Dream Theater: Systematic Chaos

[NeedForSpeed]

Artist: Dream Theater
Title: Systematic Chaos
Label: Roadrunner Records
Genre: Rock (Prog)
Released: 2007

The buzz on this disc has been growing the last few months on other sites,
Mainly due to the fact, There isn't much new stuff for progressive rock fans
to look forward to most of the time. As a long time DT fan, I grabbed this
as soon as it was released, Today. If your a DT and or Prog rock fan, Chaos
doesn't disappoint. Front man James Labrie is in fine form, and the never
gets his due respect, John Petrucci is his usual monster riffing self. This guy
should be mentioned along side of Vai/Gilmore/Satch. With Neal Peart
impersonator, Mike Portney supplying the back beat, you have a band who
really know there craft, The playing on this disc is astounding. There best
since, Falling into Infinity.

[Permanent Waves]

Sounds good! :thmbsp:

My gf loves DT, it's probably her second favorite band after Rush (mine is Queen). I, however, much to her annoyance, have yet to really get into DT. I've even went with her to one of their shows, (the recent one in St. Louis where some idiot in the upper balcony tried to catch Portnoy's thrown drumstick at the end of the show and fell over the railing and landed on somone below him :stupid: thus ending Portnoy's habit of throwing out his drumsticks to the crowd :no: : sorry folks, I swear it wasn't me! :sigh: :D ) but I just think their music tends to wander too much. I like more linear and traditional rock songs, and while some prog solos and jams are great (hey, I love Rush and Queen remember?!) I think DT tend to go too far on many of their songs and end up playing in circles too much with no ultimate direction, or point.

But like I said, I have yet to seriously sit down and concentrate on listening to all of their albums over and over to really be able to judge. Hearing all of them kind of in the background when my gf plays them doesn't count.

[avguytx]

Damn, I forgot that came out today! Looks like I'll be stopping by a BB or something to pick one up since I'm on the road working the next few days! I'm a huge Dream Theater fan....

[Tapehead47]

It takes a lot of dedicated listening to get into a new group. Dream Theatre, and Porcupine Tree seem to have that promise.

I have copies of some Porcupine Tree, and Dream Theatre CD's that I need to sit down and listen to. But it's got to be at the right time. And I must be in a 'receptive' mood.

I didn't know John Patituchi was in DT! He has played with some awesome jazz groups. This makes me more 'receptive'.

Trouble is when you burn a CD you don't get all the info.

I'm glad there are people like you out there!

Rick in Lutz, Fl.

[Dusty Chalk]

...I think DT tend to go too far on many of their songs and end up playing in circles too much with no ultimate direction, or point...I disagree, I think they're pretty tight, compositionally. Have you heard "A Change of Seasons"?

[Permanent Waves]

Like I said, I need to really listen more closely to DT's albums, I've heard all of them at least once (some many times) but only a few have I really concentrated on, most were just kind of background music when I heard them. Maybe if I could ever stop playing the new Rush album (and all their albums for that matter, got to get ready for the tour! :banana:) I will sit down to them all and listen to each a few times at least! :D My gf has all of DT's albums, including this one she just got today, so that should be no problem to do. Then I'll get back to you guys with a more informed opinion. :thmbsp:

But as of now, I think they are a better cover and jam band than a original song writing or compositional band. I think they have talent in this way, and when I saw them live they were great, but listening to them is kind of just like listening to a band jam in circles with no apparent direction (besides a few of their more concise songs). It's good, they can play, but in the end, why am I listening to it? :scratch2: But maybe this is all because I have yet to really learn their songs, or I don't particulary like that kind of music (I'm not too big on classical either).

Anyway, I do take issue with the band members themselves. For it is no secret that their drummer is totally full of himself; he's said that in high school everyone went around calling him the "next Neil Peart" and he thought to himself "yea, that's what I'll be". :no: Even if he was that good or even better (he isn't, not by far, at least from what I've heard and comparative discussions I've read like this one: http://www.rushmessageboard.com/cpmb/index.php?showtopic=11285, and there's much better drummers than him that are comparable or better than Peart) that's highly egotistical.

