Dream Theater Live Scenes From New York CD

Disc 3 is an Enhanced CD which contains regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.
Dream Theater: James LaBrie (vocals, percussion); John Petrucci (guitar, background vocals); Jordan Rudess (keyboards); John Myung (bass); Mike Portnoy (drums, background vocals).
Additional personnel: Theresa Thomason (vocals); Kent Broadhurst (spoken vocals); Jay Beckenstein (soprano saxophone); Mary Canty, Dale Scott Robinson, Beverly McKenzie, John Williams, Carlensha Bethea, Denise Hilton, Carmen Brown, Clarence Burke Jr., Rennelle Martin, Chandra Simmons, Clinteeyah Brooks, Cynthia Ogbur (background vocals).
Recorded at Roseland Ballroom, New York, New York on August 30, 2000.
This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.
Unfortunately, this fine live recording will always be remembered for the cover art. Released on September 11, 2001, the original cover displayed a flaming apple wrapped in barbed wire with the skyline of New York engulfed in flames. The band's trademark logo had always been a flaming heart wrapped in barbed wired, but for this recording the apple and skyline were added to reflect that the live concert was held in New York (Roseland Ballroom). The dreadful coincidence was a shock to both the band and record company, prompting an immediate recall. Tragically, this made the original pressings an instant collector's item to those who engage in such feckless activities. The issue received national media attention and the band, mostly comprised of native New Yorkers, issued a sympathetic statement that the recording would be re-released with a new cover. The recording itself is a live version of their prog rock masterpiece, Metropolis Part II: Scenes From a Memory, plus additional live material performed the same evening. The production and sound quality are good and the band's energy is fittingly captured. This same live concert can be seen on the DVD Metropolis 2000: Scenes From New York. ~ Robert Taylor
Progressive metal heroes Dream Theater forge ahead, unmatched in popularity and success in their chosen niche. The Long Islanders marked the final show of their 2000 tour by pulling out every trick from their collective hats, which included elaborate staging (a la Queensryche's MINDCRIME) and pushed the limits even further with a frock-clad gospel choir. As multiple cameras and sound recording gear were engaged, the historic August night was captured for fans on the three CD's that make up LIVE SCENES FROM NEW YORK.
The band tears through a nearly flawless version of their epic "Metropolis Part 2" concept piece that stands impressively on its own merit. Treating their adoring fans, the quintet presses on with a collection of older material, highlighted by the back-and-forth medley of "Caught in A New Millennium." Practically topping themselves with each set, DT triumphantly encore with a stunning performance of their suite, "A Change of Seasons." From a performance perspective, James LaBrie had improved by leaps and bounds as a live vocalist, and keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess levels the super-technical playing field deftly. Closing the curtain on the '90s era of the group, LIVE SCENES foreshadows a seemingly limitless future for Dream Theater.