Author Topic: Black Clouds & Silver Linings: Reactions (Read 134250 times)

sonatafanica · « **Reply #210 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:17:57 PM »

I've only listened to it once, but that listen was fucking MAGICAL.

Nick · « **Reply #211 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:20:43 PM »

Just listened through for the first time, and aside from a few specific complaints, I'm very happy with the album, certainly up there with the best of them.

Favorite for both me and Amanda was The Shattered Fortress, and we also both agreed that A Nightmare to Remember was our least favorite. Amanda would like to add that she very much disliked the lyrics to The Count of Tuscany, but otherwise it was awesome.

Given a few more listens I'll be doing a full review with TOX at some point.

Sigz · « **Reply #212 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:22:57 PM »

Quote from: Nick on June 23, 2009, 01:20:43 PM

Just listened through for the first time, and aside from a few specific complaints, I'm very happy with the album, certainly up there with the best them.

Fixed.

Quote from: Nick on June 23, 2009, 01:20:43 PM

A Nightmare to Remember was our least favorite.

ANTR starts out amazing, and seems to drop off at the last 1/3, unfortunately.

ZBomber · « **Reply #213 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:28:19 PM »

I listened with my friend last night at midnight... we loved it and crawled around the boards for a little reading everyone's reactions. Heres what we thought after our first listen

Me:
1. Shattered
2. Wither
3. Best of Times
4. Rite of Passage
5. Nightmare to Remember
6. Count of Tuscany

Friend:
1. Best of Times
2. Wither
3. Shattered Fortress
4. Nightmare to Remember
5. Passage
6. Count of Tuscany

However, on my second/third listenings, I've warmed up to Count a bit. The lyrics are horrible, and that was a true shock last night, which is why it is so low. However, after the initial shock I was able to appreciate the song more. My list has changed a bit now too.

I'd probably rate this 5th greatest album by them, behind Awake and infront of Train of Thought... but it's still early

Nick · « **Reply #214 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:29:21 PM »

I certainly agree Mr. Sigz. And my biggest complaints aren't even the growling, shocker!

I would say the instrumental section really takes away from the song. The different verse/bridge/chorus sections build on each other very nicely, but then the wanking solos tend to take away from the cohesiveness. Something like the mini-keyboard atmospheric build in Wither would have worked really well in that song. Also the blast beats by Portnoy made me quite unhappy.

Super Dude · « **Reply #215 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:30:09 PM »

I personally don't put much weight on lyrics so I don't really give a damn, but the music is great throughout the album.

Nick · « **Reply #216 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:30:47 PM »

While we are at it...

The Shattered Fortress
The Best of Times
The Count of Tuscany
Wither
A Rite of Passage
A Nightmare to Remember

Now I love A Rite of Passage, so that gives you a good idea about my overall feelings on this album.

Dimitrius · « **Reply #217 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:31:24 PM »

The lyrics of The Count of Tuscany are lolworthy, but the song in itself it's amazing!!

Super Dude · « **Reply #218 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:32:43 PM »

My ranking so far:

The Count of Tuscany
The Best of Times
Wither
A Nightmare to Remember
The Shattered Fortress
A Rite of Passage

Sorry for having strange opinions.

antigoon · « **Reply #219 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:34:18 PM »

Ranking

Tuscany/TSF
Wither
ANTR
AROP
TBOT

Dimitrius · « **Reply #220 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:34:22 PM »

Wither is the best short song DT has ever done!

Super Dude · « **Reply #221 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:36:00 PM »

Quote from: Dimitrius on June 23, 2009, 01:34:22 PM

Wither is the best short song DT has ever done!

I wouldn't say ever, but it's really good.

Bombardana · « **Reply #222 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:40:29 PM »

My thoughts on this album:

smileinmypants.gif

That is all.

~InConstantMotion~ · « **Reply #223 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:44:14 PM »

Here's mine so far, this is only my third listen through, so obviously things are subject to change.

