Porcupine Come

Porcupine Tree makes a triumphant return to experimental, non-linear style with 2007's Fear of a Blank Planet. Maybe Steve Wilson was afraid that the comparatively poppy Deadwing and In Absentia were edging too close to the mainstream, because he seems far less concerned with overtly accessible songwriting on Blank Planet…

Released as a semi stopgap collection in mid-2001 during a period of general Porcupine Tree inactivity, outside of some concert appearances here and there, Recordings compiles the various B-sides and extra tracks from singles taken from Stupid Dream and Lightbulb Sun, adding a couple of unreleased goodies as well. It's obviously for the hardcore fans more than anyone else - those wanting an introduction to the band will find it of interest but not the best place to start. Those hardcore fans, though, will find it a very enjoyable release, with the previously unavailable songs of definite interest. "Buying New Soul," which starts the album, is one of the band's subtler epics, an eleven-minute number with all the multitracked vocals and wistfully burnt imagery any fan of classic English prog could want…

In Absentia was Porcupine Tree’s seventh studio album, first released in 2002, the first in a run of three albums that for many represent the pinnacle of the band’s artistic achievements. Not many albums can claim to have created a new genre, but with its fusion of metal, progressive rock, ambient textures, and acoustic singer-songwriter styled material, it became a blueprint for a generation of bands to come. It also represented a commercial breakthrough for the band, eventually going on to sell three times more than the band’s previous releases. In Absentia features many of Porcupine Tree’s most beloved songs, including Trains, The Sound of Muzak and Blackest Eyes. While not a formal concept album, many of the songs have common themes related to serial killers, youthful innocence gone wrong, and observations of the modern world, setting a template for many of songwriter Steven Wilson’s future songs.

Excellent introduction to the early days of Steven Wilson and his seminal band Porcupine Tree, with a thoughtful collection of album tracks, b-sides and rarities curated by Wilson himself, with the same attention to detail that we’ve come to expect from his flourishing solo career.

Between 2003 and 2010, Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree) released six CD singles, each featuring a cover version backed with a new original song. Titled, appropriately enough, Cover I through Cover VI, the first of these singles was significant because it was the first release issued under his own name. All of these were almost ridiculously limited. The titles were all compiled before - when Cover VI was released, the other singles were included in a lavishly designed box - but this marks the first time all 12 tracks have been widely available. The music presented here is performed completely solo save for chamber and orchestral elements on some tracks that were added on later, and showcases a different, more intimate side of Wilson…

This concert was filmed over two nights at the 013 in Tilburg, Holland in October 2008…

Between 2003 and 2010, Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree) released six CD singles, each featuring a cover version backed with a new original song. Titled, appropriately enough, Cover I through Cover VI, the first of these singles was significant because it was the first release issued under his own name. All of these were almost ridiculously limited. The titles were all compiled before - when Cover VI was released, the other singles were included in a lavishly designed box - but this marks the first time all 12 tracks have been widely available. The music presented here is performed completely solo save for chamber and orchestral elements on some tracks that were added on later, and showcases a different, more intimate side of Wilson…