bowie&barrett

David has never invented anything, but he has always reinvented himself splendidly.

You did well to emphasize this aspect, robi. When I said that the Dreams made a significant leap in quality, I meant to compare the sound of the "Sherinian period" (which echoed Sean Malone's art rock) with that of the entire "Rudess period" (more properly progressive), which I personally find more interesting. However, within this latter phase, the Dreams have followed - as you rightly point out - a downward trajectory: initially slowly with 6DOIT (which I've never considered a masterpiece, I hope you can forgive me) fundamentally a great anthology of progressive quotes (see, for example, "Solitary Shell," half "Solsbury Hill" by Gabriel, half "Non mi rompete" by BMS); then TOT, a directly copied version of the Liquid Tension Experiment project, updated with the sung parts by LaBrie; finally the awful Octavarium, a CD single version of 6DOIT. In this sense, you are absolutely right :-) I’ll conclude by pointing out to Giorgio that I don't criticize the band for their technicality (an idiotic criticism when directed at a progressive rock band) but for the disheartening decline in inspiration.

Here it is! The review of the album by m... has finally arrived! :-) I’m giving a pass to "Shipwreked" just because it’s beautiful in the acoustic arrangement that the talented Ray Wilson showcases in his live concerts. Basically, it’s a score for Ray Wilson.

I swear I’m not arguing, Giorgio. Let me give you an example of a sentence where you show that you’re “showing off” (I said it ironically), so you can better understand what I was referring to. You were talking about the review of "New Jersey": “it’s a bit of a mess, obviously... good thing you criticized mine on slippery when wet...” (and here you’re on the defensive, which is legitimate, but let’s move on) “anyway, judging aside, anything anyone writes here about Bon Jovi will automatically be dismissed by a bunch of idiots who don’t even read the review, so it’s better to come to terms with it...” <-- here it is. here’s the incriminating sentence, here’s the irresistible bait for all the "idiots" online, who arrive right on cue and wreak havoc in the forum, just to annoy you (and us). Already some people (let’s say many) don’t like the musician, and after that sentence, the dimwits feel an immediate uncontrollable "duty" to intervene. That’s what I was alluding to when I said that the confrontational attitude was mutual. You yourself lit the fuse here, do you realize that now? :-) and I repeat, you did nothing wrong! I’m not saying you’re stupid, or that you should stop, otherwise who knows... I’m just pointing out what might contribute to causing trouble, in case you want to avoid it. At the very least, I and many others would like to avoid it!!! :-)))))))))

...and so, sorry, it's not to argue, but get yourself a nice umbrella. I gave you a friendly piece of advice, then go ahead and do what you want. We're surrounded by idiots who cling to those arrogant phrases. The only way to avoid insults is not to bait them. ...but do as you wish, you're an adult :-) That criticism about the Dreams was aimed directly at me; I was the only one among the 4 cats connected who voted low for Sherinian. Why do you have to say no? Am I perhaps offending you? So... I'm telling you that it was a "defensive" intervention. Your luck is that I was there, and we chatted calmly. Tomorrow, though, you'll find Spalmen, and you'll get shit rained down on you. I only advised you on how to avoid it. However, if you want to keep writing the way you do, staying defensive, that's perfectly fine, you're not doing anything wrong; it's a completely valid attitude. But... but then don't call for censorship, and accept being told to go fuck yourself. That’s all. Shall we go back over there to talk about the Dreams? :-)

(take a look at my latest comment to bon jovi, I noticed that you follow both forums) I knew you would comment on the compositional decline of Dreams. And I confirm, from 6DOIT (yeah, six do it, the initials form a pun referring to the number of songs on the album) onwards, the beautiful songs are lacking. But I was referring to the purely sonic aspect of the band, which has improved. A more vibrant sound, fuller, more progressive. Unfortunately, it doesn't craft songs that are adequate in terms of inspiration. (the long and tedious saga of "Glass prison" now in its seventh chapter is starting to break my c°°°°°s!) As you can see, we don't think that differently after all :-)