A Nightmare to Remember (Why isn't this song ranked higher on everybody else's lists?)
The Best of Times
The Shattered Fortress
The Count of Tuscany
Wither
A Rite of Passage.

ariich · « **Reply #224 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:45:26 PM »

Quote from: Dimitrius on June 23, 2009, 01:34:22 PM

Wither is the best short song DT has ever done!

I agree, it's absolutely wonderful.

cramx3 · « **Reply #225 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:46:31 PM »

I would say Shattered Fortress is the worst song on this album, just too much of old and not enough new to make this song very good. Pretty much my only complaint so far. I can't get over how awesome Whither is. ANTR is much better than I thought. The more I listen, the more and more I like this song. The last two (30+ minutes of music) is just fantastic.

Jamariquay · « **Reply #226 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:46:53 PM »

Still don't know how well I can rank the songs, though The Count is comfortably #1. As for how BC&SL sits with the rest of their catalog:

1. Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence (A+)
2. Awake (A+)
3. Scenes From A Memory (A)
4. Images and Words (A)
5. Black Clouds & Silver Linings (A-)
6. Falling Into Infinity (B+/A-)
7. Train Of Thought (B+)
8. Systematic Chaos (B)
9. Octavarium (B)
10. When Dream and Day Unite (Not familiar enough with this one to grade it, although that's probably not a good sign)

/admitted fanboy

webpoet73 · « **Reply #227 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:49:29 PM »

After 2 listens and the second one more carefully, i think it's up there with the best... probably going to settle in at about 5th in my rankings... I really didn't pay too much attention to the lyrics, but the music was great and the vocals were great...

My rankings (as of today, but could change...)
1. Scenes From a Memory
2. Awake
3. Images and Words
4. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
5. Black Clouds & Silver Linings
6. Octavarium
7. Systematic Chaos
8. Train of Thought
9. Falling into Infinity
10. When Day and Dream Unite

Super Dude · « **Reply #228 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:50:21 PM »

My rankings so far:

1. SFAM
2. FII
3. Awake
4. BC&SL
5. Octavarium
6. I&W
7. SDOIT
8. ToT
9. SC
10. WDADU

antigoon · « **Reply #229 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:51:46 PM »

Quote from: Super Dude on June 23, 2009, 01:50:21 PM

My rankings so far:

1. SFAM
2. FII
3. Awake
4. BC&SL
5. Octavarium
6. I&W
7. SDOIT
8. ToT
9. SC
10. WDADU

Whoa, I didn't know you held FII in such high regard.

bosk1 · « **Reply #230 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:53:08 PM »

Quote from: cramx3 on June 23, 2009, 01:46:31 PM

I can't get over how awesome Whither is.

I can't get over how many people can't spell Wither.

antigoon · « **Reply #231 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:54:25 PM »

HEYYO

icysk8r · « **Reply #232 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:54:38 PM »

Can everyone keep their eyes open for me if they see a producer's cd somewhere for sale by itself?

manticore999 · « **Reply #233 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:54:47 PM »

I'm certainly in the minority, but I just don't care for this album. I haven't really liked their stuff since 6DOIT, so it's obviously time to move on to other music. I'm getting tired of buying DT albums and being disappointed (and I'm not going to illegally download to 'try' first), so this will undoubtedly be the last one I buy. Still, I wish them much success - they sure have mastery over their instruments, but their writing just isn't to my tastes.

j · « **Reply #234 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:56:33 PM »

Quote from: cramx3 on June 23, 2009, 01:46:31 PM

I would say Shattered Fortress is the worst song on this album, just too much of old and not enough new to make this song very good. Pretty much my only complaint so far. I can't get over how awesome Whither is. ANTR is much better than I thought. The more I listen, the more and more I like this song. The last two (30+ minutes of music) is just fantastic.

I agree with your first and last sentences. I still really enjoy TSF, and a lot of the new spins they put on the old stuff are awesome, but in the end it doesn't stand alone as well as the other songs in the suite.

