I thought I'd take a minute (probably too many) to introduce myself. While I learned about DT mostly in chronological order, I was about 15 years behind the curve.
It was probably 2007/08 (I know after Systematic Chaos) the topic of music came up. I grew up with a lot of 80s hard rock and he mentioned Dream Theater as his favorite band. Sadly (obviously not as all-knowing as I thought I was), I had to plead the fifth. From that day forward, my friend introduced me to Dream Theater -- starting with I&W and, in order, up to Systematic Chaos. He didn't introduce me all at once, but gradually. I was hooked and couldn't believe the great music I was missing out on. For DT, I started getting all of the CDs starting with BCSL, and I went crazy getting as many MP3s under the "progressive metal" genre.
I'm looking forward to hearing the latest news and thoughts on DT, past, present, and future on this forum!
Favorite Prog Metal bands (no particular order) -- DT, Redemption, Seventh Wonder, Vanden Plas, Symphony X
Beyond that I mostly listen to classical music (I like a lot of the early 1900s composers -- Edmund Rubbra as a plug for a fairly unsung one), but like most genres of music.
Not sure if I have a favorite DT album -- though based on how I was introduced and getting into other bands, I probably don't rate I&W and Awake as highly as others. I don't think I've heard a bad album yet. My biggest gripe has been the layers and layers of Rudess/Petrucci, and struggling to hear Myung in the mix (but I think that was better the last two albums).
I am a husband and father of 6 -- so they are getting an earlier intro into DT....let's hope it sticks!