2 singles have now been released from the new album - Closure/Continuation schedule for release 22 June 22.
I've got the album pre-ordered, but I'm not keen on these single releases (much like The Future Bites) as when the album eventually appears half of it will be out already. I like to hear an album as a whole - to get the context. Anyway the 2 singles so far:
HarridanOf the New Day
I've really enjoyed both singles so far, they are in album order as well.
I was quite enthusiastic about Harridan when it came out, but I think the new single wipes the floor with it and is a gorgeous little song; SW at his best. I can hear bits of Stupid Dream, Deadwing and of course The Incident in it. Quite looking forward to the album now, when is it out?
Quote from: Neillwith2Ls on March 09, 2022, 08:26:17 PMI was quite enthusiastic about Harridan when it came out, but I think the new single wipes the floor with it and is a gorgeous little song; SW at his best. I can hear bits of Stupid Dream, Deadwing and of course The Incident in it. Quite looking forward to the album now, when is it out?
June
Now where were we on TNMS
If you like Radiohead surely you should like PT?
I love Radiohead, but I don't like a lot of PT. Just In Absentia really, and only about half of that.
Quote from: Rufus_the_dawg on March 10, 2022, 02:46:21 PMNow where were we on TNMS
If you like Radiohead surely you should like PT?
Doubt it. These 2 bands work in very different music
I like them both but prefer Porcupine Tree
Interesting article. Feels like this will be it for them
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/mar/10/reunited-prog-rockers-porcupine-tree-on-surviving-their-rift-you-cant-help-but-feel-bitter?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
Thanks for that piece, dom. Didn't know much about the split.
Harridan reminds me of 'Raven' material and I'm not sure the other one has anything to offer (....me anyway)
Both a bit meh
I quite like what I've heard of the album...
Quote from: Slim on March 10, 2022, 02:53:14 PMI love Radiohead, but I don't like a lot of PT. Just In Absentia really, and only about half of that.
Love PT and tried to like RH and have most of their albums
RH are winey, boring and up their own arse and their fanboys annoy me. Members of the press concentrate on them to much instead of other leftfield bands. Anathema's melodies are so much better without loosing the experimentation.
Having said that though, if you are interested in alternative music surely you would explore both bands output.
(https://preview.redd.it/d49cnylqy6o21.jpg?auto=webp&s=dfd98c872e9130e641530f34f816f758610303ec)
Thom with some interesting posters behind him, IQ Marillion Iron maiden
"Steven Wilson takes us on a journey from Aardvark and Abba to Zzebra and ZZ Top.". The 2 interviewers are past presenters of OGWT: Mark Ellen and David Hepworth - I really wish the OGWT was still on:
Met Steven at Blackwell's in Manchester on Tuesday.
I was a bit late getting there and it looked like I'd missed out as the shop was locked - I caught the eye of the (apparently) only staff member on the ground floor, indicating 'what's happened to the book signing?'
As I did, I noticed SW walking downstairs with his coat on ready to leave. Fair play to the fella,he asked the staff to open up and we had a good 15 minute natter which included XTC, returning to playing live, the awful Portuguese weather in March, Van Der Graaf Generator, the lack of Man City fans (he was non-commital, 'not wishing to be drawn into football politics' 😉), the sad demise of Anathema, the importance of music to people during the lockdowns and the joy of getting cashback when paying with an AMEX card 😂
He also very kindly signed the selection of PT/SW vinyl sleeves I'd brought (making sure they were given enough time to 'dry'), a copy of his new book and thanked me for making the effort of travelling from Liverpool 😎
Thanked him kindly and after a fist-pump, I was off back down the M62 after a very enjoyable, worthwhile whistle stop visit to Mancunia 👌
Top guy is our Steven 👏
Ali, nice one. I'm looking forward to getting his new book.
I love that Ali, thanks for sharing, and really glad you turned up late!
Quote from: Ali on April 07, 2022, 09:37:40 PMMet Steven at Blackwell's in Manchester on Tuesday.
I was a bit late getting there and it looked like I'd missed out as the shop was locked - I caught the eye of the (apparently) only staff member on the ground floor, indicating 'what's happened to the book signing?'
