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Dream Theater => Dream Theater => Topic started by: PetFish on May 14, 2021, 09:45:57 PM

Title: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: PetFish on May 14, 2021, 09:45:57 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8r6T6kGZ2g

Not your typical reaction video.  This guy is awesome.  You can tell how much he loves music and what he does.  He really goes into detail about the musicianship/arrangement/etc and how in awe he is of Jordan and really the whole band.

The best part is how "spent" he looks at the end of the video and how full of joy he is going into the final few minutes.  He's literally going "TOUCHDOWN" with his arms when the song *cough* climaxes.

Watching this gave me a new appreciation for Dream Theater and how complex the music is that they write.  I feel like I/we take DT for granted sometimes cuz we're so familiar with them and have such a history.

But then I see something like this which gives me a fresh perspective from someone else's first-time and it's amazing.

I think he should have found the live version but this is still great.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: ReaPsTA on May 14, 2021, 11:42:46 PM
Great video. Worth it for the lyrical interpretation alone.

22:45
30:30
39:20
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: tristl on May 15, 2021, 12:13:19 AM
His reaction of „the count of tuscany“ is great two, he is my favourite reaction guy and he really knows, what he is talking about, I like all his reactions 👌🤘
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: mariner on May 15, 2021, 07:41:31 AM
Yes, and he also has perfect pitch, so he names chords as he hears them, and breaks down what they are doing from a theory standpoint, which you can really learn from.  I know that I do...
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Pettor on May 15, 2021, 07:46:37 AM
He is the only reaction person I continuously follow since he actually does analysis of every song. Rhapsody in Blue was cool since I didn't know the backstory. Seems like a nice guy as well 😊

Happy he gave 8V a listen and could give credit to the structure and feel excited to hear it again. At the same time i remember 8V was too much for me to understand it initially. I couldn't wait to spin it more but maybe took 5-10 times to get that mind-blowing sensation. Now it's my all time favorite and still love every second.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: pg1067 on May 15, 2021, 06:51:05 PM
Well...we now have a discussion about Doug in the Yes thread, a dedicated thread about Doug ( https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=56455.0 ), and now this thread about his 8VM reaction video.   :)
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Dublagent66 on May 21, 2021, 02:26:11 PM
Yeah, watching his reactions is entertaining.  He had a pretty good review on The Odyssey by Symphony X.  He's a cool guy.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: The Letter M on May 27, 2021, 12:28:19 PM
I've recently caught up on some of Doug's prog/prog-metal reaction videos, and I just laugh every time he brings up his aversion to rampant double-bass drumming. He's gonna have a hell of a time listening to more prog-metal if that's the case, so hopefully he doesn't pick some of the heavier DT/SX songs that are like that (so no Twelve-Step Suite songs!  :lol ).

His Octavarium reaction was really on point, and I love his ability to call out chords and key changes as the song goes along. I said to one friend "This guy really paid attention in Ear Training class!", and it really shows. Dude has an impressive ear, and I suspect his discovery of prog epics has been one of the best things he's done for his channel. Loved his reactions to "Close To The Edge" and "Supper's Ready" as well! He's definitely one of the best "music reaction" YouTubers I've ever seen, and I don't even mind that he stops the song every now and then because his comments are very enlightening, even to me, as someone who has known these songs for so long, because he brings up things that I might not have heard before!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: RMGadelha on May 27, 2021, 02:38:41 PM
I've recently caught up on some of Doug's prog/prog-metal reaction videos, and I just laugh every time he brings up his aversion to rampant double-bass drumming. He's gonna have a hell of a time listening to more prog-metal if that's the case, so hopefully he doesn't pick some of the heavier DT/SX songs that are like that (so no Twelve-Step Suite songs!  :lol ).

His Octavarium reaction was really on point, and I love his ability to call out chords and key changes as the song goes along. I said to one friend "This guy really paid attention in Ear Training class!", and it really shows. Dude has an impressive ear, and I suspect his discovery of prog epics has been one of the best things he's done for his channel. Loved his reactions to "Close To The Edge" and "Supper's Ready" as well! He's definitely one of the best "music reaction" YouTubers I've ever seen, and I don't even mind that he stops the song every now and then because his comments are very enlightening, even to me, as someone who has known these songs for so long, because he brings up things that I might not have heard before!

-Marc.

I love how detailed he is. Even though I can't understand anything at all when it comes to music theory, he still makes it interesting, but yeah, he complains about double-bass drums a lot, which kinda annoys me :P
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Dublagent66 on June 01, 2021, 11:02:55 AM
Maybe MM watches his videos too and decided to switch to a single bass drum.  :lol
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Wim Kruithof on June 04, 2021, 08:50:09 AM
Octavarium was one of the songs I should have been given more time I did. Your link changed that and played a huge roll in understanding the song and therefore, lovin’ it so much more.

Thank you for this, what a talented guy he is...
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: RMGadelha on June 04, 2021, 03:26:09 PM
Octavarium was one of the songs I should have been given more time I did. Your link changed that and played a huge roll in understanding the song and therefore, lovin’ it so much more.

Thank you for this, what a talented guy he is...

If you haven't already, I recommend googling all of the theories behind the song, like the meaning of the numbers 5 and 8. If anyone has a good link to give you a headstart, go ahead and post it as I suck at remembering those thing xD
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: hunnus2000 on June 04, 2021, 04:25:01 PM
Octavarium is indeed a concept album no matter what the general masses define a "concept album", no matter what people on this board say and no matter what MP says, art is with the interpretation of the recipient and the artist risks interpretation when they present their art.

So suck it bitches !!!!!  :xbones

 :metal
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Dream Team on June 04, 2021, 08:15:02 PM
He just posted one for Illumination Theory. Best one yet.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: geeeemo on June 04, 2021, 09:44:39 PM
I never, ever tire of watching this video of IT. It evokes such emotion, has great energy and beautiful music. A top 5 for sure for me.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Wim Kruithof on June 05, 2021, 02:05:58 AM
He just posted one for Illumination Theory. Best one yet.

Thank you, kust checked it. Illumination Theory is without a doubt on of my all time favorites...
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: krands85 on June 05, 2021, 05:40:28 AM
He just posted one for Illumination Theory. Best one yet.
I was hoping he'd do one for IT  :coolio

Having no knowledge of music theory, I have no idea what he's talking about most of the time  :lol But I've really been enjoying his videos.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: cosmicwxdude on June 05, 2021, 09:50:55 AM
This is the same guy that did Close to the Edge by Yes as well.   I do enjoy watching these,  as long as they are legit.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: pg1067 on June 05, 2021, 10:00:14 PM
He just posted one for Illumination Theory. Best one yet.

Such good stuff!  When he stopped down and really got into the theory of the middle section was great.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Wim Kruithof on June 05, 2021, 10:25:35 PM
He just posted one for Illumination Theory. Best one yet.

Such good stuff!  When he stopped down and really got into the theory of the middle section was great.

Exactly, perfect part. He did the same on the Count of Tuscany. Must say, the four songs he already did, Dance of Eternity, Count of Tuscany, Octavarium and Illumination Theory... he choses from the very best. Hope he will do Change of Seasons or the Twelve Step Suite in the future...
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: darkshade on June 06, 2021, 07:59:03 AM
I never, ever tire of watching this video of IT. It evokes such emotion, has great energy and beautiful music. A top 5 for sure for me.

I prefer it over the studio version.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: RMGadelha on June 06, 2021, 10:47:38 AM
Another nice video. I was surprised that he didn't mention Tchaikovsky  :P
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Architeuthis on June 06, 2021, 05:33:34 PM
He did a spot-on great job explaining the chord phrasing and time sigs. I think he was fairly close on the meaning of the lyrics too.  Gotta love his enthusiasm, great video!  :tup
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Dream Team on June 07, 2021, 09:17:42 AM
Any time more people can get into DT it’s a good thing.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Architeuthis on June 08, 2021, 03:48:05 PM
He just posted one for Illumination Theory. Best one yet.

Such good stuff!  When he stopped down and really got into the theory of the middle section was great.
This guy is just so cool!  I wish I had one tenth of his knowledge on music theory,  and perfect pitch.  I bet he'd be a lot of fun to sit with at a DT concert, as you could see the immense amount of appreciation on his face the whole time.   His reaction video's should become a weekly thing on the music Axis channel  or something like that.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Kotowboy on June 21, 2021, 01:23:03 AM
I normally despise the idea of ¡REACTION OMG!!! videos but this one was really good as he definitely knows his theory and seemingly has perfect pitch.

I was bored one day so watched the whole video. I like hearing his thoughts based in theory and composition rather than OMG THIS IS KEWL or OMG LOL THIS SUCKS!!!!


I will watch the Illumination Theory one at some point but IT is nowhere near one of my fave DT songs. It definitely feels like a hodge-podge rather than a song - just to get it to 20+ minutes.


EDIT - Listening to Octavarium ( song ) again just highlights, for me the idea that Scenes - Octavarium was their magic period and Systematic onwards was missing...something.

Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: DreamerTV on June 21, 2021, 02:04:06 AM

EDIT - Listening to Octavarium ( song ) again just highlights, for me the idea that Scenes - Octavarium was their magic period and Systematic onwards was missing...something.

Same exact thing happened to me last week, and actually going back to Octavarium was promped by Doug reaction video (first reaction video i've ever seen).
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Kotowboy on June 21, 2021, 02:20:57 AM
Systematic Chaos was for me - an attempt to redo the Octavarium album but darker / heavier. With less than stellar results. The entire second half of SC is so slow and dull.

Repentance followed by Ministry is a SLOG.

Yes even ITPOE part 2. I think Black Clouds was a better album overall. Dranatic Turn a little better. DT12 a little better except for the snare sound. I loved TA and D/T is like they

recaptured their SFAM-OCT mojo.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: RMGadelha on June 21, 2021, 06:48:39 AM
D/T is probably the MM album that I listen to the most in its entirety in one sitting. The other ones are mostly one song here and there.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Ben_Jamin on June 21, 2021, 09:05:11 AM
The entire second half of SC is so slow and dull.

Repentance followed by Ministry is a SLOG.

Well, that's because your missing the energetic song that is between Repentance and The Ministry Of Lost Souls... :lol
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Architeuthis on June 21, 2021, 11:26:45 AM
The entire second half of SC is so slow and dull.

Repentance followed by Ministry is a SLOG.

Well, that's because your missing the energetic song that is between Repentance and The Ministry Of Lost Souls... :lol
POW! 💥
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: darkshade on June 21, 2021, 02:16:27 PM
I love Octavarium (the album) and Systematic Chaos has aged well for me, but 8vm was the end of an era, the classic DT era (IaW-8vm). BC&SL was a better album, and showed promise of what could have been, but MP leaving DT shook up the band to my ears. ADTOE sounds inspired, due to the events leading up to its creation, but it was obvious something was off (whereas you could argue the shift from Moore on Awake to DS on FII wasn't such a dramatic shift in the band's core sound, just that the writing changed a little on FII.) and the production values, for the most part, have been questionable between the 4 albums with Mangini IMO. I actually think they sounded best on ADTOE, JP's clean guitar is great, Myung is very present, as is JR, it's just that the drums are mixed too low and the heavy guitars are not beefy like they had been on the previous 5 albums.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Kotowboy on June 21, 2021, 03:46:47 PM
The entire second half of SC is so slow and dull.

Repentance followed by Ministry is a SLOG.

Well, that's because your missing the energetic song that is between Repentance and The Ministry Of Lost Souls... :lol

 :hat I listen to SC so little to care. Prophets is not even as good as Never Enough.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Volante99 on June 21, 2021, 10:43:06 PM
I love Octavarium (the album) and Systematic Chaos has aged well for me, but 8vm was the end of an era, the classic DT era (IaW-8vm). BC&SL was a better album, and showed promise of what could have been, but MP leaving DT shook up the band to my ears. ADTOE sounds inspired, due to the events leading up to its creation, but it was obvious something was off (whereas you could argue the shift from Moore on Awake to DS on FII wasn't such a dramatic shift in the band's core sound, just that the writing changed a little on FII.) and the production values, for the most part, have been questionable between the 4 albums with Mangini IMO. I actually think they sounded best on ADTOE, JP's clean guitar is great, Myung is very present, as is JR, it's just that the drums are mixed too low and the heavy guitars are not beefy like they had been on the previous 5 albums.

I pretty much agree with everything here- including the opinion that ADToE, with all of its own problems, is the last DT album that sounds like it had a budget and wasn’t written and recorded in a closet over a long holiday weekend  (although Astonishing definitely has some positives in the the sound department).
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Fritzinger on June 22, 2021, 04:07:58 AM
I love Octavarium (the album) and Systematic Chaos has aged well for me, but 8vm was the end of an era, the classic DT era (IaW-8vm). BC&SL was a better album, and showed promise of what could have been, but MP leaving DT shook up the band to my ears. ADTOE sounds inspired, due to the events leading up to its creation, but it was obvious something was off (whereas you could argue the shift from Moore on Awake to DS on FII wasn't such a dramatic shift in the band's core sound, just that the writing changed a little on FII.) and the production values, for the most part, have been questionable between the 4 albums with Mangini IMO. I actually think they sounded best on ADTOE, JP's clean guitar is great, Myung is very present, as is JR, it's just that the drums are mixed too low and the heavy guitars are not beefy like they had been on the previous 5 albums.

I pretty much agree with everything here- including the opinion that ADToE, with all of its own problems, is the last DT album that sounds like it had a budget and wasn’t written and recorded in a closet over a long holiday weekend  (although Astonishing definitely has some positives in the the sound department).

Also, The Astonishing definitely sounds like it had some budget. And it had to have some. Including three choirs, an orchestra and Dave Campbell must have cost quite a few bucks...
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: nikatapi on June 22, 2021, 06:29:34 AM

I pretty much agree with everything here- including the opinion that ADToE, with all of its own problems, is the last DT album that sounds like it had a budget and wasn’t written and recorded in a closet over a long holiday weekend  (although Astonishing definitely has some positives in the the sound department).

Have to disagree a bit on the ADTOE comment, i actually find it to be one of the worst sounding DT records.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Dublagent66 on June 22, 2021, 01:42:19 PM
The entire second half of SC is so slow and dull.

Repentance followed by Ministry is a SLOG.

Well, that's because your missing the energetic song that is between Repentance and The Ministry Of Lost Souls... :lol

 :hat I listen to SC so little to care. Prophets is not even as good as Never Enough.

LOL, I almost spit out my beverage.  That's like saying a kick in the nuts is just a little more painful than a sharp stick in the eye. :lol  Both songs are bottom of the DT barrel.  The question of which one is better never even entered my mind.  ???
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: gzarruk on June 22, 2021, 01:56:59 PM
The entire second half of SC is so slow and dull.

Repentance followed by Ministry is a SLOG.

Well, that's because your missing the energetic song that is between Repentance and The Ministry Of Lost Souls... :lol

 :hat I listen to SC so little to care. Prophets is not even as good as Never Enough.

LOL, I almost spit out my beverage.  That's like saying a kick in the nuts is just a little more painful than a sharp stick in the eye. :lol  Both songs are bottom of the DT barrel.  The question of which one is better never even entered my mind.  ???

 :rollin

I can't say I disagree...

I prefer POW, though, because it's a bit more original than just a Muse song re-written. NE has that pretty cool JP/JR unison, tho.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Kotowboy on June 22, 2021, 03:52:42 PM

 Both songs are bottom of the DT barrel.

But saying Myungs lyrics are over rated is 'against forum rules'.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Dream Team on June 22, 2021, 08:38:47 PM

 Both songs are bottom of the DT barrel.

But saying Myungs lyrics are over rated is 'against forum rules'.

The bottom of a barrel of chocolate or bacon isn’t an insult.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: PetFish on June 22, 2021, 10:39:01 PM
I watched his Octavarium video again and he's just so fun to watch.  He's just a big kid passionate about music.

"OH MAN!  THEY WENT TO C#!!!  AHHHHHHH!!!!"

"THAT'S A DOMINANT OVER B-FLAT!"

"Y'ALL!!!"

"DID YOU HEAR THOSE HORNS?!!  REAL HORNS!!  YES!!!"

At the end:  "IT'S MAJOR!!!"

He throws up the TOUCHDOWN arms a lot but the best is right before the final solo.

He also gives that side-eye "bitch, please" look when DT does something amazing.  Like "wtf are they doing" stuff.

He's so happy.  So great.

Seriously makes me appreciate DT even more.  Really opened my mind to how complex they actually are even though it's just another day for most of us.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Architeuthis on June 23, 2021, 10:57:58 AM
I never understood the hate for Never Enough around here. I think it's a pretty awesome rockin song!  In fact, I turned at least three people on to DT with that song. It led them to buy the Octavarium album.   :metal
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: pg1067 on June 23, 2021, 01:11:40 PM
I never understood the hate for Never Enough around here. I think it's a pretty awesome rockin song!  In fact, I turned at least three people on to DT with that song. It led them to buy the Octavarium album.   :metal

Honestly, I haven't listened to it in a long time, but it was never a favorite, and a lot of it has to do with the lyrics.  It's one of those rare songs where lyrics are so bad that they drag the song down.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TAC on June 23, 2021, 01:13:13 PM
James is fantastic on Never Enough. The lyrics have never really bothered me. It's the delivery that I like a lot.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: hefdaddy42 on June 24, 2021, 09:11:52 AM
The lyrics are a little, well, whatever, but the groove on that song is outrageous, even if it is a Muse ripoff.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: darkshade on June 26, 2021, 05:31:56 AM
Can't wait for this guy to tackle some Transatlantic, Neal Morse and Flower Kings epics.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: HOF on July 01, 2021, 10:58:38 PM
The lyrics are a little, well, whatever, but the groove on that song is outrageous, even if it is a Muse ripoff.

The reason it's an awful song is that it sounds like Muse, a truly awful band.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: darkshade on July 02, 2021, 08:03:28 AM
The lyrics are a little, well, whatever, but the groove on that song is outrageous, even if it is a Muse ripoff.

The reason it's an awful song is that it sounds like Muse, a truly awful band.

I always thought the song sounded better than Muse, I never liked them. The middle unison section always sounded badass to me.
By contrast, their other Muse-sounding song, Prophets of War, with it's metal riffing, and with its Queen-esque sound mixed in, is awful.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: HOF on July 02, 2021, 08:31:20 AM
The lyrics are a little, well, whatever, but the groove on that song is outrageous, even if it is a Muse ripoff.

The reason it's an awful song is that it sounds like Muse, a truly awful band.

I always thought the song sounded better than Muse, I never liked them. The middle unison section always sounded badass to me.
By contrast, their other Muse-sounding song, Prophets of War, with it's metal riffing, and with its Queen-esque sound mixed in, is awful.