Also, the whole band has this thing about Rush not making anything worthwhile listening to since Signals in '82, they've said they won't listen to any of their output after that (like it's not worthy of their time). :no: It's fine if they privately think that way, that's their opinion, and I know some (all?) are big fans of Rush (although I don't understand how you can love a band if you don't like at least most of their output, not just their "golden era": that's a very casual or fair weather fan, the kind that turns on the radio and hears a hit and listens to it but wouldn't dare sit down and listen to an album from the same band that's unpopular or unknown to the general rock fan), but to be in a professional band and say publically of another band that they haven't put out anything for 25 years worth listening to is really, really, arrogant and a deliberate put down of that band. It's exactly like saying that you think your band has never put out anything of dubious quality or at least all of it is better than the band you judge to be unlistenable to after a certain album, and so you have the right to look down on other bands that you think have put out flawed albums, and in Rush's case, over a dozen albums not worth listening too. What the hell? :nono:

And lest you think I find this attitude of DT's repugnant because of what they have said about my favorite band, that's entirely not the case (for one, I could care less about what anyone thinks about the music I like or Rush, I'd still love Rush even if all 3 members pubically stated that they themselves personally hate everything they have ever done. Who cares?). For instance, I'm no Yes fan at all, but I think DT has said the same things toward them. And here's a direct quote from Portnoy from an interview about two bands that I like, but not incredibly so:

"What hard rock/heavy metal band should give it up and call it a day?"

"Metallica and Queensryche...Both bands made some of my favorite records of the 80's and some of the biggest piles of shit in the 90's.."

(He goes on to say later in the interview that Neil Peart should "give it a rest" and puts down about 5 other drummers as well, most of which are better than him. And just check out #11 on that interview, yes, I'm sure he made a tribute album with a lot of washed up bands not for any money. Oh really? Well he's a millionare, I'd believe him if he refused any royalties from that album or donated all of them to some music institution dedicated to bringing music to impoverished kids. Also, Rush is very popular outside of the US and Canda, talk about being jealous and a blatant lie. What does popularity have to do with talent anyway? And Neil was popular enough for Portnoy to interview for a drum magazine, or did he sell his integrity for the money he got from doing the interview with someone he doesn't respect, personally or musically, nor his band, at least not anymore? Actually, just reading the whole interview this guy sounds like an ungrateful pretentious asswipe one second and then a seemingly nice guy and remembering his place in the next. He sounds like a schizo. This guy is so very precious, what a douche. He talks like just another spoiled immature kid/rockstar/wannabe putting down his superiors. That's not class, and doesn't come off as one serious about musical artistry.)

http://www.metalsludge.tv/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=202&Itemid=52

So DT (or at least Portnoy) seem to like to deny the talent of the very bands that have inspired them and that they stole half of what they know from (and yea, he is right about 90's Metallica, but 80's Metallica kills all DT, and Queensryche's last few releases were at least as good as any DT I've heard), all the while playing covers of their music and making $$$ from doing so. That's entirely hypocritical. (No wonder he's a recovering alcoholic, he had to use something to drown all of that guilt until he lost all humility and became a megalomanic self professed incredible drummer and drummer/music critic). Hell, I wouldn't care if they/he said the same things about Bananarama and they were totally correct, it's just sheer arrogance to put down another band publically if you youself are in a band. You might as well say: "They're good, but we're better." Or: "They suck, and we're way better." Not cool.

Anyway, didn't mean to steal the thread, and this is all jmho anyway and perhaps I'm entirely wrong so don't take offense anyone! :smoke:

[NeedForSpeed]

Sounds good! :thmbsp:

My gf loves DT, it's probably her second favorite band after Rush (mine is Queen). I, however, much to her annoyance, have yet to really get into DT. I've even went with her to one of their shows, (the recent one in St. Louis where some idiot in the upper balcony tried to catch Portnoy's thrown drumstick at the end of the show and fell over the railing and landed on somone below him :stupid: thus ending Portnoy's habit of throwing out his drumsticks to the crowd :no: : sorry folks, I swear it wasn't me! :sigh: :D ) but I just think their music tends to wander too much. I like more linear and traditional rock songs, and while some prog solos and jams are great (hey, I love Rush and Queen remember?!) I think DT tend to go too far on many of their songs and end up playing in circles too much with no ultimate direction, or point.

But like I said, I have yet to seriously sit down and concentrate on listening to all of their albums over and over to really be able to judge. Hearing all of them kind of in the background when my gf plays them doesn't count.

