Porcupine

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Deleted in the U.S., the band's third album. Originallyreleased in 1983, 'Porcupine' reached #2 in the U.K. &features the top 10 U.K. hit 'The Cutter' & the top 20 U.K.hit 'The Back Of Love'. 10 tracks total, also featuring'Heads Will Roll', 'Clay' and 'My White Devil'.

Fear of a Blank Planet
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Delightfully, more of the same....
  • It just hasnt hit me like the previous stuff.
  • They've done it!
  • Will This Be The Breakthrough?
  • Pretty good
 Fear of a Blank Planet
Porcupine Tree
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Snakes & Arrows
  2. Stupid Dream
  3. Arriving Somewhere (2pc)
  4. Somewhere Else
  5. In Absentia

ASIN: B000O75F7C
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

  1. Fear Of a Blank Planet
  2. My Ashes
  3. Anesthetize
  4. Sentimental
  5. Way Out Of Here
  6. Sleep Together

Amazon.com

On Fear of a Blank Planet veteran progressive-rock act Porcupine Tree takes up the task of exploring the alienating forces of the media and its impact on our youths and ourselves. Fear's titular cut features lyrics rife with allusions to the confusing, isolating effects of TV, the X-Box, drugged out consumer escapades, and the ennui that arrives with prescription and self-prescribed numbness. "My Ashes" advances the themes of isolation, as a young person becomes increasingly estranged from himself; "Anesthetize" aptly captures dull apathy with accuracy and knowing but perhaps delves to deep into the dark depths and instead of alleviating pain and pressure instead deepens it via a track that fails to offer much emotional or mental counterpoint. The tune does feature an exceptionally lyrical guitar solo from Rush's Alex Lifeson and proves that if anyone can write a sprawling, throbbing epic it's most likely Porcupine Tree. Elsewhere, such as on the beautifully crafted "Sentimental" and "Way Out of Here," Wilson and Co. land squarely between the epic grandeur of peak-era Pink Floyd and the psychically distant cool of Radiohead, a feat that doesn't as much demonstrate how well PT echoes those bands as it shows us how expansive the English quartet's music and emotional vocabulary is. For elder listeners Fear probably won't serve as the powerful statement it wants to be--its themes have been explored to more exacting impact before and, musically, it's fairly standard progressive fare--but it is a strong and intelligent album and for a generation that's grown numb from three-minute ditties about life at the end of the country club cul-de-sac that embrace rather than rage against the dying of the light, it may serve as a wake up call and provide hope for a brighter and more color-infused tomorrow. --Jedd Beaudoin

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Delightfully, more of the same...........2007-07-24

Fear of a Blank Planet by the band Porcupine Tree neatly picks up where the band's previous outing, Deadwing, leaves off. This CD openly owes a lot to bands like Pink Floyd, the later King Crimson (Robert Fripp is a guest guitarist on this CD) and The Police. Leader Steven Wilson is still hard at work here with his bleak lyrics and bleaker vocals, but always there, moving the music along, is drummer Gavin Harrison. This work is a bit more driven then Deadwing and while the cuts My Ashes and Sentimental let you up for air, these songs are in no way comparable to the tune Lazarus from Deadwing. The title tune is great, but very dark. Maybe the weakness here, if any, is that the Thrash Metal direction the group seems to be taking is puzzling. But, another good and consistant work is Fear of a Blank Planet. Progressive, neo-Psychedelic, whatever, fans of the group will not be disappointed. Give it a try if you are not a fan, I think you will like it.

4 out of 5 stars It just hasnt hit me like the previous stuff........2007-07-18

As a long term Porcupine Tree fan and in posession of every CD they have put out, I was really looking forward to F.O.A.B.P. I received my CD the day before a week's holiday in Greece, so immediately downloaded said product onto my mp3 player and listened to it continuosly (Alongside the new Rush CD "Snakes and Arrows"). I was present at a Manchester Gig where the band played the whole album six months before it was due to be released so I had a bit of an inclination as to what to expect. It sounded mostly like a continuation of their previous 2 albums (Deadwing and In Absentia) at the time, but having listened to the finished article, there were a couple of tracks where "Lightbulb Sun" came to mind on the 2 softer tracks (i.e. My Ashes and Sentimental)and a touch of "Sky moves sideways" atmospherics appears elsewhere. The begining of "My Ashes" is very close to Led Zeps "No Quarter". So much has been made of "Anesthetize", and yes, it is without doubt the highlight of the album. The opening to this song is monumental. However, I feel the album could have offered more to us, the fans. Firstly, I believe that "Anethetize" should have been chopped into two parts. After 12 or so minutes, it is turned into a completely different vibe and is like a totally new song. Steve Wilson had great joy at introducing the song at Manchester as "18 minutes long", and the crowd response was just as enthusiastic at hearing the news. Neal Morse's new CD has a 3 tracks on his new CD "Sola Scripture" averaging 23 min. each, and yet each is made up of 6 songs within it. In this case I would rather skip to a favourite piece of the track than have to fast forward. Prog. music is "Very much alive". I would rather have 4 x 5 minute songs highlighting Mr Wilson's amazing musical talents than one stretched out piece. On "Voyage 34" that was a different story. AHHHHH Voyage 34. That brings me to another small matter. That CD (Or "EP" as it was known) totalled 60 min. whereas F.O.A.B.P. (A full album release) totals only 50 min. Why is that so? Finally, I believe the 2 main ingredients that were lacking on this release were the trademark harmonies and also the lack of any guitar solos, apart from Alex Lifeson's shortis piece on Anesthetize. Steve seems to be putting more emphasis on the heavier chunky sound. Who knows, we could be witnessing an Opeth-like sound on their next release. To me, This CD was like listening to "Animals" after the release of "Wish you were here". Do you understand where I am coming from? Animals was a great album, but not up to the class of Wish you were here. I got more satisfaction listening to both the Blackfield albums honestly.

5 out of 5 stars They've done it!.......2007-07-12

I'll admit, I was skeptical. I consider all of Porcupine Tree's albums from Signify all the way up through In Absentia to be five star albums. All of them are nearly flawless, and each of them is groundbreaking in their own way. They quietly became the best band of the new millenium. Then came Deadwing. Deadwing is a solid album, but to me, it is *only* four stars. While it does have some of their best work, it *gasp* has a few weak tracks at the beginning. And much worse, it doesn't seem to be a breakthrough album like each of their previous four.

Then came the announcement that the new album would be titled "Fear of a Blank Planet." I thought, "This could either work or it will be a complete disaster." I heard the two tracks that found their way out to the internet before the release, and there was one brilliant track and a better version of "Deadwing" (the song, that is). So, to be honest, I was a bit nervous.

After a few months of digesting it, I can now say, with excitement and relief, that this is PT's best work yet. With the exception of a couple minutes at the end of "Anesthetize", every single second of this album is solid. It begins with the heaviest track on the album, musically and perhaps lyrically as well. They're not messing around here!

After we are treated to a very nice, atmospheric melody in "My Ashes" (the first PT track in some time to feature strings), we get to experience the brilliance that is most of "Anesthetize" (clocking in at 17 minutes or so). This track, albeit epic, is actually fairly minimalistic. We get repetitive, thinly-layered guitar parts over a trip-hop bass and drum beat which is reminiscent of circa-Up The Downstairs PT. The drums make this songs work, and they make it work well. The heavy riffs at some points in the songs are some of the best Steven Wilson has created.

Sentimental has a much lighter feel and flows softly and smoothly. It also has a sound different than anything they've done before, with high-pitched clean guitars ala U2 (though I'm not a U2 fan in the slightest...). This is followed by what is perhaps the weakest songs on the album, Way Out Of Here (which is not bad by any means).

The album closes (some would say too soon) with Sleep Together, which is absolutely brilliant. For all the flak it has gotten in some of these reviews, I consider this one of the most interesting pieces they've put out lately, with a feel that is completely different than anything they've done before. It ends in epic fashion, with thick strings, keyboards, and guitars reminiscent of Led Zeppelin's Kashmir, except not as unneccesarily long.

This album is simply phenomenal. They've outdone themselves. Steven Wilson has demonstrated with flying colors that he's still got it.

5 out of 5 stars Will This Be The Breakthrough?.......2007-07-10

Its been about five years now since I first was introduced to the music of Porcupine Tree and I have found that the more I listen, the more I find to like. In another era not so long ago, PT would have been bigger than Pink Floyd was at its zenith and deservedly so. Steven Wilson and his band are so good that they nearly overshadow almost anything else being played today. The music is spectacular, the lyrics are thoughtful and deeply intelligent. The big question is whether Fear of A Blank Planet will be the breakthrough that catapults Porcupine Tree into the upper echelons of superstardom.
That may just be the case. With Alex Lifeson and Robert Fripp on board, literally millions of their fans blissfully unaware that Porcupine Tree exists will now be left wondering how a band so good could have been around so long and escaped popular notice. There is a market for great music out there as the success of bands like Rush and Radiohead proves, its just that there are few outlets for it. With luck, the rising popularity of bands like Porcupine Tree will force a change.
I had to listen to Fear of A Blank Planet several times before I appreciated it as much as I now do. There isn't really a weak point on it. From the first notes of the title cut to the final notes of Sleep Together, the listener will be transfixed by the layers of sound that are both hard-driving and dreamily soaring, and by the relentless despair of the lyrics.
Fans of the last couple of years' harder-edged direction of Porcupine Tree will love the title cut and also or even especially the epic Anesthetize which feature's Rush's Alex Lifeson. Those who prefer the spacier soundscapes of PT's earlier years will enjoy My Ashes, Sentimental, and Way Out of Here. The final cut, Sleep Together, offers something to both camps. Me, I like it all!
Fear of A Blank Planet is a recording that will spend a lot of time in my CD changer. Some have suggested that it may be the album of the year. I say its definitely in the running. If you haven't yet heard it, listen and hear what I mean. If you have been lukewarm on Porcupine Tree, this should be the album that makes you a confirmed fan.