Panick Attack has that same Muse-ish vocal style in parts. It's the vocals more than the riffage that turn me off of Muse/songs that sound like Muse.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: CrimsonSunrise on July 09, 2021, 12:54:39 PM
I guess I'm in the very small minority with regards to Doug.  I watch a LOT of reaction vids and while Doug is indeed very knowledgeable I find him a tad annoying with the CONSTANT key change notifications during the songs.  An occasional "Hey this is in B flat" is cool, but I don't want to hear about every key change.   Personal preference I guess...
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: The Letter M on July 24, 2021, 11:58:51 AM
Looks like Doug just covered "A Change Of Seasons".

https://youtu.be/jeHN2Rl16E8

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: lucasembarbosa on July 24, 2021, 12:53:41 PM
Personally I put ACOS in much higher regard than Octavarium. I think he didn't give the same attention to ACOS as he did to 8V, and the analysis was not in the same level. But he clarified some interesting points regarding tonality, song structure, etc. which I enjoy in all of his videos. Maybe my expectations of his reaction were higher than his own xD
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: HOF on July 24, 2021, 01:06:11 PM
Personally I put ACOS in much higher regard than Octavarium. I think he didn't give the same attention to ACOS as he did to 8V, and the analysis was not in the same level. But he clarified some interesting points regarding tonality, song structure, etc. which I enjoy in all of his videos. Maybe my expectations of his reaction were higher than his own xD

Same re ACOS over 8V. I watched this one last night, and while I still don’t get much out of his analysis or silly faces, I did enjoy jamming out to ACOS for the first time in a while.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: pg1067 on July 24, 2021, 08:09:30 PM
Maybe it's more difficult to pick up on in a first listen, but I think Doug often misses out on a lot of the interesting time signature tricks that DT does -- especially in ACOS.  I also think he's been going more heavily on lyrical analysis, and I don't think that's his strong suit.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Wim Kruithof on August 01, 2021, 02:21:25 PM
Doug’s gonna give his reaction to both Metropolis pt 1 and the whole Scenes from a Memory, next sunday. Just letting you guys know…
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Kotowboy on August 01, 2021, 04:22:13 PM
This is the first time i've heard A Change Of Seasons in YEARS and I still can't get into it. Why does so much of it remind me of Erotomania ?

LaBrie sounds great obviously but it's far too disjointed for me. It's still my least favourite DT 'epic'.  :sadpanda:

Sorry y'all.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: ReaPsTA on August 01, 2021, 05:02:01 PM
Doug’s gonna give his reaction to both Metropolis pt 1 and the whole Scenes from a Memory, next sunday. Just letting you guys know…

my body is ready
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Dublagent66 on August 05, 2021, 01:50:45 PM
Looks like Doug just covered "A Change Of Seasons".

https://youtu.be/jeHN2Rl16E8

-Marc.

I enjoyed that a lot!  :tup



This is the first time i've heard A Change Of Seasons in YEARS and I still can't get into it. Why does so much of it remind me of Erotomania ?

LaBrie sounds great obviously but it's far too disjointed for me. It's still my least favourite DT 'epic'.  :sadpanda:

Sorry y'all.

No need to apologize.  It's your loss. :p  Not sure what you mean by disjointed.  Everything in that song works even though a couple of sections take an abrupt turn.  It all comes back full circle.



Doug’s gonna give his reaction to both Metropolis pt 1 and the whole Scenes from a Memory, next sunday. Just letting you guys know…

Looking forward that.  Thanks!  :tup
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Chino on August 05, 2021, 01:58:14 PM
I've watched like 40 of this guys videos thanks to this thread.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: King Postwhore on August 05, 2021, 08:24:25 PM
Doug’s gonna give his reaction to both Metropolis pt 1 and the whole Scenes from a Memory, next sunday. Just letting you guys know…

(https://i.postimg.cc/136pYQXn/tenor.gif) (https://postimages.org/) (https://postimages.org/)

Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: PetFish on August 05, 2021, 10:12:19 PM
I've watched like 40 of this guys videos thanks to this thread.

That's great (for me)  to see!

Usually I kill threads cuz after I say something it just dies so it's nice to see something different for a change.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Wim Kruithof on August 06, 2021, 07:29:39 AM
Usually I kill threads cuz after I say something it just dies so it's nice to see something different for a change.

Really, because of this thread I’ve been appreciating Octavarium so much more then I did. I’m very thankful of that.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Dream Team on August 06, 2021, 08:09:13 AM
Other people who do this kind of show usually hit the pause button while they're explaining something. He needs to do that because he misses cool stuff while he's talking.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: ReaPsTA on August 06, 2021, 08:58:53 AM
Other people who do this kind of show usually hit the pause button while they're explaining something. He needs to do that because he misses cool stuff while he's talking.

Don't disagree but I doubt he's making much money from these videos (reacting to copyrighted content) and is doing it primarily for fun. If he has a real life to get back to why make the videos take longer to produce?
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: pg1067 on August 06, 2021, 10:01:30 AM
Other people who do this kind of show usually hit the pause button while they're explaining something. He needs to do that because he misses cool stuff while he's talking.

He did it more when he first started, but I agree.  On the other hand, there are a couple folks who do these who seem to pause after every bar.  THAT is WAY more annoying, so if Doug is going to err either way, he's on the right side of the line.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Dublagent66 on August 06, 2021, 10:18:25 AM
^Agree.  Especially on the longer songs.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: ReaPsTA on August 08, 2021, 05:36:00 PM
Doug’s gonna give his reaction to both Metropolis pt 1 and the whole Scenes from a Memory, next sunday. Just letting you guys know…

Currently Patreon only should be released this Thursday to the public
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Dream Team on August 08, 2021, 05:59:34 PM
Other people who do this kind of show usually hit the pause button while they're explaining something. He needs to do that because he misses cool stuff while he's talking.

He did it more when he first started, but I agree.  On the other hand, there are a couple folks who do these who seem to pause after every bar.  THAT is WAY more annoying, so if Doug is going to err either way, he's on the right side of the line.

Yeah there’s a redhead who analyzes singing and she pauses after every bar. Too much.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TAC on August 08, 2021, 06:19:28 PM
My issue with Doug is that when he's in front of his piano, he's too distracted from the song because he's trying to play it. He misses some important parts because he's dicking around.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Dublagent66 on August 10, 2021, 11:24:32 AM
My issue with Doug is that when he's in front of his piano, he's too distracted from the song because he's trying to play it. He misses some important parts because he's dicking around.

I get what you're saying Tim, but I think those are some of the older reactions.  He pretty much ditched the piano on the newer ones.  :tup


Doug’s gonna give his reaction to both Metropolis pt 1 and the whole Scenes from a Memory, next sunday. Just letting you guys know…

Haven't seen this yet but looking forward to it.  :tup
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: faizoff on August 10, 2021, 12:06:02 PM
This video kept popping in my feed with the reaction to the 8V track and I finally watched it today. Loved his analysis.
I am curious though how or why he had the earlier leaked version of the title track that ends with the flute instead of the circling back to the start of Root of all evil.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TAC on August 10, 2021, 12:08:37 PM

I am curious though how or why he had the earlier leaked version of the title track that ends with the flute instead of the circling back to the start of Root of all evil.

I think he just picks a version off of Youtube. That's probably where it was.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: faizoff on August 10, 2021, 12:12:42 PM
You are right, I just searched for Dream Theater Octavarium and the first track listed has over 4.5 million views with the same art he displayed on the video. That ends with the flute version.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Pettor on August 10, 2021, 01:29:24 PM
That flute ending is the best ending though 😁
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Trav86 on August 11, 2021, 07:54:22 AM
That flute ending is the best ending though 😁

I’ve always kinda preferred that one as well. But I get why they went with the other.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: bosk1 on August 11, 2021, 09:09:18 AM
As a standalone song, the version with the flute might be better.  In context of the album, the official version is better.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: The Letter M on August 11, 2021, 09:13:34 AM
As a standalone song, the version with the flute might be better.  In context of the album, the official version is better.

Agreed! The final album version completes the concept of the album, ending where it began. But the flute ending has a nice serene feel to it. I was surprised that original mix ever even got out/leaked the way it did! Has anything like that ever happened before or since, not just with Dream Theater but with other bands? I can't think of anything like that.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Chino on August 11, 2021, 09:26:55 AM
Huh. Just realized this is actually the first time I've heard the flute outro. I remember hearing about it when the album leaked originally, but never heard it myself.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: ReaPsTA on August 11, 2021, 11:42:27 AM
In retrospect the piano actually does work better. Even though it relies on you having heard the album, it better communicates the idea of 'the story continues.' And it feels like more epic or whatever
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: The Letter M on August 11, 2021, 11:47:24 AM
In retrospect the piano actually does work better. Even though it relies on you having heard the album, it better communicates the idea of 'the story continues.' And it feels like more epic or whatever

It's also a big coincidence that "Octavarium" has five parts (I-V) and its ending connects to the beginning of "The Root Of All Evil", which is parts VI-VII of the Twelve-Step Suite, creating continuity with numbered movements from the end of the album back to the beginning.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: The Letter M on August 11, 2021, 05:22:18 PM
Watching Doug's first part of the Metropolis Pts 1 & 2 reaction video!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Kotowboy on August 11, 2021, 05:51:37 PM
I'm gonna wait til it's finished and watch the whole thing in one go.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TAC on August 11, 2021, 05:52:30 PM
I'm gonna wait til it's finished and watch the whole thing in one go.

Me too. After dinner.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Kotowboy on August 11, 2021, 05:53:05 PM
I know he's already covered The Dance Of Eternity.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TAC on August 11, 2021, 07:47:43 PM
So I'm watching this, and I'm not buying that he's not familiar with SFAM.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: ReaPsTA on August 11, 2021, 08:10:33 PM
So I'm watching this, and I'm not buying that he's not familiar with SFAM.

Maybe. He figured out all the story beats *exactly* when you're supposed to. On the other hand, he missed all the Metropolis references in home.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TAC on August 11, 2021, 08:12:17 PM
I skipped Home. ;D
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TAC on August 11, 2021, 08:31:22 PM
This is such a great album. So amazing. I wish this was out when I was in college, when I could've gotten baked with my roommates and experienced it like that. :lol
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: geeeemo on August 11, 2021, 09:09:30 PM
This is such a great album. So amazing. I wish this was out when I was in college, when I could've gotten baked with my roommates and experienced it like that. :lol
This!! :mehlin.  My girlfriend and I would get baked, turn on Aerosmith and do our best air guitar, sing and dance the night away! I can only imagine Home..
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: faizoff on August 11, 2021, 09:14:41 PM
Just watching his take on Illumination Theory and that breakdown with the orchestral part in the middle of the song is great stuff. I don't read music or play any instrument but that was so fun to listen to.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Pettor on August 12, 2021, 12:49:23 AM
Yeah about Scenes From A Memory. How does anyone know the name Edward without watching the DVD etc.? It's never mentioned in the story right? Checked lyrics quickly online and no mention of Edward except ofc the spoiler explanation talking about him being the miracle. I mean if he got all that from just that one listen I am extremely impressed, that was waaaaaay over my head the first time I listened. Ofc I didn't sit down with lyrics etc. but once I did, understanding the final the twist (i.e. that he reincarnated), come on. I would never understand that without help from the community or the DVD haha 😁

Anyway great analysis and as always, I kind appreciate it more in a weird way. Like just knowing he will soon get to hear this and this piece and how extremely well crafted all those parts are, that's just somehow makes me realize even more how impressed I am with this album.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Pettor on August 12, 2021, 01:03:42 AM
I did look in the booklet (long time ago now) and it does state the characters on the top. Maybe his lyrics did mention Edward and Julian in the same way so he could ofc understand it from that.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: krands85 on August 12, 2021, 06:23:21 AM
He mentions several times that he takes some notes before listening to give himself a bit of background on things.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: pg1067 on August 12, 2021, 10:44:41 AM
I would totally dig a dialog between Doug and JR next time Doug does a DT piece.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: bosk1 on August 12, 2021, 01:35:58 PM
Watched the Metropolis/SFAM review.  Kind of disappointing, actually, for a few reasons:

First, it lacked a lot of the typical musical insight he usually brings.  Yeah, he talked at times about keys and modes, and the chord progressions, etc.  But there is a lot less of that.  And a lot less bigger-picture analysis and why things are happening, how DT uses certain motifs in different ways, etc.  I know it's hard to put a lot of that in when there is so much content to get through.  But that is kind of his thing and what makes his channel unique.  So he basically ignored what is his bread and butter.

Second, I'm kinda disappointed that he didn't at least use the time between tracks to comment a bit more on whatever song he just heard.  Again, I know that's hard to do when there is so much material to cover, and the video is so long as it is.  But given what I have come to expect from his past videos, he didn't really deliver on what he is known for.

Third, I could be mistaken, but I am pretty sure he has more familiarity with the material than this being a completely fresh first listen (other than TDOE).  There were a lot of "tells" in his reactions and a lot of parts where he would sing along or guess where something was going that a fresh listener wouldn't be able to pick out.  Yes, someone with a trained musical earn and lots of in-depth knowledge of theory is going to be able to recognize and predict where music is going to go a lot of times.  One of my favorite reactors, Chase Carneson, does this a lot.  For example, even on first listen, Chase can often pick up on the musical and structural cues to tell when a piece is going to go into a chorus or a new verse, and will often pause right at the transition.  But this is because the song in question is structured somewhat traditionally or there are cues in the song that tell an educated listener that a transition is about to occur.  There are a few times in this video where the cues on not obvious, but Doug apparently knows where we are going because he is right there with the transition.  Or, for example, when the band or James repeats a melody, but changes it from what it was previously, and Doug anticipates and sings the change.  He does it quite a few times, which makes it hard for me to buy that he nailed where the song was going based solely off of spontaneously applying his admittedly vast musical knowledge and vocabulary, while also simultaneously guessing which of the many available musical options the band or James would choose at a particular juncture.  I don't mind at all if a reactor has previously seen/heard whatever he/she is reacting to.  Just be up front about it and don't try to pass it off as a first time reaction if it isn't completely that. 

Fourth, metal bands use double kick patterns.  Get over it. 

What I did like is that he did actually point out some things that are not obvious and are cool.  It's just that he didn't do as much.  I also liked that he followed the lyrics closely to try to get as much of the story as he could.  And, frankly, the fact that he was so focused (and did a bit of research ahead of time) helped him pick up on a lot of things a first-time listener wouldn't have gotten.  It was fun seeing him unpack the story in real time.  And his enjoyment of the music and story were contagious, which renew my own appreciation of the album.

Overall, thumbs up.  It was a fun watch, despite my disappointment in a few things.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: ReaPsTA on August 12, 2021, 01:55:26 PM
Watched the Metropolis/SFAM review.  Kind of disappointing, actually, for a few reasons:

First, it lacked a lot of the typical musical insight he usually brings.  Yeah, he talked at times about keys and modes, and the chord progressions, etc.  But there is a lot less of that.  And a lot less bigger-picture analysis and why things are happening, how DT uses certain motifs in different ways, etc.  I know it's hard to put a lot of that in when there is so much content to get through.  But that is kind of his thing and what makes his channel unique.  So he basically ignored what is his bread and butter.

Yeah it was cool that he enjoyed the story and it made me like the story more but what I liked about the Octavarium review was he was like "ah, here's a chord progression they used before" that I didn't notice.

Quote
Second, I'm kinda disappointed that he didn't at least use the time between tracks to comment a bit more on whatever song he just heard.  Again, I know that's hard to do when there is so much material to cover, and the video is so long as it is.  But given what I have come to expect from his past videos, he didn't really deliver on what he is known for.

I'll give this a pass because the react is already movie length but I know what you mean. Maybe better as a multi-part video?

Quote
Third, I could be mistaken, but I am pretty sure he has more familiarity with the material than this being a completely fresh first listen (other than TDOE).  There were a lot of "tells" in his reactions and a lot of parts where he would sing along or guess where something was going that a fresh listener wouldn't be able to pick out.  Yes, someone with a trained musical earn and lots of in-depth knowledge of theory is going to be able to recognize and predict where music is going to go a lot of times.  One of my favorite reactors, Chase Carneson, does this a lot.  For example, even on first listen, Chase can often pick up on the musical and structural cues to tell when a piece is going to go into a chorus or a new verse, and will often pause right at the transition.  But this is because the song in question is structured somewhat traditionally or there are cues in the song that tell an educated listener that a transition is about to occur.  There are a few times in this video where the cues on not obvious, but Doug apparently knows where we are going because he is right there with the transition.  Or, for example, when the band or James repeats a melody, but changes it from what it was previously, and Doug anticipates and sings the change.  He does it quite a few times, which makes it hard for me to buy that he nailed where the song was going based solely off of spontaneously applying his admittedly vast musical knowledge and vocabulary, while also simultaneously guessing which of the many available musical options the band or James would choose at a particular juncture.  I don't mind at all if a reactor has previously seen/heard whatever he/she is reacting to.  Just be up front about it and don't try to pass it off as a first time reaction if it isn't completely that.

Not a bad theory.

Quote
Fourth, metal bands use double kick patterns.  Get over it.

You can tell he's half joking at this point but it is kinda weird. I watched a bit of his Kingdom video (best song for react content on Youtube) and he didn't enjoy Townsends harsh vocals. These things are genre conventions of metal. It's like listening to Jazz and being like "and then they had to ruin the song by putting a saxophone in it" 

Quote
Overall, thumbs up.  It was a fun watch, despite my disappointment in a few things.

Agreed. For excitement this was a fun watch
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: pg1067 on August 12, 2021, 04:36:51 PM
Watched the Metropolis/SFAM review.

I can't really disagree with any of that (except for the "third" paragraph, which I'm not so sure about).
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TheCountOfNYC on August 12, 2021, 09:10:09 PM
The second he hears double bass he writes it off as lazy and fails to listen for what it’s actually adding. I get it with some of the more extreme metal where maybe the constant double bass makes the music feel one dimensional, but both Portnoy and Mangini know how to use it dynamically to up the intensity of a section, and to write it off as lazy when these prog drummers are among the most creative musicians in the world is a little frustrating.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Kotowboy on August 13, 2021, 05:09:24 AM
+1 for being a bit let down that he didn't talk more about the music theory and progressions and just kinda commented on the story.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: darkshade on August 13, 2021, 11:32:21 AM
These things are genre conventions of metal. It's like listening to Jazz and being like "and then they had to ruin the song by putting a saxophone in it" 


To be fair, as someone who listens to a ton of jazz and jazz related music, there is a ton of it out there with no sax in sight, and when there is sax, I often react similarly: "they had to ruin this by putting a saxophone in it."  :lol There is lots of metal out there that's doesn't use, or rely on, fairly simple double kick drums playing quarter notes or eighth notes in 4/4 or 6/8 and acting as a mechanical metronome, and doesn't always contribute to the actual music/composition, which is what I think Doug's main complaint about their use is.

*I find most jazz sax players don't have enough melody in their playing, their playing can be grating on the ears, and/or blare and honk their horn too much.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Dublagent66 on August 16, 2021, 04:15:17 PM
I watched the Metropolis Pt. 1 and SFAM reaction over the weekend and enjoyed it a lot.  I can't complain that he didn't do enough analysis cause it's understandable that this was his first extended play attempt with an extremely large amount of material to get through.  Not only that, but DT's musical composition is so complex and changes so frequently that he would have to pause a bunch of times and try to explain what he just heard.  He clearly didn't have the time to do that.  I think what I enjoy the most is his enthusiasm and facial expressions.  Very entertaining and amusing to watch.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Dream Team on August 16, 2021, 05:46:40 PM
He definitely phoned it in. And he sure hates double bass  :lol.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: PetFish on August 16, 2021, 07:48:19 PM
He definitely phoned it in. And he sure hates double bass  :lol.

As much as I love the guy he really needs to shaddap about double bass.  Jeez.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TAC on August 16, 2021, 07:52:03 PM
It's not like MP was double bass crazy on SFAM anyway. He used it tastefully.

I've enjoyed some of his DT reactions, but the guy is kind of a douche.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TM172003 on August 17, 2021, 07:59:20 AM
What? He seems pretty likeable.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Enigmachine on August 17, 2021, 08:38:19 AM
I wonder what he thinks of tremolo guitar / violin etc., considering his distaste of double kicks.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: jayvee3 on August 17, 2021, 09:00:01 AM
It's not like MP was double bass crazy on SFAM anyway. He used it tastefully.

I've enjoyed some of his DT reactions, but the guy is kind of a douche.

