Off Topic Black Clouds and Silver Linings

[ekb16b]

Loving the new album especially the instrumental cd, only thing im a bit disappointed by is that Myung's role seems to be diminishing each album, i can hardly hear him and when it do he just seems to be accompanying petrucci.

 

[Colin]

i got my limited box yesterday and found one of 100 silver lining tickets inside, so i had the meet and greet today with the band as well.
i can´t tell you, how happy i´m at the moment.
btw. mike portnoy said, that i was the first guy with those silver lining ticket and everybody of the band wanted to see my ticket. that was really cool.

Joe, any pics to share?

 

[joe web]

no pic no guitar or what?

didn´t take too many pictures. sorry no pictures from the meet and greet (only had my mobilefon with me and there wasn´t enough time to take pictures during the m&g), but i´ll get an officiall pic with the band the next days.

edit:

and here are the backplates of my 07LEJP6 and the JP7

and the silver lining ticket plus backstage pass and concert ticket.

 

[Colin]

glad the silver ticket went to good guy and fan

 

[Zaarin]

Wow joe_web, that's freakin' awesome.

I got my collector's box set in the other day, no silver ticket.

I love this album. It's sexy.

 

[leftyguitarblue]

I'm still waiting for our lovely postal service to deliver mine. It only had to travel one state and it has taken 4 days already.

 

[bkrumme]

So in my opinion it is constructive criticism typically because these fans liked something about the band in the first place and they typically care about the band.

I totally understand where you're coming from and if I truly believed that were the case I would agree. I think MP is talking about those self-professed hardcore "fans" who do nothing but bash every album DT releases simply because it's not like Images and Words. THAT is what I mean isn't constructive. There are many many fans who are VERY constructive in their criticism. The people on this forum are good examples of that

I also agree that it would be truly remarkable for DT to listen to their fans, grandmothers, sisters, uncles, etc. and make an enjoyable album for everyone. Unfortunately that's just not possible so they have to do it their way. There is something a bit impersonal about it, but that's unfortunately the way it goes when you have MILLIONS of fans.

i think it's great people get so passionate about it. but too much input will seed doubt. no one should ever make music with the thoughts of others in their minds.

I agree with this also. Artists release albums for the fans (and the money) but many of them lose sight of why they started playing in the first place. You've got to do what you feel is right for your art.

In my opinion, this is why I love Dream Theater so much. I never get bored and don't know what to expect. I like every single album they make. I prefer some songs more than others.

Many people fail to see the different forms of criticism. People are very rude and come out as ignorant when criticizing at times (I am not talking about this forum). Youtube is a great example. I am not saying youtube users are the biggest and most intelligent critics out there.

The way I feel is if I do create something and I put all my effort, dedication, and passion; it will hurt me to hear somebody trash it. People can be cruel and many bands just prefer to ignore "these type" of fans. Dream Theater does what they love and will continue to do so.

One example for me is Metallica. They have gone through different changes in styles, genres, etc etc. I won't like, I don't like the last 2 albums but I don't put too much thought into it. They inspired me a lot and I will be eternally grateful for that. There are fans and critics who just take things too far and can be hurtful when reading their criticism.

I think that if you don't like what they are creating, just don't listen or maybe you can make something "better." I am not talking to anybody from this forum directly. This is just my 2 humble cents.

This is essentially what I was trying to say. Thanks for being the clarifying voice, Ed.

I share an extent of both 24th and Bk's sentiments and all of Ed's statements.

I really do admire the continual evolution of their style, sound and musical writing abilities. It's staggering, and it sincerely is wonderful to see a band who wishes to challenge and push themselves. Keeps me on my toes!

Similarly to BK's thoughts, I agree that the band should evolve as they see necessary and desire to do so. It's what they want to do, so I say, more power to them.

