Classical Composer Reacts to DREAM THEATER: Stream of Consciousness (Live) | The Daily Doug Ep. 599

[@KikiTheHobo]

Short hair Petrucci, Short beard Rudess, Myung being forever young, I loved this era!

[@mercho_music]

And, obviously, Mike Portnoy on drums ✨️

[@Despond]

Yep, before the mega bloat. Slick Petrucci also played way more fusion jazz leads than just raw metal.

[@funforalgernon]

Same - peak DT

[@newgen85]

The Apex of their creativity❤

[@metaldl]

Tony Petrucci Stark is my favorite Petrucci.

[@adrianomel]

18 year old me getting lost in these dvds.. live at budokan, score.. im 33.. the nostalgia hits strong, these dudes changed my life.

[@RSchmidt720]

Same, bro. This was my first DT album and it changed everything for me.

[@Raymaster7482]

​@@RSchmidt720my first album was I&W but otherwise same :-)

[@palad3937]

X2

[@tuomaspuumalainen3018]

I bought the Budokan dvd back then because I knew Petrucci and Portnoy from guitar and drum videos. Boy, did it change my musical world forever.

[@147pablox]

Wow, didn't even realize it has been THAT long until I read this comment. I was 16 when I discovered them and now I'm 31. I guess life goes by in the blink of an eye...

[@apucika666]

It's incredible, how much sadder this song is if you listen this after Vacant, as it is meant to be.

[@shemsuhor8763]

Vacant is so beautiful.

[@seraziel9617]

definitely. Always listen to Vacant first

[@MrPschocher]

It always amazes me, nobody ever notices cuz he does it so smoothly, but at 7:47 ish, petruccis repositions the pick in his hand… like in the exact moment he’s holding a note perfectly in the solo, the guy is unbelievable. It’s so subtle

[@MrPschocher]

Holy crap didn’t expect a response from you, thanks man 👍🏻 love the channel

[@Serfo_]

7:50 This sweep picking by JP still blows my mind. This was clearly Petrucci at his peak (hairstyle too I'd say) Also Dream Theater's Live at Budokan remains, up to this day, as one of the best live show I've ever seen in my life.

[@brunomadail]

yes 100 per cent, Petrucci was epic here.

[@drumjosh1987]

Yup, and only reaction I’ve seen where there was no reaction to the sweeps 😂

[@Serfo_]

@@drumjosh1987 Well, Doug isn't really a guitarist so it's understandable. He's more observant to the musical context (rhythmical, chord progression, etc) than the technical or skill aspects of the musician.

[@KikiTheHobo]

It's really scary lol!

[@ganteng_ini_menyiksa]

This era was DT at their best. Short hair of JP and the forever young of Myung.

[@ulrishx]

So fun to see Mike Portnoy on the drums.

[@porfiriodev]

Yeah, he was the best. Miss him on DT fr

[@stan.jk3]

Portnoy was at the show in Philly. We got moved up from the back to the 10th row, near where he was sitting.

[@mikkolappalainen9916]

Better used to it mate. The day i've been waiting is finally here!

[@fredericosevergnini9348]

PORTNOY IS BACK!!!!

[@danielxavier7291]

came here after he performed this song live again

[@TinyEconomist]

i love the fact that u dont pause the video every second! good analysis and great video! thank you

[@Andreecals]

I just appreciate this song immensely more with the introduction provided by "vacant", which has such a profound melancholy to it that is amplified by the constrasting rhythm and intensity of stream of consciousness

[@MrStarchild3001]

One of the finest pieces by DT. Pure pleasure.

[@TeddyJFP]

My god finally you react to this. This is one of their best instrumental.

[@sumonjamal1653]

This was from their 2004 tour... filmed in the Budokan in Japan. I was lucky to see them play this track in 2003 on their US tour for the album 'Train of Thought'... which is likely their heaviest record. 3 hrs of Dream Theater for a first concert experience seeing them was definitely something I won't forget! The entire 'Live at Budokan' DVD/ CD is a keeper 🤘🤘🔥🔥 as is their 2006 live DVD/CD 'Score'.

[@mposh]

They played ACOS as the encore on this tour.

[@bobanderson7571]

This tour was the first time I saw DT - I was absolutely blown away too!!

[@funforalgernon]

Before the album came out, Mike Portnoy did a fan contest where he shared his cheat sheet for the song (containing time signatures and nicknames for each section of the song, usually a reference to another artist) and solicited compositions based on the cheat sheet. One of the coolest and most original music contests ever conceived. And Doug just told this story in the video better than I did. Perfect.