I’ve met some grade A douches in my life. But I always thought Doug came across as a pretty good guy  🤷‍♂️
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: HOF on August 17, 2021, 10:18:59 AM
These things are genre conventions of metal. It's like listening to Jazz and being like "and then they had to ruin the song by putting a saxophone in it" 


To be fair, as someone who listens to a ton of jazz and jazz related music, there is a ton of it out there with no sax in sight, and when there is sax, I often react similarly: "they had to ruin this by putting a saxophone in it."  :lol There is lots of metal out there that's doesn't use, or rely on, fairly simple double kick drums playing quarter notes or eighth notes in 4/4 or 6/8 and acting as a mechanical metronome, and doesn't always contribute to the actual music/composition, which is what I think Doug's main complaint about their use is.

*I find most jazz sax players don't have enough melody in their playing, their playing can be grating on the ears, and/or blare and honk their horn too much.

I’d say it’s more like listening to a Van Halen song and complaining about Eddie tapping during a solo. Double bass drumming is a stylistic trademark for MP.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Dublagent66 on August 17, 2021, 12:51:28 PM
It's not like MP was double bass crazy on SFAM anyway. He used it tastefully.

I've enjoyed some of his DT reactions, but the guy is kind of a douche.

I’ve met some grade A douches in my life. But I always thought Doug came across as a pretty good guy  🤷‍♂️

He is a good guy.  Tastefully critical.  Douche never really crossed my mind.  But hey, TAC doesn't like Power Windows either, so you kinda have to take that with a grain or two of salt.  Just messin' with ya Tim.  You know I love ya!  :-*
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TAC on August 17, 2021, 01:09:20 PM
Hah!

Yeah, maybe douche is a little strong. A little..
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: King Postwhore on August 17, 2021, 01:21:19 PM
Hah!

Yeah, maybe douche is a little strong. A little..

Now your Power Windows take is douchey. :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TAC on August 17, 2021, 01:27:13 PM
Hah!

Yeah, maybe douche is a little strong. A little..

Now your Power Windows take is douchey. :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

(http://31.media.tumblr.com/75ef21e6e4c9d8d3d35ec0f09939f65c/tumblr_ndmpgr95P11qfr6udo1_500.gif)
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: King Postwhore on August 17, 2021, 01:46:00 PM
Exactly you douche! :lol
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: pg1067 on August 17, 2021, 02:02:42 PM
Hah!

Yeah, maybe douche is a little strong. A little..

Now your Power Windows take is douchey extremely astute, well-reasoned and insightful. :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

ftf all of us.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: The Letter M on August 17, 2021, 02:04:42 PM
Hah!

Yeah, maybe douche is a little strong. A little..

I've seen far douchier music react channels. There's one of two dude-bro guys who say they have to stop the song every 20-30 seconds because of YouTube rules and what not when I watch plenty of other music react channels play songs all the way through with no issue, even without any talk (so the whole song plays un-interrupted, like JustJP does on his channel).

I'd rather have Doug be jokingly annoyed at double bass every few videos than have folks who just have lame "OOOOOOH!!" exclamations every few moments of a song and don't really add much other than base-line reactions without any further thought to the music or lyrics.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TAC on August 17, 2021, 02:26:45 PM
I don't watch reaction videos regularly, unless it's black guys reacting to Bill Burr.

Musically, I'm not going to watch a reaction to something I don't care for, and I don't really care what some dud thinks about what I do like.

I saw Doug's TCOT reaction in my feed, and it was quite enjoyable. As was 8V. I watched a couple Maiden ones, but he was too engrossed in his piano and missed some important moments.

I'll take back the douche comment, but he does kind of come off as a bit snobby musically.

And he's not joking about double bass. Not that I care, but he was way off regarding the use of the double bass on SFAM.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: King Postwhore on August 17, 2021, 02:47:44 PM
Hah!

Yeah, maybe douche is a little strong. A little..

Now your Power Windows take is douchey extremely astute, well-reasoned and insightful and full of baloney. :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

ftf 3 of you.

FTF back at ya.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TAC on August 17, 2021, 02:52:41 PM
DTF to all of you!
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Dublagent66 on August 17, 2021, 03:04:56 PM
 :lol You guys are killin' me!  :rollin
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: King Postwhore on August 17, 2021, 03:37:18 PM
 :lol
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: wolfking on August 17, 2021, 04:05:01 PM
It's not like MP was double bass crazy on SFAM anyway. He used it tastefully.

I've enjoyed some of his DT reactions, but the guy is kind of a douche.

Thank you.

I've watched a few of his videos now and really don't see what the fuss is about.  I'm impressed with his ear, but I agree his manner and the way he comes across sometimes is a bit like he has a high opinion of himself or something, can't quite put my finger on it.

I always expect a bit more insight also to his thoughts on the music.  Most of what I've seen is just him telling us the chord progressions and key changes.  Well duh, I can figure that out.  I don't know his exact background but more interested in his thoughts on the tunes and songwriting of these bands that are not familiar styles for him.

I mean, I watched one he did for Holy Wars and he ripped it to shreds.  Didn't mention much about Marty as a guitarist and ripped the song for not having much variety musically.  What the hell does he expect, it's classic thrash, you don't like it that's fine, but don't rip it because it has no key changes or anything technically amazing going on.

Also, something like the Jason Becker Altitudes video he did.  He appreciated the song but then carried on how the song ended.  Saying it shouldn't have resolved like that.  Whatever dude, it's one of the most amazing masterclasses in guitar shred and he carries on about that.  Has this guy done anything more worthwhile than the artists he's reacting to?  I think now.

I don't know, ignore my rant, don't mean to derail the thread, but yeah, not a fan.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: HOF on August 17, 2021, 06:58:04 PM
I also have gotten kind of a weird vibe from him. Part of the problem is he looks and sounds like an old friend of mine whose personality can rub me wrong at times. So maybe I’m projecting. I do get some enjoyment out of him digging the music (the Spock’s Beard one was cool, some of the Genesis ones too). Mostly though I watch them just to kind of see whether he likes a song and not really for his insights.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TAC on August 17, 2021, 07:18:11 PM
I also have gotten kind of a weird vibe from him. Part of the problem is he looks and sounds like an old friend of mine whose personality can rub me wrong at times. So maybe I’m projecting. I do get some enjoyment out of him digging the music (the Spock’s Beard one was cool, some of the Genesis ones too). Mostly though I watch them just to kind of see whether he likes a song and not really for his insights.


If you guys want to see a real douche, Watch The TAC Reaction Channel when he does Genesis. :lol
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: wolfking on August 18, 2021, 12:45:34 AM
I also have gotten kind of a weird vibe from him. Part of the problem is he looks and sounds like an old friend of mine whose personality can rub me wrong at times. So maybe I’m projecting. I do get some enjoyment out of him digging the music (the Spock’s Beard one was cool, some of the Genesis ones too). Mostly though I watch them just to kind of see whether he likes a song and not really for his insights.


If you guys want to see a real douche, Watch The TAC Reaction Channel when he does Genesis. :lol

I legit searched for TAC reaction channel in youtube.  Left disappointed.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Wim Kruithof on August 18, 2021, 02:52:50 AM
After the Dance, the Count, Illumination Theory and Octavarium, I figured this would be his best piece so far. But it’s the least in my opinion. That’s too bad and the whole Scenes unworthy, I would say.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Evai on August 18, 2021, 02:58:18 AM
It's the daily dog
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TAC on August 18, 2021, 06:18:03 AM
I also have gotten kind of a weird vibe from him. Part of the problem is he looks and sounds like an old friend of mine whose personality can rub me wrong at times. So maybe I’m projecting. I do get some enjoyment out of him digging the music (the Spock’s Beard one was cool, some of the Genesis ones too). Mostly though I watch them just to kind of see whether he likes a song and not really for his insights.


If you guys want to see a real douche, Watch The TAC Reaction Channel when he does Genesis. :lol

I legit searched for TAC reaction channel in youtube.  Left disappointed.

DTF is not only my facebook, instagram, twitter, and yes..it also serves as The TAC Reaction channel.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: King Postwhore on August 18, 2021, 08:17:35 AM
I also have gotten kind of a weird vibe from him. Part of the problem is he looks and sounds like an old friend of mine whose personality can rub me wrong at times. So maybe I’m projecting. I do get some enjoyment out of him digging the music (the Spock’s Beard one was cool, some of the Genesis ones too). Mostly though I watch them just to kind of see whether he likes a song and not really for his insights.


If you guys want to see a real douche, Watch The TAC Reaction Channel when he does Genesis. :lol

I legit searched for TAC reaction channel in youtube.  Left disappointed.

DTF is not only my facebook, instagram, twitter, and yes..it also serves as The TAC Reaction channel.

I get that TAC Channel via Can and String.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TAC on August 18, 2021, 08:59:06 AM
I also have gotten kind of a weird vibe from him. Part of the problem is he looks and sounds like an old friend of mine whose personality can rub me wrong at times. So maybe I’m projecting. I do get some enjoyment out of him digging the music (the Spock’s Beard one was cool, some of the Genesis ones too). Mostly though I watch them just to kind of see whether he likes a song and not really for his insights.


If you guys want to see a real douche, Watch The TAC Reaction Channel when he does Genesis. :lol

I legit searched for TAC reaction channel in youtube.  Left disappointed.

DTF is not only my facebook, instagram, twitter, and yes..it also serves as The TAC Reaction channel.

I get that TAC Channel via Can and String.

Oh good. That means the aluminum foil on the antenna worked.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: King Postwhore on August 18, 2021, 09:06:38 AM
Remember when you were the antenna for your dad?  LOL  No turn the left rabbit ear back.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TAC on August 18, 2021, 09:10:31 AM
Remember when you were the antenna for your dad?  LOL  No turn the left rabbit ear back.

Yup!
“Don’t move!”
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: King Postwhore on August 18, 2021, 09:17:29 AM
My dad still brags that he had the 1st remote controller.......... me. :lol
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: pg1067 on August 18, 2021, 09:32:11 AM
DTF to all of you!

And also with you.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: wolfking on August 18, 2021, 02:39:38 PM
I also have gotten kind of a weird vibe from him. Part of the problem is he looks and sounds like an old friend of mine whose personality can rub me wrong at times. So maybe I’m projecting. I do get some enjoyment out of him digging the music (the Spock’s Beard one was cool, some of the Genesis ones too). Mostly though I watch them just to kind of see whether he likes a song and not really for his insights.


If you guys want to see a real douche, Watch The TAC Reaction Channel when he does Genesis. :lol

I legit searched for TAC reaction channel in youtube.  Left disappointed.

DTF is not only my facebook, instagram, twitter, and yes..it also serves as The TAC Reaction channel.

Of course, silly me.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Enigmachine on August 18, 2021, 03:58:23 PM
I mean, I watched one he did for Holy Wars and he ripped it to shreds.  Didn't mention much about Marty as a guitarist and ripped the song for not having much variety musically.  What the hell does he expect, it's classic thrash, you don't like it that's fine, but don't rip it because it has no key changes or anything technically amazing going on.

Also, something like the Jason Becker Altitudes video he did.  He appreciated the song but then carried on how the song ended.  Saying it shouldn't have resolved like that.  Whatever dude, it's one of the most amazing masterclasses in guitar shred and he carries on about that.  Has this guy done anything more worthwhile than the artists he's reacting to?  I think now.

This is one of my biggest pet peeves, when the commentator in question just flat out refuses to engage the music on its own terms.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Dublagent66 on August 20, 2021, 10:15:15 AM
Well, it is his YouTube channel so he can do whatever he wants on his own terms.  Over 100k subscribers pretty much tells the story.  All the haters can just get fucking lost. :p
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Enigmachine on August 21, 2021, 04:54:15 AM
Well, it is his YouTube channel so he can do whatever he wants on his own terms.  Over 100k subscribers pretty much tells the story.  All the haters can just get fucking lost. :p

This doesn't quite feel applicable when many of the people criticising him here otherwise enjoy his content in some manner. I think constructive criticism is fair for someone who seems to be getting renown from critiquing and analysing music. Just because his channel might be a step above other reaction content in terms of substance, doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement in cases where his insights seem shallow or contrived. Whether he chooses to listen to it or not is his choice, but people should be free to point out their issues as consumers of his work.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: hunnus2000 on September 11, 2021, 07:59:38 AM
Someone I think posted this earlier but Doug has posted a first reaction to The Alien which is pretty much predictable and was similar to the reaction on this board that DTF members first had. He did however gush about the drumming and was discussing time sigs.

That got me to thinking, I would pay to watch a discussion between him and MM about that kind of stuff! Most of it would go over my head but I'm certain I would still find it enjoyable!  :metal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfLzWyiJ8Hc
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Wim Kruithof on September 11, 2021, 11:36:09 AM
I've seen it as well Hunnus and I totally liked it. The Scenes From a Memory-part I didn't liked but he is such a fan of beautiful music and really gives our favorites a chance.

And he's gonna see Dream Theater live in november, so curious what he's gonna say about that.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Architeuthis on September 12, 2021, 05:38:13 AM
I've seen it as well Hunnus and I totally liked it. The Scenes From a Memory-part I didn't liked but he is such a fan of beautiful music and really gives our favorites a chance.

And he's gonna see Dream Theater live in november, so curious what he's gonna say about that.
I wonder which venue he's seeing them in November?  If it's in Seattle, I'll buy him a beer and tell him to refrain from yelling out loud what key they're playing in or pausing the show during a song.  🍺  :chill
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: axeman90210 on September 12, 2021, 06:33:48 AM
Didn't think this was worth a separate thread, but a pretty enthusiastic reaction to Metropolis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFiEtcuKiPA
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: The Letter M on September 12, 2021, 08:39:24 AM
I've seen it as well Hunnus and I totally liked it. The Scenes From a Memory-part I didn't liked but he is such a fan of beautiful music and really gives our favorites a chance.

And he's gonna see Dream Theater live in november, so curious what he's gonna say about that.
I wonder which venue he's seeing them in November?  If it's in Seattle, I'll buy him a beer and tell him to refrain from yelling out loud what key they're playing in or pausing the show during a song.  🍺  :chill

Just wait til he complains about every time Mike does any extended amount of double bass drumming! "It takes away from the power of the song!"  :rollin

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Fiery Winds on September 12, 2021, 02:20:58 PM
Didn't think this was worth a separate thread, but a pretty enthusiastic reaction to Metropolis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFiEtcuKiPA

Wow, I haven't watched her channel in a while, but this was a fantastic reaction. Seeing her giddy during the instrumental breakdown brought me back to my first experience with the song.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: pg1067 on September 13, 2021, 09:46:22 AM
Didn't think this was worth a separate thread, but a pretty enthusiastic reaction to Metropolis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFiEtcuKiPA

Cool reactions and all, but she drives me insane with stopping every song every five seconds to spend five minutes talking about the prior five seconds.  That's how a 9+ minute song turns into a nearly hour long reaction video.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: The Letter M on September 13, 2021, 09:53:59 AM
Didn't think this was worth a separate thread, but a pretty enthusiastic reaction to Metropolis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFiEtcuKiPA

Cool reactions and all, but she drives me insane with stopping every song every five seconds to spend five minutes talking about the prior five seconds.  That's how a 9+ minute song turns into a nearly hour long reaction video.

I liked her reaction to Metropolis, but I agree, the stopping every minute got fairly annoying after awhile. You could probably hear the whole song at least twice with the amount of times she backtracked.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Dublagent66 on September 14, 2021, 04:20:05 PM
I liked his recent reaction to The Alien.  :tup
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Wim Kruithof on September 15, 2021, 02:03:24 PM
I liked his recent reaction to The Alien.  :tup

me too. Especially his compliment on Mangini.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TheBarstoolWarrior on September 16, 2021, 07:56:40 PM
I like Doug. I am very skeptical of the genre of reaction videos, but I think Doug does a nice job of pointing out some things...and obviously there's an endless appetite for confirmation bias amongst metal fans  :lol
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Kotowboy on September 17, 2021, 04:34:06 AM
Yeah reaction videos on the whole are like ??? Why ? Especially when the people watching are usually clearly over-acting for the views.

They're getting silly now too.

Things like " Man who has been walking his whole life REACTS to walking scenes in movies!!! :o :o :o "


They're obviously better when they get like a world expert to talk about things. Like getting Chris Hadfield to comment on space scenes

and laughing along with them at how preposterous Armageddon is.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: krands85 on October 22, 2021, 05:34:00 PM
Doug just posted a video of a chat he had with Jordan:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOA3R0ISOVQ
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Kotowboy on October 25, 2021, 03:04:29 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzNM9XGK3J8

A VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE WORLD (track)
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Architeuthis on October 25, 2021, 03:55:06 PM
That was super cool, thanks for the link.  I agree with Doug about the last section,  even though it is still pretty awesome.
.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: The Letter M on October 25, 2021, 04:02:10 PM
So Doug has covered ACOS, 8VM, TCOT, IT, and now AVFTTOTW. I guess all that's left is ITPOE and SDOIT as far as DT Epics go. I'd like to see him cover SDOIT as a whole album and do it in 2 videos (one for each disc).

As far as his take on AVFTTOTW, he's definitely got some great thoughts on it. I agree, it's not my personal favorite DT epic, but it's got some really great ideas and sounds. I haven't really dived deep into the lyrics of the piece yet, though, to really have a say on what he was talking about with the ending, but musically speaking, the ending did throw me for a loop with no bombastic vocal outro like you'd expect them to do, but then again, this album is all about breaking some expectations and finding new ways to develop the music, and I applaud the band for taking those sorts of chances.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Kotowboy on October 25, 2021, 04:06:54 PM
I'm glad he went into the theory of the song - not like when he did Scenes From A Memory and just sort of went ooh and ahh.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TAC on October 25, 2021, 04:22:44 PM
I was thrown by the last vocal line of the song. I felt the same. What a dud way to close the vocal, along with a jarring transition to the outro. You could see how his mood totally changed when that happened.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Architeuthis on October 25, 2021, 05:08:41 PM
I was thrown by the last vocal line of the song. I felt the same. What a dud way to close the vocal, along with a jarring transition to the outro. You could see how his mood totally changed when that happened.
It's like somebody fell off the cliff on the album cover while enjoying the view, and all that's left are the boots.

Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TAC on October 25, 2021, 05:44:54 PM
 :lol yeah, something like that..
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Peter Mc on October 25, 2021, 08:18:55 PM
I still haven’t come to terms with the ending yet myself.  Love the rest of the song so I will always listen to it and will therefore get more used to it but I struggle with how it ends, especially the transition from the last vocal into the riffing.  I think, if you sit through a 20 min song, you’ve earned a satisfying epic crescendo ending, rather than something that just meanders to a close.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Wim Kruithof on October 26, 2021, 03:24:35 AM
Was a very nice episode and I follow his opinion completely. Only, dude... Doug needs to clean his glasses.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Kram on October 26, 2021, 09:09:12 AM
I still haven’t come to terms with the ending yet myself.  Love the rest of the song so I will always listen to it and will therefore get more used to it but I struggle with how it ends, especially the transition from the last vocal into the riffing.  I think, if you sit through a 20 min song, you’ve earned a satisfying epic crescendo ending, rather than something that just meanders to a close.
I agree that it's not the most satisfying ending, however, I like that they did something different and not what we'd all expect.  I also feel like live, the ending will come across a bit more satisfying, as I'm envisioning MM going crazy, and bringing the energy level up a notch or two live.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 04, 2022, 11:05:28 AM
Our dear friend Daily Doug did the Glass Prison monday and is planning on a reaction to the whole Twelve Step suite. Nice knowing.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: pg1067 on January 04, 2022, 11:15:38 AM
Doug has become VERY focused on lyrics, which is much less appealing to me.  I started following him because of his theory analysis, where he's forgotten more than I know.  With lyrics, though, he's got no more expertise than any of us.  I still like his videos, but I wish he'd get back to more of the musical analysis.

