*Official* The Astonishing discussion thread

[erwinrafael]

Listening to a lot of Trans-Siberian Orchestra lately (we celebrate Christmas here starting September  ) and for some reason, I always think of The Astonishing as being in the same spirit as the TSO albums.

[Adami]

Listening to a lot of Trans-Siberian Orchestra lately (we celebrate Christmas here starting September  ) and for some reason, I always think of The Astonishing as being in the same spirit as the TSO albums.

Heh, I never thought of that, but I can kind of see it.

Maybe that should be inspiration for how the tour should have been. Local string players plus lots of singers.

Hell, two Dream Theaters also so they can tour twice as much!

[Blind Faythe]

Been listening to the whole album once more and once more appreciating the beauty this album has brought upon me. This whole album is like an emotional roller coaster, I'm feeling peaceful one moment, then another moment I'm at the edge of my seat, etc.

Loving the song "Act of Faythe," has my favorite melody from this album as does the middle section of Lord Nafaryus.

Thank you Dream Theater for giving me such a masterpiece to listen too!

[Kotowboy]

I really liked The Astonishing but i am looking forward to a new single disc DT album again.

[bosk1]

Since we started to veer clearly off of The Astonishing and onto speculation about DT14, and there is already an active thread for that, I split off those posts and moved them there.

[Jim Gatti]

Here's a tutorial on how to Play A savior in the square. Really cool chord progression. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B33T9ej8ymk

If you want video on the solo let me know!!

[KevShmev]

Seeing them live last night just confirmed to me that Act I is far superior to Act II.  Most of the best songs are from Act I, and the few songs I can take or leave are on Act II (not counting the NOMAC tracks).

[Blind Faythe]

Do anyone here cry after they hear this album? This album as well as some Dream Theater songs make me cry so much. It's just so beautiful and sad.

[Blind Faythe]

Seeing them live last night just confirmed to me that Act I is far superior to Act II.  Most of the best songs are from Act I, and the few songs I can take or leave are on Act II (not counting the NOMAC tracks).

ACT OF FAYTHE! ACT OF FAYTHE! ACT OF FAYTHE!
In all seriousness, I agree. Savior in the Square, Lord Nafaryus, and a New Beginning are also very awesome.

[KevShmev]

Ace of Faythe is definitely one of the more underrated songs from the record.  The melodies in that one are just glorious.

[Scar]

Ace of Faythe is definitely one of the more underrated songs from the record.  The melodies in that one are just glorious.

Underrated? Actually, I find Act of Faythe to be really silly: "My MUUUUUSIC player"
That part makes me want to barf. It's so.....ugh. 

[KevShmev]

I think you mean it's so awesome. 

[Scar]

That part? Really? 

[KevShmev]

And you are laughing, why exactly? 

[Scar]

Because, it is definitely not awesome at all. But it's cute you think so.

[KevShmev]

Ah, there's that condescending attitude of yours again.  I had almost forgotten.

[Blind Faythe]

Because, it is definitely not awesome at all. But it's cute you think so.

Seriously dude, you have to knock it off. Couldn't you have just left it off at: "I don't think it's awesome."

Kev and I love it. That's just plain rude.

[Ben_Jamin]

That part is amazing. It reveals what she's always been hiding and what's helped her through her life. The music player is significant for the character of Faythe.

[Scar]

Reported for trying to egg on an argument.

[Blind Faythe]

That part is amazing. It reveals what she's always been hiding and what's helped her through her life. The music player is significant for the character of Faythe.

Yes, I agree. Well said.

[KevShmev]

That part is amazing. It reveals what she's always been hiding and what's helped her through her life. The music player is significant for the character of Faythe.

Yep.  Calling it a "music player" is no different than had they used the term "CD player" or "iPod."  Music player just makes it more general. 

Besides, I am still not overly keen on the story or the lyrics - I think it's a bit hokey overall - but I don't care.  The music is more than great enough on most of the album for me not to care about a hokey story. 

Kev and I love it.

[Blind Faythe]

Thanks Kev. You were right about the post you made back then. You are a really cool guy.

[erwinrafael]

That part is amazing. It reveals what she's always been hiding and what's helped her through her life. The music player is significant for the character of Faythe.

I love that part because it reminded me of how life changing music has been to me and how I am hooked to my music player for almost half a day every working day.

[Ben_Jamin]

That part is amazing. It reveals what she's always been hiding and what's helped her through her life. The music player is significant for the character of Faythe.

Yes, I agree. Well said.

Have you heard Iliminals cover of it? I think you'll enjoy that a lot.

[Blind Faythe]

I'll go do that right now.

[Blind Faythe]

Ok, that brought me to tears. Ayumi Ueda is a really beautiful, talented singer. Gave me goosebumps throughout.

[KevShmev]

Thanks Kev. You were right about the post you made back then. You are a really cool guy.

It's all about good vibes and actual discussion. 

[Adami]

That music player part is really nice.

Of all the awful lyrics on this album (and i like the album) that isn't one that catches my attention.

[rumborak]

Same here. I've seen a lot of people mention the music player thing, but that never bothered me too much. The man trying to cry like a woman, now that's a totally different league. That hasn't lost an inch of its WTF potential, after so many listens.

[BlobVanDam]

Ace of Faythe is definitely one of the more underrated songs from the record.  The melodies in that one are just glorious.

Underrated? Actually, I find Act of Faythe to be really silly: "My MUUUUUSIC player"
That part makes me want to barf. It's so.....ugh. 

I still think the lyrics there are silly, but musically it is indeed glorious.

[Fritzinger]

I also liked that part. Not being a native English speaker, my first thought on that part before really getting into the lyrics was Faythe singing about Gabriel! Of course i was totally wrong, but i still like to think of it that way.
I like that (f e in this particular part) they make a lot of use of the material of the scale Myxolydian b13. The most used mode of the Melodic minor (jazz minor) scale in pop music, which gives a lot of songs on TA that typical "musical"-character, imho. Next to the catchy melodies and the huge arrangements of course. It was also used in the beginning of Illumination Theory btw.

[hefdaddy42]

Reported for trying to egg on an argument.

Don't waste my time like this. You were the only one I saw egging anything on. She and Kev were just standing up for their opinions, which you had already slagged. If you can't take it, then you sure as hell shouldn't dish it out. 

The report button is to be used for reporting violations.

[cramx3]

Add me to the group that loves Act of Faythe.  On my first few listens I did think that  "my music player" part was kind of cheesey.  But once you get passed that, you realize the song is really amazing and the melodies are so good.  It's one of the best ballads on the album, but can't beat Chosen.

[TAC]

Add me to the group that loves Act of Faythe. 

Yes

On my first few listens I did think that  "my music player" part was kind of cheesey.   

Yup

   But once you get passed that, you realize the song is really amazing and the melodies are so good. 

Definitely

   It's one of the best ballads on the album, 

Agreed

  but can't beat Chosen.

Cram takes a no hitter in a 0-0 game into the bottom of the 9th, and gives up a walk off home run.

[cramx3]

 

What's your favorite ballad then?  I am truly obsessed with Chosen.  I actually think it's my favorite song on the whole album.  That guitar solo was one of those moments when you just close your eyes while "seeing" it live and soak it in.