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Dream Theater => Dream Theater => Topic started by: SystematicThought on July 22, 2010, 01:36:35 AM

Title: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: SystematicThought on July 22, 2010, 01:36:35 AM
https://www.blistering.com/fastpage/fpengine.php/link/1/templateid/19930/tempidx/5/menuid/3 (https://www.blistering.com/fastpage/fpengine.php/link/1/templateid/19930/tempidx/5/menuid/3)

This interview has some mixed reactions from some people on MP's forum as well as his facebook. Mainly towards his views on vocals nowadays. I myself had to re-read it a couple of times.

What are your thoughts on the interview? Sorry if this has been posted on here already.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Adami on July 22, 2010, 01:52:29 AM
At least he admits that the LTE group is writing everything these days. I guess that clears it up.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: SystematicThought on July 22, 2010, 01:54:40 AM
At least he admits that the LTE group is writing everything these days. I guess that clears it up.
It also sounds like to me that MP won't let that change. I don't like to be pessimistic, but MP's control issues can depress me in way's Eddie Van Halen can't  :D
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: abydos on July 22, 2010, 01:55:56 AM
Nothing new or unexpected. I'm surprised people are getting upset over his answers, he never really said anything different. Yeah, it kinda sounded that he would kinda like to change the singer but won't because the fans won't accept it and then won't work out with the band but I doubt he really wants to do it.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: ZBomber on July 22, 2010, 02:03:45 AM
Quote
The “metal” Dream Theater is where it’s at. Let’s not kid ourselves – the band’s proggy side is sometimes hit or miss, but when they’re out there, ripping it out, tearing up the fretboard (keytar included for Jordan Rudess), DT is hard to top

WHAT

For me, its DT's metal side that is hit or miss, not their prog side.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Adami on July 22, 2010, 02:13:21 AM
Eh, all I got from it was that JLBs style of singing isn't something he listens to in other bands anymore.

However it does lend credence to the theory that MP is more into writing fun music for them to play and for him, vocals play a distance second to being entertained while playing the drums.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 22, 2010, 04:51:30 AM
Quote
The “metal” Dream Theater is where it’s at. Let’s not kid ourselves – the band’s proggy side is sometimes hit or miss, but when they’re out there, ripping it out, tearing up the fretboard (keytar included for Jordan Rudess), DT is hard to top

WHAT

For me, its DT's metal side that is hit or miss, not their prog side.
Me too.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: tri.ad on July 22, 2010, 05:11:12 AM
Nothing new or unexpected.

This exactly.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: robwebster on July 22, 2010, 05:35:57 AM
At least he admits that the LTE group is writing everything these days. I guess that clears it up.
It also sounds like to me that MP won't let that change. I don't like to be pessimistic, but MP's control issues can depress me in way's Eddie Van Halen can't  :D
Quote
A lot of people look at John Myung’s lack of lyrical contributions the last 10 years and they’ll hold it against me or John Petrucci and that’s not the case. That’s John Myung. That’s the way he is, if he doesn’t want to contribute, he doesn’t have to. The same with James [LaBrie, vocals].
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Quadrochosis on July 22, 2010, 06:28:19 AM
Quote
The “metal” Dream Theater is where it’s at. Let’s not kid ourselves – the band’s proggy side is sometimes hit or miss, but when they’re out there, ripping it out, tearing up the fretboard (keytar included for Jordan Rudess), DT is hard to top

WHAT

For me, its DT's metal side that is hit or miss, not their prog side.

This. Also, did anyone else catch the massive fail in the article? DT working on their 12th studio album? lol wut

Overall everything that wasn't from MP on that entire interview was just an utter fail.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Dream Team on July 22, 2010, 06:52:33 AM
Yeah, saw this yesterday and had several  :facepalm: moments. First off all, the interviewer is a moron. The prog side is 100% "hit", with the metal side being 50/50 hit-and-miss. Also, he must be counting the Change of Seasons EP as an album.

