Hello from a New(ish) Fan

[link2tau]

Hello all,

I've been reading the forums here for quite some time and finally decided to get my act together and actually join. I am a relatively new fan of the band, having discovered them about six months ago. Naturally, Dream Theater is now my favorite band, and just about the only band I find myself listening to at this point (though I'm sure bands I used to listen to will slowly leak back into my playlists).

I realize that this post should probably have some point to it other than just saying hello, so I figured I'd introduce myself, Dream Theater style, with an album ranking, a few of my favorite songs, and a couple of questions for the community at large. Let us commence.

My discovery of Dream Theater is a rather odd story involving a boring art class and disbelief at the existence of a 24 minute song (Yeah. My first song was Octavarium. I threw myself right into the deep end), and then further disbelief at the existence of a 42 minute song (Again. Deep end). But I was hooked. And so over the course of a month I listened to their entire discography, and the rest, as they say, is history. Anyways, onto the fun stuff.

Album Ranking: I find my thoughts on the albums haven't changed much since my first listens. There are, of course, a few that vary from day to day, but for the most part it's a rather static list.


-The Elites-

A Dramatic Turn of Events: Maybe not such a popular choice, but this to me, is a musical masterpiece.

The Astonishing: I was incredibly skeptical and extremely nervous about this release. I had no reason to be. It is brilliant.

Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence: The title track alone makes it great, but the presence of the first disc makes it near perfect.

-The Greats-

Scenes from a Memory: Seems to be the general community's favorite, and I can see why. Just doesn't quite reach elite status for me.

Octavarium: Again, the title track alone is incredible, and while the other songs aren't as strong as Six Degrees' "supporting cast", they are by no means bad.

-The Good-

Images and Words: The one that started it all, and started it exceptionally well. However, about half of the tracks don't do much for me (blasphemy I know).

Black Clouds and Silver Linings: The Count of Tuscany completely carries this album, and is just about the only reason it is this high on the list.

Train of Thought: Similar to Images and Words, about half the tracks don't do much for me, but other half...excellence.

Awake: This is the album I've listened to the least, and while the individual songs I really like, for some reason I never find myself returning to it as a whole.

-The Bad But Not Really Because It's Still Better Than Just About Any Bound Out There-

Dream Theater: This really fell flat for me. I don't much like the shorter songs, and it just seems like it's all been done before. There are some highlights in The Enemy Inside and Enigma Machine though.

Falling Into Infinity: I really don't have much to say about this one. Peruvian Skies rocks I guess.

When Dream and Day Unite: Haven't even listened to it. Just going off of popular opinion.

-The Love/Hate Relationship-

Systematic Chaos: Oh boy oh boy oh boy. I just don't know. Some days I love it and some days I hate it. I plan to post some in depth thoughts about this album in the near future.


Top Five Songs:

1. Breaking All Illusions
2. The Count of Tuscany
3. Ravenskill
4.Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
5. Panic Attack


And that's it really. I apologize for the fairly lengthy post, but I felt the need to get acquainted with you all, and what better way to do it than with Dream Theater rankings? Feel free to ask questions or thoughts if you have any, and by all means, tear my opinions to bits. I'd get a kick out of that.

Thanks very much for reading.

Have a lovely day.

[erwinrafael]

Welcome to the forum! So where are your questions? 

[link2tau]

I seem to have forgotten them haven't I? Might as well put them here!

First off, was I right in that the general consensus for When Dream and Day Unite is rather negative? And what makes it so bad? Is it even worth listening to?

Secondly, you can probably tell I don't know what to think of Systematic Chaos. What do you all think of it?

Lastly, and this is just a curiosity thing, how do you listen to Dream Theater? CD? Digitally? Vinyl?

Have a lovely day.

[SebastianPratesi]

First off, was I right in that the general consensus for When Dream and Day Unite is rather negative? And what makes it so bad? Is it even worth listening to?

Secondly, you can probably tell I don't know what to think of Systematic Chaos. What do you all think of it?

Lastly, and this is just a curiosity thing, how do you listen to Dream Theater? CD? Digitally? Vinyl?

Have a lovely day.

Hi, link2tau (if that's your real name ).

