So, here's a debate that I'm confident will polarise even the most open-minded of rock fans. I went to see Dream Theater in Wolverhampton, England with some friends on Saturday past. I've kind of enjoyed aspects of this band over the years, but largely went along because (a) I love music generally, so can easily be persuaded to check a band out on a friend's recommendation (b) I knew they were fantastic musicians.
I have to say I was completely blown away in every respect and promptly got hold of the key releases I didn't yet have from their back catalogue.
I also eagerly devoured a last-but-one edition interview with frontman James LaBrie in Classic Rock Magazine, which I was amazed to find absolutely littered with accusations to the effect that Dream Theater's music is devoid of soul and emotion, leaving said journalist somehow surprised that LaBrie was becoming irritated at that very suggestion (choice journalistic paraphrased quote something along the lines of "I researched for the interview by listening to all of the Dream Theater back catalogue over a weekend; not something I'd recommend".
Assuming we generally accept that descriptor as valid; call it what you will- progressive metal, experimental metal, art metal...you know what I mean - it's effectively bands of the ilk of Yes, King Crimson, Genesis, Rush and latterly Dream Theater - why is that said music form is so often described as lacking in emotional content or robotic? Every note of that Dream Theater show was dripping with sweat and emotion, as were the tunes.
Same with the aforementioned bands. Yes' Close To The Edge, Genesis' Selling England By The Pound; Rush's Moving Pictures, Pink Floyd's Dark Side of The Moon...all LP's chock full of lyrics discussing or recalling the human condition in some form or other and backed with the most musically emotive soundtrack imaginable (Pink Floyd's Great Gig In The Sky lacking soul or emotion anyone?...not unless you're hard of hearing).
Very strange for a magazine of Classic Rock's standing and perhaps a little shallow IMHO, but I'm open to the debate.
I have to say I was completely blown away in every respect and promptly got hold of the key releases I didn't yet have from their back catalogue.
I also eagerly devoured a last-but-one edition interview with frontman James LaBrie in Classic Rock Magazine, which I was amazed to find absolutely littered with accusations to the effect that Dream Theater's music is devoid of soul and emotion, leaving said journalist somehow surprised that LaBrie was becoming irritated at that very suggestion (choice journalistic paraphrased quote something along the lines of "I researched for the interview by listening to all of the Dream Theater back catalogue over a weekend; not something I'd recommend".
Assuming we generally accept that descriptor as valid; call it what you will- progressive metal, experimental metal, art metal...you know what I mean - it's effectively bands of the ilk of Yes, King Crimson, Genesis, Rush and latterly Dream Theater - why is that said music form is so often described as lacking in emotional content or robotic? Every note of that Dream Theater show was dripping with sweat and emotion, as were the tunes.
Same with the aforementioned bands. Yes' Close To The Edge, Genesis' Selling England By The Pound; Rush's Moving Pictures, Pink Floyd's Dark Side of The Moon...all LP's chock full of lyrics discussing or recalling the human condition in some form or other and backed with the most musically emotive soundtrack imaginable (Pink Floyd's Great Gig In The Sky lacking soul or emotion anyone?...not unless you're hard of hearing).
Very strange for a magazine of Classic Rock's standing and perhaps a little shallow IMHO, but I'm open to the debate.