Classical Composer Reacts to Lines in the Sand (Dream Theater) | The Daily Doug (Episode 572)

[@ak47dragunov]

The guest vocalist is Doug Pinnick from King's X. A band I really hope you tackle in the near future!

[@joebusdriver]

Thank you for pointing out Doug's amazing vocals. One of my favorite tunes.

[@joebusdriver]

Also, Has the #DailyDoug done any King's X?

[@justherb666]

Yes, you’ll dig King’s X.

[@Arrow2theACL]

@@joebusdriver Doug has reacted to Out of the Silent Planet on one of his Fan Favorites Patreon Videos.

[@joebusdriver]

@@Arrow2theACL I'm glad Doug has had a chance to hear the amazing harmonies that King's X has given us.

[@blitzwing23]

"Trial of Tears" is the very best song, not only on this album, but the best that DT wrote when Portnoy was still there. I'll be honest. It is my very favorite song of all time. It's in my will that it be played at my funeral. Peruvian Skies is hypnotic, and beautiful.

[@alejandro-314]

Trial of Tears is amazing!

[@ricardoroberto8809]

Amazing song! When I listened to that intro for the first time I had what its close to a mystic experience!

[@porfiriodev]

Trial of tears is one of my favorites too, but lines in the sand is so special to me that I can't even express. This is one of if not the best DT album. Shame it's so underrated :/

[@Navorek]

ype but from Budokan ;) You forgot to mention that, as Lines in the sand from Scenes in NY

[@marinprcela2778]

The track before it - Hells Kitchen - is a perfect introduction to the Lines… maybe you could squeeze it in 😊😊 You wont regret it.

[@Mistake-4]

Yes this! Completely worth it and it’s only an extra 4 minutes!

[@darrenc8697]

Hells kitchen is often put on repeat for me

[@NecraltaR]

I love that song. It´s the perfect build-up. When i hear it, i always imagine a movie O.S.T, that captures the whole arc of a drama movie and all the feelings it puts you through in a timelapsed 4 minutes. That song always hits all the right spots for me... I too, would love to see Doug´s reaction/ analysis, as i think he would very much appreciate it

[@c_brenon]

Hells Kitchen + Lines in the sand "piece of music" is just one of the best thing DT made until now IMHO

[@kaspalone]

one of my preferred tunes from DT ever!

[@KiphartAZ]

Falling Into Infinity is highly underrated. The stories told are brilliant and the music is incredible. A DT favorite for sure!

[@iau]

Agreed. If DT had written FII today it would be hailed as a masterpiece.

[@scorpiusbalthazar4327]

The cassette order is the order the whole album should be in.

[@vincentstephan3052]

It is the album of theirs whose production I prefer.

[@AndyGrouch]

Its great at its best but its too long and has too many fillers. They really suffered for record labels pressure in this record. Also LaBrie had the voice accident during this time.

[@4themusicman]

Completely agree. It gets way too much hate. I love this album. For my money, I would rank FII in the upper half of their catalog.

[@carlosnascimento9269]

You are about to hear my favorite Petrucci solo and that's saying something. Definitely one of DT's best songs.

[@planetsab]

I‘d second this

[@Heatwave9000]

Its not his best solo come on lmao .

[@carlosnascimento9269]

@@Heatwave9000 I said it's my favorite. Is that a problem?

[@DrGluteo8921]

Maybe my favorite, too

[@coconejococonejo]

" and that's saying something" lmao, you say that like you're authority on the matter.

[@TheBlackQueen]

Derek Sherinian is a very underrated keyboardist. He had his own personalised tone, style, and feel as had the other two DT keyboardists. He was let go because he simply didn't have the chops for DT's preferred direction, but that isn't to say he had NO chops whatsoever, the man certainly has, having been a session keyboardist prior and following his time in DT, working with artists such as Alice Cooper, Yngwie Malmsteen, Billy Idol, and plenty more! He would also rejoin Mike Portnoy with the Sons Of Apollo supergroup which is still active to this day!

