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General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: Quadrochosis on June 01, 2010, 09:14:32 PM
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Well, since I've been on a massive PT kick lately, I decided to rank my top 50 songs by them and present them to you guys in the typical fashion that we've all been doing for a while now. Seeing as my Yes survivor is finishing tonight, and my DT list has also finished, I need to keep myself occupied, and this list will do that for a while. Also, my typical list notifications also apply to this list. I made this list in about 40 minutes and it is just meant for fun, don't take things too seriously. All of their albums are well represented here in my opinion.
I'll try to do about 5 a day until I get to the top 10, at which point I will slow down.
Note: My list may be controversial.
Here we go..
50. "Blackest Eyes" - In Absentia
This song was one of my first experiences with Porcupine Tree, and while it definitely hooked me at first, I don't rank it that high anymore. It has a lot of good moments, but for some reason the track has never really grabbed my attention a lot.
49. "Pure Narcotic" - Stupid Dream
You know a top 50 is going to be nothing but good songs when a song like "Pure Narcotic" ranks in at second to dead last. I do really admire this song, although I've always felt that SW's vocal delivery is a bit too nasally and that the song is just a bit too happy. Generally for my tastes, the sadder PT songs are the better ones.
48. "Deadwing" - Deadwing
A great album opener for one of their better albums. One of the things I like most about this song is the spoken word choruses that have that deeper voice. I also like the way it starts, with the neat keyboard effects.
47. "Bonnie the Cat" - The Incident
Probably one of the creepier songs the band has done. The lines "I hold your birth control to ransom / The cells divide and grow inside you / I know what will be" are some of the most evil sounding lines I have ever heard. Other than that the song has a nice feel to it, and I really like the delivery on the "I know, what, will be" lines.
46. "My Ashes" - Fear of a Blank Planet
I find this song to be pretty underrated as far as the PT catalog goes. I know a lot of people don't like FOABP too much, but I do, and I think that while this is the weakest track on the album, it certainly deserves much more credit then it is usually given. My favorite part of the song is the vocal delivery of "Never ending clouds of rain and distant sails.. sails.. SAAAAAAAAAAILS!" So awesome.
45. "Always Never" - Up the Downstair
This song is one of the better tunes on UtD. It actually sounds a lot like the Signify/SD era if you ask me, and this was one of the songs that really let us know where the band would be going in the future. This song really needs to be played live again, seeing as it fits so nicely with what the band has become over the years.
Another thing I should mention:
This is now going to be my 3rd or 4th "top 50" list, and this one has been BY FAR the hardest to make the list for. I really have trouble finding any faults with ANY of their music, and making this list, and then removing about 40 songs or so to trim it down to 50 was one of the hardest things I ever had to do.
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Nice. I haven't been in a PT mood lately, but I will still be following this. :hat
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Nice. I haven't been in a PT mood lately, but I will still be following this. :hat
Glad to hear it :tup
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Bonnie the Cat. :tup
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Ahh no more love for this list? C'mon guys PT is like the new DT here!
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I can't help but wonder if people are getting top listed out. ;) It seems like everyone and their mother is doing one these days. I try to limit myself to one a month, and each time I have done one, it was the first one for that particular band or idea. This is, what, the 3rd or 4th one for PT in the last eight months or so, so I wonder if that explains the lack of posts thus far. I am glad I started this trend, as many seem to enjoy these types of threads, but having so many at once can be a bit of overkill.
Or maybe everyone was already asleep last night when you first posted it and no one has woke up yet. :p :biggrin: :lol
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I'll be following, though i already know that your top50 will be far from mine. :lol
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Porcupine who?
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Porcupine who?
It's a type of Pine tree.
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Porcupine who?
It's Iain Wilson's brother's band
:splodetard:
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I'll be following this, it will be especially interesting as I only just got into them. :tup
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Will be following.
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I'll be following, but yeah, I'm kinda PT top 50's out. Don't expect many posts unless you do something as heinous as having "Deadwing" so criminally low.
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Deadwing at 49?
Top 15 material atleast!
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Well I'm glad that I got some responses. Anyway, I am going to continue this, I don't care what other people say, I absolutely love writing these and even a few readers is more than enough for me.
Here's the next five.
44. "The Incident" - The Incident
Really cool title track from the song cycle on disc one. From what I've gathered it is about a car crash and it kind of gives of that vibe pretty well. It kind of has a feel of older PT, but with some tinges of newer PT (thinking of the opening of "Sleep Together") The repeated phrase, which I think says "You get all disheveled" is a really neat addition to the song.
43. "Sentimental" - Fear of a Blank Planet
A really cool song that follows the epic track on FOABP. The chorus is probably my favorite part of the song, and I really enjoy the way the piano intro kind of stumbles you into the song. A really neat tune that well deserves it's spot amongst PT's discography in my top 50.
42. "The Blind House" - The Incident
My definite favorite part of this tune is the quiet part where we hear the "Breathe out.. Blind House.. Free Love.. Feel Love.." right before the song kicks back in. It always sends chills down my spine. A great way to kick TI song cycle into motion and a tune that I won't soon forget. Can't wait to see this live at RCMH.
41. "Signify" - Signify
This instrumental title track of one of the better PT albums really has a quite different vibe then anything else they've done, and certainly a different vibe of the rest of the album in my opinion. I like the time signature change that they put on the riff occasionally throughout the song as it keeps it fresh while allowing the riff to be used in a more repetitive fashion. Really cool track.
40. "The Rest Will Flow" - Lightbulb Sun
This is perhaps one of PT's more underrated songs. It's easy to overlook at first, because of it's length, but when you really spend some time with it, it turns out to be one of their more beautiful songs. There's a version of this song that I have that is an orchestral version of this song and it really rocks as well. Overall a nice tune that really helps flow along LBS.
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Deadwing at 49?
Top 1 material atleast!
And Pure Narcotic should be farther down the list as well. :sadpanda:
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Deadwing at 49?
Top 1 material atleast!
And Pure Narcotic should be farther down the list as well. :sadpanda:
Like I said, PN is too nasally, and DW drags a bit for me. But like I said, there's no such thing as a bad PT song, so I had to be extremely nit-picky when I was making this list.
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i'll be following.
i'd say pure narcotic, deadwing, blind house and the incident are way too low though ;D
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42. "Signify" - Signify
:tup
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Here is the next update.
39. "The Moon Touches Your Shoulder" - The Sky Moves Sideways
I always forget about this song, and then later come to find out about it again while listening to TSMS and am always blown away at how awesome it is. One of their more underrated songs to date.
38. "Even Less" - Stupid Dream
This is a great opening track to one of their best albums. The 7 minute cut on the album is really good, but the version on Recordings is the better one in my opinion. The actually track is really good though, and usually gets the job done more than often.
37. "Flicker" - The Incident
I think that this is definitely one of the better songs off disc to of TI. It just sounds so awesome, I can never get enough of it, especially the cool organ-y keyboard sounding stuff.
36. "Gravity Eyelids" - In Absentia
Indeed this is one of the best PT songs on IA. I really like how heavy the song gets despite it being quiet nice in the beginning.
35. "This Is No Rehearsal" - Stupid Dream
Another sick song from SD. This song is one of the songs that I really got into a lot when I first started getting into PT a lot. A real great classic.
Five more tomorrow! :metal
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I definitely will be following, for some reason haven't seen this thread earlier.
But Gravity Eyelids so low?! :( And I wouldn't call Pure Narcotic a happy song - it's like with Blackest Eyes for example, it sounds happy, but the lyrics certainly aren't. Though still great to see it on the list, people often forget about it.
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You just made Darkes7 very sad by placing Gravity Eyelids so low.
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I need to make my own top 50 eventually to show you how it's done right. :lol
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I need to make my own top 50 eventually to show you how it's done right. :lol
I'm beginning to feel that I need to as well...shocking list!
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I need to make my own top 50 eventually to show you how it's done right. :lol
Haha, my top 50 lists always end up being extremely controversial. I guess I just have really strange tastes. Like my top 10 of this list is all PT songs that I feel are untouchable, and yet I'm sure a lot of the songs I already said would be close or in other's top 10. :lol
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I need to make my own top 50 eventually to show you how it's done right. :lol
Haha, my top 50 lists always end up being extremely controversial. I guess I just have really strange tastes. Like my top 10 of this list is all PT songs that I feel are untouchable, and yet I'm sure a lot of the songs I already said would be close or in other's top 10. :lol
Let me guess, your top10 includes: Trains, Blackest Eyes, The Sound of Muzak, Shallow, Lazarus, Halo and Heartattack in a layby? :neverusethis:
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I need to make my own top 50 eventually to show you how it's done right. :lol
Haha, my top 50 lists always end up being extremely controversial. I guess I just have really strange tastes. Like my top 10 of this list is all PT songs that I feel are untouchable, and yet I'm sure a lot of the songs I already said would be close or in other's top 10. :lol
Let me guess, your top10 includes: Trains, Blackest Eyes, The Sound of Muzak, Shallow, Lazarus, Halo and Heartattack in a layby? :neverusethis:
You'll see.
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I need to make my own top 50 eventually to show you how it's done right. :lol
Haha, my top 50 lists always end up being extremely controversial. I guess I just have really strange tastes. Like my top 10 of this list is all PT songs that I feel are untouchable, and yet I'm sure a lot of the songs I already said would be close or in other's top 10. :lol
Let me guess, your top10 includes: Trains, Blackest Eyes, The Sound of Muzak, Shallow, Lazarus, Halo and Heartattack in a layby? :neverusethis:
You'll see.
Quadrochosis does not comment on rumour or speculation.
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Quadrochosis does not comment on rumour or speculation.
:tup
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:tup Definitely will be following!
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Let me guess, your top10 includes: Trains, Blackest Eyes, The Sound of Muzak, Shallow, Lazarus, Halo and Heartattack in a layby? :neverusethis:
All of those are phenomenal songs, except for "Shallow" (which is only merely good), so what would be the problem with most or all of those songs being in his top 10?
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Halo would wind up in the 20s or 30s for me, Heartattack would be in the teens along with Lazarus, Trains would be in 2nd place, and The Sound of Muzak and Shallow would not make the top 50. :neverusethis:
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Let me guess, your top10 includes: Trains, Blackest Eyes, The Sound of Muzak, Shallow, Lazarus, Halo and Heartattack in a layby? :neverusethis:
All of those are phenomenal songs, except for "Shallow" (which is only merely good), so what would be the problem with most or all of those songs being in his top 10?
Being phenomenal doesn't make it top10 material, at least not when its PT.
In an ocean of phenomenal songs. ;)
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Perhaps not, but with so many phenomenal songs, the difference between number 6 and number 37, for example, sometimes ain't much, so why split hairs? ;)
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Perhaps not, but with so many phenomenal songs, the difference between number 6 and number 37, for example, sometimes ain't much, so why split hairs? ;)
That's how I'm considering my list. They're all so close so song number 50 is almost as good as song number 5, etc.
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I can't think of any bands with so few filler tracks, other than Opeth or maybe Tool (except the actual 1 minute filler tracks :P)
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Let me guess, your top10 includes: Trains, Blackest Eyes, The Sound of Muzak, Shallow, Lazarus, Halo and Heartattack in a layby? :neverusethis:
For me, Heartattack in a Layby would be around top 7, Lazarus around top 10, Trains and Halo around 30-40, Blackest Eyes and Shallow 40-50, The Sound of Muzak #2 in a "bottom 50 Porcupine Tree" songs list.
