DT15: A View From The Top Of The World (Timeline for DT15)

[ZirconBlue]

The orchestral section I like.  The ambient bit before that, not so much.

[RMGadelha]

The orchestral section I like.  The ambient bit before that, not so much.

Same. That's the only bit that I skip.

[dream75]

I'm very curious to hear the slow middle part with acoustic guitar + cello

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

Glasser - Sleeping Giant or At Wit's End?

[Ben_Jamin]

Can't wait to hear exactly how they developed their "transitional craftmanship". 

[KevShmev]

I don't get the take that the orchestra section doesn't fit in Illumination Theory.  It fits perfectly, if you ask me.  I have a few minor quibbles with the song in general (I still like it quite a bit overall, but I can't call it a great song), but I have no beef with that section.  Seeing it played live that first time and closing my eyes while standing and letting it just wash over me was a terrific concert moment for me. 

[TAC]

I don't get the take that the orchestra section doesn't fit in Illumination Theory.  It fits perfectly, if you ask me.  I have a few minor quibbles with the song in general (I still like it quite a bit overall, but I can't call it a great song), but I have no beef with that section.  Seeing it played live that first time and closing my eyes while standing and letting it just wash over me was a terrific concert moment for me. 

So happy you were washed over.

[KevShmev]

I don't get the take that the orchestra section doesn't fit in Illumination Theory.  It fits perfectly, if you ask me.  I have a few minor quibbles with the song in general (I still like it quite a bit overall, but I can't call it a great song), but I have no beef with that section.  Seeing it played live that first time and closing my eyes while standing and letting it just wash over me was a terrific concert moment for me. 

So happy you were washed over.

Don't act like you don't love a good soaping.

[TAC]

I don't get the take that the orchestra section doesn't fit in Illumination Theory.  It fits perfectly, if you ask me.  I have a few minor quibbles with the song in general (I still like it quite a bit overall, but I can't call it a great song), but I have no beef with that section.  Seeing it played live that first time and closing my eyes while standing and letting it just wash over me was a terrific concert moment for me. 

So happy you were washed over.

Don't act like you don't love a good soaping.

Not when you bring it up, no.

[gzarruk]

I'm very curious to hear the slow middle part with acoustic guitar + cello

I'm very curious to hear Answering The Call, Sleeping Giant, Transcending Time, Awaken The Master and A View From The Top Of The World 

[bosk1]

They are good.

[Pettor]

Haha it's funny people feels the orchestral section etc is the problem with IT. I never even considered IT without that section to be a valid option. Sure there's some transition to get there, but it surely fits like a glove for that song.

For me the only problem is the Rudess keytar solo plus the awesome Petrucci solo that comes just before the climax. I like them but they absolutely break the mood 😅

[dream75]

I'm very curious to hear the slow middle part with acoustic guitar + cello

I'm very curious to hear Answering The Call, Sleeping Giant, Transcending Time, Awaken The Master and A View From The Top Of The World 

Me too 

[Lax]

I love IT and I totally accept the parts aren't well jointed.
The only thing I don't like in it is the loud high pitched pick screeching, it makes my inner dog bark from pain.

[jonny108]

Cool podcast with Mangini here - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3BQzsB0dZVzAOMWxF8WtEd?si=VRaLOLpSQMu2ArtZ9kIYVw&nd=1

Some cool tidbits about the album. The Alien was written first, Invisible Monster 6th and Awaken the Master last.  Plus a bit about his album and upcoming tour kit and a load of other stuff. 

[evilasiojr]

Cool podcast with Mangini here - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3BQzsB0dZVzAOMWxF8WtEd?si=VRaLOLpSQMu2ArtZ9kIYVw&nd=1

Some cool tidbits about the album. The Alien was written first, Invisible Monster 6th and Awaken the Master last.  Plus a bit about his album and upcoming tour kit and a load of other stuff.

Thanks!! Definitely going to listen it

[rab7]

The only thing I don't like in it is the loud high pitched pick screeching, it makes my inner dog bark from pain.

THAT'S what that is! Those squeaks have haunted me for years

[TM172003]

I love the sound of pick attack but it is a bit annoying how loud it is in that part.

[GasparXR]

I love the sound of pick attack but it is a bit annoying how loud it is in that part.

I remember being able to hear the pick attack, but which part is it you find it annoying?

