You all are hysterical. I like Steven Wilson and the Tree, but I would never try to wade through their discography in a week. Maybe an album a week. I am very fond of Dead Wing, Inabsenthia, and Fear of a Blank Planet. You were all brutally honest and even touched on some stuff that I have been a little afraid to bring up around my Proggier friends. I often disagree with you guys, but I keep coming back... particularly for your perspective. Keep it up!

This was very entertaining, almost like comedy. Kramzer and Jason trying to find a good song in their repertoire and Joe frustrated with their comments. I noticed that although Joe was annoyed at his companions reviews he didn’t really appear to enjoy their music. When the only compliment to a song is “the drumming is good” is like telling a girl she has beautiful ears. But I enjoyed this session immensely.

Expecting King Crimson complexity or Opeth heaviness is not what Porcupine Tree is about. To me they have have always been more introspective with a more thoughtful intensity, the mood is the key.

Steven wilson is one of the greatest musical geniuses of the last 30 years, his work with porcupine tree and his solo records is outstanding. However it is impossible to take in 11 albums in just one week. Also I understand this genre of music is not for everyone..I also think that putting on a sunday of life over fear of a blank planet is like putting the endless river over dark side of the moon. However I did enjoy the video!

Sometimes you simply don’t like a band. I applaud you for being so honest about your opinions.

I am kinda new to the channel, and I'm massively enjoying your rankings. Yesterday I saw your Kate Bush videos and the 2008 top songs. But I feel that the rhythm you follow to do the listographies is crazy! I mean how can you fall in love with a piece of art or comprenhend it if you listen to 11 albums from the same artist in one week! That's kinda 30 years of artist evolution. You can't even get familiar to the tunes, or the deepest arrangements on the tracks. I feel like many artists or albums become acquired tastes. However, always appreciate your content. Porcupine Tree great band btw!

Gentlemen, this was brutal. Good on ya for being honest though.

Kram honestly couldn’t be any WRONGER about the drums

Wow! Joe's audio sounds sooooo much better than previously. thank you, Joe! And I don't know why, because you guys have done a bunch of the classic English prog bands, but somehow I never expected a Porcupine Tree listography. I used to be really into them in the early 2000s and got a bunch of their albums up to in Absentia, but sort of lost track of them after that. I heard about the new album and i think I'd like to check it out. Really looking forward to you all going through these records.

1. In Absentia - 4 (almost 4.5) 2. Fear of a Blank Planet - 4 3. Lightbulb Sun - 4 4. Deadwing - 4 5. Stupid Dream - 3.5 (almost 4) 6. The Sky Moves Sideways - 3.5 7. Signify - 3.5 8. Closure/Continuation - 3.5 9. Up the Downstair - 3 (almost 3.5) 10. The Incident - 3 11. On the Sunday of Life - 3

Appreciate the honesty. Still gonna be tough to take you guys seriously after this...

I watched the whole video and am a PT fan, but with that said, I feel this way about other bands such as Muse. So I totally get where you guys are coming from. I did see Steve Wilson in concert and it was a very good show. Keep being honest guys. That's why I am a subscriber.

When I disagree I still find your videos entertaining. It does concern me when we agree. I must confess I am a Steven Wilson fan boy.

Porcupine Tree is one of my all time favorite bands. They were the second band I got into after I explored the Rush catalog and is one of the main artists responsible for forming my music taste. I’m honestly shocked by all the hate displayed especially by Kramzer. ALBUM RANKING: 1. Fear of a Blank Planet (2007) - 10/10 2. Deadwing (2005) - 10/10 3. In Absentia (2002) - 10/10 4. Lightbulb Sun (2000) - 9.5/10 5. Stupid Dream (1999) - 9.5/10 6. Closure / Continuation (2022) - 9.5/10 7. The Incident (2009) - 9.5/10 8. Signify (1996) - 9/10 9. The Sky Moves Sideways (1995) - 9/10 10. Up the Downstair (1993) - 9/10 11. On the Sunday of Life... (1992) - 7/10 ALBUM RATING SYSTEM: 10: Perfect 9 - 9.5: Essential 8 - 8.5: Great 7 - 7.5: Very Good 6 - 6.5: Good 5 - 5.5: Okay 4 - 4.5: Bad 3 - 3.5: Very Bad 2 - 2.5: Awful 1 - 1.5: Terrible 0 - 0.5: Garbage

Jason's mention of "In Abstenchia" (around 49:00) perfectly encapsulates his view of PT's catalogue.