I can't think of any bands with so few filler tracks, other than Opeth or maybe Tool (except the actual 1 minute filler tracks :P)
Riverside, Dream Theater.
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Let me guess, your top10 includes: Trains, Blackest Eyes, The Sound of Muzak, Shallow, Lazarus, Halo and Heartattack in a layby? :neverusethis:
For me, Heartattack in a Layby would be around top 7, Lazarus around top 10, Trains and Halo around 30-40, Blackest Eyes and Shallow 40-50, The Sound of Muzak #2 in a "bottom 50 Porcupine Tree" songs list.
What would be nr1 on that list? :O
Personally, Trains and Halo are liek.. top10 material, the other songs are not. :>
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shut it down mellotron shut it down scratch shut it down shut it down shut it down
Halo is a really nice song, and feels a bit overlooked to me - in fact, I also forget about it, but I come back to it now and then and it's really enjoyable.
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Mellotron Scratch has really grown on me tbh, when i spinned Deadwing yesterday (first time in ages), it was one of the songs that stood out the most.
I would prolly rank the songs on the album like this:
1. Halo
2. The Start of Something Beautiful
3. Deadwing
4. Arriving Somewhere but Not Here
5. Mellotron Scratch
6. Shallow
7. Open Car
8. Lazarus
9. Glass Arm Shattering
also, uhm ye.. hopefully i didn't go too much offtopic from the thread. :biggrin:
gief update!
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It has never grown on me. I disliked it all the way back when I first was listening to Deadwing (still before my "prog era" began) before getting into PT proper, I disliked it later, and I still dislike it now even when many other PT songs have grown on me.
My ranking for Deadwing would be this:
1. The Start of Something Beautiful
2. Lazarus
3. Arriving Somewhere but not here
4. Deadwing
5. Halo
6. Open Car
7. Shallow
8. Glass Arm Shattering (<- I still really like it)
900. Mellotron Scratch
Yep, waiting for update too.
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Mellotron Scratch is awesome.
That is all.
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As a cure for insomnia, indeed.
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I don't understand how you can think Mellotron Scratch is boring, but still like Glass Arm Shattering. :p I like both, but I would say Mellotron is much more interesting, especially the vocal melodies.
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Well, Glass Arm Shattering feels like it has some emotion and nicely builds up. And most importantly, it doesn't drag, it's just the right length. Mellotron Scratch has 7 minutes and feels longer than the entire Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence with 10x repeat of Overture.
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While I love GAS and MS, I can see ZBomber's argument that MS is actually far less interesting. Personally I don't find that MS drags at all, and the outro is fantastic and unexpected.
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Well, Glass Arm Shattering feels like it has some emotion and nicely builds up. And most importantly, it doesn't drag, it's just the right length. Mellotron Scratch has 7 minutes and feels longer than the entire Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence with 10x repeat of Overture.
TBH, I never even knew it was 7 minutes... does not drag on at all imo.
Plus Glass Arm Shattering has about 6 minutes of silence, so you can't talk about a song dragging on for too long.
:neverusethis:
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More songs:
34. "Remember Me Lover" - The Incident
This is one of the heavier ending songs that PT has done, the other one being "Sleep Together". This song, however, is pretty sick, and the way the ending builds up is really awesome. Not much else to say about this song other than it rules, and that I always love listening to it, whether in the context of the album, or alone.
33. "Normal" - Nil Recurring
I think that "Normal" is better than "Sentimental". I really love the driving acoustic riff that sets the song off and finishes it. I also like the riffs for the verse, as well as the chords towards the end with the harmonizing vocals that PT is so good at. Really glad this song made the cut for the new DVD as it was AWESOME on it.
32. "Idiot Prayer" - Signify
One of Signify's best intrumentals. I really love the way that this song builds and builds, and then breaks down and then comes back. It harkens a lot back to the UtD era, but it better than most of the songs that came out of that time. Overall an awesome tune that fits nicely into the album alongside the other songs.
31. "Drown With Me" - In Absentia [B-Side]
One of PT's better B-Sides. I absolutely love the acoustic guitar in this song. Another track that made it onto the new DVD, although I don't think it sounded as good live as it does on the studio recording, although I'm sure it would be much better in person.
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Some cool choices. :)
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[insert more complaining here about Octane Twisted/The Seance/Circle of Manias being way too low :lol]
And I'd put Normal somewhere around here as well. Interesting choices :)
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Is this list in reverse order?
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I had to fix something just so all you guys know...
I never actually wrote out number 50, and started my real list at 49, so all the songs here are actually one higher.
Number 50 was "Blackest Eyes"
Sorry about that, it should be all back on track now.
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Great to see Normal on there... I agree its better than Sentimental (Although Sentimental fits perfectly on the album). Love the last 2 minutes or so of that song. :tup
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30. "Octane Twisted/The Seance/Circle of Manias" - The Incident
These three songs HAVE to go together, there's no if and or but about it. They make up some of the best moments of TI song cycle. I cannot wait to see this played live by PT at Radio City. From the Opeth-y sounding stuff to the PT sounding stuff, there isn't a dull moment on these tunes.
29. "Sleep Together" - Fear of a Blank Planet
I absolutely adore the way this song starts out with those key effects. It really makes me feel like I'm sitting in a jail cell in hell. The emotional intensity of this song is really strong, and I love the way SW delivers the "Let's sleep together, right now." lines.
28. "Up the Downstair" - Up the Downstair
The unsung hero of UtD, the bassline of this song is just mindblowingly awesome. I rarely see this song get any praise, but I think it's the best song on the album, and it well deserves its spot at 28.
27. "Fear of a Blank Planet" - Fear of a Blank Planet
A lot of people have issues with this song, but I really like it a lot. I think that it's a pretty awesome way to start one of their best albums. The verses have some pretty cool lines, and I think those are what people take issue with, although I really think they work well. I like when lyricists are very specific with what they are trying to say.
26. "Open Car" - Deadwing
I went crazy for this song when it first clicked for me. The odd key signature riff really rocks a lot, and the chorus is really emotional, one of their best. The instrumental break that leads into the somber chorus that ends the song is also really excellent. One of the better songs on Deadwing.
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Open Car doesn't get talked about enough on here, one of my favorite PT songs for sure!
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Open Car doesn't get talked about enough on here, one of my favorite PT songs for sure!
Yea, it is a good song.
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I've only just realised that because I got In Absentia from Legalsounds, which is awful, it had 'Drown With Me' listed as 'Prodigal.' So for about two months I'd been missing out on 1/12th of In Absentia.
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I honestly had to look up what Legalsounds actually was, but both "Drown With Me" and "Prodigal" are amazing songs.
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I've only just realised that because I got In Absentia from Legalsounds, which is awful, it had 'Drown With Me' listed as 'Prodigal.' So for about two months I'd been missing out on 1/12th of In Absentia.
You don't miss that much to be honest :P
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Drown With Me's the better song, but Prodigal's one of the better IA tracks.
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25. "Lazarus" - Deadwing
This is another one of the songs that I really went crazy over when I was first really getting into PT. If I had made this list last year it'd probably be in my top 10, but it has since dropped off a bit. The piano melody that runs during the choruses are my favorite parts of the song, they just fit so well, I love it.
24. ".3" - In Absentia
One of their more interesting pieces, with a killer bassline. I like the way that it builds into the single verse (If you can even call it a verse) and then back into the main riff. One of their most overlooked songs by far, and it sounds really killer on the new DVD.
23. "Collapse the Light Into Earth" - In Absentia
A really beautiful way to end IA. Once the strings come in towards the end I almost always lose it listening to this. The beauty of this song really shines through during the choruses, especially the ones towards the end with the aahhhs and ooohhs. There are a lot of occasions where I find myself just playing this song because it sounds great by itself as well as in context with IA.
22. "Don't Hate Me" - Stupid Dream
Another amazing somber tune off of SD. It's the only PT song that has both a sax and flute solo (I think) making it one of PT's more interesting works. I really like the chorus of the song. Nothing else to say really, just an overall awesome tune.
21. "Lightbulb Sun" - Lightbulb Sun
Kev is going to disown me for this, but LBS comes in at 21. It really is an awesome tune though and I really can't say enough good thing about it. I just feel that PT happens to have 20 songs that are better. The way the song starts and the first verse are my favorite moments in this song. I guess it's just lower because the later part feels a bit anti-climactic, if you know what I mean.
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IIRC, all five of those songs were in my top 15 (or maybe top 20), so hell yeah to all of 'em! :tup :tup
As for "Lightbulb Sun" at number 21, doesn't bother me at all. Remember, I am not one of those people who thinks everyone's lists should automatically look like mine would. :biggrin:
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IIRC, all five of those songs were in my top 15 (or maybe top 20), so hell yeah to all of 'em! :tup :tup
As for "Lightbulb Sun" at number 21, doesn't bother me at all. Remember, I am not one of those people who thinks everyone's lists should automatically look like mine would. :biggrin:
Well that's good to know :tup Glad you didn't lolrant me.
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I know I'm a bit late but it's nice to see Normal on your list. I love that song :hat
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4 really nice songs and one masterpiece placed quite high. Very nice :)
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4 really nice songs and one masterpiece placed quite high. Very nice :)
I'm assuming you're saying the masterpiece is "Don't Hate Me"?
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Couldn't be more obvious :P
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Other than the fact that Collapse The Light Into Earth is my least favourite PT song at this point, I agree with the rest of those choices.
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Other than the fact that Collapse The Light Into Earth is my least favourite PT song at this point, I agree with the rest of those choices.
How is that even possible?
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Other than the fact that Collapse The Light Into Earth is my least favourite PT song at this point, I agree with the rest of those choices.
How is that even possible?
I wouldn't say i dislike it, but its one of the songs i like the least on IA fo sho.
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I just find it interminably dull, and the whole building up of layers of sound as it progresses has been done significantly better, not only by other bands but by PT themselves. I find the core of the song, the piano part, uninspired and irritating, and I don't really care for the lyrics either.
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20. "Way Out Of Here" - Fear of a Blank Planet
The second best song on FoaBP, the emotional level of this tune is incredibly high. From the verses the chorus, there isn't a dull moment in my opinion. Definitely a killer tune as seen on the live DVD.
19. "The Sky Moves Sideways" - The Sky Moves Sideways
This is the oldest song that is this high. Everything after this song is going to be from later material. That being said, this song is the best thing they did pre-Signify. The entire 30 minute piece is just a wonderful adventure from start to finish. The best part though is the first few minutes, followed by the crazy trippy part.
18. "Feel So Low" - Lightbulb Sun
This is one of the saddest songs I have ever heard in my life. The two parts that always kill me and usually make me get teary eyed are the "OK OK OK You've Won" and the very faint "thanks." at the end. This song will always have a special place for me when I am feeling down.
17. "Time Flies" - The Incident
The best song from TI. Everything from the awesome "Dogs" inspired parts to the insane middle section, this song really packs a punch. The radio edit is also really good actually, both versions do the job in an amazing way. I love how specific SW's lyrics are, and this song is no different ("I was born in 1967 / The year of Sgt. Pepper")
16. "Anesthetize" - Fear of a Blank Planet
The best song on FoaBP. This song took a LONG time to really click for me, but once it did I was taken completely and now I can never get enough of this tune whenever I hear it. The version on the new DVD is INSANE! It's definitely one of the highlights of the show for me. As far as the studio version, GH's drumming is at its best here, bar none. If I had to choose my all time favorite song for a drum track, it'd most likely be this one.
