So here I am listening to BC&SL and I've noticed or realised a few things, not just about this disc, but DT in general.
1)This disc kicks ass. Its solid from start to finish and even though the lyrics get a lot of abuse on here, I think they fit the songs really well; which leads me to my next point.
2) It seems to me that when JP is writing lyrics about something that is not a past experience in his life, the lyrics are much better(just in recent releases). I really like the lyrics to A Rite of Passage. Maybe this just pertains to topics that needs a little bit of research to be done, but just something I noticed.
3) Every DT fan has noticed the recent lack of enthuisiasm from JMX, because his bass lines are average at best when they used to be world class. Now we've all suspected that it may be because of MP, and with his departure maybe he will pick it back up again. But let's just say it is just JMX being more reserved,what do you think he thinks when he has to play songs with awesome bass lines such as Learning To Live, Metropolis and Trial of Tears? Do you think he dreads playing them because he doesn't want to "show off?"
4) Also, the last 2 releases, and one could even argue about Octavarium to an certain extent have been less proggy, more metal (moreso SC and BC&SL) and more straight-forward compared to their early stuff. Maybe DT is consciously trying to write "easier" songs so 10-15 years down the road they will still be able to tour for us fans without borderline dying from playing ridiculous sets like they would have 5-10 years ago. Maybe it could be an effort to prolong their career, becuase let's face it, 60 year olds most likely won't be able to play lots of their older stuff on a regular basis. This could also tie into my point about JMX, but who knows?
Anyways, there it is. Thoughts DTF?