Musical Ramblings: Double the Porcupine Tree makes for good reviews
I know I mentioned last week that I was going to get on to reviewing the two CDs sent by Metal Blade, but this week is going to be two quick mini reviews that will setthe tone for next week's review (the band that I'd never even heard of until two weeks ago — 3). This week's reviews are two recent discs from Porcupine Tree.
Porcupine Tree
Nil Recurring
This disc was released in September 2007 and features some tracks that were started during the Fear of a Blank Planet sessions that just weren't fully developed or finished. The song “Normal” is an alternative version/arrangement of “Sentimental” that was also featured on the aforementioned release. This disc is a great little companion piece to Fear of a Blank Planet and you can see (well, hear) how these songs would actually fit within the range of the CD. For about $12-$14, this disc is a nice little introduction to the band if you haven't heard them yet, and if you haven't I still suggest you use your dough to by Fear of a Blank Planet then get this one.
Porcupine Tree
We Lost the Skyline
This disc by the band is a little more recent. The music on here was actually performed at an in-store session at Park Avenue CDs in Orlando, Florida. The band was supposed to play as a complete group, but I guess the space in the store just didn't allow the band to have the room they needed. Instead, front man/songwriter, Steve Wilson and guitarist John Wesley performed songs eight songs from the band's robust catalogue.
The sound quality is actually pretty good and really captures the intimate setting. The crowd plus the banter from Steve Wilson gives it that warm, down to earth feel and it makes you feel like you're at the store to witness this acoustic performance.
This disc isn't anything that people who aren't familiar with the band should pick up right away seeing how these versions are toned down and even reworked a tad bit to take advantage of the acoustic arrangements. Fans should pick this up before it goes for a lot on Ebay (like a lot of their stuff).
- On a side note, for those people who are fans of this band, a two CD set of the out of print “Lightbulb Sun” album will be happy to know that it is going to be re-released in April with a new mix and 5.1 DVD mix of the album with the bonus tracks that were released with the previous limited edition. The band's limited to 2000 release, Recordings will also be re-released this year — so don't' spend the $200 or so it usually goes for on Ebay.
To close the column this week, I just have to say my two cents about “American Idol” last week. Amanda Overmyer has her first time in the bottom three after weeks of getting praises from the judges and then all of a sudden — BOOM! — she's gone? You're shitting me, right? Sorry...I'm a fan and she brought something fun and unique to the competition, but to tell me that she got the low end of the vote and Kristy Lee Cook (who was in the bottom three for what, the last four weeks straight) was safe? I know that they already know who is winning this thing and people voting don't persuade the corporate shells too much, but to have her leave this soon sucks. You could tell that something was up. She didn't sing at all during the (usually awful) opening song and they didn't film her at all. Not to mention that they hardly ever showed her in any of the vignettes. I think she got paid to go home early and when you're that different, I guess it is probably worth it.
Porcupine Tree
Nil Recurring
This disc was released in September 2007 and features some tracks that were started during the Fear of a Blank Planet sessions that just weren't fully developed or finished. The song “Normal” is an alternative version/arrangement of “Sentimental” that was also featured on the aforementioned release. This disc is a great little companion piece to Fear of a Blank Planet and you can see (well, hear) how these songs would actually fit within the range of the CD. For about $12-$14, this disc is a nice little introduction to the band if you haven't heard them yet, and if you haven't I still suggest you use your dough to by Fear of a Blank Planet then get this one.
Porcupine Tree
We Lost the Skyline
This disc by the band is a little more recent. The music on here was actually performed at an in-store session at Park Avenue CDs in Orlando, Florida. The band was supposed to play as a complete group, but I guess the space in the store just didn't allow the band to have the room they needed. Instead, front man/songwriter, Steve Wilson and guitarist John Wesley performed songs eight songs from the band's robust catalogue.
The sound quality is actually pretty good and really captures the intimate setting. The crowd plus the banter from Steve Wilson gives it that warm, down to earth feel and it makes you feel like you're at the store to witness this acoustic performance.
This disc isn't anything that people who aren't familiar with the band should pick up right away seeing how these versions are toned down and even reworked a tad bit to take advantage of the acoustic arrangements. Fans should pick this up before it goes for a lot on Ebay (like a lot of their stuff).
- On a side note, for those people who are fans of this band, a two CD set of the out of print “Lightbulb Sun” album will be happy to know that it is going to be re-released in April with a new mix and 5.1 DVD mix of the album with the bonus tracks that were released with the previous limited edition. The band's limited to 2000 release, Recordings will also be re-released this year — so don't' spend the $200 or so it usually goes for on Ebay.
To close the column this week, I just have to say my two cents about “American Idol” last week. Amanda Overmyer has her first time in the bottom three after weeks of getting praises from the judges and then all of a sudden — BOOM! — she's gone? You're shitting me, right? Sorry...I'm a fan and she brought something fun and unique to the competition, but to tell me that she got the low end of the vote and Kristy Lee Cook (who was in the bottom three for what, the last four weeks straight) was safe? I know that they already know who is winning this thing and people voting don't persuade the corporate shells too much, but to have her leave this soon sucks. You could tell that something was up. She didn't sing at all during the (usually awful) opening song and they didn't film her at all. Not to mention that they hardly ever showed her in any of the vignettes. I think she got paid to go home early and when you're that different, I guess it is probably worth it.