As I did, I noticed SW walking downstairs with his coat on ready to leave. Fair play to the fella,he asked the staff to open up and we had a good 15 minute natter which included XTC, returning to playing live, the awful Portuguese weather in March, Van Der Graaf Generator, the lack of Man City fans (he was non-commital, 'not wishing to be drawn into football politics' 😉), the sad demise of Anathema, the importance of music to people during the lockdowns and the joy of getting cashback when paying with an AMEX card 😂
He also very kindly signed the selection of PT/SW vinyl sleeves I'd brought (making sure they were given enough time to 'dry'), a copy of his new book and thanked me for making the effort of travelling from Liverpool 😎
Thanked him kindly and after a fist-pump, I was off back down the M62 after a very enjoyable, worthwhile whistle stop visit to Mancunia 👌
Top guy is our Steven 👏
Ok I have waited all day. What was said about XTC and VDGG?
Ali, did you get a selfie with him too? :)
Quote from: Rufus_the_dawg on April 08, 2022, 05:24:13 PMQuote from: Ali on April 07, 2022, 09:37:40 PMMet Steven at Blackwell's in Manchester on Tuesday.
I was a bit late getting there and it looked like I'd missed out as the shop was locked - I caught the eye of the (apparently) only staff member on the ground floor, indicating 'what's happened to the book signing?'
As I did, I noticed SW walking downstairs with his coat on ready to leave. Fair play to the fella,he asked the staff to open up and we had a good 15 minute natter which included XTC, returning to playing live, the awful Portuguese weather in March, Van Der Graaf Generator, the lack of Man City fans (he was non-commital, 'not wishing to be drawn into football politics' 😉), the sad demise of Anathema, the importance of music to people during the lockdowns and the joy of getting cashback when paying with an AMEX card 😂
He also very kindly signed the selection of PT/SW vinyl sleeves I'd brought (making sure they were given enough time to 'dry'), a copy of his new book and thanked me for making the effort of travelling from Liverpool 😎
Thanked him kindly and after a fist-pump, I was off back down the M62 after a very enjoyable, worthwhile whistle stop visit to Mancunia 👌
Top guy is our Steven 👏
Ok I have waited all day. What was said about XTC and VDGG?
Ok then....XTC: it was mainly down to our mutual appreciation of Swindon's finest (apart from Diana Dors, obviously 😂). I told him about seeing EXTC recently, how great they were and the fact they were playing songs from the whole back catalogue, not just those (up to English Settlement) that Terry Chambers had played drums on.
Regarding VdGG, having seen them for the first time recently, I mentioned that they're not an easy listen (patently!) and that the gig was unique in that there was no merch available, with the stage set being akin to a school concert with a plain white sheet draped behind the band. Steven said 'so it was all about the music then?' - very true and a little ironic as I'd just paid 25 quid for his book 😁
He also mentioned he hadn't seen Peter Hammill for ages and what a lovely chap he is 👍
He didn't appear to be aware that Anathema are no more, which I found a tad surprising considering he's worked with them previously...or maybe, he's not quite the music obsessive many of the rest of us are 😁
Quote from: pxr5 on April 08, 2022, 07:03:21 PMAli, did you get a selfie with him too? :)
I did indeed, I'll punish you all with it at a later date 😉
Louise and I saw him yesterday in Oxford. Really good afternoon with an 'In Conversation' section then Q&A from the floor (he even managed to answer my somewhat rambling question, which was jolly nice of him). There were well over 100 folk there, maybe 150, and when it was announced that the book signing would take place up two long flights of stairs we thought we would have to miss out as that would be beyond Lou's capabilities. Steven however was happy to have a quick chat, sign some bits and pieces and have a couple of photos with us before heading up. Top chap indeed!
PS: John Mitchell wandered up while Steven was talking to us, a local resident I presume?
Porcupine Tree - Closure / Continuation Fan Q&A
Why is Colin Edwin not in the band?
Quote from: Rufus_the_dawg on April 15, 2022, 03:11:30 AMWhy is Colin Edwin not in the band?
He has been cancelled; never existed and if the Osbourne route is taken his bass parts will be re-recorded and never heard again.