5 out of 5 stars Pretty good.......2007-07-08

Steve Wilson did a good job on this one.
It is very good. I have enjoyed everything that Porcupine Tree has done, except Stupid Dream. It sucked.
Blank Planet is WAY better than Stupid Dream but not quite as good as Up the Downstair, The Sunday of Life, Deadwing, or In Absentia.
BUT I still give it 5 stars!
In Absentia
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • read my somewhat tame review
  • A Cool Band that deserves the world's attention
  • "This is my blood flow, this is my headstone."
  • How Muzak Should Sound.
  • Very strong !
 In Absentia
Porcupine Tree
Manufacturer: Lava
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Deadwing
  2. Stupid Dream
  3. Fear of a Blank Planet
  4. Sky Moves Sideways
  5. Up the Downstair

ASIN: B00006IU73
Release Date: 2002-09-24

Tracks:

  1. Blackest Eyes
  2. Trains
  3. Lips Of Ashes
  4. The Sound Of Muzak
  5. Gravity Eyelids
  6. Wedding Nails
  7. Prodigal
  8. .3
  9. The Creator Has A Mastertape
  10. Heartattack In A Layby
  11. Strip The Soul
  12. Collapse the Light Into Earth

Amazon.com

After a quarter-century of punk and postmodern excesses, it's always something of a surprise to find young musicians who not only recall a past era's musical indulgences, but also revel in them. This Lava Records debut is the latest fruit of Porcupine Tree mainstay Steven Wilson's obsession with prog, a mania that dates to the late '80s when the "band" was little more than a fantasy, though one with a remarkably imaginative--if entirely fictional--history and bio. But that pipedream eventually became a real "alt prog" cult fave, with these dozen ambitious songs finding a focus that occasionally eluded the band on half-hour soundscapes like its underground hit, "Voyage 34." Tracks like "Gravity Eyelids" have a retro-psychedelic feel that would have done the XTC alter ego Dukes of Stratosphear proud, with Wilson's pure melodic tenor pushing it beyond the merely baroque. But the collection is also a strong statement of another crucial Wilson/Porcupine retro-sensibility: The album has unified musical statement. "Lips of Ashes" and "Prodigal" serve up the sort of impressionistic, harmony-rich musings that Pink Floyd has rarely managed since Wish You Were Here, while "The Creator Has a Master Tape" punctuates the rich harmonies of tracks like "Heart Attack in a Layby" with Crimson-esque metallic thrash and processed vocals. While the band's instrumental prowess sometimes slums its way into the free-form jazz noodling of past efforts, the album remains one of the band's fullest achievements. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

Hailed by Billboard as 'cinematic...simple gorgeous', Porcupine Tree are unquestionably one of the UK's most inspired and inventive rock groups. In Absentia is their eagerly anticipated Lava Records debut. Digipak. 2002.

Album Details

2002 Album from the Longtime Progressive Rock Outfit that Includes a Bonus Three Track CD for a Limited Time.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars read my somewhat tame review.......2007-07-19

One reviewer hit the nail on the head: a lot of folks sure do "blowhard" about this group. While I'm giving this album a deserved 5 stars, my review is certainly tame compared to some and you won't catch me saying things like "best album ever" or "perfection" or anything even remotely close to that.

What I will say however is that this is a very solid collection of good music. There's nothing here that blows my mind, but the melodies and rhythms are complex enough to keep me interested from the perspective of being not only a jazz listener but a musician myself. The playing and the writing are both very good and the production quality is excellent.

I'm into it. This is my first album of theirs and I'm likely to check out the rest in the next few weeks.

5 out of 5 stars A Cool Band that deserves the world's attention.......2007-07-13

"Death in absentia is a legal term describing the status of a person who has been declared legally dead. This occurs when an individual disappears but no identifiable remains can be located."- Wikipedia. A fitting title for Porcupine Tree's concept album concerning a pycho killer from his point of view. As always, Steven Wilson's lyrics are not always bright and cheerful, but they do paint a dismal portrait of a twisted mind using an economy of words beautifully. The music takes several spins to sink in properly and once it does you will be hooked by another PT masterpiece. Amazon's reviewer refered to their brand of music as "Alt/Prog" and I can live with that. I highly recommend this album to anyone who likes heavy metal, proggressive, alternative, and good old rock and roll.

5 out of 5 stars "This is my blood flow, this is my headstone.".......2007-07-05

I liked Porcupine Tree's Deadwing a lot, so when more than one person told me In Absentia was better it definitely piqued my interest. Overall, I'd say it is the superior album, although not by a whole lot. From what I can tell, Steven Wilson is the real driving creative force behind the band, and he knows how to use all of his assets. He has a very nice, calming singing voice, and he uses it a lot to create light and catchy choruses that can still have an edge. His voice along with some of their lighter tracks contrast sharply with their ability to really dig deep and bring some really good hard moments. As I've said before, it's not prog metal, just prog, but there are a lot of metal elements. I find Wilson has a tendency to use a lot of voice effects where it seems applicable. Usually it's distorted in some way like it's coming through a megaphone, and it lends a strangeness that fits the tone of the song really well. The band's musicianship is quite strong, they are capable of both very strong melodies and enjoyable breakdowns with good solo work. If you have the time, it's the kind of album that benefits from a real listen all the way through.

"Blackest Eyes" starts with a little picked, distorted intro before the explosive guitars come in, leading to the typical contrasting refrain. "Trains" follows with a great example of how different the band can be song to song. It's more acoustic and rhythmic. "Gravity Eyelids" starts as a really soft, minimal song before breaking down with a very hard and entertaining instrumental section. "Wedding Nails" is entirely instrumental, and features some really great guitar sequences. "Prodigal" has a good effect-pedaled melody before the chorus with strummed background. ".3" is another mostly instrumental, strongly atmospheric track with nice bass. "Strip the Soul" is another really good hard song with plenty of jamming to digest before the finale, "Collapse the Light Into Earth", ends it with a softer song with piano. Despite a variety of sounds it all fits together well as an album, and is really just crafted nicely.

5 out of 5 stars How Muzak Should Sound........2007-07-02

There's not too much to say about this album that hasn't already been said, so I'll try to be short and to the point. Simply put, In Absentia marks Porcupine Tree's transition from a mellow psychedelic band to a more alternative progressive rock band; but it is so much more than that. I do not like using labels, especially for bands such as Porcupine Tree, where the label will surely not give them justice. Even though In Absentia isn't as ambient as their previous work, fans of ambient music will surely find something they like on In Absentia, just as fans of good hard rock and progressive music will be impressed. To give you an idea, I was introduced to this band through the band Opeth which is a progressive death metal band.

The songwriting is just bliss. From the (somewhat) all encompassing "Blackest Eyes" to the minimalistic "Collapse the Light Into Earth," there are so many great tracks, you will find yourself listening to the whole album through almost by force. This doesn't mean you will not have favorites though, and one of those favorites will be "Trains" which is now officially Porcupine Tree's encore song. The song just gives the listener the feeling of being at ease which is ironic considering the dark lyrical matter. Another one of my favorites is "The Sound of Muzak," it's just such an addictive little tune with an especially groovy drum beat. The instrumental "Wedding Nails" has incredibly catchy riffing throughout, which builds up to an abstract solo section that is an unexpected pleasure. Every song is beautiful though, and recorded so brilliantly.

Either way you cut it, Porcupine Tree's evolution can only convince people of just how incredible they are. I feel obligated to let everybody know about just how great this band is!

5 out of 5 stars Very strong !.......2007-05-15

I am new to Porcupine Tree, but I already love this band. Powerful music and magical vocal harmonies, this album has it all. If you are looking for modern prog music played by amazing musicians, this band is for you.
Deadwing
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Deadwing: Prog Rock Returns
  • Deadwing soars to new heights of prog rock
  • Porcupine destroys...
  • Better than Great and then some
  • Start of Something Beautiful
 Deadwing
Porcupine Tree
Manufacturer: Lava
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. In Absentia
  2. Fear of a Blank Planet
  3. Sky Moves Sideways
  4. Stupid Dream
  5. Up the Downstair

ASIN: B0007XT87G
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

  1. Deadwing
  2. Shallow
  3. Lazarus
  4. Halo
  5. Arriving Somewhere But Not Here
  6. Mellotron Scratch
  7. Open Car
  8. Start of Something Beautiful
  9. Glass Arm Shattering

Amazon.com

Before the Mars Volta made prog-metal fashionable again - with a little help from the Dillinger Escape Plan and My Chemical Romance - Porcupine Tree's 2002 US debut, In Abstentia, had already laid most of the groundwork. For the middle-aged British quartet led by Steven Wilson, '70s rockers like Rush and Yes (with whom the group toured after the album's release) never went out of style but instead left behind grandiose scriptures to be studied for all of eternity. So while tighter and more efficient in spots ("Shallow," "Halo"), Porcupine Tree's Deadwing faithfully keeps the technically proficient epics coming, peaking with multi-tentacled 12-minute "Arriving Somewhere (But Not Here)." --Aidin Vaziri

Album Description

Porcupine Tree defies categorization. This unique London-based quartet make unconventional, uncompromising music that qualifies them as Europe's premiere art-rock cult band. Porcupine Tree's cogent musical personality is a force to be reckoned with. Porcupine Tree's intelligent and accessible sound will appeal not only to metal enthusiasts and twenty-something dark wave fans, but will also fit in with today's more adventurous alternative station playlists.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Deadwing: Prog Rock Returns.......2007-07-10

I first heard of this band through the track "Lazarus," which I heard on Pandora.com (an excellent website). The song was haunting, beautiful, and highly original. Upon discovering Deadwing on iTunes, I found that most of the 30-second samples were not to my taste. But once I finally got this whole album, I was impressed. Here's a quick overview of the songs:

Deadwing: The CD kicks off with a spacey electronic synth riff, then launches into a multi-layered epic with haunting melodies and amazing guitar work. Nearing 10 minutes, this is one of the longest songs. It is not as accessible as most of the album, but it has since grown on me.

