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Dream Theater => Dream Theater => Topic started by: Sycsa on December 15, 2014, 11:03:00 AM

Title: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: Sycsa on December 15, 2014, 11:03:00 AM
These two are dominating the best song from FII poll (45 votes for LitS, 35 for ToT as of right now) and for good reason. I wonder how would they rank up if we eliminated all the other options.

I love 'em both, I think both songs showcase Derek's abilities and style excellently. LitS features the coolest DT riff ever and ToT was the biggest grower for me out of all DT songs, going from the skip list to my top 5 in a few months, like many great classic prog tunes did in the past. The "Hidden by disguise" part is one of my all-time favorite DT sections and I was amazed what they did with it on Breaking the Fourth Wall, making it even better than the original. Evidently, my vote goes to ToT.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: TheGreatPretender on December 15, 2014, 11:06:18 AM
This is really tough. Musically, I'd say ToT. But vocally definitely LitS. LitS is more fun to sing... But ToT is fun to sing too... Ough... The more I think about it, the harder it is!
I'm going with ToT.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: hefdaddy42 on December 15, 2014, 11:08:39 AM
Both songs are fantastic, but I have to give the nod to LITS.  Musically, it's not quite like anything else in DT's catalog, and the chops are fantastic, as are the lyrics.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: JiM-Xtreme on December 15, 2014, 12:07:58 PM
Definitely ToT. I still don't really know what the music is about, but there's something really gripping and emotional about it... it really feels like a journey, all the riffs seem connected. The bass really plays a powerful role - the basslines are repetitive and simple, which makes them really powerful and memorable and allows the other instruments to develop a groove around them.

I always get chills listening to it, especially at The Wasteland section.

I like LitS too, but for me it's just not quite in the same league.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: wasteland on December 15, 2014, 12:32:27 PM

I always get chills listening to it, especially at The Wasteland section.



Thanks a lot man! I really put my soul into that part  :tup
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: JayOctavarium on December 15, 2014, 12:42:42 PM

I always get chills listening to it, especially at The Wasteland section.



Thanks a lot man! I really put my soul into that part  :tup


:rollin
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: Dublagent66 on December 15, 2014, 12:49:44 PM
Both songs are awesome but Doug Pinnick's vocals in LitS detract from it slightly.  Not that he has a bad voice, but his style is very non-DTish and that makes me like it just a little less than ToT.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: Crow on December 15, 2014, 01:03:21 PM
Lines in the Sand by a good margin, top 10 DT song for me. The only negative thing about it is the chorus as a whole being weak (guest vocals especially) but everything else is so good that it doesn't matter, I'd probably have this in the top 5 if the chorus were stronger though.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: JayOctavarium on December 15, 2014, 01:07:42 PM
I love them both... but LitS just hits me harder. So energy. So powah. Not that I am saying ToT is boring.... but it has such a different feel to it.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: lithium112 on December 15, 2014, 01:11:41 PM
This might be the toughest poll question I've had to answer actually. Both those songs are amazing and my opinion changes with my mood. Currently I'm going off a high of seeing ToT live so I'll go with that, but man. Both top 25.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: TheGreatPretender on December 15, 2014, 01:19:01 PM
This might be the toughest poll question I've had to answer actually. Both those songs are amazing and my opinion changes with my mood. Currently I'm going off a high of seeing ToT live so I'll go with that, but man. Both top 25.

That's the problem with these polls. Once you cast you're vote, you're just drawing a line in the sand.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: RoeDent on December 15, 2014, 01:35:05 PM
Lines in the Sand, easily.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: Nearmyth on December 15, 2014, 01:46:47 PM
Lines In The Sand. Easy pick for me, ToT has never done anything for me. LITS is just the more enjoyable, fun listen when it comes down to it.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: Nekov on December 15, 2014, 01:53:17 PM
Tot is slightly better but both are excellent songs
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: ThatOneGuy2112 on December 15, 2014, 01:59:27 PM
LITS is marginally more consistent, but both are still pretty fantastic.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: krands85 on December 15, 2014, 02:30:01 PM
Tot is slightly better but both are excellent songs
This. They are 2 of the DT songs that have grown on me the most over the years. Was great to see ToT live earlier this year, I hope they bring Lines in the Sand back next time around.  :metal
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: Rickharris1011 on December 15, 2014, 03:11:30 PM
Really close between the two - both great songs.  ToT wins for me because of the chorus ("I may have wasted all those years").  One of my favorite DT hooks - catchy with a cool groove.  I love the ending of the song, though not so secretly wish they went back to that hook one more time :)


Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: TAC on December 15, 2014, 03:23:18 PM
Both are great songs. Can't believe an album that bad had songs this good!
Lines sits at mny #6 DT sing, whereas TOT is somewhere in the 12-15 range.