Steven Wilson's Top 100 Songs: Spotify Playlist
Quite a varied mix and very interesting to see Bauhaus and Aphrodite's Child in the top 10.
https://www.reddit.com/r/porcupinetree/comments/u70l46/stevens_top_100_songs_spotify_playlist/
Quote from: pxr5 on April 19, 2022, 12:36:19 PMSteven Wilson's Top 100 Songs: Spotify Playlist
Quite a varied mix and very interesting to see Bauhaus and Aphrodite's Child in the top 10.
https://www.reddit.com/r/porcupinetree/comments/u70l46/stevens_top_100_songs_spotify_playlist/
Having listened to him last week in Oxford I found myself exploring some of the bands/artists he mentioned, like The Cocteau Twins and Aphex Twin. Has always dismissed the former as Alt bollox and never heard the latter before!
New touring guitarist and bass player announced
PORCUPINE TREE has announced the addition of guitarist Randy McStine (MCSTINE & MINNEMANN, LO-FI RESISTANCE) and bassist Nate Navarro (DEVIN TOWNSEND) to its touring lineup.
https://blabbermouth.net/news/porcupine-tree-adds-guitarist-and-bassist-to-2022-touring-lineup
Review of Closure/Continuation
https://metalwani.com/2022/05/review-porcupine-tree-closure-continuation.html
In Absentia full album cover - very well done indeed:
https://linktr.ee/collablightintoearth
Quote from: Rufus_the_dawg on March 13, 2022, 02:37:03 PMQuote from: Slim on March 10, 2022, 02:53:14 PMI love Radiohead, but I don't like a lot of PT. Just In Absentia really, and only about half of that.
Love PT and tried to like RH and have most of their albums
RH are winey, boring and up their own arse and their fanboys annoy me. Members of the press concentrate on them to much instead of other leftfield bands. Anathema's melodies are so much better without loosing the experimentation.
Having said that though, if you are interested in alternative music surely you would explore both bands output.
I can take Radiohead in small doses; I've "tried" PT and SW but nothing has ever prompted me to investigate further.
All the Emperor's New Clothes, if you ask me.
Week to go until the new album
Another video to wet your appetite
are there any tracks left that have not been released?
That's 4 singles released from the album so far. I haven't listened to Herd Culling or Rats Return - I'll await the album next week. I've had the deluxe vinyl version on pre-order since 01 Nov 21 - 45 rpm too:
https://burningshed.com/porcupine-tree_closure-continuation_vinyl-boxset?filter_name=porcupine%20tree&filter_sub_category=true&page=2
One quick play through of Closure/Continuation today. My first impression is: I wish it were longer. Some good songs though but more listens required.
Mind is in the post. Probably arriving Saturday.
Lots of positive reviews around on the internet
Quote from: pdw1 on June 23, 2022, 06:59:21 PMMind is in the post.
Amazing what you can buy online these days!
Quote from: pxr5 on June 03, 2022, 07:04:59 PMIn Absentia full album cover - very well done indeed:
https://linktr.ee/collablightintoearth
This is quite nice!
Yet another album from PT. A limited run on vinyl only of Coma Coda:
https://burningshed.com/porcupine-tree_coma-coda_red-double-vinyl
Been going through the entire Porcupine Tree back catalogue this week. Up to Fear of a Blank Planet now.
Never done this before and really enjoying it. Unlike a lot of bands the quality seems to improve as they get older. There's some great stuff amongst the earlier records but its interspersed with poor to middlin content. That reduces with each successive production. I think Deadwing has no filler and that particular chart reaches its zenith here. In Absentia has some of their best material but it contains a fair bit of stuff I don't get on with too. .3, Gravity Eyelids. Collapse Light into Earth which just seems to meander on without going anywhere.
Fear of a Blank Planet is excellent too and doesn't have much in the way of filler. I don't think the highs are as good as on Deadwing or In Absentia though.
Quote from: dom on September 16, 2022, 06:12:17 PMBeen going through the entire Porcupine Tree back catalogue this week. Up to Fear of a Blank Planet now.