Regarding MP's ill-advised comments on James' vocals: saying he's not into "that style of vocals" anymore, does he mean the awesome vocals James committed to tape on the last 9 albums? So he's not into awesome vocals? I hope he doesn't mean James' upper register because he hasn't been allowed to use it for the last 3 albums.

That's OK, I'll take Halford, Dickinson, Plant, Gillian, and Labrie over his favorite crap modern "vocalists" any day and 99 times on Sunday.  :\

I'll tell you what, DT is going to lose at least 3 fans in my household if he keeps pushing James into singing in a style that MP himself prefers rather than what is actually, you know, GOOD. I'm a big fan of MP, but man I really hate his comments on James' singing. I think he utterly forgets how much credit James deserves for the explosion of Pull Me Under and the band's rise to fame. Does he think it would have happened if Dominici had remained with the group? I don't think I'm overreacting here because MP says this stuff ALL THE TIME, and James himself must be sick of it.

Next topic: I find it amusingly ironic that he comments on the comfort zone the band is currently in chemistry-wise, then acknowledges that it was the turmoil and backs-against-the-wall mentality that contributed to the success of arguably their 2 best albums (Images & Scenes). Just a little tidbit I noticed  ;D.

Lastly, his comment on the prog fan base being very limited: well MP, the prog fanbase could expand further if you stopped doing stuff like TDEN and your vocal section in ANTR. What old-time prog fans are going to listen to that?

Edit: I don't mean to come off as critical of MP because it wasn't my intention. I really am a big fan of both his drumming and dedication to the band & fans.


Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: BRGM on July 22, 2010, 08:35:20 AM
TDEN is a very good song...Okay?!    >:(
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: KevShmev on July 22, 2010, 09:07:56 AM
Eh, his underlying message regarding JLB is basically the same it has been for years:

"He has been our vocalist for so long, we are basically stuck with him now, even though I would like to get a singer who is more 'modern'-sounding."

And, as always, a token shot at Kevin Moore. :\ :lol
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: hefdaddy42 on July 22, 2010, 10:01:20 AM
TDEN is a very good song...Okay?!    >:(
It's OK for people to disagree.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: BRGM on July 22, 2010, 10:04:21 AM
Okay, I'm fine with that.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Zook on July 22, 2010, 12:09:52 PM
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Seventh Son on July 22, 2010, 12:14:30 PM
Eh, his underlying message regarding JLB is basically the same it has been for years:

"He has been our vocalist for so long, we are basically stuck with him now, even though I would like to get a singer who is more 'modern'-sounding."

And, as always, a token shot at Kevin Moore. :\ :lol
ib4DTdoeshasLaBriedometalcorestylesingingonnextalbum
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Zook on July 22, 2010, 12:20:01 PM
I think James would leave before agreeing to destroy his vocal cords.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Seventh Son on July 22, 2010, 12:25:50 PM
Well, Portnoy did say he wanted a more "Modern" singer and Metalcore is the current fad in the metal scene, so it wouldn't surprise me if he made LaBrie do that at this point.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Adami on July 22, 2010, 12:28:59 PM
Well, Portnoy did say he wanted a more "Modern" singer and Metalcore is the current fad in the metal scene, so it wouldn't surprise me if he made LaBrie do that at this point.

Considering that portnoy does the "yelly growly" vocals, then I'd just say he'll want to do more vocals on the albums.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Seventh Son on July 22, 2010, 12:30:05 PM
Well, Portnoy did say he wanted a more "Modern" singer and Metalcore is the current fad in the metal scene, so it wouldn't surprise me if he made LaBrie do that at this point.

Considering that portnoy does the "yelly growly" vocals, then I'd just say he'll want to do more vocals on the albums.
I'm not sure what would be worse, to be honest.  :|
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Zook on July 22, 2010, 12:30:07 PM
I really like this necklace.... :( DAMMIT MIKE!
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: robwebster on July 22, 2010, 12:32:45 PM
Yeah, that is probably why he's giving his own vocals more prominence as of late. 'Cause he likes them more.