Shallow: Chugging guitars and a catchy tune completely change the mood of the CD, with one of the most easily accessible songs.

Lazarus: Once again signaling a change in mood, Lazarus, the song that introduced me to PT, is a beautiful piano driven song that is also very accessible. It also contains my favorite piano part in a song ever.

Halo: Switching back to a heavier sound, Halo has a strange surreal tone to it with its cool bass riff and muffled vocals. Definitely one of the stranger songs, but it also features excellent guitar and piano work.

Arriving Somewhere But Not Here: Opening with ambient synths and guitar, this song quickly progresses into a two chord song that stretches for 12 minutes. However, it may be the best track. Sounding vaguely like Floyd, this song starts mellow, then launches into amazing instrumentation and haunting lyrics.

Mellotron Scratch: Another beautiful song with multilayered vocals that starts out like something out of 28 Days Later, but then changes into a cool jam at the end.

Open Car: Another switch in mood switches to chugging guitars, like Shallow, but with stranger and creepier lyrics. The song ends with strumming acoustic guitars.

The Start of Something Beautiful: This one starts off with bass and synth again, but leads into a song about a broken relationship. The lyrics drip with irony, and the guitar and piano work is hypnotic.

Glass Arm Shattering: This was one of my least favorites at first, but has since grown on me a lot. It starts with a simple riff, and then we're in for more beautiful multi-layered harmonies. The song becomes more and more epic, until it fades out with radio static.

Overall, this CD calls out to say that prog rock is still around and as great as ever. While it may take a few listens to like every song on this album, it is definitely an album worth listening to.

5 out of 5 stars Deadwing soars to new heights of prog rock.......2007-07-05

Where is prog rock today? Just listen to this CD and you'll find out. PT, along with Dream Theater and some select others, are paving the way to new heights in "Prog Rock" - a term that most would relate to 'boring' or 'dead' stuff today. Thankfully, there are a legion of fans that don't exactly want good Prog Rock to go away!!

PT stretches into new territory with Deadwing. Some heavy, some soft, and all beautifully composed. The overall flow of this CD seems to come together better than the brilliant 'In Absentia', more like a heavier 'Stupid Dream'. My main frustration with 'In Absentia' is that the masterpiece moments were injected with 2 or 3 tracks that should have been left in the studio - not so with Deadwing. Mind you, there is no 'Even Less' or 'Blackest Eyes', but this CD grabs you from start to finish, bending new curves into the prog rock landscape.

If you enjoy this CD's mellower moments, check out the Wilson's 'Blackfield' side project - it's great stuff!! In the meantime, add this gem to your shopping cart NOW!

5 out of 5 stars Porcupine destroys..........2007-04-27

Why aren't these guys on the radio? Well, I'm doing my part. This past Christmas all my presents included either "In Absentia" or "Deadwing". The selection as to who got which album was purely random simply because both albums are superb. Everyone, absolutely everyone who got this a part of their gift loved it and bought the counterpart.

Quite possibly some of the finest mixed and mastered material ever available makes it an even better treat. Wilson is some kind of genius with his use of light versus dark. And now with the release of "Blank Planet" this completes just an amazing trilogy of albums that are constantly playing back-to-back-to-back in my car, home stereo, and computer.

5 out of 5 stars Better than Great and then some.......2007-04-03

I'm closing in on 50 years of age. Way back in the late sixties and the early seventies I was constantly bombarded with music that was inventive and always good. It was a high point in the history of rock, and from what I had been able to hear since then I assumed I would never hear anything that good again. Sure there were some good things coming out now and then, but nothing compared to those old bands and so I resigned myself to what I thought was the fact that the greatest that rock music had to offer was in the past. In fact I have to admit I was starting to grow a little bored with the whole rock and roll scene recently. And then just two weeks ago I heard Porcupine Tree for the first time. I couldn't believe my ears! Here was a band that created not just good music, but great music! I heard Deadwing and immediately went out and started buying their records. I bought Up the Downstair and In Absentia along with Deadwing, and I loved it all. The next day I sought out more. I found Signify and Stupid Dream and ordered copies of Coma Divine, On the Sunday of Life and The Sky Moves Sideways. All of those arrived within a week and during that week I downloaded the unreleased and live music available from their online shop. In short I've become a Porcupine Tree addict! And what luck: they have a new album coming out later this month! I went to a rather well known download store and bought the Blackfield 2 release mainly because it includes the title track from the forthcoming album, but I'm also really enjoying the Blackfield record as well. Needless to say I've spent a lot of money on their music in a very short period of time, and every single dime was well spent. According to the insert information in the repackaged versions of Signify and Coma Divine, both Lightbulb Sun and Recordings will also be re-released later this year, so I'll hold off on buying used copies of those (if I can wait).
Porcupine Tree have restored my faith in rock music again. I haven't been this excited about music since the good old days. In fact, thanks to Porcupine Tree, the good old days are here again. Unfortunately you just can't hear great music like this on the radio, so the only way to know it's there is for people who know about it to spread the word. For anyone who loves Pink Floyd, King Crimson, and Tangerine Dream I would say buy some Porcupine Tree. You'll probably wonder why you've never heard of them before as well. It surely shows the sad state of the music industry when something this good doesn't get the exposure it deserves.
Buy it. Play it. Buy a copy for a friend. Long Live Porcupine Tree.
If anyone has any recommendations beyond Porcupine Tree that they think I would like, I would appreciate it.

5 out of 5 stars Start of Something Beautiful.......2007-03-07

This British quartet, who have had a cult following for many years now, could truly be the next big rock band to shake some life into the music world again. As radio stations have literally lost any sense of keeping a freshness to rock music in the last few years, Porcupine Tree have a hard hitting sound mixed with layers of psychedelic and progressive rock. They've also honed in on a sound containing a variety of their favorite influences as you hear their Moody Blues meets Pink Floyd meets Jethro Tull meets Rush background. But what makes them so intriguing is how they sound so modern. Steve Wilson can lay down an adrenalin vocal while the band jams to songs like the title cut, "Shallow," "Halo," and a twelve-minute masterpiece in "Arriving Somewhere But Not Here." But all the songs help to create a musical meltdown with lyrics filled with emotion and intellect. Deadwing is like taking a dark, mysterious journey of the heart and mind. What better album for the old-time music lovers to embrace music again, while grabbing the attention of a new generation. Like the way grunge surfaced in the early 90's and breathed new life into the music scene for years to come, Porcupine Tree can offer the same kind of resuscitation to lead the emergence of a new musical subcluture.
Stupid Dream
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • very good, even better things to come
  • Porcupine Tree ..What can you say????
  • Fantastic!
  • NOT Stupid , Actually!
  • Not so stupid...but UNREAL
 Stupid Dream
Porcupine Tree
Manufacturer: Snapper UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Arriving Somewhere (2pc)
  2. Fear of a Blank Planet
  3. Sky Moves Sideways
  4. In Absentia
  5. Up the Downstair

ASIN: B000FVRRH8
Release Date: 2006-07-24

Tracks:

  1. Even Less
  2. Piano Lessons
  3. Stupid Dream
  4. Pure Narcotic
  5. Slave Called Shiver
  6. Don't Hate Me
  7. This Is No Rehearsal
  8. Baby Dream In Cellophane
  9. Stranger By The Minute
  10. A Smart Kid
  11. Tinto Brass
  12. Stop Swimming

Album Description

2CD Special edition, re-issue of the long deleted 1999 album. Disc one features new Steve Wilson remixes/remastered from the original tapes, whilst disc two features DVDA (Playable on all DVD players) containing the album remixed into 5.1 surround sound. (In DVDA & DTS versions).Also inclded are 5.1 mixes of bonus tracks and photo gallery. Artwork has also been re-designed and beautifully packaged by Carl Glover.

