Stupid Dream [Digibook] [CD+DVD]

This review is based upon the original release of this classic Prog Rock album, Stupid Dream.

Opening with the anthemic hard hitting yet simply constructed "Even Less" (rumoured to be presented in full fourteen minute version on this disc), the album moves on to softer terrain such as the melody-lush "Piano Lessons" and "Pure-Narcotic". These light-indie tinged classics present the true radio-friendly side of Porcupine Tree possibly in its peak and purest form.

The album's centre-piece "Don't Hate Me" stands as a true Pink Floyd tribute with the ending outro section sounding similar to several Floyd classics.

"This is No Reheasal" and "Stranger by the Minute" follow more of the Radio designed mould before the instrumental "Tinto Brass" kicks in, very interestingly formed, Tinto Brass could well be the best track on the album but for Even Less (Pt.I, seven minutes edit on the original releases).

Finally, "Stop Swimming" serves as a gentle closer to a well crafted finely mixed album of melody, hints of prog and hard rock riffs. For Prog and Porcupine Tree fans this is a must and truly demonstrates the bands evolution.

Along with Lightbulb Sun, this album tends to get a bit of a bashing amongst the PT faithful. It does retain a far more poppy sound, and Wilson himself acknowledged that on the pair of albums, he was focused more on the songs themselves, rather than how they fitted together into an album. Nevertheless, any fans of Porcupine Tree's lighter sounds will certainly find themselves right at home here, and I honestly think that this is one of PT's strongest albums, in terms of depth! Rarely will you find a poor track, and the songs are great to listen to, particularly when in a mellow mood. Edwin's bass is ever-present yet quietly dignified whilst driving the songs along, Harrison's drumming is as excellent as ever, and Barbieri really steps to the fore with some wonderfully constructed piano pieces and soundscapes. Whilst nowhere near as intense as In Absentia or Deadwing, as bizarre as Up The Downstair or On The Sunday of Life, Stupid Dream still manages to weigh in heavily. I'll go through the songs, and give a few opinions on them, in the hope that I can give a better insight into this excellent album!

-The album kicks off with 'Even Less', widely regarded as a fan favourite, as well as often being in PT's live setlists when on tour. The melodramatic opening riff is unique, and the song is very competently written. An excellent opening!

-Piano Lessons follows this, far more poppy, and perhaps summing up the album on the whole. If you compare the steady rhythm to numerous pop songs, you'd probably get a similar type of sound, but they make it work here. Bizarre lyrics, but that's nothing new. :P

-The title track is next, and is a quick 30 second instrumental filler piece, Nothing special, though it links the tracks either side of it together nicely. Very ambient. :)

-'Pure Narcotic' is an awesome track, prominently based around piano and acoustic guitar. I think that Wilson's singing is excellent here, some nice harmonies, and a very gentle sound...typical of the album on the whole. Excellent, and one of my favourites.

-Up next is the mesmeric 'Slave Called Shiver', which has a rather funky bassline. Nothing amazingly special about it, but it's a decent track.

-'Don't Hate Me' follows, and (I believe) is this first PT track to use brass...though I'm not sure on that. Regardless, this is touching a little more on the mysterious/ambient side of PT's works, building and building right to the end. The chorus is very well done, in particular!

-In order to not clog this review up too much by making it overlong, I'll skip directly to the last track here, which deserves special mention. An utterly spellbinding piano-driven track, 'Stop Swimming' really closes the album well- think 'Collapse The Light Into Earth', with a different slant. A wonderfully emotive piece, similar to others in the album, but with something unique that simply sets it apart. Incredible.

To sum up, I'd say that this is an extremely worthwhile purchase, but only if you lean towards more pop-orientated songs of the PT catalogue. Fans of Blackfield will find plenty to appreciate here, but even those who prefer Deadwing and the like will still find a few gems to unearth in here. I'd highly recommend it; though give it a listen before you purchase if you can, as the overall style perhaps might not be to your taste. Happy listening!

Having been a rock music fan since the late 70's I had become a little jaded until I heard this release. I bought this album off the back of a review and would have to say this is possibly one of the most evocative records I have ever heard. Swirling guitars, excellent hooks and strong melodies combine for a truely glorious experience. Some say Pink Floyd influences which may be marginally true but, frankly, who cares when the music is this good. I have subsequently bought Lightbulb Sun and Signify by the same band but find this the most accessible to the uninitiated. Enjoy.