Got a feeling that examining it too much might be taking it a little too seriously, though. 'Sides, surely it's a good thing that he's leaving his own personal tastes out of it. He's doing prog by choice, and to satisfy the fans. He's trying to make music for the fans rather than music for him. Kinda goes against huge swathes of the complaints.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: j on July 22, 2010, 01:04:39 PM
Quote
The “metal” Dream Theater is where it’s at. Let’s not kid ourselves – the band’s proggy side is sometimes hit or miss, but when they’re out there, ripping it out, tearing up the fretboard (keytar included for Jordan Rudess), DT is hard to top

WHAT

For me, its DT's metal side that is hit or miss, not their prog side.

Yeah, I lol'ed when I read that.

As for the rest of the interview, it's basically just Portnoy re-phrasing his usual answers to the questions he's always asked.  Although I did come away from it with a more negative vibe regarding his comments about LaBrie, for what it's worth.  I just think that there's absolutely no reason for a mature person to publicly mention some of that critical stuff he says about his bandmates, even if true.  What good can come of that?

-J
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: robwebster on July 22, 2010, 01:12:21 PM
As for the rest of the interview, it's basically just Portnoy re-phrasing his usual answers to the questions he's always asked.  Although I did come away from it with a more negative vibe regarding his comments about LaBrie, for what it's worth.  I just think that there's absolutely no reason for a mature person to publicly mention some of that critical stuff he says about his bandmates, even if true.  What good can come of that?

-J
I did think that. I'm glad he said it as it's interesting to hear about it, but if I were James LaBrie and I stumbled across that I'd be a little bit miffed.

Does make me wonder who he'd replace him with, in his ideal world.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: ariich on July 22, 2010, 02:11:46 PM
Wait, am I missing something here? He remarked that he's not so much into that style of vocals (as in, when he listens to other bands) as he used to be, but stated pretty emphatically that James is the right voice for the band. Is this yet another example of people making ludicrous assumptions over almost nothing?

I'll agree that the little shot at KM was a bit unnecessary though.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Adami on July 22, 2010, 02:13:19 PM
Wait, am I missing something here? He remarked that he's not so much into that style of vocals (as in, when he listens to other bands) as he used to be, but stated pretty emphatically that James is the right voice for the band. Is this yet another example of people making ludicrous assumptions over almost nothing?

I'll agree that the little shot at KM was a bit unnecessary though.

So you don't agree that he's implicitly stating that he is going to fire James LaBrie for not being cool enough and is planning on replacing him with a genetic clone of himself?

Huh....
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: ReaPsTA on July 22, 2010, 05:29:34 PM
For what it's worth, I think quality-wise DT is more consistent when they get proggy, but in terms of what sells records and generates a fanbase, the metal is definitely far more responsible. I don't know why people are dismissing the interviewer and MP out-of-hand on that point.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Adami on July 22, 2010, 06:00:56 PM
For what it's worth, I think quality-wise DT is more consistent when they get proggy, but in terms of what sells records and generates a fanbase, the metal is definitely far more responsible. I don't know why people are dismissing the interviewer and MP out-of-hand on that point.

I'd say it's because at no point when discussing the metal side or whatever do they mention record sales or even hint at it being what they're talking about.

Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Gadough on July 22, 2010, 08:53:00 PM
Due to MP's personality, I tend to take a lot of the things he says with a grain of salt. That isn't to say I don't respect him, I just don't really take much of what he says to heart. He strikes me as someone who does not think before he speaks. Then again, I don't know him personally, and I could be dead wrong there. I'm not judging him. All I'm saying is...we all know his personality. So why are we getting all fired up over one little comment he made on the spur of the moment in one random interview?
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Slain on July 22, 2010, 09:27:21 PM
This just makes me wonder... who would he replace Labrie with? If he doesn't like that "style" of vocals, there's no way he could be replaced, and have that replacement be able to sing off of any of their old stuff. But I think it's more likely that Labrie would leave, than him being kicked out
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Adami on July 22, 2010, 09:54:30 PM
This just makes me wonder... who would he replace Labrie with? If he doesn't like that "style" of vocals, there's no way he could be replaced, and have that replacement be able to sing off of any of their old stuff. But I think it's more likely that Labrie would leave, than him being kicked out

