Dream Theater Share-a-thon, Day 20: "A Fortune in Lies"

"A Fortune in Lies", Track 1 on "When Dream and Day Unite"(1989)

Length - 5:15
Tempo - swift
Intro - "thump, thump, thump" sound the drums, and away we go
Texture - dual melody feel in non-vocal instruments, keyboard ambiance on verses, vocals declamatory
Features - soaring vocals, groovy guitar

************************

Dream Theater formed at Berklee in 1985. The original three members were John Petrucci (guitar) and John Myung (bass), friends from Long Island, and Mike Portnoy (percussion) whom the Johns heard in a practice room and said, "we gotta get that guy". (Something along those lines).

"When Dream and Day Unite" lineup:
The Johns
Portnoy
Kevin Moore - keyboard
Charlie Dominici - Vocals

Lyrics to "A Fortune in Lies":

I can remember when,
In the unity of our five-day sessions
Not even once did we hear the siren song
What kind of imagination
Asleep in some lyrical coma
Who's vain futile memory
Could have been so wrong?

You can make a fortune in lies
You can keep a giant alive
You can ride the red
Until everybody smiles

A trifling euphoria
Was such an untimely religion
Maybe your life can explain
The reason for my indecision
Here is a poor man
The heart of this monster creation
He said we both will be heroes
And I was led into temptation

You can make a fortune in lies
You can keep a giant alive
You can ride the red
Until everybody smiles

Can you show me your gold and your silver?
A hero in frozen water

"For the first time in a long time
Everything was right in my world
And then I woke up"

Now you've made a fortune in lies
And you kept a giant alive
You rode the red
You rode the red

********************************

SPOILERS AND SUBJECTIVITY BELOW: YOU MIGHT WANT TO READ THIS AFTER LISTENING

Words to describe this song: York Peppermint Patty with a glass of very cold milk

How to enjoy this song: Go somewhere where you can move like a dork without anyone judging you (I'm currently at the gym, so I'm kinda-sorta following my advice), and tap your feet along and move your torso around. You get more out of this one if you move with it. They hadn't quite found their sound yet, though it does sound good. Their biggest strength with this song is the songwriting. So, pay close attention to that and groove with it.

Stream-of-consciousness thoughts as I listen to "A Fortune in Lies": The main guitar uses an effect (for the uninitiated, this is a technical, non-metaphorical term) that sounds to me like the openness and clarity that you get when you blow air across the top of a bottle, that sorta hooty sound. I love it. It's evident to me that John Petrucci is something special. Just the cleanliness with which he played right from the get-go on this album, their first LP. (We will get to the early-days demos later. ;) ) Charlie Dominici is very professional and hits everything that he is supposed to hit. There are some times later in the album where he doesn't nail what he's supposed to do, but he does hit it. He sounds, more or less, like an excellent regular at Friday night karaoke. He's pretty good, but you wouldn't necessarily write home about him. I enjoy him, and for me, with 16 years of practice using my falsetto (shout-out to my high school choir director for prompting us boys to use it), it's easy to sing along. Let me be clear, I'm not claiming that I'm better; I just feel confident in singing all of the notes. Charlie was a serviceable vocalist for DT to record their first LP with.


Thank you for reading, and enjoy!
Michael

*************************************
What is the "Dream Theater Share-a-thon"?

I will be posting a link to a song/piece by my favorite band, Dream Theater, hopefully every day until we have successfully enjoyed every original song that they have recorded in-studio. There are many good reasons to do this, but you can probably guess most of the ones that I'm thinking.

No adieu.
We're just gonna do it.

I'm going to try to help you know what to expect a little bit without influencing the way that you experience the song. I want you to have the chance to enjoy the music on your own without any spoilers, just as I did.

I will also tell you that some of the things that Dream Theater does may be quite different than much of the music that you have listened to before. Sometimes it may be so new that it makes you a bit uneasy or just doesn't connect to you at all. If that happens, I encourage you to listen to it a few times, perhaps in different ways... once in the background while you do dishes, once with your eyes closed and your full attention, once hanging upside down like a bat. You get the idea.

You may even want to come back to it later for another listen.

I believe that, if you go on this journey with me, you will find more than a few songs that you enjoy. My mom saw Dream Theater live in K.C. and really enjoyed them, and she usually listens to NPR which I don't think gets to rock and roll that much. Dream Theater truly has something for everyone. Not everything they do may be your thing, but some of it may change your life for the better the way that it did mine.