I agree, to some extent, When a song is more than say 7-8 minutes long,
it can get kind of fatiguing, unless, like me, your waiting for the next
change in step, or tone, much like the grestest prog band ever (P Floyd)
DT, Always seems to have surprises in there marathon tracks. BTW,
great concert story . Was wondering why he quit that.

[Drybasement]

I didn't know John Patituchi was in DT! He has played with some awesome jazz groups.

It's John Petrucci actually. Different person altogether. I hope that doesn't disuade you.

NeedForSpeed,

My copy shipped last Monday. It should arrive tomorrow or Friday. I ordered the deluxe edition with the DVD. Very much looking forward to this release as I do all Dream Theater released including their Official Bootleg Series stuff.

Cheers

[NeedForSpeed]

It takes a lot of dedicated listening to get into a new group. Dream Theatre, and Porcupine Tree seem to have that promise.

I have copies of some Porcupine Tree, and Dream Theatre CD's that I need to sit down and listen to. But it's got to be at the right time. And I must be in a 'receptive' mood.

I didn't know John Patituchi was in DT! He has played with some awesome jazz groups. This makes me more 'receptive'.

Trouble is when you burn a CD you don't get all the info.

I'm glad there are people like you out there!

Rick in Lutz, Fl.

Thanks for the kind words, I also need to be "In the mood" for this style,
usually after a couple hours of rocking at high volume, I'll turn things
down and put on Pink Floyd or Yes, and of course Dream Theater.
John Petrucci, is the co-founding member, with Mike Portnoy, and yes
is a great jazz guitarist. The guys name is never on any great this or that
lists, And I think it's probably due to his style. Even David Gilmore did'nt get
his respect untill leaving PF. This disc is a good introduction to DT, if your
not familiar with them, or check out there debut, Images And Words.

[NeedForSpeed]

It's John Petrucci actually. Different person altogether. I hope that doesn't disuade.

NeedForSpeed,

My copy shipped last Monday. It should arrive tomorrow or Friday. I ordered the deluxe edition with the DVD. Very much looking forward to this release as I do all Dream Theater released including their Official Bootleg Series stuff.

Cheers

I'm waiting on the word on the 5.1 sound, and video quality, Maybe you can
give us the :thmbsp: or :thumbsdn: When you get it.

[NeedForSpeed]

Like I said, I need to really listen more closely to DT's albums, I've heard all of them at least once (some many times) but only a few have I really concentrated on, most were just kind of background music when I heard them. Maybe if I could ever stop playing the new Rush album (and all their albums for that matter, got to get ready for the tour! :banana:) I will sit down to them all and listen to each a few times at least! :D My gf has all of DT's albums, including this one she just got today, so that should be no problem to do. Then I'll get back to you guys with a more informed opinion. :thmbsp:

But as of now, I think they are a better cover and jam band than a original song writing or compositional band. I think they have talent in this way, and when I saw them live they were great, but listening to them is kind of just like listening to a band jam in circles with no apparent direction (besides a few of their more concise songs). It's good, they can play, but in the end, why am I listening to it? :scratch2: But maybe this is all because I have yet to really learn their songs, or I don't particulary like that kind of music (I'm not too big on classical either).

Anyway, I do take issue with the band members themselves. For it is no secret that their drummer is totally full of himself; he's said that in high school everyone went around calling him the "next Neil Peart" and he thought to himself "yea, that's what I'll be". :no: Even if he was that good or even better (he isn't, not by far, at least from what I've heard and comparative discussions I've read like this one: http://www.rushmessageboard.com/cpmb/index.php?showtopic=11285, and there's much better drummers than him that are comparable or better than Peart) that's highly egotistical.

Also, the whole band has this thing about Rush not making anything worthwhile listening to since Signals in '82, they've said they won't listen to any of their output after that (like it's not worthy of their time). :no: It's fine if they privately think that way, that's their opinion, and I know some (all?) are big fans of Rush (although I don't understand how you can love a band if you don't like at least most of their output, not just their "golden era": that's a very casual or fair weather fan, the kind that turns on the radio and hears a hit and listens to it but wouldn't dare sit down and listen to an album from the same band that's unpopular or unknown to the general rock fan), but to be in a professional band and say publically of another band that they haven't put out anything for 25 years worth listening to is really, really, arrogant and a deliberate put down of that band. It's exactly like saying that you think your band has never put out anything of dubious quality or at least all of it is better than the band you judge to be unlistenable to after a certain album, and so you have the right to look down on other bands that you think have put out flawed albums, and in Rush's case, over a dozen albums not worth listening too. What the hell? :nono:

And lest you think I find this attitude of DT's repugnant because of what they have said about my favorite band, that's entirely not the case. For instance, I'm no Yes fan at all, but I think DT has said the same things toward them. And here's a direct quote from Portnoy from an interview about two bands that I like, but not incredibly so:

"What hard rock/heavy metal band should give it up and call it a day?"