Hats off to Joe for effort! And for noticing the quality of the rhythm section which is the main thing I enjoy listening to with this band.

My issue with Porcupine Tree is that they're pleasant but rarely exciting, and when they are, all is buried under musical logorrhea. Though I enjoy them while listening, nothing sticks to my mind beyond the present moment.

Love the brutal honesty and it's needed more often. I must be living on a different planet from you guys though as I think there albums range from decent to amazing.

12) Metanoia (1998) 3.5/5 11) On the Sunday of Life... (1992) 3.75/5 10) In Absentia (2002) 3.75/5 09) Lightbulb Sun (2000) 3.75/5 08) Up the Downstairs (1993) 4/5 07) Signify (1996) 4/5 06) Closure/Continuation (2022) 4/5 05) The Incident (2009) 4.25/5 04) Stupid Dream (1999) 4.5/5 03) Fear of a Blank Planet (2007) 4.5/5 02) The Sky Moves Sideways (1995) 5/5 01) Deadwing (2005) 5/5 0 stars - irredeemably terrible/insultingly bad/the worst .5 stars - terrible 1 star - bad 1.5 stars - pretty bad 2 stars - fair 2.5 stars - meh 2.75 stars - "It's OK, but quit playing it." 3 stars - OK/decent 3.25 stars - pretty good 3.5 stars - good 4 stars - very good 4.5 stars - excellent 5 stars - sapphire fountains notes: * Porcupine Tree music is kind of a downer at times, and I'm OK with that. They often sound trippy which I love. They get heavy on occasion, but I wouldn't think often enough for those who just want to rock out. When they do get heavy, it's usually a striking way to emphasis parts of a song. They also get ambient quite a bit, and psychedelic in their own way. It's all mixed up in a delicious prog stew. * For me, their big downfall is their overuse of spoken word dialogue which usually gets tiresome on repeated listens. * On the Sunday of Life... is kinda this weird, New Wave psych pop at times, with a slightly odd sounding vocalist. There are short, atmospheric instrumental pieces mixed in. "The Nostalgia Factory" has a cool synth solo. "Jupiter Island" gets really trippy at the end. I love the way they mess with the tempo. * Their next four albums are very atmospheric and trippy, and a Pink Floyd influence is apparent on occasion. * Their music is a bit on the stiff side at times, but then we get to "Stranger by the Minute" on Stupid Dream, their first truly great "pop" song. * I have seen In Absentia referred to as prog metal, which seems strange since so much of it is mellow. * Deadwing is a breakthrough in songwriting. To me, it's clearly better musically. The music just feels more organic on this one, the melodies more satisfying. And a lot of it is heavy, which I appreciate. * Fear of a Blank Planet is excellent but rather depressing. The first track is back to the lesser melodic style I can't quite get comfortable with. Lots of trippy synths on this album. * Metanoia could be a really nice atmospheric album, but the dialogue ruins the mood. * Closure/Continuation continues their tradition of impressive musicianship and lyrics that don't really say a whole lot. The closing track "Chimera's Wreck" is excellent.

Happy to hear you all discussing Porcupine Tree. Too bad you don't like them as much as many people do (myself included as I'm a fan). You do have to be ready for a strange blend of psychedelic, ambient, electronic, pop, alternative, prog rock and metal when going through their discography. Even as a big fan of theirs, I'll still admit they do have too much pointless ambient noise especially in their earlier albums. So I'm not a die hard fan of their first 3 albums but I love everything they've done since those and think their last 5 albums in a row have been masterpieces. For anyone who wants to hear me and my friend who are fans of Porcupine Tree ranking their albums from best to worst, we made a similar video before Closure/Continuation came out here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bMqRZtqGq9LcZXU.html

A ranking of Opeth's discography would be interesting after this, since they were an influence on Steven Wilson's musical direction since the early 2000s.

This video shows just how much I enjoy your content and the vibe of the discussions, even when you’re laying into a top 20 favourite band for me ;)

Before I start watching the video, and be disappointed:P, I want to say I'm really happy you decided to do their discography. One of my favourite bands❤️ Here are my rankings 11. On The Sunday of Life (2.5 stars) 10. The Incident (3 stars) 9. C/T (3.5 stars) 8. Up the Downstairs (3.5 stars) 7. Signify (3.5 stars) 6. The Sky Moves Sideways (4 stars) 5. Stupid Dream (4.5 stars) 4. Deadwing (4. 5 stars) 3. Lightbulb Sun (5 stars) 2. In Absentia (5 stars) 1. Fear of a Blank Planet (5 stars) Notes: - On the Sunday of Life is definitely the weakest of the bunch, weird vocals, bad production, it shouldn't be an album. But there are some great tracks like Radioactive Toy - The Incident I expected much more after FOABP, but was heavily disappointed. Standout tracks are Time Flies and Bonnie the Cat - I think that from Stupid Dream they get their sound, more accessible and some nice pop tunes, like Piano Lessons - In Absentia was my first PT album, Blackest eyes and Trains are soo good. - Fear of a blank planet is the most consistent album for sure and one of the shortest :O

