ONCE IN A LIVETIME

After the solid Falling Into Infinity, Dream Theater, for reasons unknown to myself, decided to release this disappointing live dud. Granted, there are some fine moments on here, such as the "Freebird" version of "Take The Time", and the dropping in of various sections of "A Change of Seasons" throughout the set. However, the band totally ravaged "Learning To Live" so they could put it in a medley, and the drum solo is agonizing. Mike Portnoy is a great technical drummer within the band's songs; however, his drum solo here makes me desperately run for a listen to Neil Peart's "Rhythm Method" drum solo to cleanse myself. The album is muddy, and overall without energy. A bit of a wash here, folks.