Album Details

2006 Edition of the Classic 1999 Studio Album "Stupid Dream." Disc One is a CD Containing a Steven Wilson Remix / Remaster of the Original Stereo Album, While Disc Two is a Dvda (Playable on Any Dvd Player) Containing the Album Remixed Into
5. 1 Surround Sound (In Dvda and Dts Versions), as Well as a 24 Bit High Resolution Version of the Stereo Mix. Also Included Are
5. 1 Mixes of Bonus Tracks Ambulance Chasing and the Full Length 14 Minute Version of Even Less, the Promo Video for Piano Lessons, and a Photo Gallery. The Artwork Has also Been Completely Revamped, with Exceptional Images by Lasse Hoile, and a Beautiful Package Designed by Carl Glover.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars very good, even better things to come.......2007-07-16

This is one of the "transitional" albums between the psychedelic PT and the current PT sound, which I don't think can be easily categorized, besides calling it, rock, with metal, acoustic, and electronica elements.
I want to call the attention of potential buyers of the double disc special edition. The second disc has a 5.1 mix and a high resolution stereo mix that can only be played with a dvd-a capable player. Only the dvd-video portion (Piano Lessons video, and some pictures) can be played on regular dvd players. When I finally get around buying a dvd-a capable player, this will be one of the first dvd's to spin.

5 out of 5 stars Porcupine Tree ..What can you say????.......2007-07-02

Someone told me to download some porcupine tree and "I DID". Now this is a band (and I say as a conasewer of good"efing" music and with-out-a-dout the music "thats takes ya back!! Don't try to analyze it just listen....Maybe you have to comsume sum schrooms!, Their music no matter what cd you buy tells you they're exceptional musicans, perhaps the lyrics aren't that full, but what is?! ..."IS".......Great Group!!! Should always be remember!!!!!

5 out of 5 stars Fantastic!.......2007-06-20

I have about six PT albums, and this one is the best of them, very highly recommended for prog fans.

5 out of 5 stars NOT Stupid , Actually!.......2007-05-30

This impressive re-master of Stupid Dream once again finds Steven Wilson to be the Master of 5.1 surround sound mixing. The stereo remaster is fabulous in itself, but the music comes alive on the 5.1 DTS disc! You will find plenty to like here from fantastic song structure to virtuoso playing of All instruments by the stellar musicians that are "the Tree". If you enjoy this, like anyone couldn't, then I recommend the DTS 5.1 In Absentia and Deadwing discs as well. Neither comes with the companion CD for the car, but so what! They both will blow you away. For fans of PT, Pink Floyd, Rush, Tool, Etc. In Absentia (Dts)

5 out of 5 stars Not so stupid...but UNREAL.......2007-05-07

This CD is one of their best...I have either heard or have all of PT's stuff, and have heard all of their 'stages' of development'. All are great, from the early spacey to the latest heavy stuff - but this one seems to have 'caught' them in their stage of transition to making more streamlined stuff, but no sacrificing their roots, selling out, or none of that s**t...it is just plain beautiful bloody poetry. The only one to date that comes close is 'In Absentia', which is unreal in and of itself.

This band is taking music to the next stratosphere, so join in and check out this now-remastered and re-released masterpiece from one of England's gems...you WILL get hooked! This is seminal stuff that any music lover will eat up in a second.

You may wonder what the heck to PT sound like...well, think Tool meets Pink Floyd, touch of Dream Theater and Spocks Beard, some Yes and Genesis, well maybe even some spacey bands I don't even know of, and some other stuff I can't put my finger on...but their sound is unforgettable...
Sky Moves Sideways
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Wonderful start as a new band!
  • You really need this reissue
  • Very impressive
  • "Sky Moves Sideways" sidesteps most.
  • An excellent early CD
 Sky Moves Sideways
Porcupine Tree
Manufacturer: Madfish Records UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Up the Downstair
  2. Stupid Dream
  3. In Absentia
  4. Signify
  5. Deadwing

ASIN: B0002CU4Y8
Release Date: 2004-07-26

Tracks:

  1. The Sky Moves Sideways (Phase 1)
  2. Dislocated Day
  3. The Moon Touches Your Shoulder
  4. Prepare Yourself
  5. The Sky Moves Sideways (Phase 2)

Tracks:

  1. The Sky Moves Sideways (Alternate Version)
  2. Stars Die
  3. Moonloop (Improvisation)
  4. Moonloop (Coda)

Product Description

Disc 1:
1. The Sky Moves Sideways Phase 1 (18:39)
2. Dislocated Day (5:24)
3. The Moon Touches Your Shoulder (5:40)
4. Prepare Yourself (1:58)
5. The Sky Moves Sideways Phase 2 (16:48)

Disc 2:
1. The Sky Moves Sideways (Alternate Version) (34:37)
2. Stars Die (5:01)
3. Moonloop (Improvisation) (16:18)
4. Moonloop (Coda) (4:52)

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful start as a new band!.......2007-06-27

Back in 1996 I stumbled with this cd in a Cheapo Store in Minneapolis. It was a used cd, and it was cheap (US$2.99), and I liked the cover: I guessed it was either some metallic or psychodelic stuff. What a good surprise was this cd at first hearing. Being as I still am a huge fan of Pink Floyd, I was first taken by the wonderful sonic atmosphere of the long songs, reminding me of such masterworks as Shine on you Crazy Diamond and Animals. But also of The Dark Side of the Moon. However, it was not at all a derivative album of the kind you say inmmediatly things like: "this passage is taken from that particular passage in that famous album". No, absolutely no, Porcupine Tree was already also an original, in spite of owing so much to Pink Floyd. As a reaction to those that insist so much in this issue of "imitation", wouldn't you say that Tool owes a lot to Metallica and King Crimson? However, Tool is a very original band. It is in those terms that I think of Porcupine Tree and this album in particular, that had the virtue of turning me into a faithful fan of Porcupine Tree to this day. Being as it is the first albim in which Steven Wilson made some pieces (not all of them) with a real band, because Porcupine Tree was himself alone before Sky moves sideways, this is an excellent album, a terrific discovery. It still lifts my spirit everytime I listen to it.
No wonder it was so joyful to have a new version of the album with bonus tracks. As you know, the American version was different from the British version, as it used to happen with the Beatles or the Rolling Stones and others.
This remastered version contains essentially what the British version was, plus alternate takes, the most impressive of which is the title track, Sky moves sideways, which has some interesting variations in relation to the original version. As an advantage, this alternate take is not divided in two halves, as it was in the original album, it runs freely as a single piece. I am tempted to say that I like it better than the original!!!
In few words, this is an excellent album for a band that is beginning its career, although it is composed of already veteran musicians. It is progressive rock at its best. I thought, and I continue thinking, that Porcupine Tree is the true succesor of Pink Floyd in current times.

5 out of 5 stars You really need this reissue.......2007-04-09

Contrary to popular belief, In Absentia was not PT's first American release, it was indeed The Sky Moves Sideways on the small C&S label. Back in 1997 I bought the C&S CD, not realizing it wasn't exactly the same as the UK original on the Delerium label. I later found out the British version never had "Stars Die". This ended up on an EP called Moonloop, in which the American version was called Stars Die (not to be confused with the compilation CD currently making the rounds, which only the U.S. version included "Always Never" off Up the Downstair). The British version of The Sky Movies Sideways had a short guitar interlude called "Prepare Yourself", and the two title tracks weren't divided in suites.

For those new to the album, it was originally released in 1995, was their third proper album (they had a couple of early cassettes at the end of the '80s/beginning of the '90s, a lot of it ended on their proper debut album, On the Sunday of Life anyways). Up until this point, it was entirely a Steven Wilson project, and in the middle of recording The Sky Moves Sideways, he assembled a band, with ex-Japan keyboardist Richard Barbieri, bassist Colin Edwin, and drummer Chris Maitland. The title track (both parts) and "Moonloop" were full band interaction, while "Dislocated Day", "The Moon Touches Your Shoulders", and "Prepare Yourself" was all Steven Wilson (drum tracks were drum machines, which got replaced by real drums on the current reissue, which you won't notice much difference).

I have since acquired the Snapper reissue, which I'm ever glad I did (since I never acquired the Delerium original). First disc contains the original British album, but ommitting "Moonloop" (the original LP never had this cut, only the CD, due to time constraint), but with new drummer Gavin Harrison providing drums on "Dislocated Day" and "The Moon Touches Your Shoulders" (which you'll hardly notice the difference if you owned the original). The band wanted this album to be one 50 minute piece, but apparently didn't have enough good ideas to warrant such, so instead, they pull a Wish You Were Here by sandwiching four songs in between (although only three on this reissue, after all, "Moonloop" is now on the bonus disc). The title track is divided in two, which varies from Pink Floyd-like pieces to Ozric-like techno experiments to nice spacy ambient sections. The end part of "The Sky Moves Sideways Phase 2" includes a bunch of themes revisited, plus some played in reverse. The other songs? Well, "Dislocated Day" is a more aggressive number, while "The Moon Touches Your Shoulders" is a nice acoustic piece with some nice Mellotron backdrops. "Prepare Yourself" is a rather atmospheric guitar-oriented piece that pretty much "prepares yourself" for the last piece on the album, the closing title track.

Now for the second disc. First off, you get a 34 minute alternate take of the title track. You get yourself some extra lyrics not found on the version we're all familiar with. Some of the material is arranged differently, plus some familiar sounding stuff. I can see why they didn't make it the full 50 minutes, this version does seem to end without knowing how to end. But I found some of these arrangements superior, while others you can see why it didn't make the cut. Plus I love how Suzanne Barbieri gets to have her voice a second time on this version, which I thought was great! The rest is the complete Moonloop EP. "Stars Die" is exactly the same as the old American version, but you'll quickly learn that "Moonloop" was abridged, and here you get the complete version. I was even more blown away by this full version! Since I have not heard the original Delerium CD, I can't say if there's any difference with that version of "Moonloop" over the EP version.

While many people like to think Porcupine Tree's best starts with Stupid Dream, I prefer the stuff before it, and I really think this is one of their best. This is truly one of the greats from the 90s, as far as I'm concerned.

