DT15: A View From The Top Of The World (Timeline for DT15)

[hunnus2000]

The biggest melody hook to my ears is the final verse which is rooted in JP's melody section  at the beginning and at the end of the song so I wonder if JP took JLB's melody and turned it into what's represented in these 2 sections.

[Setlist Scotty]

2- He wrote every vocal melodies for this album alone and think one of his strong melodies he ever did.

The 2nd point is really interesting. So they got rid of that lyricist rule and allowed their singer to finally create the melodies. No wonder why The Alien has some great melodies.

Not trying to doubt you SeRoX, but can you explain where in the interview he says that? Because when I run the article through Google translate and read the parts where JL is talking about vocal melodies, I get the impression he is speaking about writing all the vocal melodies for his new solo album, not the new DT album. This is how it's translated into English:

Let me say this from the beginning. We usually sit down with John and write the tunes, sometimes Jordan joins us. We wrote the melodies in my first three solo albums with Matt Guillory. On my new album, I wrote all the vocal melodies.

So JL speaks about how he would sit down with JP and possibly JR to do the vocal melodies on DT albums, but then he shifts to speaking about writing vocal melodies with Matt for his solo albums. Then he says on *his* new album - not the new DT album - that he wrote all the vocal melodies.

Honestly, I think this would make more sense since JL was probably responsible for writing all the lyrics on his new solo album, whereas others also wrote lyrics to the new DT, and while they wrote them, would probably have definitive ideas about how to sing them. Of course, those ideas could and would be modified, which is why JL would get together with JP and JR. I can't imagine JP (or any of the other guys) simply handing him a sheet of lyrics and saying "come up with your own vocal melody for these words". That said, maybe I'm wrong and maybe there's a mistranslation and it is abundantly clear in the original Turkish that JL says that he wrote all the vocal melodies for the new DT album. If it is, feel free to correct me SeRoX.

[Peter Mc]

Would be very surprised, shocked in fact, if he wrote all the vocal melodies on this album.  I haven't read the interview though and I don't speak Turkish so I can't speak to what he said.

I'd actually be a little concerned if that was the case as I'm generally not a lover of the songs he writes lyrics for.  There are some exceptions to this but not enough exceptions for me to be pumped about an album entirely consisting of JLB melodies.  That surely must be something lost in translation.

[The Letter M]

As a melody guy, it actually piques my curiosity to hear James' input in that regard.

What's a melody, guy?

A melody is the musical contour of notes within a given piece of music, usually the lead voice/instrumental that provides the focal point for a piece's musical content. 

-Marc.

[JediKnight1969]

As a melody guy, it actually piques my curiosity to hear James' input in that regard.

What's a melody, guy?

A melody is the musical contour of notes within a given piece of music, usually the lead voice/instrumental that provides the focal point for a piece's musical content. 

-Marc.

I see what you did there...

[Kocak]

http://www.pasifagresif.com/2021/09/dream-theater-roportaj/

In this interview which is Turkish (my main language), James said,

1- He defines new album like I&W-SDOIT and ToT mix.
2- He wrote every vocal melodies for this album alone and think one of his strong melodies he ever did.
3- He said DoT vocals are kinda clean and still but new album vocals are agressive and strong like ToT-SDOIT vocals.
4- The closer epic has every element that DT has.

To clarify, in this interview, James is referencing his own solo album when he says that he wrote all the vocal melodies and when talking about the new DT album, he says that the vocal performance is strong. He does not define the new album as being a mix of I&W, SDOIT and ToT, but he does say that the album, in terms of quality, is up there with them.

The article is rather clear, I find this post a bit misleading.

[Stadler]

As a melody guy, it actually piques my curiosity to hear James' input in that regard.

What's a melody guy?

Haha; I mean to say, "I am a guy that likes melodies in the songs I listen to".   

[The Letter M]

As a melody guy, it actually piques my curiosity to hear James' input in that regard.

What's a melody guy?

Haha; I mean to say, "I am a guy that likes melodies in the songs I listen to".

It seems today that all you see is violence in movies and sex on TV.
But where are those good old-fashioned values on which we used to rely?
Lucky there's a melody guy!
Lucky there's a man who positively can do all the things that make us laugh and cry!
He's our Melody Guy!

-Marc.

[TAC]

I see we have a WTFareyoutalkingabout guy.

[Trav]

I see we have a WTFareyoutalkingabout guy.

[Glasser]

OK, This is exactly how the new album sounds. This includes Jordan and JP bouncing ideas off each other. Not sure why this song did not make the album as it's absolutely brilliant!!!!the second version is my personal fave! What do you think? 

https://youtu.be/XPzhPxfJYnQ

[TAC]

The only show worse than that one was the same exact show but with Jim Belushi.

[Glasser]

The only show worse than that one was the same exact show but with Jim Belushi.

The song crushes man!!! 

[Lonk]

The only show worse than that one was the same exact show but with Jim Belushi.

