DT Biography, Lifting Shadows Discussion

[Quadrochosis]

I've only gotten a chance to read chapter one, and I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading chapter two tonight after I get home. Thanks for the incredible experience, Rich!

[Rich Wilson]

I've only gotten a chance to read chapter one, and I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading chapter two tonight after I get home. Thanks for the incredible experience, Rich!

Enjoy 

[erik16]

Got it yesterday, I have already read through all the chapters till Lines in the Sand. Such a pity though that KM didn't contribute to the book. It would have been interesting to hear what were his thoughts on David Prater (besides the obvious thing). Good read though, I'm glad that MP acknowledged that he had controlling issues and I feel sorry for the band during the FII era. They were in the end willing to write a more accessible album and then Elektra didn't do anything with it.

[Demi Zenith]

My limited edition arrived a couple of days ago... and I didn't even realise it! Only when I started opening my mail just now to wrap up the presents I ordered for people from the net that I realised there was a book-shaped one address from the UK. And it's Christmas Day right now so it was like opening a present from myself that I didn't even know I had. 

[Zook]

Still no brick book for me.

[Zook]

*knock knock*

*goes down stairs, opens door*

"Hi, is there someone named..... Harry... Pears?"

*tries to explain*



Thank you Harry and Merry Christmas!

[AcidLameLTE]

Awesome

I told them to send it under "Zook" as well

Merry Christmas.

Edit: How did they pronounce my last name?

[Zook]

Awesome

I told them to send it under "Zook" as well

Merry Christmas.

Edit: How did they pronounce my last name?

Like the fruit actually. I told her someone from a message board sent it to me. She was baffled and explained that next time there should also be the resident's name on the package as well. It just says Harry Pears and my address. I think she was considering not giving me the book.

Wow, this book is beautiful.

So your name is really Harry Pears?

[AcidLameLTE]

Yes.

It's annoying that it didn't say your name on it because when I was filling out the form while buying it, there was a specific field which asked if you wanted it sent under a different name for gift reasons. Since I didn't know your name, I just put "Zook"

Edit: I'm impressed that she said it like the fruit. Most people don't know how to pronounce it the first time around.

[Zook]

I guess it would have been smart to give you my name huh...

[AcidLameLTE]

Oh well. At least you have it.

[Zook]

Thus is true, and I can't thank you enough.

[2Timer]

I got my classic edition this morning, just in time for Christmas! The corner of the book is a little banged up, but otherwise unharmed. I'm still considering trying to sell it to a friend and ordering the limited edition. I wonder how many are left. Kinda kicking myself for not getting that one the first time around.

[AcidLameLTE]

Thus is true, and I can't thank you enough.

No problem

[SystematicThought]

Still no book...  I'm beginning to wonder if I put down the right information for shipping. Under region, were you supposed to put Midwest or the city you live in? 

[Nick]

Um... you would never put Midwest into anything like that. I'm assuming it was either asking for city, state, or country.

[SystematicThought]

Um... you would never put Midwest into anything like that. I'm assuming it was either asking for city, state, or country.

Okay, good, than I filled it out correctly. It must be taking a long time 

[lucky7]

I received my Limited Edition copy the other day....I have already read all the updates from the new edition.....
I will have to reread the entire thing again soon. Great work Rich Now could you please write one on Steve Vai or Joe Satriani! 

[Zook]

[Nick]

I'll see your leather bound edition and fancy necklace and raise you the original awesome version.

[Zook]

Yours looks like a year book while mine looks like the Bible of Metal.

[CountVoorhees]

It's not a book, but I had a pen and paper so what the fuck.

[blackngold29]

This thread just increased by 59.6 win points.




Flyers suck.

[Nick]

Well, I'm being reminded of one of my only complaints about the book...

In the seventh chapter you have the line, "Those closest to the band during that era still correctly rate the album as one of their most complete and captivating releases."

While I agree that Images is one of their most complete and captivating releases, I don't believe that such an objective statement should have any place inside the band's biography, even if I agree with it. The quality of Images and Words is subjective, and as such a statement like that should not be etched into stone like this.

This becomes even more of a problem in chapter ten when the book says that, "Burning My Soul and Just Let Me Breathe are also highlights."

My personal opinions aside Dream Theater's fans nearly unanimously agree that Trial of Tears and Lines in the Sand are the two best tracks on the album. I think it would be better to put in phrases like, "Despite their being tracks on the album many fans, along with the band are not fond of, many fans find Lines in the Sand and Trial of Tears to be two of the best tracks the band have ever written."

Far less authority in the statement, while being far more accurate on a measurable (fan reaction) level.


Just something I hoped would be edited out this time around.

[Rich Wilson]

Some photos of the "Golden Book" and the winner :

https://liftingshadows.com/2009/12/27/golden-book-winner-pictures/

[ariich]

*jealous*

[Nick]

That's really awesome, I am also quite jealous.

I've already powered my way to the middle of the Inner Turbulence chapter, very much enjoying reading this again.

[Rich Wilson]

Thanks Nick.

Also thanks for the point you raised about the subjective reviews of each of the albums. I always appreciate such constructive criticism and there are a few sections that have changed from the first edition because of it. The FII review is pretty different.

I guess from reading a lot of band biogs written by contemporaries of mine who I respect, I am influenced by their approach. Generally, such books do have album opinions in them. Naturally not everyone will agree with all the points I raise. That gives me only a few other options. Lie and write that I think everything that DT have ever released is perfect. Sit on the fence and be vague about the album's quality. Or not mention them at all which, in my opinion would be not doing my job. So of all of those, the approach I feel most comfortable with is the one I took. I knew it wouldn't please anyone but I'm sure you'll agree, pleasing every DT fan would be a tricky task!

Thanks again and I hope it won't put you off reading my books in the future 

[Nick]

I understand why you do it, I do it myself in my reviews, simply because if you don't speak with a certain authority the points often don't often come across strongly.

In the same vein if you came on here and said that SMPTe was a monumental album which the band will never top, I'd be completely cool with it, as it's simply an opinion on an internet forum. However, when you state it as a fact in DT's official biography (which is another one I've found, paraphrasing), then it grates because it makes it sound official.

But like I said, it's my only complaint with the book, so a great job.

[ariich]

Yeah I can see what Nick is saying in a general sense, although I haven't really started reading the book yet. But I always enjoy reading your reviews and articles in Classic Rock Rich, as I think you do a really good job of stating your opinions while also giving a pretty good overview at the same time. Obviously a biography is a different kettle of fish, but at the same time I appreciate that it can be hard to write from a completely independent standpoint and still make it interesting.

[Nic35]

Just recieved it !! Can't wait to start reading it.

[SystematicThought]

I received my copy on Saturday. I am really enjoying it thus far (Chapter 5 right now). A lot of interviews in here that are interesting.

[Nietzsche]

Page 120! WOW! 

[petrucci07]

I've just read this whole thread, and this book sounds really great! Props to you, Rich!  

Also, I ordered my copy of the Classic Edition on Boxing Day, and I live in the UK. When do you reckon I'll get it?

EDIT: Never mind, I just looked over the website again and read that the warehouse is closed until January 
Guess I'll have to wait till I'm back at school.

[2Timer]

Rich, are there any limited edition left? If so, how many? I want to order one, but I don't want to do it until next week.