When Dream & Day Unite [Import]

The only things said (by fans that do not enjoy this album) that I have to agree are two clear points:

- the production is awfull.
- John Petrucci does not play great solos

For the rest, it is a pure and technical effort, full of complicated parts and challenging compositions and features
3 of DT's best songs: "ytsejam", "Killing Hand" and "Only A Matter of time".

The opening track "A Fortune In Lies" is a powerfull song and is still a favorite among fans. I like the bass sound in this song a lot, and in the album as a whole. Maybe at that time, Petrucci was not playing low notes that hide Myung's lines.

Obviously raw, but benefits from technical playing and great song writting.

Being a major progressive and melodic rock freak, I just had to seek out this album and listen to it.

I did. And I did. And it hooked me from the start.

I have a confession to make, however. I've tried and tried and tried to like James LaBrie's vocals and I just can't. LaBrie alternates between a melodramatic breathiness and a where's-the-note-I'm-looking-for histrionic that grates on my nerves. That's why, for my tastes, this debut featuring Charlie Dominici is the perfect blend of superb musicianship and soaring vocals.

That's why even though I've seen Dream Theater in concert a half dozen times and have all of their albums, I return again and again to this debut -- especially when I'm at the office, where I do most of my listening. It's the perfect blend of pleasant, yet powerful vocals and a level of musicianship that astounds to this day.

Granted, the guitar work is a bit pushed back in the mix. And it seems slanted more toward the keyboards than it could have been. But each song is great. Very upbeat and driving. Particularly the last track, "Only a Matter of Time." I put that on Repeat on my CD player at the office and use it to inspire my copywriting.

Other stand-out tracks include the now-classic "Ytse Jam" and "Light Fuse and Get Away."

DT has come a long way since this debut release. They've literally become a world-wide phenomenon, revered by fans and critics alike. And held in highest regard by fellow musicians who consider them to be demi-gods. (Drummer Mike Portnoy has become one of today's most lauded musicians, appearing in not one but two noteworthy side projects: Liquid Tension Experiment and TransAtlantic. Both highly recommended.)

Even though they're superstars now, with a string of incredible albums under their belts, I'll always return to When Dream and Day Unite for the sheer enjoyment of hearing a band that started with a bang -- and just kept getting better.