Wow, this one was rough, and quite shocking actually, and I’m not even much of a PT fan. I’ve always had a love/hate feeling about the band, in that at least for their best stuff, I really like about half of it, and really dislike the other half. But I think they are a very interesting band, and certainly not at all ‘generic’. Thus, I also don’t think any of their albums are great, but most have at least some very good stuff. Like Joe, I prefer their more melodic stuff (and thanks to Joe for providing useful and insightful comments throughout). I’m Less interested in the early spacy stuff, and also don’t much care for the ‘metal intrusions’ in the later stuff, although those albums are generally better. But I think Wilson is quite interesting, and a good songwriter and arranger, and actually writes some very good melodies. Gavin Harrison is a tremendous drummer, one of the very best in rock. So, although I also have issues with the band, I recognize that they are very good at what they do. Krams was totally checked out for this one and it’s hard to believe he actually listened to these albums as so many of his comments just didn’t make any sense (‘all sound the same’, ‘poor rhythm section’, all same quality level, etc). Usually very interesting to hear what you guys have to say about a band, even though I rarely agree much, but with this one, other than Joes comments, it was tough to get through.

And here's another reason why this is the best music channel on KZfaq, these guys can tell you precisely why they like/don't like the music they are listening to. I don't know any Porcupine Tree music and yet I found this discussion fascinating. Other music channels/ranking shows may say that they dug the album or like the sound, but these three can break it down so well. I don't always agree with them, but I love the back and forth and the discussions. They fact that they do it week after week and make it so interesting is quite an accomplishment!! So, I forgive them if they occasionally look tired.

Your enthusiasm has me sleeping on the edge of my seat.

That was brutal. I have been a big fan of PT since the mid 90's. Just a minor criticism. It's hard to be a fair judge of an artists music, if you listen to 11 albums for the first time in 1 week. Most albums need at least 3 listens to come up with a valid opinion. There are many albums in my 61 years that I was cold to on first listen, then really liked after repeated listening

Fear of a Blank Planet - 5 stars (10) Stupid Dreams - 5 stars (9.8) In Absentia- 5 stars (9.6) Lightbulb Sun- 4.5 stars (8.8) Deadwing - 4.5 stars (8.6) CLOSURE/CONTINUATION - 4 stars (8.2) Signify - 3.5 stars (7.8) The Sky Moves Sideways - 3.5 stars (7.5) On the Sunday of Life - 3 stars (6.4) The Incident - 3 stars (6.1) Up the Downstairs -2.5 stars (5.5)

Well, now I know why I disagree with ya'll so much. Porcupine Tree is a band that needs to grow on you. PT is a band that certain people can relate to. Particularly people who have had a rough childhood. It is a salve for the soul. It makes us feel like someone else can relate.

This is the week that I learned that Porcupine Tree was not really a band for me. I can't say I hated anything really, but a lot of it just didn't grab me. Before this week I had heard several songs and In Absentia but had never really gone further. I can say listening through their discography there were often some moments here and there that I enjoyed but none of the albums really got to the next level for me. Still glad to have done this in the end so I could make an informed decision on them. I think I expected this outcome for you guys somewhat but maybe expected some slightly higher ratings at the top lol. Still an entertaining ranking all the same! 11. On The Sunday of Life - 2.5 (5) 10. The Sky Moves Sideways - 2.5 (5.3) 9. The Incident - 2.5 (5.4) 8. Up the Downstair - 3 (5.6) 7. Signify - 3 (6.1) 6. Stupid Dream - 3 (6.3) 5. Lightbulb Sun - 3.5 (7.2) 4. Closure/Continuation - 3.5 (7.4) 3. In Absentia - 3.5 (7.4) 2. Deadwing - 3.5 (7.5) 1. Fear of a Blank Planet - 3.5 (7.5)

It’s so hard to rank these albums but my personal favorites will ALWAYS BE their first six albums with Chris on drums. More psychedelic and progressive sounding stuff

Porcupine tree are a top 10 band for me. I accept you guys don't like, but some of your insults.... whoa. Feeling pretty deflated how much you ripped into them :(

I'm all for honest feedback/reviews/constructive critique, and enjoy your guys take... but that comment at 44:18 is petty and condescending. Don't belittle peoples (or your viewers) opposing opinions.

