OCTAVARIUM - Dream Theater REACTION | Wife + Prog-Head Boomer Drummer (Greybeard) FIRST REACTION!
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- Опубліковано 2 кві 2023
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#DreamTheater #Greybeard
In defense of LaBrie, I don't think anyone else can sing this song as well as he can, just like no one else can sing 2112 as well as Geddy Lee can. LaBrie is an absolute beast of a vocalist.
He's a great singer, just not my cup of tea personally. Which is why I prefer Liquid Tension Experiment. Interestingly, a lot of people can't stand Geddy Lee's singing, but he doesn't bother me so much. I'm also not a fan of Jordan Ruddess (I think he overplays much of the time) on keys, but I can overlook that as long as he doesn't go on a 2+ minute keyboard solo.
people just choose to ignore his vocal injuries and how much effort it takes to sing all DT songs now sadly, he really is an amazing singer. Not many would continue singing after such injuries
James LaBrie is like Geddy Lee, they're not for everyone. For me, yes. Both. It would've been sick to see Dream Theater open for Rush before the passing of "el maestro." R.I.P. Neil Peart. You're dearly missed. Dream Theater, keep up the good, I'm sorry, GREAT work. 🤘😌
Couple things to note: 1. Listen very carefully to the middle section lyrics, they are lyrics or song titles from other bands that inspired Dream Theater. 2. The song goes through 8 key changes just like an octave scale hence octavarium. 3. The last line of the song is"it ends were it begins", the ending of the album is also the beginning of the album.
I enjoy this channel, but the fact that some of the amazing call-back lyrics slipped by.... and the entire premise of the album (8 and 5) is not discussed, feels like a bit of letdown. The entire concept - or structure - of this album just slipped by the wayside. It's so much deeper and more artistic than anyone will understand if they haven't been musicians or understand the art of constructing something this deep.
Not my favorite DT album, but the thought behind the actual Octavarium gets mind blowing when you put it all under the microscope ;)
EDIT - I have a feeling Greybeard picked up on the lyrics :D
This is why they went to Berklee and I didn't. A decade later I never noticed that.
Also They Covered 2 albums from 2 of Their favorite artists. Pink Floyd Dark Side Of The Moon album. Astonishingly good. Only cover of Pink Floyd that is almost as good as original. Avenged Sevenfold did a Great version of Wish You Were Here. But was Avenged sound. Not Pink Floyd's. 2nd Metallica Master Of Puppets album. Musically it's almost right but Vocally James Labrie doesn't have the lower octave rasp of James Hetfield. Both are Definitely worth a listen.
@@jasonhutcherson6224 they also covered Iron Maiden's "Number of The Beast" album and the live album "Made In Japan" by Deep Purple.
@@boozefueledreviews6928 Check out Doug Helvering's reaction to this (or anything, really) if you crave a proper, in depth reaction(s).
The entire intro is actually their keyboard player Jordan Rudess. The first half is played on an interface by Haken called The Continuum Fingerboard. The next half is performed by Jordan on a lap steel guitar. That entire intro is perfection.
That solo in the middle is pure eargasm I swear
Petrucci has a million over the top shred solos but the Razor's Edge solo from the end of Octavarium has to be his best, and one of the best solos ever written.
Absolute feeling, like a Best of times last solo!
Probably my favourite guitar solo of all time.
At much as I love Geddy Lee and Jon Anderson I cannot understand how one could perceive that they would be more appropriate for this kind of music than James LaBrie. Like I said I love them both but let's be honest, they have one single mode as singers - high and soft.
I get that LaBrie struggles with pitch more and more as he gets older, but I don't get why he never gets credit for his dynamic range of expression. His voice ebbs and flows with the music in a way that I just can't see Lees or Andersons ever doing. You can tell he treats the lyrics like dialogue and basically acts them out in his delivery. I've always loved that about him tbh. Love for LaBrie 💖
This is Nick. I have enjoyed James since Images and Words. Specially on Awake. I think Alexia simply hasn't heard enough of him. I mean wait for sleep still gives me goosebumps. We will keep trying.
Nobody can sing dream theater songs like La Brie can......the guy is a beast but yes it does take some getting used to at first as it's a very unique voice
If you do more Dream Theater, I would love to see you react to Illumination Theory or Breaking All Illusions from their Breaking the 4th Wall live tour!! They're awesome!