Also, I think he said he's going to do the 12SS on his Patreon.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Wim Kruithof on January 04, 2022, 11:17:45 AM
I still like his videos, but I wish he'd get back to more of the musical analysis.

Me too for sure.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Dublagent66 on January 07, 2022, 10:59:34 PM
Really liked his TGP reaction.  Probably the most entertaining one to date based on his prog metal tendencies!  Loved it!  :2metal:
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TAC on January 08, 2022, 07:19:09 AM
Also, I think he said he's going to do the 12SS on his Patreon.

I believe he said he'd do them separately on his channel.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: darkshade on January 19, 2022, 07:40:52 PM
Doug has become VERY focused on lyrics, which is much less appealing to me.  I started following him because of his theory analysis, where he's forgotten more than I know.  With lyrics, though, he's got no more expertise than any of us.  I still like his videos, but I wish he'd get back to more of the musical analysis.

I agree with this.

To be fair, he did mention that TGP is mostly in B minor, with some F# overtones, and many of the riffs during the second section were chromatic, but yea, he doesn't seem too interested in discussing the theory or progressions as much in recent videos, instead focusing on lyrics or meanings to songs, often talking over parts of a song he should be focused on, and missing crucial sections that he could be dissecting.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TAC on January 19, 2022, 07:54:40 PM
Doug has become VERY focused on lyrics, which is much less appealing to me.  I started following him because of his theory analysis, where he's forgotten more than I know.  With lyrics, though, he's got no more expertise than any of us.  I still like his videos, but I wish he'd get back to more of the musical analysis.

I agree with this.

To be fair, he did mention that TGP is mostly in B minor, with some F# overtones, and many of the riffs during the second section were chromatic, but yea, he doesn't seem too interested in discussing the theory or progressions as much in recent videos, instead focusing on lyrics or meanings to songs, often talking over parts of a song he should be focused on, and missing crucial sections that he could be dissecting.

This I agree with.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: The Letter M on February 07, 2022, 07:05:02 PM
As part of Doug's Metal Mondays, he's covered "Breaking All Illusions" as a specifically requested Patreon pick. He covers the live version from BTFW.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: TAC on February 07, 2022, 07:16:27 PM
I literally just watched this. Such a great tune.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Wim Kruithof on February 08, 2022, 07:24:52 AM
As part of Doug's Metal Mondays, he's covered "Breaking All Illusions" as a specifically requested Patreon pick. He covers the live version from BTFW.

-Marc.

He did the one thing you may never do... talk through the beautiful intro of Breaking All Illusions and therefore missing it.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Lonk on February 08, 2022, 07:45:36 AM
Welp, I asked for that I guess. Someone in the comments spoiled one song from the current setlist  :tdwn
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: The Letter M on February 08, 2022, 07:56:17 AM
Welp, I asked for that I guess. Someone in the comments spoiled one song from the current setlist  :tdwn

This is why you never read the (YouTube) comments!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: hefdaddy42 on February 08, 2022, 08:54:55 AM
Modified the thread title
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to OCTAVARIUM
Post by: Dublagent66 on February 08, 2022, 09:51:06 AM
As part of Doug's Metal Mondays, he's covered "Breaking All Illusions" as a specifically requested Patreon pick. He covers the live version from BTFW.

-Marc.

Can't wait to check that out.  :corn
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on February 08, 2022, 10:05:55 AM
I really liked that he spent a lot more time talking about time signatures in this one and a lot less time on the lyrics.

I'll be REALLY interested to hear his review of the concert in a month or so.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TAC on February 08, 2022, 08:11:19 PM
I really liked that he spent a lot more time talking about time signatures in this one and a lot less time on the lyrics.

Right. I never knew the verse went in counts of 7-6-5-4-3. I thought that was really interesting.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on February 09, 2022, 09:53:08 AM
I really liked that he spent a lot more time talking about time signatures in this one and a lot less time on the lyrics.

Right. I never knew the verse went in counts of 7-6-5-4-3. I thought that was really interesting.

Yeah...that may have been the intent, but I've always counted it as 7-6-5-7 (and he mentioned at the end that you could count it that way).  It's cool to think of it as a countdown and, while I haven't written a song in a LONG time, I occasionally come up with snippets and have thought it would be fun to do that.  Of course, Rush did it first (By-Tor at the end of the 7/4 War Furor section).
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: DragonAttack on February 09, 2022, 02:15:08 PM
Thanks to TAC posting on the Queen discography in regards to 'The March of the Black Queen' (carryover to 'Funny How Love Is'), I watched his 'Breaking All Illusions' review.  Yeah, he talks over occasional good stuff at times, but, as a wannabe musician, I learn from him.  I also enjoy how he goes along and calls out various notes and time signatures.  And I just enjoy how he presents it all, as an adult and so 'edjumecated' individual :D. 

Looking forward to hearing various other reviews as time alots. 

btw...on his Fbook page, he makes one hell of a snow angel :D
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on February 10, 2022, 10:28:35 AM
Yeah, he talks over occasional good stuff at times, but, as a wannabe musician, I learn from him.  I also enjoy how he goes along and calls out various notes and time signatures.  And I just enjoy how he presents it all, as an adult and so 'edjumecated' individual :D. 

That's the stuff I like, and he did that for BAI.  His video for Heart of the Sunrise yesterday did virtually none of that.  He yacked and yacked and yacked about the lyrics, often ignoring nuanced musical stuff.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dublagent66 on February 11, 2022, 09:21:17 AM
I'll be watching the BAI reaction tonight when I'm good and lit.  :hat  :corn :2metal:
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Mladen on February 11, 2022, 09:47:40 AM
I really liked that he spent a lot more time talking about time signatures in this one and a lot less time on the lyrics.

Right. I never knew the verse went in counts of 7-6-5-4-3. I thought that was really interesting.
That part actually blew my mind, given that I've always thought it was 7-6-5-7. It's more fun to look at it as 7-6-5-4-3, as it's one fourth less each time.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Architeuthis on February 11, 2022, 11:00:10 AM
I'll be watching the BAI reaction tonight when I'm good and lit.  :hat  :corn :2metal:
:corn :rollin
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dublagent66 on February 15, 2022, 10:36:16 AM
Actually, I was slightly underwhelmed by his BAI reaction.  First, he was reciting lyrics when lyric subtitles were already in the video.  Most of it was pretty standard on average, but I think he kind of missed the boat at the end when he called the transition from the last verse into the outro "abrupt and clunky" like they were in a hurry to get to the final progression key.  I guess I sort of see his point, but they did let that last verse slow down a bit before the transition.  I think it works just fine.  It's what they do.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Architeuthis on February 15, 2022, 12:47:53 PM
Doug said he will be seeing DT live for the first time on this tour and will give a review.  I'll be curious to what he has to say, as long as he doesn't say they were too loud. lol!
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheCountOfNYC on February 15, 2022, 05:01:53 PM
Actually, I was slightly underwhelmed by his BAI reaction.  First, he was reciting lyrics when lyric subtitles were already in the video.  Most of it was pretty standard on average, but I think he kind of missed the boat at the end when he called the transition from the last verse into the outro "abrupt and clunky" like they were in a hurry to get to the final progression key.  I guess I sort of see his point, but they did let that last verse slow down a bit before the transition.  I think it works just fine.  It's what they do.

For what it’s worth, he didn’t have the context of hearing Far From Heaven before it so he had no idea it was a reprise of the previous song on the album.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TAC on March 09, 2022, 04:06:04 PM
Doug posted his DT in Philly recap video, and he definitely filmed it in cramx3 style.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owGGL14ayHs

His main comment about the show..."it was too loud."
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Trav86 on March 09, 2022, 05:45:37 PM
Doug posted his DT in Philly recap video, and he definitely filmed it in cramx3 style.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owGGL14ayHs

His main comment about the show..."it was too loud."
:facepalm:



Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: OsMosis2259 on March 09, 2022, 07:10:37 PM
In his defense, it was a very loud show.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TAC on March 09, 2022, 07:15:33 PM
In his defense, it was a very loud show.

Oh yes it was. Arch Echo was practically unlistenable.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dublagent66 on March 10, 2022, 07:40:21 AM
I've never been to a DT show that was too loud.  What's the story?  Doesn't DT have their own sound engineer?  Couldn't the band tell that it was too loud?  I mean, WTF?
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Lonk on March 10, 2022, 07:43:47 AM
Maybe it's a Philly thing. The only time I saw them in Philly the sound was not great (Tower Theater). But I thought the volume for this tour was fine (CT show at least).
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 10, 2022, 07:45:11 AM
Almost every DT show I've been to was too loud.  I even told that to JP backstage once, and he smiled and said "You're getting old!"
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Chino on March 10, 2022, 07:46:54 AM
I left this most recent DT show saying "That might have been the loudest concert I've ever been to".
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Architeuthis on March 10, 2022, 07:55:43 AM
In his defense, it was a very loud show.

Oh yes it was. Arch Echo was practically unlistenable.
Arch Echo was ridiculously loud,, more like "OUCH Echo".   I couldn't understand why, since their music doesn't call for extreme volumes. 
DT was loud, but a good loud,  whereas AE bass frequencies were pounding through my chest, which I don't like.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: ZirconBlue on March 10, 2022, 09:17:33 AM
I've never been to a DT show that was too loud.  What's the story?  Doesn't DT have their own sound engineer?  Couldn't the band tell that it was too loud?  I mean, WTF?


The band mostly hears what's in their in-ear monitors, which is adjusted for them individually.  So, they're relying on the sound engineer.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on March 10, 2022, 09:20:43 AM
I've never been to a DT show that was too loud.  What's the story?  Doesn't DT have their own sound engineer?  Couldn't the band tell that it was too loud?  I mean, WTF?

I've never been to a concert that I thought was too loud, and I've never worn ear plugs.  The DT show on this tour was less loud than the last one, but things may be different from venue to venue.  For me, the problem with DT shows has ALWAYS been the mix.  One or the other of the guitar or drums has always been too loud, and the bass is almost never audible.  Maybe that could be corrected by dropping the overall volume, and I'd be ok with that.

Also, the band on stage has no idea what the sound is like for the audience (either volume or mix).
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: bosk1 on March 10, 2022, 10:45:13 AM
Also, the band on stage has no idea what the sound is like for the audience (either volume or mix).

Correct.  And that is ESPECIALLY true with in-ear monitors.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dream Team on March 10, 2022, 12:16:51 PM
Hate to say it, but from those clips there wasn't one line sung by LaBrie where his voice didn't crack or get too whispery or off-pitch or with a unpleasant timbre. Dead horse I know, and if I was there I probably wouldn't have noticed but with audio footage that hasn't been tampered with it was pretty noticeable.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: The Letter M on March 25, 2022, 07:25:15 PM
https://youtu.be/SIeGbhVYib4

Not sure if anyone else noticed this, but Doug released his reaction to "Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence" a couple of days ago. It was originally a Patreon exclusive recorded back in Mid-December 2021, but he's now put it up on YouTube. Haven't seen it yet but I'm about to.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TAC on March 25, 2022, 07:38:41 PM
https://youtu.be/SIeGbhVYib4

Not sure if anyone else noticed this, but Doug released his reaction to "Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence" a couple of days ago. It was originally a Patreon exclusive recorded back in Mid-December 2021, but he's now put it up on YouTube. Haven't seen it yet but I'm about to.

-Marc.

Cool. I forgot about that. I don't know if I have the energy to watch it. To me, it's one of the most uninteresting pieces they have, and, well, Doug can be hit or miss.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on March 26, 2022, 02:51:36 PM
https://youtu.be/SIeGbhVYib4

Not sure if anyone else noticed this, but Doug released his reaction to "Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence" a couple of days ago. It was originally a Patreon exclusive recorded back in Mid-December 2021, but he's now put it up on YouTube. Haven't seen it yet but I'm about to.

-Marc.

Cool. I forgot about that. I don't know if I have the energy to watch it. To me, it's one of the most uninteresting pieces they have, and, well, Doug can be hit or miss.

I'm about halfway through as I type this.  I LOVE SDOIT, but so far, about 75% of his commentary is on the lyrics.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: 425 on March 26, 2022, 03:26:54 PM
Thanks for the heads-up on that; that means I don't have much reason to watch. I think it's really unfortunate that he's headed that direction. The reason for me to listen to him is for his expert musical analysis, not his amateur lyrical analysis.

I wonder if a substantial part of the audience for these reactors is encouraging them to move in this direction, for some reason I can't fathom. Some recent Charismatic Voice videos have had more of a focus on the lyrics, though she hasn't turned as sharply in this direction as Doug.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dream Team on March 27, 2022, 02:55:37 PM
I do appreciate that he stated that DT distances themselves from the thousands of wanna-bes because “there’s substance there”. I totally agree.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: ZirconBlue on March 28, 2022, 03:12:55 PM
Thanks for the heads-up on that; that means I don't have much reason to watch. I think it's really unfortunate that he's headed that direction. The reason for me to listen to him is for his expert musical analysis, not his amateur lyrical analysis.

I wonder if a substantial part of the audience for these reactors is encouraging them to move in this direction, for some reason I can't fathom. Some recent Charismatic Voice videos have had more of a focus on the lyrics, though she hasn't turned as sharply in this direction as Doug.


I probably already said this, but I think it's often difficult to figure out some of DT's musical intricacies on the fly.  Like just when you've determined what time signature they're in, it changes.  I'd really like him to do some deep-dive discussions on some of these songs, rather than pure "reaction videos".
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: hunnus2000 on March 29, 2022, 06:18:44 AM
Thanks for the heads-up on that; that means I don't have much reason to watch. I think it's really unfortunate that he's headed that direction. The reason for me to listen to him is for his expert musical analysis, not his amateur lyrical analysis.

I wonder if a substantial part of the audience for these reactors is encouraging them to move in this direction, for some reason I can't fathom. Some recent Charismatic Voice videos have had more of a focus on the lyrics, though she hasn't turned as sharply in this direction as Doug.


I probably already said this, but I think it's often difficult to figure out some of DT's musical intricacies on the fly.  Like just when you've determined what time signature they're in, it changes.  I'd really like him to do some deep-dive discussions on some of these songs, rather than pure "reaction videos".

I agree and I would also like to see how this compares to classical movements since that's supposed to be his background. In fact, I recall him, when reacting to SDOIT (I think Goodnight Kiss) and during the JP interlude he goes something like 'oh that sounds like the overture' to wit I was thinking duh. I'd have to go back and make sure I didn't imagine that but I'd like to hear more about the structure of songs rather than the meaning of the lyrics or what key they're in.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Blazinarps on March 29, 2022, 08:40:41 PM
Thanks for the heads-up on that; that means I don't have much reason to watch. I think it's really unfortunate that he's headed that direction. The reason for me to listen to him is for his expert musical analysis, not his amateur lyrical analysis.

I wonder if a substantial part of the audience for these reactors is encouraging them to move in this direction, for some reason I can't fathom. Some recent Charismatic Voice videos have had more of a focus on the lyrics, though she hasn't turned as sharply in this direction as Doug.


I probably already said this, but I think it's often difficult to figure out some of DT's musical intricacies on the fly.  Like just when you've determined what time signature they're in, it changes.  I'd really like him to do some deep-dive discussions on some of these songs, rather than pure "reaction videos".

I agree and I would also like to see how this compares to classical movements since that's supposed to be his background. In fact, I recall him, when reacting to SDOIT (I think Goodnight Kiss) and during the JP interlude he goes something like 'oh that sounds like the overture' to wit I was thinking duh. I'd have to go back and make sure I didn't imagine that but I'd like to hear more about the structure of songs rather than the meaning of the lyrics or what key they're in.

It's hardly fair to say "duh" to someone recognizing a theme he heard only once, 20 minutes beforehand.

I'm quite certain Doug is 100x the musician you are
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TAC on March 29, 2022, 08:45:26 PM
I've watched a ton of his videos and there's no way these are first listen reactions. I believe he preps for his tapings and is well versed in whatever song he is "reacting" to.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dublagent66 on March 30, 2022, 10:53:19 AM
They're still reactions nonetheless.  I need to check out his SDOIT bit.  I would imagine this is the one DT song he relates to the most based on the orchestrated intro Overture and how it sets the tone for the song.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: hefdaddy42 on March 30, 2022, 10:55:25 AM
I've watched a ton of his videos and there's no way these are first listen reactions. I believe he preps for his tapings and is well versed in whatever song he is "reacting" to.
Why do you think that?  I have no problem believing these are first listen reactions, unless he specifically says otherwise (which he has a couple of times).
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: ZirconBlue on March 30, 2022, 11:09:23 AM
He does research, like reading a wiki article or something, so he knows what the lyrical ideas are, the context of the album, etc.  But, I've seen no evidence that he has listened to the songs previously.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TAC on March 30, 2022, 11:11:30 AM
I've watched a ton of his videos and there's no way these are first listen reactions. I believe he preps for his tapings and is well versed in whatever song he is "reacting" to.
Why do you think that?  I have no problem believing these are first listen reactions, unless he specifically says otherwise (which he has a couple of times).

Not sure. It's just a feeling I get. Not all of the time, but sometimes.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on March 30, 2022, 11:49:50 AM
He does research, like reading a wiki article or something, so he knows what the lyrical ideas are, the context of the album, etc.  But, I've seen no evidence that he has listened to the songs previously.

I agree, although he has done songs with which he has some familiarity, and he mentions that up front.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: bosk1 on March 30, 2022, 12:10:07 PM
Thanks for the heads-up on that; that means I don't have much reason to watch. I think it's really unfortunate that he's headed that direction. The reason for me to listen to him is for his expert musical analysis, not his amateur lyrical analysis.

I wonder if a substantial part of the audience for these reactors is encouraging them to move in this direction, for some reason I can't fathom. Some recent Charismatic Voice videos have had more of a focus on the lyrics, though she hasn't turned as sharply in this direction as Doug.


I probably already said this, but I think it's often difficult to figure out some of DT's musical intricacies on the fly.  Like just when you've determined what time signature they're in, it changes.  I'd really like him to do some deep-dive discussions on some of these songs, rather than pure "reaction videos".

I agree and I would also like to see how this compares to classical movements since that's supposed to be his background. In fact, I recall him, when reacting to SDOIT (I think Goodnight Kiss) and during the JP interlude he goes something like 'oh that sounds like the overture' to wit I was thinking duh. I'd have to go back and make sure I didn't imagine that but I'd like to hear more about the structure of songs rather than the meaning of the lyrics or what key they're in.

It's hardly fair to say "duh" to someone recognizing a theme he heard only once, 20 minutes beforehand.

I'm quite certain Doug is 100x the musician you are

And precisely none of that is relevant to what hunnus said. 

I've watched a ton of his videos and there's no way these are first listen reactions. I believe he preps for his tapings and is well versed in whatever song he is "reacting" to.
Why do you think that?  I have no problem believing these are first listen reactions, unless he specifically says otherwise (which he has a couple of times).

I have some issues with Doug's videos, but "lying" about them being first time reactions isn't one of them.  Yeah, he could be lying about them being first listens, but I haven't seen any evidence of that. 
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TAC on March 30, 2022, 12:31:09 PM
FTR, I am not accusing the guy of lying. I just feel there's a preparedness to some of these videos, and I sometimes have the feeling that it is more than simply looking it up on wiki.

Not a big deal. I'm not flaming the guy.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: hunnus2000 on March 30, 2022, 03:06:08 PM
Thanks for the heads-up on that; that means I don't have much reason to watch. I think it's really unfortunate that he's headed that direction. The reason for me to listen to him is for his expert musical analysis, not his amateur lyrical analysis.

