Distant Memories - New live release

[Zydar]

Sadly, I am not excited about this release at all and doubt I will buy it.  I barely watch most of the concert DVD's/Blu-rays I have now, and I don't need another full performance of Scenes.  Sure, it would be cool to get a couple of those D/T songs, but I just know it is a concert I would never watch.

Yeah, this is how I feel too.

I have pre-ordered it, but it's really only for having a complete live DVD/BR collection from them at this point. I've barely watched their latest ones more than once.

[Dream Team]

I'll listen to it through YoutubeMusic, but it's the first DT DVD I won't buy. Mostly looking forward to hearing MM on those songs that they hadn't previously recorded with him.

[Lupton]

I may get this as I've been enjoying their last 2 (4th Wall, Luna Park) over the past couple weeks. Probably worth it alone just to hear/see Mangini playing Scenes.

[DarkLord_Lalinc]

I really hope DT uploads all of these songs to their official YT channel. It's all gonna end up all there anyway, so they better be the firsts in uploading the concert and hopefully gain back some views over unofficial people who upload stuff and get all the views (like those horrible yellow subtitle BTFW videos that always show up on YouTube).

[cramx3]

I really hope DT uploads all of these songs to their official YT channel. It's all gonna end up all there anyway, so they better be the firsts in uploading the concert and hopefully gain back some views over unofficial people who upload stuff and get all the views (like those horrible yellow subtitle BTFW videos that always show up on YouTube).

I wouldn't expect them to do that, I'd bet the music goes up though as that's usually the case for all the bands now a days.  They'll hold back the video to try and sell more IMO, even with the pirating.  Those pirated videos often end up being shitty quality to avoid the auto copyright protection. 

[Ben_Jamin]

Sooo the trailer is BS? 

Unless they have sent promos without all the actual footage, I would say the trailer is BS

I bought the artbook, they are one of my favorite bands, but sometimes I really think they are completely out of touch with their fan base and the general public to notice these things.

Quality control for that sort of thing is a miss nowadays. People can fault him all they want, but even for something small like this, MP would've never let it happen. He methodically made sure every detail was just right

That is why I say, it's all MP, and MP is a MUSIC FAN. MP took it upon himself to do these things, and it's a lot of work to do. Which is why I understand MP's reason for wanting a hiatus, but it wasn't one I agreed with as he could've let others control these aspects. But, as you can see here, he didn't want to, because he is a MUSIC FAN that became a MUSICIAN, and in turn really pays attention and understands what a MUSIC FAN wants. MP is a unique musician. A lot of musicians do not think like MP in terms of product output and fan reaction. He is one whom I can say Truly cares about the fans perspectives and thoughts, and takes it into consideration a lot.

I appreciate MP for all of his efforts, and respect him for it, it's the main reason why I am a fan of MP.


Dream Theater, I am a fan of because of many, many different reasons, that the bad outweighs the good for me, and I can look past that. JLB doesn't have a really popular tone of voice, but it has become the tone of Dream Theater, along with JP and JM. Images and Words was what is was, in due part, because of Kevin Moore, his style and keyboard patches. I consider KM to be very integral to the I&W sound and reason for it being a classic. It is unfortunate to know that KM starting drifting away from where the band wanted to go, musically, and it affected the writing and sound for their next album, which we got with Awake, and many here have posted their opinions on KM's patch choices on the album.

With Jordan Rudess, Dream Theater was then able to incorporate more complex musicality into their music writing and composing. This is when you can hear more Patch transitions, and sounds in Dream Theaters music. JR to this day still is creating new sounds and patches, that he incorporates in the live setting.

Jordan Rudess changing his patches, JP's beautiful tone, JM's excellent bass work (also tone), and now Mangini's technical drumming, along with the lyrics of the songs, is why I go see Dream Theater live, and will always go if I am able to, until the day the curtain calls. I may even buy a ticket to that very last show.

There will never ever be a perfect band for me. Unless, I myself make that band, even at that, it'd have to be like how Devin Townsend did his Crappy Halloween Party, clones of myself. 

In other words, I am buying this album, for the live versions of these songs. I actually prefer listening to Live albums, for the energy you can only get with a live show.

[KevShmev]

Sadly, I am not excited about this release at all and doubt I will buy it.  I barely watch most of the concert DVD's/Blu-rays I have now, and I don't need another full performance of Scenes.  Sure, it would be cool to get a couple of those D/T songs, but I just know it is a concert I would never watch.

Yeah, this is how I feel too.

