Porcupine Tree: Recordings

[BDA_ABAT]

Anyone else heard this album? I've not had a great deal of time to get familiar with it but here are my first impressions.

It's... well, like someone gave the band Quaaludes before the start of recording. It's SLOW in spots... a track will start and have almost zero sound for the for 20 seconds, then will sort of get going. This happens in several tracks but not all. Weird.

The guys can play, but it's as if they were immersed in molasses. No energy, no real spark, no joy. The music did not match my mood during the initial review.

Anyone else have different opinions/feelings?

Thanks!
Bruce

 

[Braver]

I'm not familiar with the specific album, but your descriptions sound about right

it's more about setting a mood, than rock-n-roll fun. take it like this: late at night, little artificial light, after a couple of beers, and just kick back.

just like Pink FLoyd really. I love it, but it's a bit of an aqcuired taste I guess. takes some patience man.

 

[Demetrio]

I'm a huge PORCUPINE TREE fan myself, but like Braver said very well, they are definitely an aqcuired taste. Guess you might want to check out some of their more recent stuff, "Lightbulb Sun" would be my recommendation for you.

Be patient, let it grow on.

 

[nick danger]

I'm a porcupine lover myself. "Recording" is a collection of outtakes and may have a good cut or two lurking in there. I like Signify and am learning Lightbulb Sun. Lightbulb is taking a while, but once the porcupine gets under your skin, it's all over.

 

[Dusty Chalk]

I got right into Recordings, whereas Lightbulb Sun had to grow on me. As a matter of fact, for the longest time, I didn't "get" it, and only liked two of the songs.

I have basically four different listening styles:

- in the car -- I reserve this for most pop/rock, compressed, etc., because of the dynamic range/noise floor interaction.

- background work listening -- purely instrumental music. Nothing too ...erm... distracting.

- background home listening -- some headphones, some speakers -- this is how I do most of my home listening; for instance while reading head-fi and posting. Style of music can be anything.

- concentrated listening -- been doing this a lot lately. I usually reserve the hi-fi recordings or "interesting" music that merits concentrated listening (e.g. Laurie Anderson).

I previously had not listened to Porcupine Tree's Lightbulb Sun in the last style before I "got" it. They really benefit from a relaxed yet concentrated listen. (Relaxed because you're not being "Type A" and trying to get multiple things done.)

Maybe this is what you are running into?

nick -- you're posting your bestial fetish on the wrong forum. This is for lovers of Porcupine Tree. j/k...