Chances of MP/JP vocals on new album?

[hefdaddy42]

i prefer when there are multiple, different, voices singing the harmonies. it makes it feel more organic and then they don't have to use backing tracks live since obv 1 person can't sing 2+ parts at once, etc.

Agreed.

[Adami]

i prefer when there are multiple, different, voices singing the harmonies. it makes it feel more organic and then they don't have to use backing tracks live since obv 1 person can't sing 2+ parts at once, etc.

Indeed. One of my favorite things about certain bands (like old school PoS) is the mix of different voices that create a unique timbre that one voice over itself a ton doesn't quite have.

Unless that singer is Freddie Mercury. Though even he utilized the other band members as often as possible.

[TheHoveringSojourn808]

i prefer when there are multiple, different, voices singing the harmonies. it makes it feel more organic and then they don't have to use backing tracks live since obv 1 person can't sing 2+ parts at once, etc.

Indeed. One of my favorite things about certain bands (like old school PoS) is the mix of different voices that create a unique timbre that one voice over itself a ton doesn't quite have.

Unless that singer is Freddie Mercury. Though even he utilized the other band members as often as possible.

prophet's song is the exception that proves the rule lol

[gzarruk]

With the recent "unmuting" of JP's mic and the return of MP to the band, I have no doubt their backing vocals will come back. I'd bet we get a couple MP leads too (lines, not full songs).

[Stadler]

i prefer when there are multiple, different, voices singing the harmonies. it makes it feel more organic and then they don't have to use backing tracks live since obv 1 person can't sing 2+ parts at once, etc.

Indeed. One of my favorite things about certain bands (like old school PoS) is the mix of different voices that create a unique timbre that one voice over itself a ton doesn't quite have.

Unless that singer is Freddie Mercury. Though even he utilized the other band members as often as possible.

Yes.  I mean, the band "Yes".  Some of their vocal harmonies were just other-worldly.

[MoraWintersoul]

Considering the absolute consensus in this thread that MP back = live and on record backing vocals are back, what do you guys think: did JP already decide he'd hopefully be singing more on the next album and reunion tour when he unmuted his mic for the last part of the View tour, and he just wanted to get some practice in?

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

Considering the absolute consensus in this thread that MP back = live and on record backing vocals are back, what do you guys think: did JP already decide he'd hopefully be singing more on the next album and reunion tour when he unmuted his mic for the last part of the View tour, and he just wanted to get some practice in?

*just my opinion* but I dont think JP decided or even remotely contemplated any of that upon MP's return. It was neither hopeful or unhopeful regarding the actual task of making music. I don't think he feels strongly one way or another regarding the backing tracks. I think he is cool with doing some singing, little signing, or none at all. In the scale of John Petrucci's Dream Theater priorities, this is likely near the bottom along with a few other things.

[MoraWintersoul]

Considering the absolute consensus in this thread that MP back = live and on record backing vocals are back, what do you guys think: did JP already decide he'd hopefully be singing more on the next album and reunion tour when he unmuted his mic for the last part of the View tour, and he just wanted to get some practice in?

*just my opinion* but I dont think JP decided or even remotely contemplated any of that upon MP's return. It was neither hopeful or unhopeful regarding the actual task of making music. I don't think he feels strongly one way or another regarding the backing tracks. I think he is cool with doing some singing, little signing, or none at all. In the scale of John Petrucci's Dream Theater priorities, this is likely near the bottom along with a few other things.

What I meant with my very unclear question was, can we take the timing of the backing vocal switchup on tour as a sign that JP was maybe privately considering asking MP back and pondering about how it would be if he came back?

[pg1067]

Considering the absolute consensus in this thread that MP back = live and on record backing vocals are back, what do you guys think: did JP already decide he'd hopefully be singing more on the next album and reunion tour when he unmuted his mic for the last part of the View tour, and he just wanted to get some practice in?

*just my opinion* but I dont think JP decided or even remotely contemplated any of that upon MP's return. It was neither hopeful or unhopeful regarding the actual task of making music. I don't think he feels strongly one way or another regarding the backing tracks. I think he is cool with doing some singing, little signing, or none at all. In the scale of John Petrucci's Dream Theater priorities, this is likely near the bottom along with a few other things.

What I meant with my very unclear question was, can we take the timing of the backing vocal switchup on tour as a sign that JP was maybe privately considering asking MP back and pondering about how it would be if he came back?