We have had the "who can replace LaBrie" discussion like 10000 times. No one.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Slain on July 22, 2010, 10:55:54 PM
This just makes me wonder... who would he replace Labrie with? If he doesn't like that "style" of vocals, there's no way he could be replaced, and have that replacement be able to sing off of any of their old stuff. But I think it's more likely that Labrie would leave, than him being kicked out

We have had the "who can replace LaBrie" discussion like 10000 times. No one.

I didn't say can, ability wise, I was wondering who Mike would choose if he had a choice now
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Adami on July 22, 2010, 10:57:04 PM
No one knows, no one has any idea. Like I've said, we've already done the whole "fantasy dream theater singer" thing a lot. You can search for the threads, they're around.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: SystematicThought on July 22, 2010, 11:26:29 PM
If LaBrie left, MP would probably replace him with some sort of growling vocalist or MP would take over vocal duties at which point I'd stop listening  :D

I more of just posted the interview because people over at MP's forum and on his facebook were confused as to what MP meant and also some people (including myself) overanalyzed it.

Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: The Letter M on July 22, 2010, 11:35:54 PM
If LaBrie left, MP would probably replace him with some sort of growling vocalist or MP would take over vocal duties at which point I'd stop listening  :D

I more of just posted the interview because people over at MP's forum and on his facebook were confused as to what MP meant and also some people (including myself) overanalyzed it.



If he replaced LaBrie as vocalist, then his prior self-analogy to Phil Collins would be taken a step further... in a direction most likely not to be well received.

-Marc.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: contest_sanity on July 23, 2010, 12:16:58 AM
For what it's worth, I think quality-wise DT is more consistent when they get proggy, but in terms of what sells records and generates a fanbase, the metal is definitely far more responsible. I don't know why people are dismissing the interviewer and MP out-of-hand on that point.
I'd say it's because at no point when discussing the metal side or whatever do they mention record sales or even hint at it being what they're talking about.

But what about:

"The prog fan base is very limited. If you look at Progression Magazine or go to NEARFest, the numbers are low. I don’t mean to disrespect the bands, but if you look at bands like The Flower Kings or Spock’s Beard, they play for a few hundred people a night, whereas because Dream Theater is so footed in the metal scene, we play to thousands a night. So I think the metal community and the metal audience is what propelled us beyond the underground prog world. And I love the scene and a big supporter of it. My Transatlantic project is rooted directly in it, but I think Dream Theater transcends that altogether. So we need a label like Roadrunner to keep us going."
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: tri.ad on July 23, 2010, 12:30:40 AM
If LaBrie left, MP would probably replace him with some sort of growling vocalist or MP would take over vocal duties at which point I'd stop listening  :D

I more of just posted the interview because people over at MP's forum and on his facebook were confused as to what MP meant and also some people (including myself) overanalyzed it.



If he replaced LaBrie as vocalist, then his prior self-analogy to Phil Collins would be taken a step further... in a direction most likely not to be well received.

-Marc.

Yup, pretty much.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Adami on July 23, 2010, 12:37:00 AM
For what it's worth, I think quality-wise DT is more consistent when they get proggy, but in terms of what sells records and generates a fanbase, the metal is definitely far more responsible. I don't know why people are dismissing the interviewer and MP out-of-hand on that point.
I'd say it's because at no point when discussing the metal side or whatever do they mention record sales or even hint at it being what they're talking about.

But what about:

"The prog fan base is very limited. If you look at Progression Magazine or go to NEARFest, the numbers are low. I don’t mean to disrespect the bands, but if you look at bands like The Flower Kings or Spock’s Beard, they play for a few hundred people a night, whereas because Dream Theater is so footed in the metal scene, we play to thousands a night. So I think the metal community and the metal audience is what propelled us beyond the underground prog world. And I love the scene and a big supporter of it. My Transatlantic project is rooted directly in it, but I think Dream Theater transcends that altogether. So we need a label like Roadrunner to keep us going."