The BTFW version of TOT is awesome. Also, while Lines has some great drumming by MP, I would love to hear it played with MM.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: The Holy Tune on December 15, 2014, 04:10:09 PM
I chose ToT over LITS and would choose for the rest of my life, but I think it has more of an emotional reason to it. The first big concert I've ever been to was DT this summer and I had been expecting them for 4 years, and when ToT(especially Wasteland) came in, I was about to cry. LITS is a beautiful song, it's chorus could be one of my favourites(man even thinking of it gives me shivers) but the album version has those kinda awkward backvocals by Doug Pinnick. Also I love listening to live versions of many songs and LITS doesn't have a very good one that I could find, but ToT has it and oh boy isn't it great...

Well overall more emotional reasons make me pick ToT but LITS isn't far behind it, both are awesome :metal
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: CharlesPL on December 15, 2014, 04:51:33 PM
Trial of Tears easily top 1-6 DT songs, LITS not even in my 50 i think.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: Setlist Scotty on December 15, 2014, 05:22:50 PM
When FII first came out, ToT was by far my favorite track on the album. But over time, my appreciation for LitS has grown to such a degree so as to overshadow ToT. Not sure why that is - perhaps due to the varying live versions of LitS (whereas ToT has always been played pretty much like the album) - but these days my vote is for LitS.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: RaiseTheKnife on December 15, 2014, 08:38:46 PM
Tough choice.  Both have deep meaningful and poignant lyrics and great moments of musicianship.  Lines in the Sand edges out.  When my friends heard it in '97 they dismissed DT because of the Xanadu reference.   I was not familiar with Rush catalog at the time, but was somewhat soured by their negative reaction. 

I added Lines to my iPod last week and noticed so many extra nuggets.  JP's changing guitar effects alone are an aural treat.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: mikeyd23 on December 15, 2014, 08:47:15 PM
LitS by a hair. Both tunes are incredible.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 15, 2014, 09:30:47 PM
Damn, why don't you ask me which of my children I love more while you're at it? That's what this question is.

Both are easily at least top 20 DT songs for me, and I think I could go either way on this question depending on my mood. ToT has the ambience and mood, LITS has the groove and just rocks. Today I think I'll go with LITS. Tomorrow I might have gone with ToT.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: Art on December 16, 2014, 04:09:39 AM
LitS by a hair. Both tunes are incredible.
This.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: aprilethereal on December 16, 2014, 08:53:01 AM
Tot is slightly better but both are excellent songs
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: Stadler on December 16, 2014, 09:54:09 AM
"Lines In The Sand, your dish has a great arrangement, and you have really brought out the various flavors of all the instruments.   But the guest vocals by Doug Pinnick stick out like a sore thumb, and detract from the rest of the dish.  For these reasons, you've been Chopped."

Trial of Tears.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: Zydar on December 16, 2014, 09:57:35 AM
"Lines In The Sand, your dish has a great arrangement, and you have really brought out the various flavors of all the instruments.   But the guest vocals by Doug Pinnick stick out like a sore thumb, and detract from the rest of the dish.  For these reasons, you've been Chopped."

Trial of Tears.

:tup
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: Evermind on December 16, 2014, 10:09:50 AM
Trial of Tears easily for me. I'm just not a fan of LitS at all.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: cramx3 on December 16, 2014, 10:19:16 AM
LitS is unlike any DT song.  That does not make it great, but its well executed and a really fun song.  Its my favorite from FII.  ToT does make it tough to go against, but I got to pick LitS.  I really like the live at Bucharest version too with the extended instrumental parts.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: jjrock88 on December 16, 2014, 11:11:22 AM
LitS by a hair. Both tunes are incredible.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: gmillerdrake on December 16, 2014, 03:16:53 PM
Trial of Tears easily top 1-6 DT songs

This for me. ToT is near the top for me......
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: Outcrier on December 16, 2014, 03:33:01 PM
I prefer LitS a bit but ToT ranks high too.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: fischermasamune on December 16, 2014, 05:24:36 PM
I voted LITS, and now the poll is 37 equals.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: adamack on December 16, 2014, 06:10:20 PM
The biggest DT mystery to me remains how so many people love ToT so much.