[@honeybadger713]

I remember seeing him play with Alice Cooper Way back in 1990 here in Atlanta had no idea who he was then. I know Jordan is his probably one of the best keyboardist around and probably the best that Dream Theater has had however Derek’s style is my favorite he has the best sounds and more of a mean tone to his keyboard especially in Sons of Apollo where you can really hear how he really shines and I love his work in that group. Derek is probably my favorite keyboardist that they’ve had just his overall style of playing . this is one of my favorite albums they put out and the drums in this particular track is awesome.

[@marinhrabric6162]

Derek definitely has the chops. Listen to his solo albums and Planet X. Jordan is great, but sometimes tends to overplay. He also overuses his signature keyboard sound. We've heard it a thousand times, maybe try a different keyboard sound, there's like a hundred of those

[@highlyevolved4977]

Derek is great!

[@RodrigoRiveraConcha]

I remembered an interview I saw a couple of years ago, where Derek told about his time in Dream Theater, he told, and I paraphrasing: "I enter DM as keyboardist and I left like a creative machine"

[@DrawAndErase]

I love Derek has a player, he got me into taking my keyboards to the next level and finding a signature sound which is kept the sprit alive from falling into infinity into my bands album. He's just such a great aggressive player, but recently he's been struggling and it's sad to see him making lots of mistakes live because he's not practising or he's losing his ability. You can't run away from time, which is why it's awesome he's got such a great catalog of records for us to enjoy forever!

[@acarbonbasedlifeform70]

New Millennium, Peruvian Skies, Hell's Kitchen and Trial of Tears are the tunes from the albums which you will definitely dig. They are really cool and progressive! The other songs are more on the commercial side, or are a mix between prog and more mainstream approach. Hollow Years is special as you HAVE TO listen to a live version of it, SPECIFICALLY the Live at Budokan 2004 version. It has an extended guitar solo that the studio version lacks, and John is just having such a BLAST with his guitar that you MUST give a listen to. This was THE song that sold the band to me... and John's solo stole my pants.

[@dezmilad]

I'll just add one thing on top of everything you said, Take Away My Pain is the most beautiful melancholic yet somewhat hopeful ballad ever written

[@chrisjames9579]

Trial Of Tears is my fave and Lines is my 2nd on this LP!

[@felipecampos3045]

Agree 100%

[@joemills4603]

Yes! Budokan Hollow Years is just beautiful!

[@joemills4603]

@@dezmilad Agreed.

[@mikenastasi8927]

The background singer is the great singer, bassist Dug Pinnick of King's X, KXM, Poundhhound

[@seamus2112ophelan]

…Supershine, etc…

[@Devdor]

Living comes much easier once we admit we are dying. One of my favorite song lyrics

[@g.7136]

Petrucci's tone in this era was so good !

[@fabioriato]

Petrucci's Ibanez >>> Petrucci's MusicMan

[@IcarusNadir]

One of Petrucci's best solo's ever imo. Combination of his own style, a bit of Pink Floyd, etc. Marvelous

[@kevinmaurer3562]

Dereks synth sound is one of a kind

[@rickyesch1586]

The mix is amazing, Myungs bass is top shelf!

[@philipwittke8491]

Kevin " Caveman " Shirley💪💪💪🤘🔥

[@funkster007]

Doug Pinnick's backing vocals just adds so much color to this tune. Perfect choice for a guest singer. I haven't heard this one in years. Shame on me! lol

[@ooo_Kim_Chi_ooo]

Dug's soulful voice with Dereks rich keys. Chefs kiss.

[@billymaus6287]

If you’d like to hear more of Derek Sherinian and Mike Portnoy I would HIGHLY Recommend giving Sons of Apollo a listen. The band also features bassist extraordinaire Billy Sheehan, Ron “Bumblefoot”’Thal on guitar, and Jeff Scott Soto on vocals. Amazing song writing 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@alangadbois]

They also do a wicked cover of this very song. Seen them live a few times, and would 100% agree that SoA is worth a listen. Maybe an extended play

[@jasondcruz]

There’s also a version with Derek, Mike, Billy and MacAlpine on guitar which I like more.

