Dream Theater "Metropolis Part 2, Scenes From A Memory" 2xLP (Clear Vinyl)

Originally released October 26th, 1999, this now-legendary concept record was the first to feature new  keyboardist Jordan Rudess.

Progressive rock has long been the most devalued currency in popular music, perhaps due to the culture's dumbing down, too many conceptually knotted triple-albums, or merely a Greek chorus of critics parroting the emperor from Amadeus: "Too many notes!" Maybe that's what makes Dream Theater's Scenes such an audacious rush (no pun intended). Here we have a two-act murder mystery examined from a hypnotic dream state and parlayed by "The Orchestra," as the band refers to itself here. Andrew Lloyd Webber hasn't written anything as focused--or musically audacious--in decades. And if the band attacks feverish shift meters and plows through enough structural modes and, yes, notes, to make the aforementioned emperor's head spin, they manage to keep things concise, focused, and largely effective. The addition of keyboardist Jordan Rudess has freshened the band's tack, infused now with the odd, playful ragtime piano quote and sitar sample. Vocalist James Labrie, meanwhile, amply proves that Queensryche's Geoff Tate isn't the only drama queen in prog metal. --Jerry McCulley

Tracklist:

1    Scene One: Regression
2    Scene Two: I. Overture 1928
3    Scene Two: II. Strange Déjà Vu
4    Scene Three: I. Through My Words
5    Scene Three: II. Fatal Tragedy
6    Scene Four: Beyond This Life
7    Scene Five: Through Her Eyes
8    Scene Six: Home
9    Scene Seven: I. The Dance of Eternity
10    Scene Seven: II. One Last Time
11    Scene Eight: The Spirit Carries On
12    Scene Nine: Finally Free