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Some very good choices there. :tup :tup
You mentioned my two favorite parts of "Feel So Low," so I guess great minds think alike! However, I am weird in that depressing songs like that can be very uplifting for me. A sad song on a bad day can always cheer me up. :)
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Some very good choices there. :tup :tup
You mentioned my two favorite parts of "Feel So Low," so I guess great minds think alike! However, I am weird in that depressing songs like that can be very uplifting for me. A sad song on a bad day can always cheer me up. :)
Depressing songs can actually lift my spirits sometimes, but FSL always makes me massively depressed.
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I love Time Flies so much.
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I love Feel so Low :tup
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Feel So Low if my favourite 'simple' PT song other than Heartattack In A Layby. Great choices!
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Great choices, can't yet say about The Sky Moves Sideways, but definitely about the rest. You've already mentioned five or six songs that would be in my top 10, I wonder what will be up there :P
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15. "Trains" - In Absentia
I guess that half of you will be angry at me for putting this too high, and the other half will be angry at me for putting it too low. Simply put, this is the single song that got me into PT, and it will always have a special place in my heart for that. Since going crazy over this band, I have come to realize that there are 14 songs by this band that are simply better. All that said, the banjo solo is pretty :metal.
14. "Stop Swimming" - Stupid Dream
The perfect way to close a perfect album. This song is like a more perfected version of FSL for me (even though it came out first). A lot of the songs on the rest of this I really consider perfect and there are just so many nice things to say about them that I almost have trouble expressing it, so a lot of my descriptions from here on out will be lame. I will say that, as usual SW's melancholy demeanor on this song totally makes it a masterpiece in and of itself.
13. "Baby Dream In Cellophane" - Stupid Dream
This song took a LONG time to click for me, but once it did I was totally blown away, and continue to be blown away by it every time I hear it. It has such a creepy sound to it and when I read the description of what the song was actually about (a pissed off infant) I felt kind of like laughing, but then realized that the lyrics actually make sense in the context of the song.
12. "Waiting" - Signify
Both parts of "Waiting" clock in at 12. The first half is a straight up rocking song that has some awesome instrumental work by the band, and part two features one of their best basslines and some awesome experimental work. This tune must be absolutely amazing live (The Coma Divine version is pretty amazing) and I'm secretly hoping the band plays this at the Radio City show.
11. "Russia On Ice" - Lightbulb Sun
One of the best LBS songs. Everything about this song from the beginning somber part to the buildup to the really insane heavy and experimental parts towards the end are all stellar, and some of the most creative things that PT has come up with to date. My favorite verse in this tune is the last one:
A drop in the ocean / A significant motion / Nothing melts in this cold /But Russia on ice is burning a hole
Not much beats his vocal delivery on this verse.
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Trains = top 5 for me
Not that I know PT nearly enough to make even a top 25 list, but I <3 Trains.
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5 amazing songs in a row. :tup Can't wait to see the top 10!
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Glad to see some love for Baby Dream in Cellophane, a track i simply love.
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A lot of PT songs I do not know from the first few albums, but I agree with the placement of all those that I recognise!
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One amazing song, one great, one I don't know yet, one good but you-know-what and my third least favourite. A bit of mixed feelings here.
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Here is part one of the top 10!
10. "What Happens Now?" - Nil Recurring
This song is the perfect example of how to build up sound. The last minutes of this song are so epic simply because the sounds are just continuously built onto each other over and over again. Listening to this song never fails to blow me away, especially when I put it into FoaBP for extra epicness. :metal
9. "The Start of Something Beautiful" - Deadwing
One of the best songs on DW, this song is one of PT's best. It never ceases to amazing me. Other than the as-usual fantastic delivery of the vocals (particularly the chorus) the amazing bassline in this song is probably the thing that stands out to me the most from it. This song really brings out the best of the post-LBS era PT.
8. "Sleep of No Dreaming" - Signify
I must firstly point out how amazing the organs are for the opening of this song. The chorus is also another reason why this song is in my top 10. It has some of the most emotional deliveries I have ever heard from any signer ever. SW's melancholy vocals are at an all time best here.
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"Feel So Low", as you know, is probably the most emotional PT song for me, so I'm happy to see it relatively high up on your list.
Also, pretty amazing list so far, but you're missing one thing...
(https://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20071128002329/spongebob/images/6/6d/Bubble_Bass.JPG)
There are no pickles here...
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Before I continue with the next installment of my top 10 I want to put a few runner ups that barely missed this list.
55. "Black Dahlia" - The Incident
54. "The Sound of Muzak" - In Absentia
53. "Drawing the Line" - The Incident
52. "I Drive the Hearse" - The Incident
51. "Sever" - Signify
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Was hoping I Drive The Hearse would make your top 10 list, but nice to see it get acknowledged regardless!
And to be honest, I need to listen to the second disc of The Incident more... I've only listened to Black Dahlia/Flicker a couple of times.
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Seeing I Drive the Hearse outside of the top50 makes me :sadpanda:.
Lyricwise, its one of their absolute best songs.
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Sorry there hasn't been an update in a day or so, I've been busy in the city, I'll write up some more in a little bit!
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7. "Buying New Soul" - Lightbulb Sun [B-Side]
The best B-Side the band has. If LBS wasn't so perfect, I'd almost wish they had put it in the album, but LBS is too perfect as is. I personally prefer the version on the DVDA format of LBS because it's like 15 minutes long as opposed to the 10 minute version on Recordings and it sounds much better. The AS... version is also fantastic, but my personal least favorite version I've heard. So many things about this song make me never ever get bored of listening to it.
6. "Shesmovedon / Last Chance to Evacuate Planet Earth Before It Is Recycled" - Lightbulb Sun
I'm sorry, but I have to side with Kev here and say that these two songs BELONG together. You really can't have one without the other, and each song suffers slightly when played without the other in my opinion. Shesmovedon is one of their catchiest songs with a really orgasmic chorus and one of the better guitar solos, while LCtEPEBIIR is their best post-Signify experimental songs. There isn't a single bad thing that anyone can say about either song, and when they are put together, like they are on the album, you really can't go wrong.
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:tup :tup :tup
:tdwn :tdwn :tdwn
in that order.
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Good top ten so far. Ignore Sinteros, he's a fail bucket.
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Good top ten so far. Ignore Sinteros, he's a fail bucket.
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5. "Arriving Somewhere But Not Here" - Deadwing
Not much to say about this song, it's just really epic and just an all around awesome tune. I really enjoy the middle section that gets heavy and then culminates with the MA guitar solo, it's really sick. Also, the lyrics in this song are out of this world, and most of the times I listen to this song I get the chills whenever there is a verse.
Any guesses at what the next four songs might be?
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I have no idea actually. I thought Anesthetize or Arriving Somewhere would be number 1, but neither are.
And I'm too lazy to see if these placed earlier in your list... but, maybe:
Heartattack in a Lay By
Strip The Soul
Hatesong
Deadwing
Disappear
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dark matter, even less (dont think had these?), and then possibly heartattack and deadwing from the list above.
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4. "Hatesong" - Lightbulb Sun
The quintessential live PT song. If someone is interested in PT, I'd probably show them a live version of this song. Every single band member does multiple awesome things when this song is performed. From the grooviest bass lines ever, to some awesome experimental guitar and keys work, to the insane drumming, there isn't a single dull moment at all during this tune.
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To be honest, I don't even like the studio version of Hatesong very much. The live version is just so incredible. Great pick :tup
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To be honest, I don't even like the studio version of Hatesong very much. The live version is just so incredible. Great pick :tup
Thanks, yea the live version of this song is superior, although I still enjoy the studio version on LBS.
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Haven't heard the live version, but I knew this song would be ranked high.
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I have my expectations on the following songs for the top3:
Linton Samuel Dawson
Jupiter Island
Space Transmission
(in no particular order)
otherwise a decent thread. :tup
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I assume you all mean the live version from Arriving Somewhere?
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I have my expectations on the following songs for the top3:
Message from a Self-Destructing Turnip
Queen Quotes Crowley
Space Transmission
(in no particular order)
otherwise a decent thread. :tup
FTFY
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Yeah, the Arriving Somewhere.. version is pure awesome.
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Do the next one, damn it :p This is probably the closest I've ever followed one of these threads.
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I assume you all mean the live version from Arriving Somewhere?
That one is great, but I have a couple of good live versions, the one on Warszawa is really good too. There's also a live version on the Futile EP that is pretty awesome as well.
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Do the next one, damn it :p This is probably the closest I've ever followed one of these threads.
ok.
3. "Heart Attack In A Layby" - In Absentia
One of the greatest songs ever written. There are so many things about this song that I could say but I would have to write an essay. One thing I will mention is that the harmonies towards the middle-end of the tune are some of the greatest things ever in music. It just has the most heartbreaking feel to it that I end up really emotionally connecting with the song by the time it is over.
Number 2 comes tomorrow..
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Do the next one, damn it :p This is probably the closest I've ever followed one of these threads.
ok.
3. "Heart Attack In A Layby" - In Absentia
One of the greatest songs ever written. There are so many things about this song that I could say but I would have to write an essay. One thing I will mention is that the harmonies towards the middle-end of the tune are some of the greatest things ever in music. It just has the most heartbreaking feel to it that I end up really emotionally connecting with the song by the time it is over.
Number 2 comes tomorrow..
:tup Excellent. Thats one of my favorite PT songs. I think if I had to rank mine, it would probably be in the top 3 as well.
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Damn, I predicted that would be number 1! Oh well. Great pick, it would be in my top 10 as well.
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Do the next one, damn it :p This is probably the closest I've ever followed one of these threads.
ok.
3. "Heart Attack In A Layby" - In Absentia
One of the greatest songs ever written. There are so many things about this song that I could say but I would have to write an essay. One thing I will mention is that the harmonies towards the middle-end of the tune are some of the greatest things ever in music. It just has the most heartbreaking feel to it that I end up really emotionally connecting with the song by the time it is over.
Number 2 comes tomorrow..
I popped into this thread EXCLUSIVELY to see if Heartattack In A Layby was on here.
Needless to say, you have made me very proud :biggrin: Well done sir, my favorite PT song without exception, a truly brilliant and heartbreaking piece of music.
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I popped into this thread EXCLUSIVELY to see if Heartattack In A Layby was on here.
Needless to say, you have made me very proud :biggrin: Well done sir, my favorite PT song without exception, a truly brilliant and heartbreaking piece of music.
Thanks! :tup
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In my top 3 as well. :tup
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It's a good song. But I wouldn't have it in my Top 20, personally.
Massively overrated on this forum, IMO.
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Here is number 2:
2. "Dark Matter" - Signify
The best song on Signify clocks in at number 2. There are so many unbelievable parts of this song that I can't even comprehend it. The solo at the end is easily THE best PT solo ever, if not THE best solo ever. Something about this song never leaves me feeling like I've already heard it 500 times, but I actually feel the opposite, every time I listen to this tune I find something new about it that I love even more and more.
My favorite PT song, choice 1, comes tomorrow.
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I see everyone on this forums loves Dark Matter, but I have never been able to get into it personally. I don't really understand why... Maybe I'll try again right now...
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I see everyone on this forums loves Dark Matter, but I have never been able to get into it personally. I don't really understand why... Maybe I'll try again right now...
