I included links with each selection to listen to each version.

ummm...I honestly couldn't tell ya what EITHER version sounds like...I'm sure I've heard 'em...but I don't know--Sorry...

1 song, 3 different performers-- which do you prefer?

Often a drummer leaves and is replaced no big deal because the drummer is rarely a focal point in the band.  Portnoy was largely the spokesman for the band.  He kept a library in his basement featuring soundboard recordings of nearly every concert they ever performed.  He was integral in forming the "Ytsejamrecords.com" site and giving fans access to rare demo versions of songs and some of the band's better live performances over the years. 

I don't know whether or not the band will be crap without him yet as the new album won't be released for a few more months yet.  I guess you could say I fall into the "curiously skeptical" category when it comes to this.  I think the band has milked it a bit too much though.  They picked the new drummer back in October and have already completed their first album with him... yet still haven't announced/confirmed who he is. 

I thought their last album, Black Clouds & Silver Linings was a real return to form and was their best album since 2003's Train of Thought.  Other than the nearly 30 minute long title cut and perhaps 1 other song, I didn't care for their Octavarium (2005) release.  2007's Systematic Chaos was a step back in the right direction but wasn't quite "there" yet. 

My favorite DT albums though were 1994's Awake (the last album with their original keyboard player, Kevin Moore.  He was also a great songwriter.  His replacement is a better keyboard player but isn't much of a lyricist.  The quality of their lyrics have never quite matched the ones Moore wrote when he was in the band) and 2003's Train of Thought (other than a short 2 and a half minute long ballad in the middle of the album, it's a full speed ahead full on crunchy metal delight). 

I was just reading about this due to your post on the other board. I didn't realize Mangini took over for Extreme on their "Waiting For The Punchline" album when their drummer decided to quit drumming and go into management. They broke up soon after. They have since reformed buy with another drummer, however if I read it right he stayed on with Cherone's short lived Tribes OF Judah, of which I never heard anything from.

From what I was reading there were quite a few Dream Theater fans who thought they had lost the magic many years ago and some really like the change while others felt the band is crap without him. How do you see this. It sounds vaguely reminiscent of Cetera's Departure. Where everyone seemed to think the band was done.

The latest rumor regarding Portnoy's replacement in Dream Theater is Mike Mangini.  Mangini is an award winning and in demand session drummer and I believe he even holds some Guinness Records for speed drumming.  He recently left his job as an instructor at Berklee School of Music.  The band has been refusing to comment on this rumor and the non-denial coupled with Mangini's recent departure from his teaching position at Berklee has only served to further fuel the rumors. 

I thought this thread died too quickly, I want to laugh some more. So I'll try again. (gonna base these like Darrin's MAD combinations, while imagining the odd music it would create)

Grandfunk Railroad/Train : Railroad Train

The Starland Vocal Band/Insane Clown Posse : The Starland Vocal Clown Posse

The Spin Doctors/Dr. Dre : Spin Dr. Dre's

Arrested Development/The Police : Arrested Police

All American Rejects/Europe or Asia : All American Europe or All American Asia

No Doubt/Yes : No Yes

Live/The Grateful Dead : Live Dead

I just read that Dream Theater has a new drummer and they've been working with him exclusively since about October.  They've been able to keep his name under wraps thus far.  They wanted to hold off on announcing him to make sure he's "the guy" before letting the fans know.  I believe this stems from some of the difficulties they had when replacing Charlie Domenici who was fired shortly after the recording of their 1989 debut album, When Dream & Day Unite.  There was one guy they announced as their new lead singer around 1990 or 1991.  His first (and only) gig was so bad the rest of the band came out and apologized following that performance and he never performed with the band again.  OUCH!

As such I can see the band's reticence with the announcement of their new drummer's name.

If it's as good as Like Drawing Blood I plan on getting it.

We're very pleased to read this and find you like it, mate.  It always feels good to pass on something new to someone.  Wally is about to release his next album here.  Will let you know what its like when we get it.

YourZ