I appreciate the view of those who love it, since it's all just opinion anyway.

But to me, it is one of their top 10 worst songs. Everything about it, save the "It's raining" hook, is so boring to me. The vocal melodies just bore the hell out of me.

I've really tried to like it time and time again, but just can't get into it.

Needless to say, LiTS is the winner in my eyes! Awesome song with tons of energy.

The thing I love about LiTS is that Doug Pinnick adds a bluesy vibe to the vocals that lacks in every other DT song, as this is not JLB's style. So it gives DT a brief moment to sound like a straight rock band, and it sounds soulful and awesome.

Also, JP's solo section building back into the final chorus is great.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: ? on December 16, 2014, 11:34:32 PM
Love both songs, but TOT has the edge thanks to its beautiful ambience and how amazing it sounded live.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: jonnybaxy on December 17, 2014, 05:39:55 AM
Damn! I just evened it out to 40 vs 40 with my ToT vote!  :corn
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: The Stray Seed on December 17, 2014, 09:57:27 AM
No way I can choose between these two!! They're two equal masterpieces!!!
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: Dublagent66 on December 17, 2014, 10:50:16 AM
Yeah, looks like the voting may very well indicate that.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: jjrock88 on December 17, 2014, 02:20:30 PM
wow, what a close match up
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: The Letter M on December 17, 2014, 02:50:43 PM
After days and days of mulling it over, I went with "Lines In The Sand", but just by a very little amount. "Trial Of Tears" is an epic masterpiece, but there's something more DT-esque about LITS, their heavy and jammy side that I enjoy so much. It's got a lot of riffs and grooves in it that are very indicative of a great DT song.

The live versions have all been pretty good, too, especially when they do the '96 version with the added lyrics and instrumental sections. It just takes the song to a whole other level that I enjoy very much. I would love to hear them bring it back to the live stage at some point soon, if only to hear Mangini tackle that song!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: perfey on December 17, 2014, 03:03:13 PM
Trial of Tears get my vote. Even though LITS is just as good, Trial gives me a more epic feeling and is a perfect closer to FII. I just love how James sings, the intro and everything in between. I hope they explore LITS and Trials soundscape more live on the next album(s). Get the groove back!
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: BlackInk on December 17, 2014, 03:10:21 PM
That 'Lines In the Sand' is actually in the lead baffles me to no end. It has some cool ideas, but that random guy screaming on the chorus are some embrarrassingly awful moments, which actually manages to ruin the entire song for me.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: ZKX-2099 on December 18, 2014, 09:12:18 AM
My vote gave Lines in the Sand the lead.  :metal

Looks like Trial of Tears is gonna be... swept away with the tide.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: Dublagent66 on December 18, 2014, 10:25:03 AM
Wow, dead heat.  These two are indeed very close.   :corn
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: Ad134 on December 18, 2014, 06:37:34 PM
Well, considering Lines in the Sand is my favourite song of all time by any artist, I wonder how I voted...

Incredible how close the poll is, there's normally at least a little bit of a difference, but as of this post, it's 50 votes each!
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: JiM-Xtreme on December 18, 2014, 10:50:44 PM
HAHAHA, at the time of this post, the two songs are dead tied at 50% and 50 votes each!  :lol
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: BlobVanDam on December 18, 2014, 11:34:53 PM
Wow, dead heat.  These two are indeed very close.   :corn

The voting about sums up my feelings on these songs too. Glad to see them both getting equal love. :D
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on December 19, 2014, 09:26:40 AM
Wow, my vote for LitS tied it up at 51-51.

Wish we could get 100+ voters for DT the League over on P&S... heck, 50 would be great.