[@VorchaLaborTeam]

Even if this album didn't deliver back in the day it has some of the most beautiful songs by the band

[@shyshift]

Special guest backing vocal from dUg Pinnick of King’s X.

[@sam.ramphall]

This is my second favourite song by DT (first is Trial of Tears). Never thought I'd see it here. Thank you for feauturing this song, as it is my birthday today and this is a treat for sure

[@JocaFus]

Trial of Tears of Falling into Infinity is also excellent. As other comments have said, Hell's Kitchen is a great instrumental introduction to Lines in the Sand, and the live version of Hollow Years from the Budokan concert is also really good too.

[@SebaProgre]

DT recently re - released the Falling into Infinity Demos, and man...this era and albums are criminaly underrrated! Thank you for reacting to this song!

[@na-tv6rn]

Awake, Falling into Infinity and A Change of Seasons are all outstanding

[@Cyrax89721]

The track where they're writing the end of Hell's Kitchen has always been one that I listen to as regularly as the albums. Such a great insight into their writing process.

[@stevewarren4813]

Doug Pinnick from King's X also singing.

[@quigon6349]

They did a tour together also

[@curtarmmar]

This sits near the top of my favourite Dream Theater albums. The open, organic sound of this album is incredible.

[@BaconIsNotBiceps]

DT is the best Prog band of all time and this just closes the deal for me. This album is G-O-L-D.

[@thepetruccinator6318]

Since you’ve heard Lines in the Sand now, you’ve gotta hear Trial of Tears, it is truly beautiful. This album is made much better when you listen to the demos of all the cut tracks along with it. Raise the Knife is another criminally underrated song that kicks ass.

[@vladyslavkurach]

Absolutely love the song! Thanks for your reaction, Doug!

[@shonysaputra]

Dang, I love Sherinian's tone, very consistent from A Change of Seasons down to songs in Sons of Apollo 🤘

[@abonham82]

The live album Once in a Livetime from the Falling Into Infinity tour was a formative musical experience for me. I was too young, the Internet was just really kicking off and I had no way of hearing the criticisms so I just went along and loved the ever living crap out of it. I also put Awake in my top 3 so I’m in the minority of DT fans 😂 Still listening to them 30 years after first hearing them though

[@joemills4603]

Once in a Livetime was the first time I ever consciously heard DT. And I was hooked from that moment.

[@mattmann370]

The live version of this song on that album might be my all time favorite live DT performance. Derek's solo to lead into to song is freaking brilliant

[@JackHowland]

Same!

[@mposh]

Awake is their best album.

[@philipwittke8491]

Take the Freebird!💪🤘🔥🎸

[@Coufu]

Lines in the sand is easily one of DT’s top songs. It’s really different than the standard DT sound and really shows their range of styles they can pull off. Also JP’s solo is iconic.

[@user-pgchargerse71]

An absolutely epic song! Saw them live on the tour for this album. Kings X was the opening act.

[@acarbonbasedlifeform70]

Please listen to it with Hell's Kitchen as the introduction to Lines in the sand next time! The two pieces segue into one another perfectly!

[@Aquila81]

Now I just miss a Doug's reaction on "Space dye vest" and "Hell's kitchen" always from Dream Theater, and then I may die happy😅🤟

[@luisbaluarte4927]

Listening to music with you is like hearing it for the first time again, love your content!

[@joshmeads]

I've been waiting to this for a very long time. The middle section with the guitar solo, quite verse and instrumental is my fav DT "song" of all time, so much emotion! One of DT's top 10 songs.

[@73cgreene]

YYYEESSSSSSS!!! This is one of my favorite Dream Theater songs. Such a cool groove, and a different sound for them. As obnoxious as Derek Sherinian's keyboards are in the beginning, it all ties together beautifully. Thanks for doing this one!!! FYI, along with Derek Sherinian being an unusual suspect in this song, you also have Doug Pinnick, bassist and singer of King's X, for backing vocals, adding a cool flavor in the refrain.

[@danielhartung-schuster5916]

I was hoping someone would answer his question on the backing vocals.