I don't generally care to speculate what other people may be or have been thinking, but I'd be shocked if JP said those two things had any connection.

[Madman Shepherd]

I am probably in the minority here but I would like both of them to concentrate on their instruments and stay away from the vocals.

I am with you.

Same here. If they need to do it live, so be it, but in the studio it should just be James. JP has an interesting voice that can sometimes compliment JLB but JLB himself compliments his own voice the best.

I've always heard that bands need to make the best version possible in the studio and worry about playing it live later.

[Setlist Scotty]

I am probably in the minority here but I would like both of them to concentrate on their instruments and stay away from the vocals.

I am with you.

I too am with you. The backing vocal worked on some songs like Rite of Passage, but taken as a whole it was unnecessary, intrusive on JLB, and even forced sounding. I would prefer a very modest sprinkle of backing vocal from MP. I don't need to hear him enter into JLB's territory every other tune.

I think it depends on the situation, but largely his vocals don't come off as intrusive to me. And in some cases, they really add to the studio recordings (besides live). SDVu is a perfect example of this.

[Schurftkut]

https://youtu.be/9XvoG2bYddc?t=1147

they used to be both pretty high up in the mix ;-)

[pg1067]

https://youtu.be/9XvoG2bYddc?t=1147

they used to be both pretty high up in the mix ;-)

I kinda prefer that hard stage right for JR than what he does now.

[TheHoveringSojourn808]

do you folks think we'll get any vocal submissions from mike mangini? similar to Repentence where there were guest vocal submissions, he could have a spoken word part where he clears up once and for all whether he was fired or quit or let go

[pg1067]

do you folks think we'll get any vocal submissions from mike mangini? similar to Repentence where there were guest vocal submissions, he could have a spoken word part where he clears up once and for all whether he was fired or quit or let go

I think there will be a song about people who receive good advice but don't heed it.

[nobloodyname]

To be fair, HoJo really isn't posting anything more silly than some of the more post-laden regulars do.

[bosk1]

Yeah, he really is.

[TheHoveringSojourn808]

do you folks think we'll get any vocal submissions from mike mangini? similar to Repentence where there were guest vocal submissions, he could have a spoken word part where he clears up once and for all whether he was fired or quit or let go

I think there will be a song about people who receive good advice but don't heed it.

they already wrote that song. it's called the count of tuscany

[nobloodyname]

Yeah, he really is.

No, he really isn't.

[TheHoveringSojourn808]

if it gets people discussing music, and makes some people chuckle, i consider it a successful post. sorry if some people can't appreciate taking life a little more lightly

[Skeever]

It's really hilarious to me because we all look at a post like that and think it's completely ridiculous before remembering exactly how we felt when we learned that DT were naming their first post MP album "A Dramatic Turn of Events". I doubt it would be as silly as what a HS has put out there, but a song that in some way touches on the recent lineup change definitely squares with JP's approach to literal lyrics to me.

[Zantera]

It's really hilarious to me because we all look at a post like that and think it's completely ridiculous before remembering exactly how we felt when we learned that DT were naming their first post MP album "A Dramatic Turn of Events". I doubt it would be as silly as what a HS has put out there, but a song that in some way touches on the recent lineup change definitely squares with JP's approach to literal lyrics to me.

I agree with this. Over the years the band has had many on the nose references to things and they're not exactly subtle. Would not be surprised at all if a new album title or song title references the return of the classic lineup in some way.

[nobloodyname]

Didn't JP say that the title 'A Dramatic Turn of Events' had nothing to do with MP leaving the band?

[TheCountOfNYC]

I always thought that the lyrics to The Looking Glass were John Petrucci’s response to Mike Portnoy quitting the band then unsuccessfully trying to join the more popular Avenged Sevenfold full time, although I know that’s not the case. I also thought Beneath the Surface was partially inspired by Mike’s departure. I guess at the time I was projecting my feelings about the split onto the band itself, which isn’t fair to them.

[Zantera]

Didn't JP say that the title 'A Dramatic Turn of Events' had nothing to do with MP leaving the band?

Couldn't he say the same even if the next album ends up being named something like "Hero's Return" or "Metropolis 3: forget the last decade" or whatever else?

[nobloodyname]

Hehe! He quite possibly will do exactly that. And that's the thing about JP. I love him but he really is the Mr Corporate many of us work with day in, day out.

[bosk1]

I also thought Beneath the Surface was partially inspired by Mike’s departure.

