Samsara, most of the people here who are outspoken about their dislike of FII are longtime fans who never liked it. MP's opinions on it are irrelevant, because most of us didn't even know them until years after the album's release. Most newer fans actually like the album.
That's a good point, Hef. But every time there is a discussion about FII, people bring up (on this board) MP's comments about it, and then throw in "yeah, I don't like it at all." MP's comments might not have what some folks based their negative opinions on, but they certainly reinforced the negative ones. Sorry, I just don't think most people have the strong-willed, independent judgment that guys such as you, bosk1 and myself have when it comes to music. You give people more credit than I do.
Interesting though, your comment on newer fans liking the album. How do you base that, just on observation of what is said here?
And while you might think that YNM is a well-written radio single, the fact is that DT doesn't DO radio singles. The album, notwithstanding some awesome tracks like Lines In The Sand or Trial of Tears, is too much of a departure from what the essence of DT is. I disagree strongly that the album was expertly conceived.
What makes you say DT doesn't DO radio singles? They did, for a long time. Pull Me Under? Another Day? Lie? You Not Me is the lead single from FII. DT doesn't really do singles ANY LONGER, which is the more appropriate term. But they absolutely USED TO.
And what are you talking about - "departure from what the essence of DT is." I think what you meant to say is "FII departs from what I BELIEVE the essence of DT is." Because surely, your view of what DT's music "is" doesn't stand up for everyone. Hate to split hairs, but that just really bothers me. If Dream Theater was a band that only wrote 10-15 minute songs with crazy Metropolis-esqe instrumentals in the middle and was a complete technical band, I wouldn't have been a fan. What DT's "essence" is, is frankly, up to the listener. Our personal definitions vary obviously, as to what that "is."
Back in the early days of the band (WDADU-FII), the "essence" of the band, IMO, was bringing a more progressive bent to traditional metal, taking what Fates and QR did to the next level...but maintaining a sense of strong structure, melody and cohesion in the songs. But as the band got more and more technical, the limits of structure and cohesion were pushed open to a point where they were almost forgotten, particularly the latter.
Sure, the band still has its moments, but if you define what the band's "essence" is NOW, I think it's very different than what it was through 1997.
However, you are 100% right about the production - it is the best of any DT album.
Glad you agree with the opinion. The sound is just flat out amazing. Really wish they'd hook up with Kevin Shirley again. I don't have my liner notes with me, but did he produce AND engineer? If not, whoever the engineer was deserves some big time credit.