I wonder if a substantial part of the audience for these reactors is encouraging them to move in this direction, for some reason I can't fathom. Some recent Charismatic Voice videos have had more of a focus on the lyrics, though she hasn't turned as sharply in this direction as Doug.


I probably already said this, but I think it's often difficult to figure out some of DT's musical intricacies on the fly.  Like just when you've determined what time signature they're in, it changes.  I'd really like him to do some deep-dive discussions on some of these songs, rather than pure "reaction videos".

I agree and I would also like to see how this compares to classical movements since that's supposed to be his background. In fact, I recall him, when reacting to SDOIT (I think Goodnight Kiss) and during the JP interlude he goes something like 'oh that sounds like the overture' to wit I was thinking duh. I'd have to go back and make sure I didn't imagine that but I'd like to hear more about the structure of songs rather than the meaning of the lyrics or what key they're in.

It's hardly fair to say "duh" to someone recognizing a theme he heard only once, 20 minutes beforehand.

I'm quite certain Doug is 100x the musician you are

To that I would say - duh - of course. :)
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: axeman90210 on April 03, 2022, 03:05:23 PM
Doug is usually upfront when he's doing a song that he's heard before. I know he does do a decent amount of prep ahead of time (or "reading in" as he calls it) with regards to the song/album/band before, and some bands he's done multiple times can be somewhat predictable (looking at you Iron Maiden).

I actually joined Doug's patreon back when he announced that he was going to do all of SFAM and it's a pretty great community. I also ended up going to a Tool concert with him because he had an extra ticket to sell, nice guy in person.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: ReaPsTA on April 08, 2022, 01:34:22 PM
I actually joined Doug's patreon back when he announced that he was going to do all of SFAM and it's a pretty great community. I also ended up going to a Tool concert with him because he had an extra ticket to sell, nice guy in person.

Nice
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Wim Kruithof on May 11, 2022, 11:16:09 AM
This Dying Soul is on Youtube by the Doug, that will be my next one to watch...
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dublagent66 on May 11, 2022, 11:55:54 AM
It should be interesting to see how he reacts to the TDS wankfest.  I'm sure the look on his face will be priceless.  :lol
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: The Letter M on May 11, 2022, 01:23:13 PM
It should be interesting to see how he reacts to the TDS wankfest.  I'm sure the look on his face will be priceless.  :lol

The thumbnail to the video says it all, really. Watched this one the other night! Hopefully he doesn't take another 90 episodes/4 months to get to "The Root Of All Evil"!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Chino on May 11, 2022, 01:50:18 PM
I'd love to see him watch Beyond This Life from LAB.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on May 11, 2022, 01:50:42 PM
I mean...if his future reactions/reviews are just going to be "whoa...they're all really amazing" and "lyrics, lyrics, lyrics," then...whatever.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dream Team on May 11, 2022, 08:36:10 PM
The dude’s a classical composer, he needs to pick songs better suited to his comfort zone. He did great with songs like TCOT because it was worthy of such analysis, TDS is not. Wankfest with a lot of crappy vocals.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Lonk on May 12, 2022, 05:04:47 AM
The dude’s a classical composer, he needs to pick songs better suited to his comfort zone. He did great with songs like TCOT because it was worthy of such analysis, TDS is not. Wankfest with a lot of crappy vocals.

Well, it's part of the 12 step suite, it's the reason why he's doing this.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Chino on May 12, 2022, 05:42:45 AM
The dude’s a classical composer, he needs to pick songs better suited to his comfort zone. He did great with songs like TCOT because it was worthy of such analysis, TDS is not. Wankfest with a lot of crappy vocals.

I don't mind him doing songs like TDS at all. I like when he starts breaking down the riffs. I'm not very musical, so I like hearing him call out the riffs and interesting changes that I otherwise wouldn't be able to hear myself.. if that makes any sense. I wish he'd do more of that.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dream Team on May 12, 2022, 07:02:47 AM
The dude’s a classical composer, he needs to pick songs better suited to his comfort zone. He did great with songs like TCOT because it was worthy of such analysis, TDS is not. Wankfest with a lot of crappy vocals.

Well, it's part of the 12 step suite, it's the reason why he's doing this.

You're right, duh, I forgot.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dublagent66 on May 12, 2022, 04:04:48 PM
I have some catching up to do.  Haven't even seen TGP yet.  Better get on that.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: ReaPsTA on May 12, 2022, 10:32:34 PM
After seeing the TDS video I appreciated the song more. Good on him for showing it some love.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dublagent66 on May 16, 2022, 04:06:38 PM
Watched TGP and TDS over the weekend.  Both were excellent.  I think his facial reactions and movements to the music is what I enjoy most.  :2metal:
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Lonk on July 15, 2022, 01:08:33 PM
TROAE video is up

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k3XYFyxKlE
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dublagent66 on July 18, 2022, 11:53:44 AM
I still need to check that out.  Glad he decided not to wait 4 months this time.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dublagent66 on July 26, 2022, 09:38:06 AM
Really enjoyed the 3rd installment of the 12 SS.  So cool how he notices things in songs that have managed to escape me all these years.  ??? :eek
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: axeman90210 on July 26, 2022, 11:39:07 AM
He does one video a month on his patreon where members submit and vote on songs for a given theme and he does the top 10-12 in one long video. This month's theme is cover songs and it looks like both the Elton John cover from ACOS and the Queen medley from the Black Clouds bonus disc are going to make the cut.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dublagent66 on July 26, 2022, 02:17:25 PM
Nice.  Love all the covers on ACOS. :tup
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: axeman90210 on July 26, 2022, 03:00:16 PM
Yeah, they're great. He's also had the big medley from ACOS on his master list for a while now, I'm hoping he'll check that out and then edit in the two from this upcoming patreon video for a DT covers edition of his longer Friday reactions.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: ZirconBlue on July 27, 2022, 09:35:41 AM
He does one video a month on his patreon where members submit and vote on songs for a given theme and he does the top 10-12 in one long video. This month's theme is cover songs and it looks like both the Elton John cover from ACOS and the Queen medley from the Black Clouds bonus disc are going to make the cut.


Will these eventually make their way to YouTube or are they Patreon-exclusive?
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: axeman90210 on July 28, 2022, 06:11:14 AM
He does one video a month on his patreon where members submit and vote on songs for a given theme and he does the top 10-12 in one long video. This month's theme is cover songs and it looks like both the Elton John cover from ACOS and the Queen medley from the Black Clouds bonus disc are going to make the cut.


Will these eventually make their way to YouTube or are they Patreon-exclusive?

He doesn't post the whole videos to YT, but will sometimes take excerpts out of them to put on the channel if there's a song he thinks will do well on it (plus it makes for an easier work day as he just needs to record an intro/outro).
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: MoraWintersoul on July 28, 2022, 04:44:45 PM
Queen medley from the Black Clouds bonus disc
I hope he's going to talk about the fact Queen very rarely did songs where Freddie sings the lead and then stays out of (most of) the remaining backing vocals, and Mike Portnoy is a diehard who KNOWS THAT and yet he did all the BVs by himself instead of recording them together with James :P it sounds plain wrong, especially when you consider the fact MP can't really hit the required notes anyway.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: The Letter M on August 15, 2022, 04:18:58 PM
https://youtu.be/dG-RFMrIaxM

Doug just posted his reaction to "Repentance" AND "The Shattered Fortress", both in one video!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on August 15, 2022, 04:27:22 PM
Can I assume that most of it is him napping through Repentance?  Probably his first DT video that I won't watch.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: The Letter M on August 15, 2022, 04:44:26 PM
Can I assume that most of it is him napping through Repentance?  Probably his first DT video that I won't watch.

Without spoiling too much, he absolutely loved it, and claims it's one of his favorite DT songs he's heard so far.

Definitely NOT the reaction I expected so it was exciting to see him be excited about the song!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TAC on August 15, 2022, 07:04:09 PM
Can I assume that most of it is him napping through Repentance?  Probably his first DT video that I won't watch.

Without spoiling too much, he absolutely loved it, and claims it's one of his favorite DT songs he's heard so far.

Definitely NOT the reaction I expected so it was exciting to see him be excited about the song!


I wasn't surprised by his reaction. look, it's one of my least favorite DT songs, but I think it's cool as hell, and I totally respect what they were going for. It's just not something I personally want to listen through if I don't have to.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Adami on August 15, 2022, 09:20:28 PM
Repentance is one of my favorite DT songs. I really really love it. Even if it's a bit too long.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dream Team on August 16, 2022, 07:47:42 PM
Great song, some really nice melodies and the only song on that album featuring genuine emotion from real life experiences.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheCountOfNYC on August 17, 2022, 08:22:26 AM
Great song, some really nice melodies and the only song on that album featuring genuine emotion from real life experiences.

You hit the nail on the head here. Where the rest of the album is fairly bombastic, even TMoLS with its instrumental section in the middle, Repentance is the one song where the band laid back and gave the emotions within the song the proper space to breathe. Beautiful melodies, an incredible guitar solo, and the layered confessions right after the solo gives me chills every time. It’s moody in a way that’s pretty unique to their discography, with only Space-Dye Vest and Disappear being comparable. As someone who isn’t that big of a fan of the 12SS to begin with, I think the final three songs in the suite far outclass the first two.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dublagent66 on August 17, 2022, 11:15:54 AM
I'm glad he decided to do the final 2 songs together.

Really enjoyed those final two installments of the 12 SS.  :tup
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Wim Kruithof on September 17, 2022, 01:42:07 AM
You’ve probably have seen it already, but the Doug reacted on Sacrified Sons, the Score-edition. I enjoyed his reaction much, ‘cause it’s a really musical one.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Chino on September 21, 2022, 09:48:43 AM
I liked how he had the piano out with him.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: bosk1 on September 21, 2022, 11:38:35 AM
Can I assume that most of it is him napping through Repentance?  Probably his first DT video that I won't watch.

Without spoiling too much, he absolutely loved it, and claims it's one of his favorite DT songs he's heard so far.

Definitely NOT the reaction I expected so it was exciting to see him be excited about the song!


I wasn't surprised by his reaction. look, it's one of my least favorite DT songs, but I think it's cool as hell, and I totally respect what they were going for. It's just not something I personally want to listen through if I don't have to.

That sums up my feelings toward that song perfectly.  But Doug's video was still enjoyable.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dublagent66 on September 23, 2022, 02:43:40 PM
You’ve probably have seen it already, but the Doug reacted on Sacrified Sons, the Score-edition. I enjoyed his reaction much, ‘cause it’s a really musical one.

Yeah, this was another really good one.  Especially how he commemorated the 911 attacks.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: axeman90210 on April 02, 2023, 01:30:42 PM
Bumping this thread because Doug will be doing the first half of Images and Words tomorrow on the channel. Should be a 4:30pm Eastern premiere.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on April 02, 2023, 03:27:22 PM
Bumping this thread because Doug will be doing the first half of Images and Words tomorrow on the channel. Should be a 4:30pm Eastern premiere.

I'll watch it (although not live), but he's like 85-90% talking about lyrics nowadays.  Almost no analysis of the music.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on April 03, 2023, 04:40:04 PM
Bumping this thread because Doug will be doing the first half of Images and Words tomorrow on the channel. Should be a 4:30pm Eastern premiere.

I'll watch it (although not live), but he's like 85-90% talking about lyrics nowadays.  Almost no analysis of the music.

Just listened.  It was pretty good.  I was about 20 minutes behind, but I jumped into the chat and suggested he take a look at some Fates Warning.  He responded and said they're looking at doing some FW.  Someone else mentioned that the subject had come up on his Patron thing.

Also, this reminded me how much I love the production on I&W.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dublagent66 on April 04, 2023, 09:39:02 AM
Haven't seen much of Doug lately but will have to check that out.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: The Letter M on April 04, 2023, 12:56:34 PM
Bumping this thread because Doug will be doing the first half of Images and Words tomorrow on the channel. Should be a 4:30pm Eastern premiere.

I'll watch it (although not live), but he's like 85-90% talking about lyrics nowadays.  Almost no analysis of the music.

He didn't talk about the lyrics any more than the music this time around, so if you're worried about that, I'd say he did a pretty good job of balancing what he was listening to/for.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dublagent66 on April 04, 2023, 02:43:16 PM
I think he tends to talk music more with the complicated arrangements.  You know, the kind of stuff that challenges him.  DT's stuff tends to do that.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: bosk1 on April 05, 2023, 03:41:03 PM
Bumping this thread because Doug will be doing the first half of Images and Words tomorrow on the channel. Should be a 4:30pm Eastern premiere.

I'll watch it (although not live), but he's like 85-90% talking about lyrics nowadays.  Almost no analysis of the music.

He didn't talk about the lyrics any more than the music this time around, so if you're worried about that, I'd say he did a pretty good job of balancing what he was listening to/for.

-Marc.

Agreed.  I haven't followed a lot of his channel for awhile because the music analysis, which is what he is good at, had tailed off.  But I saw this and thought he did a pretty good job. 
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Wim Kruithof on April 06, 2023, 11:08:11 AM
Surely gonna check this one out soon enough. The Doug more than often gave me so much to chew on with Dream Theater tracks. And although it's not always as the same quality as with the Octavarium reaction, it's always worth watching, for me. Some of them I've seen a couple of times already (Count, Illumination Theory, Glass Prison).
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: hefdaddy42 on April 06, 2023, 12:21:54 PM
Just finished watching this.  Very nice.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dublagent66 on April 07, 2023, 09:45:08 AM
I'll be checking that out with a well adjusted attitude later on tonight.  :biggrin: :hat:  :corn
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Wim Kruithof on April 10, 2023, 06:10:08 AM
Was indeed a very nice reaction video. Makes me more aware of how complex Another Day really is. And of course, Surrouned stands out as one of their all times best ballads.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Lonk on April 27, 2023, 06:31:53 AM
He did Lines in the Sand:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acf8N_-5O-4

For some reason I thought he had done it before.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dream Team on April 27, 2023, 08:07:22 AM
Still waiting for him to do the 2nd half of Images, especially Learning to Live.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on April 27, 2023, 09:23:37 AM
He said in the chat when the first half of I&W was premiering that the second half would probably be sometime in May (and note that he's already done Met1).
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: axeman90210 on April 27, 2023, 09:24:06 AM
Still waiting for him to do the 2nd half of Images, especially Learning to Live.

That's coming in I think early to mid May. Maybe with the Score version of Metropolis since he already did the studio version alongside SFAM.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Adami on April 27, 2023, 10:09:08 AM
He did Lines in the Sand:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acf8N_-5O-4

For some reason I thought he had done it before.

I like Doug. Seems like a cool dude and super smart, but I watched a good amount of this and got bored. He pointed out that part of it was in D, said the lyrics had Christian imagery, and pointed out how much he dug it. Not much there.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on April 27, 2023, 01:14:42 PM
He did Lines in the Sand:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acf8N_-5O-4

For some reason I thought he had done it before.

I like Doug. Seems like a cool dude and super smart, but I watched a good amount of this and got bored. He pointed out that part of it was in D, said the lyrics had Christian imagery, and pointed out how much he dug it. Not much there.

I agree.  He's deviated a great deal from musical analysis.  It wasn't really applicable with LITS, but with some of the more complex stuff, I think it would be beneficial for him to pause the recordings now and then.  He misses a lot because there are things you just can't pick up with an uninterrupted listen through.  He's done a few Genesis songs with an accompanying keyboard score, and those are fascinating.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Adami on April 27, 2023, 01:16:59 PM
He did Lines in the Sand:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acf8N_-5O-4

For some reason I thought he had done it before.

I like Doug. Seems like a cool dude and super smart, but I watched a good amount of this and got bored. He pointed out that part of it was in D, said the lyrics had Christian imagery, and pointed out how much he dug it. Not much there.

I agree.  He's deviated a great deal from musical analysis.  It wasn't really applicable with LITS, but with some of the more complex stuff, I think it would be beneficial for him to pause the recordings now and then.  He misses a lot because there are things you just can't pick up with an uninterrupted listen through.  He's done a few Genesis songs with an accompanying keyboard score, and those are fascinating.

Yea, just not sure how pointing out the time signature or root note is analysis.

Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TAC on April 27, 2023, 01:17:55 PM
The novelty has long worn off for me. Now he just mugs at the camera while the song is playing. It's really not all that entertaining.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Chino on April 27, 2023, 01:53:39 PM
The first vid or two of his I watched I really enjoyed because he was talking about the music most of the time. I'm not a musician at all really, but I still found it entertaining and interesting, especially the way he approached it from a classical standpoint.

Just sitting there and reading off lyrics as the song plays does nothing for me.   
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Cool Chris on April 27, 2023, 11:07:14 PM
I like Doug. Seems like a cool dude and super smart, but I watched a good amount of this and got bored. He pointed out that part of it was in D, said the lyrics had Christian imagery, and pointed out how much he dug it. Not much there.

Please tell me he will actually say he "dug" a tune.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Adami on April 28, 2023, 04:24:11 AM
I like Doug. Seems like a cool dude and super smart, but I watched a good amount of this and got bored. He pointed out that part of it was in D, said the lyrics had Christian imagery, and pointed out how much he dug it. Not much there.

Please tell me he will actually say he "dug" a tune.

I feel like it's a missed opportunity if he doesn't.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on April 28, 2023, 09:16:21 AM
I like Doug. Seems like a cool dude and super smart, but I watched a good amount of this and got bored. He pointed out that part of it was in D, said the lyrics had Christian imagery, and pointed out how much he dug it. Not much there.

Please tell me he will actually say he "dug" a tune.

It might have been particularly appropriate with LITS.  However, his research done before listening apparently didn't include the horrid guest vocal because he didn't know who was doing it (he speculated it might have been DS).
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheBarstoolWarrior on April 29, 2023, 08:44:46 AM
Thing is, after a certain point there isn't much to 'react' to in live time. If he wants to pick the song apart and explain to viewers what's happening harmonically that's a different type of content, but these reaction videos are just supposed to make us feel warm and fuzzy. Once in a while he'll point out the intervals that go by, but that's not why we watch.

Most of us cannot talk to wives or friends about DT because they'll roll their eyes or fall asleep. So here is a guy with some musical chops who is going to listen to it allegedly for the first time and have the reaction that we wish people in our inner circles would have. That's all these reaction videos are.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: HOF on May 08, 2023, 12:45:07 PM
Thing is, after a certain point there isn't much to 'react' to in live time. If he wants to pick the song apart and explain to viewers what's happening harmonically that's a different type of content, but these reaction videos are just supposed to make us feel warm and fuzzy. Once in a while he'll point out the intervals that go by, but that's not why we watch.

Most of us cannot talk to wives or friends about DT because they'll roll their eyes or fall asleep. So here is a guy with some musical chops who is going to listen to it allegedly for the first time and have the reaction that we wish people in our inner circles would have. That's all these reaction videos are.

Yeah, that is exactly what these videos are for. I might prefer to watch something with some in depth analysis, but I’ll admit it brought me some joy to see him apparently digging this magnificent song.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: axeman90210 on May 15, 2023, 11:29:45 AM
Part 2 of Images and Words debuts at 4:30 today!
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dublagent66 on May 15, 2023, 03:20:54 PM
Part 2 should be better.  It's a bit more proggy and complex.  I thought part 1 was a little underwhelming.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dream Team on May 15, 2023, 05:43:44 PM
Spending time on Under a Glass Moon lyrics  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheBarstoolWarrior on May 16, 2023, 07:49:32 AM
I found part 2 similarly underwhelming. He did react so the video fulfilled its purpose but I think the next thing to do to make these these things more interesting is for Doug to talk about what's going on in the song or in a section. It doesn't have to be a deep dive, but just reading some of the lyrics and making drum movements gets boring. That's why part 1 and 2 are basically the same.

