catchy, but lyrics are hard to understand.
Me: That's fine. You are getting better. Thanks!
Nikki: Your welcome! Who should I get?
Me: Michelle.
Nikki: Ok.
Me: Tell her that things are going to get heavy.
Nikki: I will, though she won't like it.
Me: Yeah....
Nikki: Don't worry. The last thing she will do is quit. At least you get her honest opinion.
Me: True, true.
Nikki: I'll be right back.
Me: Thanks. You go do that.

[IDontNotDoThings]

HYPE

[chaossystem]

Actually Portnoy got sick while they were making that video...

[OnTheBacksofAngela]

Oh lol. Thanks.

[Pettor]

Is Voices underrated? I truly love that song but always thought people kinda liked it

[BlobVanDam]

Yeah, Voices isn't underrated at all (nor overrated). It's a widely loved song, and I rarely if ever hear any dislike for it.