[@mposh]

If I remember correctly, Plini submitted a song, that made the finals. DT played these songs as "house" music between sets, and

[@42scientist]

@@mposh Which one of the 7 songs, I know them by heart and I don't recognize the plini feel in any of them, nor can find any evidence of Plini taking part in the writing of any

[@mposh]

@@42scientist I guess I'm mistaken about Plini being on the CD. But he WAS a member of the Mike Portnoy forum and I remember him sharing some early musical contributions.

[@dudamack]

In the stream of consciousness There is a river crying Living comes much easier Once we admit We're dying...

[@heirtoruin]

That Zappaesque conceptual continuity.

[@JubaDeMetalAlumínio]

I adore this song, because of how perfectly structured it is. It has amazing themes, and it's quite fun to listen to. It's by far their best instrumental song.

[@DerroteroScott]

This band is everything to me. Thanks for your reactions to DT Doug!

[@NaanProphet]

So first Lines in the Sand without Hell’s Kitchen and now Stream of Consciousness without Vacant. Whoever suggesting the songs for Doug on his Patreon, or whatever is doing him dirty

[@MrGoodLucky]

Lol next it’ll be Lie without The Mirror

[@thedarkflowkiller]

I was thinking the exact same thing.

[@JubaDeMetalAlumínio]

​@@MrGoodLucky Voices without Erotomania

[@mirkecWii]

He also did Breaking all illusions without Far from heaven

[@NaanProphet]

@@mirkecWii I kind of give him a pass for that because it was early in his reactions and he didn't have as many people guiding him. And funny enough, if you watch his reaction, he actually actively dislikes the transition to the Far From Heaven reprise so I can't say if Far From Heaven beforehand would have helped or made him think it was even more ham-fisted in there.

[@drums4metal]

Doug almost lasted a whole video without complaining about the double bass drum. 😂😂😂😂

[@RudyBleeker]

I don't think it was so much a complaint as it was a statement that if you'd take the double bass out of that section, they were playing a baroque figured bass, which (as far as I understand it) is the bass playing lead and the rest of the instruments more or less improvise around it, guided by a specific notation around the bass notes on the sheet music.

[@jonandanisawright8740]

I love that drum fill at 10:10-10:13, how it goes from triplets to quarter notes in the last three hits

[@rahbeat9785]

too bad it sounds like shit live

[@SamuelYang98]

Let's gooooo, greetings from Venezuela, im loving your channel as a big DT and Opeth fan

[@laurabuer4714]

Live at Budokan is one of my most favorite DVDs. ❤

[@stef.o91]

It was mesmerizing to watch Doug over the years becoming the rocker he had inside since the beginning. Cheers to you, dear sir.

[@DonCarnage42]

Man, this tune takes me back. The second part with the solos is pure bliss.

[@danieltob6738]

I love the way they use their music knowledge and put it in a setting from 21. century. Pleases my classical ears!

[@brainrotplague]

yum yum. This channel could be a pure DT react for all I care. It's always a blast joining him through the DT catalog

[@canman87]

The timing on this is incredibly coincidental, lol. I just recorded a video for this song last night and was wondering if/when you were going to get around to checking the song out 😅 This is definitely one of the best instrumentals they've written and might honestly be my favorite so far. I look forward to seeing your thoughts on it!

[@bellmishpokhe]

This is by far one of my favorite DT songs, if not my favorite. I've been attempting to play it on guitar for years and is a proverbial stake in the heart to all of those who say technical prowess cannot equal true feeling and emotion in composition. Thank you so much for reviewing this song!

[@taubrow4973]

Not being forced to listen to James helps this song too lol

[@noneofyerbeeswax8194]

@@taubrow4973 As a DT hater (now, this makes me unique and special for sure :), I have to agree that this is one of the more listenable ones because of this exact reason.🤣

[@realtoken]

​@@noneofyerbeeswax8194why hating? What did they do to you? They will be better then you probably ever will sooo...

[@joshsimon5145]

I think this was the song that first got me interested in them. It blew my mind when I first heard this song. "What is this music? Who are these people?? Why is there no singing? I can't headbang to this!?" BLEW. MY. MIIIIIND. This was also my first time to hear Petrucci's godlike playing. He's been my guitar hero ever since. Epic.

[@jankydisplay]

One of my favorite instrumentals. So many great parts and everyone goes off. The last couple minutes are so moving.

