I can't get into the first album, production and vocals irk me, but I love everything else. Long car drives I totally reserve for Metropolis PT 2, Octavarium, or Six Degrees. I currently have an E-kit, soundboard combo combined with custom songs on Rock Band 3 for playing drums their sons too. (Pentakill on Rock Band hopefully some day). And I agree about Myung, he complements the group well, and you can't be second grade to play with that group. I also high key love Fatal Tragedy.
I also feel The Astonishing has grown on me. The more I appreciate it on a full album scale helps me appreciate the individual songs, even 4/5 finished a map for Beat Saber for Three Days.
I write music in a purely hobby sense and I definitely take inspiration from Dream Theater, especially with time signature experimentation. Definitely makes me happy to discuss them with anyone.
yeah, I remember hearing erotomania for the very first time as a teenager and my brain going "what the... you can't do this!! .... can you? ... cos i like this... what the hell is going on" -- was a defining moment for sure :)
i do miss portnoy....