[@haydenh3217]

You don’t like the keyboards in the beginning? Interesting. I love them. Psychedelic rock, other dimension vibe. Also if you listen, there’s a version on KZbin, to hella kitchen combined with this the transition from kitchen to lines is really nice. Derek’s keyboards are perfectly placed after hells kitchen

[@Aivri]

Derek's sound choices can be an acquired taste for sure. After Kevin's mellow lead sound, the harsh lead was quite the change. But as a synth player, I learned to love it soon after.

[@lowdz68]

If by cool flavour you mean a horrible noise I’d agree! 😁😁

[@erinnewland7211]

@@Aivri My problem with his sound was the "wah wah" he used incessantly. Every solo that he played had that going on constantly.

[@Fernanufret]

Doug, your content is so awesome! The fact that you do these DT ones often, it's AMAZING! Cheers!

[@Doug.Helvering]

Appreciate it! If you ever want to talk music just let me know!

[@mallolollo]

one of my favorite albums!

[@mattmann370]

Definitely one of my favorite DT tracks. The live version from Once in a Livetime is freaking awesome! Has an incredible solo by Sherinian that leads into the beautiful synth intro of the song

[@josephlombardo5669]

If you enjoyed this, check out Sons Of Apollo. It's Mike Portnoy reuniting with Derek Sherinian and features Billy Sheehan on bass, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal on guitar, and Jeff Scott Soto on vocals. Off their first album, I recommend "Alive", "Coming Home" or "God Of The Sun".

[@Craigly]

The background singer is Dug Pinnick from King's X, whom you need to feature at some point. I had the great pleasure to open for this band 17 years ago.

[@TrueVanguardhasterribletakes]

Trial of tears is also from that album and on of their best songs ever Imo along with lines in the sand. It’s an epic!

[@mateus-schultz]

Listening to DT music makes time go by in the blink of an eye. Lines in the Sand is also one of my favorites.

[@infinityminuszero]

One of my most favorite DT songs! It's basically a masterpiece. Thank you Doug.

[@noddynewbold]

Doug Pinnick adding the extra vocal in the pre chorus. You need to go check out some of the material of his band Kings X, there's another brilliant rabbit hole to go down!

[@Arrow2theACL]

Doug has reacted to Out of the Silent Planet on one of his Fan Favorites Patreon Videos.

[@budi.haryono]

One of my favorite bass lines from Myung! 🤘🔥

[@rodowirth]

One of the best

[@AcidicBiaxident]

Hi Doug! While Falling into Infinity is the only Dream Theater's studio album to feature Derek Sherinian on keyboard, you actually have heard of (and reacted to) another DT tune featuring Derek on keys before: "A Change of Seasons". That song was released in an EP of the same name in 1995, and was not part of any studio album.

[@dnllrnt]

This album is way more, and not in a bad way, accessible than the rest of their catalog. My wife can certainly attest to that. It's has the Dream Theater sound, but a lot more easily digestible songs, which was the "in thing" at the time. The label was digging their hooks into the band and nearly tore than band apart. But there are some classics on here: New Millennium, Trial of Tears, Under Peruvian Skies and of course Lines in the Sand. Been loving this channel and the appreciation for the prog artists/bands 😊

[@moose6666]

Definitely one of the best DT songs ever. Such an underrated album. Listen to the falling into infinity demos to get some unreleased songs - The Way it Used to Be, is excellent!!!

[@lihengchan438]

Definitely a great song from an underrated album! I'd like to offer something different - Communion and the Oracle by Symphony X, I feel you'd get a good kick out of that with the subtle modulations and time signature changes, a masterclass in composition in my opinion!

[@RushAss]

Oh Hell yes! The band channels their inner Kansas on that one.

[@jacobstewart7915]

Shoutout to Communion and the Oracle! Such a great song.

[@whiteglovepc]

Derek was an amazing match for the band stylistically. Wish he stuck around longer

[@jefffisher859]

He was dropped for Jordan. Check out his work with Portnoy and Sons of Apollo. Good stuff.

[@Jorduan100]

What a damn fine way to relax on the evening before I get married. One of my favourite songs ever. The bass line in the 1st verse inspired me to learn this instrument. Cheers Doug!!