Listen to it with nice headphones on. It's seriously one of the best songs ever.
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I see everyone on this forums loves Dark Matter, but I have never been able to get into it personally. I don't really understand why... Maybe I'll try again right now...
Listen to it with nice headphones on. It's seriously one of the best songs ever.
All I have are my Astro gaming headphones which aren't that good for music, but I'll give it a try.
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So the song was only pretty good until it reached the solo you were talking about. Then, it BLEW MY MIND. :omg: :omg:
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So the song was only pretty good until it reached the solo you were talking about. Then, it BLEW MY MIND. :omg: :omg:
Yea the solo is out of this world. But the rest of the song is amazing as well, specifically the "I am, I know" lines and most of the verse deliveries.
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I did a recap for you because I'm trying to predict your number 1.... I can't figure it out.
55. "Black Dahlia" - The Incident
54. "The Sound of Muzak" - In Absentia
53. "Drawing the Line" - The Incident
52. "I Drive the Hearse" - The Incident
51. "Sever" - Signify
50. "Blackest Eyes" - In Absentia
49. "Pure Narcotic" - Stupid Dream
48. "Deadwing" - Deadwing
47. "Bonnie the Cat" - The Incident
46. "My Ashes" - Fear of a Blank Planet
45. "Always Never" - Up the Downstair
44. "The Incident" - The Incident
43. "Sentimental" - Fear of a Blank Planet
42. "The Blind House" - The Incident
41. "Signify" - Signify
40. "The Rest Will Flow" - Lightbulb Sun
39. "The Moon Touches Your Shoulder" - The Sky Moves Sideways
38. "Even Less" - Stupid Dream
37. "Flicker" - The Incident
36. "Gravity Eyelids" - In Absentia
35. "This Is No Rehearsal" - Stupid Dream
34. "Remember Me Lover" - The Incident
33. "Normal" - Nil Recurring
32. "Idiot Prayer" - Signify
31. "Drown With Me" - In Absentia [B-Side]
30. "Octane Twisted/The Seance/Circle of Manias" - The Incident
29. "Sleep Together" - Fear of a Blank Planet
28. "Up the Downstair" - Up the Downstair
27. "Fear of a Blank Planet" - Fear of a Blank Planet
26. "Open Car" - Deadwing
25. "Lazarus" - Deadwing
24. ".3" - In Absentia
23. "Collapse the Light Into Earth" - In Absentia
22. "Don't Hate Me" - Stupid Dream
21. "Lightbulb Sun" - Lightbulb Sun
20. "Way Out Of Here" - Fear of a Blank Planet
19. "The Sky Moves Sideways" - The Sky Moves Sideways
18. "Feel So Low" - Lightbulb Sun
17. "Time Flies" - The Incident
16. "Anesthetize" - Fear of a Blank Planet
15. "Trains" - In Absentia
14. "Stop Swimming" - Stupid Dream
13. "Baby Dream In Cellophane" - Stupid Dream
12. "Waiting" - Signify
11. "Russia On Ice" - Lightbulb Sun
10. "What Happens Now?" - Nil Recurring
9. "The Start of Something Beautiful" - Deadwing
8. "Sleep of No Dreaming" - Signify
7. "Buying New Soul" - Lightbulb Sun [B-Side]
6. "Shesmovedon / Last Chance to Evacuate Planet Earth Before It Is Recycled" - Lightbulb Sun
5. "Arriving Somewhere But Not Here" - Deadwing
4. "Hatesong" - Lightbulb Sun
3. "Heart Attack In A Layby" - In Absentia
2. "Dark Matter" - Signify
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Oh, and for those interested, this is my PT album ranking (for the moment, it changes a lot)
1. Signify
2. Lightbulb Sun
3. Stupid Dream
4. Fear of a Blank Planet
5. Deadwing
6. In Absentia
7. The Incident
8. The Sky Moves Sideways
9. Up the Downstair
10. On the Sunday of Life
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Glaring omissions thus far include:
"A Smart Kid"
"Cheating the Polygraph"
"Prodigal"
...among others.
My money is on "A Smart Kid."
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"Stars Die" maybe?
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Oh, also, something else I should mention is that, had I seen the new DVD prior to making this list, "Half-Light" would have certainly made it onto the list. The B-Side version on the Lazarus single is very underwhelming in my opinion and I didn't really care for it until the band performed the song for the DVD, and it blew me away entirely. Props to the band for reworking the song and making it one of the most emotional things I've ever heard in my life.
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I'm gonna go with "A Smart Kid" too.
It must be from Stupid Dream considering his album ranking...he already said the best song on Signify was his #2, and he's basically hit every worthwhile song from Lightbulb Sun, so it must be "A Smart Kid."
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Kev seems pretty on, but I'll replace "Cheating the Polygraph" with Disappear.
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Great list so far! I see that Heart Attack is getting some love around here, wich is never a bad thing! :)
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So the song was only pretty good until it reached the solo you were talking about. Then, it BLEW MY MIND. :omg: :omg:
Yea the solo is out of this world. But the rest of the song is amazing as well, specifically the "I am, I know" lines and most of the verse deliveries.
this, and the guitar bridge before the first "I am, I know" bit.. what a song
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Dark Matter is amazing, good to see love for it. :D
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Dark Matter is awesome. One of few songs from Signify that I was able to get into quite easily.
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1. "A Smart Kid" - Stupid Dream
Not only is this my favorite PT song, but it is more than likely my favorite song of all time. This song is easily the saddest song I have ever heard in my life, and also has one of the most interesting middle sections I've ever heard (Radiation Breathing / Geiger Counter followed by an amazing guitar solo)
Not only is it a sad song musically, but it has some of the most depressing lyrics ever.
Stranded here on planet earth
It's not much but it could be worse
Everything's free here, there's no crowds
This verse gives me the feeling that the narrator has become so desperate in his isolation that he actually is starting to almost enjoy it, in a weird twisted way. It's almost as if the isolation has driven him slap happy insane.
Winter lasted five long years
No sun will come again I fear
Chemical harvest was sown
This is the verse that tells us why he is alone, a global-thermal nuclear war has destroyed everything, and somehow, the narrator lived.
A spaceship from another star
They ask me where all the people are
What can I tell them?
I tell them I'm the only one
There was a war but I must have won
Please take me with you.
These verses give us insight into the main characters final plea before he gives up. He is placing all of his hope on aliens to save him from his misery and isolation.
The most depressing lyrics in the song, however, come from the choruses.
And I will wait for you
Until the sky is blue
And I will wait for you
What else can I do?
These are literally the most depressing lyrics I have ever seen. The character is going to wait, forever, for his love. Not only that, but it's all he can do, he is literally trapped in a earth-sized prison, forever waiting for his one true love. Nothing is sadder than that, my friends.
And with that, I want to thank everyone for following this list all the way to the end. I always enjoy doing these. Farewell!
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Usually I hate when "Top..." lists agree with me. I like odd-ball rankings. I find them more interesting that way.
But this is a case where seeing someone else agree with me in regards to a band's best song makes me really happy. Ever since I heard it, I thought "A Smart Kid" was the best Porcupine Tree song. I still think so now. I actually listened to Stupid Dream today for the first time in almost a year and that song, in particular, slayed me.
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Hmmm, "A Smart Kid" has never really struck me as being quite that good. I guess I'll have to give it a listen right now.
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Hmmm, "A Smart Kid" has never really struck me as being quite that good. I guess I'll have to give it a listen right now.
It is...
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Well, just got back from listening to it. Great song, but I still stick to my earlier post.
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Hmmm, "A Smart Kid" has never really struck me as being quite that good. I guess I'll have to give it a listen right now.
Same. I'll have to re-listen again...
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Usually I hate when "Top..." lists agree with me. I like odd-ball rankings. I find them more interesting that way.
But this is a case where seeing someone else agree with me in regards to a band's best song makes me really happy. Ever since I heard it, I thought "A Smart Kid" was the best Porcupine Tree song. I still think so now. I actually listened to Stupid Dream today for the first time in almost a year and that song, in particular, slayed me.
:tup
Well, just got back from listening to it. Great song, but I still stick to my earlier post.
:tdwn
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Well, the same thing that happened yesterday happened again. Excellent song. I have no idea why I overlooked it before.
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Well, the same thing that happened yesterday happened again. Excellent song. I have no idea why I overlooked it before.
You're welcome again.
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Absolutely beautiful song in 5.1. :tup Loved the list, was a great read!
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Absolutely beautiful song in 5.1. :tup Loved the list, was a great read!
Still don't have SD in 5.1, although it's gonna be my next music purchase without a doubt. Just gotta wait on the paycheck.
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A Smart Kid is a true masterpiece, which is often overlooked by fans sadly.
It's easily one of the stand-outs.
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A Smart Kid is quite good, but I've heard a lot of people complain about the melody in the verses, and the identical piano melody at the same time. It's kind of annoying indeed. The chorus and middle part/guitar solo are great, though.
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One thing I find interesting is that no two people who have created a Top 50 for PT have the same number 1. Kev had LBS, Zan had DM, Darkes had Anesthetize, Pyroph had BNS and I have ASK.
Pretty intriguing, and it really shows how varied, yet amazing PT really is.
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Quad, what do you think about "Stars Die"? Personally, it's one of my favorites from early PT, but it's not on your list. :-\
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Quad, what do you think about "Stars Die"? Personally, it's one of my favorites from early PT, but it's not on your list. :-\
I like it a lot, and I actually forgot to look at all my B-Sides when I was making this list (With the exception of BNS). If I had remembered to it probably would have been somewhere in the 40s or 30s.
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So who is going next? I'd like to do one, maybe like a top 30, but I feel like it would be too predictable...
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Does anyone really have to go next? I mean, aren't there enough of these threads already?
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Does anyone really have to go next? I mean, aren't there enough of these threads already?
I don't get bored of them. The write-ups are usually interesting.
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Maybe give it a little beak before we do another one. Although I certainly would enjoy another PT top 50, since it is the band I've been listening to the most lately.
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To expand on what I said earlier, I am not trying to be a spoil sport. Really. I just think massive overkill has happened with these kinds of threads. Don't get me wrong, I am happy that so many enjoy doing this idea that I started here, but doing things in moderation is always a good thing. :)
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Didn't have a chance to comment earlier, so at least now... Really interesting list, some unusual choices (which I always appreciate) and really nice descriptions. Personally I have never put A Smart Kid this high (well... I don't think anything will ever be above Don't Hate Me on Stupid Dream for me), but I can definitely see why someone would and in fact I have never even thought as much about the lyrics before I read your post. Very nice.
I don't mind another list either, as long as someone is really willing to do it and it's not forced.
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I wouldn't want to contribute to this problem of list overkill further, but I've always thought it would be interesting if someone who was quite new to PT would do a top 20 or something from a fresher perspective.
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I'll probably do one, though it won't be as fun as watching someone else's, as a lot of people already know what my top 2 or 3 are.
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I'll probably do one, though it won't be as fun as watching someone else's, as a lot of people already know what my top 2 or 3 are.
I would certainly follow along.
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Very well. If you know my favorite PT song or 3, which many of you do, refrain from mentioning it for those who don't. :P
50. Nil Recurring from Nil Recurring
Starting the list off with an instrumental, and only 3 made the list. Nil Recurring definitely fits with the rest of its EP and Fear musically, and it has some highlights in it. The one bit around 3 minutes in where suddenly all of the instruments come back in dramatically being my favorite. Seems to be underrated among fans of the EP whom usually only talk about Normal and WHN.