[@BobGnarley.]

really love the neo classical feel on this one. probably the first real "fusion" album i discovered way back in high school.. and wouldnt have it any other way. so raw and so many ideas

[@Tesserex]

The guitar solo in this is just nuts to watch. People on the original video made lots of comments about his "relationship" with his guitar. There are points where you literally can't see his fingers move even if you go frame by frame.

[@RPKraul]

This song got quite a few “Damn you, Petrucci” reactions from guitarists. His sweep picking, unreal.

[@xvzaa]

Well.. my musicman majesty look at me with side eyes and tell me "THAT'S" how to play me..

[@fabioriato]

The craziest thing about this live version is that they play most of the track FASTER than the studio version. And JP still manages somehow to nail all those intricate solos.

[@bobanderson7571]

He still has that blazing speed - I saw his solo tour last fall, and at the end of Temple of Circadia, his right hand was a literal BLUR! Phenomenal!

[@HB_1984]

And unfortunately, Doug totally missed the insanity of this solo, still busy with the time signature…

[@yasserwallaby5835]

During the pandemic, I became so obsessed with this song's bassline, I spend about 3 weeks learning it by ear with my cheap acoustic guitar. A few weeks after that, I bought a bass guitar. This has to be one of the best rock instrumental ever written. I've always wondered if parts of this song is based on pachelbel canon.

[@fabioriato]

I remember back in the day playing this song non-stop with my trusty old bass and loving every second of it. Good times.

[@deanprapanca]

Congratulations..

[@felipecampos3045]

This is my favorite instrumental song of all time

[@Zenzolone._.]

7:40 yo he Is literally thinking about the time signature during a monumental solo of Petrucci

[@iau]

This song singlehandedly got me into music. Yeah, that's right. Music as a whole. I was always a weird kid, and all up until high school I used to tell people I HATED music. All people listened to and all I heard on the radio was Reggaeton and Pop and Salsa and Panamanian Folk music. I hated all of it. A friend eventually showed me LTE and DT and when I heard this song something weird clicked on me. I played it nonstop on repeat for days. It felt so weird not hating all music anymore.

[@BGkeys88]

Finally! I've been waiting for this reaction for a long time. Thank you Doug

[@spybloom]

The guitar part at 12:12 is one of my favorite things to play. It's such a great warmup, almost like an etude, and you can loop it endlessly

[@evilasiobjr]

This is such an underrated musical gem! ❤

[@ramirospinelli6453]

the fills by Portnoy in this song are fantastic.

[@shemsuhor8763]

Absolutely beautiful song, in the most full way "beautiful" can be used. Up there with the Mozart's, Stravinksky's and Liszt's for sure. This song is a masterpiece.

[@burttheburger]

Nice vid dude! You should react to Symphony X’s album V: the mythology suite in its entirety!

[@dazwold]

The clarity in the bass in the performance is the unsung hero of this video; especially in the ending unison

[@Ijard_panjang]

Oh what a fcking coincidence doug im getting together with 2 talented musicians this weekend to jam this song!

[@Ninecats260186]

And they are playing this masterpiece in the tour of this year.

[@Tonatiuth]

This was the very first song I've heard of Dream Theater and I just got engaged forever with them. The feeling they have when they play is just something you cannot describe. Nothing in music is like them.

[@mauriciofonseca2079]

I´ve been a DT fan since 1996, so almost 30 years, OMG getting old. Petrucci is our guitar hero forever. Love them

[@hereinsertname]

Not sure this is my all-time fav DT song, but it is the one I have listened to the most. Never gets old!

[@HB_1984]

Awesome you commented on this masterpiece Doug. One of my alltime favorites, a very melodic and moving instrumental story. One request: when the solo’s are there (in any song), please stop analyzing the time signature, chords and harmonies, just listen, be moved and amazed (and comment afterwards 😊).

[@doylebros9]

I'll be at the Houston show this Sunday! Can't wait to see them for the first time!

[@Gorbyrev]

Really appreciated this Doug. I have not listened to that track in a long time. Thanks for your insight and a fresh look at the track.

[@claudioonate1744]

That opening music in some live Dream Theater videos is part of the intro of the album Dream Theater, it was used also to introduce the live show in 2014. Great show in Chile. Regards from Southamerica

[@basilgolightly3034]

For me, this is top 3 songs of the band. Absolutely killer.

[@BoneyWhy]

Virtuosity that is almost unmatchable! The amount of time these guys put into becoming what they are is special too! I mean, they sacrificed a lot to be that good! Yet, they're good people, for the most part. I mean, I guess I am still having a hard time with bumping Mangini when he gave up so much to cover for a Capricious Portnoy.