****************************

~In loving memory of Tim~

Dream Theater Share-a-thon, Day 19: "Out of Reach"

"Out of Reach", Track 8 on "Distance Over Time"(2019)

Length - 4:04
Tempo - slightly slow walk
Intro - classical grand piano sound
Texture - gentle layering
Features - piano, soulful guitar solo, yearning vocal sound

************************

Dream Theater formed at Berklee in 1985. The original three members were John Petrucci (guitar) and John Myung (bass), friends from Long Island, and Mike Portnoy (percussion) whom the Johns heard in a practice room and said, "we gotta get that guy". (Something along those lines).

""Distance Over Time" lineup:
Petrucci - guitars
Myung - bass
Jordan Rudess - keyboards
James LaBrie - Vocals
Mike Mangini - drums

Lyrics for "Out of Reach":

There's something about this girl
Some kind of magic
I swear she cast a spell on me
Not the first time
Might be the last
Can't let this moment slip away

Try to find the words
None sit right with me
Air of confidence
But I can barely breathe

She's without a care
Electrified and held there
A thousand volts igniting me
Her waves crash over me
Far below, out of reach
The undertow, my reverie

Sadness in her smile
Love, it's been a while
Near but far away
She chases it each day
A promise to come back
All the while still waiting
Seems it lost its way

Out of reach
Just too hard to reach
You're letting your life slip away
Out of reach
Yeah, it's hard to reach
There's another day
Although you're hurting and afraid
You're stronger than yesterday

********************************

SPOILERS AND SUBJECTIVITY BELOW: YOU MIGHT WANT TO READ THIS AFTER LISTENING
Words to describe this song: supportive, cathartic, therapeutic

Imbibery tip: Dark room. Headphones. Gently and slightly firmly press your hands against your temples, your fingers into your scalp. If you're like me, you may feel things you've been holding in trying to get out through your pores. It's up to you whether you let them. This is another one of those Dream Theater songs that doesn't come and get you (a contrast to the weekend edition). This song may be the medicine man, and he's not doing house calls today.

Stream-of-consciousness thoughts as I listen to "Out of Reach":
This song is a walk outside in overcast jacket weather. It's close to this dog's expression.
Funny story, James LaBrie recorded a song called "Slightly Out of Reach" for one of his solo albums. (Which I have only heard becomes someone leaked his solo album right about the time that DT's album "Octavarium" came out. And there are several songs on there that I just love to wail away with.) Mike Mangini played the drums on that album, too, about a half-decade before he joined Dream Theater. Anyway, "Slightly Out of Reach" has a somewhat similar feel. It has a long guitar section that is to live for.

Something cool about this song is that it makes you wait and wait for the chorus which also serves as the climax. This is one of the shortest songs DT has ever recorded. My lovely music-degree education wants me to call this song "through-composed". It may not be through-composed in the strictest sense as there are tiny pieces that repeat (the intro kinda comes back at the close like Harry's first snitch), but it's pretty darn close. This song balances nicely a feeling of being complete with leaving you wanting juuuust a bit more. But, it's 2019 and we have recordings and easy scrolling through a song, so if you want to sing the chorus again, just slide back in the song or repeat the whole dang thing. Magic!

I haven't decided for sure as I've only listened to this song about 20 times (no irony intended), but I feel like this song pretty nearly describes my relationship with traveling, especially when there are places you're not allowed to go because they are on private property. The picture below is some super cool-looking rocks that I wanted to ascend. But there is a fence. They called me, but I could not answer.

I include this next image for scale.

Thank you for reading, and enjoy!
Michael

*************************************
What is the "Dream Theater Share-a-thon"?

I will be posting a link to a song/piece by my favorite band, Dream Theater, hopefully every day until we have successfully enjoyed every original song that they have recorded in-studio. There are many good reasons to do this, but you can probably guess most of the ones that I'm thinking.

No adieu.
We're just gonna do it.

I'm going to try to help you know what to expect a little bit without influencing the way that you experience the song. I want you to have the chance to enjoy the music on your own without any spoilers, just as I did.

I will also tell you that some of the things that Dream Theater does may be quite different than much of the music that you have listened to before. Sometimes it may be so new that it makes you a bit uneasy or just doesn't connect to you at all. If that happens, I encourage you to listen to it a few times, perhaps in different ways... once in the background while you do dishes, once with your eyes closed and your full attention, once hanging upside down like a bat. You get the idea.