[Kotowboy]

We need a new A View From The Top Of The World Thread for page (1)15 !!!

[Wim Kruithof]

I don't get the take that the orchestra section doesn't fit in Illumination Theory.  It fits perfectly, if you ask me.

same here. But Illumination Theory is, together with Octavarium and the Count in my all time top 3 Dream Theater songs… the instrumental section is probably what I love most ‘bout that epic.

And I am so bloody curious to see if the new epic can digg its way in there…

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

IT and ACOS are a step above the rest. I am very curious to see how the new epic stacks up against those two but it'll be tough to top. Arguably, the band is the best it's ever been. The line-up has never been better; the lyrical and musical maturity has never been this good, and the production could be at a high point from what we've heard in the Alien and Monster.

[Kotowboy]

I don't get the take that the orchestra section doesn't fit in Illumination Theory.  It fits perfectly, if you ask me.

same here. But Illumination Theory is, together with Octavarium and the Count in my all time top 3 Dream Theater songs… the instrumental section is probably what I love most ‘bout that epic.

And I am so bloody curious to see if the new epic can digg its way in there…

Yes. I'm not expecting it to topple Octavarium.

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

I don't get the take that the orchestra section doesn't fit in Illumination Theory.  It fits perfectly, if you ask me.

same here. But Illumination Theory is, together with Octavarium and the Count in my all time top 3 Dream Theater songs… the instrumental section is probably what I love most ‘bout that epic.

And I am so bloody curious to see if the new epic can digg its way in there…

Yes. I'm not expecting it to topple Octavarium.

Have some faith 

[KevShmev]

I don't get the take that the orchestra section doesn't fit in Illumination Theory.  It fits perfectly, if you ask me.

same here. But Illumination Theory is, together with Octavarium and the Count in my all time top 3 Dream Theater songs… the instrumental section is probably what I love most ‘bout that epic.

And I am so bloody curious to see if the new epic can digg its way in there…

A Change of Seasons is the only long DT epic that would make my top 20, but at this stage, I'd be more than happy if this new one is comparable in quality to Octavarium or The Count of Tuscany, both of which I'd put somewhere in my DT top 50 outside of the top 20.  Illumination Theory, for as much as I love that orchestral section, would not make my top 50.

[Wim Kruithof]

not even in your top 50? Wow, way off topic here, but I am curious however to see what makes your top 20 then.

[nobloodyname]

Illumination Theory, for as much as I love that orchestral section, would not make my top 50.

Nodding along with this. After the discussion of Illumination Theory in this thread, I gave it another listen a few days ago. Overriding feeling was just, well... the song is... there? I think the best part is the one that immediately follows the classical interlude. And then that's gone, too. And the song finishes before we get two pointless minutes of (admittedly melodic) noodling. Just finish the song properly. (My personal exception to this is the reprise in At Wit's End although I felt it should have merged with the end of the song, and that's the version I created; much better.)

Perhaps this should have been posted in the controversial opinions thread

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

Illumination Theory, for as much as I love that orchestral section, would not make my top 50.

Nodding along with this. After the discussion of Illumination Theory in this thread, I gave it another listen a few days ago. Overriding feeling was just, well... the song is... there? I think the best part is the one that immediately follows the classical interlude. And then that's gone, too. And the song finishes before we get two pointless minutes of (admittedly melodic) noodling. Just finish the song properly. (My personal exception to this is the reprise in At Wit's End although I felt it should have merged with the end of the song, and that's the version I created; much better.)

Perhaps this should have been posted in the controversial opinions thread

the end of the IT is noodling?

[Pettor]

Illumination Theory, for as much as I love that orchestral section, would not make my top 50.

Nodding along with this. After the discussion of Illumination Theory in this thread, I gave it another listen a few days ago. Overriding feeling was just, well... the song is... there? I think the best part is the one that immediately follows the classical interlude. And then that's gone, too. And the song finishes before we get two pointless minutes of (admittedly melodic) noodling. Just finish the song properly. (My personal exception to this is the reprise in At Wit's End although I felt it should have merged with the end of the song, and that's the version I created; much better.)

Perhaps this should have been posted in the controversial opinions thread

The song was barely in my top 50 when I heard CD version but since Breaking 4th Wall it's top 10 or 20. It captured why this song is great while the CD production manages to rip all soul from it.