I have pre-ordered it, but it's really only for having a complete live DVD/BR collection from them at this point. I've barely watched their latest ones more than once.

I would've bought the one from The Astonishing tour had they released that, but, yeah...

[Peter Mc]

Are we really that bothered about something said in the trailer? I'm sure you will be able to see the track listing on the album so will know what you are getting. I can totally understand people wanting to buy it or not wanting to buy it but some guy on a trailer saying it's 3 hours when it's only 2.5 is not really going to influence any of us one way or the other.

I am buying it for completists sake but it's probably the least excited I've ever been for a DT album.

[cramx3]

Are we really that bothered about something said in the trailer? I'm sure you will be able to see the track listing on the album so will know what you are getting. I can totally understand people wanting to buy it or not wanting to buy it but some guy on a trailer saying it's 3 hours when it's only 2.5 is not really going to influence any of us one way or the other.

I am buying it for completists sake but it's probably the least excited I've ever been for a DT album.

It's more of a cumulation of  moments from the band.  But in what world do you advertise for something that isn't being delivered?  If any other advertisement said one thing and the product was something else, it would be shat upon.  I don't think anyone is buying this based on that one line in the trailer so it really probably isn't that big of a deal, but the lack of attention to detail in the public forum is a bit odd and sadly consistent.

[gzarruk]

But in what world do you advertise for something that isn't being delivered?

Politics

[cramx3]

But in what world do you advertise for something that isn't being delivered?

Politics

fair enough

[Ben_Jamin]

Are we really that bothered about something said in the trailer? I'm sure you will be able to see the track listing on the album so will know what you are getting. I can totally understand people wanting to buy it or not wanting to buy it but some guy on a trailer saying it's 3 hours when it's only 2.5 is not really going to influence any of us one way or the other.

I am buying it for completists sake but it's probably the least excited I've ever been for a DT album.

It's more of a cumulation of  moments from the band.  But in what world do you advertise for something that isn't being delivered?  If any other advertisement said one thing and the product was something else, it would be shat upon.  I don't think anyone is buying this based on that one line in the trailer so it really probably isn't that big of a deal, but the lack of attention to detail in the public forum is a bit odd and sadly consistent.

Dude, it's marketing. It's exaggerating the fact it's almost 3 hours of content. They round up the number to put emphasis to get people to buy it. It's a stupid marketing strategy. Obviously, no one here is buying it.

[jonny108]

https://www.sonicperspectives.com/album-reviews/dream-theater-distant-memories-live-in-london/

Review from Sonic Perspectives.

[WilliamMunny]

Review sounds promising...thanks for sharing!

[425]

Finally got around to watching the Fatal Tragedy video. It actually pushed me toward deciding to get this release. I share all the major complaints that some have about post-Portnoy live performances (click track, piped-in vocals, less improvisation), but when I watched that knowing those are just things I'm going to have to live with, I really enjoyed it.

An important thing to me in live performances is that they present a somewhat different version of the song than the one I'm used to. This one had enough to set it apart from the studio version, in part because Mangini really seems to approach this song pretty differently. I also tend to be more of a Portnoy fan, but his different approach here intrigued me, and I'll be interested to see if we'll get any analyses of what his doing on Scenes as a whole from some of the more devoted Mangini fans here after the full package is released.

Regarding James: I mean, there's no question that he's lost a step compared since 2000. But I think he's generally found an approach that works for him to do a good enough job live. I had no problems with his performance when I saw them on the Astonishing tour, at least. That plus whatever studio wizardry was done in post results in a performance that I don't think detracts from the whole package. I'm more concerned, as others have mentioned before, about how he looks in this video, just from a health perspective.

Side note: It amuses me how you can watch any DT video from any year and four of the band members will look different in terms of apparent age, hairstyle, facial hair, stage antics, obviously identity... but John Myung always stays the same.

[Cool Chris]

Sadly, I am not excited about this release at all and doubt I will buy it.  I barely watch most of the concert DVD's/Blu-rays I have now, and I don't need another full performance of Scenes.  Sure, it would be cool to get a couple of those D/T songs, but I just know it is a concert I would never watch.

That's where I am at in my life. But it's not a slight on DT. If this came out when I was single and didn't have any TV service, I'd pre-order it no question. Now my time is tied up in raising my kids and YouTube.

[Kocak]

I cannot find any information on the mixing of this particular release. Does anyone know who the Mixing Engineer was?

Thanks in advance.

[Max Kuehnau]

I cannot find any information on the mixing of this particular release. Does anyone know who the Mixing Engineer was?

Thanks in advance.

I'm quite sure it was Jimmy T.