"Metallica and Queensryche...Both bands made some of my favorite records of the 80's and some of the biggest piles of shit in the 90's.."

(He goes on to say later in the interview that Neil Peart should "give it a rest" and puts down about 5 other drummers as well, most of which are better than him. And just check out #11 on that interview, yes, I'm sure he made a tribute album with a lot of washed up bands not for any money. Oh really? Well he's a millionare, I'd believe him if he refused any royalties from that album or donated all of them to some music institution dedicated to bringing music to impoverished kids. Also, Rush is very popular outside of the US and Canda, talk about being sore. What does popularity have to do with talent anyway? And Neil was popular enough for Portnoy to interview for a drum magazine, or did he sell his integrity for the money he got from doing the interview with someone he doesn't respect, at least not anymore? Actually, just reading the whole interview this guy sounds like an ungrateful pretentious asswipe one second and then a seemingly nice guy and remembering his place in the next. He sounds like a schizo. This guy is so very precious, what a douche.)

http://www.metalsludge.tv/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=202&Itemid=52

So DT (or at least Portnoy) seem to like to deny the talent of the very bands that have inspired them and that they stole half of what they know from (and yea, he is right about 90's Metallica, but 80's Metallica kills all DT, and Queensryche's last few releases were at least as good as any DT I've heard), all the while playing covers of their music and making $$$ from doing so. That's really messed up. (No wonder he's a recovering alcoholic, he had to use something to drown all of that guilt until he lost all humility and became a megalomanic self professed incredible drummer and drummer/music critic). Hell, I wouldn't care if they said the same things about Bananarama and they were totally correct, it's just sheer arrogance to put down another band publically if you youself are in a band. You might as well say: "They're good, but we're better." Or: "They suck, and we're way better." Not cool.

Anyway, didn't mean to steal the thread, and this is all jmho anyway and perhaps I'm entirely wrong so don't take offense anyone! :smoke:

I've never read any of this stuff, If that was said, Not cool, my personnel
comparison was just that, Theres only 1 Neal Peart, and Rush has been
chugging along since what, 77-78. Portnoy uses some of his style IMO.
Playing "Off Beat" or at a different count, is a NP trademark, And its done
on alot of DT tracks.

[Permanent Waves]

Well, sorry about all that long post, I just get really upset when musican's egos get in the way of their music.

For instance, in that interview Portnoy says that Neil said the bands on a recent Rush tribute album were "bar bands". I'm not entirely sure if he actually did say this, or if he really meant it, but if he did, shame on him. (I have no allegiance to any particular musican just because I love their music, if someone acts like an ass, they he or she is being an ass!). Although I do think he's right and has a reason to be angry at washed up hacks making $$$ off of his band's music, he shouldn't have said that publically.

However, that seems so out of character for Neil that I can't be sure he really said it or meant it. All the members of Rush have always come off as classy and humble, and above personal insults and arguments with other bands. At least that's what I've gotten from the dozens of interviews of Rush I've read and heard.

Anyway, I don't have a problem with longer songs, but just that the longer DT songs I've heard don't seem so "coherent" as other songs of the same length by other bands. For instance, some of my favorite Rush songs are Zanadu, La Villa Stranigato, Jacob's Ladder, The Camera Eye, Natural Science, Hemispheres, and 2112. Those are all at least 7 minute long songs, but they all seem to be moving in some direction and not wandering off on tangents. Metallic and even Pink Floyd also have some great instrumentals I find are of the same type.

Like I said, this could all be just a personal preferrence I have, I like songs and instrumentals that are long and jam, but I also like linearity.

And Rush has been around since '68 when Alex and Ged first started playing together, Neil came in at '75. And you're right, Portnoy puts down those he's stole from instead of just acknowledging his debt. Totally classless.