Finally!!
Waiting for in the presence of enemies pt2
Voices from awake contains my all time favorite guitar solo.
John Petrucci has written so many wonderful guitar solos, I couldn't pick one and put it on top of my list. I just requested 2 deeper cuts on another channel, Repentance and This is the life, both songs have great guitar solos ... but I'm sure, you are familiar with the catalogue. Have you seen them live ?
@@rudolfbecker4313 Yeah i personally dont really like voices guitar solo, i mean its nothing special to me but i love this and the solos you mentioned.
It is a complex and long song but one of their best it has all DT is
The orchestration and the harmonies are at a symphonic level.
Musically much more complex than Floyd and Alan parsons I think but a great track from a brilliant band.
its great to see one of my all time favorite albums in the background. Jean Luc Ponty - Enigmatic Ocean.
the French horn at the end seals it!
I hope to hear the glass prison soon!
Definitely a lot of their 70's prog influences in there for sure. The finale part reminds me of the ending to Kansas "The Wall" from Leftoverture album. DT were killing it on this tune.
Oh man! I really missed you guys reacting to Dream Theater! Thanks a lot!
One of my favorite guitar solos. It’s not overly complicated, but hits the feels perfectly.
That guy seems like Jack Black doing stuff
ABSOLUTELY EPIC!! Awakenings ( the movie ) reference, song titles of bands they love, song ends where it begins..... No other band can compete with these guys. From their lyrical content, thru song construction & arrangements, with true superstars playing every instrument to Labrie's totally unique opraretic vocals they are the absolute best.
I just love all the references to their inspirations so brilliantly meshed into the song. Whether is the lyrics of the full circle section, the Bohemian Rhapsody piano sequence at 11:19, or the silly Jingle Bells riff at 26:45. It all sounds so organic, but feels so rewarding when you pick up on it.
The more people that find this song, the better. It is a work of genius! 🤘🤘🤘🤘
The bagpipe sound in the beginning is similar to the intro of their song TO THE ONES WHO HELP TO SET THE SUN off their debut.
The best Dream Theater song!
Nick, love the Steely Dan shirt ma-man. 🤘😃
Nice! First song I listened from them! It blewed my mind at the time.. I have had listened to prog before.
"that last note there" is the first note from the opening track of the album the song... the root of all evil
DUDE! What are YOU doing _there_ !!!? 😄
What a freakin' cool surprise, Eric! This is gonna' be awesome . . .
N&L, I know these can be LONG, but both of you please take a few minutes to _explore_ because THIS is what makes Progressive Rock & Prog Metal different than most Pop music and other genres. The musicians and composers think on a different level when presenting lyrical content and construction/concepts to tell the "story" 🤔.
*Cover Art*
Probably said this before; the album cover reminds you of Floyd because it _looks_ like the style of the art design firm/studio "Hipgnosis" (designer Storm Thorgerson) who created most of their albums (or consulted), but it actually influenced designer *Hugh Syme,* who created most of the legendary album covers for RUSH who created a few covers for DT (this was his first for the band) 🙂.
*The prelude (ALL Jordan) before the flute . . .*
1. This is what Jordan is using on the 1st part: ua-cam.com/video/7y0-gWcU7Ps/v-deo.html (the "Haken Continuum Fingerboard")
2. The 2nd part before the Flute by a few minutes (actual flute player/flautist) - Lap Steel: ua-cam.com/video/6pUpbLvbQ7A/v-deo.html
(if you go back to the start, you will see him using the "Continuum" synth for 1.)
Nick! that's brilliant; "Like a Clock", never thought of that, its like a representation of _Time_ passing, or reflection of the past, as the story begins. And as the wiki page reflects: "(the) section is told from a first-person perspective. It portrays the thoughts of a person as he decides on what to do in the course of his lifetime, as well as his wish to never become an ordinary person. This seems to draw from the "Carpe Diem" theme that influences the EP "A Change of Seasons" heavily.
He succeeds in living an extraordinary life, but reflects upon it, and ends up wishing he had become an ordinary person, 'Someone like Him'. This is also in line with the 'Full Circle' theme of Octavarium: "this story ends where it began".
Can I give a HUGE HUG to Lexi? At the very least, she too has come "full circle" in admiring, enjoying, accepting, and expecting Progressive Rock and Prog Metal now, for its "elements" of what both are and what they bring to the table 🙂. And how this music raises the bar in compositions and virtuosity. But maybe too (like me) that it doesn't have to be pompous or over the top _every_ track, but when it is . . . it can be awesome.