It's lovely. But that's Portnoy talking and has nothing to do with what we're talking about. If I interview Michael Jordan or something and start it off by saying that black people are the superior race on earth, and then he talks about sports, it's a huge leap to assume I meant sports in regards to my quote.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: The Letter M on July 23, 2010, 12:44:02 AM
For what it's worth, I think quality-wise DT is more consistent when they get proggy, but in terms of what sells records and generates a fanbase, the metal is definitely far more responsible. I don't know why people are dismissing the interviewer and MP out-of-hand on that point.
I'd say it's because at no point when discussing the metal side or whatever do they mention record sales or even hint at it being what they're talking about.

But what about:

"The prog fan base is very limited. If you look at Progression Magazine or go to NEARFest, the numbers are low. I don’t mean to disrespect the bands, but if you look at bands like The Flower Kings or Spock’s Beard, they play for a few hundred people a night, whereas because Dream Theater is so footed in the metal scene, we play to thousands a night. So I think the metal community and the metal audience is what propelled us beyond the underground prog world. And I love the scene and a big supporter of it. My Transatlantic project is rooted directly in it, but I think Dream Theater transcends that altogether. So we need a label like Roadrunner to keep us going."

I think part of that has to do with being able to financially support a large North American tour where they seem to do the most touring these days. If TFK or SB had the money and label support that DT has (and have had in years/tours past), they could probably get a good sizable concert crowd. I think it also comes down to the point that DT was at it's peak when bands like TFK and SB were just being discovered, so they had about 6-7 years ahead of them.

I also don't think the prog fan base is as limited as he makes it seem. It's just that certain bands don't have as much of a reach as others. Not all prog-metal or prog-related metal bands are playing to big crowds, and not all metal fans "propel" their favorite bands to crowds of thousands a night. Also, if he believes the "metal-side" of DT has helped them push to get more notice and bigger audiences, I'd almost think it was because, as a fan of music, he believe he's in touch with what the DT fans want, so they make music that they will most likely enjoy. And apparently it worked so well to a point where their last album charted in at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 (with their prior album coming in at No. 19, not too shabby). But are they making the music they think their fans want, or is it the music they really want to make for themselves?

Another thing about the prog fan base is that some prog bands who really make music for themselves often have varying opinions with each album. Take The Flower Kings for example - in a recent thread at Progressiveears, some TFK fans have noted the differing opinions on the band's last album, and how fans don't always normally "accept" and "praise" whatever they put out because the band is willing to experiment and try so many different things with each record. As for DT, a recent thread around here revealed that they weren't willing to experiment because they didn't think the fans would like it or accept it. There's no risk-taking any more and perhaps they have become comfortable with putting out music they feel the fans will automatically appreciate with little resistance, music geared toward their metal fans that fill their concert audiences.

-Marc.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: contest_sanity on July 23, 2010, 12:50:47 AM
Are we discussing what they were talking about in the interview or about what the people in this thread were talking about, because it seems like it's changing? 

I'd say it's because at no point when discussing the metal side or whatever do they mention record sales or even hint at it being what they're talking about.

But that's Portnoy talking and has nothing to do with what we're talking about.

Because, to me, Portnoy's quote was clearly him saying that DT's metal side has a greater hand in their popularity right now.  Not saying I agree or disagree, just that it seems like that is his (and the interviewer's) viewpoint.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Adami on July 23, 2010, 01:05:18 AM
Eh..when I say "they" I meant whoever wrote it, not portnoy. The quote we're all fussing over isn't by portny or in response to portnoy, it's just something the writer threw in there. Thus, nothing portnoy said has anything to do with it.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: SystematicThought on July 23, 2010, 01:10:20 AM
I just hope that since the metal DT has helped them gain popularity, they don't stick to just plain metal. Like the past two albums have had metal songs on them. BC&SL was a perfect balance, I just hope they continue balancing.

