Live In Japan - Absolut Null Punkt

Big in Japan

Advantages: Improved live versions of 'Train of Thought' material.
Disadvantages: A confusingly unsatisfying mix of old and new.

As the leading force of progressive metal, Dream Theater's live shows are always geared specifically towards giving something special to the loyal, long-time fans, thanks to drummer Mike Portnoy's 'rotating set-list.' By keeping extensive records of which songs were played at which locations over the band's numerous world tours, Portnoy strives to ensure that fans get something new from each Dream Theater show, and that extends to those listening to the concert in their own home or car in the form of officially recorded live albums. Released in 2004 to chronicle the Japanese leg of the tour for 'Train of Thought,' 'Live at Budokan' is no predictable 'greatest hits' set-list, revised only ever-so-slightly from the last live album to accommodate new songs alongside the old favourites. There is an expected small degree of overlap ...

Frankingsteins 04.04.2008 · Read full review
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Review of Live At Budokan [Digipak] - Dream Theater

A year in Japan

Advantages: A great way to experience a different culture, the best way to learn Japanese
Disadvantages: Can be quite isolating if you go on your own, Japan is expensive

I spent my GAP year teaching English in a High School in Japan (4 years ago now, how did that happen?!). At least that was the idea. Being straight out of High School myself I had more of a role as a language assistant in other teachers' classes, joined the school swimming club and went to some ordinary classes as well (to improve my Japanese and get to know other students too) and didn't do much teaching on my own (I probably could have if I'd wanted to, but one thing I quickly discovered was that I had no idea how to teach a class of 40 students English). This quite a long opinion, so you might want to skip to the summary at the end :-) Starting at the beginning of my stay: I arranged this through my school in England, which had an exchange program with a school in Japan (Makuhari High School in Chiba-ken, near Tokyo). So that ...

outonalimb 25.03.2001 · Read full review
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Review of Gap Year in Japan

Japan Live 95'

Advantages: Good selection of songs through the bands early career
Disadvantages: A few decent songs missing, Lyrics are pretty much genre standard

The American heavy metal band Dokken are a great band to check out for anyone into over the top shred, catchy melodies and general 80sness. Featuring virtuoso guitarist George Lynch's awesome solos and great hit songs such as "Into the fire", "alone again" and "breaking the chains" this is a decent album to get for someone wanting to check out the band as this really is a top set list. The album is all recorded live at Tokyos Kosei Nenkin hall, and despite it being a live album which may raise issues of sound quality and band tightness etc, with such accomplished musicians as these this is not really an issue and you get a sense of the electric atmosphere as well as Georges solo chops that he is world reknown for. There are a few songs I would have liked to have seen on here such as Dream Warriors and another big hit that is missing ...

ShmokeIV 24.04.2007 · Read full review
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Review of Japan Live '95 - Dokken