STUPID DREAM

"Stupid Dream" is the first of the two "song oriented" albums from PORCUPINE TREE. I do prefer "Lightbulb Sun" to this one though.Their first four full length cds were released on the "Delerium" label, this would be the first of four to be released on the "Lava" label. "Stupid Dream" is the favourite record of many PORCUPINE TREE fans, it's really a collection of well crafted songs.The music is sad but beautiful.

"Even Less" is one of my all time favourite songs from them. Synths build as we can hear laughter and guitar comes in and now i'm laughing. Drums and a full sound a minute in. The synths are amazing. I love when it calms down and Steven starts to sing. Powerful, pulsating sounds before 5 minutes followed by some gorgeous guitar. "Piano Lessons" is a fun, uptempo track with a great chorus. The vocals are almost dreamy after 3 minutes. "Stupid Dream" is a short, spacey instrumental. "Pure Narcotic" is such a charming song with fantastic lyrics. Strummed guitar throughout. A top three for me on this record. "A Slave Called Shiver" has a nice bass intro. This one is dark and recalls the "Signify" album.The drumming is prominant. Great sound 2 1/2 minutes in.This is a powerful tune. "Don't Hate Me" is a melancholic and laid back song. We get some flute and sax from Theo Travis. A sad calm 5 1/2 minutes in. Steven ends it on the organ. "This Is No Rehearsal" is more uptempo with some psychedelic guitar 2 minutes in. "Baby Dream In Cellophane" has a psychedelic flavour with the vocals. It's so beautiful before 1 1/2 minutes and later. "Stranger By the Minute" is another favourite of mine. It's such a feel good track. Love the line "But your just fiction, and i'm a twisted boy". Tasteful guitar after 3 minutes. "A Smart Kid" is another incredible tune and a top three. Gentle guitar, vocals and synths to start. A fuller sound 2 minutes in. Spacey before 4 minutes, organ a minute later. I just really love the lyrics and atmosphere here. "Tinto Brass" is an uptempo instrumental once it gets going. A good driving beat. I like when the synths come in at 2 minutes. A powerful sound after 3 1/2 minutes and to end it. "Stop Swimming" is a personal favourite of Steven Wilson's. He says that this is based on advise he received about the music business.To create the music he loves, and not to worry about the rest. I think it's working.

"Even Less" and "A Smart Kid" are the standout tracks for me.