 | Dream Theater/Live at Budokan is a three-CD set from '04 (there is also a DVD available). If you are familiar with DT, you already know that this is heady, technical, and expansive stuff. These guys always take it to the technical edge, and virtually all of the time they retain their musicality (although some folks might actually be put off by the pure velocity that comes out of them at time, particularly during extended double-bass drum sequences).
In the rock world of today, it is always a pleasure to hear musicians who have clearly achieved a high level of musical mastery. The are precise, expressive, and yes, they can rip off the cadenzas. Still, melody is always present in their work, there is no masturbatory playing going on here- when they cut loose, it's because they have a reason to, and they can.
I'm very familiar with DT, but I had never heard this one, and stumbled upon it in the local library. Always good for a glance when you're checking out something like this, and your other selection is something like Berstein conducting Brahms 1st symphony.
I enjoy the entire set, but I believe that the peak is the second CD. Check out the second cut from that one, it is a guided tour of art rock, along with some vauldville-style piano showmanship. Basically, they go full bore for close to eight minutes...
This is a wonderful, powerful album, in the tradition of the monster art-rock groups like Yes and Genesis. Highly recommended.
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