I loved the whole discography. But your views are really interesting on those records.

Probably one of the artists I'm most familiar with in all the TLM rankings, though I haven't heard four of the albums. 1. In Absentia 2. Stupid Dream 3. Deadwing 4. Fear of a Blank Planet 5. Signify 6. Lightbulb Sun 7. Recordings 8. The Incident Don't really listen to them anymore but went through a phase in high school where I liked em.

Another band I’m glad you guys got round to. Whilst I’m disappointed that they didn’t strike your fancy, I have to admit my enthusiasm originated from the vast quantity of substances I was consuming when I first heard The Sky Moves Sideways. I can try to be objective about them, but will always fail because nostalgia reminds me of a time when drugs were still fun and not yet destroying everything I valued. I have a fond place in my heart for them, though I can definitely acknowledge that they’re not quite as adventurous as they could be. A lot of recycling in their sound, but I enjoyed a lot of their tunes. Dislocated Day came to punch me in the face when I’d blown too many brain cells. What had been a cool tune now seemed to be pointing and laughing at the damage I’d done… My favourite albums are 1. Fear of a Blank Planet 2. Stupid Dream 3. The Sky Moves Sideways. My least favourite are 1. The Incident 2. Signify.

As someone who actually does like metal -- I'm bemused by the frequency of the "metal" mentions in this video. I've never, ever thought of Porcupine Tree as a metal band. Sure, Steve Wilson produced some Opeth albums, and maybe it rubbed off on him a bit, and for sure I need to listen to the last two or three albums still, but is that reallya significant part of their sound? I think ther'es a difference between having some crunchy guitars and having "metal riffs". I can only think of one bit of In Absentia that sounds kind of metal-ish and I think it's in the first song -- that maybe could be a riff on one of Opeth's metal albums from around the same time period. Also Dream Theater gets mentioned a lot here -- I really don't like it when Dream Theater tries to get all moody and emotional, but i do think that's more Porcupine Tree's territory and they do it well. How come Dream theater comes up so much here and not, I don't know, Radiohead? haha..i don't get it, guys. Ah well, after this week, probably only Joe will ever listen to them again.

after this episode, hopefully you will pass 10000 subs again one day

I've been watching some of your videos recently and find some of them interesting. Interesting in that we are of different generations and have very different tastes. As a child of the 70's, I grew up on arguably the most fruitful era for rock and pop music. That said, music in these genres mostly died to me in the mid-80's. Hard to fully get the music of an era without having lived through it as the music and the culture are so closely connected. I can't see how anyone can rate The Stranger by Billy Joel's The Stanger a 2.5 and Tormato by Yes a 4. To each his own, but there's no accounting for taste :) As for PT, they have their moments for sure. My favorites are In Abstentia, Deadwing, and Fear of a Blank Planet. Great drumming on all these records and some great pop songs with an edge. The Sound of Muzak is a great song with a very catchy melody. There are many on these 3 records if you take the time to listen (more the once)with an open mind. I avoid labels and simply like good music , which translates to good songs. I don't really consider them a prog band, as I really don't care for much that falls into this category. I used to be into :prog and jazz fusion, but it's mostly wankery. Complexity for complexities sake means nothing, if it's not musical! Blackest Eyes, Trains, The Sound of Muzac. Three catchy, memorable, songs right there on one record. Why review bands that you've already made up your mind about before you give them an honest listen? I did not like The Incident as there was no there there. I feel the same way about jazz (real jazz). More notes does not mean better music. The space between notes matters as much as the notes themselves, maybe more.

Oh wow, Kram and Jason woke up this morning and chose violence. I don't understand how you could be so dismissive of PT as obsessed with Rush as you are. There are definitely valid criticisms to be had of them (notably Wilson's pen), but just felt like y'all were pulling some stuff out your asses in order to pile on. I don't think Robert Fripp would ask someone who is a mediocre drummer to join King Crimson. side not: Chimera's Wreck is the closer on the new one. No idea why they didn't clearly label the bonus tracks.