[Pettor]

Illumination Theory, for as much as I love that orchestral section, would not make my top 50.

Nodding along with this. After the discussion of Illumination Theory in this thread, I gave it another listen a few days ago. Overriding feeling was just, well... the song is... there? I think the best part is the one that immediately follows the classical interlude. And then that's gone, too. And the song finishes before we get two pointless minutes of (admittedly melodic) noodling. Just finish the song properly. (My personal exception to this is the reprise in At Wit's End although I felt it should have merged with the end of the song, and that's the version I created; much better.)

Perhaps this should have been posted in the controversial opinions thread

the end of the IT is noodling?

I know exactly what part he means, it's the one part I don't like from the song. Before the ending climax there's a Rudess and Petrucci solo section. Both JP and JR plays over the same composition and Rudess uses his keytar. It feels really out of place for me since the whole theme of the song is this serious concept that every other section manages to encapsulate in one way or another.

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

Illumination Theory, for as much as I love that orchestral section, would not make my top 50.

Nodding along with this. After the discussion of Illumination Theory in this thread, I gave it another listen a few days ago. Overriding feeling was just, well... the song is... there? I think the best part is the one that immediately follows the classical interlude. And then that's gone, too. And the song finishes before we get two pointless minutes of (admittedly melodic) noodling. Just finish the song properly. (My personal exception to this is the reprise in At Wit's End although I felt it should have merged with the end of the song, and that's the version I created; much better.)

Perhaps this should have been posted in the controversial opinions thread

the end of the IT is noodling?

I know exactly what part he means, it's the one part I don't like from the song. Before the ending climax there's a Rudess and Petrucci solo section. Both JP and JR plays over the same composition and Rudess uses his keytar. It feels really out of place for me since the whole theme of the song is this serious concept that every other section manages to encapsulate in one way or another.

Ah, you mean the Pursuit of Truth section I think. I don't think it's anymore out of place than any other DT solo section, which generally does include a guitar and keyboard solo. The transition into the final movement, which is the best in my opinion, as an aside, is the smoothest of them all and works nicely.

[nobloodyname]

I actually meant the two minutes or so literally bolted on after the song's finished. I think it's supposed to be an Easter egg rather than part of Illumination Theory so, on further reflection, it's unfair to criticise the song itself because of it.

[KevShmev]

not even in your top 50? Wow, way off topic here, but I am curious however to see what makes your top 20 then.

Off the top of my head (and going in chronological order):

Take the Time
Surrounded
Metropolis
Learning to Live
Erotomania
Voices
The Mirror
Lifting Shadows Off a Dream
Scarred
Space Dye Vest
A Change of Seasons
Peruvian Skies
Lines in the Sand
Trial of Tears
Overture 1928/Strange Deja Vu (yes, I am cheating and combining these two as one)
Fatal Tragedy
Home
Finally Free
Misunderstood
In the Name of God

Octavarium would be in the next grouping along with Another Day, Hell's Kitchen, Bridges in the Sky, Beyond This Life, Fall into the Light, Three Days, The Silent Man and 6:00.

[Wim Kruithof]

Off the top of my head (and going in chronological order):

Take the Time
Surrounded
Metropolis
Learning to Live
Erotomania
Voices
The Mirror
Lifting Shadows Off a Dream
Scarred
Space Dye Vest
A Change of Seasons
Peruvian Skies
Lines in the Sand
Trial of Tears
Overture 1928/Strange Deja Vu (yes, I am cheating and combining these two as one)
Fatal Tragedy
Home
Finally Free
Misunderstood
In the Name of God

Octavarium would be in the next grouping along with Another Day, Hell's Kitchen, Bridges in the Sky, Beyond This Life, Fall into the Light, Three Days, The Silent Man and 6:00.

Thanks for the 'summing up'. Looks like you appreciate Dream Theater from a total different corner, which is equally fine of course.

[KevShmev]

Thanks for the 'summing up'. Looks like you appreciate Dream Theater from a total different corner, which is equally fine of course.

And the thing is, I am not an "old DT great, new DT bad" guy.  I like all of their albums to some extent, and have really enjoyed all of the Mangini era albums quite a bit (and LOVE The Astonishing), but it's just hard to top that 1992-2002 era when they were on top of their game and wrote (what I consider) most of their best songs.