5 out of 5 stars Very impressive.......2007-03-18

Music is the universal language, but even on the surface it can be something that can help us get pumped up, wind down, or merely let our minds wander.

My fiancé' was always listening to this band but I never paid much attention, since I thought it was some "new band" that wouldn't be around in four years.

I was so wrong, this band's music is phenomenal and they remind me a lot of Pink Floyd's material from the mid seventies. Really blissful, elongated sounds that are a treat of art rock. Very relaxing but also very intelligent music! Some songs really get crazy and shall we say "rock" well, like the song "Dislocated Day" which is one of the shorter songs on the album.

Some of these songs are over 12 minutes long, which remind me of the progressive rock that was again, popular years ago. Sky Moves Sideways is my first album of these guys (well, it is my fiancé's) but I just ordered two more of their albums on Amazon.

4 out of 5 stars "Sky Moves Sideways" sidesteps most........2006-11-04

"Sometimes I feel like a fist
Sometimes I am the colour of air
Sometimes it's only afterwards
I find that I'm not there"

Far from the self-absorbed whining of many musicians (some of which I admit I enjoy) Wilson's call sends chills down my spine.

Where In Absentia is the pinnacle of their progressive rock phase, Sky Moves Sideways is the pinnacle of their progressive phase. After this album Porcupine Tree moved into a more song-oriented direction, but this album is one long chain of jam session -esque music, ranging from the spacey flittering of the first 4 minutes, moving into the lyrical swooping drug induced middle section, and finally moving to the pulsing, almost Trance-like middle-end section. The final section leads you back to ambient flickering, and then Dislocated Day slaps you in the face like a jilted lover.

While this album takes some getting used to, it is one of their most unassuming masterpieces. I would recommend later albums before this one, this is not for the new-comer unless you are familiar with this sort of music.

(The Bonus Disc actually has an alternate version of "The Sky Moves Sideways" that is 34 minutes long. The whole album was meant to be one continuous track, but the longest they got to was 34 minutes.)

4 out of 5 stars An excellent early CD.......2006-07-20

Being a new fan who is digging into their back catalog, I rate this as one to get once you have some of their newer releases: Deadwing, In Absentia, Lightbulb Sun and Stupid Dream are all flawless CDs!

After diving into those, go to earlier CDs like this one to see how Steven and the gang got to where they are now!

The remastering is amazing. The digipak is beautiful but I am not a fan of "cardboard" CD cases.
Signify
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Liked other P. T. recordings better
  • An interesting departure from earlier work
  • Perhaps the finest album from the '90s I heard
  • Signify + Insignificance = Another must have Porcupine Tree release
  • Amazing, stunning, like the end of listening to music
 Signify
Porcupine Tree
Manufacturer: Madfish Records UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Experimental RockExperimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
AmbientAmbient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
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Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Sky Moves Sideways
  2. Up the Downstair
  3. Stupid Dream
  4. In Absentia
  5. Fear of a Blank Planet

ASIN: B0002FR07O
Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

  1. Bornlivedie
  2. Signify
  3. The Sleep Of No Dreaming
  4. Pagan
  5. Waiting (Phase One)
  6. Waiting (Phase Two)
  7. Sever
  8. Idiot Prayer
  9. Every Home Is Wired
  10. Intermediate Jesus
  11. 'Light Mass Prayers'
  12. Dark Matter

Tracks:

  1. Wake As Gun I
  2. Hallogallo
  3. Signify
  4. Waiting
  5. Smiling Not Smiling
  6. Wake As Gun II
  7. Neural Rust
  8. Dark Origins
  9. Sever Tomorrow
  10. Nine Cats (Acoustic Version)

Product Description

Disc 1 - Signify (1996):
1. Bornlivedie
2. Signify
3. The Sleep Of No Dreaming
4. Pagan
5. Waiting - Phase One
6. Waiting - Phase Two
7. Sever
8. Idiot Prayer
9. Every Home Is Wired
10. Intermediate Jesus
11. "Light Mass Prayers"
12. Dark Matter

Disc 2 - Insignificance (Demos 1995-96):
1. Wake As Gun 1
2. Hallogallo - Signify
3. Signify
4. Waiting
5. Smiling Not Smiling
6. Wake As Gun 2
7. Neural Rust
8. Dark Origins
9. Sever Tomorrow
10. Nine Cats (acoustic version)

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Liked other P. T. recordings better .......2007-06-27

I like other Porcupine Tree CDs much better. This disc is a little too moody for for my taste, it drifts. In spite of this luke warm review, this is a GREAT band!!

3 out of 5 stars An interesting departure from earlier work.......2007-05-25

Steven Wilson never sits still. "Signify" is a move in a pleasant direction. There's still some of the atmospheric stuff that marked earlier works such as "The Sky Moves Sideways" and "Up the Downstair" but there are also slightly more upbeat -- musically if not lyrically -- ballads. "Sever," not written by Wilson, is one of the highlights in my opinion. "Dark Matter," the moody closer to disk one, is another of the best song. The bonus CD contains demos and unreleased stuff. Among the most enjoyable is the acoustic version of "Nine Cats." You could sing along to it with your kids without a worry.

5 out of 5 stars Perhaps the finest album from the '90s I heard.......2006-09-29

1996's Signify was Porcupine Tree's final studio album for Delerium, they recorded a live album in '97 for the label called Coma Divine Live, before moving on to Snapper. I have not heard Stupid Dream or anything they did afterwards, that means that so far, I have to say Signify is by far the finest album Porcupine Tree had ever done, certainly for the Delerium label. I first heard of Porcupine Tree back in 1996 when a mail order catalog described them as a "laid back Ozric Tentacles". In 1997, I bought The Sky Moves Sideways and was amazed. The Ozric Tentacles comparison was basically only valid during the more techno moments of the group, the Pink Floyd comparison was much more valid. The tone of their music was much darker and more sinister than anything the Ozrics could come up with. Steven Wilson admitted the Pink Floyd influence in his music with Porcupine Tree, but later found it an albatross around his neck, since he wanted their music to move on beyond that, like their more recent releases.

Signify was certainly PT at the top of their game. While only half the cuts on The Sky Moves Sideways featured a complete band (as the band was assembled halfway through making that album), Signify had much greater band interaction. This album is stuffed with lots of great songs like "The Sleep of No Dreaming", "Waiting Phase One", "Sever", "Every Home is Wired" and "Dark Matter". I really love the vocal arrangements on "Every Home is Wired". In between many of these cuts are some great ambient experiments like "Pagan" and "Intermediate Jesus". I really appreciate how some of the cuts tended to be acoustic, others electic, others electronic, and some of all in some of the cuts. I also liked how the production was modern, but not giving it a sterile feel, too many albums I've heard from the '80s and '90s with a modern production had that very plastic, sterile and synthetic sound to it, Porcupine Tree avoided that. Same for Steven Wilson and Richard Barbieri's use of keyboards, most of them digital, but done in the most tasteful way, I usually criticize the use of digital synths because too many of them use the most synthetic sounds, but not Porcupine Tree. These keyboards created a wonderful atmospheric backdrop to go with the music. The entire Signify CD never fails to amaze me every time I listen to it, it's not only my favorite Porcupine Tree CD, it's by far the finest album I've ever heard from the 1990s.

And I own the digipak reissue that includes a second CD, a 1997 disc called Insignificance, which was originally only available through a Porcupine Tree newsletter called Transmission. These were 1995-1996 outtakes from the Signify sessions. About 80% material is stuff found nowhere else, with alternate versions of "Signify", "Waiting" and "Sever". Plus you get a totally acoustic version of "Nine Cats", which originally appeared on the 1991 cassette The Nostalgia Factory (and of course On the Sunday of Life). Honestly I prefer the version off On the Sunday of Life, because the combination of acoustic and electric. Many of these other cuts are excellent, although a couple pieces, like "Dark Origins" sounds like half-finished demos. This is truly nice stuff to have.

If you came through Porcupine Tree through albums like Stupid Dream, Lightbulb Sun, In Absentia, and Deadwing, and want to dig deeper in their catalog, Signify is a great place to start!

5 out of 5 stars Signify + Insignificance = Another must have Porcupine Tree release.......2006-08-18

THE BAND: Steve Wilson (lead vocals, guitars, mellotron, keyboards, samplers & tapes), Richard Barbieri (keyboards, synthesizers & sequencers), Colin Edwin (bass), Chris Maitland (drums & percussion).

THE DISC(S): Originally released in 1997, this revised and remastered foldout digi-pak 2-disc set released in 2004. 22 songs clocking in at approximately 108 minutes (the original 12-track album is disc-1 at approximately 62 minutes, and the 2nd (bonus) disc titled "Insignificance" at approximately 46 minutes). Included with the discs is a 6-page booklet containing songs titles/credits, song lyrics, musicians, and odd pictures. The "Insignificance" disc is a selection of Wilson demos that includes several tracks that were not recorded for the final "Signify" album, as well as formative versions of some that were. Label - Snapper Music.