11. On The Sunday Of Life (1992) 2.5/5 10. Up The Downstair (1993) 3/5 9. The Sky Moves Sideways (1995) 3/5 8. Signify (1996) 3.5/5 7. Closure/Continuation (2022) 3.5/5 6. Stupid Dream (1999) 4/5 5. The Incident (2009) 4/5 4. Lightbulb Sun (2000) 4.5/5 3. In Absentia (2002) 4.5/5 2. Fear Of A Blank Planet (2007) 5/5 1. Deadwing (2005) 5/5

Joe saying their lyrics arent memorable while talking about Blank Planet while the line "The X Box is a god to me" is completely burned into my memory. Not saying its a good line, just that it IS memorable.

Future modern prog rankings you guys should do: Dream Theater, Tool, The Mars Volta, Devin Townsend, Spock's Beard, Opeth, Pain of Salvation, and The Flower Kings. And as far as classic prog goes you guys should give Gentle Giant and Van der Graaf Generator a try!

well here we go 11 the sky moves sideways 3.0 stars 10 on the sunday life 3.0+ 9 the incident 3.0+ 8 stupid dream 3.0+ 7 up the downstair 3.5- 6 signify 3.5 5 closure/continuation 4.0 - 4 fear of a blank planet 4.0+ 3 deadwing 4.5 2 lightbulb sun 4.5 1 in absentia 5.0 stars wow i enjoy this band , as the beginning of the video showing much distaste for the band! Now to go check to see if my buddy Miroslav is doing ok!

After listening to the Album "Fear of a Blank Planet" which you guys ranked in the middle of the their discography. I previously never played any of their music before. I think both Kram and Jason's comments were pretty brutal about the quality of Porcupine's music. I disagree with the content of your comments. I think your expectations of them are off. Their music is much better than you portrayed in this ranking. Their style is different than other bands mentioned, but at least this album that I listened to is very good. I think you need to take the tampon out of your ears and listen to their discography again. I think Joe was way more accurate in his ranking and NOT as negative in his critic. I appreciate that. Generally, you guys are on the mark, but this time you were way off.

Guys, you're not going to win over any new viewers by acting put off and uninterested by the task at hand.

I’m a PT fan, and a SW fan, but I do get some of the comments, particularly about their early stuff. But come on, comparing to Dream Theater? Both bands have excellent keyboardists in Jordan Ruddess and Richard Barbieri, but they’re respective styles are completely different, which produces two bands who sound completely different. Choosing a band so obviously different to make a point inevitably leads to the point not being made.

🤠 I reckon Porcupine Tree are attempting something that The Verve actually pulled off with great success on their early EPs like "She's a Superstar" and "Gravity Grave".

Didnt expect to hear the dreaded "post grunge" word brought up because when I listened to Porcupine Tree, anything grunge related never crossed my mind.

Big fan of the channel but haven't commented much. Also a big fan of Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson in general. Anyway was just wondering if certain albums of artists have grown on you? Do you ever revisit albums you've ranked or songs you may not have liked at first but then find you liked them more later? Not just Porcupine Tree but in general. I find a lot of bands and songs I like now I didn't really care for at first. I'm a big metal fan but when I first heard the band Queensyrche in the '80s didn't really like them. But they're one of my favorite bands now. At least up to their albums in the early to mid 90s. Felt the same with King Diamond and Mercyful Fate. Couldn't get into the vocals at first but they grew on me. So was just wondering if that has ever happened to you?

I understand that not everyone has to like everything. But 2.5? seriously? That smacks of bias. I don't understand the constant comparisons to Dream Theater. After all, P.T. they are not a progressive metal band. Those bands have nothing in common, so why?

The fact that the guy whose favorite band is Radiohead saying that Porcupine Tree is boring and can't write a good song for some reason is hilarious to me. Very entertaining thou as always. Deadwing is the best for me and favorite song is Open car.

5.Up the downstair(1993) 4.Lightbulb sun(2000) 3.The sky moves sideways (1995) 2.Signify(1996) 1.In absentia(2002)

Wow, the rivers run red with PT blood this week! Brutal gentlemen...brutal. If you are looking to hear old school 70's prog styling from Steven Wilson check out The Raven That Refused To Sing. SW clearly shows off all his influences on this release with a top notch supporting band including Theo Travis who is all over the album with flute and sax.

This is why Joe is my favorite. 😃 I am more into Steven Wilson than Porcupine Tree but I enjoy some of their albums. The Sky Moves Sideways is a ripoff of Pink Floyd but some of their later albums I love.

One week is too short. It kills it, especially if ‘you’re not in the mood for tedious prog rock’ 😂 Listen on your own pace.

Definitely need to post this video in some Porcupine Tree fan groups.

I like Porcupine Tree but I do think that trying to digest 11 PT albums in a week is probably a bit much for most people.

