Dream Theater - A Change Of Seasons
Pressure from the fans, especially the Ytsejam ( the Dream Theater mailing list), lead to this being released to fill the gap between albums. A previous release by this band called 'Images & Words' is one my favorite albums. I also subscribe to the Ytsejam (I'm a lurker rather than an active participant). So now you know where I'm coming from on this one. This song was written for the 'Images & Words' album, but never made it onto that album. It had been played live and some 'unofficial' versions have been available.
This is the first album with the new keyboard player. The title song was updated from the version that was played live. The song clocks in at over 20 minutes and consists of a number of sections. Songs of this length have to be really special to hold your attention. For the most part ACOS succeeds. I find that I start to lose interest during the last couple of minutes. The lyrical content of the song is a thought provoking tale about a man and his son, dealing with the cyclic nature of life.
The rest of the album is taken up by cover versions recorded during a gig in Ronnie Scotts in London. This part of the CD is like a trip down memory lane, recalling some of my favorite performers. The song that I feel works best is the cover of 'Perfect Strangers', originally by Deep Purple. The Elton John covers are interesting, rather than entertaining. The Led Zeppelin covers fall into the same category. The medley at the end is quite good, but leaves you wanting longer performances of the individual songs (In the Flesh - Pink Floyd, Carry On Wayward Son - Kansas, Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen, Lovin,Touchin,Squeezin - Journey, Cruise Control - Dixie Dregs, Turn In On Again - Genesis).
Dream Theater aren't going to win any new fans with this CD, but then again that wasn't the intention. I always feel albums that are part studio and part live don't quite work. I am, however, pleased to see a return to form by the band after the below par Awake album. If you want to check out Dream Theater for the first time then I recommend 'Images & Words'.
Rating : 8