About the questions:

1. I'm fairly new to the forum, but I'd say that yes, the general consensus on WDADU is negative. Most criticism I've read is directed towards the production/mix, and the vocals. I've also seen some criticism on the songwriting, but it was their first album, so I guess they get away with it really. (By the way, I have never listened to it either.)

2. I pretty much have the same relationship with Systematic Chaos as you do. I got into the band in 2006, and my first show was in 2008, so the album represents my first chapter as a fan. Through the years, I liked it less and less, and there was a time when I only played "The Dark Eternal Night" (my favourite song from it). However, recently I found a new interest in JM's more prominent bass parts, and SC features quite a few. So, during the last month I've been re-discovering my love for "Repentance", "Constant Motion", "Prophets Of War" - songs which I had been ignoring for almost 7 years.

3. I listen to their CDs. Digitally, I only listen to The Astonishing songs when I want to check some recurrences of different melodies/progressions throughout the album (we have a thread about this in the forum, if you are into that sort of stuff). I have never bought a DT vinyl - not only I don't own a vinyl player, but also there's only one album being sold in my country on vinyl (the self-titled), and copies are very expensive in my opinion (for the same money, I get to buy the last 4 albums on CD and a hamburger).

[Outcrier]

The consensus place these two albums at the bottom of all DT albums (with WDADU being dead last by a mile).

But it's not like they're terrible albums. The lowest i rate a DT album is a 4 for WDADU, but it's more because of the production and vocals, otherwise it would be a 5.

[1neeto]

I seem to have forgotten them haven't I? Might as well put them here!

First off, was I right in that the general consensus for When Dream and Day Unite is rather negative? And what makes it so bad? Is it even worth listening to?

Secondly, you can probably tell I don't know what to think of Systematic Chaos. What do you all think of it?

Lastly, and this is just a curiosity thing, how do you listen to Dream Theater? CD? Digitally? Vinyl?

Have a lovely day.

I didn't see A Change Of Seasons on your list. Get it, get it yesterday!

[erwinrafael]

First off, was I right in that the general consensus for When Dream and Day Unite is rather negative? And what makes it so bad? Is it even worth listening to?

As said by others, criticism is in the production and vocals. The songwriting is also a bit raw, but DO NOT MISS AFTERLIFE. It's in my upper half of DT songs.

Secondly, you can probably tell I don't know what to think of Systematic Chaos. What do you all think of it?

My least favorite album. I started with DT around 1996/1997 with I&W and Awake on tapes.    Systematic Chaos was the first album of them that I did not buy upon release, primarily because I did not like the leadoff single and I was at a point then when I would rather listen to other bands. That continued until Mangini's arrival with ADTOE when DT recaptured my interest. It was renewed love from there.  Systematic Chaos and BC&SL era for me was a confusing era, as if DT equated their DT-ness to writing long songs and displaying technical chops. But that's just me.

Lastly, and this is just a curiosity thing, how do you listen to Dream Theater? CD? Digitally? Vinyl?

Recently, HDTracks. Cheapest quality alternative for somebody who lives in the Philippines. 

[BlobVanDam]

As unnecessary as I think WDADU is as an album, never let yourself be influenced by anyone else's opinion! You should check out every DT album and make up your own mind. I'd also recommend checking out the live versions of the WDADU songs with James LaBrie. Afterlife, A Fortune in Lies and The Killing Hand are much better with LaBrie, and Ytse Jam is solid in any version. But the problems with WDADU overall extend far beyond just production and vocals.

[Bacong]

I wish I could discover DT again.

[Dream Team]

Several of us think WDADU is fantastic, so definitely check it out. Also ACOS is many forumer's favorite song.

[darkshade]

Welcome link. Wait til you check out Transatlantic. They wrote a 78 minute song, The Whirlwind. Mike Portnoy on drums.

I can't imagine getting into DT with the large discography they have now. Their modern sound is different.

[Peter Mc]

It took me a little while to go back and get WDADU when I first got into DT (around ACOS period).  I would certainly not dismiss it without listening to it as I really enjoy the album.  As others have said, many of the songs pop up on live albums so, if you buy them, you'll have an idea.  The Killing Hand, Status Seeker, A Fortune In Lies, Afterlife, The Ones Who Help To Set The Sun and Only A Matter Of Time are all awesome songs for me.  Yes the production is not crystal clear and the singer doesn't have the identity of JLB, just a generic hard rock singer but in no way offensive, he's perfectly acceptable but JLB's arrival really set the band apart from everyone else.