My Ranking: 1. Fear of a Blank Planet (10/10) 2. Deadwing (10/10) 3. In Absentia (10/10) 4. The Sky Moves Sideways (10/10) 5. Closure/Continuation (9'5/10) 6. Lightning Sub (9/10) 7. Stupid Dream (8'5/10) 8. The Incident (8/10) 9. Signify (8/10) 10. Up The Downstairs (7'5/10) 11. On The Sunday of Life (5'5/10) Greetings from Canary Islands

Hello, guys! Belated Happy Fourth of July! I hope you had a great one! 🇺🇸💥 Also, have a great day! 😀

I can hear all of the nuance in Joe’s voice now! 🎉

11. The Incident 10. Closure/Continuation 9. On the Sunday of Life 8. Up the Downstair 7. Lightbulb Sun 6. Signify 5. In Absentia 4. Stupid Dream 3. Fear of a Blank Planet 2. Deadwing 1. The Sky Moves Sideways

Of what I've heard 5. Light bulb sun (3.5/5) 4. Deadwing (3.5/5) 3. Closure/Continuation (4/5) 2. Fear of a Blank Planet (4.5/5) 1. In Absentia (5/5) Overall really enjoy the band.

In 1999 I bought a computer, when they became affordable. First thing I did was start reading about new bands. I live in a music desert,very rural. Lots of talk about PT so I bought Signify and within the first two minutes was hooked. One of my top 5 bands. There playing in Boston in a week and my cousin and I would love to go . Five hours south but worth it.

Loyal subscriber of the channel, absolutely love you guys ... but come on. Porcupine Tree as "generic???" Anything but. SW is easily of the most important artists around and active today. The explanations were full of cheap shots and just felt like fair listens were not given (minus Joe, of course). Kram you are the greatest but it's time to turn that frown upside down buddy!!!

Thanks to Joe for at least giving this band a fair chance. For many of us who loved the music of Pink Floyd, these guys are natural successors. It’s a pleasure to have them back together again, even if some people don’t agree: 11. On The Sunday Of Life (2.5 stars) 10. Up The Downstair (3 stars) 9. The Sky Moves Sideways (3.5 stars) 8. The Incident (3.5 stars) 7. Signify (3.5 stars) 6. Closure/Continuation (4 stars) 5. Lightbulb Sun (4 stars) 4. Deadwing (4.5 stars) 3. Stupid Dream (4.5 stars) 2. In Absentia (5 stars) 1. Fear Of A Blank Planet (5 stars)

Came for the list, stayed for Joe's crisp and clear audio.

I always (pretty much) dug "In Absentia" and Hated "Signify". Deadwing is pretty good. Thanks to you guys tho, don't think I'll be diggin' much deeper! #Progisdeadanditmakesmesad

No knowledge of this band except Mikael Akerfeldt was involved at some point, so this will be a great learning experience.. might have to watch later with some moonshine 😊

in 1996 I bought a compilation (Space Box) that had a PT track. it didn't grab me, but as I heard the reverent tones of their 90s fans, I gave them a shot. while I felt compelled to admire the ambition, nothing has ever stuck. Wilson solo was the same. his influences really show (Floyd, Genesis, Yes,...), and I think that's a good thing. but I think I echo Jason's thought that they don't have a lot of hooks. it's good ideas, but I'm not so into the execution

A friend of mine really loves this band, so I've heard quite a bit of their catalog. I have never felt the connection, therefore never purchased or spent time listening for my own pleasure. I do love the name of the band tho, and I would give my eyeteeth to look out and see a porcupine nesting in my spruce tree!...My eyeteeth I tell ya!

When Joe speaks its refreshing

Wow Joe sounds like he’s inside my ear 😂

Jason: "Elevator Prog" - brilliant.

Really surprised at how abysmally low Kramz and Jason rate ALL of their albums! Credit to Joe for giving a "fairer" assessment - though he didn't seem completely sold to be fair. I am onboard with him re Wilson's solo output - didn't do anything for me either. PT and Blackfiield are my favourites and that's it.

This is really just an aside, but personally, it is just wild to me that Jason's dad had a Porcupine Tree CD. But that's because my parents were pre-Baby Boomer generation and basically never listened to rock music willingly. I can't think of a single musical artist I like that I learned or heard about from my parents, other than maybe a couple of old-school country singers. Just expressing wonder that parents and their kids actually bond over modern music and share it with one another, even though of course I know it happens.

I will miss Kramzer for this Grumpy-palooza😂. Hilarious. Jason was on fire too.😅 Greetings from Leipzig/ germany.