Did you hear the brief "Jingle Bells" by Rudess? 🎅(Rudess having a bit of fun 😄).
*Meaning . . .*
For anyone, and especially for both you Nick & Lex, checkout these links to the meaning of the "Cento" *III. Full Circle* part of the song where various Music references are sung, almost spoken by LaBrie (and back-up by Portnoy). The wiki page and lyrics page provided are VERY comprehensive, as the "fans" have gone to great lengths to explain how the lyrics and composition came to be and its meanings, and the concept developed by Mike Portnoy, John Petrucci and Band. VERY fascinating:
1. Lyrics:
genius.com/Dream-theater-octavarium-lyrics (you can click on parts of each verse to see factoids)
2. Breakdown of the entire track:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octavarium_(song)
*IV. Intervals*
I've always felt that LaBrie (and on another track/album that I can't remember at the moment), is _channeling_ a bit of "Dave Mustaine" (Megadeth founder/vocalist/guitarist) to have that more aggressive cadence and timbre in his voice on this part reflecting frustration and realization. I think LaBrie has done a fantastic job conveying every emotion in this song.
*This story ends where it began*
The last solo by Petrucci usually makes me weep. It's one of the most beautiful solos I've ever heard, and got to witness on the tour (and you can watch on the DVD "Score").
When you guys listen to it again; the fadeout "ending" is not only a nod to _Welcome to the Machine,_ but you hear a few notes from the 1st track on the album "The Root of All Evil", which like the main ending, replays the melody of the beginning themes. Which Bill Bruford had reminded Yes of when composing Close to the Edge; called "Recapitulation" (recap), which Classical composers often created, and many Progressive bands utilize.
This is a Top 5 track for me, I listen to this and many others often. A great era for DT that was coming to a close for Portnoy sadly.
Maybe one day (soon?) I'll fly-in just to have you react to the "Score" version to see them all playing this Epic of EPICS 😊.
I hope you guys will discover the "shorter" tracks too that are just as brilliant, and show Lexi a different side of the band. And you still need to do the _entire_ "A Mind Beside Itself (the Trilogy that "Erotomania" was part of)".
- Take care you 3 (and Marley). This was a lot of fun "Watching" you react to this.
. . . Okay, shut-up shuttin' up Tony 🤭.
The man himself . . .
Continuum - Interview with Professor Haken:
ua-cam.com/video/hSwDVMQxzRc/v-deo.html
Mucho texto
When these heroes of music have left us as they all do these are the songs I will come back to and pleasantly trust fall back in to. Remembering how gorgeous, powerful and amazing their masterpieces are and how they always allow us to enjoy them time and time again forever and ever 🫶🏻
Hi guys .. still listening. Love the intro. It was definitely like the album that never was > "Wish you were here ll " It seems to turn into each band member has their own favourite Prog Rock band and want to include their influences, so we get ..Yes, Genesis and I even heard some Uriah Heep in there just before it changed again into ELP, and then became manic as if each musician wanted their turn during the solos. That was the section I couldn't get into. It's now back to the vocals....going to wait till the end before typing anymore, instead of a second comment, because it is one track.... Loved the orchestra coming in ... Ok, this is going to be a mixed comment ... Love the beginning and the ending but the mid section that got manic, I could give a miss... Edit it out and I would say ... That was brilliant ! I have to be truthful. Thankyou, a great reaction. Byeee Jim X
Love the way it keeps changing up, like several smaller songs combined into one longer one. (Now where have I heard that assessment before?)
Thanks for reaction to this masterpiece. 🤘
You've gotta watch it live so you can see all that's going on to get the full experience of it.
I'm pleased to see that Greybeard set his controls for the heart of the Sun and flew in for this reaction. I was wondering where he had beamed to! This was my first proper listen to a Dream Theater song so I didn't know how I would react. I felt that during the first half (the slower section) I was pre-occupied spotting their influences, Clearly Pink Floyd, but then some Genesis and slide that was very Steve Howe-ish. But when the solo hit, and everything became more technical and heavier I found I enjoyed it more; it felt more original to me. I'm going to revisit your DT reactions guys when I have spare time; in fact I've just checked out that you've done eight, mostly in your earlier days before I discovered the channel. I do need to hear more to form an opinion, but I did enjoy the reaction xx
I am happy you did enjoy this!!! Let us know what you think of DT :)
Package on route 😊 love you guys..and great to see greybeard.
