Dream Theater cracks the Billboard top 10

sleeper wrote: Logan wrote: I haven't heard their newest, and am far from a DT expert, but can the success be attributed in part to the latest being a more mainstream metal album?  Or because progressive music (and particularly progressive metal) has gained popularity, and more people can absorb it now?  And because DT has managed to gain so many fans that are both hardcore proggers and non-hardcore proggers since it has a wider range of appeal than many of the more experimental acts.  It's a likely a combination of factors, of course.  Of course DT has a hardcore fan-base already, and is gaining many new fans.  DT's idols, Rush, did very well with their latest as well. I'd say the biggest factor is that now they're on Roadrunner Records they actually have a label thats willing to promote them, and promote them quite a bit too, which is far more than Warner ever did.

Thanks! That, of course, makes perfect sense.

Since it follows my post, Teo, I'm not sure if it's partially a response to mine (probably not, but just in case -- I haven't read the whole thread but expect yours is very general response and not to any particular people posting here.  I guess it was also the touché comment before that made me wonder if it might appear that I had some negative agenda).  I was merely enquiring why people think this has had such commercial success -- same question I would ask of many Prog bands in a similar situation that I'm not that familiar with.  I hadn't known about the label move nor have I heard the album.  Sleeper answered my question succinctly, and to more than my satisfaction.  I should have thought of marketing.  Heck, I'm even working on a paper that is in large part about marketing.

Incidentally, I quite like DT, but I haven't delved into their music that deeply as I have yet to develop a deep appreciation for metal (progressive or otherwise).

It would be silly for the "haters" to get really upset about it -- many LOLs at them if they are angry about DT's commercial success.  EDIT: Of course some who dislike Progressive Metal or DT's brand of Progressive Metal might be upset that this indicates, and will lead to, increased popularity for a style they dislike, and more bands making music of the same ilk, and fear it will have a negative impact on the kinds of progressive music they like (perhaps fearing that other kinds of Prog will be abandoned more).  I tend to think this is very positive and will bring far more people (both listeners and musicians) into the Prog fold (not just metal, but including bringing people to more traditional forms of prog -- as in Progressive Rock -- though because metal is a subgenre of rock...). Out with hate, in with love, or at least tolerance/ acceptance.


Edited by Logan - July 03 2009 at 13:34

hahaha - from Mike Portnoy's forum post

"a progressive metal album with four songs over 12 minutes in the US Top 10??? "

They probably spent all their hard earned cash over the years buying their own CD. Of course, the money would cycle back, so they just did it over and over again until they reached somewhere in the top 10.

That's my theory.

But seriously, that is pretty amazing. How many other modern day prog albums have got that far?

darkshade wrote: At least the Black Eyed Peas are at #1 and not the Jonas Brothers. TBEP are at least good. though i dont pay any attention to Billboard charts......

I agree completely, BEP are one of the few genuine popular bands out there right now!  I bought The E.N.D. and I am very glad it is so popular because I actually think it is progressing pop music into a better place with more electronic progressive elements.  They did completely their own thing on this album, and it payed off.

As for BC & SL I haven't bought it yet, sadly.. I WILL GO GET IT RIGHT NOW!!!  seeing as i just got payed.  I think ill get the 3-disk version then the vinyl a bit later

^

Just to clarify; my 'omg!' response was mainly due to the fact that DT has never been that high in the charts; not because modern Prog Rock hasn't.

To the people saying, "Wow, I guess Prog isn't as underground in the public as we thought!", I must ask . . . do you not realize that bands such as Tool,  Radiohead, The Mars Volta, etc. are very popular bands?

Prog has been alive and well for many years, now.

hitting_singularity2 wrote: paulwalker71 wrote: Scanning down the Billboard chart, I see that the new Mars Volta has come in at Number 12 Suggests that prog is doing well generally.... Indeed! I seriously think prog will be one of the top genres within 5 years.  Either that or i want it so bad I'm delusional.

darkshade wrote: hitting_singularity2 wrote: p0mt3 wrote: Just to clarify; my 'omg!' response was mainly due to the fact that DT has never been that high in the charts; not because modern Prog Rock hasn't. To the people saying, "Wow, I guess Prog isn't as underground in the public as we thought!", I must ask . . . do you not realize that bands such as Tool,  Radiohead, The Mars Volta, etc. are very popular bands? Prog has been alive and well for many years, now.   well, for me it's that I don't like any of the three bands you listed very much, even though i try and appreciate all music.  I'm am excited that some energetic, fun prog is getting more popular.  Most of what 'prog' is popular right now comes from the alternative movement in the 90's which is probably the most boring musical movement IMHO yea i agree, but i wouldnt lump The Mars Volta in with Tool and Radiohead. TMV's music is quite exciting. Besides, The Mars Volta started in 2002.

p0mt3 wrote: hitting_singularity2 wrote: p0mt3 wrote: Just to clarify; my 'omg!' response was mainly due to the fact that DT has never been that high in the charts; not because modern Prog Rock hasn't. To the people saying, "Wow, I guess Prog isn't as underground in the public as we thought!", I must ask . . . do you not realize that bands such as Tool,  Radiohead, The Mars Volta, etc. are very popular bands? Prog has been alive and well for many years, now.   well, for me it's that I don't like any of the three bands you listed very much, even though i try and appreciate all music.  I'm am excited that some energetic, fun prog is getting more popular.  Most of what 'prog' is popular right now comes from the alternative movement in the 90's which is probably the most boring musical movement IMHO   lol, DT hasn't been 'energetic' or 'fun' since the mid 90s, but okay. j/k Tool was never part of the Alt. movement, and neither was TMV. Radiohead, maybe, but Radiohead still has much more creativity present in their music then most other Alt. Rock bands could dream of. Makes me wonder if you have even really listened to these bands, or if you've only taken others' accounts as your own opinion. I'm not trying to be difficult or confrontational, but I'm just defending these bands' integrity. Hell, I hate a lot of TMV stuff, but I know they aren't ''Alternate''.