Always interesting to hear the ratings of new converts who don't have the baggage of Portnoy vs Mangini or even Kevin Moore vs Jordan Rudess.  I sometimes think this stops some people from enjoying ADTOE so nice to see you think so highly of it.  Images and Words all the way for me though, musical perfection from start to finish.

[link2tau]

I seem to have forgotten them haven't I? Might as well put them here!

First off, was I right in that the general consensus for When Dream and Day Unite is rather negative? And what makes it so bad? Is it even worth listening to?

Secondly, you can probably tell I don't know what to think of Systematic Chaos. What do you all think of it?

Lastly, and this is just a curiosity thing, how do you listen to Dream Theater? CD? Digitally? Vinyl?

Have a lovely day.

I didn't see A Change Of Seasons on your list. Get it, get it yesterday!

Will do! I've listened to it a few times, but mostly under distracting circumstances. Time to give it a real listen!

As for all of the comments on WDADU, I'll certainly give it a go. The live versions with Labrie sound like they're worth listening to as well. That will be next, after ACOS.

[Destiny Of Chaos]

Welcome to the forums! Glad to see that Panic Attack is in your top 5. It's in mine as well.   

[DragonAttack]

Might be best to listen to WDADU in numerous sittings, one track at a time.  It's a young band, different singer, etc.

And then....all you have are all the live releases, solo and tandem projects to go through

[Bill]

Hello all,

I've been reading the forums here for quite some time and finally decided to get my act together and actually join. I am a relatively new fan of the band, having discovered them about six months ago. Naturally, Dream Theater is now my favorite band, and just about the only band I find myself listening to at this point (though I'm sure bands I used to listen to will slowly leak back into my playlists).

Does this exclusive listening thing happen to a lot of new fans? I discovered Dream Theater a couple of months back, and have only listened to them since. I know this is temporary, but suddenly nothing else seems good enough! I feel I'm playing a huge game of catch up, with everyone else up to 30 years ahead of me. And I rufuse to run too fast, I've only listened to TA, I & W and SFAM so far. Such a rewarding experience, BUT of all the 'new' bands I have discovered over the years, this exclusive listening thing is, ahem, exclusive to Dream Theater. I know not why, maybe they are really the best band in the world...

[Destiny Of Chaos]

Hello all,

I've been reading the forums here for quite some time and finally decided to get my act together and actually join. I am a relatively new fan of the band, having discovered them about six months ago. Naturally, Dream Theater is now my favorite band, and just about the only band I find myself listening to at this point (though I'm sure bands I used to listen to will slowly leak back into my playlists).

Does this exclusive listening thing happen to a lot of new fans? I discovered Dream Theater a couple of months back, and have only listened to them since. I know this is temporary, but suddenly nothing else seems good enough! I feel I'm playing a huge game of catch up, with everyone else up to 30 years ahead of me. And I rufuse to run too fast, I've only listened to TA, I & W and SFAM so far. Such a rewarding experience, BUT of all the 'new' bands I have discovered over the years, this exclusive listening thing is, ahem, exclusive to Dream Theater. I know not why, maybe they are really the best band in the world...

I've been fortunate enough to have known of this band for roughly 20 years, and I must say, despite an exception here and there, I've been listening to The Astonishing exclusively since its release. It's like that with every new DT release that I've experienced. I cannot imagine getting so much new amazing music to listen to at one time.

[Dream Team]

I was like that in 03.

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

It's awesome to read some authentic new fan opinions not influenced by this forum's overall tastes and people 

Welcome!

[SebastianPratesi]

Does this exclusive listening thing happen to a lot of new fans?

Mmm, from 2008 to 2010 I exclusively listened to Morrissey, The Mars Volta and Dream Theater. Morrissey had my favourite song(s), The Mars Volta had my favourite album(s), and Dream Theater were my favourite band and had my favourite musician(s).

More recently, there was a short period of time in 2013 (from May to October) when I experienced a new-found love for DT and exclusively listened to them.

Otherwise, no - I try to discover new artists from different places, so as not to get too burnt on only one (or three).

