Porcupine Tree-Where do I start?

Jim_C · 05-11-2005, 10:47 PM

I've finally decided to try these guys out but I don't know which album to start with. Any advice?

TIA

Lee M T · 05-11-2005, 11:07 PM

That's a good question. I would start with either of thier newest albums, since they are easy to find. I personally would try In Absentia first. It was their 2002 release. That album is a little more accessible. But it still has the vintage PT and all the vocal harmonies and solos aplenty.

If you're liking that, I would actually search the net and purchase their 1996 album Signify before their latest effort Deadwing. It's pretty easy to find for a decent price from Amazon.com, Towerrecords.com, etc. This album, while still having a lot of the qualities of the In Absentia album, still comes out being so totally different at the same time. Only a band as genius as PT can do this.

Then I would move to the new album Deadwing. It features pretty much everything PT has done to date rolled into one album.

Their albums in the middle, Stupid Dream and Lightbulb Sun, are considered their best by many (along with In Absentia, Deadwing, and even Signify, lol). These two albums are out of print right now though. Lightbulb Sun you can get used for a relativly decent price, but Stupid Dream is going for crazy amounts. So, I would wait on finding these albums until a bit later. Plus they are supposed to be remastered and reissued later.

Their even earlier albums are also good, but everyone's tastes are different and these albums are a bit more genre specific. The Sky Moves Sideways is a great album, but it is fairly heavy on the psychedelic, instrumental, experimentation, prog movement.

Plus their are other great albums to get, like Warzsawa, a live album from Poland. It contains mainly songs from the Stupid Dream/Lightbulb Sun era and may be good for a farily early purchase. The Coma Divine live album is very good too.

Basically, all thier albums are great!

Mike Broadman · 05-12-2005, 09:42 AM

In Absentia.

1. It's easily available (some others are out of print)
2. There's a DVD-A as well as a CD, so you can experience in any way you choose.
3. It's not "prog" or anything weird, just solid, well-crafted rock, the kind of music that anyone can enjoy.
4. Every song is great (as great as the other ones are, they have down moments, as most albums do). IA is one of those rare "perfect" records where every song is killer.
5. Stylistically, it streamlines the best of everything that came before it and heralds their current direction.

If the band is around for a while, IA will be looked at as their Dark Side of the Moon.

ChrisDixon · 05-12-2005, 10:30 AM

I would also vote for In Absentia, with Stupid Dream second. This would give you a great look at their different moods and styles. If you like IA better, get Deadwing next. If you like SD better, get Lightbulb Sun next. Note that SD and LS are out of print, but will be coming back this summer from what I understand. Their older albums have some good moments, but the song writing is less consistent. In general, those older albums fit into the "good psychedelic music", but nothing that really stands out above the rest.

Chris

Chris Stainton · 05-12-2005, 12:45 PM

Jim,

Stupid Dream was the first album of theirs I was introduced to and it remains my favorite. It is not as heavy as their more recent ones.

The album that I can't recommend enough is a side project of Steve Wilson's called Blackfield. It is on the mellow side but it is outstanding. Someone else here was talking about it and I picked it up based on their recommendation.

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Jim_C · 05-12-2005, 02:04 PM

Thanks for the replies.

I'll pick up IA and Deadwing because I can get them easily.

Given the prices for Stupid Dream and Lightbulb Sun I think I'll hold off on those until they're re-released.

>>The album that I can't recommend enough is a side project of Steve Wilson's called Blackfield. It is on the mellow side but it is outstanding. Someone else here was talking about it and I picked it up based on their recommendation.<<

Thanks, I'll check it out.

Evan S · 05-15-2005, 09:10 AM

I can't say how impressed I am with Deadwing. I loved IA and picked up Deadwing last week. I never thought they would follow up IA with an album as good, but I'm torn. I am really digging the latest release and I think it's time for me to pick up some of their earlier stuff for sure.

mackie · 05-15-2005, 04:57 PM

Amazon has a special release of Lightbuld Sun available. Of the PT CDs I have, I think I like this one the best. There are a couple of tracks I don't care for but the rest are outstanding. I listened to IA so much that I really don't care to listen to it too much; however, I feel it's the best CD to use to get to know PT. I agree with the above posts to hold off some of the earlier stuff until you know whether you like them or not. I'll probably get Stupid Dream when it's released again.

My favorites:
1. Lightbulb Sun
2. Deadwing
3. Signify
4. IA - simply because I listened to it sooooo much.
5. Box set of early releases

ChrisDixon · 05-16-2005, 08:52 AM

The titles that I have would probably be like this:

Top tier (very very close)
1. In Absentia
2. Lightbulb Sun
3. Deadwing
4. Stupid Dream

Second tier (fairly big drop):
5. Signify
6. Recordings (amazing or a b-sides album)
7. Up the Downstair

Third tier:
8. The Sky Moves Sideways (just can't really get into it)

Most of my other "favorite bands" are either extinct or well past their prime. It is so great to have one where every new CD is as good or better than the last one.

Chris

Mike Broadman · 05-16-2005, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Amazon has a special release of Lightbuld Sun available. Of the PT CDs I have, I think I like this one the best. There are a couple of tracks I don't care for but the rest are outstanding.

Four Chords That Made A Million ?

Wilson admits this song was a mistake.