Well, To make a long story short, I managed to my copy of Octavarium a little early. I have listened to it a few times already. I was actually toying with writing up a track by track review for you guys. However, I decided against it. I didn't want to ruin any surprises for you. So, instead, I thought I would simply post some observations about the album, without giving it all away.
Observation 1: I can officially state that there is no need to argue with anyone who proclaims this album as "too Muse influenced." Obviously, these mental midgets have never heard of Radiohead, Pink Floyd, Gabriel-era Genesis, or The Beatles. I will agree that there are a couple parts throughout the album where you can tell that they were influenced by The Muse. However, most of what people are writing off as "muse parts," are instead, an influence more reflective of the aformentioned bands. So, when you read comments that this album is all Muse, simply write them off as musically inferior and be done with it.
Observation 2: This album most definately rocks! Don't let all the negativity fool you. Here is an immediate analogy that I thought of upon listening to Octavarium and measuring it against Six Degrees and Train of Thought. Try to imagine running on a treadmill. Six Degrees would represent gradual build towards heaviness, much in the same way that a runner would build towards a full sprint. Now, Train of Though is that extreme. The full sprint. The pinnacle of heaviness and complexity, if you will. If this is the case, then surely, Octavarium is the cool down. The runner doesn't just stop dead, and neither does Octavarium. The heaviness is still there. The complexity is still there. However, there is a sense of musical relief. Octavarium gradually brings the listener down from the extremes of Train Of Thought.
Observation 3: There are more quiet parts. There ar more pop influenced ideas. Nowhere can that be seen then the U2/Police inspired "I Walk Beside you." And sure, John has taken a much more laid back approach. But, make no mistake, at the end of the day the listener is left with a well-produced, well-crafted, well-written, and extremely rewarding listen. And while there are many more lush, orchestrated, beautiful moments here, the Dream Theater we all know and love is still there. Dream Theater hasn't lost it one bit. And they certainly have not leveled the playing field. So, if you bring to the table and open mind, and are excited by the thought of change, then you are in for one hell of an awesome listen, and a fine edition to you're Dream Theater collection. I hope you guys find as much enjoyment as I have in the eigth Dream Theater installment. CHEERS TO OCTAVARIUM!
Observation 1: I can officially state that there is no need to argue with anyone who proclaims this album as "too Muse influenced." Obviously, these mental midgets have never heard of Radiohead, Pink Floyd, Gabriel-era Genesis, or The Beatles. I will agree that there are a couple parts throughout the album where you can tell that they were influenced by The Muse. However, most of what people are writing off as "muse parts," are instead, an influence more reflective of the aformentioned bands. So, when you read comments that this album is all Muse, simply write them off as musically inferior and be done with it.
Observation 2: This album most definately rocks! Don't let all the negativity fool you. Here is an immediate analogy that I thought of upon listening to Octavarium and measuring it against Six Degrees and Train of Thought. Try to imagine running on a treadmill. Six Degrees would represent gradual build towards heaviness, much in the same way that a runner would build towards a full sprint. Now, Train of Though is that extreme. The full sprint. The pinnacle of heaviness and complexity, if you will. If this is the case, then surely, Octavarium is the cool down. The runner doesn't just stop dead, and neither does Octavarium. The heaviness is still there. The complexity is still there. However, there is a sense of musical relief. Octavarium gradually brings the listener down from the extremes of Train Of Thought.
Observation 3: There are more quiet parts. There ar more pop influenced ideas. Nowhere can that be seen then the U2/Police inspired "I Walk Beside you." And sure, John has taken a much more laid back approach. But, make no mistake, at the end of the day the listener is left with a well-produced, well-crafted, well-written, and extremely rewarding listen. And while there are many more lush, orchestrated, beautiful moments here, the Dream Theater we all know and love is still there. Dream Theater hasn't lost it one bit. And they certainly have not leveled the playing field. So, if you bring to the table and open mind, and are excited by the thought of change, then you are in for one hell of an awesome listen, and a fine edition to you're Dream Theater collection. I hope you guys find as much enjoyment as I have in the eigth Dream Theater installment. CHEERS TO OCTAVARIUM!
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