[425]

Does this exclusive listening thing happen to a lot of new fans? I discovered Dream Theater a couple of months back, and have only listened to them since. I know this is temporary, but suddenly nothing else seems good enough! I feel I'm playing a huge game of catch up, with everyone else up to 30 years ahead of me. And I rufuse to run too fast, I've only listened to TA, I & W and SFAM so far. Such a rewarding experience, BUT of all the 'new' bands I have discovered over the years, this exclusive listening thing is, ahem, exclusive to Dream Theater. I know not why, maybe they are really the best band in the world...

I definitely had this for the first 6-8 months of getting into Dream Theater as well.

Just a theory, but it might be that, for a lot of people, Dream Theater is their first foray into prog, which can be an overwhelming and very impressive genre, especially for a first time listener. So it's almost like you're coming into a new world that changes your conceptions of what rock music can be, and that's just very exciting and invigorating.

[link2tau]

Does this exclusive listening thing happen to a lot of new fans? I discovered Dream Theater a couple of months back, and have only listened to them since. I know this is temporary, but suddenly nothing else seems good enough! I feel I'm playing a huge game of catch up, with everyone else up to 30 years ahead of me. And I rufuse to run too fast, I've only listened to TA, I & W and SFAM so far. Such a rewarding experience, BUT of all the 'new' bands I have discovered over the years, this exclusive listening thing is, ahem, exclusive to Dream Theater. I know not why, maybe they are really the best band in the world...

I definitely had this for the first 6-8 months of getting into Dream Theater as well.

Just a theory, but it might be that, for a lot of people, Dream Theater is their first foray into prog, which can be an overwhelming and very impressive genre, especially for a first time listener. So it's almost like you're coming into a new world that changes your conceptions of what rock music can be, and that's just very exciting and invigorating.

^ This. DT has been my first foray into any sort of prog music, and I can't get away. I've begun searching for other prog metal acts and have found some. I've enjoyed Opeth, but mostly just Blackwater Park, and Epica (who is more symphonic metal, but they have some proggy songs). Everything else just seems to pale in comparison to DT, hence why I'm only listening to them right now. Though The Dear Hunter has snuck back in a bit. Love them.

[Destiny Of Chaos]

Does this exclusive listening thing happen to a lot of new fans? I discovered Dream Theater a couple of months back, and have only listened to them since. I know this is temporary, but suddenly nothing else seems good enough! I feel I'm playing a huge game of catch up, with everyone else up to 30 years ahead of me. And I rufuse to run too fast, I've only listened to TA, I & W and SFAM so far. Such a rewarding experience, BUT of all the 'new' bands I have discovered over the years, this exclusive listening thing is, ahem, exclusive to Dream Theater. I know not why, maybe they are really the best band in the world...

I definitely had this for the first 6-8 months of getting into Dream Theater as well.

Just a theory, but it might be that, for a lot of people, Dream Theater is their first foray into prog, which can be an overwhelming and very impressive genre, especially for a first time listener. So it's almost like you're coming into a new world that changes your conceptions of what rock music can be, and that's just very exciting and invigorating.

^ This. DT has been my first foray into any sort of prog music, and I can't get away. I've begun searching for other prog metal acts and have found some. I've enjoyed Opeth, but mostly just Blackwater Park, and Epica (who is more symphonic metal, but they have some proggy songs). Everything else just seems to pale in comparison to DT, hence why I'm only listening to them right now. Though The Dear Hunter has snuck back in a bit. Love them.

DT, Opeth and Epica are all in my all time top ten. You should check out other bands from that incredible list.

Shadow Gallery
Redemption
Symphony X
Kamelot
Transatlantic
Sonata Arctica
Nightwish.

[Lalin1974]

When Dream and Day Unite: Haven't even listened to it. Just going off of popular opinion.

Top Five Songs:

1. Breaking All Illusions
2. The Count of Tuscany
3. Ravenskill
4.Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
5. Panic Attack

Welcome link2tau

I am new to this forum as well , although a big fan of DT for the past 25+ years.

In regards to WDADU, the songs themselves are not bad, especially The Killing Hand, Afterlife, and A Fortune in Lies , however the production is terrible.