I just think the interview guy was a moron and was putting his own opinions in there
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Progmetty on July 23, 2010, 01:40:53 AM
Have they played Raw Dog live yet?
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: SystematicThought on July 23, 2010, 01:48:57 AM
Have they played Raw Dog live yet?
No. I don't think they will for awhile
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Adami on July 23, 2010, 01:55:17 AM
I hope they don't. The intro is cool, but holy queef does that song drag on and on and on.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: SystematicThought on July 23, 2010, 01:56:11 AM
I hope they don't. The intro is cool, but holy queef does that song drag on and on and on.
Every concert needs a piss break though.

When I saw Van Halen in 2004, Sammy's solo was the bathroom break moment
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Adami on July 23, 2010, 01:58:28 AM
I hope they don't. The intro is cool, but holy queef does that song drag on and on and on.
Every concert needs a piss break though.



Yes it does, luckily they tend to throw in at least 100000 jam sections per concert now a days.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Slain on July 23, 2010, 02:21:02 AM
I hope they don't. The intro is cool, but holy queef does that song drag on and on and on.
Every concert needs a piss break though.



Yes it does, luckily they tend to throw in at least 100000 jam sections per concert now a days.

I've always thought that the jam sessions were fun to watch live, especially if you're actually there.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Progmetty on July 23, 2010, 02:22:42 AM
First 3 minutes are awesome, then it drags on I agree.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Adami on July 23, 2010, 02:22:58 AM
They can be, but are often not, for me anyway. There's only so long I can deal with Petrucci doing a bluesy solo or JRs chords, or a shred match between them. But once in a while, they are unique.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: SystematicThought on July 23, 2010, 02:31:31 AM
They can be, but are often not, for me anyway. There's only so long I can deal with Petrucci doing a bluesy solo or JRs chords, or a shred match between them. But once in a while, they are unique.
The Solitary Shell Jam 2009 was quite entertaining. Especially when Mike walked around the drumset like back in 2004 when he did a drum solo
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Adami on July 23, 2010, 02:35:20 AM
You know, I still don't remember that jam. Everyone brings it up, it must have been cool, but I have no idea what it sounds like.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: TAC on July 23, 2010, 05:27:22 AM
The interviewer is definitely not a moron, and seems to be quite familair with Dream Theater. The intros to pieces like this are usually written to get the intended audience to read more. Obviously the writer of the intro (presumably the interviewer) has this in mind. He's touting DT's metal side in order to get his metal audience interested. I mean, is Dream Theater's set really "brutal"??

That aside, in just 15 questions, he did get MP to speak very candidly. Yes, nothing his nesecarily new, but it certainly is unfiltered.

His observations on Derek was interesting. Derek did a lot for this band, and it really had nothing to do with music. MP understands that.

His take on James...well, MP has always seemed to be a little conflicted when it comes to JLB. He seems to have a love/hate relationship with him, and you could always pick up on that over the years. I do think MP does respect James' ability. James comes accross sometimes, or is portrayed, as very aloof, and maybe he's in some kind of "no man's" land in this band. But any singer would be. I thought that back in the I&W days watching them on stage. But my respect for James grows every year he's in this band. Clearly MP is not taking a shot at him in this interview, but the comment can easily be interpreted in many different ways.

..and as far as prog vs metal side. Don't forget, this band was built on classic 70's Rush and early Iron Maiden. Dream Theater is always a hard rock band first, which incorporates many other influences. And that's when they're at their best.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: BRGM on July 23, 2010, 06:18:42 AM
I agree with Tac
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: ReaPsTA on July 23, 2010, 07:10:45 AM
Meh, it's been like two pages and no one's said it, lemme give this a shot.

