STUPID DREAM

I see this one and LIGHTBULB SUN as gateways to my fave PT disc (and the first one I picked up), IN ABSENTIA. The difference between this one and "IA" is this: to me, this sounds much more focused and song-oriented. Though IN ABSENTIA is clearly the mark of a more mature band, here there's more cohesion, it being more focused on actual SONGWRITING, and less jamming out. All in all, a good solid album. PIANO LESSONS is catchy, with a hummable melody; but the lyrics get me. He's talking about a woman; that much is clear. But who is she? His lover, or his piano teacher? Who knows? Wilson's lyrics are never really outright in their intent, be they in ballads or otherwise. I adore DON'T HATE ME; especially the instrumental break. What sounds like a flute at the beginning turns into a sax playing a winsome melody. It's a winner in my book, and without all those irritating sound effects that bugged me about "IA" it's a clear contender for 5 stars. That's the rating I SHOULD give it, but I won't. Why? The production is TOO clinical. That's my main problem with it. Otherwise, it's a solid 4 star disc. Bravo.