A CHANGE OF SEASONS

This album long EP contains what I think is one of Dream Theater's best songs ever. The title track contains little of either the heavy metal histrionics or the arena rock blandness that mar many of this band's compositions. "A Change Of Seasons" is, in fact, a wonderful work of symphonic prog rock, a twenty three minute epic that should have a place in just about any prog collection.

The live cover songs on this album are not bad. I certainly cannot fault DT for paying homage to the bands that provided the influences for their music. The songs are masterfully played, if not a little too close to the originals. I especially like the hyper instrumental section from "Carry On Wayward Son", and the piece of "Cruise Control", both parts of "The Big Medley.

But as usual, John Myung's bass should not have been buried in the mix.