Nothing MP says is necessarily wrong or unreasonable. Of course your tastes in 2009 aren't the same as your tastes in 1989. MP's gotten into a lot of heavier music, and would like to play in a band with a vocalist who can handle throatier and more aggressive singing styles. But as much as he likes to try pushing the band in that direction, I highly doubt he would ditch JLB to turn Dream Theater into something it isn't. And do some of you guys really think MP would try being DT's lead vocalist? Don't be silly.

As for Myung, to be honest, I don't think he's just shy or quiet. Watch the Madison Square Garden backstage video. When the whole band gets excited about Petrucci's birthday, he just sits in the back doing bass exercises. I'm not judging him as a person, he seems nice and even headed, but he's closed off from the world in a powerful way. Is it so hard to believe that he's naturally let himself get more and more closed off from the writing process? Especially when it comes to lyrics. Unless the conversation about presenting them with vocal melodies was far more contentious than we realize (which is possible) I find it hard to believe he's being explicitly or implicitly disallowed from writing lyrics.

But on the other side of the coin, it probably sucks as JLB or JM when you hear the driving force of your band say publicly that he's perfectly comfortable with you having very small roles in its creative output, and for him to imply that the reason the band works is because you play your tracks in the studio and don't get in the way of the creativity. It's a bummer as a fan to see Portnoy say that. If only because, if we want to talk about the quality of the music, JM's bass tracks on BCSL were sloppy. Something went wrong, and that something was very likely apathy toward the bass tracks. In a professional band, that shouldn't happen.

Yeah, everyone needs to play a role. While it's very possibly for the best that JLB isn't involved in the music, Elements of Persuasion proves that he knows his voice better than anyone. Why not let him use that to the band's advantage.

And as for the music; MP likes to work as the head arranger. If you listen to Suspended Animation, you can tell JP is primarily responsible for the Dream Theater sound. Rudess is definitely the number two melody and riff writer. In the midst of these personalities, maybe JM is one too many people in the mix. But I also get a powerful feeling that MP/JP/JR have developed such a tightly knit process because they enjoy it moreso than because it has to be. MP talks about how much less tension there is in the band than before, but maybe he's underrating the effectiveness of creative conflict to produce better material.

But whatever. It's not my band, and as a whole BCSL is either the best or second best album they've made with Rudess. Who am I really to judge?
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: TAC on July 23, 2010, 07:43:10 AM
MP talks about how much less tension there is in the band than before, but maybe he's underrating the effectiveness of creative conflict to produce better material.



This is a good point.
I believe Dream Team was saying the same thing.


I find it amusingly ironic that he comments on the comfort zone the band is currently in chemistry-wise, then acknowledges that it was the turmoil and backs-against-the-wall mentality that contributed to the success of arguably their 2 best albums (Images & Scenes). Just a little tidbit I noticed  ;D.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Dream Team on July 26, 2010, 05:28:57 AM
My comments can be summed up in one sentence: I want MP to respect and appreciate JLB more than he seems to.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: TAC on July 26, 2010, 06:34:39 PM
I would be happy if they took advantage of what James can do. I know MP seems worried about what James can do live, but the studio albums as historical documents really miss an huge opportunity with marginalizing James' range.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: ClairvoyantCat on July 26, 2010, 07:02:02 PM
Er... I like his voice in studio albums much more now... I thought he completely killed some moments on the old albums with the ridiculous high notes, shows talent, sure, but doesn't do much for the overall feel...
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Zook on July 26, 2010, 09:05:25 PM
The high notes are the best them.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Nic35 on July 26, 2010, 09:17:55 PM
My comments can be summed up in one sentence: I want MP to respect and appreciate JLB more than he seems to.
I'm pretty sure that in the CiM documentary he says that you could rather love him or hate him, but he is undeniably an excellent vocalist.
Title: Re: MP Interview at Blistering.com
Post by: Dream Team on July 27, 2010, 07:04:46 AM
I would be happy if they took advantage of what James can do. I know MP seems worried about what James can do live, but the studio albums as historical documents really miss an huge opportunity with marginalizing James' range.

Well said.