re: concept albums
I love the album, but I have to admit, other than having a clear idea of an AI and a human in the "story," I haven't spent the time to actually figure it out. I'm just rocking to it. And sadly, given today's huge flood of music, I know I personally just don't have the time to spend on concept records like I use to. So even if something IS a concept album, for me, if I dig it, I dig it, and eventually, I hope the concept bleeds through and I "get it" without working too much at it.
So far, I haven't really been able to do that with A Dying Machine. And I haven't read the lyrics. Just no time.
I remember when Operation: Mindcrime came out, I had the time to sit there and listen intently to the album, read the lyrics over and over, and I got what it was all about. Same with DT's SFAM, Pink Floyd's The Wall, same with Fates Warning's APSOG. But I just don't have the time to do that as much any longer, and it sucks, because I want to.
But reality is, unless it is pretty straight forward, I'm just in it to enjoy some great tunes and melodies. And Tremonti delivers that on this record. The book will absolutely fill the gap for me I am sure. Of course, that too requires an investment of time, but I tend to read books at times where I wouldn't necessarily listen to music or anything music-related (before going to sleep is usually perfect), so it'll work out for me.