He obviously has the knowledge to talk about these songs in more depth so would love to see him react maybe to the different musical ideas employed in the songs. That would take a lot more work on his end so I get why it's probably not happening but just a thought.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: ZirconBlue on May 16, 2023, 09:11:06 AM
I notice that, somewhere along the way, he has stopped complaining about double bass drum parts. 
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on May 16, 2023, 10:13:49 AM
I found part 2 similarly underwhelming. He did react so the video fulfilled its purpose but I think the next thing to do to make these these things more interesting is for Doug to talk about what's going on in the song or in a section. It doesn't have to be a deep dive, but just reading some of the lyrics and making drum movements gets boring. That's why part 1 and 2 are basically the same.

He obviously has the knowledge to talk about these songs in more depth so would love to see him react maybe to the different musical ideas employed in the songs. That would take a lot more work on his end so I get why it's probably not happening but just a thought.

All of this x1000.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dublagent66 on May 16, 2023, 11:36:30 AM
Well, it's not like he should talk too much over the song.  He can always stop the song if he needs to make a specific point, but he probably doesn't want to do that a whole lot either.  It detracts from the flow of the song.  It is what it is.  I'm sure a lot of viewers are listening to these songs for the first time.  I'm sure they're not looking for a lot of in depth analysis like those of us who are more familiar with the material.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheBarstoolWarrior on May 16, 2023, 07:20:10 PM
Well, it's not like he should talk too much over the song.  He can always stop the song if he needs to make a specific point, but he probably doesn't want to do that a whole lot either.  It detracts from the flow of the song.  It is what it is.  I'm sure a lot of viewers are listening to these songs for the first time.  I'm sure they're not looking for a lot of in depth analysis like those of us who are more familiar with the material.

Interesting. I would have thought the opposite. If you'd never heard the song why would your first encounter be watching someone else react to it?
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dublagent66 on May 17, 2023, 08:22:37 AM
Well, it's not like he should talk too much over the song.  He can always stop the song if he needs to make a specific point, but he probably doesn't want to do that a whole lot either.  It detracts from the flow of the song.  It is what it is.  I'm sure a lot of viewers are listening to these songs for the first time.  I'm sure they're not looking for a lot of in depth analysis like those of us who are more familiar with the material.

Interesting. I would have thought the opposite. If you'd never heard the song why would your first encounter be watching someone else react to it?

Why not?  Are you here just to start an argument?  You don't think he has first time listeners tuning in to his channel?  You don't think he turns people on to certain types of music with his reaction videos?  If you're trying to start a debate with me, you're wasting your time.  Move on.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on May 17, 2023, 09:08:14 AM
Well, it's not like he should talk too much over the song.  He can always stop the song if he needs to make a specific point, but he probably doesn't want to do that a whole lot either.  It detracts from the flow of the song.  It is what it is.  I'm sure a lot of viewers are listening to these songs for the first time.  I'm sure they're not looking for a lot of in depth analysis like those of us who are more familiar with the material.

Interesting. I would have thought the opposite. If you'd never heard the song why would your first encounter be watching someone else react to it?

Agree, and I doubt many people are hearing these songs for the first time via Doug's channel.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 17, 2023, 10:24:50 AM
Well, it's not like he should talk too much over the song.  He can always stop the song if he needs to make a specific point, but he probably doesn't want to do that a whole lot either.  It detracts from the flow of the song.  It is what it is.  I'm sure a lot of viewers are listening to these songs for the first time.  I'm sure they're not looking for a lot of in depth analysis like those of us who are more familiar with the material.

Interesting. I would have thought the opposite. If you'd never heard the song why would your first encounter be watching someone else react to it?

Agree, and I doubt many people are hearing these songs for the first time via Doug's channel.
I would think many people are.

Many people get turned on to a particular reactor because they found or heard about a video where they are reacting to their favorite band.  Then if they like the reactor, they will watch some other videos they put out reacting to other acts.  From there, it is only a hop, skip, and a jump to watching your favorite reactor react to a song you've never heard before.  It happens a lot.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: PetFish on May 17, 2023, 12:01:18 PM
I started this thread but now I'm over it.

A guy with his musical pedigree talking about a musically-complex band should be doing more analysis of the music.  Some lyrics, sure, but they're only about 33% of the package.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Architeuthis on May 18, 2023, 10:02:35 AM

  IT'S THE DAILY DOUG.. 🎶🎵          :metal
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Evai on May 18, 2023, 10:58:35 AM
I enjoy the videos, maybe a slight annoyance at how he'll do a spoken word version of the lyrics as those same lyrics are actually being sung  :lol
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Wim Kruithof on May 18, 2023, 01:18:03 PM
I notice that, somewhere along the way, he has stopped complaining about double bass drum parts.

He will be when it's Mangini playing... Doug 's a huge Portnoy fan, that's crystal clear after all these reaction videos.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheCountOfNYC on May 19, 2023, 05:17:33 AM
I notice that, somewhere along the way, he has stopped complaining about double bass drum parts.

He will be when it's Mangini playing... Doug 's a huge Portnoy fan, that's crystal clear after all these reaction videos.

Watching his other recent metal reactions, I think he’s finally gotten used to the constant double bass. And he’s like most Dream Theater fans: highly complimentary of Mangini but prefers Portnoy.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on May 19, 2023, 09:55:47 AM
I started this thread but now I'm over it.

A guy with his musical pedigree talking about a musically-complex band should be doing more analysis of the music.  Some lyrics, sure, but they're only about 33% of the package.

This is it.  "Classical composer reacts" carries some implication of musical analysis.  Otherwise, it's noting more than "Random white guy mouths some lyrics and plays air drums while listening to songs."
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: hefdaddy42 on May 19, 2023, 09:57:40 AM
The air drums is probably what bothers me most lol
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: axeman90210 on May 19, 2023, 04:58:44 PM
As far as the amount of lyrical discussion/analysis, he's a classical composer, but predominantly of choral music, so lyrics generally are fairly important to him.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheCountOfNYC on May 24, 2023, 06:56:33 PM
I watched him react to another song by another band recently (it was Man in the Box by Alice In Chains to be specific), and he talked about chord progressions as well as lyrics. I think for the more musically dense stuff like Dream Theater and Haken, it’s a lot to digest in real time so he focuses on lyrics and highlights the musical things that really grab him. The thing I wish he would do more is rhythmic analysis, as the rhythmic complexity is a big part of these prog metal bands’ sound, and I think it would be interesting to hear his take as classical music has a looser rhythm structure so he would be coming at the topic from a different perspective.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Evai on May 25, 2023, 11:48:18 AM
Regarding the double bass, it's entirely down to the headphones he was using before. The cheap ones he was using hyped up the bass way too much and made double bass sound terrible. Ever since he upgraded to proper headphones, there's been no complaints
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Wim Kruithof on June 17, 2023, 12:45:57 PM
As you all probably 've seen by now, he reacted to The Stream of Consiousness, Budokan. "Spicey as shit," as Doug mentioned. I truly like this reaction video... but it could also be because of my new Marshall headphone.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Wim Kruithof on July 30, 2023, 10:22:54 PM
Doug did Octavarium again, but now the live version on Score. Once again a very nice reactionvideo, worth watching.

And man, what nailed LaBrie the lyrics here, perfect performance.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheBarstoolWarrior on July 31, 2023, 06:20:07 AM
Doug did Octavarium again, but now the live version on Score. Once again a very nice reactionvideo, worth watching.

And man, what nailed LaBrie the lyrics here, perfect performance.

Is it just me or did Doug actually spend a reasonable amount of time this time around actually talking about the music itself, rather than just air drumming and reading lyrics?

I felt like he did a much more analytical job on this one.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: The Letter M on July 31, 2023, 06:26:47 AM
Doug did Octavarium again, but now the live version on Score. Once again a very nice reactionvideo, worth watching.

And man, what nailed LaBrie the lyrics here, perfect performance.

Is it just me or did Doug actually spend a reasonable amount of time this time around actually talking about the music itself, rather than just air drumming and reading lyrics?

I felt like he did a much more analytical job on this one.

Maybe a bit easier to do when you can watch the players play their instruments rather than looking at the album art. If he's got a music video to watch, I feel like he's not looking at lyrics as much, so he'll probably analyze the music more.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Wim Kruithof on July 31, 2023, 06:46:04 AM
True.

He also analyzed a live performance of Dance of Eternity (Fourth Wall) and have to say, didn't spoke about the lyrics that much there either...
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: The Letter M on July 31, 2023, 07:13:41 AM
True.

He also analyzed a live performance of Dance of Eternity (Fourth Wall) and have to say, didn't spoke about the lyrics that much there either...

It's amazing how James nails TDOE everytime, though!

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Wim Kruithof on July 31, 2023, 07:45:10 AM
It's amazing how James nails TDOE everytime, though!

-Marc.

It really is, stunning...
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheCountOfNYC on August 02, 2023, 03:35:12 PM
Doug did Octavarium again, but now the live version on Score. Once again a very nice reactionvideo, worth watching.

And man, what nailed LaBrie the lyrics here, perfect performance.

Watching this video, and in turn rewatching this performance, how the hell have Dream Theater not brought this song back into a live setting? The crowd was already into it back then, and now this song is considered one of their absolute best.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: mariner on August 18, 2023, 10:36:41 AM
Saving it (Octavarium) for 2025 live?
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: bosk1 on August 18, 2023, 10:55:26 AM
Doug did Octavarium again, but now the live version on Score. Once again a very nice reactionvideo, worth watching.

And man, what nailed LaBrie the lyrics here, perfect performance.

Watching this video, and in turn rewatching this performance, how the hell have Dream Theater not brought this song back into a live setting? The crowd was already into it back then, and now this song is considered one of their absolute best.

No promises as to whether it will show up in the future, but I mentioned it to JP after the DreamSonic show a few weeks ago, and he seemed really receptive to the idea of bringing it out live again at some point.  There have been plenty of times I have mentioned songs and gotten a colder response, but he seemed pretty enthusiastic about Octavarium.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: gzarruk on August 18, 2023, 10:58:35 AM
Doug did Octavarium again, but now the live version on Score. Once again a very nice reactionvideo, worth watching.

And man, what nailed LaBrie the lyrics here, perfect performance.

Watching this video, and in turn rewatching this performance, how the hell have Dream Theater not brought this song back into a live setting? The crowd was already into it back then, and now this song is considered one of their absolute best.

No promises as to whether it will show up in the future, but I mentioned it to JP after the DreamSonic show a few weeks ago, and he seemed really receptive to the idea of bringing it out live again at some point.  There have been plenty of times I have mentioned songs and gotten a colder response, but he seemed pretty enthusiastic about Octavarium.

 :tup :hefdaddy
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Wim Kruithof on August 18, 2023, 11:19:24 AM
I would be over the moon... complete.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on August 21, 2023, 03:24:49 PM
we love the daily doug!!!  :hat :hat :hat
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Trav86 on August 21, 2023, 06:38:50 PM
Doug did Octavarium again, but now the live version on Score. Once again a very nice reactionvideo, worth watching.

And man, what nailed LaBrie the lyrics here, perfect performance.

Watching this video, and in turn rewatching this performance, how the hell have Dream Theater not brought this song back into a live setting? The crowd was already into it back then, and now this song is considered one of their absolute best.
a

No promises as to whether it will show up in the future, but I mentioned it to JP after the DreamSonic show a few weeks ago, and he seemed really receptive to the idea of bringing it out live again at some point.  There have been plenty of times I have mentioned songs and gotten a colder response, but he seemed pretty enthusiastic about Octavarium.

Not to derail this too much but I just wanted to ask you a question. When talking to JP do you get the sense that he has a pretty good grasp on what the average fan likes? Like what the fan favorites are?  It seems like Octavarium would have been brought back out by now without you or anyone else bringing it up to him.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheCountOfNYC on August 25, 2023, 01:00:36 PM
Doug did Octavarium again, but now the live version on Score. Once again a very nice reactionvideo, worth watching.

And man, what nailed LaBrie the lyrics here, perfect performance.

Watching this video, and in turn rewatching this performance, how the hell have Dream Theater not brought this song back into a live setting? The crowd was already into it back then, and now this song is considered one of their absolute best.

No promises as to whether it will show up in the future, but I mentioned it to JP after the DreamSonic show a few weeks ago, and he seemed really receptive to the idea of bringing it out live again at some point.  There have been plenty of times I have mentioned songs and gotten a colder response, but he seemed pretty enthusiastic about Octavarium.

I could legitimately die happy if I heard this live.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Setlist Scotty on August 25, 2023, 06:02:23 PM
Doug did Octavarium again, but now the live version on Score. Once again a very nice reactionvideo, worth watching.

And man, what nailed LaBrie the lyrics here, perfect performance.

Watching this video, and in turn rewatching this performance, how the hell have Dream Theater not brought this song back into a live setting? The crowd was already into it back then, and now this song is considered one of their absolute best.
a

No promises as to whether it will show up in the future, but I mentioned it to JP after the DreamSonic show a few weeks ago, and he seemed really receptive to the idea of bringing it out live again at some point.  There have been plenty of times I have mentioned songs and gotten a colder response, but he seemed pretty enthusiastic about Octavarium.

Not to derail this too much but I just wanted to ask you a question. When talking to JP do you get the sense that he has a pretty good grasp on what the average fan likes? Like what the fan favorites are?  It seems like Octavarium would have been brought back out by now without you or anyone else bringing it up to him.
I don't want to answer for Bosk as his answer may be different, but from my experiences, I think he has a pretty decent grasp of things, but the difference between him and MP is that he worries more about the general audience response to a setlist than MP, which is why you would see rare stuff and covers in the set with MP, but even when some rarities were included in the setlist after MP left (specifically TLF and DLPM on the 2017 tour), they were quickly dropped.

When I e-mailed him about the setlist changes between the 2022 and 2023 setlists, I congratulated him on how much the set was changed up, but I also did express some disappointment at some of the things that were brought back again (CiaW, parts of SDoIT) as opposed to other things that haven't been played in the MM era. So he asked what I would like to have and my first response was "anything that hasn’t been played with Mike Mangini yet" but then I gave a list of specific songs, including 8v, and he responded that some of those songs will definitely be played on the next DT world tour. So while there's no guarantees that 8v will be included on the next tour cycle, it's a distinct possibility (especially given how they resurrected TCoT for the 2022-23 tour) and several others that haven't been played with MM yet.  :)
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on August 30, 2023, 01:37:47 PM
have y'all seen the kglw daily doug? a classic!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U5qfYaKOyU

warning: he hits a pipe!  :hat
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Kyo on August 31, 2023, 07:45:03 AM
but I also did express some disappointment at some of the things that were brought back again (CiaW, parts of SDoIT) as opposed to other things that haven't been played in the MM era. So he asked what I would like to have and my first response was "anything that hasn’t been played with Mike Mangini yet"

You'd think this would be the obvious request, and thus you'd think it would also be the obvious approach to picking older songs for a setlist. And it's not even about "I wanna hear what Mangini will do with these songs", it's just the very basic "this is stuff you haven't played in at least 13 years". Most of which used to be played every now and then until 2009, so we're not talking about songs that nobody ever liked in the first place. I mean, songs like The Glass Prison, Blind Faith, Hollow Years, Lines in the Sand, Erotomania... come on!
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: gzarruk on August 31, 2023, 09:12:13 AM
Most of TOT and OVM have been neglected for the last decade. Not my favorite albums, but there's some very nice stuff there that has been ignored for long time.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: bosk1 on August 31, 2023, 01:42:49 PM
but I also did express some disappointment at some of the things that were brought back again (CiaW, parts of SDoIT) as opposed to other things that haven't been played in the MM era. So he asked what I would like to have and my first response was "anything that hasn’t been played with Mike Mangini yet"

You'd think this would be the obvious request, and thus you'd think it would also be the obvious approach to picking older songs for a setlist. And it's not even about "I wanna hear what Mangini will do with these songs", it's just the very basic "this is stuff you haven't played in at least 13 years". Most of which used to be played every now and then until 2009, so we're not talking about songs that nobody ever liked in the first place. I mean, songs like The Glass Prison, Blind Faith, Hollow Years, Lines in the Sand, Erotomania... come on!

I get your overall point, but not your examples.
-The Glass Prison:  Yes, it's a favorite, and I know a ton of us want it back.  But my understanding is that it is one of the very few songs that JP feels like he has trouble doing it justice, and the rest of the band just finds exhausting to play night after night.  I hate to say it, but I wouldn't be surprised if this one didn't come back, absent maybe a special reason to bring it out (e.g., celebrating Six Degrees or the 12SS).
-Blind Faith:  Just no.
-Hollow Years:  Double no.
-Lines in the Sand:  Okay, good choice.
-Erotomania:  ???  I mean, it's not bad.  But I don't think anyone is clamoring for this one.  Considering that they will probably continue to limit the playing of pure instrumentals during their sets, and that this one is sort of middle of the pack, I'm not sure I see it making the cut anytime soon.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: gzarruk on August 31, 2023, 03:32:06 PM
-Erotomania:  ???  I mean, it's not bad.  But I don't think anyone is clamoring for this one.  Considering that they will probably continue to limit the playing of pure instrumentals during their sets, and that this one is sort of middle of the pack, I'm not sure I see it making the cut anytime soon.

I hope Stream of Consciousness makes it back to the setlist at some point. Much better than Erotomania.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: bosk1 on August 31, 2023, 03:46:45 PM
Agreed.  I kind of hoped that they would have acknowledged the 20th of TOT this year on tour.  Not a full-blown anniversary where they play the whole album, like they have done with SFAM and I&W.  But an acknowledgement by playing 2-3 songs.  I'm guessing the band just didn't pick up on this being the 20th this year.  But hopefully, those make a comeback, and I would love to see them back to back.  For that album as a whole, As I Am and Endless Sacrifice have recirculated a few times, so I don't have a strong desire to see them again (although ES was an unexpected highlight for me this tour).  HTF and Vacant haven't been played much at all, and I don't know whether the band has any desire to play them. TDS will likely surface if/when the band does the 12SS, as hinted at.  So SOC/ITNOG would be a great combo, IMO.

For me personally, I would love a set that includes TGP, SOC, ITNOG, Octavarium, Forsaken, and Outcry.  If I thought James could really bring the power and range, I would add Metropolis and Home to that, but I just don't think that doing those songs proper justice is in his wheelhouse.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Trav86 on August 31, 2023, 03:47:38 PM
Most of TOT and OVM have been neglected for the last decade. Not my favorite albums, but there's some very nice stuff there that has been ignored for long time.

I assume that JP doesn’t think very highly of these albums anymore. He seems to like Systematic Chaos and Black Clouds though.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: bosk1 on August 31, 2023, 03:52:06 PM
I wouldn't necessarily assume that.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Trav86 on August 31, 2023, 04:04:41 PM
Ok….doesn’t like them enough that he’s always wanting to put those songs in the set. Or maybe for some reason he feels they aren’t popular enough. If that’s not it, then why are those songs being ignored?
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: gzarruk on August 31, 2023, 05:50:32 PM
What's a fact is that they've played a lot more SC/BC&SL than TOT/OVM since MM joined.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Trav86 on August 31, 2023, 07:10:54 PM
What's a fact is that they've played a lot more SC/BC&SL than TOT/OVM since MM joined.

