The name guaranties perfection...The label no honor
nandofer | 07/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I first came across this CD, I was confused. If you do not know yet, Mike Porntoy, when recording his DVD, asked permission to include some LTE and Dream Theater songs in it. Elektra Ent. gladly said yes for DT, but Magna Carta (Prime Cuts label)told him he had to pay them royalties for Liquid Tension. Unbelievable! Portnoy said that Magna Carta would never make another penny with his name, but apparently, they managed to do so with this CD. I would also like to point out that in Porntoy's website, Prime Cuts is not in the discography.
Despite the fact that this label has no respect to such a drum god, the CD does fulfill expectations, the majority of songs being from Liquid Tension Experiment. The first song, which was a project of Andy West (Dixie Dregs) called Rama 1, was recorded when Porntoy was initiating to have issues with the label. Once the rivarly began, Mike told Andy not to include his name on the cd, thanks to MC.
The two Rush covers and one ELP is Portnoy at his best, respecting the work of the two legendary drummers, but giving it his special signature.
The rest of the songs of LTE are masterpieces, with unsurmountable performances from Portnoy, Petrucci, Rudess and Levin. Although the Another Dimension re-mix is horrible. The original song is a classic, but the mix is dull, you can barely understand what you're listening to. The only low-point of this album.
******Bottom Line******
-If you are interested to know this prodigy's work, buy it. It's a good place to start. Although I should recommend also buy the Liquid Tension cd's, and check out from Dream THeater Scenes From A Memory and Images and Words.
-If you are a die-hard fan, and are familiar with all his work, it's your call. You've probably heard most of what's here; nevertheless, I remind you that Magna Carta has no shame, no honor...they're only interested in making money for themselves, not even the musicians."
Mike Portnoy's Prime Cuts
Ethon | Chicago, IL USA | 08/03/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mike Portnoy shows his stuff on this album. Great collection of tunes, showing musicality and taste. I recommend to anyone!"
Mike portnoy's prime cuts???
joe | nj,usa | 07/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I give this cd 5 stars only because it's MIKE PORTNOY!!! A good mix of songs (original and covers) performed by top players in music.You might be better off making your own mix of Mike's performances instead of this one,but otherwise a decent purchase.Also,NOT ENDORSED BY MIKE HIMSELF.SHAME ON MAGNA CARTA!!!"