A CHANGE OF SEASONS

One day, in a public library here in Spain, I found an strange Dream Theater double album called "Uncovered"... And what a surprise! It was the whole concert they made in London honouring different bands, with a lot of guests... The same concert where the live tracks in "A Change of Seasons" were... ¿recorded?.

Because to my surprise, that the songs included in "A Change of Seasons" are heavily modified in comparision with the "Uncovered" original recordings... Both in sound and interpretation. This is the reason I say taht the tracks in the album are not real live tracks, just studio-modified versions... If you want to hear the real concert Dream Theater gave in Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club this night, then listen "Uncovered"... Wich is, in my opinion, a great album. There you'll be able to hear Dream Theater playing Easter together with Steve Hogarth and Steve Rothery, Damage Inc. from Metallica, Red Hill Mining Town from U2, a very interesting Yes medley... Very recommended to every band's fan, or for people who want to hear a curious prog feast, althouhg it has almost nothing to do with the polished, sound-pefectionated and studio-modified "A Change of Seasons" version.

The other "side" of the album, the title track, is the typical Dream Theater 90's long track... But maybe also the best long track they have ever made. Really dynamic, dramatic, and without a single filler second of music. It's not perfect... But it's very close. I specially love the guitar intro, with the best melody the band has in its long career. The Derek Sherinian's keyboards added a more modern sound than the previous Kevin Moore's ones, introducing a part of the mood and style of the underrated "Falling into Infinity". So if you have not heard this track... Make yourself a favour and listen to it!

Conclusion: although the live versions in "A Change of Seasons" are heavily studio- modified versions of the origininals included in "Uncovered", hearing this band playing some Dixie Dreggs, Led Zeppeling, Genesis... And even an Elton John's song, is still really interesting. In the other side, the title track is one of the most brilliant moments in the career of this american band. So if you really want to hear the best of this Dream Theater's period, give "Uncoverd" a listening, and then return to the title track... Nevertheless, "A Change of Seasons" is still excellent.

My rating: ****

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