You may even want to come back to it later for another listen.

I believe that, if you go on this journey with me, you will find more than a few songs that you enjoy. My mom saw Dream Theater live in K.C. and really enjoyed them, and she usually listens to NPR which I don't think gets to rock and roll that much. Dream Theater truly has something for everyone. Not everything they do may be your thing, but some of it may change your life for the better the way that it did mine.

****************************

~In loving memory of Tim~

Dream Theater Share-a-thon, Day 18: "In the Presence of Enemies, Pt. 2"

"In the Presence of Enemies, Pt. 2", Track 8 on "Systematic Chaos"(2007)

Note: This song stands on its own, but you might find your listening experience enhanced if you go back and listen to yesterday's song, "In the Presence of Enemies, Pt. 1"

Length - 16:39
Tempo - walk with heavy footsteps
Intro - keyboard ambiance
Texture - polyrhythmia, unison ensemble vocalizing, some doubling of guitar and voice
Features - soaring vocals; quick, almost spoken-word vocals; eerie keyboard work; bass notes take control

************************

Dream Theater formed at Berklee in 1985. The original three members were John Petrucci (guitar) and John Myung (bass), friends from Long Island, and Mike Portnoy (percussion) whom the Johns heard in a practice room and said, "we gotta get that guy". (Something along those lines).

"Systematic Chaos" lineup:
Petrucci - guitars, backing vocals
Myung - bass
Portnoy - drums, percussion, backing vocals
Jordan Rudess - keyboard, continuum
James LaBrie - lead vocals

Lyrics of "In the Presence of Enemies, Pt. 2":

Welcome tired pilgrim
Into the circle
We have been waiting

Everyone's gathered
for your arrival
All the believers

Angels fall
all for you
heretic
Demon heart
bleed for us

I've been waiting for you,
Weary preacher man
You have been expected
Now we can begin
Let this hollowed Day of Judgment reign

I have known you father
And your sacred quest
Blessed soldier fighting
You shall never rest
I have known you but do you know me?

Angels fall
all for you
heretic
Demon heart
bleed for us

(My soul is yours Dark Master, I will fight for you)

Dark Master within, I will fight for you
Dark Master of sin, now my soul is yours
Dark Master, my guide, I will die for you
Dark Master inside

I cannot see his face
But I could feel his spite
A presence from the dead
Abandoned by the light
This shadow will consume him
from within

This power that I sense
The rage behind those eyes
Is just a shrouded ghost
A spirit sealed inside
The body and the soul both threats
For they are one

Angels fall
all for you
heretic
Demon heart
bleed for us

(My soul is yours Dark Master, I will fight for you)

Dark Master within, I will fight for you
Dark Master of sin, now my soul is yours
Dark Master, my guide, I will die for you
Dark Master inside
Dark Master, amen, I belong to you
Dark Master within

Heil! Heil! Heil! Heil!
Heil! Heil! Heil! Heil!

[IV. The Slaughter of The Damned]

Don't
Bother trying to find them
They will be coming to you
Fight,
Fight and destroy until you can't take anymore

Slay
Spill the blood of the rebels
They are the children of hell
Flesh,
Of the undead
Stopping at nothing to kill

Sin,
Caught in a moment of weakness
Committed the greatest of all
Sold,
Half of my soul
And now it's too late for you

I judge us
my eyes see
I judge and I am just
For I speak of the beast
That lives in all of us

Unwelcome ones
your time has come

Lord,
You are my god and my shepherd
Nothing more shall I want
Walk,
Through the abyss
Into the shadow of death

Fear,
There is no evil to fear now
For I know you are with me
My,
Cup overflows
With my enemy's blood

I,
Decay in the house of the lord
Forever, amen
Death,
Will follow me
All the days of my life

I judge us
my eyes see
I judge and I am just
For I speak of the beast
That lives in all of us
Unwelcome ones
your time has come

Servants of the fallen
Fight to pave the way
For their savior's calling
On this wicked day

Through a veil of madness
With a vicious play
One man rises up
Standing in their way

It's time for your reckoning

[V. The Reckoning ]

[Instrumental]

[VI. Salvation]

My soul grows weaker
He knows and he waits
He watches over me
Standing at the infernal gates
In the hour of darkness
The moment I feared has passed
The moment I lost my faith
Promising salvation
My soul is my own now
I do not fight for you
Dark Master


********************************

SPOILERS AND SUBJECTIVITY BELOW: YOU MIGHT WANT TO READ THIS AFTER LISTENING
Words to describe this song:epic, eerie, purposeful

Stream-of-consciousness thoughts as I listen to "In the Presence of Enemies, Pt. 2":
I wrote the following for part 1, and it still applies, so for those who missed it yesterday (what's wrong with you??):
Ok, folks, allow me to talk about heavy metal, if you will. Consider the following analogy: bluegrass is to radio country as heavy metal is to mainstream rock. Who discerned that analogy? Me.