Never done this before and really enjoying it. Unlike a lot of bands the quality seems to improve as they get older. There's some great stuff amongst the earlier records but its interspersed with poor to middlin content. That reduces with each successive production. I think Deadwing has no filler and that particular chart reaches its zenith here. In Absentia has some of their best material but it contains a fair bit of stuff I don't get on with too. .3, Gravity Eyelids. Collapse Light into Earth which just seems to meander on without going anywhere.
Fear of a Blank Planet is excellent too and doesn't have much in the way of filler. I don't think the highs are as good as on Deadwing or In Absentia though.
I've only got 'the essentials' but I agree with your assessment of those, totally
Anyone seen the current setlist... runs for 3 hours!
Just to make sure I don;t spil...have a look for yourself if you want, this was yesterday:
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/porcupine-tree/2022/bellco-theatre-denver-co-23b1bceb.html
https://www.loudersound.com/news/porcupine-tree-announce-uk-outdoor-show-for-summer-2023
Due to being away for work I can no longer make the London gig, I have received the e-tickets today, 2 x block B row 3. Happy to offer these for £100 for the pair if anyone is interested ? I think they can be transferred electronically.
Anyone who's ever been thinking about buying the book Time Flies: The Story of Porcupine Tree and put off by the high prices (like me). Well it's just been updated and released in paperback for the first time for £17. Still quite dear but better than the £25 (classic) £45 (signature) editions before:
https://rocket88books.com/products/time-flies-the-story-of-porcupine-tree-paperback
Nice review of the Wembley gig
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/885c808a-6354-11ed-9ccc-9d160947f622?shareToken=55c5f006ed076b077fc87410e28a1088&fbclid=IwAR2fVv0u2TaZReEtJQZCWFMDsKAQJu72bEF23BZCSaxiQ1Z3qJoVgHIMBys
Quote from: dom on November 14, 2022, 02:11:58 PMNice review of the Wembley gig
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/885c808a-6354-11ed-9ccc-9d160947f622?shareToken=55c5f006ed076b077fc87410e28a1088&fbclid=IwAR2fVv0u2TaZReEtJQZCWFMDsKAQJu72bEF23BZCSaxiQ1Z3qJoVgHIMBys
Pretty accurate I'd say though thought most of the new stuff sounded fine and Herd Culling was immense! Can imagine if they ever did tour properly again that would be the one they definitely keep...but great gig. Really good to bump into quite a few of the former TNMS crowd (see if I can remember user names: Oz, Rascal Houdi, Neill with 2 L's, Baldie Pete, Dixcot...) though missed as many as we saw, which was a shame. And I guess it's an age thing when you you get driven to the gig by your son (who then get's a nice seat upgrade courtesy of Neill).
It's a crap venue but, from Louise's point of view in her wheelchair it rather exceeded expectations with a great spot at the front of the lower tier and attentive/understanding staff. Plus, the PT sound man must be a miracle worker as it sounded pretty decent.
Meanwhile Louise is causing mayhem on the various fan pages due to her light up walking stick :)
(https://i.ibb.co/myhLcvx/lightsabre.jpg)
Well worth the travel down to Wembley . Thoroughly enjoyable gig with great seats. Tremendous set list with , as Pudders said , Herd culling being the highlight from the latest album . Sorry I missed you by the way, I believe I was in the same pub as you but kept bumping into folk we knew . A quick trip down and back up with the Scottish troops , but we all enjoyed it very much
Quote from: Blastzone on November 17, 2022, 11:34:54 AMWell worth the travel down to Wembley . Thoroughly enjoyable gig with great seats. Tremendous set list with , as Pudders said , Herd culling being the highlight from the latest album . Sorry I missed you by the way, I believe I was in the same pub as you but kept bumping into folk we knew . A quick trip down and back up with the Scottish troops , but we all enjoyed it very much
Sorry we missed you, it was impossible to get Lou's wheels in the pub so missed loads of you guys!
Spotify unwrapped came out today showing top artists, songs listened to in 2022. A new feature is artist messages. Bruce Soord and Gavin Harrison appeared on mine promoting new material and tour. What's good for the goose etc!