49. Synesthesia from Up the Downstair
The Blackest Eyes of the early PT era, this song deserves far more love (and live plays as well, here's hoping for the RCMH show) than it gets. Best accompanied by Up the Downstair's strange intro track, this song has a unique almost electronic feel to it that makes it stand out. SW loves his echoed vocals that he uses on many a PT track, but it fits this one better than most when coupled with the music.
48. Tinto Brass from Stupid Dream
The second of the three instrumentals to appear on this list, this track was almost foreshadowing PT's future. It's the heaviest track from their SD/LBS days, and would not have been out of place on any of their heavier IA and later albums. I just love how the main beat to the song is a sped up telephone, quite clever and it goes over well in the song. The heavy bit that shows up a few times is the highlight for me, along with its surprise reappearance right as the song is about to end. SW uses that trick again at the end of "No Twilight in the Courts of the Sun" on his solo record.
47. The Rest Will Flow from Lightbulb Sun
Anyone who pays enough attention or has been in the PT thread often enough knows my general dislike of Lightbulb Sun, claiming it doesn't have enough quality tracks. However, this is quite the underrated song among others on the album. It could have been Trains if it had a little more to it. I can't tell if it's supposed to be an uplifting track (a rarity for PT), but it works for me.
46. Way Out of Here from Fear of a Blank Planet
My least favorite track from Fear, which means the other 5 songs all make appearances on this list. Sorry to anyone who's a fan of this particular song, but I'm a sucker for My Ashes, which placed a bit above this one. That doesn't make Way Out of Here a bad song by any means, and it's also an interesting one live when John Wesley takes the part of singing the chorus while SW blasts away on his guitar. A very ominous and dark song, I love the windy effect at the start that adds to it.
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45. Burning Sky from Up the Downstair
My favorite purely instrumental song by Porcupine Tree, and also my favorite off of Up the Downstair. Quite the jam. The little up-down-up-down rapid fire bit that comprises the main "riff" so to speak is the part I'm most fond of, it gives the song a psychedelic edge that makes me think I'm looking up at the stars. In fact, I've looked up at the stars to Burning Sky playing. It's interesting, to say the least.
44. Shesmovedon / Last Chance to Evacuate Planet Earth Before It Is Recycled from Lightbulb Sun
I bet at least one person was wondering if this pair would appear on my list at all after everything I've said about it. It's not a bad song (pair). It's not an amazing song (pair) either. Last Chance in particular wanes quite a bit in the second half, and the first half is awfully simplistic. The simplicity of it is probably what a lot of people like about it though, and both songs are filled with emotion and more-so, longing. Charming, but not much more than that.
43. Open Car from Deadwing
Catchy main riff and unique vocal delivery make one of PT's heavier songs memorable. Especially when talking about the live versions where a solo blasts in half way through improving the song significantly. Shame the album version didn't get that. I didn't have the fortune of seeing this particular number when I saw them live, perhaps at the RCMH show for something to headbang excessively to that isn't Anesthetize.
42. Halo from Deadwing
Another track from Deadwing squeaking a place above Open Car, Halo's been one of PT's go-to encore songs alongside Trains recently. From the creepy beat of the intro to the memorable chorus, what's not to love? Not to mention the screeching guitar solo halfway in. Special mention to the video that plays behind it, it really adds to the atmosphere dropped by this rocking song.
41. Waiting (Phase One and Phase Two) from Signify
PT's first single, as far as I know, and one of their best songs from the pre-Stupid Dream days. I believe only five others appear farther down the list than this one, and clever members may know what they are. A rather tame song, Phase One features nearly tropical sounding music and a somber vocal delivery by SW, and then Phase Two continues Signify's trend of odd sounding instrumentals reminiscent of mid-era Pink Floyd. All together a solid but varied piece.
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Jesus, why are you putting all their best songs so low?
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Jesus, why are you putting all their best songs so low?
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:\
What's low other than Shesmovedon/Last Chance, may I ask?
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Interesting list.
I will say that part 2 of "Waiting" drags it down a bit, and I always skip it when listening to the album.
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:\
What's low other than Shesmovedon/Last Chance, may I ask?
"Waiting" and "Open Car"
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and "Halo"...
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I will say that part 2 of "Waiting" drags it down a bit, and I always skip it when listening to the album.
Say what?
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I will say that part 2 of "Waiting" drags it down a bit, and I always skip it when listening to the album.
Say what?
Part 1 + 2 is what makes it so awesome, taking away one is BAAAAAD. :facepalm:
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*shrugs* It's the only dull moment for me on the whole entire album.
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*shrugs* It's the only dull moment for me on the whole entire album.
Ph2>Ph1 imo, though together they form 10 minutes of epicness.
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I disagree with your placement of Open Car, but other than that I agree mostly. I might place Shesmovedon/LCTEPEBIIR a bit higher, but I think they're a bit overrated so I don't disagree.
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40. The Incident from The Incident
The individual song. Not the 55 minute song cycle. Quite an odd song compared to the rest of the album, it has a creepy beat, strange whispered words that SW won't discuss, and an over the top emotional ending. Best seen live alongside its video that features all of Hajo Mueller's promotional, disturbing drawings in motion. Overall it's one of the most varied and atmospheric pieces on the new record.
39. .3 from In Absentia
The eerie interlude from In Absentia. I always think that Richard deserves more credit than he gets, the band would be nothing like it is without all of the atmosphere that he provides, and this is one of the best examples of him and Colin taking the forefront. Echoed vocals and haunting keyboards go alongside screeching guitars to make .3 anything but a filler piece.
38. My Ashes from Fear of a Blank Planet
Easily the most overlooked song off of Fear, the song is sandwiched between the heavy opener and the multifaceted centerpiece. A soft ballad that picks up as it goes on, the somber lyrics reference Bret Ellis' book Lunar Park, like much of the album. The later choruses are performed in such a way that the song "sinks in" more than one would expect. Another song whose choruses are taken by John Wesley when performed live, to good result.
37. Sever from Signify
Wacky effects, strange lyrics, and cackling samples are all hallmarks of early PT, but Sever pulls out all the stops and does it best. Bonus points to the song for the rendition of it on the new Anesthetize DVD, where the song comes off as even more rocking and chaotic than the album version. Like much of Signify, it's awfully dreary, but then again, so is most of Porcupine Tree. Amidst the chaos, it still winds up being a catchy song. Who knew?
36. Sleep Together from Fear of a Blank Planet
Fear's closer shares a lot with The Incident's title track in the sense that they just touch upon an electronic sound, but aren't quite. I feel like a broken record, but Anesthetize does this song nothing but favors as well, as Steven shouts the chorus quite angrily, giving an otherwise quiet, dark song an extra edge. It wraps up the album quite nicely with a good solo and its final keyboard fade out.
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All good choices, and I especially agree that My Ashes needs more love than it gets.
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I understand the appeal of these lists. I have done many of them myself, each of which was infinitely more boring than any of the ones in this thread.
But this is becoming overkill, guys. From now on we should only do one a month max.
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At least I kept it in one thread. :\
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Anyway....
35. Piano Lessons from Stupid Dream
When I was putting this list together, I was consistently surprised at how low this song kept slipping. I'm quite fond of the song, but so many other Porcupine Tree songs are much better. There's another song farther up the list which I feel the same way about. Possibly PT's 'catchiest' song for what it's worth, or at the very least their most blatantly single-esque (or would that be Four Chords that Made a Million?), Piano Lessons is still in the top half of Stupid Dream tracks in my book, and what it lacks in depth it makes up for by being an all around good song.
34. Lips of Ashes from In Absentia
On the reverse side of the scale, Lips of Ashes is gushing in depth, and bears the closest resemblance stylistically to .3 from the same album. The song slowly creeps along until it reaches the "la la" part at the end, which can only be described by hearing it alongside the musical outro that plays behind it. The only thing Lips of Ashes doesn't do is take advantage of the high point Trains finishes on, but I can hardly fault the song for that.
33. Normal from Nil Recurring
Now for the other two songs off of Nil Recurring, and it should be fairly obvious what they are. The first song actually written for Fear, but cut due to sounding a bit samey to the rest of the record, the chorus and themes became the lighter, shorter, Sentimental. While I prefer Sentimental to its big brother, Normal is certainly the darker of the two and has significantly more depth. The song spins through a number of movements in its brief 7 minutes, including a portion at the very end that contains a great harmony.
32. Stars Die from The Sky Moves Sideways
Seeing this song live bumped it up heavily in my rankings. It might not have even made the list. Stars Die is a great blend of their mid-era slower tracks and their early-era atmosphere. The lyrics are spoken softly in the album in this fragile song, which would give the impression that it wouldn't translate well live. Instead, this rather soft song went over extremely well, providing a break from the heaviness in the form of a brief moment of stellar atmosphere.
31. What Happens Now? from Nil Recurring
I'm starting to feel like a broken record. Atmosphere atmosphere atmosphere. My favorite from Nil Recurring, this song features a stellar vocal performance, though it is a brief one for the song's length, and an amazing second half filled with instrumental that reminds me of the title track of The Sky Moves Sideways and other lengthy experimental instrumental passages of that time. One of the most unique songs of their 'modern' era, and it gets all the live play that it deserves.
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Stars Die. :tup
It would be much higher on my list, though. I love it.
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Great run of songs, but I never was a huge fan of Lips. Its an ok song, but if I'm pressed for time, thats usually the song on the album I skip over.
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Great run of songs, but I never was a huge fan of Lips. Its an ok song, but if I'm pressed for time, thats usually the song on the album I skip over.
Yup same for me.
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30. Nine Cats from On the Sunday of Life
The only appearance of a song from the debut album on this list, I'm sure at least one person will be unhappy with it being here. Keep in mind I'm referring to the version strictly from the debut album, not the acoustic version from Insignificance. The song sounds like the long-lost cousin of the majority of the tracks from The Piper at the Gates of Dawn by Pink Floyd - it's immensely catchy and whimsical in a way that most Porcupine Tree songs aren't, and I love it for that.
29. The Sky Moves Sideways from The Sky Moves Sideways
A thirty four minute or so song with about four minutes of lyrics, the rest incredible instrumentation and ambiance. Easily the best thing during their Floydish days that isn't Dark Matter, the song takes a lot from Shine On You Crazy Diamond. From the structure to a couple of the sequences (the beginning of Phase Two, for instance), the influence is everywhere. The best bit however, is the 8 minute or so stretch right after the lyrics stop entitled "Wire the Drum." Psychedelia never felt so melodic.
28. Time Flies from The Incident
Let's step from Wish You Were Here to Animals. Steven Wilson's first album he owned, and this track about his childhood sure makes its tribute. Time Flies is a catchy song, containing lyrics that can and should be applied to everyone. Life is all you make it, just reach out and take it, says Wilson. When it's not sounding like Sheep and Dogs in a blender, the middle section of Time Flies makes me question why they chose this song as the album's single. The middle section's screeching guitars and strange ambiance add so much to the song that listening to the single version anymore has simply become impossible.
27. I Drive the Hearse from The Incident
Another track from their latest record, this time the closer to the 55-minute cycle. In traditional PT fashion (at least, as of lately), the last song is a soft one to wrap things up. For its subject matter, the song itself is quite delicate, but it builds up. Right before he says the final "When I'm down I drive the hearse", there is about 10 seconds of pure instrumental bliss where SW includes some strangely fitting "la"s. So beautiful. If only more music was like this. What a stellar way to end the cycle. It just occurred to me that there are no songs from disc 2 on this list. I guess they lack cohesiveness, or just spirit.
