Dream Theater Music:

		List Price: $29.98		Label: Roadrunner Records Salesrank: 29611 Released: June 23, 2009
		Our Price: $20.98
		Media: Vinyl

Editorial Review:
'This album's a musical and emotional rollercoaster, but most of our albums are,' Mike Portnoy says of Black Clouds & Silver Linings, Dream Theater's tenth studio album and second Roadrunner release. Black Clouds & Silver Linings marks another milestone on Dream Theater's iconoclastic musical journey,
which began two and a half decades ago and now encompasses a hugely impressive body of music that's established the durable progressive metal outfit as a one-of-a-kind creative force with a fiercely devoted international fan base. The new album - produced by band members Mike Portnoy and John Petrucci, who also serve as the group's main lyricists - offers a vibrant manifestation of the world-class musicianship, vivid lyrical scenarios and ambitious, multi-leveled
compositions that have established Dream Theater as a uniquely compelling creative force.

Black Clouds & Silver Linings [2 LP 180g Vinyl] Reviews:
A Musician's Clinic
2009-12-03 - Member for member, there is not a more talented rock ensemble on the planet-period. This band doesn't have a weakness or bottleneck, and can play many styles of music with exceptional competence. What an amazing feeling that must be as a musician to have no limits creatively and musically. What is more impressive is that their musical prowess seems to become more interesting and complex with each addition to their catalog.
The problem I have is that, with the last couple of releases, I haven't been able to connect on an emotional/artistic level with what they have been doing. It just seems they are more about a technical demonstration of ability, and the music has become more sterile and clinical as a result. When the new compositions reach for an emotional reaction from the listener, it seems that they miss or, as some have mentioned, tend to be over-the-top and cliche. As people have noted, the lyrics on this cd seem uninspired and this may be part of the problem. However, for me, the music itself lacks inspiration as well this time out. It seems the compositions are simply a structure or background to bounce solos and intricate rhythms off of.
Despite this, I will continue to line up and be one of the first to scoop up the next cd release and the one after that. It's worth the price to hear these great musicians play together . I love this band and can only take one star off despite my criticisms. Maybe all they need is a break from the constant grind before the next studio endeavor.


Beyond Words!!
2009-10-23 - Where can I begin? I've been a Dream Theater fan ever since a friend of mine introduced me to "Images and Words." So I have had the great experience of listening to their music which is, without a doubt,beyond words. For me, "Black Clouds and Silver Linings" evoked undescribeable emotions; the same way "Images and Words" did when I first heard it. From start to finish, there is a roller coaster of feelings when listening to all the selections. I simply cannot put each song in a category of its own. There is just no way!! They grew onto a whole other level of musicianship and lyrical writing that I feel surpasses all the other albums. I was hoping that someday they would write like they did on "Images and Words." I believe that "Black Clouds..." is that album. It should really be given 10 stars. Beyond Words!!!!!

unispired.
2009-10-16 - been following DT since the beginning. now im totally disappointed, the intros are long and boring, the lyrics are the worst ever, some songs sounds old, they are only 2 good songs here, the others are boring, don't like portnoy's voice, labrie has no space to sing.

the #1 is good
the #2 sounds old and boring.
the #3 is boring as hell
#4 sounds like Bryan Adams with happy chorus and stuff, really childish.
#6 is excellent, good prog touchs, reminds me the good DT times.


Terrific Album
2009-10-08 - A logical step for this incredible band. When a band is a consistently awesome as DT is, it's no longer a matter of better or worse, per se. What IS important is their uncanny ability to continue surprising their listeners while remaining within the realm of their style, genre, etc. Unfortunately, I feel that many fans of this band fail to recognize this and end up getting fussy and even indignant when DT doesn't COMPLETELY reinvent itself with each forthcoming album. For those of you who haven't yet purchased this record on account of the negative reviews, hesitate no longer. This is a terrific record which displays Dream Theater's constant evolution.

For a while, the lyrics for Count of Tuscany ruined the song for me, but I've since changed my mind about that and now fully appreciate what the song is about.

excellent
2009-10-05 - excellent CD the service very good, this is my first CD on Amazon, and I totally order another