Exactly. Not that there’s anything wrong with that!
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Setlist Scotty on August 31, 2023, 09:02:58 PM
-The Glass Prison:  Yes, it's a favorite, and I know a ton of us want it back.  But my understanding is that it is one of the very few songs that JP feels like he has trouble doing it justice, and the rest of the band just finds exhausting to play night after night.  I hate to say it, but I wouldn't be surprised if this one didn't come back, absent maybe a special reason to bring it out (e.g., celebrating Six Degrees or the 12SS).
The bold part is particularly true and also holds for Blind Faith.
 
 
-Erotomania:  ???  I mean, it's not bad.  But I don't think anyone is clamoring for this one.  Considering that they will probably continue to limit the playing of pure instrumentals during their sets, and that this one is sort of middle of the pack, I'm not sure I see it making the cut anytime soon.
I'm clamoring for it. And I would think both it and SoC should/will be brought back into the set (although not necessarily at the same time) to help give JL a breather. I'm actually surprised they didn't bring Erotomania back for the last tour instead of 6:00 since it would have given JL the breather plus it's an Awake track.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: ProgMasterMind92 on August 31, 2023, 09:07:43 PM
it's great to see folks getting into dream theater's music through these reaction videos! i've enjoyed similar videos in the past. however, personally, i don't quite see the point of having a classical composer react to their music. not to downplay the person making the videos or the op or classical composers, at all! but with these types of reaction videos, it's often the case that the person reacting is coming from a vastly different genre, often even one that one would expect might usually see itself as "superior" to the other (like metal fans reacting to rap music... not that there's any question of superiority there).

anyway, with that said, i don't think a classical composer would ever deny the brilliance of progressive metal - the complexity and technicality of dream theater's musicians like petrucci and rudess are on a whole different level to the point i think sometimes even the greats like beethoven might find it challenging to keep up with their compositions :lol

i don't know, i just feel like these kinds of videos are seeking validation for our tastes in a way, and why would we need validation from a classical composer when classical and progressive music are in my view companion genres - progressive music even being an evolution of classical in a way. it's in their names, classical music representing the foundations of the past while progressive music trailblazes the future. to each their own, if anyone finds fulfillment from these videos i'm happy for them, i just feel there's an unspoken implication here that it's cool to get validation from a classical composer when as dream theater fans we already stand atop the peak of musical taste (LOL jk - well, mostly) :yarr
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: gmillerdrake on September 01, 2023, 12:52:09 PM
-The Glass Prison:  Yes, it's a favorite, and I know a ton of us want it back.  But my understanding is that it is one of the very few songs that JP feels like he has trouble doing it justice, and the rest of the band just finds exhausting to play night after night.  I hate to say it, but I wouldn't be surprised if this one didn't come back, absent maybe a special reason to bring it out (e.g., celebrating Six Degrees or the 12SS).
The bold part is particularly true and also holds for Blind Faith.

Blind Faith is one of my all time favorites....probably top 5 and TGP is up there as well. I can 'get' why Blind Faith would be difficult to pull off these days because there's no way JLB can sing it and do it any type of justice....but...it's shocking to hear that JP wants to shy away from them because he thinks 'he' can't do them justice? Eric Gillette pretty much nailed TGP on the Shattered Fortress tour....maybe not perfectly note for note but it was downright impressive enough to be a perfect counterfeit. So that's why it's a bit surprising to hear that sentiment from JP....if it is indeed true.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Setlist Scotty on September 01, 2023, 01:08:04 PM
-The Glass Prison:  Yes, it's a favorite, and I know a ton of us want it back.  But my understanding is that it is one of the very few songs that JP feels like he has trouble doing it justice, and the rest of the band just finds exhausting to play night after night.  I hate to say it, but I wouldn't be surprised if this one didn't come back, absent maybe a special reason to bring it out (e.g., celebrating Six Degrees or the 12SS).
The bold part is particularly true and also holds for Blind Faith.
Blind Faith is one of my all time favorites....probably top 5 and TGP is up there as well. I can 'get' why Blind Faith would be difficult to pull off these days because there's no way JLB can sing it and do it any type of justice....but...it's shocking to hear that JP wants to shy away from them because he thinks 'he' can't do them justice? Eric Gillette pretty much nailed TGP on the Shattered Fortress tour....maybe not perfectly note for note but it was downright impressive enough to be a perfect counterfeit. So that's why it's a bit surprising to hear that sentiment from JP....if it is indeed true.
Well put it this way - back in 2002 JP struggled with the keyboard/guitar run from 7:55-8:23 of the studio version. IIRC, you can hear on boots of shows early during World Tourbulence where JP sometimes ended up playing rhythm guitar instead of trying to keep up with JR, which I imagine is at least part of the reason why the song made only a handful of appearances on World Tourbulence after the first European leg of the tour. It was brought back for the Chaos in Motion tour, but 15/16 years later, I'd imagine it would even be more difficult for JP to pull off than before being that he's older now. Maybe not if he rehearses it enough and with them having a static setlist, he'd get plenty of practice playing it. But then again, he's very focused on perfect performances, which is why I can imagine him shying away from it since it would be very difficult to pull off near perfectly every night.

edit: Just for the record, I've never heard JP say that he wouldn't play BF (or TGP for that matter), and in fact I've never heard him comment about the difficulties of that section in BF (unlike TGP where he has admitted as much). But what I say is based on observation and what I've heard others say (and by that, I'm not saying band members).
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: gzarruk on September 01, 2023, 01:46:03 PM
-The Glass Prison:  Yes, it's a favorite, and I know a ton of us want it back.  But my understanding is that it is one of the very few songs that JP feels like he has trouble doing it justice, and the rest of the band just finds exhausting to play night after night.  I hate to say it, but I wouldn't be surprised if this one didn't come back, absent maybe a special reason to bring it out (e.g., celebrating Six Degrees or the 12SS).
The bold part is particularly true and also holds for Blind Faith.

Blind Faith is one of my all time favorites....probably top 5 and TGP is up there as well. I can 'get' why Blind Faith would be difficult to pull off these days because there's no way JLB can sing it and do it any type of justice....but...it's shocking to hear that JP wants to shy away from them because he thinks 'he' can't do them justice? Eric Gillette pretty much nailed TGP on the Shattered Fortress tour....maybe not perfectly note for note but it was downright impressive enough to be a perfect counterfeit. So that's why it's a bit surprising to hear that sentiment from JP....if it is indeed true.

Something that Eric had over JP for those Shattered Fortress shows was the benefit of other two great guitar players behind him. Sure, Eric still played most of the stuff as well, but from some of the videos I watched back then, he did take those "here comes the challenging part" breathers before heading into those sections. JP doesn't have that luxury while switching between rhythm and lead parts.

Having said that, I'd love to see them bring back TGP and BF someday :metal
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: axeman90210 on September 01, 2023, 01:50:06 PM
I feel like I remember seeing JP say in an interview that the BF unison run is very tricky for him because it's one of the few unisons that was composed on keyboard first and as a result has some interval jumps that are a bit awkward on a guitar neck.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Metro on September 03, 2023, 01:02:10 PM
Also Blind Faith is played on a Baritone tuned to A standard, but the unison was played on a regular guitar tuned to E standard. So when he plays it live, he has to transpose it down an octave.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dream Team on September 05, 2023, 06:36:20 AM
Just re-watched a bunch of these (all the epics) and I gotta say it does add to or rekindle my appreciation of these songs because Doug is so good at breaking down the rhythmic intricacies and all the melodic/harmonic cleverness.  :tup
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: The Great Ape on September 05, 2023, 06:56:36 AM
it's great to see folks getting into dream theater's music through these reaction videos! i've enjoyed similar videos in the past. however, personally, i don't quite see the point of having a classical composer react to their music. not to downplay the person making the videos or the op or classical composers, at all! but with these types of reaction videos, it's often the case that the person reacting is coming from a vastly different genre, often even one that one would expect might usually see itself as "superior" to the other (like metal fans reacting to rap music... not that there's any question of superiority there).

anyway, with that said, i don't think a classical composer would ever deny the brilliance of progressive metal - the complexity and technicality of dream theater's musicians like petrucci and rudess are on a whole different level to the point i think sometimes even the greats like beethoven might find it challenging to keep up with their compositions :lol

i don't know, i just feel like these kinds of videos are seeking validation for our tastes in a way, and why would we need validation from a classical composer when classical and progressive music are in my view companion genres - progressive music even being an evolution of classical in a way. it's in their names, classical music representing the foundations of the past while progressive music trailblazes the future. to each their own, if anyone finds fulfillment from these videos i'm happy for them, i just feel there's an unspoken implication here that it's cool to get validation from a classical composer when as dream theater fans we already stand atop the peak of musical taste (LOL jk - well, mostly) :yarr

I like Big Doug Helvering as much as the next prog metal fan but WHAT makes his background so special that he can understand DT...?
Can he do the sweep from The Glass Prison?
Could he drum along to dance of eternity?
Can he hit a soaring F#?

I've learned about alot of great music from Dougs Dallies such as King Gizzard and Nightwish but I really do NOT get this whole idea of having to go to youtube to see a professional react to something and tell me it's good...

glad that the channel promotes DT and other good music but until he does a splitscreen cover of metropolis playing all the instruments and singing the vocal I'd be more interested in seeing what the guys from DT (yes including MP, Kevin More, and Dereck) have to say about HIS classical music.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: bosk1 on September 05, 2023, 08:02:09 AM
but I really do NOT get this whole idea of having to go to youtube to see a professional react to something and tell me it's good...

Well, that's not the "idea" of those videos, so I really do not get your rant.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: hefdaddy42 on September 05, 2023, 09:14:48 AM
it's great to see folks getting into dream theater's music through these reaction videos! i've enjoyed similar videos in the past. however, personally, i don't quite see the point of having a classical composer react to their music. not to downplay the person making the videos or the op or classical composers, at all! but with these types of reaction videos, it's often the case that the person reacting is coming from a vastly different genre, often even one that one would expect might usually see itself as "superior" to the other (like metal fans reacting to rap music... not that there's any question of superiority there).

anyway, with that said, i don't think a classical composer would ever deny the brilliance of progressive metal - the complexity and technicality of dream theater's musicians like petrucci and rudess are on a whole different level to the point i think sometimes even the greats like beethoven might find it challenging to keep up with their compositions :lol

i don't know, i just feel like these kinds of videos are seeking validation for our tastes in a way, and why would we need validation from a classical composer when classical and progressive music are in my view companion genres - progressive music even being an evolution of classical in a way. it's in their names, classical music representing the foundations of the past while progressive music trailblazes the future. to each their own, if anyone finds fulfillment from these videos i'm happy for them, i just feel there's an unspoken implication here that it's cool to get validation from a classical composer when as dream theater fans we already stand atop the peak of musical taste (LOL jk - well, mostly) :yarr

I like Big Doug Helvering as much as the next prog metal fan but WHAT makes his background so special that he can understand DT...?
Can he do the sweep from The Glass Prison?
Could he drum along to dance of eternity?
Can he hit a soaring F#?

I've learned about alot of great music from Dougs Dallies such as King Gizzard and Nightwish but I really do NOT get this whole idea of having to go to youtube to see a professional react to something and tell me it's good...

glad that the channel promotes DT and other good music but until he does a splitscreen cover of metropolis playing all the instruments and singing the vocal I'd be more interested in seeing what the guys from DT (yes including MP, Kevin More, and Dereck) have to say about HIS classical music.
What makes you think they are qualified to give an informed opinion about that, moreso than his about their work?

I mean, maybe JR, because he has dabbled in that kind of composition, but not the rest of them.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on September 05, 2023, 09:21:05 AM
I like Big Doug Helvering as much as the next prog metal fan but WHAT makes his background so special that he can understand DT...?
Can he do the sweep from The Glass Prison?
Could he drum along to dance of eternity?
Can he hit a soaring F#?

With respect to the three yes/no questions:  no, no and maybe.  If you were to check his publicly available resume, you could have answered these questions for yourself.  As for the first question, one does not need a "special" background to understand DT, and he's no more or less qualified than anyone here.  He is, however, uniquely qualified to analyze music, and he brings a different perspective than a random metal fan.


I really do NOT get this whole idea of having to go to youtube to see a professional react to something and tell me it's good...

That's not even remotely the point.


until he does a splitscreen cover of metropolis playing all the instruments and singing the vocal I'd be more interested in seeing what the guys from DT (yes including MP, Kevin More, and Dereck) have to say about HIS classical music.

That's not going to happen, and ok.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: The Letter M on September 05, 2023, 09:22:34 AM
but I really do NOT get this whole idea of having to go to youtube to see a professional react to something and tell me it's good...

Well, that's not the "idea" of those videos, so I really do not get your rant.

Uhhh yeah, that really isn't the point of his channel. Him, like so many music reactors on YouTube, are there to offer their insight into music they've never heard of. If you're already a fan, then the point for you is to see how someone who hasn't experienced this music before would react to it, especially if they're of a background that is usually opposite of what the music they're listening to. It's like when you share music you like to a friend for the first time, there's a bit of excitement in watching them hear it and seeing their reaction. Granted, YouTubers aren't friends, but depending on their personality or background, the same kind of excitement could be had.

For Doug, I think a lot of his fans enjoy his off-the-cuff analysis and interpretations of the music and lyrics, especially for someone who has been a composer and teacher of music for so long.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: The Great Ape on September 05, 2023, 09:29:49 AM
My sincere apologies for my previous criticism of Classical Composer Reacts YouTube Channel by Doug Helvering.
Upon reflection, I realize the value in their perspective and the passion they bring to classical music.  :hefdaddy
Reaction Channels may not be my cup of tea, but different people have different tastes. 
I respect their work and will approach it with an open mind in the future.  :hefdaddy :hefdaddy

Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Wim Kruithof on September 07, 2023, 02:21:12 AM
Reaction Channels may not be my cup of tea, but different people have different tastes. 

It isn't my cup of tea either and would normally never spend precious time on reaction video's. But to me the Daily Doug is different. He approaches Dream Theater from a classical-composed (don't know if that's even a word) state of mind and I'll find that very pleasant. Especially with The Count of Tuscany and Octavarium he helped me understand a deeper insight in riffs, motives and themes. Besides, his enthousiasm is overwhelming and I really like that.

The only one thing left I would absolutely love, is Doug doing a full Astonishing-reaction, since that novell is so 'classical-involved'.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on September 07, 2023, 10:53:39 AM
Reaction Channels may not be my cup of tea, but different people have different tastes. 

It isn't my cup of tea either and would normally never spend precious time on reaction video's. But to me the Daily Doug is different. He approaches Dream Theater from a classical-composed (don't know if that's even a word) state of mind and I'll find that very pleasant. Especially with The Count of Tuscany and Octavarium he helped me understand a deeper insight in riffs, motives and themes. Besides, his enthousiasm is overwhelming and I really like that.

The only one thing left I would absolutely love, is Doug doing a full Astonishing-reaction, since that novell is so 'classical-involved'.

i would pay to see big doug give an album-length reaction to the astonishing in a movie theater
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: axeman90210 on September 08, 2023, 07:40:46 AM
It's on his list of potentials for a full album reaction, but those are exclusive to his patreon.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: energythief on September 19, 2023, 11:30:03 AM
I stopped watching Doug after two things. One was on his "Lateralus" review in which he pretended to just clue in to the Fibonacci sequence in the song, but later in the comments admitted he'd done pre-research and he was just being performative. I had previously bought into the idea that these were blind listens, so that tarnished the idea of what I was watching.

I also didn't care for the fact that he was smoking weed on video along with one of his reviews, but that's just a personal pet peeve because I hate smoking period and don't like to see it.

EDIT: I don't know why some of my sentences went into microscopic text mode, so fixing that now lol.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on September 19, 2023, 11:31:38 AM
I also didn't care for the fact that he was smoking weed on video along with one of his reviews, but that's just a personal pet peeve because I hate smoking period and don't like to see it.

i never saw him do this but as someone who enjoys the herb i would love to see it, can you link some?

I had previously bought into the idea that these were blind listens, so that tarnished the idea of what I was watching.

everyone's gotta eat, friend. can't blame doug for just doing what he needs to to survive. i saw he used to be a music teacher pre pandemic but then when covid happened all the schools closed. he had to do something
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: energythief on September 19, 2023, 12:24:26 PM

I also didn't care for the fact that he was smoking weed on video along with one of his reviews, but that's just a personal pet peeve because I hate smoking period and don't like to see it.
i never saw him do this but as someone who enjoys the herb i would love to see it, can you link some?

Here's the weed one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZWfVkGvgZ8&t=1193s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZWfVkGvgZ8&t=1193s)

I had previously bought into the idea that these were blind listens, so that tarnished the idea of what I was watching.
everyone's gotta eat, friend. can't blame doug for just doing what he needs to to survive. i saw he used to be a music teacher pre pandemic but then when covid happened all the schools closed. he had to do something


I don't begrudge him his channel at all. I just don't like the dishonesty. If he was more upfront his videos would be even more enjoyable. Just my opinion.





Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on September 19, 2023, 12:52:32 PM
I stopped watching Doug after two things. One was on his "Lateralus" review in which he pretended to just clue in to the Fibonacci sequence in the song, but later in the comments admitted he'd done pre-research and he was just being performative. I had previously bought into the idea that these were blind listens, so that tarnished the idea of what I was watching.

I think he's always been very up front about doing advance research/reading.  It's honestly obvious in all of the videos I've seen (except for maybe a couple of the earliest ones).  I haven't see the specific one you mentioned, though.



I also didn't care for the fact that he was smoking weed on video along with one of his reviews, but that's just a personal pet peeve because I hate smoking period and don't like to see it.
i never saw him do this but as someone who enjoys the herb i would love to see it, can you link some?

Here's the weed one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZWfVkGvgZ8&t=1193s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZWfVkGvgZ8&t=1193s)


He's done it in several of his videos.  The ones I saw were one or two of the sides of Yes's Tales from Topographic Oceans.  It's a turn-off for me as well.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Skeever on September 20, 2023, 10:49:07 AM
I stopped watching Doug after two things. One was on his "Lateralus" review in which he pretended to just clue in to the Fibonacci sequence in the song, but later in the comments admitted he'd done pre-research and he was just being performative. I had previously bought into the idea that these were blind listens, so that tarnished the idea of what I was watching.

I also didn't care for the fact that he was smoking weed on video along with one of his reviews, but that's just a personal pet peeve because I hate smoking period and don't like to see it.

EDIT: I don't know why some of my sentences went into microscopic text mode, so fixing that now lol.

I have always suspected that Doug is well acquainted with all the stuff he claims to be reacting to. So I'm not surprised at all to hear this. It does really take away some of the novelty of the channel.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: The Letter M on September 20, 2023, 11:25:02 AM
I stopped watching Doug after two things. One was on his "Lateralus" review in which he pretended to just clue in to the Fibonacci sequence in the song, but later in the comments admitted he'd done pre-research and he was just being performative. I had previously bought into the idea that these were blind listens, so that tarnished the idea of what I was watching.

I also didn't care for the fact that he was smoking weed on video along with one of his reviews, but that's just a personal pet peeve because I hate smoking period and don't like to see it.

EDIT: I don't know why some of my sentences went into microscopic text mode, so fixing that now lol.

I have always suspected that Doug is well acquainted with all the stuff he claims to be reacting to. So I'm not surprised at all to hear this. It does really take away some of the novelty of the channel.

He's almost always said he's read-up on songs or albums before reacting to them. On one hand, it helps with the reaction in that one might be able to pick things out that a less-informed listener might on their first go. They would also be able to understand some things about the writers or musicians beforehand and not guess, i.e. who played what, who wrote what, etc. Some music reactors won't look up ANYTHING beyond the band name and song title, and are often guessing over the song what is going on and for some of them, that gets pretty annoying IMO.

