Dream Theater

Catcher10 wrote: I almost went to the show in Seattle this past Monday....but really was not feeling it, I have been saying this since the tour was released. It would been cool to hear the older songs for sure. The last tour was good and I went mainly to see how Mangini would contribute. I much prefer Portnoy behind the kit though.... I am not sure they will get any better going forward, I will still buy their music, but something is missing.

I also didn't do much to go see them this year. I think they will be near here next month... but it's about a 3 hr trip and just don't feel like doing it. I went to see Transatlantic a few months ago and didn't want to go to another concert so soon (in any case, perhaps I would have prefered to see Haken instead of Transatlantic, but Transatlantic was great still). And indeed something's missing. I'm sure Portnoy's idea of the band having a break would have been the best... perhaps 5 years seemed like a long time, but I guess by now that time would almost have passed already, and perhaps it wouldn't have been that long anyway.

At the risk of sounding like an old "it was better back than dude,"  I haven't been digging a whole album since Octavarium. Stuff since has some good songs but I haven't enjoyed an album in its entirety. I don't think the talent of most of the band has declined but I don't find them as innovative as they used to be.

Just saw their show in Salem, OR last night. I gotta say that it was excellent. The song selection was definitely not what I expected (outside of the new material), but it was still quite welcome. Only negatives were Myung was still low in the mix (what's new there) and LaBrie screwed up the lyrics multiple times. He sounded as good as ever though. There was some nice variation in the songs too, not just a copy/paste from the albums. The crowd was just a tad boisterous though. It was DT's first time in Salem, and I think the crowd was expecting a more thrashing show than what was put on. During the mellow/ambient sections of some songs, there were some jeers and catcalls. Oh well, still a great show.

They did play Space-Dye Vest. Not sure what to think about the new rendition yet, but I won't spoil it for those going to see them this tour. I'm sure they'll be playing it at every venue.

Catcher10 wrote: Metalmarsh89 wrote: I would like to see Haken, but I'm not sure if we can expect to see them up here in the Pacific NW. Transatlantic I haven't listened to yet. Which album would you recommend first? I'm going to hit up every Dream Theater concert that comes through while they're still going strong. This will be my second show, I saw them in 2012 as well. I'd imagine that the longer Mangini has to mesh with the band, the better they are going to be live. Their setlists used be very versatile thanks to Portnoy, but we'll see if they can regain that level over the next few years. From what I've read, it seems their setlist this tour is going to be pretty consistant. Is that correct?   It may happen.....the promoter who brings NM and TA to Seattle has been asking his regulars who he should try to bring to Seattle. I sent him an email and I know many others have....He actually asked the crowd before the show and many of us screamed "Haken and Riverside!!", there were a couple Marillion screams.   Bands from overseas are tough to get here because of the travel issues and cost Haken are from UK so I don't think you need visas.....Riverside from Poland may be another issue with needed visas.

Yeah, as I thought. Well if Haken or other European bands make it to Seattle, I'd make my way up there for the show.

Metalmarsh89 wrote: I would like to see Haken, but I'm not sure if we can expect to see them up here in the Pacific NW. Transatlantic I haven't listened to yet. Which album would you recommend first? I'm going to hit up every Dream Theater concert that comes through while they're still going strong. This will be my second show, I saw them in 2012 as well. I'd imagine that the longer Mangini has to mesh with the band, the better they are going to be live. Their setlists used be very versatile thanks to Portnoy, but we'll see if they can regain that level over the next few years. From what I've read, it seems their setlist this tour is going to be pretty consistant. Is that correct?

Metalmarsh89 wrote: AlexDOM wrote: Metalmarsh89 wrote: I would like to see Haken, but I'm not sure if we can expect to see them up here in the Pacific NW. Transatlantic I haven't listened to yet. Which album would you recommend first? I'm going to hit up every Dream Theater concert that comes through while they're still going strong. This will be my second show, I saw them in 2012 as well. I'd imagine that the longer Mangini has to mesh with the band, the better they are going to be live. Their setlists used be very versatile thanks to Portnoy, but we'll see if they can regain that level over the next few years. From what I've read, it seems their setlist this tour is going to be pretty consistant. Is that correct? Shoot all their albums are stellar. I'd so pick anyone of them. They are all good for different reasons. The Whirlwind will always be my favorite. Kaleidoscope, BOF, and Smpte are all so amazing. Guess I really was much help ha ha! If that's the case, then I'll just start at the beginning. What better place to start.

What I did with Transatlantic was get the Whirltour CD/DVD combo, and that was just a perfect way to get into them. For me, The Whirlwind has been their best work, it's just got something special that the other albums lack, and it is played whole on this live album, plus the highlights from their previous work, so I got a very good idea what they were about. Then I got their other two studio albums, and they were very good too, but not at the same level. Though I must admit I haven't actually got The Whirlwind studio album yet... and I might just as well not get it at all, the live version is just wonderful. I hope to be able to get the new album tomorrow at the concert.

Catcher10 wrote: I am one who believes Portnoy leaving DT is not a good thing...long term. I think they eventually will loose a lot of the creativity that got them where they are. Hopefully Myung will keep them in check......I know most do not like MP but I do like him, I certainly do not care for his singing, that needs to disappear......he needs to stick to the "sticks" and writing. I would like to see more Transatlantic, LTE and hopefully some OSI if he will do that......but this Beatles cover band stuff he is doing...mehhh....I just hope he does not try and record any of that and spend time touring on that.   My hope is within 2-3 yrs they will get back together and create some great stuff again before they all call it quits...

Metalmarsh89 wrote: I would like to see Haken, but I'm not sure if we can expect to see them up here in the Pacific NW. Transatlantic I haven't listened to yet. Which album would you recommend first? I'm going to hit up every Dream Theater concert that comes through while they're still going strong. This will be my second show, I saw them in 2012 as well. I'd imagine that the longer Mangini has to mesh with the band, the better they are going to be live. Their setlists used be very versatile thanks to Portnoy, but we'll see if they can regain that level over the next few years. From what I've read, it seems their setlist this tour is going to be pretty consistant. Is that correct?

Shoot all their albums are stellar. I'd so pick anyone of them. They are all good for different reasons. The Whirlwind will always be my favorite. Kaleidoscope, BOF, and Smpte are all so amazing. Guess I really was much help ha ha!

progbethyname wrote: Catcher10 wrote: I'm pretty comfortable right now saying I will not go, I'm good with it. After Transatlantic last weekend, that should hold my prog live shows fix for awhile Cool cool. Ummm how would you rate Portnoy's drumming performance on the new Transatlantic album? Would you say it's on par with his performance on 6 DEGREES or is that stretching it a bit? I'm anxious to hear the album. I am gonna buy it next month once I move into my new home. :)

His drumming on this is the best on any TA album. Though Whirlwind was pretty incredible drumming wise.

I'm pretty comfortable right now saying I will not go, I'm good with it. After Transatlantic last weekend, that should hold my prog live shows fix for awhile