[avguytx]

I just enjoy the music. I could care less about what one band thinks about the other. It's reminiscent of the late 80's and 90's crap with Guns & Roses (which I just hate), Motley Crue, and other bands like that. It's just like the celebrity world of one bashing another. I don't read the tabloids...I don't care. I just enjoy the music. :music:

As far as Rush goes, they are a great band but I haven't bought anything after Moving Pictures I think. Something about Geddy Lee's voice just gets on my nerves...like Axl Rose's but I can't listen to ANY GNR (Slash is ok, though). But they ARE a great band (Rush I mean) no matter what. Very talented. I grew up jamming on 2112, Moving Pictures, etc.

But I do love me some Dream Theater when the crankin' time is upon me!

[NeedForSpeed]

Well, sorry about all that long post, I just get really upset when musican's egos get in the way of their music.

For instance, in that interview Portnoy says that Neil said the bands on a recent Rush tribute album were "bar bands". I'm not entirely sure if he actually did say this, or if he really meant it, but if he did, shame on him. (I have no allegiance to any particular musican just because I love their music, if someone acts like an ass, they he or she is being an ass!). Although I do think he's right and has a reason to be angry at washed up hacks making $$$ off of his band's music, he shouldn't have said that publically.

However, that seems so out of character for Neil that I can't be sure he really said it or meant it. All the members of Rush have always come off as classy and humble, and above personal insults and arguments with other bands. At least that's what I've gotten from the dozens of interviews of Rush I've read and heard.

Anyway, I don't have a problem with longer songs, but just that the longer DT songs I've heard don't seem so "coherent" as other songs of the same length by other bands. For instance, some of my favorite Rush songs are Zanadu, La Villa Stranigato, Jacob's Ladder, The Camera Eye, Natural Science, Hemispheres, and 2112. Those are all at least 7 minute long songs, but they all seem to be moving in some direction and not wandering off on tangents. Metallic and even Pink Floyd also have some great instrumentals I find are of the same type.

Like I said, this could all be just a personal preferrence I have, I like songs and instrumentals that are long and jam, but I also like linearity.

And Rush has been around since '68 when Alex and Ged first started playing together, Neil came in at '75. And you're right, Portnoy puts down those he's stole from instead of just acknowledging his debt. Totally classless.

Guess I'm not totally up to speed on my Rush history, I got into them with
"Caress Of Steel", Which still gets alot of play around here. I've heard of
other bands trashing one another, Stones/Aerosmith, Aerosmith/Van Halen,
But it has never swayed me buying good music, It's an ego trip, Lame, true,
But whatta gonna do. Hope you give this disc a try, It's just good tunes,
Nothing more.

[Tapehead47]

Got the name wrong, but from what I've heard of DT, it doesn't matter. Tomorrow night is 'music nite' with my brother, John. DT will be played if I can find that disc somewhere.

Rick

[NeedForSpeed]

Got the name wrong, but from what I've heard of DT, it doesn't matter. Tomorrow night is 'music nite' with my brother, John. DT will be played if I can find that disc somewhere.

Rick

Your right, Does'nt matter, Enjoy "Music Night".

[Tapehead47]

It's not often Johnny and me can get together to listen to music. When we can it's a very special time for us both.

I bought a pair of 1989 Klipsch Fortes about a month ago and this is my first chance to audition them with Johnny. Man, am I looking forward to bragging rights!

Rick

[NeedForSpeed]

It's not often Johnny and me can get together to listen to music. When we can it's a very special time for us both.

I bought a pair of 1989 Klipsch Fortes about a month ago and this is my first chance to audition them with Johnny. Man, am I looking forward to bragging rights!

Rick

Nice, Enjoy!

