Once In A Livetime
Dream Theater
EastWest Records, 1998
REVIEW BY: Christopher Thelen
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 10/28/1998
The argument I've heard about many bands I've seen in concert isthat they're so much better live than they are on disc. This hasindeed been true for some of the bands I've had the privilege tosee over the years, but not necessarily true for all of them.
In the case of Dream Theater, I would argue that the live albumdoes not do them justice. In the case of their latest release Once In A Livetime, the album proves without a doubt thatthis band is one of the most technical and talented bands out theretoday, but something is lost in the translation that can only beunderstood by seeing James LaBrie and crew perform live. (I know; Isaw them for the first time this past August.)
This two-disc set, recorded in Paris just a few months ago, is adefinite "for the fans" release. While this is usually a comment Ireserve as a slam against a disappointing album, in fact, the albumis structured for those who have literally hung on to every notethe band has played. Taking four movements from their heavilyrequested magnum opus "A Change Of Seasons," LaBrie, guitarist JohnPetrucci, bassist John Myung, keyboarist Derek Sherinian anddrummer Mike Portnoy tear through material that just could be thepulse and nerve center of progressive rock today.
Not familiar with Dream Theater? Once In A Livetime might please you, but it's sure tooverwhelm you. The newcomer to the Dream Theater experience (whichI still count myself as a member of) won't appreciate songs like"Pull Me Under," "Peruvian Skies" and "Ytse Jam" as beingincredible works that capture the ears and the soul of thelistener. (Often, the band also shows their sense of humor, workingin riffs from Metallica, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Rimsky-Korsakov intotheir music.) They might not understand how there can be 13-minutesongs on this album while other tracks like "Puppies On Acid"dribble out of the gun at around one minute.
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