I think having a semi-informed mindset before listening to something for the first time is OK, and IMO doesn't take away from the magic of a first reaction. He might have known there was a Fibonacci sequence reference in "Lateralus" but that doesn't mean he knew exactly when or what time-stamp. If you had told me that beforehand and I heard the song for the first time, I still would've been surprised by it, and perhaps even impressed because unless you're looking for something that clever, it might not jump out at you at first listen.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: axeman90210 on September 20, 2023, 07:46:35 PM
I stopped watching Doug after two things. One was on his "Lateralus" review in which he pretended to just clue in to the Fibonacci sequence in the song, but later in the comments admitted he'd done pre-research and he was just being performative. I had previously bought into the idea that these were blind listens, so that tarnished the idea of what I was watching.

I also didn't care for the fact that he was smoking weed on video along with one of his reviews, but that's just a personal pet peeve because I hate smoking period and don't like to see it.

EDIT: I don't know why some of my sentences went into microscopic text mode, so fixing that now lol.

I have always suspected that Doug is well acquainted with all the stuff he claims to be reacting to. So I'm not surprised at all to hear this. It does really take away some of the novelty of the channel.

He's almost always said he's read-up on songs or albums before reacting to them. On one hand, it helps with the reaction in that one might be able to pick things out that a less-informed listener might on their first go. They would also be able to understand some things about the writers or musicians beforehand and not guess, i.e. who played what, who wrote what, etc. Some music reactors won't look up ANYTHING beyond the band name and song title, and are often guessing over the song what is going on and for some of them, that gets pretty annoying IMO.

I think having a semi-informed mindset before listening to something for the first time is OK, and IMO doesn't take away from the magic of a first reaction. He might have known there was a Fibonacci sequence reference in "Lateralus" but that doesn't mean he knew exactly when or what time-stamp. If you had told me that beforehand and I heard the song for the first time, I still would've been surprised by it, and perhaps even impressed because unless you're looking for something that clever, it might not jump out at you at first listen.

-Marc.

This. I'm a member of Doug's patreon and I've seen him react to stuff live/off the cuff in Patreon sessions and he's just as in tune with the music in terms of chords/keys/time signatures, but not lyrics or the other things that would come with the normal pre-video research he does for a song going up on YT.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on September 21, 2023, 08:31:33 AM
I stopped watching Doug after two things. One was on his "Lateralus" review in which he pretended to just clue in to the Fibonacci sequence in the song, but later in the comments admitted he'd done pre-research and he was just being performative. I had previously bought into the idea that these were blind listens, so that tarnished the idea of what I was watching.

I also didn't care for the fact that he was smoking weed on video along with one of his reviews, but that's just a personal pet peeve because I hate smoking period and don't like to see it.

EDIT: I don't know why some of my sentences went into microscopic text mode, so fixing that now lol.

I have always suspected that Doug is well acquainted with all the stuff he claims to be reacting to. So I'm not surprised at all to hear this. It does really take away some of the novelty of the channel.

He's almost always said he's read-up on songs or albums before reacting to them. On one hand, it helps with the reaction in that one might be able to pick things out that a less-informed listener might on their first go. They would also be able to understand some things about the writers or musicians beforehand and not guess, i.e. who played what, who wrote what, etc. Some music reactors won't look up ANYTHING beyond the band name and song title, and are often guessing over the song what is going on and for some of them, that gets pretty annoying IMO.

I think having a semi-informed mindset before listening to something for the first time is OK, and IMO doesn't take away from the magic of a first reaction. He might have known there was a Fibonacci sequence reference in "Lateralus" but that doesn't mean he knew exactly when or what time-stamp. If you had told me that beforehand and I heard the song for the first time, I still would've been surprised by it, and perhaps even impressed because unless you're looking for something that clever, it might not jump out at you at first listen.

-Marc.

This. I'm a member of Doug's patreon and I've seen him react to stuff live/off the cuff in Patreon sessions and he's just as in tune with the music in terms of chords/keys/time signatures, but not lyrics or the other things that would come with the normal pre-video research he does for a song going up on YT.

thank you for standing up for comrade doug's honor  :yarr
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: The Letter M on September 21, 2023, 10:34:27 AM
I'll make the analogy of going to the movies with a friend. Would you rather go with a friend who knows a bit about the film going in, like who the stars are, maybe the director or producers, the studio, the composer, and is mostly silent throughout the viewing? Or a friend who goes in completely blind and has to ask questions through the whole thing, especially if it's a film you know and are showing them for the first time?

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on September 21, 2023, 12:06:39 PM
I'll make the analogy of going to the movies with a friend. Would you rather go with a friend who knows a bit about the film going in, like who the stars are, maybe the director or producers, the studio, the composer, and is mostly silent throughout the viewing? Or a friend who goes in completely blind and has to ask questions through the whole thing, especially if it's a film you know and are showing them for the first time?

-Marc.

this is a great way to put it. a reaction video is only going to be stronger if there is some context for which the reaction takes place. blind reaction videos can be amusing i guess but the real staying power is in contextualized discussion
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on September 21, 2023, 01:03:57 PM
I'll make the analogy of going to the movies with a friend. Would you rather go with a friend who knows a bit about the film going in, like who the stars are, maybe the director or producers, the studio, the composer, and is mostly silent throughout the viewing? Or a friend who goes in completely blind and has to ask questions through the whole thing, especially if it's a film you know and are showing them for the first time?

I'm quite puzzled by this analogy.  If I go to a movie, I want the people I go with to be quiet, regardless of their prior knowledge of anyone involved with the movie.  If I go to a movie with someone who sits there and asks questions through the whole thing, it'll likely be the last time I attend a movie with that person.

Doug Helvering does homework (I don't think he did for his earliest reaction videos, but he certainly has for quite a while).  He makes no secret that he does that, and I don't see how it diminishes things.  I don't think he listens to songs ahead of time, though.  There are, of course, some songs he's reacted to that he's heard before (e.g., I think he reacted to Back in Black for some reason), and he says so when that's the case.  For bands like Rush and Dream Theater, he doesn't react the same way as when he first listened to them because he's become somewhat familiar with their style (compare his reactions to LVS and Octavarium with any of the more recent reactions).
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: PMSummer on September 21, 2023, 01:59:17 PM
No one has ever asked me who the director of the movie is during the movie and that would be pretty silly.

I used to enjoy big doug's reactions for their genuine, raw responses. Learning that he does research beforehand does give his analyses more depth, but it does take away from the authenticity of the initial reaction. It's like finding out your favorite magician's tricks – it makes you question what's genuine and what's staged.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on September 21, 2023, 02:16:56 PM
if you're watching a movie and you don't know who the director is, are you even watching it?  :corn :rollin
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: bosk1 on September 21, 2023, 02:29:33 PM
I don't care whether a reactor has heard a song before or done research before.  It's only "staged" or "fake" when they say or imply that they haven't, when in fact they have.  Personally, I love it when a reactor says "I've heard this song before," or "I've seen this movie before," or "I've done some research beforehand so I can make some educated comments."  Nothing wrong with that whatsoever.  Just be honest.  I've heard some really insightful reactions from many who are upfront about already being familiar with the content they are watching.  Those kinds of videos and the analysis and discussion you get are just as valid as those where the person is experiencing something for the first time and just having something that is truly a "reaction."  They're both fun, for different reasons.

What kills me is the ones that are lying.  I remember a video awhile back where someone was reacting to Pisces, and like most other reaction videos, swore they had never heard the song before.  There were a few tells they were lying, but the funniest was when their timing was off, and they did the obligatory eye-pop and jaw-drop--a split second BEFORE Tatiana started growling.  :lol 

Anyway, as far as Doug's channel specifically, I grew tired of it a long time ago and dislike it for other reasons that have nothing to do with him having done research.  But good for him that he is doing something he likes, and is building a community of devoted supporters and making a bit of money from doing that. 
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on September 21, 2023, 03:12:40 PM
I grew tired of it a long time ago and dislike it for other reasons that have nothing to do with him having done research

is it the ganja?  :hat
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: bosk1 on September 21, 2023, 03:17:02 PM
Don't think I ever saw that, so no, not directly.  But it doesn't help his case. 
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on September 21, 2023, 03:20:06 PM
Don't think I ever saw that, so no, not directly.  But it doesn't help his case.

ah, ok. yeah the first time i saw doug light up a bowl during a review (the other day when energythief shared the video, see above) i was a little shocked, lol. i don't have a problem with it but i probably wouldn't do it in my videos if it was me personally
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: The Letter M on September 21, 2023, 03:25:01 PM
Don't think I ever saw that, so no, not directly.  But it doesn't help his case.

ah, ok. yeah the first time i saw doug light up a bowl during a review (the other day when energythief shared the video, see above) i was a little shocked, lol. i don't have a problem with it but i probably wouldn't do it in my videos if it was me personally

When I first saw him do that a year or two ago, it definitely caught me by surprise but I initial reaction was more along the lines of "Oh...so he's THAT kind of music fan. Nice." and every time he's done it since, it doesn't bother me much. Heck, some songs/bands are enhanced by that and I don't blame him for taking that into consideration when listening to music. It's legal in many states now anyways, so it's not like he's breaking any laws. He's also partaken in many beers and liquors while reacting as well, and I'm sure a lot of folks here have done that themselves, or know people who have, so I don't begrudge Doug for doing it himself.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on September 21, 2023, 03:27:52 PM
Don't think I ever saw that, so no, not directly.  But it doesn't help his case.

ah, ok. yeah the first time i saw doug light up a bowl during a review (the other day when energythief shared the video, see above) i was a little shocked, lol. i don't have a problem with it but i probably wouldn't do it in my videos if it was me personally

When I first saw him do that a year or two ago, it definitely caught me by surprise but I initial reaction was more along the lines of "Oh...so he's THAT kind of music fan. Nice." and every time he's done it since, it doesn't bother me much. Heck, some songs/bands are enhanced by that and I don't blame him for taking that into consideration when listening to music. It's legal in many states now anyways, so it's not like he's breaking any laws. He's also partaken in many beers and liquors while reacting as well, and I'm sure a lot of folks here have done that themselves, or know people who have, so I don't begrudge Doug for doing it himself.

-Marc.

totally. i guess i just wouldn't film myself smoking weed on a monetized platform. not a judgement call, i smoke plenty of herb lol, but just something of myself i wouldn't want out there in public generally. again, it's not something that turns me away either but i am always like "huh" when i see it lol.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on September 21, 2023, 04:16:13 PM
if you're watching a movie and you don't know who the director is, are you even watching it?  :corn :rollin

Aside from Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark movies (and probably a few others), I doubt I've ever known who directed the movies I've seen.  I've seen three movies in the theater this year and have watched several others at home, and I have no idea who directed any of them.


I don't care whether a reactor has heard a song before or done research before.  It's only "staged" or "fake" when they say or imply that they haven't, when in fact they have.  Personally, I love it when a reactor says "I've heard this song before," or "I've seen this movie before," or "I've done some research beforehand so I can make some educated comments."  Nothing wrong with that whatsoever.  Just be honest.

Bingo.  When Doug did side 1 of Blizzard of Ozz, he noted that he had, of course, heard Crazy Train before, but he noted that he had never given it a critical listen.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Wim Kruithof on September 22, 2023, 03:11:23 PM
Doug did a reaction on In the Presence of Enemies, pt. I & pt.II. "They gave it the good old Shine on You Crazy Diamond-treatment, by splitting it up." Very nice reactionvideo.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on September 22, 2023, 03:35:54 PM
Doug did a reaction on In the Presence of Enemies, pt. I & pt.II. "They gave it the good old Shine on You Crazy Diamond-treatment, by splitting it up." Very nice reactionvideo.

is that a new video?
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on September 22, 2023, 04:14:29 PM
Doug did a reaction on In the Presence of Enemies, pt. I & pt.II. "They gave it the good old Shine on You Crazy Diamond-treatment, by splitting it up." Very nice reactionvideo.

is that a new video?

New as of today.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dublagent66 on September 22, 2023, 04:27:42 PM
Awesome.  I'll have to check that out later tonight after I self medicate.  lol   :hat :2metal:
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on September 22, 2023, 06:45:10 PM
Awesome.  I'll have to check that out later tonight after I self medicate.  lol   :hat :2metal:

can i hear an amen!
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Wim Kruithof on September 22, 2023, 10:34:38 PM
is that a new video?

New as new can be...
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Wim Kruithof on November 02, 2023, 02:22:34 PM
The Doug is doing another one this monday and let us choose which one,

- A Nightmare to Remember
- In the Name of God
- The Best of Times
- The Big Medley

I chose The Big Medley, which is obviously not gonna win. Looking forward to the reactionvideo, from probably In the Name of God.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on November 02, 2023, 02:31:42 PM
I really hope it's ITNOG.  It'll be fun to see him catch the Battle Hymn of the Republic at the end.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: axeman90210 on November 02, 2023, 07:53:38 PM
I really hope it's ITNOG.  It'll be fun to see him catch the Battle Hymn of the Republic at the end.

Assuming that ITNOG wins, he may end up doing the live version from Budokan
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: The Letter M on November 02, 2023, 10:06:32 PM
I really hope it's ITNOG.  It'll be fun to see him catch the Battle Hymn of the Republic at the end.

Assuming that ITNOG wins, he may end up doing the live version from Budokan

Isn't ITNOG one of the few album epics he hasn't done yet for a DT Video? Probably that and the AMBI suite are all that's left.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 03, 2023, 09:56:19 AM
I really hope it's ITNOG.  It'll be fun to see him catch the Battle Hymn of the Republic at the end.

Assuming that ITNOG wins, he may end up doing the live version from Budokan
That would also be excellent.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on November 03, 2023, 10:03:06 AM
I really hope it's ITNOG.  It'll be fun to see him catch the Battle Hymn of the Republic at the end.

Assuming that ITNOG wins, he may end up doing the live version from Budokan

I hope not.  There have been several songs where he's picked live versions.  He really ought to do the studio version.  We'll see in a few hours next week, I guess.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: axeman90210 on November 03, 2023, 12:46:20 PM
I really hope it's ITNOG.  It'll be fun to see him catch the Battle Hymn of the Republic at the end.

Assuming that ITNOG wins, he may end up doing the live version from Budokan

Isn't ITNOG one of the few album epics he hasn't done yet for a DT Video? Probably that and the AMBI suite are all that's left.

-Marc.

Pretty much. I've been banging the drum for Awake to get the same treatment he did for I&W where he breaks the album up into sides over a couple episodes.

I really hope it's ITNOG.  It'll be fun to see him catch the Battle Hymn of the Republic at the end.

Assuming that ITNOG wins, he may end up doing the live version from Budokan

I hope not.  There have been several songs where he's picked live versions.  He really ought to do the studio version.  We'll see in a few hours, I guess.

He might well do the album version, but at least one or two people in his Discord have been lobbying for the live version.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on November 13, 2023, 02:51:04 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggrYzHpH3ko

Studio version.  Decent analysis.  Lots of focus on the lyrics.  I really wish he'd stop the recording once in a while to try and pick up on some of the timing nuances.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dream Team on November 17, 2023, 06:00:15 PM
Yeah that wasn’t one of his best. Lots of head banging, air drumming, and lyrical commentary.   :tdwn
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Wim Kruithof on November 18, 2023, 04:57:37 AM
Decent, but surely not one of his best. Illumination Theory, The Count and Octavarium (studio version), those remain his best I would say... all downhill after that.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: hefdaddy42 on November 18, 2023, 07:45:57 AM
Doug air-drumming to any song is the whitest white man shit I have ever seen.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on January 24, 2024, 02:24:13 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/dJSr3Dk.png)

if anyone was interested in Doug's DT take. maybe the youtubers should have invited him to join DTF!
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Lonk on March 07, 2024, 01:32:38 PM
Haven't look at his channel in a while. Decided to look today and he just posted Trial of Tears

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZYoih2gFRg
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Wim Kruithof on March 09, 2024, 05:10:00 AM
Thank you Lonk, was an enjoyful reactionvideo.

Strange although it seems, but Falling Into Infinity is one of their least albums for me, but it surely 's got some pearls in their tracklist there. I just can't really connect to it as a whole. With When Dream and Day Unite the two albums I do not listen on a regular base, Trial of Tears however is a really beautiful piece.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheBarstoolWarrior on March 26, 2024, 06:03:06 PM
I want to like Doug's videos more but I dropped off because I found a lot of them to be lyrical analysis and air drumming. There hasn't been much musical analysis in the videos I watched. It made me question why am I watching this and why does it matter that he is a classical composer when he isn't talking about the music.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dream Team on March 26, 2024, 07:35:39 PM
The epics contain his best musical breakdowns by far.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TheHoveringSojourn808 on March 27, 2024, 07:25:43 AM
i definitely prefer the daily doug to guitargate's crying on stream videos
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on March 27, 2024, 10:04:18 AM
I want to like Doug's videos more but I dropped off because I found a lot of them to be lyrical analysis and air drumming. There hasn't been much musical analysis in the videos I watched. It made me question why am I watching this and why does it matter that he is a classical composer when he isn't talking about the music.

Exactly!

I watched his "Battle of Evermore" video, and it was nothing but him sitting there smiling and reading the lyrics.  He also seems to be spending more and more time before the video talking about the background of the song and they at the end of the video summing up the lyrical message.  And he has said he doesn't want to stop the music to talk because he doesn't want to make the videos too long.

Every once in a while, I go back to some of his earlier videos, and there was so much more meat to them.  I like Elizabeth Zharoff's ("The Charismatic Voice") style so much more than what Doug is doing now, but I'm not as interested in the vocal focus.  If she had Doug's overall musical knowledge, it'd be perfect.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: TAC on March 27, 2024, 10:11:42 AM


Every once in a while, I go back to some of his earlier videos, and there was so much more meat to them.  I like Elizabeth Zharoff's ("The Charismatic Voice") style so much more than what Doug is doing now, but I'm not as interested in the vocal focus.  If she had Doug's overall musical knowledge, it'd be perfect.

I think it was her that pointed out how Michael Kiske stands while he's singing and how it affects his ability to sing.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: The Letter M on March 27, 2024, 10:22:50 AM
Every once in a while, I go back to some of his earlier videos, and there was so much more meat to them.  I like Elizabeth Zharoff's ("The Charismatic Voice") style so much more than what Doug is doing now, but I'm not as interested in the vocal focus.  If she had Doug's overall musical knowledge, it'd be perfect.

I've seen a couple of her videos and while her analysis is pretty good, she's the only "music reaction channel" I know that can make a 40 minute video out of a 5 minute song.

-Marc.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: pg1067 on March 27, 2024, 12:51:58 PM
I think it was her that pointed out how Michael Kiske stands while he's singing and how it affects his ability to sing.

Yep.  She's done the same with JLB (either LALP or BT4W or maybe both).  She really emphasizes how one's overall body position impacts the ability to hit high or otherwise difficult notes.  She also emphasizes the singer's mouth position.

One of my favorite of her videos was an analysis of one of her own live performance from X years prior.  Her worst habit is occasionally picking an inferior version (live or studio) or using a video where live footage is synced to the studio version and (seemingly) not knowing that's what it is.


she's the only "music reaction channel" I know that can make a 40 minute video out of a 5 minute song.

Yeah...whereas Doug almost never stops the song to analyze something, Elizabeth is at the other end of the spectrum in that regard.
Title: Re: Classical Composer Reacts to Various DT Songs
Post by: Dream Team on March 28, 2024, 08:28:07 AM
Elizabeth does a great job, I love how she analyzed some of Ann Wilson's songs. But yeah her stuff drags on too much so I don't watch anymore. She also did a really good one on Russell Allen's amazing singing on The Odyssey.