IMAGES AND WORDS: DEMOS 1989 - 1991 [OFFICIAL BOOTLEG]

I listened to the Lost Not Forgotten Version of this album, which I assume is identical to the official bootleg version. Just some different titling for songs I think. So this album has 4 different "sections", which I'll give overall reviews for.

Instrumental Demos - 7/10 - This release starts off with 4 instrumental demo songs. These have no production and are pretty raw, especially with the keyboard midi sound. Definitely a dated sound. Once you hear the wack keyboard sounds in this demo, you will forever listen to DT's keyboard tracks differently. Anyways, these are enjoyable listens and it's cool to hear behind the tracks a little more.

Vocalist Auditions - 8/10 - These tracks are the most interesting part of this album, with listeners being able to listen to 3 different singers sing 4 songs with the band. Theses tracks sound pretty good too, production-wise. And John Hendricks' and Chris Cintron"s tracks sound pretty good actually. I think it's especially cool to hear the different version of "A Change of Seasons". Steve Stone's recording isn't too hot though, but still interesting to listen to.

ATCO Demos - 10/10 - These and the Pre-Production Demos sound pretty close to the album, which I believe is a 10/10 so no qualms with me. Just a few slight differences here and there. Both these and the Pre-Production Demos could honestly be interchanged with the studio version in my opinion.

Pre-Production Demos - 10/10 - Like the ATCO Demos, these songs sound really similar to the album. One while the production is slightly rougher with the demos, it is so nice being able to actually hear the bass and some other instrumental parts are more clear. Plus James Labrie's takes on these tracks are pretty good.

Overall a pretty solid release. I'd definitely recommend listening to the vocalists' auditions to see what an alternate universe Dream Theater might look like.