Yay! Thank you so much!! 💕
Hehe . . . I hope they get to do a video soon :).
@@mvunit3
love the reaction!
just a little correction: both instruments in the beginning are Jordan with the continuum fingerboard and the lap steel guitar
'A Change Of Seasons' from the Live From the "Live Scenes from NY" is their most majestic song IMO. I know that you would absolutely love it
You can hear so much of the Rush influence in this song. Very prog rocky! More rush songs please! Also if you have done it please do panic attack by dream theatre
Ray Schulmann has just passed away. Would you intend to react to any GG songs in honor to his memory?
🖤
The greatest song from one of the greatest rock bands. I loved the reference to LOTR by the way (my favorite ever trilogy). I agree on James's voice, it is not always "nice" from my point of view but he is super good here and I have seen DT do this song live and James was surprising good (despite having difficulties usually in concerts).
I always liked to play this song right towards the end of my mushroom trip!!
The guitar on Razor's edge always makes me cry.
my second favorite album DT, first is awake!
When Gods play music bro! like Pink Floyd took esteroids. Dream Theater are the heroes of our generation. Congratulations for your channel ❤
step after step we try controlling our fate....when we finally start living it has become too late.....so profound
Not the live version 😔 it's a real injustice to not watch the live version. I hope y'all do in the future
WOW. Let me know the next time you listen to this.
guys check out the True Symphonic Rockestra album with James LaBrie! you'll hear him in a very different context - singing opera tunes alongside academic tenors)
The beginning is JR on the continuum and steel guitar
I onow I am late to the conversation; however, you should listen to the live performance of this from the score recording.
You should react the live version with the orchestra
This is the magnum opus for all prog metal. The peak.
beginning of this always give me a little Genisis Trick of Tail vibes.
That's actually Jordan on the slide guitar, in the live version he has a miniature slide guitar on his setup that he plays, the overhand type like a country musician uses.
They intentionally threw in direct nods to other artists in the music, and the lyrics in that oen section are full of musical references. There is a whole wikipedia page about the song and all of the Easter eggs in it, very interesting read. It actually reminds me of Styx when thet keyboard solo starts.
it's not a slide guitar, it's a keyboard called a Continuum that he plays notes on or can slide his finger across, much like the ribbon controller Keith Emerson had on his Moog.
Well guys . . .
The 1st part is the instrument the "Haken Continuum", which is a synthesizer with a marked piece of neoprene that you're able to slide up and down, and side to side, and can play like a keyboard. Find the video of Jordan demonstrating it, its pretty neet.
The 2nd part (before the Flute) is Jordan on a "Lap Steel" guitar, much like what Steve Howe has used.
You can see all this on the Live "Score" version, which is a treat to physically SEE what each is doing and what a show it is! :D
If you haven’t already, you should listen to some of their instrumentals. I think you listen to the dance of eternity, but they have so many more.Lex would probably love it because there’s no vocals.
There is a lesser known live performance out there for DT called "The Killing Hand" from the early 90s, and it is the best vocal I've ever heard from James outside of the ballads he nails. Outside of voices like a Roy Khan or Tommy Karevik, it's hard to envision another voice fitting with this band. James really stretched himself to get the rasp he had to incorporate on certain albums, and not many vocalists are brave enough to go outside of what they do really well. Octavarium is the one song I would play for people to show them DT if I could only choose one. I became a fan just after Awake was released.
Also, anyone who jumped off of DT after THIS song never really liked the band in the first place.
Mike Myung 🤣❣️
We’ve always heard elements of ELO in this side of the album as well
Another Eric appearance! Of the very few dream theater i have heard! This will end up being probably my favorite! The song is a journey! Love all the changes and the musicians are shining and hitting on all cylinders! Really appreciate you showing us this Nick! The voice to me is this bands weakest link! He serves a purpose but not a huge fan ! Take care! Love to all three of you!
This was the best lineup. I cannot accept the new Mike. Ever since 2010, I've been nothing but heart broken.
The last note of this song (and album) is the same the first of the next album (The root of all evil). Trivia mode 😂😂
The first song of the next album is In The Presence of Enemies pt. 1
You meant the 1st track on the same Album 🙂😉.