[@garyrausch1184]

this is my first listening to Dream Theater, as an old guy who was around in the late 60s early 70s this is updated prog rock I love it

[@frankgillet2752]

Awesome reaction!!!! This is my favourite Dream Theater song:)

[@frankgillet2752]

piece*

[@peteshifter]

​@@frankgillet2752 Awesome reaction? The song is awesome, but not the reaction! What did you learn? Nothing! The guys spends half of the time shaking hands in the air. Is this awesome?

[@capitansorete]

Simply a Masterpiece.

[@augustopoletti1378]

i was lukcy to see them in the Octavarium tour, just pure awesomeness. But, the Scenes from a Memory -> Six Degrees -> Train of Thought era is just mindblowing

[@faustomadebr]

In Brazil, they played 2 evenings in 2005. Because they did not visit our country back in SfaM days, they played the full album in the second night. Amazing. Putting together both concerts, Octavarium and Scenes were played for us.

[@augustopoletti1378]

@@faustomadebr Yeah, i was too poor at the time for two days in São Paulo :D, but managed to see the octavarium set (first day)

[@faustomadebr]

@@augustopoletti1378 Nice!!!

[@guitarscatsandmusic7733]

it's been a long stressful week and it's been a bit since iv'e seen a dream theater daily doug reaction. You're videos and reactions always put smile on my face. Cheers!

[@AtomizedSound]

A great song on Train of Thought album.

[@BlackMageLozi]

You need to watch that complete recital, it's my favorite of all the ones the band has.

[@joelbonnecarrere7341]

They are one of my favorite bands as well. Very very good musicians. 16:17

[@DaneJacobsonMD]

Love me some Dream Theater, but I am dying to see the second half of OK Computer!

[@DavidB-vk8ei]

My old guitar teachers was a GIT Grad. Dream theater was his favorite band.

[@matthewgilfus1640]

Hell, I graduated from Berklee because of them. I got stuck, said "I destress playing music I'll give it a shot, it's only $150 to apply. Why not?" I got accepted and said, "Oh shit, I HAVE to go now. Fk." Turns out Berklee is a diploma mill and if you actually graduate you ain't sht.

[@levshyrokov6464]

I have waited for it soooo much!!!!! Yeah!! One of the most symphonic Dream Theater pieces, just perfect for your review

[@somethingofascientistmyself]

In terms of chemistry, musicality, stamina, style, this is the one I reckon as the peak Dream Theater!

[@DarthV506]

Lots of great spots in this song to warm up the fingers! 10 years ago, it was an expensive album to learn. Needed 4 guitars to do it. C standard, D standard, Eb and 7 string. With modern digital transpose features, could get away with just the 7 now!

[@Dasvidanyaful]

I been a fan since around 94/95 i think when my Cousin introduced me to them (i was about 13) with IAW and Awake. I always knew they were different and special in some way. As i got older and life happened i lost track of a few albums after silver linings and i only just started getting back to listening to them weirdly because of you! Watching your videos reminded me how much i loved them for so long and hearing some one of your knowledge talk about them made me realise it wasnt just me they really are special, the songs are so complex and with every listen you hear something different. I did go and see the 25th anniversary show for IAW and that blew me away was magical to see and hear (with ear plugs!) but thank you for fully reintroducing my self back into them, much appreciated!

[@flavioemanuelefrigo5421]

One of my favourite DT song, one of my favourite song ever!

[@pudermcgavin4462]

My parts guy at an old job introduced me to them. But this was pre smart phone so i just kinda kept them in the back if my mind! Until a few years ago! And he was not wrong!

[@satanonvacation9783]

Hey Doug! Once again amazing listening to you talking about Dream Theater. They are one of my absolute favourite bands and I've seen them live more times than any other band. Always a pleasure that leaves you speechless and astonished - in the best way! I've got a couple more songs that you'd definetely enjoy a lot as well! - The Ministry of Lost Souls: This is literally one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard and the whole theme is strangely depressing (at the start) and uplifting (finale) at the same time. This is simply special and gets me as emotional as nearly no other song - In the Presence of Enemies: Divided into two parts listed as the start and the end of Systematic Chaos, but worth listening as one song, this is one of their gretest works for me. You can really feel and empathize with the protagonist and his interior struggles and the product leaves us with 25 minutes filled with greatness and a variety of amazing parts that lead into another, while still keeping to the overall structure of the whole thing. Masterpiece! - Bridges in the Sky: This is as wild as it gets. "Only" 11 minutes, but a song that takes a number of unantizipated changes, and the introduction is really out of this world, while the chorus is one of the most beautiful passages of their career. - The Astonishing: Full album review. Love how you did your whole album reaction on Scenes from a Memory. Why not take a look at the other amazing prog concept album they've written? Maybe not the most showy on musical terms, but when it comes to songwriting and especially storytelling through songs, this is as good as it gets. Especially how James sings with a different voice for every character, which makes all of them instantly recognizable makes this beyond special. Absolutely nuts in the best way this. Love your channel and have defo watched every single one of your videso over the last year and a half or so. Keep the good stuff coming, always a pleasure!

