New Jersey Stage 2016: Issue 2 | Page 38

like downbeat courtesy of an abundance of pre-programmed drum tracks. But, alas, all of this works perfectly in the context of a man acutely aware that his time on earth is slipping away. The images of death and dying begin early and often in the moody title track. “Lazarus” and its accompanying creepy video makes much more sense in hindsight. The closer “I Can’t Give Everything Away” finds Bowie with one final lament acknowledging his lack of time left on this plane. We’ll miss you, Starman! Early reports indicated that Dream Theater’s ambitious new 34-song double album clocking in at over two hours and ten minutes would be a record that echoed themes from classic concept albums such as 2112 and The Wall. That early synopsis is fair as the epic opens in the not too far distant future where music has been marginalized and mechanized in an austere Watch the video for “Lazarus” by David Bowie NewJerseyStage.com 2016 - ISSUE 2 Table of Contents 38