Dream Theater

You know I used to be a huge fan of Dream Theater. In fact I still like their original material, but I have been listening to their cover bootlegs and I'm sorry to say that I am not really enjoying them very much. It seems that they attempt to put out an exact cover even down to the voice duplication. Heck, they're Dream Theater, not Pink Floyd, Yes, or Iron maiden.

Ultimatum on the other hand put out a superb cover album.

I LOVE Dream Theater but I know what you're talking about on this one. I also don't care for their live albums as they're just too close to the originals to be worth buying IMO. Too good for their own good in that department.

I can see where the both of you are coming from, as far as the live cover albums. Joker made me an MP3 of them playing Iron Maiden, Pink Floyd live, etc, and while I agree it is very close to the original arrangements etc, I still could not be helped but to be impressed with the depth of their talent in order to be able to pull off this shows.

I think that my main beef was James LaBries vocals. I used to think that John Petrucci was perhaps the best guitar player in the world. I think Joe Satriani owns that spot now, and I've heard an awful lot of really good good guitar players that may be better than Petrucci as well. Victor Smolski seems to be right up there as well. Also, like him or not because of his ego Yngwie is pretty darn good.

I think their covers are good, not great, both studio and live; but I prefer their own material. Especially the first half of their career. The last few albums, imho are hit or miss. Peace.

I agree that sometimes DT are too talented for their own good. They are such phenominal musicians that I think they sometimes lose that simplistic vibe that makes rock and metal bands' songs so memorable. You know what I mean, right? I mean, I'm as big of fan of Prog rock/metal as anyone but I think it's possible for bands to kinda get lost in that "prog for prog's sake" mentality.

stepcousin wrote:

I agree that sometimes DT are too talented for their own good. They are such phenominal musicians that I think they sometimes lose that simplistic vibe that makes rock and metal bands' songs so memorable. You know what I mean, right? I mean, I'm as big of fan of Prog rock/metal as anyone but I think it's possible for bands to kinda get lost in that "prog for prog's sake" mentality.

I agree. I tend to view it as a "technical for technical's sake" thing though. . Especially with most of these newer metalcore and neo-thrash bands that have gained popularity over the past decade or so. Sure they're all great musicians but their music simply lacks memorability and usually goes in one ear and out the other with me.

For some reason I've always been able to follow Dream Theater's music though and can remember the songs (even the epics) fairly well after just a few listens. Same goes for Yes and Opeth. I guess it's because they understand the dynamics of writing a song as opposed to just slamming riffs together.

stepcousin wrote:

I agree that sometimes DT are too talented for their own good. They are such phenominal musicians that I think they sometimes lose that simplistic vibe that makes rock and metal bands' songs so memorable. You know what I mean, right? I mean, I'm as big of fan of Prog rock/metal as anyone but I think it's possible for bands to kinda get lost in that "prog for prog's sake" mentality.

I agree as well. Dream Theater are very talented, but I agree that many times it's technique over substance. They get so technical that they strip the rock and roll right out of the songs. You have to admit though, those guys sure can play their instruments. It's jaw dropping sometimes.

I also agree with the first post. I'm a big fan of the new Ultimatum CD. It is one of the most enjoyable tribute CDs ever. I'm astonished at how it just sounds like an Ultimatum CD even though it's not their songs.

Thanks Bob. Glad you are digging Lex Metalis.

I like Dream Theater a lot, but I've lost interest over the years as I think they've just not been as good a band since losing founding member Kevin Moore. I think he had a good handle on balancing technique and hooky songwriting. Images And Words, Awake and even When Dream And Day Unite
are all great albums IMO. After that they started to lose me.

I loved A Change of Season with all the covers on it, so I have no complaints about their covers, though I haven't heard much outside of those.

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since losing founding member Kevin Moore

Kevin Moore added a very unique edge to the DT sound...his playing, atmospheres and lyrics gave DT something that no other band had...his style is very distinctive...I love his stuff since leaving DT as well...the CHROMA KEY & O.S.I. albums...plus his work w/ FATES WARNING is fantastic as well...

I have started to come back around to DT after a several year loss of interest in them...but even as much as I am liking them still Kevin's influence is missed.

I am a big fan - the only album I don't like is Falling Into Infinity. Black Clouds & Silver Linings is FANTASTIC, one of their best in years!!! I am really happy to see them get their due!!!

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the only album I don't like is Falling Into Infinity.

What is it you don't like about it? I like it more than any of the Jordan Rudess-era albums...

Shawn Of Fire wrote:

Quote :

the only album I don't like is Falling Into Infinity.

What is it you don't like about it? I like it more than any of the Jordan Rudess-era albums...

I just don't like it, I find it boring.

thejokeriv wrote:

Shawn Of Fire wrote:

Quote :

the only album I don't like is Falling Into Infinity.

What is it you don't like about it? I like it more than any of the Jordan Rudess-era albums...

I just don't like it, I find it boring.

Hm...I feel like it has more personality than anything that came after it...

The Kevin Moore albums are great, but I'm a huge Jordan Rudess fan! My favorite DT album is Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence. The album that gets the least amount of play from me is When A Dream And A Day Unite. I love the new one, as well as Systematic Chaos. Octavarium lost me a little, but it's still a good album.

Moore and Rudess are both great players, though I take your point about Moore's songwriting ability. I'd argue that Rudess' joining the band ws one of the factors that made Scenes from a Memory possibly their best, and his classical bent that pushed Six Degrees into new territory for the band. Yet again, there was some incredibly creative playing on Images and Words and particualarly Awake.


I am enjoying the new album, though!