Porqupine Tree

Jperry:
Thanks for the correction.

I don't plan on reviewing each lp here, I will say I started off with "Lightbulb Sun". While it was obvious from my first beginnings, just hearing one song, that this band was special, I can say that this band, while obviously prolific, doesn't get into a rut and "hang on"! The obvious genious of SW is apparent if for no other reason as that the music is flowing, it just continues to flow. Not the same riffs or the same formula over and over. It's new, relevant, and most of all, enjoyable.

Roxy54: Don't be put off by mere words. Investigate for yourself before making a conclusion.

Rlwainwright: I was just getting ready to tell Roxy54 that PT's music is similar to King Crimson.

Roxy54: I, myself, am pretty cynical, but not so much that I'd dismiss by other's (words), a chance to discover a great band.

Here's a quote from the liner notes in the "Lightbulb Sun" lp....

"This special edition double vinyl lp is dedicated to the memory of our friend Michael Piper, who passed away in April 2008. In fact, it was meant to be the latest in a line of beautifully packaged Pocupine Tree related vinyl releases he lovingly curated for his own Gates Of Dawn label. The test pressings had been approved, and the artwork completed, but Michael entered hospital before he could place the final manufacturing order, and never came out again.

If you ever bought a PT vinyl at a show or via mail order, there is a good chance it was from Michael. If you did you would have found it was less a business transaction, and more like a reminiscence with a dear friend about music, because music was what Michael's life was all about. A lifetime of passion for music culminated in his dedication to Porcupine Tree. He was instrumental in assisting the band on it's first US tour, selling merch, and getting the word out to anyone who would listen. He would undertake tasks amnd errands that no one else would do, from trying to find a local music store to get a set of guitar strings at the last minute, to picking up a spare amp, or even getting the band lunch when everyone else was too busy. Nothing made him happier than standing at the merch stand and talking to fans, whether they bought something from him or not. And he made every PT show that he could, driving ridiculously long hours in his Subaru, or taking the most excruciatingly inconvenient and multiple-connection flights, anything to see and hang out with the band. For us, there was something always reassuring about knowing Michael was at a particular show, no matter what else may have gone wrong, his consistency and unwavering dedication always mattered to us.

Michael spent the last hours of his life in the hospital listening to music. Even though he couldn't speak and was otherwise unresponsive, those that say that when they put PT music for him, he seemed at peace, and was more responsive than he had been in weeks. That is humbling to us, but we know that Michael would have wanted to be listening to music to the very end, because that is what his whole life was about"

END OF QUOTE.

An Inconvenient Truth... my next lp was "The Incident".

This is a completely different direction from the previous lp. (This is a good thing).

First, I noticed that the sonics were a notch behind "Lightbulb...". The different direction that SW has taken here in comparison to "LS" is not as appealing to my sense of taste. This, however, takes nothing away from the musical genious of SW & PT.

Here's one thing I already know... I could have all of PT output on a constant play mode, and put it on repeat and still never think I'm hearing the same music over & over.

This is a good thing!

Bdgregory: For me, ( I understand that each of us is different, come from differing life "events", differing understandings... however, listening to "Court Of King Crimson".. is so much of what PT is about.

In fact, I have feelings in the opposite direction from those who relate PT to Pink Floyd. That's just me. Peace.

FWIW: I'm still listening for the first time to all of these lps. If one wants (just one) to begin with, I can recommend "Stupid Dream".

(I've had a ton of vinyl in for listening lately. I still need to pay a lot more attention to PT. I've noticed that SW even masters most/all of his stuff on the Kscope label. Wow!) I also read in a liner note that Robert Fripp plays on one/more of PT's lps.

I was listening to a couple of PT's other lps recently and Pink Floyd came to mind as did some of Ronnie Montrose's solo instrumental stuff. I really need to just sit down and soak it all in. There's a lot to soak in!

There's no doubt that this is a band to HAVE! (on vinyl)

Ok.. I'm getting into these lps. Wow! SW must be a musician/SPONGE! He incorporates all aspects of the "rock" experience.

(If I could be a fly on the wall when these lps were being conceptualized, wow, what an experience that must be!!!)

I really doubt if SW sleeps at all. How could you? With all of the ideas running around in your head, and then, to pull them off with the mastery he does, ....! (It's hard for me to sleep when I know I have an lp waiting for me this good.. anytime!!!) I feel like, right now, I must be in a dream... that's "a good thing".

Right now, all I can honestly say is it will take me quite a while to digest all of this great music and come to some sort of overall opinion other than GREAT! As I write this, I'm hearing "In Absentia"... GREAT!!!!