[@metalmark1214]

It must have changed since Sunday, when it was Stevie Ray Vaughn - Texas Flood for this Wednesday.

[@Doug.Helvering]

SRV got blocked.

[@metalmark1214]

@@Doug.Helvering I thought that might be the case Doug. Hopefully you'll have it unblocked soon. Live at El Mocambo is the best version of the live performance IMO.

[@gilsorger6548]

One of the top 10 from them.

[@sangheili333]

that piano part 7:58 never ever gets old, it's even better when you listen to the isolated stem for it, it goes super hard towards the end of that whole section

[@joebrooks3638]

Hells Kitchen and Lines in the Sand are my two favorites off this album! This definitely has a David Gilmore style solo and feel.

[@KKefir]

You must listen it with "Hell's kitchen", which is a great instrumental introduction to "Lines in the sand" itself! 🙂

[@chrisbayer6467]

Pertrucci gave sampling of this song during a guitar clinic before the album came out at House of Guitars in Rochester, NY. Still have my autographed CD covers from that day. It was so awesome to meet him.

[@rockonileva]

Fall into Infinity is such an underrated album, IMO. There are some of my favorite tunes by them: Lines in the Sand, Trial of Tears, Hell's Kitchen, New Millennium... If Raise the Knife wasn't cut this would be surely my favorite album

[@planetcaravan2925]

Underrated underrated underrated

[@erwinvanginkel3367]

I'am a Dream Theater fan and this album had a lot of criticism but in my opinion it;s very underrated because for me this is the typical Dream Theater sound. I love the typical drum sound from Mike Portnoy, the guitar playing of Petrucci, the Keys and imo James voice sounds very good here. I love your channel, I learn a lot of it.

[@seedygreen]

It's a great sounding album, and even though it's more of a commercial turn from them, there are still some excellent tunes on it.

[@sullytool]

Trial of Tears is by far one of my favorite Dream Theater songs of all

[@tompramanaaccount8892]

Bass lines in this album is pure gold! My bassist having a blast listening this the first time.

[@versus5150]

nice era of DT, love old petrucci and derek sherinian input was amazing!

[@ronedelbrock8570]

Dug Pinnick is the backing vocalist on this track. His band is Kin'gs X. That is a band I think you would enjoy. One of my favorites from Dream Theater happens to be on this album. Peruvian Skies.

[@MacTaipan]

This my very well be my favourite guitar solo ever. The phrasing in this is phenomenal.

[@rpascon]

my god, i've been listening to this tune non stop recently, as a nostalgic tbt, and now this! AWESOME!

[@1962Sparkie]

Doug, check "Trial Of Tears"... It is phenomenal!!

[@hayalaln2302]

Yes! Falling Into Infinity is a lovely album

[@hombrepollo]

Probably my favorite DT theme. Elegant decisions in all aspects

[@KBH27]

So skilled across the board at Jazz , Blues , etc. can play anything!

[@davidcoyle7055]

The bass riff in this song is my favorite of all of Myung's that he's played on all the albums. If you do another song from Falling Into Infinity, check out Trial of Tears.

[@Patrick-sheen]

Never knew that was Doug..amazing! Would have loved a verse from him. I always overlooked this album despite owning it for decades…must give it a blast later.

[@denisriche2913]

My favourite DT album.. Well balanced between technicity and musicality.. I think Sherinian's contribution was a major one. Portniy's back vocals are very appropriate..

[@timothydog76]

"I don't recognize that voice." That is the legendary singer/bassist from the band King's X. It's a band that you really need to check out. Up there with Dream Theater as my favorite bands in the 90's.

[@majmop]

hell yes! ive beenw aiting for this one doug! love your break downs helps me learn more about theory through my favorite music

[@amcuhrd]

my all time favorite song!! Id also highly reccomend cheking the live version in Bucharest for this song. Maybe their best live performance ever!

[@HARPERSSON]

There are so many great elements to this tune. I had forgotten about it....thanks for reminding me!

[@johnnelson4386]

You nailed it. The spacing. The new DT stuff is missing that.

[@92Marbles]

Very good choice, for me the most beautiful solo of john petrucci !

