Well, I'm a big Tree fan, so yes, I agree.
Their earlier material is great. The only album I don't like is their very first, On the Sunday of Life, which was put together as kind of a joke (though you can't tell from the liner notes). I really only like one song from it, Radioactive Toy, and there's a killer version of that on their live Coma Divine album, anyway.
I have never heard Voyage 34, which is just a few very long trippy instrumentals, from what I understand, inspired by an acid trip.
Up the Downstair is a really cool album. At this early stage it was all pretty much Steve Wilson's show, and there's a nice mix of textures and sound. Highly recommended.
The Sky Moves Sideways features extended pieces, marking the most overtly experimental major Porcupine Tree release. Fans of Pink Floyd, a la Shine On You Crazy Diamond, would enjoy this.
Signify marks what I consider their first masterpiece. More importantly, it's when the regular band was set. This is, in a sense, the "real" first Porcupine Tree album. It is certainly moodier and calmer than In Absentia, but very very good.
Stupid Dream finds them getting more introspective. This was my first PT album. It took a couple listens to appreciate it.
Lightbulb Sun sees them focusing their songwriting, adding some more riffs, and getting more powerful.
In Absentia is a masterpiece. Steve Wilson said recently in an interview that despite PT's albums being mainly mellow and a bit psychedelic, heavy music is his original inspiration. That, and working closely with Opeth, insures us another hard hitting set of tunes on the next album, which they are working on.
I'm sorry to hear people are having trouble getting their back catalogue. Signify was re-released, so you should be able to find that. I believe Stupid Dream and Lightbulb Sun are getting the same treatment. You can also try their web site directly, or amazon.com marketplace.
