Things By Mike

All will be right with the universe soon. Why, you ask? Because Dream Theater is releasing a new CD entitled “Systematic Chaos” in June! The 5th of June to be exact. I turn into a nerdy little fan boy every time there’s something new from DT. They’re not just any ordinary band though. Dream Theater represent some of the most gifted musicians our little blue planet has to offer. If you don’t believe me seek out some of their music and hear for yourself. They’re literally musical chameleons. Pick a style and you can bet they can play it, and play it with precision.

A few years ago I finally got a chance to see them live along with King’s X (another legendary prog rock band). It was an unforgettable performance. It was amazing to see the age rage of fans gathered there to watch and listen to them perform. I saw teenagers, people in their 20s, 30s and beyond. Even a pair of grandparents who where there with their grandchildren joyfully bobbing their heads to the music with the rest of us. The highlight of the show was the Instrumedley which DT is well known for doing at all of their shows. Basically it’s about 10 minutes or so of some of the most ridiculously complex instrumental wizardry you’ll ever witness. It’s one thing to hear them perform this music on CD, but to experience it live and actually SEE them play it is just breathtaking. They play it all to perfection. Not even one little note out of place. There were more than a few times where I had to pick my jaw up off the floor. I’ve been creating music one way or another pretty much my entire life and there’s not a chance I could put something together that even comes close what these guys can do. Not even in my most vivid and productive dreams.

Some people will argue that Dream Theater has lost a bit of the magic they had years ago. I strongly disagree. I think they continue to evolve and challenge themselves as well as their listeners. You can’t expect a band to play the same thing over and over and not get tired of doing it. They’re going to try new ideas, choose different paths, constantly experiment and continue to grow as musicians. If some fans find that unacceptable, that’s unfortunate because they’re missing out. I’ve never lost my enthusiasm for DT and never will. It’s always fascinating to hear what they’ll do next. Just consider how many bands make big splashes in the music industry only to fizzle out because they fail to truly grow and offer something new. Dream Theater does what it takes to constantly remain the most premiere progressive rock band on the planet and that’s not going to change any time soon. For 15 of the 20 years that they’ve been in existence I’ve been a fan, and they still manage to always sound fresh to me.