The song crushes man!!! 

Not as much as this

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7fXym_Y7_QY

[Glasser]

The only show worse than that one was the same exact show but with Jim Belushi.

The song crushes man!!! 

Not as much as this

You are 100% correct!! LOVE it! 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7fXym_Y7_QY

[LKap13]

We're getting giddy over here waiting for the new album

[SeRoX]

http://www.pasifagresif.com/2021/09/dream-theater-roportaj/

In this interview which is Turkish (my main language), James said,

1- He defines new album like I&W-SDOIT and ToT mix.
2- He wrote every vocal melodies for this album alone and think one of his strong melodies he ever did.
3- He said DoT vocals are kinda clean and still but new album vocals are agressive and strong like ToT-SDOIT vocals.
4- The closer epic has every element that DT has.

To clarify, in this interview, James is referencing his own solo album when he says that he wrote all the vocal melodies and when talking about the new DT album, he says that the vocal performance is strong. He does not define the new album as being a mix of I&W, SDOIT and ToT, but he does say that the album, in terms of quality, is up there with them.

The article is rather clear, I find this post a bit misleading.

Well, my bad. Because I read it like "yeni albüm" not "yeni albümüm". In Turkish, a letter can change whole meaning. I read it like "my album" instead of "our album"

Sanırım sen de Türkçe biliyorsun. Harf hatasına düştüm. 
Ayrıca I&W-SDOIT ve TOT karışımı çıkarımını James'in söylemlerinden dolayı yaptım. Bu albümleri sevenler yeni albümü de sevecekler diyor. O albümlerin elementlerini taşıyor diye düşündüm.

[SeRoX]

.That said, maybe I'm wrong and maybe there's a mistranslation and it is abundantly clear in the original Turkish that JL says that he wrote all the vocal melodies for the new DT album. If it is, feel free to correct me SeRoX.

No, you are right. That's my bad. See my post above.

[nikatapi]

From Mike's facebook page:

Interviewers have heard AVFTTOTW in its entirety. I'm really happy with how positive their comments are, but I'm really looking for a simple end result. As I said before, I just want people to like it. That's enough. Any more good vibes are a bonus.  My song learning is tedious due to so many stickings and footings that require the weak side to "lead" in order to get the sound I was looking for. The polyrhythms are not "normal" linear ones. They are stacked limbs. That's an entirely different animal requiring being able to process how they related to the base time so they stay in that time. Back to work... I will book more private slots ASAP. There aren't enough hours in a day!

Looking forward for interviews/reviews to start being published! (Hopefully i'll have a slot with someone from the band further down the line as well)

[Wim Kruithof]

I think JM has the most talent for writing lyrics

I agree, but have to say that Petrucci's Ministry of Lost Souls and Portnoy's Shattered Fortress are beautiful written as well.

[emtee]

Time for reviews and another single!

[dream75]

Time for reviews and another single!

Track-by-track reviews are still 2-3 weeks away 😑 Instead the second single will be released much earlier

[Stadler]

The only show worse than that one was the same exact show but with Jim Belushi.

I love that show (King Of Queens).  Arthur is gold as is Leah Remini.

[devieira73]

Time for reviews and another single!

Track-by-track reviews are still 2-3 weeks away 😑 Instead the second single will be released much earlier

So. ..next week?'

[dream75]

Time for reviews and another single!

Track-by-track reviews are still 2-3 weeks away 😑 Instead the second single will be released much earlier

So. ..next week?'

I think yes

[darkshade]

I'm still only cautiously intrigued about DT15. Still haven't listened to The Alien.

[Kotowboy]

Curiously, I don't know what I even want from a new DT album. My fave period was Scenes - Octavarium.

But A Dramatic Turn onwards were just...The Latest Dream Theater album to me...

What actually is it about the 1999-2005 period I love so much ?

it's an interesting question.


...I guess I just put "great songs" over anything else. I'm the weirdo that loves I Walk Beside You and This Is The Life. I haven't really enjoyed a mega-song since The Count.

But i'm optimistic about A View...

[Stadler]

Curiously, I don't know what I even want from a new DT album. My fave period was Scenes - Octavarium.

But A Dramatic Turn onwards were just...The Latest Dream Theater album to me...

What actually is it about the 1999-2005 period I love so much ?

it's an interesting question.


...I guess I just put "great songs" over anything else. I'm the weirdo that loves I Walk Beside You and This Is The Life. I haven't really enjoyed a mega-song since The Count.

But i'm optimistic about A View...

Nope, I am.  Both are in my DT top 10 (maybe 15 for IWBY). 

[Kotowboy]

Probably why I love The Astonishing. I'm Way more into songs than technicality.

Our New World is my favourite song of the entire Mangini era.

[WilliamMunny]

Curiously, I don't know what I even want from a new DT album. My fave period was Scenes - Octavarium.

But A Dramatic Turn onwards were just...The Latest Dream Theater album to me...

