Porcupine Tree - Lightbulb Sun

Special two disc (CD + DVD Audio) pressing of Steven Wilson and Porcupine Tree's Lightbulb Sun album features a bonus DVD-Audio disc that contains a 5.1 Surround Sound mix of the album, the original stereo mix plus other fine bonus features. The CD features a new stereo mix of the album, which was originally released in 2000. Lightbulb Sun was Porcupine Tree's first foray into more commercial terrain and may have initially taken fans by surprise but has become a beloved entry in their impressive catalog. Album Description

"And now for something completely different..."

Wilson can write some catchy stuff. Very stunning hi-rez recording in surround...atmospheric, then at once loud and in your face. This was way out of my musical tastes, but I am glad I checked them out. Many people were buzzing about them so I had to see what was up....glad I did! Challenging at first, but worth repeated listening sessions. November 12, 2008

Pure sweetness

Well this is my top fav. band (along with SP) so it is easy to say I love this album. I want to get a record player so I can start listening to music on LPs instead of digital cd's. I think LPs are more suited for the original intent of the music. Well this CD rocks, I love the way the bass powers on in the song Russia on Ice. The title track is sooo sweet. EVERY SONG = SUPER!!!!1111. November 3, 2008

Worth it for Russia on Ice alone

R.O.I with it's mix of almost atmospheric setting through to the wah infused groove and into the all out crescendo (featuring the lower in the mix crunch guitar that shows up on almost every album in different incarnations) into the final. Hatesong has another great bass groove together with some staccato beats (almost an homage to almost a Cygnus X- book 2, and reflected in other bands like HeadenD's Nine Days Wonder). Personally, I think that 4 chords that made a million is probably the weakest track. I get the point, but the tune doesn't stand up to multiple listens. Much better is "The rest will flow" or "where would we be" which is almost beatlesque with the vocal interplay and lyrics. All in all a great re-issue October 21, 2008

Where's Gavin....

I have been a PT fan for a long time and have always enjoyed the progressive movements of Steve Wilson. Gavin Harrison is simply a virtuous drummer with crazy skills and texture. Where's Gavin? Gavin adds so much texture to the movements of PT that is so significant and beautiful to the pieces that it makes the album fall short just a bit since he isn't the drummer on this one. The drumming on Shesmovedon by Gavin is so tasty on Deadwing that it makes it hard for me to listen to it on Lightbulb Sun. August 30, 2008

on the right path

I waited long and hard for this re-release, and I'm happy I was patient. The 5.1 mix is beautiful, and the stereo disc sounds great, but this is no news for PT fans used to Steven Wilson's wizardry.
The album is great, better than Stupid Dream in my opinion. The songs have more personality and identity and the album has enough variety to keep things interesting.
More akin to Stupid Dream than to In Absentia, but still showing sings of evolution in that direction.
I like comparing this version of Shesmovedon with the one in Deadwing. It's hard to improve a great song, leave that to Steven Wilson.
August 27, 2008

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