26. Collapse the Light Into Earth from In Absentia
In the same vein, the quiet closer to In Absentia. Oddly enough, I like this song for much the same reason I like I Drive the Hearse. A slow, simple song that builds up. And again, near the end, there's that moment of lyricless bliss. I don't know how he does it. This song is significantly simpler in structure compared to I Drive the Hearse, simply 4 piano notes or so over and over overlayed with ambiance as the song progresses. The lyrics themselves are something else though. Trying to fit it into In Absentia's story, I consider it to be the man, having been caught with the phone call at the end of Strip the Soul, is looking inwardly as he's being driven away. He doesn't blame the people whom he hurt if they hate him for what he did, he just doesn't know why he ever did it. He's sorry, but there's nothing he can do about it now.
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Time Flies... why so low?? :sadpanda:
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Great string of songs. Massive kudos for "Nine Cats". Love that tune.
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I was about to finish writing this when I accidently closed the tab. Great. I'm not re-writing it because I'm lazy, unless someone really wants my opinions. Short versions instead. Next group tomorrow.
25. Prodigal from In Absentia
Very inward-looking, reflective lyrics.
24. Arriving Somewhere but Not Here from Deadwing
Fluid sounding mellow parts are neat, Akerfeldt makes good solos.
23. Sentimental from Fear of a Blank Planet
Trains reprise, great lyrics, stellar vocal delivery.
22. The Blind House from The Incident
BOOM BOOM BOOM. The way he sings "Blind Houuuuuuuuse" is PERFECT.
21. Octane Twisted / The Seance / Circle of Manias from The Incident
I like recurring themes. The instrumental second half of Octane Twisted is my favorite snippet of The Incident.
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I'd like to know why Arriving Somewhere is so low...
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It's pretty representative of modern-era PT in one song, but it's nothing stellar on its own.
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It's pretty representative of modern-era PT in one song, but it's nothing stellar on its own.
I completely disagree... It would be top 10 for me easily.
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I completely disagree... It would be top 10 for me easily.
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I completely disagree... It would be top 10 for me easily.
5. "Arriving Somewhere But Not Here" - Deadwing
Clearly. :neverusethis:
But really, I don't see anything really special in it that makes it stand out. It's long, it's solid, but it's pretty standard by PT terms. The mellow part that represents 7 or 8 minutes of the song never really changes, and the heavy could have been any solo of theirs.
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I used to love AS, but now i would probably place it somewhere around where you did.
Maybe even lower.
Nice choices. :tup
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20. The Creator Has a Mastertape from In Absentia
One of the two songs that got me into Porcupine Tree. A highly underrated song in my opinion, overlooked while everyone's gushing over The Sound of Muzak. It contains one of Colin's best basslines IMO, and the atmosphere is overall quite creepy between the bass and the strange vocal delivery provided by SW. It's also one of their heaviest songs, with a killer riff during the chorus and the ending, and the heaviness doesn't sound forced like it does in say, Shallow. The lyrics themselves are among PT's most disturbing, the character has snapped. If you place this song low on your own rankings of IA, give it a relisten.
19. Russia on Ice from Lightbulb Sun
The lengthy epic from Lightbulb Sun, it's a shame that they've been cutting the back half from it recently for live shows. Then again, the replacement has been the heavy section of Anesthetize, so I can't really complain. I love SW's singing during the "chorus" of this song. So distant and longing. The song has an overall dark tone for the first half, and is very minimalistic instrumentally compared to a lot of PT's songs, which makes it somewhat more memorable. Then the second half everything comes back in for a crazed jam that is reminiscent of Burning Sky and Moonloop. Classic.
18. Lazarus from Deadwing
Porcupine Tree's top-selling song on iTunes for some inexplicable reason, you'd figure it'd be Trains or Blackest Eyes before Lazarus. Regardless, the song is great. Fits in on the album as the light counterpart to the heavy but highly lackluster Shallow, the song is among their better ballads (then again, where's the line between ballad and not-ballad in some of their more mellow songs?). The "My David don't you worry" bit has nearly brought me to tears on occasion (manly tears of course), and all of the instrumentation is spot on. In particular, Richard's keyboard that makes up the base of the song's melody gives the song a soul that many songs just don't have.
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20. The Creator Has a Mastertape from In Absentia
One of the two songs that got me into Porcupine Tree. A highly underrated song in my opinion, overlooked while everyone's gushing over The Sound of Muzak. It contains one of Colin's best basslines IMO, and the atmosphere is overall quite creepy between the bass and the strange vocal delivery provided by SW. It's also one of their heaviest songs, with a killer riff during the chorus and the ending, and the heaviness doesn't sound forced like it does in say, Shallow. The lyrics themselves are among PT's most disturbing, the character has snapped. If you place this song low on your own rankings of IA, give it a relisten.
YES. I LOVE this song but it seems very overlooked. Your other picks are great too, but I quite like Shallow. :-\
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some nice choices, although never been a huge fan of the creator has a master tape. Shallow is a great song imo!
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Already been some IA-songs that i don't care much about, but nice to see Russia on Ice. :laugh:
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Nice to see "The Creator Has a Mastertape" so high on your list.
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17. Heartattack in a Layby from In Absentia
The saddest song on the planet. Much more than an interlude between Mastertape and Strip the Soul, this tearjerking song weaves its way through somber verse after somber verse. It's as the ending approaches that it really starts to tug on one's heartstrings. From the whining keyboard to the harmonized vocals, the song just seeps misery and longing. A special touch is made at the end when the harmonies and the keyboards merge into the sound of an ambulance siren, a fitting ending.
16. Hatesong from Lightbulb Sun
Possibly the song that translates best to a live scenario in Porcupine Tree's catalog, Hatesong has a lot going for it. A catchy bassline, a great solo, interesting lyrics, stellar musicianship all around. That one bit at the beginning of the solo that SW does on the live versions is wacky and unique, another plus to the song. The song has a whole lot of buildup that spills up in the last minutes, making for some of the best PT you can hope to experience in a live show.
15. Lightbulb Sun from Lightbulb Sun
I loved this song ever since I first heard it. Touching lyrics about nostalgia weave around this fairly simple, softly spoken song. Again I make a live comparison, it's good to see a band who switches things up this often while playing to a crowd. The angrier tone he uses when singing the "My head beats a better way" part (see: Ilosaarirock) adds to the performance. I can't really think of what particularly stands out about this song, it's just one that has stuck to me well. If they're delving into the back catalog at the end-of-tour shows, I hope this one makes an appearance
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Yellow Hedgerow Dreamscape and Nine Cats (especially the acoustic version on Insignifiance) have always been in my top 10 PT songs, I bloody love them both. Listening to YHD on earphones is the most orgasmically awesome experience.
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Agreed 100%.
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Three great songs there. :tup Although a lot of the songs that would make my top 10 are somewhere in the top 30 for you, so the rest of this should be interesting...
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I can't see why LB is higher than Hatesong, though.
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Yellow Hedgerow Dreamscape and Nine Cats (especially the acoustic version on Insignifiance) have always been in my top 10 PT songs, I bloody love them both. Listening to YHD on earphones is the most orgasmically awesome experience.
Which YHD version? There's like 5 that I have.
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The Staircase Infinities version is great. The 20 minute one isn't bad and I love the beginning part but it can drag.
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14. Pure Narcotic from Stupid Dream
It's strange. While I'd say that Heartattack is the 'sadder' song, this is the only song that has ever made me cry. Take the almost-cheery music with the lyrics filled with longing and self-insecurity. Particularly, the ending with the harmonies and what I consider SW's absolute best vocal moment, though there are so many. "Have we ever been here before, running headlong at the floor?" He's lacking certain qualities that would make him an all-around stellar singer, but nobody could fit PT's music better than he could. On an album filled with songs about giving up, longing, and depression, one of the cheeriest tracks is possibly the saddest. Bravo.
13. Blackest Eyes from In Absentia
Live setting mainstay, hard rocking, and deceptive, one of PT's most popular songs deserves its place this high up on the list. Blackest Eyes is many things. It's the start of their "modern" era, where they introduced a much heavier sound. It's the single song I'd most likely use to introduce any potential new fans. It's got a killer riff, and a catchy chorus. It's also disturbingly upbeat - ever person I've ever had listen to the song thinks its the happiest thing ever until they start paying attention to the lyrics. And that backing voice underneath the first set of verses? It also acts somewhat as an overview of the story behind the album in the span of one song. The only downside to the song is that it has the potential to drive away a close-minded listener as soon as they realize the song is about rape.
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Although I love Blackest Eyes, I don't think it deserves this high spot.
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Although I love Blackest Eyes, I don't think it deserves this high spot.
+1.
Which is kinda why it barely made it to my top50.
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Although I love Blackest Eyes, I don't think it deserves this high spot.
I kind of agree. For me, it would be in the 35-40 range.
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Both those songs are very high for me :tup
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12. A Smart Kid from Stupid Dream
Another one from Stupid Dream, with a few more to come, it being my 2nd favorite PT album behind IA. An enormous stand out in the otherwise inferior back half of the album (compared to the front half, anyway), A Smart Kid has always baffled me. It's clearly sad and lonely, and the entire song portrays it extremely well with the long, slow, winding notes and lyrics. But what about the title? Is this kid actually alone after nuclear holocaust? Or is it a kid merely being imaginative, pretending he's all alone in the world. Or maybe it's both. Maybe the child feels so alone in the real world that he's made a world of his own where there's a small bit of hope for him. Also, if you haven't gotten Atlanta, do it just for this song if not for the cancer treatment fund. The live version is even more heartbreaking than the album version.
11. Buying New Soul from Recordings
Assuming we're not counting Nil Recurring as B-sides, this is one of only two B-sides to appear on this list. Though if I remade this list, Half-Light might get added in as well having finally heard it both on Atlanta and Anesthetize. I had the pleasure of seeing this song in person, and then listening to it on repeat for a few days ad nauseum. A very minimalistic song, it starts and ends with starry ambient work by Richard, then trails lazily into some acoustic work. What drives this song up the list are an incredible job by a somber sounding SW, slowly reciting the best written lyrics of his career. Clearly fitting the themes of Stupid Dream and Lightbulb Sun (though it'd probably fit better thematically on the former), it's a travesty that this song didn't appear on either of the albums, and as a result doesn't reach nearly the number of ears that it should. Special mention to the chorus. I don't know what it is about it, it's awfully simplistic, but I love it every time.
So that leaves us with 10 to go. Any guesses or thoughts? I know some people know my favorite (or top 3, potentially) just by frequenting the PT thread, but who knows.
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Deadwing
Trains
The Start of Something Beautiful
Arriving Somewhere
Anesthetize
maybe some have already been mentioned, but i guess its the boring 'normal' choices :>
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BNS is my number 1. :\
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11's pretty good considering how large PT's discography is.
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Top 10 ahoy.
10. Fear of a Blank Planet from Fear of a Blank Planet
Starting off the top 10 with a bit of a controversial choice. I've got no clue what continues to drive me back to this song, but I'll never oppose to hearing it again. It was the first PT song I heard, and it drew me right in, and continues to. Say whatever you want about the lyrics. Cheesy or not, they don't detract from the song. If cheesiness was a factor, Arjen Lucassen wouldn't have any listeners. Musically, it's quite the attention grabber. Great fills by Gavin, and catchy vocal melodies & guitarwork during the beginning of the song. Basically, I have no idea why I like this song so much. It's fairly standard, and it isn't even high on atmosphere. It just flows so well together, all of the layers and melodies. I'd say it deserves more love around here, but it did at least make the finals of the survivor.