Here's the deal. Everyone is passionate about music (ok, I knew one guy once who didn't care much about music, and that was weird. He was all, "I guess I listen to the music on my video games" and I was baffled... Like, he didn't listen to anything.), and some folks aren't that expressive of their passion. You learn how passionate they are about things by watching what they choose to do. But when you meet a fan of a genre of music with "extensive layering and emphasis on every instrument having a strong presence in the music" (bonding characteristics of heavy metal, bluegrass, symphonic music, barbershop harmony, much Irish folk music, etc.), it seems to bring out that "I will fight you if you say this music isn't amazing" feeling in its fans. I, for one, feel called to put up the horns for all of the types of music in parentheses above when they are executed well. Sometimes, a listener might not like a particular sound that a band uses in a heavy metal song, but beauty, 'tis said, is in the eye of the beholder.

If you listen carefully to what heavy metal musicians are doing, perhaps you'll learn to feel the beauty the way diehard fans do.

"In the Presence of Enemies, Pt. 1" (and indeed most of the album that it's from) is a heavy metal song. Dream Theater doesn't normally play music that I would deem "sexy", but this one kinda comes close. It's got a rawness to it, a "there's dark stuff out there, folks, and buckle up, cuz we're gonna tell you about it" attitude. From the first riff, it's almost like John Petrucci says, "attack!" and then the other guys go, "good plan, bro. Look out, world."

Much DT music seems to me fast, chill music that says, "we're playing music with all the love and care in us, take it or leave it". This song ain't that, y'all.

Thank you for reading, and enjoy!
~Michael

*************************************
What is the "Dream Theater Share-a-thon"?

I will be posting a link to a song/piece by my favorite band, Dream Theater, hopefully every day until we have successfully enjoyed every original song that they have recorded in-studio. There are many good reasons to do this, but you can probably guess most of the ones that I'm thinking.

No adieu.
We're just gonna do it.

I'm going to try to help you know what to expect a little bit without influencing the way that you experience the song. I want you to have the chance to enjoy the music on your own without any spoilers, just as I did.

I will also tell you that some of the things that Dream Theater does may be quite different than much of the music that you have listened to before. Sometimes it may be so new that it makes you a bit uneasy or just doesn't connect to you at all. If that happens, I encourage you to listen to it a few times, perhaps in different ways... once in the background while you do dishes, once with your eyes closed and your full attention, once hanging upside down like a bat. You get the idea.

You may even want to come back to it later for another listen.

I believe that, if you go on this journey with me, you will find more than a few songs that you enjoy. My mom saw Dream Theater live in K.C. and really enjoyed them, and she usually listens to NPR which I don't think gets to rock and roll that much. Dream Theater truly has something for everyone. Not everything they do may be your thing, but some of it may change your life for the better the way that it did mine.

****************************

~In loving memory of Tim~

Dream Theater Share-a-thon, Day 17: "In the Presence of Enemies, Pt. 1"

"In the Presence of Enemies, Pt. 1", Track 1 on "Systematic Chaos"(2007)

Length - 9:01
Tempo - quick
Intro - guitar riff
Texture - polyrhythmia, some harmonizing (so homorhythmia as a piece of the layering)
Features - grindy harmonizing, smooth yet grindy soloing, clean and firm vocals

************************

Dream Theater formed at Berklee in 1985. The original three members were John Petrucci (guitar) and John Myung (bass), friends from Long Island, and Mike Portnoy (percussion) whom the Johns heard in a practice room and said, "we gotta get that guy". (Something along those lines).

"Systematic Chaos" lineup:
Petrucci - guitars, backing vocals
Myung - bass
Portnoy - drums, percussion, backing vocals
Jordan Rudess - keyboard, continuum
James LaBrie - lead vocals

Lyrics of "In the Presence of Enemies, Pt. 1":

[I Prelude]

[Instrumental]

[II Resurrection]
I saw a white light
Shining there before me
And walking to it
I waited for the end
A final vision
Promising salvation
A resurrection
For a fallen man

Do you still wait for your God
And the symbol of your faith?