How about adding Kings X to one of your future weeks?

1) Signify - (4.5 stars) (1996) (Very strong guitars, harmonies and percussion. Beautifully atmospheric.) 2) Up the Downstair - (4 stars) (1993) (I dig it. some of the songs drag on too long though.) 3) Stupid Dream - (4 stars) (1999) (Nice but they skewed a little too poppy on this one. Should have cut Tinto Brass) 4) Lightbulb Sun - (3.5 stars) (2000) (Technically proficient but something is missing) 5) In Absentia - (3 stars)(2002) (This is a band struggling to find a new sound) 6) Fear of a Blank Planet - (3 stars) (2007) 7) Deadwing - (3 stars) (2005) 8) The Incident - (2.5 stars) (2009) 9) On the Sunday of Life - (2.5 stars) (1992) (Should have been a single album. some moments of promise though. He needs a drummer) 10) The Sky Moves Sideways - (2.5 stars) (1995) (A bit overindulgent and bland. He's definitely trying to channel David Gilmour and Floyd at times) 11) Closure/Continuation - (2 stars) (2022)

All I will say is, anyone writing off the band based purely off this video without actually listening yourself, please at least give them a shot. For example, someone like myself perceives their music very differently than Jason or Kramzer.

1. In Absentia (2002) 4.5/5 2. Fear of a Blank Planet (2007) 3.5/5 3. Deadwing (2005) 3.5/5 4. Stupid Dream (1999) 3/5 5. Signify (1996) 3/5 6. Closure & Continuation (2022) 3/5 7. Lightbulb Sun (2000) 2.5/5 8. The Incident (2009) 2.5/5 9. The Sky Moves Sideways (1995) 2.5/5 10. Up the Downstair (1993) 2.5/5 11. On the Sunday of Life... (1992) 2/5 CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER: 2.0 On the Sunday of Life... (1992) 2.5 Up the Downstair (1993) 2.5 The Sky Moves Sideways (1995) 3.0 Signify (1996) 3.0 Stupid Dream (1999) 2.5 Lightbulb Sun (2000) 4.5 In Absentia (2002) 3.5 Deadwing (2005) 3.5 Fear of a Blank Planet (2007) 2.5 The Incident (2009) 3.0 Closure & Continuation (2022) I came into this week as a fan of 2002's In Absentia but was pretty unfamiliar with the rest of their catalog. It turns out In Absentia is their one LP that I truly love. Almost all of the others feature a couple-four tracks I like, but don't amount to being compelling albums in their totality. Basically, the first half of their discography is imitation Pink Floyd and the second half leans on heavy metal. In Absentia is the turning point between the two and seems to be where it all came together for them. Definitely more of a songs band than an albums band for me, and that will be born out in tomorrow's top 10 songs list. Overall, I can't seem to connect much with prog-rock released after the 1970s (at least on an albums level) and Porcupine Tree continues that trend. MY RATING SYSTEM: 5.0 = major classic (consistently great *and* stratospheric highs) 4.5 = minor classic (consistently great *or* stratospheric highs, but not both) 4.0 = great (a clear majority is worth revisiting and it's an essential record for this artist/style - passes my "it'll make a fan out of someone who's new to this artist" test) 3.5 = seriously good (at least half is worth revisiting) 3.0 = nominally good (less than half is worth revisiting) 2.5 = decent (competent but uninspired - not worth revisiting) 2.0 = poor (difficult listen) 1.5 = awful (can't finish it) 1.0 = historically awful (musical apocalypse) *Note: "Consistently" does not mean "flawlessly." I allow for a few clunkers if the rest of the songs are good enough. I also don't go below 1 star because once I'm in the realm of the truly terrible I don't care to differentiate anymore. Anything I rate 3.5 stars or higher is an album I'm enthusiastic about and would likely revisit at some point.

🌵🌵🌵 (for Kramzer especially)

This is the 2nd time I've watched this and I find it funnier. I think I can pick up what they're laying down now. I have nothing invested in this band emotionally so it made me laugh. Thanks

Guys seriously, at least call the albums/songs by their correct names … In Abstenchia 😂 really ? Pure Neurotic ??? I get you can over look some details but I’m just into the first two minuets you’ve blown a song title and an album title and blown them markedly. At least you were honest this band isn’t your thing … But at least try to pay attn to pertinent details.

