THROUGH HER EYES

When it came to 1999's 'Scenes From A Memory', it was clear that Through Her Eyes was going to be the lead single from the album. You'd have probably passed it by in a shop if it hadn't had the words 'Includes over 40 minutes of previously unreleased live and studio material' stickered on the front. The sticker is true, but it's a little cheeky. Firstly, the running time is 40:43, so the use of the word 'over' is a bit naughty. Secondly, OVER 10 minutes (10:30 to be precise... see I can do it too!) are the alternate versions of Through Her Eyes and I can guarantee that about 9 of those minutes have been released. Still, lets not cry over spilt milk.

The Radio Edit of the song is exactly the same as the album version, except the beautiful John Petrucci/Theresa Thomason duet is absent. If you were missing that part of the song, you'll get to hear it again in the Alternate Album Mix. There are some subtle changes to the song, like the change of guitar effect heard in between verses, but the real difference lies in the outro. Instead of Petrucci's guitar, we get to hear Jay Beckenstein (who previously played with the group on the track Another Day) perform a sensational sax solo. Why this version wasn't included on the record, I do not know, as I feel it is superior.

Also included is half an hour from a show in Brussels. The band play the album track Home followed by a medley entitled When Images And Words Unite. The first track is played normally, if a little slow, but the second track is far more interesting. As you would probably guess from the title, the medley is a mash-up of songs from the band's first and second albums. Since I find this the band's best era, I can't help but love this medley. There's nothing better than hearing the climactic finale of Only A Matter Of Time followed by the timeless, anthemic outro of Take The Time.

However, there is one problem with this performance: LaBrie's vocals. Believe me when I say that the man sounds awful on this CD. At points he sounds like he has a blocked nose, and at others he's just missing the notes altogether. During Pull Me Under, he asks the audience to help him out at a chorus, and I think that this could be an actual plea! His vocals don't ruin the performance, but they do lower the quality considerably.

Surprisingly enough, this little single actually encapsulates quite a lot about Dream Theater, even if it does take 40 minutes and some crappy vocals to do so. This is far from being the best single that Dream Theater have ever done, but I've still managed to have a lot of fun whilst listening.

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