The Count of Tuscany
Wither
A Nightmare to Remember
A Rite of Passage
The Best of Times
The Shattered Fortress

For whatever reason, as goofy as the lyrics of TCOT are, they do not bother me that much. They just don't come across like they were meant to be taken too seriously, although who knows at this point. With TBOT on the other hand, the lyrics are sincere and genuine, but honestly, there are several parts that I can't believe made it into the final song in their current form.

-J

ariich · « **Reply #235 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:56:45 PM »

Man, ranking the songs is seriously hard, literally all the songs are great.

For the moment, this is my ranking, but I'm sure it'll change at some point:

1. Wither
2. The Count of Tuscany
3. The Best of Times
4. The Shattered Fortress / A Nightmare to Remember (tied)
6. A Rite of Passage

abydos · « **Reply #236 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:59:09 PM »

1. ANTR
2. Wither
3. TSF

4. AROP
5. TCOT
6. TBOT

bosk1 · « **Reply #237 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:59:49 PM »

Quote from: manticore999 on June 23, 2009, 01:54:47 PM

I'm certainly in the minority, but I just don't care for this album. I haven't really liked their stuff since 6DOIT, so it's obviously time to move on to other music. I'm getting tired of buying DT albums and being disappointed (and I'm not going to illegally download to 'try' first), so this will undoubtedly be the last one I buy. Still, I wish them much success - they sure have mastery over their instruments, but their writing just isn't to my tastes.

You are certainly entitled to your opinion, whether you are in the minority or not. It's too bad you are disappointed, but I appreciate the fact that you conveyed your disappointment tactfully and without breaking the forum rules. A lot of people could stand to learn from your post.

icysk8r · « **Reply #238 on:** June 23, 2009, 02:00:09 PM »

Quote from: manticore999 on June 23, 2009, 01:54:47 PM

I'm certainly in the minority, but I just don't care for this album. I haven't really liked their stuff since 6DOIT, so it's obviously time to move on to other music. I'm getting tired of buying DT albums and being disappointed (and I'm not going to illegally download to 'try' first), so this will undoubtedly be the last one I buy. Still, I wish them much success - they sure have mastery over their instruments, but their writing just isn't to my tastes.

I feel really bad for you.

bmc · « **Reply #239 on:** June 23, 2009, 02:01:56 PM »

The Count of Tuscany
Wither
A Nightmare to Remember
The Best of Times
A Rite of Passage
The Shattered Fortress

PlaysLikeMyung · « **Reply #240 on:** June 23, 2009, 02:02:13 PM »

Here's my initial song ranking:

1. The Count of Tuscany
2. A Nightmare To Remember
3. The Best of Times
4. Wither
5. The Shattered Fortress
6. A Rite of Passage

That's not to say that TSF and ARoP aren't good songs, but I haven't listened to them as much as the others. Also, TCOT and ANTR are pretty much tied for first. It was really hard to pick between the two

sirbradford117 · « **Reply #241 on:** June 23, 2009, 02:06:40 PM »

Song rankings (tentative)
1. The Best of Times
2. A Nightmare to Remember
3. The Counr of Tuscany
4. Wither
5. The Shattered Fortress
6. A Rite of Passage

Albums
1. SFAM
2. Images
3. 6DOIT
4. BC&SL
5. 8VM
6. TOT
7. Awake
8. WDADU
9. SC
10. FII

TL · « **Reply #242 on:** June 23, 2009, 02:06:48 PM »

So a quick question for those who got the Deluxe Edition;

Now, most of the isolated tracks sound great. However, I couldn't help but notice some issues with the bass stems. One of the first things I did was listen to the isolated bass stems to actually hear what Myung was doing. It being Myung, I was expecting greatness. However...
- Even just listening or looking at the waveforms, the bass is much quieter than anything else.
- On many occasions, the bass has a very distorted, muddy sound that almost sounds like they just put a cassette recorder next to the amp.
- There are points where it gets a little sloppy. Again, I was shocked, because Myung is usually so precise, and obviously very skilled; he's one of my favorite bass players.