[@SimonLongKrogh]

Lines In The Sand aka "Sounds From My Trinity" :D Love it

[@shri081]

Everything about this track rings of “tastefully done”….one of my favourite DT tracks ever…

[@JackMcLeodJr]

An epic trip!! 🎸 🎶

[@DumblyDorr]

I always thought's it's an interesting idea to construct the lyrics to a song completely from idioms - sayings we don't usually even think of any more when using them, then placing them in a different context where you do think about them and where they take on new meaning.

[@shanebilowitz7261]

One of Petrucci's top 5 best solos

[@isitrealgood]

I'm glad you reviewed "Lines"! Ir's one of my favorite Dream Theater songs, and a highlight of "Falling Into Infinity," which, as you mentioned is a transition album for the band, with original keyboards guy Kevin Moore leaving, really, while or just after the band recorded "Awake" (Sherinian also performed on the "A Change of Seasons" EP in 1995, the titular suite taking up one side of the cassette, live material on the other side), and before Jordan Rudess became available. On "Falling..." is the band's attempt at a (in album rock circles) a "hit single" in "You Not Me", but "Lines In The Sand," "Trial of Tears," the instrumental "Hell's Kitchen" stand out to me. You mentioned "Take Away My Pain," as John Petrucci's song in dealing with the grief of losing his father, that you alluded to in reviewing "Images and Words". I enjoyed your take on "Lines In the Sand".

[@andreasandersson9629]

I love the drums in the intro (and the rest of the song). This album is underrated!

[@chriszilar3657]

Love that they featured DuG Pinnick from the mighty band,KingsX!

[@100percentofnothing]

That is guitar solo is one of my favorites! Soooo good! 👌

[@RPKraul]

Trial of Tears, from the same record, is one of my personal favorites. Brilliant lyrics as well.

[@sithcritic8906]

Doug, the 1996 demo version of the song had an outro verse that didn’t make it on the album. Lyrics were: “Baptized, enlightened Surrounded and frightened I’m blind to the lines in the sand.” The outro verse really soared. Killer vocal lines.

[@MercutioUK2006]

Doug Pinnick also on vocals - and absolutely killing it.

[@mateusfragallo4049]

Doug, your reactions/analysis are pure gold!!! Thank you so much. I highly highly highly recommend THE CURTAIN from SNARKY PUPPY (pretty sure you know them). This one is absolutely amazing. No regrets 😉

[@hyl14nn1gh7]

You might know this by now, but the additional voice in the chorus is dUg Pinnick from Kings X!

[@jawaidbazyar3437]

The background singer is Dug Pinnick from King's X - a band you should check out, in particular the albums Gretchen Goes to Nebraska and Faith, Hope, Love.

[@michaelpebbles6243]

Falling into Infinity is the fourth studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater, released on September 23, 1997, through EastWest Records. It is the band's only studio album to feature keyboardist Derek Sherinian, following the departure of Kevin Moore in 1994. You all voted for it, and this week we are discussing Lines In The Sand! Of all the topics that I could think of about this song, the guest vocals seemed like the obvious choice to go with. Doug Pinnick, bassist and singer of King's X, was brought in to do the job. His voice and singing style is such a radical departure from James's that hearing his voice during the choruses takes me right out of the song. I don't think he's a bad singer, by any means, but they just don't work for me here. What are your thoughts on Lines In The Sand? Do you like Doug's vocals?

[@tokamana]

Love your videos Doug. This is one of my favourite Dream Theater songs. Love the overall musicianship especially JP's guitar solo.

[@bonzo.0215]

The best solo ever !!

[@filipezomignanialves4691]

One of my favorite songs from them. This one and Awake are their best albums in my opinion. 🖤

[@davidguezennec]

It's Doug Pinnick of King's X on the backing vocals Doug!

[@PokyPops]

I know this album gets a lot of grief, but it's always been one of my favorites. The guitar work on Hollow Years is so unique, I love it. But yes, Trial of Tears should probably be your next listen.

[@WutipongWongsakuldej]

You should also check the band Sons of Apollo out too.