I can free you from this Hell and misery
You should never be ashamed my son
I can give you power beyond anything
Trust me you will be the chosen one

I was forgotten
A body scorned and broken
My soul rejected
Tainted by his blood

Beyond redemption
A sinner not worth saving
Forever taken
From the one I loved

Do I still wait for my God
And a symbol of my faith?

I can lead you down the path and back to life
All I ask is that you worship me
I can help you seek revenge and save yourself
Give you life for all eternity

Servants of the fallen
Fight to pave the way
For their saviour's calling
Of this wicked day

Through a veil of madness
With a vicious blade
One man rises up
Standing in their way

Redemption
Redemption for humanity

********************************

SPOILERS AND SUBJECTIVITY BELOW: YOU MIGHT WANT TO READ THIS AFTER LISTENING
Words to describe this song:uh, metal. cool, groovy metal

Stream-of-consciousness thoughts as I listen to "In the Presence of Enemies, Pt. 1":
Ok, folks, allow me to talk about heavy metal, if you will. Consider the following analogy: bluegrass is to radio country as heavy metal is to mainstream rock. Who discerned that analogy? Me.

Here's the deal. Everyone is passionate about music (ok, I knew one guy once who didn't care much about music, and that was weird. He was all, "I guess I listen to the music on my video games" and I was baffled... Like, he didn't listen to anything.), and some folks aren't that expressive of their passion. You learn how passionate they are about things by watching what they choose to do. But when you meet a fan of a genre of music with "extensive layering and emphasis on every instrument having a strong presence in the music" (bonding characteristics of heavy metal, bluegrass, symphonic music, barbershop harmony, much Irish folk music, etc.), it seems to bring out that "I will fight you if you say this music isn't amazing" feeling in its fans. I, for one, feel called to put up the horns for all of the types of music in parentheses above when they are executed well. Sometimes, a listener might not like a particular sound that a band uses in a heavy metal song, but beauty, 'tis said, is in the eye of the beholder.

If you listen carefully to what heavy metal musicians are doing, perhaps you'll learn to feel the beauty the way diehard fans do.

"In the Presence of Enemies, Pt. 1" (and indeed most of the album that it's from) is a heavy metal song. Dream Theater doesn't normally play music that I would deem "sexy", but this one kinda comes close. It's got a rawness to it, a "there's dark stuff out there, folks, and buckle up, cuz we're gonna tell you about it" attitude. From the first riff, it's almost like John Petrucci says, "attack!" and then the other guys go, "good plan, bro. Look out, world."

Much DT music seems to me fast, chill music that says, "we're playing music with all the love and care in us, take it or leave it". This song ain't that, y'all.

Thank you for reading, and enjoy!
~Michael

*************************************
What is the "Dream Theater Share-a-thon"?

I will be posting a link to a song/piece by my favorite band, Dream Theater, hopefully every day until we have successfully enjoyed every original song that they have recorded in-studio. There are many good reasons to do this, but you can probably guess most of the ones that I'm thinking.

No adieu.
We're just gonna do it.

I'm going to try to help you know what to expect a little bit without influencing the way that you experience the song. I want you to have the chance to enjoy the music on your own without any spoilers, just as I did.

I will also tell you that some of the things that Dream Theater does may be quite different than much of the music that you have listened to before. Sometimes it may be so new that it makes you a bit uneasy or just doesn't connect to you at all. If that happens, I encourage you to listen to it a few times, perhaps in different ways... once in the background while you do dishes, once with your eyes closed and your full attention, once hanging upside down like a bat. You get the idea.

You may even want to come back to it later for another listen.

I believe that, if you go on this journey with me, you will find more than a few songs that you enjoy. My mom saw Dream Theater live in K.C. and really enjoyed them, and she usually listens to NPR which I don't think gets to rock and roll that much. Dream Theater truly has something for everyone. Not everything they do may be your thing, but some of it may change your life for the better the way that it did mine.

****************************

~In loving memory of Tim~

Dream Theater Share-a-thon, Day 16: "Bridges in the Sky"

"Bridges in the Sky", Track 5 on "A Dramatic Turn of Events"(2011)

Length - 11:02
Tempo - Quick, then fast with held-note fill-in
Intro - sound sampling, pitched and un-pitched percussion
Texture - layers. sometimes it's like the other (non-vocal) instruments are playing variations on the vocal line
Features - full pitch range guitar and keyboard soloing, keyboard magic, subtle backing vocals

************************

Dream Theater formed at Berklee in 1985. The original three members were John Petrucci (guitar) and John Myung (bass), friends from Long Island, and Mike Portnoy (percussion) whom the Johns heard in a practice room and said, "we gotta get that guy". (Something along those lines).