Again, most of the stems were great, but this was a little disappointing.
Did anyone else notice this?

abydos · « **Reply #243 on:** June 23, 2009, 02:08:52 PM »

Yup. I did the same thing and noticed that too. Besides the sloppy part, I'm not trained to notice such things on a bass.

bosk1 · « **Reply #244 on:** June 23, 2009, 02:12:18 PM »

This is hardly organized or specific enough to be classified as a "review," but here are my initial thoughts after one listen:

I REALLY like what I'm hearing so far. On the drive back from BB, I listened to ANTR, Wither, and TSF (skipped AROP since I've heard it before). I'll give a few short notes for now of my initial impressions. If I have the time, I'd like to do a full-blown review in the next few days.

ANTR completely slayed me. Awesome metal track with a softer middle section that is PERFECT. The solo tradeoff spot is cool. And the later continuum solo really shows off that the the continuum is a very unique instrument that is so much more than something to mimick guitar sounds.

AROP: Heard it before. Good song. A bit formulaic, but that's okay. It reminds me a lot of CM, which I love, but has its own unique character as well.

Wither: Very straightforward by DT standards, but honestly one of the best straightforward ballady songs they've done in a long time. I suspect my interest in this song will wane over time, but it is very solid, catchy, and just all-around good.

TSF: (which is now playing as I sit in teh office overlooking teh river typing this) I like. The use of the heavy instrumental riff from TGP as the main riff under the vocal part for a lot of Restraint is incredible. I wouldn't have ever thought to use that as a main riff during a vocal part of a song, but I cannot emphasize enough how much it works. The reprises, for the most part, work very well. And while some may feel they are overdone, it seems a fitting endcap to this 7-year, 5-album journey. The only thing that didn't seem quite right to me was the transition to the TROAE reprise in the middle of Receive. Once there, the reprise was grand. But even for a band that makes abrupt transitions its signature, this transition just felt forced. Maybe I'll get over it after repeat listens. The transitions into and out of the Repentence reprise were great. Very good song overall. I'm hoping I can get a friend of mine to make me a good mix of the entire 12-Step suite on ProTools and very much looking forward to hearing it all together like that. Oh, and the ending...pretty close to perfect. It's not the huge epic ending a lot of people were probably expecting, but it really is the perfect way to have ended the saga.

TBOT: Great song. Since I'm in the office, I couldn't listen at full volume, but I reall like what I heard. I thought it was going to be much more melancholy sounding. I like that it wasn't all darkness and minor chords. The lyrics fit the mood of the song nicely. Mike did a really nice job with this one.

TCOT: Wow, this is a lot to take in. The album definitely has its metal side. But this song does the prog side some justice. Cool lyrics. JP does the whole "narrative that paints an interesting picture and isn't to be taken too seriously" thing so well. This song feels like it is going to be a grower, but I already like what I've heard considerably.

That's as far as I've gotten (which is to say, I haven't listened to the covers yet). Overall, the album feels incredibly solid. Not really a weak link at all, which is great. That was my biggest disappointment with SC--the fact that the first half of the album was so strong, and then just tapered off and ended with a bit of a whimper. Oh, and thus far, while I haven't done any sort of in-depth lyrical analysis, I don't lend any credence to those criticizing the lyrics on this album. So far, the lyrical content I've heard has ranged from good to great. Are the lyrics chock full of all kinds of literary and poetic devices like some of the Moore- or Myung-penned lyrics of the past? No. But they are solid nonetheless. Good lyrics fit the song and convey whatever mood or emotion the song is trying to convey. These lyrics do that and do it well. No, the lyrics on BCSL don't harbor the secret cure for cancer and AIDS all rolled into one. But they don't have to. The lyrics are good, and I really don't find any arguments that they are somehow objectively bad to be credible in any sense.

News: BREAKING NEWS: Dream Theater reunites with drummer Mike Portnoy (10/25/23)

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Author Topic: Black Clouds & Silver Linings: Reactions (Read 134250 times)