[Permanent Waves]

I will give the new cd a listen, my gf seems to like it, and I will give all the older ones a close listen! :thmbsp:

I was just venting at the pompus attitude of some rock stars, and Portnoy is at the top of the list. It really interferes with my enjoyment of their music. It's hard for me to really like a band if I think it's members are asses, it's just a peeve I have. I have to respect the band as people or else I can't really truly love them. I can causally enjoy them, but not ever really get into them, especially if their lyrics have social/political points and concerns that the band themselves seem to care nothing about (before you ask, Rush has given a lot to charities over the years, and best of all have given quietly: they even won the Order of Canada for their charity work). That's hypocritical. I have the same thing with movies and actors: I used to really like The Last Samurai (yes, I know it glorified the Samurai's and was historically inaccurate, but still) with Tom Cruise before he went insane and started acting like a total dick. I can't watch that movie now because in it he portrays someone of moral fiber, and in real life he's not. Same thing with Russell Crowe and Mel Gibson. Their behavior totally undermines any portrayal of them as impassioned would be hero's in movies. I usually try to stay away from news and info. about celebs and rock band members because of this reason, but I can't help absorbing some from popular culture and when it is negative it affects my enjoyment of said celeb's and musician's works.

Btw, Portnoy maligned Neil by taking that "bar band" quote entirely out of context about a Rush tribute album. What he said was that the record label was just trying to make money off of fans because they almost exclusively produced tribute albums and nothing else and he jokingly referred to the players on these tribute albums to ANY band as "bar bands". Not quite as mean spirited as Portnoy would have us believe, and he wasn't singling out Portnoy much less that particular tribute album.

This is all explained further here if anyone cares to read:

http://www.rushmessageboard.com/cpmb/index.php?showtopic=11285&st=200&gopid=420248&#entry420248

I'll shut up now. :D

[Urizen]

I have been a fan since Images & Words. Thanks for the heads up.

[Urizen]

Liquid Tension Experiment - basically the same guys and playing.

'Cept Poppa Bear plays bass.:thmbsp:

[Zeromancer]

I just enjoy the music. I could care less about what one band thinks about the other. It's reminiscent of the late 80's and 90's crap with Guns & Roses (which I just hate), Motley Crue, and other bands like that. It's just like the celebrity world of one bashing another. I don't read the tabloids...I don't care. I just enjoy the music. :music:

As far as Rush goes, they are a great band but I haven't bought anything after Moving Pictures I think. Something about Geddy Lee's voice just gets on my nerves...like Axl Rose's but I can't listen to ANY GNR (Slash is ok, though). But they ARE a great band (Rush I mean) no matter what. Very talented. I grew up jamming on 2112, Moving Pictures, etc.

But I do love me some Dream Theater when the crankin' time is upon me!
I agree. I just love the music.
I also love Liquid Tension Experiment :D

[Ivorytooth]

I'm a big DT fan and have all of their CDs except this one. I heard the song "The Dark Eternal Night". That song freakin rocks!!

I am buying the CD tonight. So far, I have liked all of their stuff.

I really love prog metal.

[NeedForSpeed]

I'm a big DT fan and have all of their CDs except this one. I heard the song "The Dark Eternal Night". That song freakin rocks!!

I am buying the CD tonight. So far, I have liked all of their stuff.

I really love prog metal.

You'll enjoy it, You also will get a 5.1 disc in the same sleeve, A very good
SACD, Nice tone, And nothing fancy where the producer tries to "Show" you
that it's multi-channel. BTW, Portnoy's drumming is Crazy good on the disc.

[Dusty Chalk]

You'll enjoy it, You also will get a 5.1 disc in the same sleeve, A very good SACD...Wait, what's a SACD?

[AudioAGAPE]

Ive got to agree with you on portnoy too bad people with so much talent forget where they really came from. Although hes an excellant musician his attitude of cockiness makes him only 1/2as good as he seems to think he is.w
What a drag cause the bands actually pretty darn good!

[NeedForSpeed]

Wait, what's a SACD?

Hey, Where you been?

[Dusty Chalk]

Just got real busy for a bit there. Still busy, but I couldn't keep myself away.

So answer the question: what Dream Theater release is available on SACD?

[Ivorytooth]

Just got real busy for a bit there. Still busy, but I couldn't keep myself away.

So answer the question: what Dream Theater release is available on SACD?

The one being reviewed, Systematic Chaos. :)

I finally got to listen to it today. I love it!! Them and Fates Warning are my fave prog metal bands.

[NeedForSpeed]

Just got real busy for a bit there. Still busy, but I couldn't keep myself away.

So answer the question: what Dream Theater release is available on SACD?

You get 2 disc's in the sleeve, 1 stereo, 1 multi-channel.