However with that said I feel nothing is as black/white as we assert them to be and share 24th's sentiments when it comes to feeling alienated by the band members. I remember reading a transcript of that interview MP made and it kinda cut for the fans. Cause while they were staying loyal music and staying underground, it was us the fans, that spread the love around. Who brought and converted other fans on the premise of good music. Of course all musicians should feel the artistic freedom to pursue their endeavors in the means that they feel necessary, but alienating the fans who helped them arrive at this point is not cool. Whats wrong with criticism? Sure there are some IAW loyalists who want nothing but IAW replicants, but there are also true Dream Theater fans who feel they have a right to constructively analyze the music they're listening to. There's nothing wrong with conveying what you feel to be a weakness in a particular song or album, when its expressed as your opinion. We're not asking DT to hand the reins to the fans, just saying the last album wasn't my cup of tea.

I for one love the new album, but I feel that the lyrics could have used more polish. As 24th mentioned earlier it did feel, at times, rigorously elementary. And I say that to suggest that DT should give that criticism some thought, not in a way that I suggest I can do it better, but its an area that could use improvement, and the fans would delight to it.

My 2 cents.

I see what you mean here, but I'll go back to my first reply in this post. When you have millions of fans it's extremely difficult to have a personal relationship with every one of them. This is the point where MP and DT have decided it's best for them to ignore the criticism, whether positive or negative. I think they really just don't want to disappoint MORE fans by taking a step back and not being Dream Theater. It's a sacrifice to be so impersonal in the press, but I think the guys make up for it when you meet them. Every one of them is super cool and if they had the time would likely talk for hours about all sorts of things having to do with DT.

That's a good example. Metallica has lost a lot of fans during the last nearly 30 years (wow), but they've also gained a lot. But we can all be thankful that previous albums aren't removed from the shelves when a new one comes out. When Load came out, And Justice For All wasn't deleted from existence. If you like the old stuff... keep listening to it. That goes for any music, any band.

I agree with this completely. There's no reason those fans who want IaW to repeat until the end of time just can't listen to IaW over and over again.

I'm glad we can all "argue" about this without getting personal. It's a testament to the caliber of people on this forum.

I still haven't received my copy of BCSL. It should be waiting when I get home today. The very first thing I'm going to do is fire up the Hi-Fi system and have a listen. My thoughts on the album as soon as I've listened through a couple times.

 

[marduke]

Loving the new album especially the instrumental cd, only thing im a bit disappointed by is that Myung's role seems to be diminishing each album, i can hardly hear him and when it do he just seems to be accompanying petrucci.

i was dissapointed with the instrumental CD.. not sure if its just my computer, but alot of the guitar parts are missing from some songs.. notably in the count of tuscany.. the whole intro guitar solo is not there.. like i said im not sure if its just my computer, but i was like.... 'oh ok..... is this all?.." i do however LOVE the cover songs!! fantastic and the album is amazing, i am STILL trying to take it all in... i have listened to it through about 10 times since yesterday. i absolutely love JP's rhythm tone.. and i kind of agree on the myung thing, but in my car i can hear him fine...

 

[deadtotheworld]

Love the main album! Not enjoying the covers at all though not a single one, I will see if it grows on me - but its the songs I dont like, not the playing.
Dont really see the point of the instrumental cd, especially missing the solos off - I was hoping to hear maybe more added orchestration to compensate, but it seems to me that its the regular album with a few tracks turned off... why no solos? Whats the point? Was the idea to be able to record your own vocal and solo tracks?

 

[ProtoChicken]

Every one of them is super cool and if they had the time would likely talk for hours about all sorts of things having to do with DT.

This is a bit off topic but it makes for a funny story in hindsight. I appear to be the only person in the world to have ever made John Petrucci angry. I think the year was 1994 and he was giving a clinic at GC in Boston.

After the clinic he did the customary picture taking/photo signing. Now mind you I was 18 or 19 at the time. Anyway, my friend who went with me (why I listened to a drummer I'll never know) suggested it would be funny to get him to sign the picture to "xxxxx, touch my G string". I thought while not the most original thing in the world, it was kind of amusing.