[evilasiojr]

I cannot find any information on the mixing of this particular release. Does anyone know who the Mixing Engineer was?

Thanks in advance.

I'm quite sure it was Jimmy T.

Yeah, JP mentioned on recent interviews.

[MinistroRaven]

I cannot find any information on the mixing of this particular release. Does anyone know who the Mixing Engineer was?

Thanks in advance.

Hope this helps:

[Max Kuehnau]

It does.

[Zydar]

Additional audio editing by John Arbuckle?

[pg1067]

Additional audio editing by John Arbuckle?

[Cool Chris]

That's awesome! But didn't he spell it Jon?

[King Postwhore]

That's awesome! But didn't he spell it Jon?

Yes but for the love of God turn your smart side of your brain off dammit!

[gzarruk]

That's awesome! But didn't he spell it Jon?

Yes but for the love of God turn your smart side of your brain off dammit!

Cool&Smart Chris

[Cool Chris]

I was never in to comics. It was just not my thing. But I loved Garfield. Looking back, I have no idea why.

[ytserush]

Sadly, I am not excited about this release at all and doubt I will buy it.  I barely watch most of the concert DVD's/Blu-rays I have now, and I don't need another full performance of Scenes.  Sure, it would be cool to get a couple of those D/T songs, but I just know it is a concert I would never watch.

Yeah, this is how I feel too.

I have pre-ordered it, but it's really only for having a complete live DVD/BR collection from them at this point. I've barely watched their latest ones more than once.

I would've bought the one from The Astonishing tour had they released that, but, yeah...

The Astonishing has always been the glaring omission for me. You put all of that work into a concept like that and don't commemorate it with a live album?

[Mladen]

Had the album been embraced by the fanbase, they would have easily done it. However, it was very polarizing. Why put the money into recording a live version of an album that a lot of fans didn't care for?

[ytserush]

Had the album been embraced by the fanbase, they would have easily done it. However, it was very polarizing. Why put the money into recording a live version of an album that a lot of fans didn't care for?

If you believe in something that strongly, you have the conviction to see it through and not cave to fan pressure. They were all in until about midway through that tour and then they caved and fell back on Images and Words 25. Not to make this about Portnoy because he absolutely has nothing to do with it, but he would have fought for it. It was even better live musically.

[Dedalus]

Had the album been embraced by the fanbase, they would have easily done it. However, it was very polarizing. Why put the money into recording a live version of an album that a lot of fans didn't care for?

If you believe in something that strongly, you have the conviction to see it through and not cave to fan pressure. They were all in until about midway through that tour and then they caved and fell back on Images and Words 25. Not to make this about Portnoy because he absolutely has nothing to do with it, but he would have fought for it. It was even better live musically.

But there are times when it is necessary to admit defeat.

They tried. They did the record, the tour, many fans hated it.

I think it is unfair to blame them for not insisting anymore.

[cramx3]

It may not have even been the bands decision but maybe there was no record label that wanted to put out such a live release when no one was going to the shows on that second leg of the tour. I would have bought it and probably loved it but I understand that the album was not well received by many.

[MirrorMask]

At least they played it live, I remember Judas Priest's Nostradamus was announced as an album that would have been played live in its entirety, and for the entire tour they played a whopping TWO songs from a double disc album 

[Setlist Scotty]

At least they played it live, I remember Judas Priest's Nostradamus was announced as an album that would have been played live in its entirety, and for the entire tour they played a whopping TWO songs from a double disc album 

You must be mistaken - you think you read that they were playing 2 CDs, but they said they were playing 2 songs!  

[KevShmev]

Had the album been embraced by the fanbase, they would have easily done it. However, it was very polarizing. Why put the money into recording a live version of an album that a lot of fans didn't care for?

If you believe in something that strongly, you have the conviction to see it through and not cave to fan pressure. They were all in until about midway through that tour and then they caved and fell back on Images and Words 25. Not to make this about Portnoy because he absolutely has nothing to do with it, but he would have fought for it. It was even better live musically.

Totally agree.  By "caving in" for lack of a better term, as you said, they let the critics win, and the many fans who love the album, and there are many us, lost.  I would be lying if I said that didn't dent my faith in the band and their decision-making.  After being tired of the band for much of the late 00's, since it felt like the Portnoy and Friends show from a PR and public image standpoint, they had won me back over as a diehard fan for much of the 10's, but while they will likely always be one of my two or three favorite bands ever, my fandom doesn't have the same joy it did four or five years ago.  And hey, that is me problem, not their problem, but I am just saying.