Both songs deserve all of the praise that they get.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: Stadler on December 19, 2014, 09:40:25 AM
This isn't an argument, because I understand this is all about subjective taste, but as an observation, for me this is baffling.  In my world, this isn't an epic battle between two worthy opponents, fighting to the death in what will be a classic of the ages...  for me, it is akin to the Patriots (ToT) whipping some Miami Dolphin ass (LitS) on a meaningless Sunday in late October.   ToT is possibly my favorite song on that album, and LitS likely my least favorite.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: ThatOneGuy2112 on December 19, 2014, 10:26:03 AM
There's really nothing too baffling about this outcome, other than it being a dead, neck-and-neck tie.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: Tick on December 19, 2014, 01:33:09 PM
The biggest DT mystery to me remains how so many people love ToT so much.

For me personally its the opening of the song. The spacey vibe leading into the awesome bass and guitar.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: Zook on December 19, 2014, 06:59:44 PM
There's really nothing too baffling about this outcome, other than it being a dead, neck-and-neck tie.

You're welcome.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: ThatOneGuy2112 on December 19, 2014, 07:15:04 PM
There's really nothing too baffling about this outcome, other than it being a dead, neck-and-neck tie.

You're welcome.

You voted wise.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: BlackInk on December 20, 2014, 03:56:19 AM
for me, it is akin to the Patriots (ToT) whipping some Miami Dolphin ass (LitS) on a meaningless Sunday in late October.

Even though I prefer Dolphins to Patriots big time, this is still how I see this match-up. That so many people prefer LItS is still completely incomprehencible.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: The Hairy Man on January 12, 2015, 04:15:46 PM
ToT has never done much for me, LitS is an easy winner despite Doug Pinnick's utterly tragic vocals (sounds like one of those random drunks that get up at a pub gig!)

LitS has a great intro, one of JP's finest solos and MP lays down some great different grooves in the section that follows, imho of course.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: Kotowboy on January 12, 2015, 04:45:57 PM
Personally I can't stand "Scarred".
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: hefdaddy42 on January 13, 2015, 07:58:57 AM
for me, it is akin to the Patriots (ToT) whipping some Miami Dolphin ass (LitS) on a meaningless Sunday in late October.

Even though I prefer Dolphins to Patriots big time, this is still how I see this match-up. That so many people prefer LItS is still completely incomprehencible.
I find your view completely incomprehensible.

Even if the Pinnick contributions rub you the wrong way, there is still a lot to like in this song.  It has the best groove of any DT song, interesting transitions into and out of instrumental passages, jazz-like sections, one of JP's best solos, not to mention some of JP's best lyrics, and a great vocal track from JLB.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: ariich on January 13, 2015, 08:40:51 AM
Trial of Tears, easily!

Lines in the Sand is groovy, but ToT is just beautiful.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: vtgrad on January 13, 2015, 10:39:32 AM
ToT for me as it is the song that I constantly come back to.  Looking back at the playlists I've made over the years, ToT always finds it way in.

I love LitS tho... and if you asked me what I'd like to hear live between the two, I would say LitS (with Hell's Kitchen as an intro of course) simply because I've heard ToT live many times.  But I also wouldn't be disappointed if the guys placed ToT in every setlist either.

Tough decision.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: Sycsa on January 13, 2015, 02:38:46 PM
After a long break, ToT took the lead again by a negligible margin, this has to be the closest poll we've ever had.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: 1neeto on January 13, 2015, 09:28:40 PM
Very tough choice. If you add HK to LITS, then it would make it an even closer race. I'm gonna listen to both songs again and vote later. :D
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: SeRoX on January 15, 2015, 02:12:29 AM
ToT, because LITS's chorus sounds like just out of place considering the rest of the song, imo. Still my favourite though.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: A.B. on March 11, 2015, 06:06:41 AM
I just evened the score. About two months ago, I would vote for Trial of Tears, but during past few months, LITS has grown on me in an incredible way, so my vote goes for Lines In The Sand. There are some parts in TOT that I do not enjoy so much, while LITS is fun for the whole 12+ minutes for me.
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: Sycsa on March 11, 2015, 06:16:11 AM
Haha, this poll reminds me of the like/dislike section of this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ussCHoQttyQ
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: jonnybaxy on March 11, 2015, 06:48:05 AM
Haha, this poll reminds me of the like/dislike section of this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ussCHoQttyQ

 :lol :lol that's brilliant
Title: Re: Lines in the Sand vs. Trial of Tears
Post by: Voices on March 11, 2015, 08:50:49 AM
Trial Of Tears  :heart