"A Dramatic Turn of Events" lineup:
Petrucci - guitar, backing vocals
Myung - bass
Portnoy - percussion
Jordan Rudess - keyboards, continuum, Morphwiz iPad app
James LaBrie - Vocals

Lyrics for "Bridges in the Sky":

Blackness awakens
Visions come alive
Seeing through darkness
With borrowed eyes

Death survivor
Take me higher
Reunite my soul

Whisperer of truth
I trust in you
To make me whole

Sun
Come shine my way
May healing waters bury all my pain

Wind
Carry me home
The fabric of reality is tearing apart
The piece of me that died
Will return
To live again

Feeling myself slip away
Suddenly dreaming awake
Hidden memories
Flooding back

I will not grow in the light
Until I pass through the darkest caverns of my heart

Dance with fire
Spirit guide erase the world outside

Messenger of truth
I trust in you
Transform me now

Sun
Come shine my way
May healing waters bury all my pain

Wind
Carry me home
The fabric of reality is tearing apart
The piece of me that died
Will return
To live again

And at last the time has come
To unite again as one

To the power of the Earth I'm calling
Crossing bridges in the sky
On a journey to renew my life
Shaman take my hand

Sun
Come shine my way
May healing waters bury all my pain

Wind
Carry me home
The fabric of reality is tearing apart
The piece of me that died
Will return
To live again

And at last the time has come
To unite again as one
To the power of the Earth I'm calling
Crossing bridges in the sky
On a journey to renew my life
Shaman take my hand

********************************

SPOILERS AND SUBJECTIVITY BELOW: YOU MIGHT WANT TO READ THIS AFTER LISTENING

How to listen: Get your supper ready, (if you can, we're not classist here) be sure that you have a good sound system or good headphones, get ready to smile and feel something, and plan to listen several times in row. You'll very likely love the song from the first listen, but you're gonna wanna take it in a couple more times. Think of yourself as a sports fan that's going to want to see a replay again and again. I am so pumped to share it with you! It's like a roller coaster that has you wanting to shout "again! again!" like a little kid. P.S. This song is better louder.

Words to describe this song:groovy, grindy, cool, artsy, powerful

Stream-of-consciousness thoughts as I listen to "Bridges in the Sky":
Full disclosure: "Bridges in the Sky is in my DT top 20. I absolutely love this work. It's masterful. This song is very sing-along-able. It's dramatic, powerful, and never gets old. There are so many layers, and I can listen to this song in many different moods and feel like it's just what I need at that moment. With all the stuff going on with the instruments, you can zone in on whatever you want and get something different. There are attacking heavy-metal moments, but they don't drag it out, so the average listener can get just the right amount of metal imbibery before new stuff comes in.
My older sister is a trained aerial, modern, and ballet dancer, for the last couple of years branching out into circus work. (Shameless plug: She's an outreach movement artist in the Tulsa, OK metro with a group called "Between the Lines Movement Project". Click this text to go see their Facebook page. Let's just say I have attended a fair number of recitals in my time. More than any other Dream Theater song, I have wanted to see this one choreographed into a modern dance recital. I'm hoping that she reads this. ;) )

Thank you for reading, and enjoy!
Michael

*************************************
What is the "Dream Theater Share-a-thon"?

I will be posting a link to a song/piece by my favorite band, Dream Theater, hopefully every day until we have successfully enjoyed every original song that they have recorded in-studio. There are many good reasons to do this, but you can probably guess most of the ones that I'm thinking.

No adieu.
We're just gonna do it.

I'm going to try to help you know what to expect a little bit without influencing the way that you experience the song. I want you to have the chance to enjoy the music on your own without any spoilers, just as I did.

I will also tell you that some of the things that Dream Theater does may be quite different than much of the music that you have listened to before. Sometimes it may be so new that it makes you a bit uneasy or just doesn't connect to you at all. If that happens, I encourage you to listen to it a few times, perhaps in different ways... once in the background while you do dishes, once with your eyes closed and your full attention, once hanging upside down like a bat. You get the idea.

You may even want to come back to it later for another listen.

