CD-Charts Position 1
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The Garden of Jane Delawney: Remastered & Expanded

by: Trees

Release Date September 22, 2008
but is this 2 discs or just bonus tracks-there is an album made after that would be good to have cleaned up and released

CD-Charts Position 2
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Deadwing

by: Porcupine Tree

Release Date March 28, 2005
This album is truly incredible. Beginning with the excellent wake-up call that is 'Deadwing' and then continuing with some of the best songs that Porcupine Tree have done in recent years, 'Arriving Somewhere... But Not Here', 'Open Car', 'Mellotron Scratch' etc..

The most interesting thing, I find, about this album is that Steven Wilson seems to have finally allowed some influence from one of his supposed favourite bands, the progressive thrash metal band Meshuggah, to creep into his music. The Heavy riff in 'Arriving Somewhere... But Not Here' is one of the best parts of the album and works incredibly in contrast with the quieter parts of the song.

My personal favourite part of the album is the guest solo by ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
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Fear of a Blank Planet

by: Porcupine Tree

Release Date April 16, 2007
Porcupine Tree is a progressive rock group which is known for their experimental approach. This is still the case with their ninth album "Fear of a Blank Planet". The focus in this album is on the 21st Century society of video games, MTV, the internet, etc. This album takes the subject head on, and it is a real treat for the listener. This is a great album for people interested in progressive music. It was released on April 16, 2007 in Europe, and a week later in the United States.

It opens with the title track "Fear of a Blank Planet", a driving piece for the first half in which the lyrics are from the point of view of adolescent who sings about his life and the lack of anything of real substance in it. Music, TV, internet, drugs, sex, ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 4
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In Absentia

by: Porcupine Tree

Release Date January 13, 2003
Steven Wilson's fantasy joke band, complete with fictional history and bio have achieved far more than most real bands have. The retro-psych "new Pink Floyd" melodic prog stuff is as polished and epic as ever, but perhaps as a result of listening to Swedish black metallers Opeth (who Steve went on to produce) he has brought a much bigger and brutal guitar sound into the mix and some killer riffs to boot (the opener for example).

I would however like to single out Trains as the best track on the album. Train images and sounds puntuate steve's recordings (he grew up in Hemel near a track and they provided the soundtrack to his youth). This record is a perfect piece of prog and a great track in any genre. It has an acoustic/electric quiet/loud dynamic, ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 5
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Lightbulb Sun (CD+DVD)

by: Porcupine Tree

Release Date April 28, 2008
Okay, I must confess like most of the reviewers I already have this album from the original release. But I will not be buying it, I would though, if I had a 5.1 system.

For those new, or new-ish to the band this album comes from the "peak" of late 90s-early 00s (Stupid Dream/Lightbulb Sun/In Absentia).

Personally, i'm surprised nobody has praised the album opener "Lightbulb Sun" with a great guitar riff. To be honest the only fault I can pick with this album is "How is your life" which bores me silly..it's too stripped back and basic.

Anyway, it doesnt matter, the rest is excellent, just buy it and follow it immediately with Stupid Dream (which is even better), and then In Absentia and finally Signify.

CD-Charts Position 6
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Porcupine Tree - Porcupine Tree - Arriving Somewhere [2005]

by: Porcupine Tree

Release Date April 28, 2008
Porcupine Tree. Where to start?

For me it's a wind-back just over 18 months when a very good friend recommended a couple of their albums to me. I took them on an MP3 player on holiday and came back completely hooked. Fast forward to now and I have bought just about everything Steven Wilson (the creative power behind Tree) has ever made, have seen them live a couple of times and am witnessing the rise that this band so thoroughly deserve.

If you like excellent, heavy but meaningful rock, top notch song writing and musicians who can really play live with power, passion and subtlety do not hesitate to buy this. The mix of songs, the video quality, performance and sound (in 5.1) are all quite stunning.

Buy it, but only if you are prepared ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 7
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Nil Recurring

by: Porcupine Tree

Release Date February 18, 2008
One word: Magnificent.

Steven Wilson must be the world's most underrated songwriter. His output via Porcupine Tree, Blackfield, No Man etc, simply proves how versatile and prolific he is. I can't think of any other artist that cuts across so many musical styles and maintains such quality.

Any of these tracks would have graced FOABT. Perhaps they should have released a double album.

CD-Charts Position 8
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On the Shore: Remastered & Expanded

by: Trees

Release Date August 11, 2008
So much trivia from the sixties and seventies is now accorded overlooked classic status that it's easy to become cynical when someone recommends music from that era. This however is the real deal. The power and intricacy of Trees' playing and arrangements is extraordinary. "Streets of Derry" and "Fool" could easily give Fairport Convention a run for their money in the folk-rock stakes and their extended version of "Sally Free and Easy" captures the song's haunting beauty exactly. Comparisons with Fairport are probably mistaken. Celia Humphris isn't as powerful or demonstrative a singer as Sandy Denny but the overall impact of the band is if anything, greater. Lead guitarist Barry Clarke's expressive playing helps the band rock harder and heavier than Fairport too. I'm not sure how much ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 9
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Dust

by: Screaming Trees

Release Date January 01, 2001
10 tracks, 10 classics. This album is a masterpiece by a band who, at the time of recording, had probably pressed the 'self distruct' button. When you compare it with other 'Made in Seatle' albums, Dust has no problem mixing with the big boys. I think it deserves a place along side Pearl Jam's 10, Nirvana's Nevermind and Soundgarden's Badmotorfinger. Yes, it is that good. There's a guest appearance from Mike McCready on track four 'Dying Days'. Mellotron, organ and sitar compliment the staple guitar, bass and drums. The production and mixing is first class, you can hear every note and drum beat throughout. I'm almost embarrassed to say but I paid £1.40 +pp for this masterpiece new. You can still buy it on Amazon for less than two quid so buy it now. If you don't like it I'll buy it off you. ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 10
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The Sky Moves Sideways: Remastered

by: Porcupine Tree

Release Date August 02, 2004
I bought this album a few months ago and absolutely love it. Not much lyrics but Porcupine Tree does it in such a way that's beautiful and atmospheric. If you love Porcupine Tree, this is definately a must-have.