Quote from: dom on November 30, 2022, 08:36:58 PMSpotify unwrapped came out today showing top artists, songs listened to in 2022. A new feature is artist messages. Bruce Soord and Gavin Harrison appeared on mine promoting new material and tour. What's good for the goose etc!
Spotify Unwrapped is probably worth a new thread Dom.
Every Porcupine Tree album ranked from worse to best
https://www.loudersound.com/features/every-porcupine-tree-album-ranked-from-worst-to-best
in the wrong order
^ Blimey C/C second. I'd put In Absentia first.
New SW album coming this year, the man himself tweeted it just now. 10 tracks, 65mins, not that that means anything though. Looking forward to it though. Can't imagine he will venture into his last solo outing direction and he likes changing things up.
Also said next years PT shows will be the last.
Quote from: Nick on January 01, 2023, 05:54:12 PMAlso said next years PT shows will be the last.
The Manchester show is being advertised as the only UK show. If that is true we didnt get much of this re-union tour
Quote from: Nick on January 01, 2023, 05:54:12 PMAlso said next years PT shows will be the last.
"Likely to be" their last I think is the direct quote ;)
I always felt it was a bit of a Swan-song, and even after their triumphant Wembley gig it never felt like a new beginning to me. Guess we're lucky that it happened at all?
So, the show I visited last year gets the CD/DVD/BluRay/LP release December 8th.
Going to cost everyone a fortune, luckily Christmas is rapidly approaching.
Here's Harridan:
EDIT: Spotted myself already.
^ Sweet. A bit steep for the x4 vinyl though - £74.99. I might pass on this one - then again......
https://burningshed.com/index.php?route=product/search&filter_name=porcupine%20tree&filter_sub_category=true
With this and the new solo album SW has a strangle hold on my credit card. I tried to resist, honest I did but...
Well, I gave in and pre ordered the LP set and the DVD/BR combo. Can't take it with me anyway...it's only money.
Quote from: Thenop on November 10, 2023, 01:39:16 PMWell, I gave in and pre ordered the LP set and the DVD/BR combo. Can't take it with me anyway...it's only money.
Ha, good one. They'll only go up in price after you get them. I'm still on the fence though.
It appears there's a pre screening of some sorts December 11th in London with limited seating. Was sent an email, if anyone's interested in the code to let me know.
Thank you for pre-ordering Closure/Continuation.Live from the Porcupine Tree Store.
Please see below your unique code and link, which allows you to access ticket registration for the CLOSURE / CONTINUATION.LIVE EXCLUSIVE SCREENING AND Q&A at DOLBY, SOHO HOUSE, LONDON. 11th DECEMBER 2023.
TWO SESSIONS FROM 5PM TO BE ASSIGNED DECEMBER 4TH WHEN ENTRIES CLOSE.
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
TICKETS ARE LIMITED AND ASSIGNED RANDOMLY TO SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS.
THE ABOVE LINK AND CODE PROVIDES ACCESS TO APPLY FOR A TICKET, AND IS NOT A GUARANTEE OF A TICKET.
SESSIONS ARE 5PM-7.30PM AND 8PM-11.30PM AND BOTH INCLUDE 90 MINUTE SCREENINGS AND 30 MINUTE Q&A SESSIONS WITH PORCUPINE TREE.
ENTRANTS MUST BE AVAILABLE TO ATTEND EITHER SESSION. TRAVEL AND ACCOMODATION NOT INCLUDED.
STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ENTRY APPLY
I couldn't resist anymore - vinyl version pre-ordered. I still think it's too much though.
I've had a notification of dispatch from BS. So it will likely arrive here Friday.
Excellent, awaiting mine as well. Supposedly ships tomorrow, so it'll be another week ::)
Quote from: pxr5 on December 06, 2023, 05:56:19 PMI've had a notification of dispatch from BS. So it will likely arrive here Friday.
Me Too! quite excited.
Had a quick listen to the streaming version. It's good, a typical Wilson mix: very 'clean', bit lifeless at times but also more 'live' in a weird way. It's dynamic, that's for sure which is a breath of fresh air compared to modern day productions.
My LP set has been shipped, expected delivery: coming Monday. Then it's time for a proper listen.
Nothing from our postie today.