I believe that, if you go on this journey with me, you will find more than a few songs that you enjoy. My mom saw Dream Theater live in K.C. and really enjoyed them, and she usually listens to NPR which I don't think gets to rock and roll that much. Dream Theater truly has something for everyone. Not everything they do may be your thing, but some of it may change your life for the better the way that it did mine.

****************************

~In loving memory of Tim~

Dream Theater Share-a-thon, Day 15: "The Best of Times"

"The Best of Times", Track 5 on "Black Clouds & Silver Linings"(2009)

Length - 13:08
Tempo - mixture
Intro - slow, pensive
Texture - chamber-ensemble-like, some vocal harmony, polyphony of soloing with backing instruments
Features - different guitar effects for different parts of the song

************************

Dream Theater formed at Berklee in 1985. The original three members were John Petrucci (guitar) and John Myung (bass), friends from Long Island, and Mike Portnoy (percussion) whom the Johns heard in a practice room and said, "we gotta get that guy". (Something along those lines).

"Black Clouds & Silver Linings" lineup:
John Petrucci - guitar, backing vocals
John Myung - bass
Mike Portnoy - percussion, backing vocals, occasional lead vocals
Jordan Rudess - keyboard, continuum, iPhone app Bebot
James LaBrie - Vocals

Lyrics:
Remember days of yesterday
And how it flew so fast
The two score and a year we had,
I thought would always last

The summer days and west coast dreams,
I wished would never end
A young boy and his father,
Idol and best friend

I'll always remember
Those were the best of times
A lifetime together
I'll never forget

Morning shows on the radio
The case of the missing dog
Lying on the fields at the only twelve
Watching Harold and Maude

Record shops, the stick-ball fields
My home away from home
When we weren't together
The hours on the phone

I'll always remember
Those were the best of times
I'll cherish them forever
The best of times

But then came the call
Our lives changed forever more
You can pray for a change
But prepare for the end

The fleeting winds of time
Flying through each day
All the things I should have done
But time just slipped away
Remember "seize the day"
Life goes by in the blink of an eye
There's so much left to say

These were the best of times
I'll miss these days
Your spirit led my life each day

Thank you for the inspiration
Thank you for the smiles
All the unconditional love
That carried me for miles
It carried me for miles
But most of all thank you for my life

These were the best of times
I'll miss these days
Your spirit led my life each day
My heart is bleeding bad
But I'll be okay
Your spirit guides my life each day

********************************

SPOILERS AND SUBJECTIVITY BELOW: YOU MIGHT WANT TO READ THIS AFTER LISTENING
Words to describe this song:beautiful, yearning, ripping

Stream-of-consciousness thoughts as I listen to " ":Aesthetics are, by nature, subjective, so not everyone will agree with this because some people aren't keen on electric guitar. But if you'll pardon some bleeped profanity, this song is f****** beautiful. The entire damn song is sonic poetry. If you have been following the Share-a-thon from the beginning and aren't quite in love with this band yet, this might be the song that gets you truly intoxicated.
If you'll endulge a brief story?
I'd forgotten about it until my friend Alex reminded me. When I first talked to him about 'Black Clouds, I said, "Alex, I'm scared. This album is so good, I'm scared. I don't know how they can possibly do any better than this. Where can they possibly go from here?"
The next year, after a disagreement about direction, Mike Portnoy left the band. He wanted them to take a few years' hiatus and then come back. The other guys were like, uh, no, this is what we do. So Portnoy left the band, and was replaced.
So, Alex tells me, "Michael, you called it." I was like... whoa... I guess I kinda did. Cuz, the thing is, Black Clouds is peak Dream Theater with Portnoy. It's amazing, beautiful, powerful music. Such a damn good "record", as Alex calls albums.


Thank you for reading, and enjoy!
Michael

*************************************
What is the "Dream Theater Share-a-thon"?

I will be posting a link to a song/piece by my favorite band, Dream Theater, hopefully every day until we have successfully enjoyed every original song that they have recorded in-studio. There are many good reasons to do this, but you can probably guess most of the ones that I'm thinking.

No adieu.
We're just gonna do it.

I'm going to try to help you know what to expect a little bit without influencing the way that you experience the song. I want you to have the chance to enjoy the music on your own without any spoilers, just as I did.