COMMENTS: This was my first disc from Porcupine Tree. I like it a ton, but it's definitely not my favorite (favorites include "In Absentia", "Stupid Dream", Lightbulb Sun" and "Deadwing"), but absolutely essential in their catalog of must-have albums. Some great songs here... the best in my opinion are the "Sleep Of No Dreaming" (dark, moody, wonderful), the opening jam "Signify", "Waiting Phase 1" followed by the instrumental "Waiting Phase 2", and the 8 minute album closer "Dark Matter". More than other recent Tree albums, "Signify" features many (6) instrumentals. Some being minute-and-a-half synthesizer experiments, while others being full blown 6-7 minute jams... the best being "Intermediate Jesus", "Idiot Prayer" and the title track. The soft acoustic "Every Home Is Wired" is a gem of a song too (with futuristic words from Wilson about the home PC). The bonus disc is a nice addition. It contains a few different takes (demos) of songs included on disc-1, as well as new material not previously released. Two excellent instrumentals with "Neural Rust" and Dark Origins". And, the two best songs with vocals being "Wake As Gun I" and "Sever Tomorrow". This disc made me go out and buy the rest of their material... several years ago, this turned out to be a great discovery for me - since 2002 Porcupine Tree has been my favorite band. I rate "Signify" as PT's first essential disc. Look for the digi-pak (4.5 stars).

5 out of 5 stars Amazing, stunning, like the end of listening to music.......2006-07-10

Just spent the evening playing all my Porcupine Tree albums, one by one, at a volume which should cause cerebral damage. From each one I've taken something new or revisited something of note, but this album, this evening, has been a revelation. It has never been my favourite but the opening track "Signify" caught me and that was that. My opinion has been revised. The sometimes immature and cringe-worthy lyrics aside, the music just soars and soars. Full marks to Steve Wilson, hats off to everyone else concerned and a big thanks to the nonconscious Darwinian process which stumbled upon hearing and the mathematical, emotionally loaded register of notes as (perhaps) pure speech-acts in the overall framework of self-reflexive consciousness--lol! Whatever, this is a great album and I'm playing it again, now, with my friends and wishing that I had a PA loud enough to play it to, reading this, wherever you are...

BTW - I've reviewed Porcupine Tree elsewhere and there are no need for specifics as to this release. Suffice to say, if you love guitars, soaring apparently infinite spaces, psychedelic riffs, riffs that will blow your speakers out, washes of keyboards that sound like God just walked into the room to the sound of his own theme music, a masterful knowledge of how to play anything and everything, darkness and explosions of light without pretentiously overdone crap then welcome home. You've been looking for this for a while ;)
Up the Downstair
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Porcupine Tree - Up the Downstairs
  • Another winner!
  • The first great Porcupine Tree album
  • I've burned this one out
  • Steven Wilson creates "albums"
 Up the Downstair
Porcupine Tree
Manufacturer: Madfish Records UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Experimental RockExperimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Progressive RockProgressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
Psychedelic RockPsychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Experimental MusicExperimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Sky Moves Sideways
  2. Stupid Dream
  3. In Absentia
  4. Fear of a Blank Planet
  5. Signify

ASIN: B00095MLGC
Release Date: 2005-06-13

Tracks:

  1. What Are You Listening To
  2. Synesthesia
  3. Monuments Burn Into Moments
  4. Always Never
  5. Up The Downstair
  6. Not Beautiful Anymore
  7. Siren
  8. Small Fish
  9. Burning Sky
  10. Fadeaway

Tracks:

  1. Cloud Zero
  2. The Joke's On You
  3. Navigator
  4. Rainy Taxi
  5. Yellow Hedgerow Dreamscape

Product Description

DISC 1 - What You Are Listening To…giSynesthesia giMonuments Burn Into Moments giAlways Never giUp The Downstair giNot Beautiful Anymore giSiren giSmall Fish giBurning Sky giFadeaway giDISC 2 - Cloud Zero giThe Joke's On You giNavigator giRainy Taxi giYellow Hedgerow giDreamscape

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Porcupine Tree - Up the Downstairs.......2007-05-17

Up the DownstairThis is the remastered edition to replace the orginal cd in my collection. Great sound quality and bonus cd. I love the new trend of remasters with bonus cd's. It makes the decision to update something you already have easier.

5 out of 5 stars Another winner!.......2006-09-13

I waited a while to review this and I'm glad. Not near as accessible as "In Absentia" or "Deadwing" but still awesome. Steve Wilson's songs have a way of growing on me like no one else's. Some were instantaneous mainstays, including "Always Never" and "Fadeaway," two of the most emotional performances ever! But the other tracks are all great. Some quite long instrumentals that don't get boring (are actually quite good!) And I really enjoy the bonus CD "Staircase Infinities." Some more great instrumentals. This is music from Porcupine Tree that most resembled Pink Floyd (along with The Sky Moves Sideways.) But I personally think these instrumentals are better put together than some of Pink Floyd's, partially due to updated sound effects, but I think overall due to Steve Wilson's seemingly unending imagination and creativity. I am glad to read that the drum tracks were re- recorded using Gavin Harrison (their present-day drummer,) instead of samples. Poor Gavin: you can hear the restraint in his playing since Steven told him to try to stay close to the original recording! But one of the main reasons I am writing this review is to give credit to Mr. Harrison's phenomenal performances. Even playing under restraint, he manages to out- shine many of his peers. But listen to him on In Absentia or Deadwing. This guy lets the sticks fly perhaps more than any other artist I've heard (with the exception of his predecessor, Chris Maitland!) Now I'm not much of one to get excited by someone banging on a drum, but Porcupine Tree has had two of the best percussionists I've ever heard! Well, there is Bill Bruford... But, anyhow... you can be sure that you will enjoy this recording very much, just give it time to sink in!

4 out of 5 stars The first great Porcupine Tree album.......2006-07-13

THE BAND: Steve Wilson (vocals, guitars, drum samples, bass), with assistance from Richard Barbieri (keyboards), Colin Edwin (bass), Gavin Harrison (drums & percussion on 2005 remastered version only).

THE DISC: (1993) Originally released in '93, this elegant digitally remastered foldout digi-pak was re-released in 2005 by Snapper Music. Disc 1 contains 10 tracks clocking in at just under 49 minutes. The 2nd (bonus) disc labeled "Staircase Infinities" contains 5 tracks at just over 30 minutes (this disc was originally released as an EP on Lazy Eye label in '94). Included with the discs is a 10-page booklet containing a 2-page intro by PT mastermind Steve Wilson, song titles/times, song lyrics, several trippy psychedelic pictures, and thank you's.

COMMENTS: For me, this was Porcupine Tree's first great album. While it's predecessor "On The Sunday Of Life" (1991) had some brief shining moments, it was simply too much off-beat jamming, odd songs and experimentation... quite simply "weird". "Up The Downstair" was almost solely created and produced by Steve Wilson. For this remastered edition, Wilson went back to the original recordings years later... he decided to remove some of the drum programs/samples and have current drummer (1999 - present) Gavin Harrison play them live. Still not happy, Wilson redid some of the guitar work... and he himself says it's a better album for it. Much warmer in depth, richer in texture, better playing in general and more listenable... not to mention substantial improvements with the recording equipment. Comparisons to Pink Floyd are frequent (and I'm okay with that because I loved Pink Floyd back in the 70's), but only slightly in my opinion. The Tree gives you many a long space jam, but I think their craft is much more modern. "Synesthesia" starts the album off as a mid tempo rock/pop song. "Always Never" features some beautiful acoustic moments laced with some brilliant electric guitars and shredding solos. "Fadeaway" is a beautiful mellow rocker - a fantastic album closer - as noted in the booklet the song is one of Wilson's favorites. Steve Wilson is a genius at his craft. As good as "Up The Downstair" may be, I'd recommend starting with PT's more accessible albums... "In Absentia" (2002), or "Deadwing" (2005). Then, expand to one of their live albums "Coma Divine" (1997) or "Warszawa" (2001)... and then collect everything else they've done including this one. With all their releases (except Deadwing), look for the remastered digi-pak versions. Great disc (4.5 stars).

5 out of 5 stars I've burned this one out.......2006-06-26

Great performance of musical talent. These guys make music, they don't just play it. If you're tired of everything else, listen to these guys.

5 out of 5 stars Steven Wilson creates "albums".......2006-06-13

Like any other PT album, this is exactly that... an album. Its not a collection of songs with filler but, rather, a well thought out album which lives and flows from song to song.

Any project from Steven Wilson incorporates the use of layering. Theres a lot of stuff going on in any one of these songs. And to hear it all on one listen would be near impossible.

Steven Wilson has mentioned himself that he doesn't typically make the most complex music, instead he makes simple songs with complex production.

Listen to Burning Sky for a good example of this.

Think of this as sort of pink floyd and spacey pop opera. There are quite a bit of instrumentals, so if you're coming from a pop background then i would recommend trying their newer stuff first: "Deadwing", "In Absentia", "Lightbulb Sun", or the newly reissued "Stupid Dream"

Great stuff. Great journey.
Selling Insincerity
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Artistry at its best
  • Pure Beauty...
  • Good, but imitated.
  • Captivating
  • Excellent
 Selling Insincerity
Abigail's Ghost
Manufacturer: Aesperus Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Fear of a Blank Planet
  2. Angular Perceptions
  3. Milliontown
  4. Sola Scriptura
  5. Second Life Syndrome

ASIN: B000OA25I6
Release Date: 2007-03-13

Tracks:

  1. ) Mazurka
  2. ) Close
  3. ) Waiting Room
  4. ) Love Sounds
  5. ) Sellout
  6. ) Dead People's Review
  7. ) Monochrome
  8. ) Windows
  9. ) Cerulean Blue
  10. ) Seeping
  11. ) Mother May I?