What actually is it about the 1999-2005 period I love so much ?

it's an interesting question.


...I guess I just put "great songs" over anything else. I'm the weirdo that loves I Walk Beside You and This Is The Life. I haven't really enjoyed a mega-song since The Count.

But i'm optimistic about A View...

.

I couldn't have said it better myself!

I think the band has maintained a pretty high quality since MP's departure, but that '99-'05 period you reference is for sure that which I measure everything else against.

[jayvee3]

Curiously, I don't know what I even want from a new DT album. My fave period was Scenes - Octavarium.

But A Dramatic Turn onwards were just...The Latest Dream Theater album to me...

What actually is it about the 1999-2005 period I love so much ?

it's an interesting question.


...I guess I just put "great songs" over anything else. I'm the weirdo that loves I Walk Beside You and This Is The Life. I haven't really enjoyed a mega-song since The Count.

But i'm optimistic about A View...

I don't think there's anything at all wrong with liking those songs, which I personally think are decent enough, but not close to my top tier. I mentioned to someone else the other day that he band have so many different sounds across what will be 15 albums, there really is something for everyone.

I too actually love The Astonishing - I love a good rock opera and think it's a brilliant and musically well executed album. However, I really enjoy some of the more technical stuff as well as in between. I think newer Mangini-era tracks like Barstool Warrior, S2N and At Wits End are amazing and FII is in my top 3 albums. Yet so is Awake, with its heavy goth-type vibe and recurring motifs. So i just don't think there's a blueprint for what to like with DT - and I think that's the beauty of them as a band...

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

My guess (and that's really all it is) is that DT15 will be a continuation of DOT. The band hasn't divulged much about the song writing process for the album and hasn't released anything to make me think it'll be a different thing, the way the Astonishing was after coming from DT.

The Alien is a nice energetic tune. It would fit in well with the DOT, which I think is a top 5 DT album. To that extent I am excited. My only complaint with the new single was around the guitar parts, which sounded a little too familiar and maybe even like they've been recycled.

[DoctorAction]

I hate TA but love I Walk Beside You.

I'm never going to get what I really want from DT (stripped down, almost live in the studio, lots of string squeak and drum clatter and background noise) but am feeling really positive admit AVFTTOTW. Something really energetic and shredding? That's probably number 2 on my list.

[Ben_Jamin]

My guess (and that's really all it is) is that DT15 will be a continuation of DOT. The band hasn't divulged much about the song writing process for the album and hasn't released anything to make me think it'll be a different thing, the way the Astonishing was after coming from DT.

The Alien is a nice energetic tune. It would fit in well with the DOT, which I think is a top 5 DT album. To that extent I am excited. My only complaint with the new single was around the guitar parts, which sounded a little too familiar and maybe even like they've been recycled.

It has that JP solo thing he has been doing, and I call that the Under A Glass Moon slide. He does this on the end solo to Space-Dye Vest on Breaking The Fourth Wall...

Here's what I'm talking about...

https://youtu.be/e_R5kJjYpQU?t=386 - Space-Dye Vest live
https://youtu.be/nh41N6UXJ7w?t=446 - Lost Not Forgotten
https://youtu.be/V462IsOV3js?t=363 - The Alien

[TheBarstoolWarrior]

My guess (and that's really all it is) is that DT15 will be a continuation of DOT. The band hasn't divulged much about the song writing process for the album and hasn't released anything to make me think it'll be a different thing, the way the Astonishing was after coming from DT.

The Alien is a nice energetic tune. It would fit in well with the DOT, which I think is a top 5 DT album. To that extent I am excited. My only complaint with the new single was around the guitar parts, which sounded a little too familiar and maybe even like they've been recycled.

It has that JP solo thing he has been doing, and I call that the Under A Glass Moon slide. He does this on the end solo to Space-Dye Vest on Breaking The Fourth Wall...

Here's what I'm talking about...

https://youtu.be/e_R5kJjYpQU?t=386 - Space-Dye Vest live
https://youtu.be/nh41N6UXJ7w?t=446 - Lost Not Forgotten
https://youtu.be/V462IsOV3js?t=363 - The Alien

Yes, also I was reminded of ITPOE and other songs, a little too much.

There's also this mash up video I found which is interesting (take it for what you will): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r98cSfWx58k

Recycling older material or repeating oneself is to be expected to a certain extent, just as we tend to speak and write in patterns sometimes using the same words and phrases. It's not categorically bad. Actually, ADTOE is one of my favorite albums, and one of the biggest criticisms of it was that it was too similar to Images in form. The band was coming out of a period that many thought was a slump, so the context was slightly different, but still...even the best musicians will re-use material from time to time.

I guess I was just a little less thrilled by the Alien because right out of the gate, after a 2 year sleep it sounded like JP was repeating himself in a few places. Realize he will have put out 3 albums (solo, LTE3 and DT15) in a very short amount of time, but I do hope that the new record will not just be a copy of older material, as much as I love that.