My updated top 10 are (I choose not to include tracks from TA as a view the album as a whole)

1 - Metropolis pt 1 (The song that started it all for me back in 1989...was blown away then and can never seem to tire of it)
2 - A Change of Seasons (the mood changes, the melodies, the singing, still gets me)
3 - Breaking all Illusions (Did to me on first listen what Metropolis did back in ´89 ... blew my mind)
4 - Overture 1928 (that theme at 2.25, ´nough said)
5 - Learning to Live (My second favourite song from IW...the recurring "wait for sleep" theme gives me goosebumps)
6 - Finally Free (again that recurring theme at 5.27 ... great finale to a fantastic album)
7 - Scarred (My favourite track from Awake, the outro is pure Kevin Moore magic)
8 - SDOIT (Although it feels like a cheap shot choosing a 42-minute track ... Solitary Shell and About to Crash being the standouts)
9 - The Killing Hand (imagine this song with better production...very underrated)
10 - Octavarium (has grown through the years)

You definitely have to get A Change of Seasons and also give those 3 songs from WDADU a chance

[Lalin1974]

DT has been my first foray into any sort of prog music, and I can't get away. I've begun searching for other prog metal acts and have found some. I've enjoyed Opeth, but mostly just Blackwater Park, and Epica (who is more symphonic metal, but they have some proggy songs). Everything else just seems to pale in comparison to DT, hence why I'm only listening to them right now. Though The Dear Hunter has snuck back in a bit. Love them.

I am a huge Rush fan , and although they are more prog rock and less prog metal , they are DT´s biggest influence. You should check them out. Particularly the early albums (Hemispheres, Permanent Waves, and of course 2112 which could be considered an influence to The Astonishing)

[link2tau]

Well I have now properly listened to A Change of Seasons, and I must say, I'm quite impressed. It is by far the best song lyrically out of any of DT's material. The writing is brilliant and JLB pulls it off beautifully as usual. I especially love the "Another World" segment. Musically I'm on the fence. The former half of the song is honestly a bit bland to me, but as soon as "The Inevitable Winter" hit, I was onboard. I realize the first half "lull" is probably due to song pacing and progression, but I think they did it much better in the likes of Octavarium. However, it was overall, a fantastic experience. Top 15 for sure.

Still working on getting a copy of WDADU. I prefer to own the CDs. Hate listening on YouTube.

[Dream Team]

Mike Portnoy's best lyrics. Do you know the story behind the song?

[link2tau]

Mike Portnoy's best lyrics. Do you know the story behind the song?

No, but I'd love some enlightenment.

[Dream Team]

He was in a class in high school and "seize the day" was the theme (Dead Poet's Society). Because of that he made sure to tell his mom he loved her and she died in a plane crash directly after that. Short version.

[link2tau]

Dang.

[Lalin1974]

He was in a class in high school and "seize the day" was the theme (Dead Poet's Society). Because of that he made sure to tell his mom he loved her and she died in a plane crash directly after that. Short version.

I found this interview with MP

Could you summarize the meaning and message behind the lyrics to A Change of Seasons? faq id: 297
MP: Yeah, it's about the cycle of life. Basically, I took a lot of personal incidents, like losing my mother and a couple of things that happened in my life, and I wrote them into the lyrics. Like, on a smaller scale, I wouldn't try to compare it with this, but when I listen to Pink Floyd's the Wall, there are a lot of emotions there- just a lot of frustrations and anger. He goes full circle, the character. He has a child and just as he's about to pass on and die, now his son is going to have to live the life he did and go through those same experiences.

Is there a significance to the dates on the calendar flying through the air on the back of the Change of Seasons album cover? faq id: 298
MP: Yeah. November 16th. Actually, that's the day my Mom died. [Note: Mike has the date tattooed on his arm underneath CARPE DIEM tattoo]. A lot of the lyrics and Carpe Diem and all that stems from what happened with my Mom.

Did the movie Dead Poet's Society influence the song A Change of Seasons? faq id: 304
MP: No. The whole Carpe Diem thing I wrote didn't come from the movie. I was in school the day my mom died and the teacher was giving a lesson on how you should appreciate life, and gave us a whole thing about Carpe Diem and then I went home and gave my mom a big kiss and a hug goodbye, and then she ended up getting killed that night. Anyway, it's a very, long, in-depth, pretty intense story. When I saw Dead Poet's Society I wanted to just pull a lot of those quotes and use them as samples. Actually, the main inspiration for the lyrics was another Robin Williams movie, The World According to Garp. That's totally dealing with the cycles of life.