[Zeromancer]

The one being reviewed, Systematic Chaos. :)

I finally got to listen to it today. I love it!! Them and Fates Warning are my fave prog metal bands.
You should also check out Evergrey

[avguytx]

Ahh...seeing this thread reminded me that I needed to listen to this CD again. I think I go thru it (and other DT) on a daily basis. Good stuff....

[Ivorytooth]

You should also check out Evergrey

I will do that.

Forsaken is now my favorite song on this CD. The music just fits the lyrics perfectly. I can't explain it, it just fits and sets the right atmosphere for the story being told.

Petrucci really outdid himself on the lyrics on this song and The Dark Eternal Night.

[fropiler]

just reading the whole interview this guy sounds like an ungrateful pretentious asswipe one second and then a seemingly nice guy and remembering his place in the next. He sounds like a schizo. This guy is so very precious, what a douche. He talks like just another spoiled immature kid/rockstar/wannabe putting down his superiors. That's not class, and doesn't come off as one serious about musical artistry.)

That's entirely hypocritical. (No wonder he's a recovering alcoholic, he had to use something to drown all of that guilt until he lost all humility and became a megalomanic self professed incredible drummer and drummer/music critic).
Anyway, didn't mean to steal the thread, and this is all jmho anyway and perhaps I'm entirely wrong so don't take offense anyone! :smoke:

So... You colorfully describe Mr Portnoy as an Asswipe, Schizo, Douche, Recovering Alcoholic and Meglomaniac? Do you have any quotes from Mr. Portnoy that go this far?

Talk about hypocritical.

Can we please stick to topic - Review of the latest DT release.

[Dusty Chalk]

You get 2 disc's in the sleeve, 1 stereo, 1 multi-channel.The stereo is a regular redbook CD, the multi-channel is a DVD. There's no SACD.

[Permanent Waves]

Ive got to agree with you on portnoy too bad people with so much talent forget where they really came from. Although hes an excellant musician his attitude of cockiness makes him only 1/2as good as he seems to think he is.w
What a drag cause the bands actually pretty darn good!

Not to start all this up again, but Portnoy recently went to a Rush concert on this tour and had this to say about it:


"I was indeed at the Camden show.

(In fact, I was there for most of the afternoon as Neil Peart was gracious enough to invite me down for soundcheck to say hello and check out his new kit.)

The show was really great.

I really loved the setlist....when I initially saw it on paper, I wasn't that impressed - but then hearing all of the songs live, it really clicked how great the song selection was.

Of course being partial to the older stuff, I was most excited to hear Entre Nous, Circumstances, Bangkok and Digital Man...but even some of my other favorites that I have seen so many times before like Witch Hunt, Subdivisions and Natural Science sounded better than ever! And I really thought all of the new material really came alive on stage and gave me a whole new level of appreciation for them... They still put on one hell of a show!! 2 thumbs way up!"

MP

Now THAT'S better! :thmbsp: :D

It sounds like maybe he's started to grow up and realize that Rush has made great (and much more mature and sophisticated) songs past the late 70's and early 80's (hey, there's nothing wrong with their more basic hard rock and art rock, it's great, but they've grown beyond that)...like every, (yes every!) song on Snakes and Arrows which may be my favorite Rush album ever, and that says a lot, a whole hell of a lot, as I've been listening to every single one of them for 15 years now and like/love all of them!

I think he just actually heard many "newer" (past mid-80's) songs at the concert for the first time in awhile (and maybe some for the first time ever) and liked them and started to understand that maybe he should had listened to the songs from that last 20 odd years more before just dismissing all of those years of Rush's output as he has done (the "nothing worthwhile since '82" crap). For instance, I'm sure when SnA came out he didn't even bother to listen to it, but once he was at the concert and heard them play 9 songs from it, he apparently liked the songs: "...all of the new material really came alive on stage and gave me a whole new level of appreciation for them." Well, duh: you got to give it chance before just disregarding it! You may find out you like it! :D

And with that in mind, I'm still withholding judgement on DT and PT; I know I like some of their stuff, but I haven't heard enough of it yet and many times over to really say!

[avguytx]

Are we back to the saga of Rush vs Dream Theater and who said what? Who gives a crap? I thought this thread was about DT...not about what one drummer thinks about another before someone will listen to them. Will I be burned at the stake because I don't care for Rush and have thought that they really haven't done anything worth buying since Moving Pictures. I've tried listening to the newer stuff as a good friend of mine in Tulsa is a Rush freak to the end and owns everything. It's tolerable but not my style. I may own about 3 or 4 Rush LP/CD's and have a great respect for them but they aren't something I can listen to on a daily basis. Geddy Lee's voice will eventually get on my nerves.