Anyway, the atmosphere is significantly affected by your somewhat c°°°° attitude, if I may say! I couldn’t help but notice that you and Giorrrrrgio are always on the defensive. I can understand that there are many idiots who write nonsense and insults (I give you that), but a less confrontational attitude wouldn’t hurt ("oh, you don't like Bon Jovi? you don’t understand anything, you’re acting all high and mighty," etc.). I'm not rambling: even tonight, damn it!, Giorrrrrgio dismissed my peaceful and civil comment on Derek Sherinian with "always shooting down everything related to Dream Theater." But come on! We’re in a forum precisely to talk and discuss! Should one leave a message under a Bon Jovi (or Sherinian) review just to kiss their ass? The pursuit of a more civil atmosphere must be RECIPROCAL. I understand you don’t blaspheme like other idiots, but you’re a bit too aloof, and that only serves to incite those idiots (whom I don’t excuse)! If you want to understand this, fine. If not, all I can do is invite you to take a look at the forum on "Young Americans" by David Bowie (you can access it from the Home Page). Check out the different atmosphere: everyone commented and contradicted each other (I even wrote a "counter-review," just so you know!), but no one fought, and we had a pleasant and lengthy evening. If instead you and Giorrrrrgio prefer to play Risk, then don’t complain about the crap that comes pouring in. Think about it, don’t take offense, and then let me know what you think :-) bye beautiful.

(x Norma). Thank you for your input, and I take this opportunity to tell you something I think: indeed, there's a bit too much shit falling down, but it's not just a problem related to Bon Jovi, unfortunately, it's more general. ...and I know what you’re referring to because I've read the long string of messages on the "slippery when wet" forum. At first, I laughed (if you go look, you'll find I wrote "you’re crazy"); but then I started to agree with the one who was calling for the introduction of censorship on Debaser. In my opinion, the album is crap, and I believe and maintain that all Bon Jovi albums are crap. That said, my opinion is about the album, so about an OBJECT. The national sport on Debaser seems to have become, from some dumb users, the unlimited insults directed towards PEOPLE (don’t count me in, I wrote "furbina" lightheartedly, I hope you weren't offended). And I assure you, vulgarities have also rained down on me for daring to criticize one (just one!) album by Queen. Want to have a laugh? Take a look at the posts on the AQUA review. So, at least for me, heavy critiques and "free burps" on albums when necessary, but hands off the users! In fact, I also wrote: "4 to the reviewer for the courage," and it wasn't meant as a tease :-)

Giorrrrrgio, I swear I have all the Dream Theater albums (no, you're right, I'm missing "Live at Budokan"). My comment is absolutely not a criticism of the Dreams (and I don't see how that fits, given that Derek has only done one album, one live, and ACOS with them). I find this keyboardist to be a great virtuoso of the instrument, but he lacks tremendously in terms of melody. I find him much closer to Jon Lord of Deep Purple than to Anthony Banks of Genesis. He's a perfect keyboardist for a hard rock band, but I believe he lacks that particular sensitivity necessary for progressive music. In my opinion, the Dreams made a significant leap in quality since they brought Rudess on board, but that's a matter of taste. I was talking to a guy who listed (not here, but in his personal profile) a specific series of bands as his favorite artists, including Symphony X. I was surprised that he didn't find Derek lacking melodically. In this genre, cold and technical skill alone is not enough. Hence my critique, which was not destructive at all. Simply put, technique is not everything, and I wonder if perhaps you haven't listened to (and followed over the years) other great keyboardists - like I have - such as Mike Garson or Don Airey (but I think you have). Think about it and then we’ll discuss it again, okay? And enough with this damn persecution complex: don't put me on the same level as many spammers who infest this site :-)

...how much I love this group! Viscerally :-) I remember when I played "Grass" with my band, and I used to sing "in the style of Barrett" (hence my nickname)...