[@IcarusNadir]

Hey Doug have you ever done a video on how to easier recognize the chord progression within a song? I'm always amazed by how quickly you figure it out

[@colombanoalessandro]

I’d love to hear more about this too 🔥

[@noneofyerbeeswax8194]

Simple: after 40 years of ear training, it gets very easy. :)

[@Rupfer79]

Minute 12:12 (in your video) till the end of the song is one of my all time favorite pieces of music. I find these baroque harmonies so beautiful.

[@Quinceps]

Boring af ❤

[@Rupfer79]

@@Quinceps Your opinion 😘

[@zildjian1791]

What a concert that live at budokan, IT’S JUST AMAZING !!!!!

[@josephtattum6365]

Not my favorite Dream Theater instrumental, but still has some cool ideas. The whole album Train of Thought is like if Pantera visited latin america for a spell. Definitely enjoy all the cool phrygian and harmonic minor stuff. Might be my favorite drum sound Mike Portnoy ever had on a record too, that snare is tasty AF.

[@emjem99]

"Nice and sturdy". My new favourite description for heavy riffing music.

[@Goob55]

Just when you think these guys can’t get any better, you should totally check out Beyond This Life: Live at Budokan, it’s one of the most insane live performances out there!

[@brunoflorentino1278]

For me the title of the track fits perfectly to it because it's so well composed and arranged, each section of the track disembogue in a perfect way, in a very fluid way like a stream to the next one. I like how they take their time in each section, nothing is hurried up. In my opinion, the best instrumental track of theirs.

[@Kurotora86]

Whole Budokan show is probably the best music DVD I've seen, soundwise as well.

[@shupakiko]

hell yeah was just playing that this afternoon on my guitar, it's gonna be a blast

[@joshmeads]

My fav DT instrumental!

[@billwell9266]

My favorite DT instrumental ... or maybe Hells Kitchen

[@KPD017]

I forgot how damn good SOC is! Thanks for your fun review!

[@jankydisplay]

7:51 Blew my mind when I was a kid. I think it was the first time I saw sweeps.

[@theaverageblitzer4034]

In my book, it's a contender for top metal instrumental of all time. Never gets old.

[@etiennegroulx5342]

hello Mr Doug always on the page love your post since your beginning

[@jhonfelo]

Simply gods amongst mortals... the musicality, the ease, the joy, the virtuosism...

[@adriangarciarivero3956]

Doug: we dont have James here. Me: Thx God for that! Thats why this is the best DT song ever!

[@supersapphire]

one of my favorite songs of all time, thx for the reaction

[@jeta24]

Instrumedley Live at Budokan will be epic

[@leddygee1896]

James La Brie's greatest performance!!

[@ffs1414]

Disappear is fantastic

[@gattosaverio]

Ahahahahah 😂😂

[@newgen85]

Stunning...simply stunning. Help me to say stunning...

[@carana01]

An all time fav ….. espectacular performance

[@ChristianoMDSilva]

Absolutely love your reviews, specially of Dream Theatre songs, keep going! 😁 May I suggest: Haggard - Of a might Divine 🙂

[@LazyCurmudgeon]

I'll be seeing them in Wisconsin next month, on John Petrucci's birthday (and a day before mine.) Looking forward to seeing Devin and Tosin too!

[@deanprapanca]

Big thanks to Mr. Helvering for reacting for so many DT songs with great reviews and interpretations 🙏🎸🎹

[@sebastianwild7895]

awesome and on-point analysis. saw you doing PFloyd's "Shine On" and havent missed a bit since then. I could imagine Coldplay's "Coloratura" as their yet-most complex song could be something for another video. It has some surprises in terms of harmonics and drum patterns which are quite a challenge and unusual in the pop music domain.

[@franaguirre-b6r]

When a listen to this masterpiece, it reminds me Spanish Flamenco...

[@LuisRdzG10]

They are just perfect

[@EiriUesugiKun]

Best way to enjoy DT, instrumental.

[@scoopydooder]

@7:50 sweeps so incredible my porch is clean

[@NedJeffery]

This is my favourite song of all time.