But again...this thread is titled "Dream Theater: Systematic Chaos". Make another thread if you want to discuss Portnoy and put Peart on the proverbial pedestal and then maybe non Rush fans can come in there and hijack it.

Just my $.02, of course.

[Dusty Chalk]

Yeah, really dude, quit thread-crapping already.

I finally listened to Systematic Chaos the other night, and have to admit to thoroughly enjoying it. I still think Scenes from a Memory is the best thing they've ever done, but I definitely enjoyed it more than Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, and it may be the best thing they've done since Scenes... (I remember really liking Falling Into Infinity, but I'd have to go back and listen -- IIRC, it's a completely different album).

[Permanent Waves]

To everyone, especially the thread starter and all the other's who have not felt the need to insult me personally (I did no such thing to anyone in here and will hardly bother to reply to those who have done so to me) just because I may have criticized a band they like (and others have agreed with my assessments, but yet they escape criticism while I am singled out), sorry if I was going off topic, I just thought we were allowed and even encouraged to discuss all aspects of a band in a thread about said band, even if those things may be somewhat negative. I don't see the harm in a free discussion of, well, anything, much less of a band.

If admin wishes to delete all of my posts in here than that is totally fine with me. Either way, I'm out, and again, sorry to all the friendly and good posters in here! :thmbsp:

[NeedForSpeed]

To everyone, especially the thread starter and all the other's who have not felt the need to insult me personally (I did no such thing to anyone in here and will hardly bother to reply to those who have done so to me) just because I may have criticized a band they like (and others have agreed with my assessments, but yet they escape criticism while I am singled out), sorry if I was going off topic, I just thought we were allowed and even encouraged to discuss all aspects of a band in a thread about said band, even if those things may be somewhat negative. I don't see the harm in a free discussion of, well, anything, much less of a band.

If admin wishes to delete all of my posts in here than that is totally fine with me. Either way, I'm out, and again, sorry to all the friendly and good posters in here! :thmbsp:

As far as I concerned, No harm, No foul, If I don't care for an artist, I don't use my hard earned cash to buy there music. However the music review forum is, (For Me), To give a heads up whats out there (Or be released shortly), Of the style of music I listen to, And maybe someone will want to run out and buy it. The off topic forum may be a better place to vent, If you get my drift.
Should check out the Disc, It Ain't bad.:yes:

[avguytx]

To everyone, especially the thread starter and all the other's who have not felt the need to insult me personally (I did no such thing to anyone in here and will hardly bother to reply to those who have done so to me) just because I may have criticized a band they like (and others have agreed with my assessments, but yet they escape criticism while I am singled out), sorry if I was going off topic, I just thought we were allowed and even encouraged to discuss all aspects of a band in a thread about said band, even if those things may be somewhat negative. I don't see the harm in a free discussion of, well, anything, much less of a band.

If admin wishes to delete all of my posts in here than that is totally fine with me. Either way, I'm out, and again, sorry to all the friendly and good posters in here! :thmbsp:

I looked back thru the thread and don't see where others really agreed or disagreed with you unless I'm missing something. But you were the one that wrote a short story (post #6 & 38) on DT in here and pointed out what seemed like every detail about he said/she said stuff which, to me, doesn't make or break a band for me to listen to them. Who cares about their attitudes...it's part of the business...even in Country music. If you don't like them, fine. Don't buy it and/or don't listen to it. All this thread was about was their new CD that came out.

It's all good but.....now, back to our regularly scheduled program.

Speaking of, I'm going to see Dream Theater tomorrow night in Austin, TX at a place called "The Backyard" (outdoors). My best friend and his son are coming down from Arkansas to go since his brother (who lives in Austin) got us tickets and VIP passes. Should be a fun time with about 10 of us going.

[exracer]

The stereo is a regular redbook CD, the multi-channel is a DVD. There's no SACD.

I watched the DVD before the CD, enjoyed it immensely and like to visualize the different shots of the players as I listen to the CD. Nice to hear Myung talk also- first time i heard his voice !!

Is it just me, or do others hear a Metallica resemblence in the vocals on this disc?