9. Don't Hate Me from Stupid Dream
Another quality track from Stupid Dream, this time sporting a flute solo and a sax solo in the span of about a minute. The song is one of many examples of Wilson's "I'm a lonely love-starved stalker" lyrical phase that runs through Shesmovedon, Feel So Low, Slave Called Shiver, this song, and a few others in PT's discography. Of those songs, this one is head and shoulders above the rest. All of those other songs come off as somewhat odd when listening to them (and this is coming from someone who said not to bash Fear's lyrics). Don't Hate Me, on the flipside, is fairly similar to A Smart Kid. Lonely, slow, and atmospheric. Both songs perfectly capture someone who is missing something, someone, somewhere, and there's very little they can do to change it. Don't Hate Me rides ahead by having more varied sections and its unique solo. I think I'll listen to it again right now. Very fitting song for three in the morning.
EDIT: I love this sax solo so much.
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Yeah that sax solo is very great, I love how the solo plays over that two-chord scheme, going up a half step and going back.
And FoaBP the track is pretty neat indeed. The only thing is.. most of the songs you have on your list are better than this song! Whatever dude, it's a great track, I love RB's synths in it, the drum beat, and especially the ending that's in 6/8. And it flows like no other heavy PT song. I remember listening to it for the first time on their Arriving Somewhere tour, when they were previewing the album before it was even recorded. When I first got the studio version, I could still remember the opening guitar riff, and I knew it was going to be great.
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FOABP is a great song, easily better than the other songs on the album apart from anesthetize imo..
Sax solo :hefdaddy
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FOABP is a great song, easily better than the other songs on the album apart from anesthetize imo..
Sax solo :hefdaddy
Personally i would rank the songs on FOABP like this:
1. Way out of Here
2. Sleep Together
3. Anesthetize
4. Sentimental
5. My Ashes
6. Fear of a blank Planet
:biggrin:
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1. Anesthetize
2. Sentimental
3. Fear of a Blank Planet
4. Way Out of Here
5. Sleep Together
6. My Ashes
I can foresee this completely derailing this thread.
Don't Hate Me was a nice pick, btw.
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1. Anesthetize
2. Sentimental
3. Fear of a Blank Planet
4. Way Out of Here
5. Sleep Together
6. My Ashes
I can foresee this completely derailing this thread.
Don't Hate Me was a nice pick, btw.
That's my ranking too. And these lists are great for newer listeners like me, as now I have an idea of where to start with the older and rarer PT material.
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1. Anesthetize
2. Sentimental
3. Fear of a Blank Planet
4. Way Out of Here
5. Sleep Together
6. My Ashes
I can foresee this completely derailing this thread.
Don't Hate Me was a nice pick, btw.
That's my ranking too. And these lists are great for newer listeners like me, as now I have an idea of where to start with the older and rarer PT material.
Stupid Dream, obviously.
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Stupid Dream > Signify. But don't tell Quad...
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Stupid Dream > Signify. But don't tell Quad...
Stupid Dream > a lot of things. It's just about the least cheery album on the planet though, keep that in mind if you haven't listened to it before.
So 8 songs to go. What will they be?
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Deadwing
Trains
The Start of Something Beautiful
Arriving Somewhere
Anesthetize
maybe some have already been mentioned, but i guess its the boring 'normal' choices :>
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Arriving Somewhere's sitting over in 24th.
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Deadwing obviously.
Trains
The Start of Something beautiful
Anesthetize
Fairly sure about these.
Then i'm going to throw out some guesses (note: cba to read through all your songs again, so might miss some that has already been posted :P)
Cheating the Polygraph
Glass Arm Shattering
Gravity Eyelids
Bonnie the Cat
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Sorry for the delay.
8. Even Less (full version) from Stupid Dream / Recordings
Even without the second half of the song, I'd still place it awfully high. There's only one thing I dislike about this song, and it's that Steven changes the line to "to even less" on every version of the song that isn't the studio version. I don't get it. But regardless, Even Less does a bunch of things that make it memorable. For starters, it was the beginning of a new era of sound for the band, opening Stupid Dream. Less psychedelic, more mellow and melodic. It has some of SW's best lyrics, particularly the "chorus." "And I may just waste away from doing nothing, but you're a martyr for even less." I could spend my whole life doing nothing with myself, but it's better than killing yourself for a cause that nobody will remember. Damn. I'm also a fan of the intro riff, and I wish I could play it myself, but it's got too many slides. The song's excellent enough without the second half, but the second half does nothing but improve the song. A long-drawn drum bit by Maitland builds up with layers of other instruments, reaching more quality lyrics (I'm a sucker for sneaky title drops). "And I had a stupid dream that I could change things, but I'm a martyr to even less." Again. Offing yourself for your stupid dream is never the answer. And then the song closes with the riff again, and then a few whined lines of vocals at the very end that simply trail off lazily. I never tire of this track.
7. The Start of Something Beautiful from Deadwing
This one tends to be high up on most fan's lists, and for good reason. From the minimalistic sounding keyboards making up the intro and verses to the huge build up of the instrumental section and last chorus, this song is probably the song I would say is most representative of PT's 'modern' sound. Certainly a song I'd give in a compilation album to attempt to make a new fan out of someone (alongside Blackest Eyes and Trains). Another sarcastic song of unrequited love by Wilson, this track stands out by being less in your face about it. The lyrics blend in with the melodies very well, and the instrumental segment of the song is one of PT's best. The soft keyboards that merge into loud guitars that break into the last chorus. For many people the song could very well be the start of something beautiful (zing.).
EDIT: Wow, why did I write so much for Even Less. TSOSB feels left out.
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Two great songs! I also never got why SW changes the chorus live... I like the studio version best. "But I'm a martyr to even less" doesn't sound as good as "But you're a martyr for even less" imo.
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Two great songs! I also never got why SW changes the chorus live... I like the studio version best. "But I'm a martyr to even less" doesn't sound as good as "But you're a martyr for even less" imo.
I agree.
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Even Less is so amazing.
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More delays. I'll get the last few in as soon as I have the time.
6. Gravity Eyelids from In Absentia
A friend of mine refers to this song as "the musical equivalent of rape." I don't know quite what he means by that. The song is certainly an experience though. In future PT albums, there would be a lengthy centerpiece song with a similar beginning and ending with a radically different middle. Arriving Somewhere, Anesthetize, and Time Flies fit the bill. Gravity Eyelids is somewhat like the transition. It fits the pattern, but it's still a much more "manageable" length. Clocking in at 8 minutes, the first half of the song is spent weaving ones way through eerily played keyboards behind eerily sung lyrics that are supposedly inspired by a night on the dead sea, but who really knows. The song could have stood on its own continuing that way, but as the four minute mark hits, some of the most sinister sounding guitars that aren't on an Opeth album break in and turn into a heavy solo that is reminiscent somewhat of the main riff of album opener Blackest Eyes. My favorite part, however, is right after that when the keyboard takes over for a number of very drawn out notes alongside the back end of the solo. Richard's keys sound like an ominous howling wind over the dark riffs. A shame that this song doesn't get the love it deserves.
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:tup
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FOABP Rank:
1) Anesthetize
2) Sentimental
3) Fear of a Blank Planet
4) Sleep Together
5) Way Out of Here
6) My Ashes
1, 2 and 3 are all brilliant and amongst my favourite PT songs overall.
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Great songs: Even Less, TSOSB and Gravity Eyelids would be in my top 10 too.
FoaBP ranking:
1. Anesthetize
2. Sleep Together
3. Way Out of Here
4. Fear of a Blank Planet
5. My Ashes
6. Sentimental (possibly the only PT song I find boring to listen to - the melodies are good, but it just doesn't really go anywhere. The 'Trains' bit does nothing for me as well, the riff sounds less powerful here).
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5. Anesthetize from Fear of a Blank Planet
It was sure to pop up at some point. Unlike Gravity Eyelids, which is much more condensed, Anesthetize pulls out all the stops. Their longest single track not counting things like the improvised Moonloop, Anesthetize makes up the bulk of Fear, and does a great job at showing off most of PT's styles in one song. The first part, while my least favorite of the three, is still a great introduction and mood setter. Glum and reflective, like much of Fear, it does its part and moves on. The connecting solo performed by Alex Lifeson is a nice bonus, though its live equivalent by Wesley seems to trade off trying to sound like the studio version for a more individual sound with a pile of slides. The middle section is my favorite, and is possibly the heaviest thing Porcupine Tree's done that isn't forced sounding like Shallow, or B-side Futile. When I saw them in May, the rendition of this section was the highlight of the show for sure. The flashy videos, the killer riffs, the ~15 seconds of neck-breaking heaviness right before the third chorus, it was an experience for sure. Dark keyboards whine behind the verses, and all the band members seem to have a blast playing the instrumental parts. Wilson in particular is all over the stage. Eventually it breaks into the last segment, accompanied by videos of calm waters and rushing waves. Keyboards and vocal harmonies set a special mood not heard elsewhere while the song slowly fades away. Anesthetize places high on most people's lists for good reason.
And to fit the trend.
1. Anesthetize
2. Fear of a Blank Planet
3. Sentimental
4. Sleep Together
5. My Ashes
6. Way Out of Here
And I'd rank Fear as my 3rd favorite album.
Also, Trains is a shoe-in, and it's not exactly private what my favorite track is. What could the other two be?
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Well, cba reading through the list again to see what's missing. :P
Deadwing is given though. ;)
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Lazy. :P
5. Anesthetize
6. Gravity Eyelids
7. The Start of Something Beautiful
8. Even Less
9. Fear of a Blank Planet
10. Don't Hate Me
11. Buying New Soul
12. A Smart Kid
13. Blackest Eyes
14. Pure Narcotic
15. Lightbulb Sun
16. Hatesong
17. Heartattack in a Layby
18. Lazarus
19. Russia on Ice
20. The Creator Has a Mastertape
21. Octane Twisted/The Seance/Circle of Manias
22. The Blind House
23. Sentimental
24. Arriving Somewhere but Not Here
25. Prodigal
26. Collapse the Light Into Earth
27. I Drive the Hearse
28. Time Flies
29. The Sky Moves Sideways
30. Nine Cats
31. What Happens Now?
32. Stars Die
33. Normal
34. Lips of Ashes
35. Piano Lessons
36. Sleep Together
37. Sever
38. My Ashes
39. .3
40. The Incident
41. Waiting
42. Halo
43. Open Car
44. Shesmovedon/Last Chance
45. Burning Sky
46. Way Out of Here
47. The Rest Will Flow
48. Tinto Brass
49. Synesthesia
50. Nil Recurring
Honorable Mentions to...
-Fadeaway
-Dislocated Day
-Idiot Prayer
-Stranger by the Minute
-Futile
-Half-Light
-Bonnie the Cat
-Remember Me Lover
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As much as I love Anesthetize, I don't think I could put it that high. I really think it needs some trimming in places. I can never through it all. By about the 12/14 minute mark I just have to change the song.
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Hmm, i'd say Drown With Me would be one of them.
As for the other one, it would be a crime not having Dark Matter on the list.