I am allowed to say mine arrived this morning. It is huge and lovely
Quote from: pdw1 on December 08, 2023, 08:01:19 PMI am allowed to say mine arrived this morning. It is huge and lovely
Nice one :)
I received the Vinyl version in the post this morning. Blimey, it's big and heavy. I played a digital copy of the album last night though and very good it is too.
Enjoying this on Spotify, as ever great production.
Box is in, looking forward to sitting down and having a proper listen.
I haven't ordered it yet but listened to the start on Spotify last night. Sounds really good.
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on December 11, 2023, 08:28:56 PMI haven't ordered it yet but listened to the start on Spotify last night. Sounds really good.
Yes, the perfect opening track too.
Quote from: pxr5 on December 12, 2023, 12:15:38 PMQuote from: The Picnic Wasp on December 11, 2023, 08:28:56 PMI haven't ordered it yet but listened to the start on Spotify last night. Sounds really good.
Yes, the perfect opening track too.
I liked the early shout out to the audience. Geddy's usually about three songs in before his hello.
Finally got round to opening the box, looks great but there's seamsplits everywhere, they did not really think this through when transporting. Also: 3 out of 4 discs are warped. haven't listened yet, I doubt it has any effect on the sound and if I keep it properly stored and ans stuff it with some cardbord it'll straighten itself out on a month or 2.
Quote from: Thenop on December 19, 2023, 09:35:43 AMFinally got round to opening the box, looks great but there's seamsplits everywhere, they did not really think this through when transporting. Also: 3 out of 4 discs are warped. haven't listened yet, I doubt it has any effect on the sound and if I keep it properly stored and ans stuff it with some cardbord it'll straighten itself out on a month or 2.
Have you ever been able to straighten out a warped record? If so, I'd like to know you're method
Quote from: David L on December 19, 2023, 10:46:38 AMQuote from: Thenop on December 19, 2023, 09:35:43 AMFinally got round to opening the box, looks great but there's seamsplits everywhere, they did not really think this through when transporting. Also: 3 out of 4 discs are warped. haven't listened yet, I doubt it has any effect on the sound and if I keep it properly stored and ans stuff it with some cardbord it'll straighten itself out on a month or 2.
Have you ever been able to straighten out a warped record? If so, I'd like to know you're method
Depends, if it's not too bad I put it in the cupboard between the alther (straight) records, leave it there for a while and it usually turns out OK. Itf it is too bad, there are only 2 remedies:
- Return it (Have done so on some occasions)
- Find someone (usually a store) that has a flattener. They do it for a few euro. Mild heat is applied and then bend back into shape. It works, but method 1 is always preferred.
Have to say though, with a decent record player, you don't really hear it. It's more a visual imperfection that can be annoying if you know it.
Much worse is an off center pressed LP though, those are unlistenable.
Quote from: Thenop on December 19, 2023, 10:55:22 AMQuote from: David L on December 19, 2023, 10:46:38 AMQuote from: Thenop on December 19, 2023, 09:35:43 AMFinally got round to opening the box, looks great but there's seamsplits everywhere, they did not really think this through when transporting. Also: 3 out of 4 discs are warped. haven't listened yet, I doubt it has any effect on the sound and if I keep it properly stored and ans stuff it with some cardbord it'll straighten itself out on a month or 2.
Have you ever been able to straighten out a warped record? If so, I'd like to know you're method
Depends, if it's not too bad I put it in the cupboard between the alther (straight) records, leave it there for a while and it usually turns out OK. Itf it is too bad, there are only 2 remedies:
- Return it (Have done so on some occasions)
- Find someone (usually a store) that has a flattener. They do it for a few euro. Mild heat is applied and then bend back into shape. It works, but method 1 is always preferred.
Have to say though, with a decent record player, you don't really hear it. It's more a visual imperfection that can be annoying if you know it.
Much worse is an off center pressed LP though, those are unlistenable.
Well, I have to say, I'm surprised. Applying heat should work but never had too much success with applying weight etc, especially with dish warps.
Mild warping usually cannot be heard. Of course, phono stages/amps have a low frequency cut-off setting to ensure more extreme warps do not find their way to the speakers.
There are various methods for fixing off-centre LPs on the web