Album Review: Dream Theater - "Uncovered 2008-2009"

So today the new Dream Theater album "Black Clouds & Silver Linings" comes out. I am waiting for my collector's edition to arrive. In the meantime, the bonus CD will have to hold me. The "Uncovered" disc is 6 cover songs from bands that have influenced Dream Theater over the years. So let's review!

The first track is the classic Rainbow song "Stargazer". This is one of my favorite songs by ANYONE so when I found out that DT was doing it, I was excited. No one can match Cozy Powell's drumfills from the original but Mike Portnoy does fine. The band really attacks this one and does a great version.

Next up, the Queen medley "Tenement Funster/Flick Of The Wrist/Lily Of The Valley" from the "Sheer Heart Attack" album. This was a real surprise. Well there were a few surprises. DT nails this one in my opinion. Kudos to Portnoy on the Queen backing vocals. A real treat.

I was not aware of the original version of the Dixie Dregs' tune "Odyssey" but I wasn't surprised that DT covered the Dregs either. The song rips and it fits DT's style well. Jerry Goodman guests on violin. Very good instrumental.

So I thought the Queen cover was a surprise, but covering Zebra's "Take Your Fingers From My Hair" was a bigger shock. I love Zebra and yeah their first album is great. This is one of the more obscure songs from that album. Longer track and it works. James LaBrie doesn't try the falsetto vocals in the chorus but he can hit the notes regardless so who cares? Once again, DT nails the song. Hopefully this opens people up to Zebra.

Probably the most obvious cover, if you can call it that, King Crimson's "Larks Tongues In Aspic Part II" is next. Spot on of course. Crimson is an obvious influence on DT and this is one is perfect start to finish.

The only song that was already released, "To Tame A Land" was part of the Kerrang Maiden tribute album. Iron Maiden has always been an easy band for DT to cover so this works well for them.

All in all, as cover albums go, this is really high quality and great song selection. And it's only available with the deluxe or collector's edition of the new album.