I suspect that you might like them a bit more if you saw them live . I caught them in 2010 , and they do come across a lot better live . Songs like Russia on Ice were much superior in that setting . Anyway , here's my top 5 in order of preference : Deadwing. ( the version of Shesmovedon is much better on this album , than the one on Lightbulb Sun ) In Absentia Stupid Dream Signify Fear of a Blank Planet . And , in addition to vocal arrangements , Mr. Wilson has been very adept at remixing and remastering some of the albums of King Crimson , Jethro Tull , ELP , Gentle Giant , XTC , and early Chicago ( to name a few ) . Thanks !!

Love you guys, but I could not get through this one. Never heard of this artist until now, and don't think I will be venturing any further.

It’s weird but I have literally never heard of them. They’ve made 11 albums over a couple of decades, they’re British, I’m British, I follow all kinds of music…but I had no awareness of their existence. Still an entertaining watch!

Can you do Opeth ranking?

1. Stupid Dream 2. In Absentia 3. Fear Of A Blank Planet 4. Deadwing 5. Lightbulb Sun

What.... why do you repeatedly compare Porcupine Tree to Dream Theater? There's no comparison here. They don't play the same type of prog. You are comparing technical prog metal bands to a prog rock band and I feel like if you have gone into Porcupine Tree music framing them in this way you are just not getting what Porcupine tree do. I respect your opinions but it was hard enough when you kept mentioning that they don't do big solo sections or technical jams. I love a number of PT's records and at no point over the years of listening to them have I gone to them for riffs or solos. I feel they are more about atmosphere, the vocal layers and sometimes proggy arrangements. Calling FOABP "dream theater-lite" is such a bizarre comment. Or saying their music sounds like procedurally generated prog is hard to take seriously when you have mentioned some pretty by the numbers prog metal bands.

Don't care for them too much either, there's so many other amazing modern prog bands that have produced some of my favorite music of all time, but for some mysterious reason PT seems to get most of the credit. Anyway, here's my list: 1. Fear of a blank planet (6/10) 2. In absentia (6/10) 3. Deadwing (5/10) 4. Lightbulb sun (5/10) 5. Closure/Continuation (5/10) 6. Stupid dream (5/10) 7. The incident (5/10) 8. The sky moves sideways (4/10) 9. Signify (4/10) 10. Up the downstair (4/10) 11. On the Sunday of life (3/10)

Steven Wilson - Hand Cannot Erase This is easily my favourite thing he's done. I like a good proportion of PT songs from each album, but there are always a couple I dislike. In Absentia/Fear Of A Blank Planet my two faves ( 4 stars )

Gotta love people coming on and bitching on a channel entirely based upon 3 mens' musical OPINIONS just because they dont share the same feelings towards some music.

The Sound of Muzak is the only song by them I really enjoy. And even it has that "old man yells at cloud" vibe to the lyrics...

Umm, more about them from me, got Up The Downstairs and In Absentia and dig ‘em quite a bit. Surprised to see the video (to say the least).

The string arrangements on Lightbulb Sun are by some guy named Dave Gregory.

Gents - have you seen the Darren Lock review of the new record? Give it a go. May have something in common!

Omg - you guys - except for Joe just do not get it. The top left bloke is a crazy guy - and the top right guy is just a bit simple.

Wow, you guys did not have a good time. I'm not a Porcupine Treehugger (!), but I do like them. I *especially* like the Stupid Dream to In Absentia period. It's funny, but I've noticed that I'm usually right there with kram on a lot of his takes, but not so much this time. I could be wrong, but I feel like maybe this band doesn't entirely fit the "prog rock saviours" label or whatever. To me, that's never been what they were about. It's not about noodling, and it's certainly not metal or anything like that. I do hear the Pink Floyd, but not much of the other classic 70s bands -- mostly I hear influence from the 80s and beyond, and I think their main deal is an aim toward melancholic and emotional songwriting. Whether that works or not, unfortunately, is a most subjective thing, and it seems like it really didn't work for you all. Some of your criticisms are certainly not off-base. Stuff like "Radioactive toy" sounds way better live and witht eh full band. A lot of the soundscapes especially in the early stuff are very tedious. But it's hard to qualify an emotional response to music and I think that his more "pop-oriented" stuff does resonate with me and isn't so "wussy-pussy" as all that. The keyboardist is from teh band Japan and Wilson talks in an interview about working with one of the two main guys from XTC on certain parts of In Absentia -- that makes more sense to me than saying "oh, they wanna be like King Crimson and fail miserably". I still am enjoying the takes. I mostly feel bad for you all listening to all this music you didn't care for. I'm really looking forward to T. Rex.

Kram hit the motto very early in the video - word of the week "Generic". Non-word of the week "Progressive", has nothing to do with the topic at all.