It may help to know that the lyrics were inspired by the movie “Awakenings” only from the patients point of view. 👍
I agree with Alexia about James Labrie
The last note is to close the cycle of connected albums. You know that?
I think it's so interesting how some people just aren't fans of James' voice. It's nuts to me because I've always loved his voice, I think it's absolutely incredible.
But there are other vocalists people love that I just can't really enjoy, like Klaus Meine from the Scorpions, so it all truly does come down to personal taste!
Right? I wasnt much of a prog guy when I discovered this band so James was initially the best thing about the band
As far as the album cover evoking a Pink Floyd vibe, I know that both artists have employed Hipgnosis to do many of both bands' album covers. That could explain the Pink Floyd vibe you're getting. Hipgnosis was a genius.
at wits end live version please
Aca estamos no entiendo ni j hermano pero estamos presentes kmo siempre 💪🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷
La letra no importa, tu disfruta la musica!!!! Un saludo a tu esposa y tu nino!!!
The very end is the same as the beginning of the album. Full circle
everyone has it against labrie🤣
Actually, this is what kept a lot of people attached to the band because I feel like they were starting to get into their period where they were trying to be too heavy. And it was as a result of that. That actually caused people to start staying away from Jean theater because they were trying to be too modern and heavy. This in my opinion is their last true epic if you don’t count the glass prison sweet. and even the glass prison suite is quite heavy. But Octavarium is definitely on my top four progressive rock. Epic songs list. Here are the other three that are on the list. The sky move sideways, Tarkus, and Carneyval nine!
Eargasm :) please react to The Ministry of Lost Souls ❤
Dang Nick, you said it as I was thinking it. Mind meld. Like an equal genetic cross between Rock and ELP, and that's a huge complement! More interesting than most Rock, more accessible than most Prog. Hey, I love it all, especially when there are still such talented musicians bringing us real music these days.
Love this but it all began with Yes. Everyone else came after.
F1rst!!🎉🎉🎉
I'd enjoy an instrumental version of this song even more.
They were heavily influenced by MUSE on the first half of this album
Classic album covers == Hipgnosis.
A nod to the firm and Storm Thorgerson . . . but actually its "Hugh Syme", the artist that created most of RUSH's covers 🙂. It was his 1st cover for DT.
@@mvunit3 yes. Thanks. It was just a general comment. :)
Great reaction, guys - thank you! 🙂Here´s a challenge on not getting teary-eyed (mainly for you Nick)... 😉My favorite DL-song, with the most amazing solo!! Me myself cannot listen to this one without getting a tear in my eye... ua-cam.com/video/TlaeRqgXKVs/v-deo.html (Dream Theater, Barstool Warrior)
163 time signature changes....stop and think on that
Boy' got rhythm 😕
It’s hard to listen to James Live.
Unfortunately you're right
Without any doubt musically an epic prog masterpiece. But when it comes to the vocals, the opinions are very different. For me James LaBrie always was a great singer... up to this album ... that's when he started "loosing" me. Especially in Octavarium I don't like the last part of the spoken lyrics ... I can't say why, but I never liked that spot.
I also didn't like the cheesy "The answer lies within" and the poppy "I walk beside you".
And I have to disagree with you Nick, in my opinion James was best on Awake, later albums were good too, but Octavarium was not that good for me anymore.
PS : the last notes are exactly how the album began ... check it out 🤘
I'm gonna' come to Germany, guest on your show and bop you on the head! 😛 I think LaBrie does a fine job at various timbres of vocals, and I LOVE that "talking" part, and I think its even better live!
I think Awake was a fantastic album (my 1st or 2nd fave) but Six Degrees, again, shows off many different sides of his voice, and well done! Anyways . . . . DT has ALWAYS been different for different people 😉.
@@mvunit3 As fan of the very first hour it's hard to understand, when people write they like the self titled album very much. This one and the Astonishing are the "weakest" in my opinion, after that it got a little better, but they never reached the level of the Portnoy era . And which show are you talking about ? 😂
This song just wouldn't sound right with anybody other than James LaBrie singing.
definitely a bad choice to keep her on a dream theater's song reaction video
The guy always overdoing it with his theatrics.
Thanks! Next time I'll do even more lol
i have some passionate musician friends they all do this shit, they be air guitaring hands, legs, the car wheel....