Product Description

The first full length release by the progressive rock band Abigail's Ghost. The LP consists of 11 original tracks including "Waiting Room," "Close," and "Mother May I?." With haunting artwork by Polish mastermind Konrad Krol and an inherently dark subject matter, the record is as visually stunning as it sounds.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Artistry at its best.......2007-05-13

This album is everything I expected and more. The songs are smart, thought-provoking, and well-executed, and the lyrics are haunting. This album draws you in, and you won't be able to turn it off - at least I wasn't able to! All it took was one listen through "Monochrome," and I was hooked.

Talent this great is hard to find, and first albums are never this mature and original. All in all, "Selling Insincerity" is an incredible piece of artistry. Great work guys!



4 out of 5 stars Pure Beauty..........2007-04-12

Abigail's Ghost hits home with their first album "Selling Insincerity" with intricate beautiful music. There is obvious Porcupine Tree influence throughout the whole album, and naturally I loved it seeing as Porcupine Tree is one of my favorite bands. Anyways, going right into it, the instrumental prowess each musician presents is brilliant.

Guitar playing is definitely cutting edge, proving to be both speedy and turbulent at times when it is needed, but then immediately switching to heart-felt emotional guitar parts; especially at solos, very mellow and cool! The heavy riffing, ambient clean guitar and entrancing accoustic guitar all compliment each other perfectly throughout the album. Great examples of this are in songs like "Close," "Dead Peoples Review," and "Seeping" just to name a few. It's obvious that guitarist, Josh Theriot knows a lot about the instrument and how to get exactly what he wants out of it, simply great.

The vocals and lyrical content are very free-flowing, great melodies and the harmonization is just fantastic. I also really like the voice the lead singer has, comparable to Steven Wilson, which is in no way a bad thing. Overall Theriot delivers again with bass player Kenneth Wilson and keyboardist Brett Guillory adding to their list of talents with this tremendous and emotional display vocals.

The drumming is absolutely magnificent, one of the first things I noticed about the song "Close" was how addictive and smooth the drum beats were. Another great song with really technical and perfectly controlled drumming is "Sellout." Great control on the snare and extremely powerful drum fills using the double kick. The whole album has great drumming, very talented guy here!

I was also a really big fan of the bass in this album. In most bands, the bass simply follows the guitar, not adding its own layer to the music. Thankfully this is not the case with Abigail's Ghost. The bass always adds its own element to the song as well as carries the song throughout the whole album. I find myself humming these addictive and catchy rhythms all the time, really good stuff.

Finally, although in some songs not as impactive, the keyboard adds another facet to Abigail's Ghost melodic songwriting. It is great because it doesn't go over the top. Exactly the opposite in fact, the lovely piano parts give many songs such as "Sellout" and "Monochrome" the perfect accent of ambience that send the listener to another place. In a word, beautiful.

Overall, the band is awesome and right now I bet you're wondering "if they're so great, what's with the four star rating?" I really enjoy their music, but at some points I often felt like they sounded very similar to Porcupine Tree. This is not exactly a bad thing, and since it is their first album, it's understandable that they may not have found their sound yet, but the vocalist seems to be nearly parallel with Steven Wilson with his approach on vocals. This doesn't kill the band though, and there is no doubt in my mind that Abigail's Ghost will eventually find their sound. I am anxious to see how great this band could get, they are already so awesome!

If Amazon allowed me, I would give this album a 4.5 it is a GREAT album and I would reccomend it to any fan of Porcupine Tree or just great music in general!

3 out of 5 stars Good, but imitated........2007-04-10

Let me say that I agree that these musicians are definitely a talented bunch and create some great music ambience. However, I also must say that this is the most blatant imitation/copy of Porcupine Tree I've ever heard(In Absentia, Deadwing anyways, hence the 3 star review). As one reviewer said his g/f thought it was a S.W. project. That's because it sounds exactly like PT from the vocal style/timing to the bass & guitar interaction. If you dont believe me listen to Mother May I on A.G'g album then listen to So Called Friend by PT and try to tell me I don't have a point. After all that, we can hope these guys will be able to find their own voice on their next effort. If you just can't get enough PT buy this album and pretend it's them, =P

Peace

5 out of 5 stars Captivating.......2007-04-08

A well done musical compilation. The songs are complex and involved, yet amazingly easy to just listen to and enjoy. Waiting Room & Monochrome are great! Their commitment to excellence shows with this album.

4 out of 5 stars Excellent.......2007-04-05

I may be biased with this review, but I'll try and keep it simple. If you in any way like Porcupine Tree, Post-rock, Ambient-rock, Anathema etc etc, then please do yourself a favour and buy this CD. The guitar work, as mentioned elsewhere, is outstanding. My girlfriend actually thought she was listening to a Steven Wilson project; the playing, song-writing and production is that good. Go get it folks.
Stars Die: The Delerium Years '91-97
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Great Early Collection
  • Glad I found out this band and this compilation
  • Blossoming Tree
  • THE EARLIEST PHASE IS WONDERFUL TOO
  • A Great way to catch up on their older classics.
 Stars Die: The Delerium Years '91-97
Porcupine Tree
Manufacturer: Snapper UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Experimental RockExperimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Progressive RockProgressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
ElectronicaElectronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Psychedelic RockPsychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Experimental MusicExperimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Stupid Dream
  2. Up the Downstair
  3. Sky Moves Sideways
  4. Fear of a Blank Planet
  5. In Absentia

ASIN: B000AMU11G
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Radioactive Toy
  2. Nine Cats
  3. And the Swallows Dance Above the Sun
  4. Nostalgia Factory
  5. Voyage 34 [Phase One 2004 Mix]
  6. Synesthesia [Extended Version][#]
  7. Phantoms [#]
  8. Up the Downstair
  9. Fadeaway
  10. Rainy Taxi

Tracks:

  1. Stars Die [Single/EP Track]
  2. Sky Moves Sideways [Phase One]
  3. Men of Wood [#]
  4. Waiting
  5. Sound of No-One Listening [New Mix]
  6. Colourflow in Mind [Single/EP Track]
  7. Fuse the Sky [Single/EP Track]
  8. Signify II
  9. Every Home Is Wired
  10. Sever
  11. Dark Matter

Product Description

DISC 1
1. Radioactive Toy
2. Nine Cats
3. And The Swallows Dance Above The Sun
4. Nostalgia Factory
5. Voyage 34 (Phase One 1998 Mix)
6. Synesthesia (8-minute version)
7. Phantoms; Up The Downstair (2001 Remix)
8. Fadeaway (2001 Remix)
9. Rainy Taxi
DISC 2
1. Stars Die
2. The Sky Moves Sideways (Phase One)
3. Men Of Wood
4. Waiting
5. The Sound Of No-One Listening (2000 Mix)
6. Colourflow In Mind
7. Fuse The Sky
8. Signify 2
9. Every Home Is Wired
10. Sever
11. Dark Matter


Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great Early Collection.......2007-02-17

If you have heard some Porcupine Tree stuff, and now would like to start your own collection, this compilation is a great place to do that. There is some belief that In Absentia and Deadwing are their most accessible records. It is true that they contain some very radio friendly songs, but they also contain some of their heavier material as well, perhaps not making those as good of a place to start for some. Don't get me wrong, I love those cds and those are some of my favorites (last month, it was Deadwing, this month it's Signify, next month, it may be Stupid Dream...).

Back to this cd - it is a collection of early works and it does not include anything from Deadwing, In Absentia, Lightbulb Sun and Stupid Dream.

It does include some great early tracks, and it's really hard to pick a favorite. Stars Die, Radioactive Toy, Nine Cats, Sky Moves Sideways are some of the gems, but there are hardly any weak songs on here. Also, you will get some alternative song versions not available elsewhere. It is simply a collection of excellent atmospheric music. Some make comparisons to Pink Floyd, and sure, there are similarities. However, these songs have a life of their own. Whenever I play this cd, I always get asked about the band.

If you start with this cd, you may be inspired to go back and buy all the early albums (Signify, Up the Downstair, and so on). Another good news here is that those albums have plenty of additional excellent tracks that will make those purchases worthwhile, despite already having this collection.

I would not hesitate and would purchase this cd and get into the world of PT.

5 out of 5 stars Glad I found out this band and this compilation.......2006-11-03

I learned about Porcupine Tree just recently. I was given a copy of In Absentia by on of my brothers and I just can not get enough of them. I started to want to learn more about the band and decided to give this compilationa try.

Now that I own other PT releases I find this double CD and excecelent starting point summarizing early material from Steve Wilson's Porcupine Tree early work. The song selection is adecuate as well as the booklet. I say this as not only are they satisfying but they encourage the listener to research the original albums... and for a Prog band that seems to be now becoming more popular this CD is an excelent opportunity for new fans as it shows how the bands sound has eveolved over the years.

4 out of 5 stars Blossoming Tree.......2006-03-21

This excellent compilation of virtually every phase of Porcupine Tree's career with Delerium is in many ways definitive for those who aren't dyed in the wool Tree devotees. The best songs from the group's first two albums are included while the worst are thankfully omitted. And there are many important inclusions as well--the lush and beautiful "Stars Die" as well as several songs had been previously unreleased. My only gripe with this otherwise stellar release is that several killer PT tunes have been left off, for instance "Burning Sky" and "Moonloop." Room could've been made foir these tracks by eliminating a few inessentials like "Men of Wood" and "Dark Matter." But it's still a terrific document of the Tree as it blossomed into prog superstardom.

