Dream Theater - Live At Budokan
By Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
If you stop and think about how many great
bands have played at Budokan and recorded a live album there, it is quite
an impressive list. Everyone from Dylan to Cheap Trick has done it. Now
it is time for the world’s #1 prog-rock outfit to flex their muscles at
the legendary venue. Dream Theater has released Live At Budokan,
an awesome three CD set along with an accompanying two DVD set for the
faithful to enjoy. Count me amongst the faithful; I have been since the
early 90’s when they turned around the floundering prog-rock scene with
their dynamic album Images and Words.
Dream Theater has a way of combining metal,
progressive, rock and fusion elements unlike any other band recording today.
Their worldwide popularity speaks volumes and their eclectic brand of musical
foreplay is what fuels the fire.
Each musician in this band is a star in
his own right. Mike Portnoy (drums), Jordan Rudess (keyboards), John Myung
(bass), John Petrucci (guitar) and James LaBrie (vocals) are well known
for their work in the band framework of Dream Theater, however their solo
endeavors have also received a lot of attention and their frequent guest
appearances have brought considerably more interest to each individual
member of the band.
A Dream Theater set is three hours long,
hence the three CDs to capture one of their shows. The sound is superb
and their playing does not get any better. The atmosphere and energy at
Budokan is marvelously magical. The band takes full advantage of the setting
and works the crowd into one huge mass of expressive energy.
The DVD is a wonderful treat as well, giving
fans that have not had the pleasure of seeing them live an opportunity
to experience DT on stage. The bonus DVD takes you into the dressing room
and onto the stage at a sound check with the band. It is an up close and
personal look at a humble and professional group of men. I really appreciate
their candor and can see how much time and effort they put into each show
they perform. The outcome of the CD and DVD tells the story.
This is a career-defining release that
will leave an indelible imprint upon the history of progressive rock music.
This is a must have for all DT and prog-rock enthusiast.
More Dream Theater
CD Info
Dream
Theater - Live At Budokan
Label: Rhino
Rating: 
DVD:
1. As I am
2. This Dying Soul
3. Beyond This Life
4. Hollow Years
5. War Inside My Head
6. The Test that Stumped Them All
7. Endless Sacrifice
8. Instrumedly
9. Trial of Tears
10. New Millennium
11. Keyboard Solo
12. Only a Matter of Time
13. Goodnight Kiss
14. Solitary Shell
15. Stream of Conciousness
16. Disappear
17. Pull Me Under
18. In the Name of God
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DISC 1:
1. As I Am (7:25)
2. This Dying Soul (11:44)
3. Beyond This Life (19:37)
4. Hollow Years (9:18)
5. War Inside My Head (2:22)
6. The Test That Stumped Them All (5:00)
DISC 2:
1. Endless Sacrifice (11:16)
2. Instrumedley (12:15)
3. Trial Of Tears (13:49)
4. New Millennium (8:01)
5. Keyboard Solo (3:58)
6. Only A Matter Of Time (7:21)
DISC 3:
1. Goodnight Kiss (6:16)
2. Solitary Shell (5:58)
3. Stream Of Consciousness (10:54)
4. Disappear (5:56)
5. Pull Me Under (8:38)
6. In The Name Of God (15:49)
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Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
is a veteran syndicated music critic, his reviews appear in over 35 publications
world-wide. To read more of Keith’s work visit muzikreviews.com
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