So when I got to the table where John was signing I asked him. John was not amused and said "No. How about if I write "to xxxxx, touch her G string, and I'll make an arrow pointing to that girl in line over there?" I replied, "but that's not funny because it won't make sense when other people look at the picture and she's not there". He gave me a look that immediately let me know I had pissed him off and said something which I no longer recall but that made it clear he was not pleased. I felt really stupid and embarrassed and hung my head and said "sure, ok that's cool, thank you very much".

It's odd though, as the years have gone by and I've seen more footage and interviews with him he never strikes me as the type of person who would have been annoyed at that particular request. Here's the offending picture with the arrow pointing to nowhere, though there was a very attractive woman there when he drew it

Years later George Lynch gave a clinic at the store I worked at, and I was smart enough to just ask for a regular autograph. While he did spell my name wrong, he sat and chatted one on one with me for about 30 minutes afterwards, and asked if I needed tickets for the show that night, and ended up putting me on the guest list.

 

[INMT]

My box set arrived safe and sound. I only have one gripe...iTunes didn't have the artwork available . Now I have to add it my lazy damn self...ok I did

 

[Dante]

I'm glad we can all "argue" about this without getting personal. It's a testament to the caliber of people on this forum.

do you know how EXAUSTING that is?
at least were safe from the guitar hero generation. unlike other forums...
took me 2 whole days to give up on metallica.com

It's odd though, as the years have gone by and I've seen more footage and interviews with him he never strikes me as the type of person who would have been annoyed at that particular request. Here's the offending picture with the arrow pointing to nowhere, though there was a very attractive woman there when he drew it

people tend to think artists as being timeless entities. like they awake each day the same, kinda like a computer or something. alot of them hate/dislike giving out autographs, purely cuz autographs represent nothing to the person giving them out (unless they're ego driven douchebags). they like being friendly to the fans and that's the reason they do those little things. and half of them end up on ebay anyway...

BUT, if you're gonna hand out autograph number 3012 of that day, a day that started badly (no coffee, slept like ****, no warm water in the hotel) and got worse (no place to warm up, crap gear made available, guitar won't stay in tune, diarrhea)... anything other than "from X to Y" had better improve your mood, and it usually doesn't.

 

[ProtoChicken]

BUT, if you're gonna hand out autograph number 3012 of that day, a day that started badly (no coffee, slept like ****, no warm water in the hotel) and got worse (no place to warm up, crap gear made available, guitar won't stay in tune, diarrhea)... anything other than "from X to Y" had better improve your mood, and it usually doesn't.

Yeah I completely understand that. It never bothered me aside from my own embarrassment, and the fact that I kept saying to myself, "you got a minute or so to chat with John Petrucci and the best you come up with is some silly comment about g-strings" (where's the facepalm icon when you need it?) It just seemed like it was the particular "G-string" part that upset him since he was willing to sign it as long as it said "her" and had the arrow.

 

[Headstock]

Somebody please tell Portnoy he can't sing, or turn him down in the mix. Please

 

[73h Nils]

Listened to this album last night.

HOLF. JP's playing; my God. Best moment for me? The "Linkin Park" Glass Prison riff turning into that groovy head-banging section. SOOOOOOOOOO good.

 

[roburado]

I'm really enjoying the album. I can't get enough of "Wither."

JP really kicks butt on this one. Great guitar sounds. Great performance.

 

[the24thfret]

I'm really enjoying the album. I can't get enough of "Wither."

That's funny, because I've already had enough of it.

 

[bkrumme]

So here's my review. I'll try to be constructive

A Nightmare To Remember:
This one starts off on a VERY dark note. It's not something I'm used to hearing from DT. I thought Train of Thought was heavy, but this song eclipses that completely. I see where some people are coming from when they say this album is very "METAL" in comparison to others. I can tell they've taken some influences from bands they've been touring with. I hear elements of Opeth and Between The Buried And Me in this song. I also hear hints of SFAM and 6DOIT in this one. It's much heavier, but the overall style is very close for me. I would have to say this is one of the more experimental songs on the album. It shows the progressive nature of Dream Theater. The reason I say this is because they're using time signatures and rhythms we don't usually hear from them. To some fans this would seem foreign and they may have a negative reaction to it. The lyrics don't leave much interpretation to be done, either. It's very straightforward and seems to be written to attract a more diverse fan base. I think this is why I'm hearing that the lyrics aren't so good.