5 out of 5 stars THE EARLIEST PHASE IS WONDERFUL TOO.......2006-02-23

A great compilation with some unpreviously release material that resume the first phase from PTREE. Instead of that I prefer the latest era, from LIGHTBULB until now.
If you don't have any material from these phase, buy it now.

5 out of 5 stars A Great way to catch up on their older classics........2006-01-21

PORCUPINE TREE - Stars Die: The Delerium Years '91-'97 [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]
-
This is a re-master of the 2002 release of Rare tracks, and some PT Classics, spanning from Wilson and Co. from 91-97. It includes 2 disks and 21 tracks in total.
I had started with Absentia then Deadwing and now I'm working my way backwards. This is a great place to start. There is material from when it was just Steve Wilson (mostly on Disk 1 I believe) and then material with PT as a band (Disk 2)
Who said Progressive Rock was dead... Wilson has been carrying the torch since the conception of PT in 87'. (First Release -1989) They really came into form in 1991, On the Sunday of Life..., and have only gained strength since then.
I'm going to go into detail... Just read the excellent review by "Fats AL." (Dec 29, 05)
For fans that like older Floyd or King Crimson. Or like newer PT do yourselves a favour and get this amazing compilation.
Favorite Songs: (DISK 1) Nine Cats, Phantoms and Fadeaway. (DISK 2) Stars Die, The Sky Moves Sideways, and Waiting.
-4.75 Stars


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Coma Divine
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Early Tree Captured - Live In Rome '97
  • The psychedelic vacation
  • Ummagumma-esque wizardry with electronica tapestry
  • Great live album.
  • The end of the beginning
 Coma Divine
Porcupine Tree
Manufacturer: Madfish Records UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Experimental RockExperimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Progressive RockProgressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
Progressive RockProgressive Rock | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music
Psychedelic RockPsychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Live Albums | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Experimental MusicExperimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Sky Moves Sideways
  2. Up the Downstair
  3. Voyage 34
  4. Stupid Dream
  5. On the Sunday of Life

ASIN: B0002CU4XY
Release Date: 2004-08-24

Tracks:

  1. Bornlivedieintro
  2. Signify
  3. Waiting Phase One
  4. Waiting Phase Two
  5. The Sky Moves Sideways
  6. Dislocated Day
  7. The Sleep Of No Dreaming
  8. Moonloop

Tracks:

  1. Up The Downstair
  2. The Moon Touches Your Shoulder
  3. Always Never
  4. Is...Not
  5. Radioactive Toy
  6. Not Beautiful Anymore

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Early Tree Captured - Live In Rome '97.......2006-12-08

THE BAND: Steve Wilson (guitars, vocals), Richard Barbieri (keyboards) Colin Edwin (bass), Chris Maitland (drums & percussion).

THE DISC: (1997) Originally released in '97 (containing 10 tracks), this elegant digitally remastered foldout digi-pak was re-released in 2004 by Snapper Music. 2 discs containing 14 total tracks (53+ minutes on disc-1, 47+ minutes on disc-2). Included with the discs is a 6-page booklet containing band pictures, song titles & times. Recorded live in Rome in March 1997.

COMMENTS: The new & improved remastered version of "Coma Divine" is brilliant. New cover artwork and crisp remixed sound makes this totally worthwhile. While England's Porcupine Tree is always beautifully crafted music from the maestro Steve Wilson, this recording is where the band puts it all together on one stage. PT reaches so many different kinds of listeners (or at least they should)... catchy pop, hard rock, retro psychedelic (1970's style in the vein of Pink Floyd), electronic, etc. Wilson's strong writing and guitar wizardry can't help but take you on a mesmerizing journey every time you listen. I enjoy PT's willingness to be different and experiment. 14 tracks are featured on "Coma" - great live rendentions include "Signify", "Waiting - Phase I & II", the 13 minute "Radioactive Toy", "Up The Downstair", "Moonloop" and the 12+ minute "The Sky Moves Sideways", et all. The audience seems fairly small and very enthusiastic (and respectful at the same time)... in some songs you can hear a pin drop. Songs from "The Sky Moves Sideways" album dominate the track list on "Coma Divine". You'll also find a few tunes from "Signify" and a few from earlier releases. Due to this being a 1997 release, you'll find no songs from recent classics "Stupid Dream (1999), "Lightbulb Sun" (2000), or "In Absentia" (2002). Can't wait for a live album from PT featuring tracks from these awesome albums. If you're a fan of Porcupine Tree - you MUST own this release (5 stars).

4 out of 5 stars The psychedelic vacation.......2006-06-13

Live albums seem to be only for the die hard fans of particular bands. When you're unsure of the particular content of their material, what basis for contrast do you have, right? I feel that's wrong, and upon visiting JB's I picked up a rather tasty 2 CD pack titled Coma Divine by one of England's best psychedelic alternatives, Porcupine Tree.
Relatively unheard of down here in Oz, Porcupine Tree can be summed up in a short amount of words. Pink Floyd of the 21st century.
Their variety of instruments, additional synthesisers and sound effect's shows why Steven Wilson (Front man and heart + soul of the band) is a musical wizard.
It shows in this album. Recorded live in Rome before a modest crowd, the band plays songs you can find on recent albums (Signify, On the Sunday of life...) as well as improvised instrumentals.
This entire album is just one large psychedelic vacation taking you on a philosophical journey about technology and social consciousness. In one word this album - inspiring.

5 out of 5 stars Ummagumma-esque wizardry with electronica tapestry.......2005-09-30

I already owned the single-disc version sold on the Delirium label, but I saw this in a record store and couldn't resist (along with the dual-disc 'Signify').

Yes, its a digi-pak, but its still got the plastic snap-on base, glued onto a duo-fold cardboard frame. It includes more (and better) artwork than the old Delirium release (this two-disc set is a Snapper release).

Anyone wowed by PinkFloyd's Ummagumma Live album should listen to this superb recreation of these classic PT cuts (wow, PT's been around long enough to have classics already). All performances are flawless. This is real headphone music, and its a great introduction to older PT material for those not already familiar with the band (though I am remiss that they didn't perform the song 'Sever' on this set).

For those who already own the single-disc version, maybe you should hold off unless you want the dual disc as a collector's item. It might be worth it if you want to upgrade to a remastered copy. Otherwise, there is only an additional 25 minutes on this two-disc set compared to the 76 minute long single disc. Unless you're burning to hear the extra tracks live, the single disc is still a good album. I find the sonics of both the single-disc and the two-disc set to be about the same, which is to say, excellent.

5 out of 5 stars Great live album........2005-04-30

This is a great album representing the early stages of Porcupine Tree's music. Flawless playing from the whole band, especially some excellent drumming. Like the first reviewer, I haven't heard the original recording so I can't comment on the remastering. Although I will say that the sound quality is crystal clear and very full, so unless the original was already excellent this must be a great remastering job. I'm not sure which tracks are bonus tracks and I can't be bothered to look it up, but both discs are great beginning to end.

Many people seem to have been introduced to PT through In Absentia, myself included. Although In Absentia is a great album, I do not agree with the previous reviewer who says that this is early work and cannot compare. It's true that this album cannot compare ONLY because these songs are a completely different style of music, and because this is a live recording and In Absentia (obviously) is not. But as far as quality, I really can't say that this material is any less great than In Absentia. In Absentia is more conventional in the sense that the songs are mostly average length and structured while many of the songs on here have longer periods of seemingly free form jamming and instrumentation. Assuming that you like this style of music just as much as the style on In Absentia (which I do), I don't think you will find this to be any less enjoyable than that album.

Overall a great live recording and a pretty good place to start for those introducing themselves to the early PT material.

4 out of 5 stars The end of the beginning.......2004-11-04

Get this now! The extra tracks are REALLY worthy, and the new packaging is gorgeous. I can't comment on the remastering since I don't have the orginal, but all I can say is that it sounds really good.

Like many, I discovered this great band via Opeth and got the awesome 'In Absentia' album. Although this -being earlier work- can't compare, it's still an excellent live performance and showcase of the more lengthy pieces in their set at the time.

Loose ways to describe this music would be "a hard rocking Pink Floyd" or "King Crimson fronted by a pop songwriter".

Highlights are 'Signify', 'The Sky Moves Sideways', 'Up the downstair' and 'The Moon Touches Your Shoulder'.

But of course, the best was yet to come...

Music:

  1. Remote Control [CD-single] [Import]
  2. Remote Control/Three Mc's [CD-single] [Import]
  3. Residence in Destruction
  4. Rock!!!!! [Import]
  5. Rough Music
  6. Rubber Space
  7. Simmer
  8. Sound of Sounds/Ping One Down, Pt. 1 [CD-single] [Import]
  9. Stereotype A [Extra tracks] [Import]
  10. Strange Condition [CD-single] [Import]

Music

music

Music

Left Behind

Prokofiev: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5; Violin Concerto No. 1

Scheherazade (Piano Duet)

Sing Me A Cowboy Song

Then and Now [DualDisc] [Enhanced]

Reiner Conducts Wagner

Songs for Swingin' Lovers! [Original recording remastered]

Mutter Modern: Works by Stravinsky / Lutoslawski / Bartok / Moret / Berg / Rihm - Anne-Sophie Mutter

Rebuild the Wall

Sextet: 1955-1956

Phantasmagoria [Import]

Quelque Chose Survecu [Import]

Passengers

Brahms: Hungarian Dances; Dvorák: Slavonic Dances; Strauss: Till Eulenspiegel

Leg End