LDB Special Series #48

Hello! Here is a new series from my collection. After the Master Series, here is the Special Series. Out of my 6,000+ shows and radio broadcasts, I have many concerts that were special for some reasons: the setlist, the musicians, the venue or unexpected events. These are the ones I'd like to propose you. Most of these come from my cassettes collection, so they will be released at a slower pace than my Master Series! But you won't be disappointed! I will try to gather the most unusual things I have in my collection and, as always, your feedback and comments will be my reward for all the work involved in this project.

DREAM THEATER
Hilversum, Radio Veronica studio 3
Countdown Café
Recorded 14 February 1995
Broadcasted 17 February 1995

01.Tears (Rush)
02.Phone interview John Petrucci from Copenhagen (by Kees Baars)
03.The Silent Man
04.Lifting Shadows Off a Dream
05.Wait For Sleep

Vocals: James LaBrie
Acoustic Guitar: John Petrucci
Percussions: Mike Portnoy
Bass: John Myung

Lineage: Radio Veronica broadcast > n generation copy > Aiwa Tape Deck AD-WX828 > Audigy Soundblaster > HD > SoundForge 7.0 > CD Wave >FLAC Frontend (level 6)

I had this little jewel on two tapes, so this is the perfect chance to reunite them in one single seed. I had forgotten how beautiful this acoustic session was. 'Tears' is one of the masterpieces of all cover versions that Dream Theater have done over the years. This version is so great that I have spent some extra time to create an mp3 sample that you can find here. For the record this is NOT sourced from any boot CD, but comes from a first generation copy. I received this one from Holland a few months after the broadcast, although I do not have the exact info about the recording device. Also, I don't think that the silvers contain the John Petrucci interview that was done for that particular broadcast, Countdown café. So here you have the complete thing, including DJ comments. One more track was recorded - a blues jam - but I am not aware it was ever broadcasted.

I really urge you to download this, if you don't have it. Quality is stunning (I had to reduce a bit of hiss) and seems like the band is playing in front of you in your living room! You won't be disappointed. I am really in a DT mood these days, so I think I will browse again in my collection for something more.

I am glad I have unearthed this old tape, and share with you how good this session is.

Enjoy!

ldb