Train of Thought - Dream Theater

Recently, I've tried to avoid choosing albums by artists whose work I've already discussed. However, I found it necessary to remind myself of the purpose of this blog: to pick the albums that were "my favorite for the week." So, if you're not a Dream Theater fan, I'm sorry, but I couldn't possibly pick an album that I've listened to more this week.
That being said, on to the album:
Dream Theater has always been at the front of modern progressive metal. However, their albums each have a different personality. Their fifth, Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From a Memory was a concept album, and very much to the "progressive" side of prog. metal. Their sixth, Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, was a double album, with the first disc being more metal and the second more progressive. When it came to their seventh, though, Dream Theater must have said something along the lines of "You want a metal band? Here we are!" In short, Train of Thought will destroy you with its darkness.
Kicking off with the final chord from Six Degrees, the album sets its mood with "As I Am". With an opening lick that sounds a lot like "Black Sabbath" (only 40x heavier), this song is a great way to show the listeners that they aren't messing around. This song is a balls-to-the-wall heavy metal showcase with some really great lyrics. My personal favorite is, "I've been trying to justify you/ in the end I will just defy you."
Next, you get the continuation of the AA suite with "This Dying Soul." This is the same suite I've pointed out in Six Degrees and Octavarium, and that will be concluded in their new album, Black Clouds and Silver Linings. If you were worried that there would be no prog in this heavy metal album, this song will make you happy. Although it continues to grab you by the cohones, it's got a lot of complicated passages that are very true to the Dream Theater style.
The best part of the album is that it doesn't let up there. A lot of artists would choose to have a slower ballad after 1 or 2 tracks, but not here. Although "Endless Sacrifice" has a lighter verse, to begin, it has one of the heaviest choruses. Also, it evolves into an 11-minute progressive epic, which is always nice!
"Honor Thy Father" is the star of this album in my opinion. The time signature changes keep you guessing while the crushing guitar and technically-masterful drum parts make this a shining achievement for the band. Another thing I really dig about this track is the anger in James LaBrie's voice. It doesn't come out often in Dream Theater's work, but it works beautifully with this song.
"Stream of Consciousness" and "In the Name of God" are an instrumental epic and a great closer, respectively. The last track has a piano hook that adds a great sense of majesty to the whole piece. Overall, it is a very appropriate ending to this great album.
I won't sugar coat it: If you don't like metal, you'll probably hate this album. It's heavy, it's loud and it's dark. However, if you like prog metal, and are looking for something to really sink your teeth into, this is one of my highest recommendations. This is my favorite album to turn the volume WAY up on my headphones. If' you've got high-quality speakers or headphones, I suggest it. Even if they're low-quality, you should still crank it. Happy listening!

Free link to the album on Napster:
http://free.napster.com/view/album/index.html?id=10844303

Once Upon a Time in the West - Hard Fi

<- This is a cool album cover. I'd just like to get that out of the way before I talk a bit about Hard-Fi's sophomore album, Once Upon a Time in the West. If you're familiar with their first album, Stars of CCTV, you won't be disappointed with this one. If you're new to the band, welcome aboard! We're about to explore some of my favorite modern British rock.
I know that people out there dislike it when you compare bands to other bands, but I'm going to do it anyway. If you remember back in the day when I reviewed Ok Go's album, Oh No, I summed it up by saying that the songs are simple, catchy, and wonderfully done. All of those things can be said about Hard-Fi as well. With a very British voice, Richard Archer leads the way in all of these tracks, giving them a wonderfully unique sound.
"Suburban Knights" starts off the album in the same vein as Stars of CCTV. It's a straightforward alt-rock tune that'll have you nodding your head and tapping your toes. However, it's what comes after the first track that sets this album apart and makes it extraordinary. "I Shall Overcome" uses some techniques that are new to the band, such as female backup vocals and a real smooth R&B feel behind it all. Definitely check it out.
"Tonight" and "Watch Me Fall Apart" do a great job of keeping that slower tempo interesting. For me, that's the biggest surprise in this album: the band chose to explore more corners of the alt/indie genre rather than sticking with the narrow sound that brought them success on their first album. In my opinion, they pull it well, and with plenty of grace. A few more influences/styles to listen for are the Who-like verses in "I Close My Eyes" and a very 80's-style track, "We Need Love".
If you want some simple alt/indie rock, you can always find it with Hard-Fi. However, it's really the way they've twisted their style in this album that makes it my choice for the week. With great melodies and catchy instrumentation, this album is a perfect choice if you're in the mood for some chillin'-out/driving music. Here's hoping that their third album is just as enjoyable! Happy listening, and see you next week.

Free link to the album on Napster:
http://free.napster.com/view/album/index.html?id=12580793

P.S.:
Also, this band is from Staines, and everyone knows that "West side is de best!"