No, it's not about that at all.

[Setlist Scotty]

To be fair, HoJo really isn't posting anything more silly than some of the more post-laden regulars do.

No, he's posting more annoying stuff than the others. Joking is one thing, being obnoxious is another. Big difference. He may be trying to be silly but it's just coming off as obnoxious, which is exactly why he rubs people the wrong way. And then he complains that he doesn't know why people "hate" him here, despite efforts to try to explain and help him. 
 
 

if it gets people discussing music, and makes some people chuckle, i consider it a successful post. sorry if some people can't appreciate taking life a little more lightly

What it's doing is getting people to talk about *you* which you seem to want, but in a negative light, which apparently you don't. It has nothing to do with "taking life a little more lightly."
 
 

I also thought Beneath the Surface was partially inspired by Mike’s departure.

No, it's not about that at all.

Correct. I actually posted about it and what JP said when I asked him about it here:
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=29847.msg1158562#msg1158562

and here:
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=29847.msg1158871#msg1158871

[TheHoveringSojourn808]

To be fair, HoJo really isn't posting anything more silly than some of the more post-laden regulars do.

No, he's posting more annoying stuff than the others. Joking is one thing, being obnoxious is another. Big difference. He may be trying to be silly but it's just coming off as obnoxious, which is exactly why he rubs people the wrong way. And then he complains that he doesn't know why people "hate" him here, despite efforts to try to explain and help him. 
 
 

if it gets people discussing music, and makes some people chuckle, i consider it a successful post. sorry if some people can't appreciate taking life a little more lightly

What it's doing is getting people to talk about *you* which you seem to want, but in a negative light, which apparently you don't. It has nothing to do with "taking life a little more lightly."
 
 

I also thought Beneath the Surface was partially inspired by Mike’s departure.

No, it's not about that at all.

Correct. I actually posted about it and what JP said when I asked him about it here:
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=29847.msg1158562#msg1158562

and here:
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=29847.msg1158871#msg1158871

 

[TheCountOfNYC]

I also thought Beneath the Surface was partially inspired by Mike’s departure.

No, it's not about that at all.

Oh I know. I was more mentioning these things that I used to think (and I no longer think that way to be clear) to make a point about how fans sometimes let their own feelings about things dictate their interpretations of an artist’s creations.

[Architeuthis]

I hope MP and JP do some vocals on the new record, and not just James doing the harmonies.
I loved the way Mike had short lead vocal sections in the Neal Morse Band. That worked really well and would like to see some of this on DT16. 

[Cruithne]

Whatever issues LaBrie's may be having with his voice as he ages he used to be in the upper echolon of rock/metal singers imo - right up there on the Tate (well, back when he was good), Dickinson, Halford, Dio, Coverdale, et-al, strata - and having other people singing on DT albums who didn't blend well with his voice due to a technical disparity and a clash of colour/timbre was certainly a choice they made.

It worked out in a couple of places but overall? No thanks.

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

Whatever issues LaBrie's may be having with his voice as he ages he used to be in the upper echolon of rock/metal singers imo - right up there on the Tate (well, back when he was good), Dickinson, Halford, Dio, Coverdale, et-al, strata - and having other people singing on DT albums who didn't blend well with his voice due to a technical disparity and a clash of colour/timbre was certainly a choice they made.

It worked out in a couple of places but overall? No thanks.

Was he ever really considered up there with the likes of Dio and Coverdale? That isn't a rhetorical question.

[efx]

Whatever issues LaBrie's may be having with his voice as he ages he used to be in the upper echolon of rock/metal singers imo - right up there on the Tate (well, back when he was good), Dickinson, Halford, Dio, Coverdale, et-al, strata - and having other people singing on DT albums who didn't blend well with his voice due to a technical disparity and a clash of colour/timbre was certainly a choice they made.

It worked out in a couple of places but overall? No thanks.

Was he ever really considered up there with the likes of Dio and Coverdale? That isn't a rhetorical question.

Overall, outside of DT fandom? I would say no. His voice had plenty of detractors going back to day 1 which I would attribute more to them becoming big during a time when that sort of vocal wasn't in style as much. Dio and Coverdale to use your examples had the good fortune to work in a decade where those types of voices were more in vogue.

[TheHoveringSojourn808]

i think before his vocal cords ruptured after eating the bad shrimp he was considered the up and coming Dio; poor guy