I will also tell you that some of the things that Dream Theater does may be quite different than much of the music that you have listened to before. Sometimes it may be so new that it makes you a bit uneasy or just doesn't connect to you at all. If that happens, I encourage you to listen to it a few times, perhaps in different ways... once in the background while you do dishes, once with your eyes closed and your full attention, once hanging upside down like a bat. You get the idea.

You may even want to come back to it later for another listen.

I believe that, if you go on this journey with me, you will find more than a few songs that you enjoy. My mom saw Dream Theater live in K.C. and really enjoyed them, and she usually listens to NPR which I don't think gets to rock and roll that much. Dream Theater truly has something for everyone. Not everything they do may be your thing, but some of it may change your life for the better the way that it did mine.

****************************

~In loving memory of Tim~

Dream Theater Share-a-thon, Day 14: "Sacrificed Sons"

"Sacrificed Sons", Track 7 on "Octavarium"(2005)

Length - 10:43
Tempo - walking
Intro - ambiance, quotes on audio samples
Texture - doubling & harmony, polyphony, drum & guitar polyrhythmia
Features - extensive instrumental section, variety of vocal delivery

************************

Dream Theater formed at Berklee in 1985. The original three members were John Petrucci (guitar) and John Myung (bass), friends from Long Island, and Mike Portnoy (percussion) whom the Johns heard in a practice room and said, "we gotta get that guy". (Something along those lines).

"Octavarium" lineup:
The Johns
Portnoy
Jordan Rudess - keyboard, continuum, lap steel guitar
James LaBrie - Vocals

Lyrics:
Walls are closing
Anxiously
Channel surfing
Frantically

Burning City
Smoke and fire
Planes, we're certain.
Faith inspired?

No clues
A complete surprise
Who'll be
Coming home tonight?

Heads all turning
Towards the sky
Towers crumble
Heroes die

Who would wish this
On our people?
And proclaim
That His will be done
Scriptures they heed have misled them
All praise their sacrificed sons
All praise their sacrificed sons

Teach them
What to think and feel
Your ways
So enlightening

Words they preach
I can't relate
If God's true Love
Are acts of Hate

Who would wish this
On our people?
And proclaim
That His will be done
Scriptures they heed have misled them
All praise their sacrificed sons
All praise their sacrificed sons

God on high
Our mistake
Will mankind be extinct?
There's no time to waste
Who serves the truth
For Heaven's sake?


********************************

SPOILERS AND SUBJECTIVITY BELOW: YOU MIGHT WANT TO READ THIS AFTER LISTENING
Words to describe this song:heart-tugging, passion-eliciting, head-banging

Stream-of-consciousness thoughts as I listen to "Sacrificed Sons":
As a vocalist myself, one of the things that I appreciate so much about James LaBrie is that he stays true to his voice. It's a very healthy way to sing, and it should keep him in the game for at least two more decades. In this song, depending on the perspective he's taking, whether narrator, personal testament, or the perpetrators of 9/11, he uses a slightly different voice. If you pay attention, it's very effective.
One key to getting the most out of this song is to listen very intently. Put yourself in an environment where you can be safe to feel your feelings. The band is based out of Long Island, so we can imagine how personal 9/11 feels for them. Listening advice: allow, allow, allow yourself to be enveloped in this song.

Thank you for reading, and enjoy!
~Michael

*************************************
What is the "Dream Theater Share-a-thon"?

I will be posting a link to a song/piece by my favorite band, Dream Theater, hopefully every day until we have successfully enjoyed every original song that they have recorded in-studio. There are many good reasons to do this, but you can probably guess most of the ones that I'm thinking.

No adieu.
We're just gonna do it.

I'm going to try to help you know what to expect a little bit without influencing the way that you experience the song. I want you to have the chance to enjoy the music on your own without any spoilers, just as I did.

I will also tell you that some of the things that Dream Theater does may be quite different than much of the music that you have listened to before. Sometimes it may be so new that it makes you a bit uneasy or just doesn't connect to you at all. If that happens, I encourage you to listen to it a few times, perhaps in different ways... once in the background while you do dishes, once with your eyes closed and your full attention, once hanging upside down like a bat. You get the idea.

You may even want to come back to it later for another listen.

I believe that, if you go on this journey with me, you will find more than a few songs that you enjoy. My mom saw Dream Theater live in K.C. and really enjoyed them, and she usually listens to NPR which I don't think gets to rock and roll that much. Dream Theater truly has something for everyone. Not everything they do may be your thing, but some of it may change your life for the better the way that it did mine.

****************************

~In loving memory of Tim~