There you go. ;)
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It's missing Dark Matter, The Sleep of No Dreaming, Drown With Me, Slave Called Shiver, Trains, Cheating The Polygraph, Deadwing.
All would be top 30 for me. Well, maybe not Deadwing.
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Trains and Deadwing will be in there.
Deadwing is his favourite PT song...for some reason :P
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So the top 4 are Dark Matter, Drown With Me, Trains, and Deadwing? Let's try to guess the order. Mine was posted.
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1. Deadwing
2. Trains
3. Drown With Me
4. Dark Matter
my guess
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Cooool you stole mine :D
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Curses, foiled again!
4. Drown With Me from Futile
If I ever bought an acoustic guitar, it would be to play this song first and play anything else a distant second. I've always been baffled as to how a song of this quality didn't make it on the album. The story goes that it was replaced by Wedding Nails, which is a good instrumental and all, but can't hold a candle to this track. The main riffs are a layer of acoustic and electric played together with Richard in the background, creating an upbeat, bouncy mood. Clearly the lyrical content of the song is the complete opposite, much like Blackest Eyes and others. I've already said the end of Pure Narcotic is my favorite vocal moment by SW, but if I had to pick an entire song with stellar vocal delivery it would surely be this one. In particular, I love second soft part where his voice is layered over itself over and over. Immediately after that is another great part where he's not even saying any full words, but it fits in so well that it's uncanny. It's great that this song has gotten so much playtime lately, it really deserves it. The song is one of their best and tends to a live environment awfully well. If you're new to PT and haven't heard this track due to it being a B-side, I'd get on that immediately.
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:heart Drown With Me
I think SW purposely makes the best songs b-sides. (like Buying New Soul)
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I love Drown With Me a LOT LOT more than Wedding Nails, great pick. Number 3 please!
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Why the hell I haven't followed this? This is easily the most awesome top 50 this far.
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Darkes, I read about you doing one but I couldn't find it when I searched. Would you happen to have a link to it so I could give it a read as well?
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I don't think he did one, it's just a known fact that his number 1 is Anesthetize. I think you're referring to a post I made.
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I don't think he did one, it's just a known fact that his number 1 is Anesthetize. I think you're referring to a post I made.
Oh yeah, I think you're right, the one where you were comparing how different people's number ones were?
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Nah, I haven't, simply because I need to listen to the early albums. When I do, I might do one. But yeah, Quadrochosis is right. :P Unless you count The Incident as a song, then Anesthetize is #2.
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Yea.
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That wasn't enthusiastic enough. It should be
OMG OMG OMG ANESTHETIZE AND THE INCIDENT ARE THE MOST AWESOME THINGS IN EXISTENCE
...or close.
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Anesthetize is probably my number 1 at the minute, but then I still haven't heard A Smart Kid or a lot of the earlier material.
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You guys should change that.
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That wasn't enthusiastic enough. It should be
OMG OMG OMG ANESTHETIZE AND THE INCIDENT ARE THE MOST AWESOME THINGS IN EXISTENCE
...or close.
I was saying Yea to Marvellous G's question.
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Why the hell I haven't followed this? This is easily the most awesome top 50 this far.
Not as awesome as mine was... :sadpanda:
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Pfft. These are all pale imitations to the original, which was, of course...mine. :biggrin: :hat
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3. Dark Matter from Signify
CRUSHED LIKE A ROSE
IN THE RIVER FLOW
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII AM
I KNOW
That should be enough to cover half of why this song is incredible. The other half is Steven Wilson's best solo that occupies the back half of the song. It seems new PT fans shy away from anything earlier than Stupid Dream. What a loss, this song could probably take every other song on their first four albums in a fight and win. The renditions of it on Anesthetize and Atlanta do it great justice and are a must view/listen. That live intro that Richard adds to it in both live editions improves the already stellar atmosphere. There's really very little I can say about this song, it needs to be listened to to be appreciated. In short, top notch lyrics, top notch atmosphere, top notch solo. Everyone's on top of their game and it shows.
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Is this getting updated ever?
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We already know what the next 2 are, but I really like reading the descriptions...
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I was busy being disappointed by the lack of Dark Matter love to finish. :yeahright
2. Trains from In Absentia
Porcupine Tree's Metropolis, their song that is the top or very near the top of nearly every fan's list and often shows up as the encore. The run away fan favorite track. The second half of the one-two punch that starts off In Absentia, a great way to introduce someone to Porcupine Tree's mellower half, a surprisingly killer live number, and so much more, Trains encompasses a whole lot of what makes PT PT in a mere six minutes. At its heart its a fluffy pop song, but it has the PT overlay on top of it. Richard's atmosphere, Steven's phone vocals, the works. It's much more than any pop song could ever hope to be. The title being a common theme in SW's lyrics, supposedly he lived near a large number of trains during his childhood and likes to reference them as a nostalgia point. While my first tastes of PT came in the form of Fear of a Blank Planet and The Creator Has a Mastertape, it wasn't until I heard Trains that everything clicked. Suddenly everything Steven Wilson had even touched was musical gold. The song hides some trigger somewhere, just like other fan favorites. I was the same way for Metropolis and Dream Theater songs. There's something about songs like these that make you appreciate everything an artist does. I also think its worth pointing out that the best audio recorded version of this track is a toss up between the album version and the live version on Ilosaarirock. Arriving Somewhere makes for a nice video, but the cut in the middle hampers it. All the more reason to join ROABP or find a copy of Ilosaarirock somewhere (but not here). There's not much to say about this song that hasn't been said to death by Darkes or anyone else in the PT threads, but I'd like to give a special mention to the last minute or so of the song. The entire band joins back in for the finale, ending the song on an enormous high note. Incredible.
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I find Trains overrated.
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Me too... seriously I like that song but I have never urge to listen to it aside from whole album context... On the other side songs like Blackest Eyes, Lips Of Ashes, Gravity Eylids, Wedding Nails, The Creator Has A Mastertape and sometimes Strip The Soul I listen very often outside of the album context and love them very very much... Especially Gravity Eylids and Wedding Nails
But I love whole album it is possibly in my Top 3 albums overall not just within PT
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Gravity Eyelids is ten time more pleasing than Trains for me.
Besides, there are tons of better songs with that "Happy tune" that most people praise of Trains.
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Both Dark Matter and Trains ranked high for me, so.. good job? ;)
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Both Dark Matter and Trains ranked high for me, so.. good job? ;)
Speaking of Dark Matter, they played it live again during some festivals last week. I wonder if it will get played at the two long shows....
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All I have to say is...
(https://thelasthonestman.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/vader-nooooo.jpg)
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Both Dark Matter and Trains ranked high for me, so.. good job? ;)
Speaking of Dark Matter, they played it live again during some festivals last week. I wonder if it will get played at the two long shows....
Dark Matter and Trains are possibly my top 2, so :tup
Pure Narcotic was played recently too, id say that was a banker for the long shows.
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DTF Gravity Eyelids lovers I'mma let y'all finish, but Trains is one of the best songs of ALL TIME. OF ALL TIME!
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Yeah - assuming no other songs exist except The Sound of Muzak and Mellotron Scratch.
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and Four Chords That Made a Million
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It's crazy how much people disagree about PT. Im sure nearly DT fans love their obvious song s unanimously.. i guess PT have a fair mix of poppy and proggy masterpieces, but I for one love both :hat
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Well, in DT's case: Metropolis is a remarkable piece of work, but I'd rather listen to any other I&W song. It just doesn't do that much for me, except when they play it live. Somehow as an encore song, it's the most epic thing ever.
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Trains :heart
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Trains shares the magic and nostalgia that thrust Metropolis into my No. 1 spot. Although Trains would not be my No.1 PT song, it would be close.
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1. Deadwing from Deadwing
The only one that almost everyone should have seen coming. My favorite PT track, and possibly my favorite song of all time. The opener to one of PT's more popular albums, Deadwing begins with an amusing staccato that sits in the background for the majority of the song. So many people seem to dismiss the song as being dull and going nowhere, and it completely baffles me how anyone can find this true. Deadwing takes the staccato intro and builds a lengthy, varied, intricate track around it. From the creepy spoken sections to the vocal delivery of "Yes I'd have to say I like my privacy" to the bizzare slide-filled solo, Deadwing is segment after segment of new ideas thrown on a subtle theme. The song truly has it all when it comes to what makes PT shine. Mysterious haunting keyboards throughout. A wicked solo. Interesting drum fills during the back half of the song. The reprise of the riff from the intro with a whined keyboard playing behind it at 5:18 is likely my favorite single moment of Porcupine Tree to date. Lyrically it can't stand up to some of Steven's other lyrics, the best of which I'd award to either Buying New Soul or Even Less, but that's not to say Deadwing's are bad by any means. A screenplay? What an interesting prospect, perhaps on the wake of the Insurgentes documentary someone will pick it up. It bothers me to no end that I may never see this song live, as Gavin seems to have some vendetta against playing it for whatever reason, maybe he'll make an exception for the special fall shows. If you're among the group that places Arriving Somewhere and/or The Start of Something Beautiful head and shoulders above the rest of the album, I implore you to give the title track another try.
And that's my list. A bit predictable near the end because I'm overly vocal about my opinions in the PT thread much of time, but thanks for following. All the better if you didn't actually know my favorites for whatever reason.
And with that...
DEADWING LULLABY
FIND A PLACE TO HIDE
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HOLY BALLS.
I never looked up the lyrics to the song... I never even knew "deadwing lullaby" was in the lyrics. Thats awesome! :metal
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Cool choice on #1. Deadwing is not my favorite PT song, but it's definately top 15 for me. And 'Deadwing' is my PT album of choice. I don't know man, it's hard to pick a favorite. But it was the first PT album that came out when I was a fan, and I have wonderful memories of it, mostly of summer and romances 'n shit.. I can't believe 'The Incident' kind of slayed it as an album. But 'Deadwing' definately has the BIG songs: Deadwing, Arriving, Mellotron, SoSB.
'Deadwing' was the first song they played when I saw them live for the first time in 2005. I have most vivid memories of that, how they busted out into the 2 chords and the subsequent power-riff. I was standing front row (they didn't even sell out back then!), and the sound was crushingly loud, but AWESOME.
It would be one of their most notorious songs if they played it live more often, because it absolutely owned in a live setting.
Here's to 'Deadwing', cheers. And PT, play it LIVE!
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Deadwing will always have a special place in my heart, because it was the first PT album to be released after I became a fan, so it was the first one that I had a sense of anticipation and excitement for.
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I love "Deadwing."
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Deadwing's great, I don't see why people say it's not anything special. The way those keyboards are going through the whole song, and fitting perfectly under the heavy, soft, clean and loud riffs is amazing. I also agree about Trains, but I probably wouldn't have it quite that high up. Great list!
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My top 20:
1. Anesthetize
2. The Sky Moves Sideways
3. Arriving Somewhere... But Not Here
4. Trains
5. The Blind House
6. Russia On Ice
7. Burning Sky
8. Moonloop
9. Mellotron Scratch
10. Hatesong
11. Deadwing
12. Fadeaway
13. Synesthesia
14. Small Fish
15. Dark Matter
16. Every Home Is Wired
17. .3
18. Lightbulb Sun
19. Radioactive Toy
20. A Smart Kid
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It would be one of their most notorious songs if they played it live more often, because it absolutely owned in a live setting.
Yeah it sucks they don't play it anymore :( Damn it, Gavin.