dequire's BLOG

So as I sit here listening to Dream Theater's last release (Sytematic Chaos) I am reminded, as I often am, as to how wonderful this band really is. Perfectly crafted, played with a professionalism and precision that few, if any, bands can match. Dream Theater, for the regretfully uninitiated, is a Progressive Rock / Metal band that has been around for over 20 years. Through 14 albums, numerous DVD's, and the "official bootlegs" Dream Theater have provided an insane amount of music for me to listen to over the years. Each member of this quartet is professionally trained in what they bring to the table, and it shows.

 Dream Theater, like all progressive music, takes some getting used to. First off, there are no "catchy jingles" - melodies and harmonies are layered, and there's always a lot going on. It would not be uncommon for there to be 4 or 5 (or sometimes many more) sections in a typical Dream Theater song. So out-the-window goes the classic rock formula of 3 1/2 minutes containing the intro-section 1-chorus-section 2-chorus-guitar solo-section 3-chorus-end formula. What you WILL find, however, are 5 to 27 minute masterpieces. These will contain numerous melodies, ideas, spin-offs, improvisations, and transition sections that weave a loosly-woven tapestry of musical brilliance. Further, the songs will sometimes inter-connect between others on the album, as well as songs and melodic concepts introduced on other albums! Intother words, Dream Theater doesn't make 'singles'. They create themes and ideas both musically and lyrically that are meant to be - no demand to be - listened to in whole and not relegated to backround noise as you drive to the grocery store.

 So if you have the time and patience, check dream theater out. You might just find a whole new world of music that the mainstream US media won't show you, you won't hear on your radio, or on MTV. But over 20 million albums sold worldwide says something. For me, Dream Theater has been a salvation. Of all the albums, CD's, and DVD's I own, these guys never stay out of the rotation for long.

- James (aka dequire)