A Rite Of Passage:
We've all been hearing this one for the last month. It is definitely the most "radio" of all of the songs on the album. It most closely resembles songs from Systematic Chaos. It DOES have some of John Petrucci's most interesting guitar work. This one will disappoint fans who want another IaW. I don't have much to say about this one. It's sort of just a "meh" for me. It's a good song, but it doesn't really draw me in like others on the album.

Wither:
I actually do like this song which I hear isn't the common consensus. I think it's probably more like older Dream Theater than anything else on the album. I liken it to IaW or Awake, just with a more modern approach to both songwriting and tone. The opening specifically reminds me of "Lifting Shadows Off A Dream." The short guitar solo after the decrescendo reminds me of late 80's and early 90's rock and metal solos. This is also the shortest song on the album so it leaves a little lacking content-wise, but I think it would make a perfect candidate for radio play. I could see quite a few fans come from this song were they to get radio play.

The Shattered Fortress:
This is the song I expected so much more from. It's the conclusion of Mike Portnoy's Twelve Step suite and the expectation was high for me. The first 9 "steps" were inspired and had tiny hints of the others which made them seem like a contiguous entity. This one just seems to be a conglomeration of the other songs. The lyrics are slightly different, but the rhythms and melodies are almost spot on from the other songs in the suite. There's a lot of repetition in this one. MP seems to have revisited the other traditions in a reflective manner. I've yet to listen to the suite from start to finish, but I have it ready and will review the suite as well. I have the inclination to believe the intention was to summarize the entire suite with this one song. In doing this, though, MP and DT have left a bit to be desired. I was kind of hoping for an epic, awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping finale and that wasn't really delivered. The one saving grace for me is that the song shows a bit of MP's obsessive, erratic nature. So while it didn't quite stack up as the finale I was expecting, it does give a bit of a window into who MP is and why he does things the way he does.

The Best Of Times:
Dream Theater is doing a LOT of story telling on this album. This song is probably the most straightforward of all the stories on the album. It's a summarization of MP's memories he has of his father who recently passed away. I have recollections of when my father passed when listening to this song and it really hits home. Anyone who has lost a parent or close loved one will understand this song immediately. It's a very heart felt dedication to Mr. Portnoy. Again, the lyrical content is quite simple and straightforward, but understandably so. The absolutely EPIC guitar solo is amazing! It reminds me so much of SFAM. Very expressive and the tone is just so SWEET!

The Count Of Tuscany:
WOW! The story told here gives me chills and the music they tell the story with is reminiscent of every other Dream Theater album. I hear the Rush influence in the intro. From there it goes straight to SFAM-style keys/guitars which I loved so much about that album. This song reminds me that Dream Theater are really good story tellers. I hear this is based on a real experience John Petrucci had. I'd love to know if this is true and see some kind of confirmation. Maybe I'll ask him at the Meet & Greet. The chorus part is catchy as all hell. I listened for the first time last night and have had it stuck in my head ever since. I dreamt about this story. Very surreal for me. This is the Dream Theater I remember making a fan out of me. I've never been in a situation where I thought I was going to die, but when listening to this song I can personalize that sort of situation. This song will definitely go into the history books as one of Dream Theater's best.

 

[ProtoChicken]

So here's my review. I'll try to be constructive

Good review. I think you described the album very well. I do find that The Shattered Fortress has grown on me, and as I have become more familiar with it, it has felt less pieced together for me. I expected something different, but I really am starting to dig it. I'm sure when they play the whole suite live it will fit together very well.

 

[balance]

USPS hasn't delivered mine yet from Amazon!!!