Liquid Tension Experiment 2 - Liquid Tension Experiment

I bet at some point or another, you've found yourself thinking, "I wish three of the instrumentalists from Dream Theater would create a side project with the bass player from King Crimson where they abandon the vocal focus of their respective groups and have more freedom to solo and let loose their mad skillz." Your wish came true (12 years ago)! As the name implies, this is the second studio album by Dream Theater side-project, Liquid Tension Experiment. What you get is exactly what you'd expect from these guys, and a little more:
To me, the first song, "Acid Rain", sounds like the guys really indulging themselves. It's got a full-on prog metal sound. It also shows off quite well the first point I want to make about this band. Oftentimes, when side-groups and supergroups are formed, the members are great, but there isn't really any structure or chemistry; they don't sound like a group so much as individuals. With LTE, though, I find the opposite. Although the 'jam band' feel is intact, it isn't all solos and hooks: true to the band that spawned this one, you'll find a lot of thought-out progressive rock/metal instrumental sections tying it all together. "Acid Rain" is a perfect example of this. Listen to how the solos trade and are complimented by unison sections.
"Biaxident" is probably my favorite song on the album. With a little less soloing than the first track, it starts off in the fashion of a ballad. It quickly shows it's progressive side, but maintains the keyboard focus it started out with. Definitely check it out. Also, the ending is one of those hooks that makes you go, "AWW, YEAH!"
Skipping ahead a bit, I want to mention "When The Water Breaks". Obviously, the name is a clever little musical reference, but the song was inspired by a time when the group was ready to record and Petrucci's wife went into labour, spawning a side-side-project, Liquid Trio Experiment. This song kind of reminds me of "Dance of Eternity" on Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From a Memory by Dream Theater (soon, my friends.... soon...). It's got a lot of VERY complicated passages that will make any prog metal fan squeal with joy. However, what makes it different is that is has those solo breaks that I mentioned before (and some cleverly hidden King Crimson references).
Overall, this album is really great. Don't look too deeply into the content, because you won't find any, but just enjoy it for it's face value: great prog metal (with just a hint of jazz!). There aren't a lot of really great supergroups and side projects out there, but if you're a fan of the genre, or of Dream Theater, I guarentee you'll love this. Unlike the Porcupine Tree album from last week, though, I can't say that this one is super-accessible, but it really is a wonderful find. Check it out, and happy listening!

Free link to the album streaming on Napster:
http://free.napster.com/view/album/index.html?id=12516768
(...and for once, I agree very much with the Napster review!)

Deadwing - Porcupine Tree

Porcupine Tree may just sound like random words thrown together (like many modern band names (I'm looking at you, Neutral Milk Hotel and Vampire Weekend! (sorry for the nested side-comments...))), what they have to offer in Deadwing is far from random. This British progressive rock/metal band has put together an album that has become one of my go-to selections when I can't make up my mind what to listen to. I make this distinction to highlight the wonderful diversity and accessibility found herein.
The album starts off with an intro that's very typical of progressive rock/metal: A simple hook followed by an explosion of guitar and drums. What you find from there, though, is not quite as typical. This song contains a lot of subtlety that could easily go unnoticed. For example, compare the driving rock verse to the spoken-word strain to the psychedelic refrain. The flow is excellent, and you might just miss how much variance exists here.
This theme continues throughout the album. The next track, "Shallow," starts off with a great little metal riff and verse. However, it shifts gears for a moment to go into a few bars that sound like an alt-rock ballad. Right after that, though, it kicks right back into an even harder refrain. These little changes are really the crowning moments of the album. However, just when you think you've got it figured out, you'll get a song like "Lazarus". It's a great piano-driven ballad that would fit in nicely with anyone's Snow Patrol collection. The use of harmony in the slide guitar and back-up vocals is something to listen for here.
So, what could possibly be next? How about a funky drum beat and a catchy refrain? That's exactly what you'll find in "Halo". Very nice.
I'll leave the rest of the album to you, because I feel like I've made my point about this album: it's a very interesting mix. Earlier on I used the word "accessible", and I meant it. This is another great album like Milliontown that really shows the modern side of progressive rock. With a lot of different influences, this album shines in its cohesiveness (is this a word? (yes.)). Happy listening, and shine on, you crazy diamonds.

Free link to the album on Napster:
http://free.napster.com/view/album/index.html?id=12001510

Hannah Montana - Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus)

When one is a fan of music, it can be difficult to put one's finger on what, exactly, is their favorite album. That's why, in the past, I've always referred to my "Top 5." However, I think I have found what I've always been looking for. The soundtrack to Hannah Montana is, by far, the greatest collection of songs to which I have ever listened.
This may sound odd coming from me. I always tend to feature classic and progressive rock/metal albums on this blog, but I thought I'd show you all my true nature today. This album is solid all the way through. Whether it's dancing around in my underwear to lyrics like "I'm a lucky girl whose dreams came true" in "Just Like You" or layin' into the groove in "Pumpin' Up The Party," I can't get enough of this album.
The album starts off with "Best of Both Worlds," which is a delightful pop tune with some lively vocals. I really like how she interleaves solo sections with harmony throughout the verse. Also, the key change is extremely uplifting and will give you goosebumps every single time. After that, the album gets a little bit of a country flair with "Who Said." In this wonderful...

Alright, alright. You got me. So, Hannah Montana isn't really my favorite album, but how often does April Fool's Day land on a Wednesday? It was just too perfect. Keep on groovin' and I'll be back next week with something a little more to my normal style. (Although, I have to say, listening to the first few tracks, this album is kinda catchy...)

If for some reason you experience brain damage, and actually want to hear this album, the link is:
http://free.napster.com/view/album/index.html?id=12284026