Suggestions for my 1st DT cd?

[morsecode]

I can agree that FII is their poorest effort but there are some real very unappreciated gems on that disc as well. Lines In The Sand, New Millenium and the last track (title escapes me) that John M penned were all outstanding.

 

[roburado]

"Trial of Tears" is the song in question.

 

[morsecode]

A Change Of Seasons is also a good one just because the title track is soo long and amazing!

They did some great live covers too. The Elton John cover and the Great Medley all stood out for me. For many of my friends who are more mainstream rock/pop fans that part of the CD was often my first introduction to them of DT. Then I unleashed everything else on them.

Some got it and some didn't.

 

[morsecode]

"Trial of Tears" is the song in question.

Thanks, I didn't want to go downstairs and pull it out. That one whole verse is now playing over and over in my head. I loved that song. It's funny but some my favorite DT songs were ones where Myung wrote the lyrics.

 

[the24thfret]

Tiral of Tears is incredible.

 

[roburado]

You know, come to think of it, seeing DT play is probably 10x cooler than just listening. Why not rent the "Live at Budokan" or "Score" DVDs from Netflix (if you're signed up with them). No financial risk to you. Plus, you get the entertainment of watching them pull off their sick parts.

 

[roburado]

It's funny but some my favorite DT songs were ones where Myung wrote the lyrics.

That seems to be a common feeling.

 

[savannah_sean]

Scenes from a Memory is my favorite. You also might consider "A Change of Seasons" - it has both live and studio recordings, and even though it's an EP, it has over 50 minutes of music on it. I think it's also less expensive, if I remember right my used copy was about 6 bucks.

oh- the live stuff is all covers, but they are all very good, and eclectic too. Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and a medley including Kansas, Queen, Journey, the Dixie Dregs, and 1 or 2 others that I can't remember.

 

[morsecode]

oh- the live stuff is all covers, but they are all very good, and eclectic too. Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and a medley including Kansas, Queen, Journey, the Dixie Dregs, and 1 or 2 others that I can't remember.

Pink Floyd and Genesis

 

[leftyguitarblue]

I would say, buy their newest one first, Systematic Chaos, to get a feel for them as they are today. It's been on non-stop for me since it came out. Buy there Llve DVD's to get all the classic songs. To see them perform live will win you over.

Get.

Scenes From a Memory- Live from New York
Live at Budokan
Score.

Then I suggest buying every CD. They are the best.

 

[73h Nils]

I agree with roburado for his post. Live at Budokan is the ultimate. It has the live versions of Trial of Tears and New Millenium which support my theory that FII material has to be played live to be appreciated. Trial of Tears' studio version is quite good, but it's WAY better live.

Also, Instrumedley, Hollow Years Guitar solo, Extended Zappa jam in Beyond This Life... In the Name of God's outro... It's PURE EPIC summed up in 2hrs52 mins.

 

[acwild]

I didn't get DT at first and bought Live at Budokan. Personally, I didn't connect at first but thought the musicianship was top-notch. Then I got Scenes From a Memory - Live in NY. That's the dvd that got me into DT. Afterwards, I got all of their cds. Right now, I'm listening to ToT the most. Just personal taste at the moment. So my recommendation would go like this;

Scenes From a Memory - Live in New York
Live at Budokan
Train of Thought

The other consideration would be Liquid Tension Experiment 2. This was a project that they did before Jordan Rudess became a member and has some great tunes sans James LeBrie and has Tony Levin on bass. Great stuff!

 

[robelinda2]

Budokan is an awesome DVD, whatever song it is that JP uses the piezo on, man that so amazed me i had to get a ball w/piezo quicksmart!

 

[acwild]

Budokan is an awesome DVD, whatever song it is that JP uses the piezo on, man that so amazed me i had to get a ball w/piezo quicksmart!

"Solitary Shell?"
[ame="http://youtube.com/watch?v=mKsvTTOTXDA"]YouTube - Dream Theater - Score - Solitary Shell[/ame]



It's not the Live at Budokan version, but you get the idea.

 

[73h Nils]

You're probably thinking about Hollow Years' intro. I couldn't believe what I was hearing!

 

[robelinda2]

Bingo! Solitary Shell it is, i think, whichever is the first song on the dvd where he uses the piezo, I was on the phone to my dealer within minutes after seeing that song.

 

[acwild]

Man, watching that again I just realized that he's basically using a Silo 20th with the Piezo mod. I think.

 

[73h Nils]

Bingo! Solitary Shell it is, i think, whichever is the first song on the dvd where he uses the piezo, I was on the phone to my dealer within minutes after seeing that song.

SS is on a 12-String. I still think you mean Hollow Years.

 

[wired]

Wow, I can't believe how many replies I got so quickly, this forum is just the best. I think I'm going to pick up Systematic Chaos & Train of Thought 1st. I've been in a mood for heavy stuff lately.

Thanks for all the suggestions!

 

[acwild]

SS is on a 12-String. I still think you mean Hollow Years.

I think you're right too, but come on, doesn't that 12-string sound sweet?