3000 DAYS

The Pineapple Thief (TPT) have been around for over 3,000 days now (hence the name for this retrospective collection) and they must be sick and tired of the comparisons with Porcupine Tree. I will not make many, because they are very different musically, other than to say they share the PT initials, both were stated as solo projects, both became bands in order to tour for fans and both take a lot of time and effort in producing great albums.

Musically, TPT should appeal to anyone who likes Radiohead, The Muse or Pink Floyd. The songs are well constructed, layered and melodic (often in a melancholic way). They vary from the 4-5 minute less progressive songs through to 15 minute wonders that build up and slow down like a roller coaster, taking you on a wonderful journey.

This compilation is a great introduction - 2.5 hours of the very best of their first 7 albums. All songs have been lovingly remixed by Bruce Soord (founder, singer, guitarist, writer, producer and all round good egg) with help from Steve Kitch (keyboardist). The job has been done very well, as has the thought that has gone into the ordering of the songs - not the traditional chronological listing, but one that works as an album in its own right (so rare for compilations).

The old albums are difficult to get these days following TPT's move to K-Scope from Cyclops, so this is a great introduction that will have you scouring eBay or Amazon to find the back catalogue. Warnings - some of the old albums are offered at obscene prices, that is how good and popular they justly are with a small (but growing) group of true band/music lovers.

Not true prog, but truly progressive.

Excellent compilation on 2 CDs, with long and short tracks, slow and fast songs. The Pineapple Thief has been compared to Porcupine Tree, Radiohead, etc. I saw them recently playing live, together with Riverside (october 2009). Unfortunately, The Pineapple Thief played only one hour, because they were considered as support for Riverside (double headline would be more appropriate). Although Riverside was also good, this evening I preferred The Pineapple Thief, as their music was more original in my opinion. Hope to see a full show soon! Although the songs for this compilation are remastered, this 2 CD set may not be a "must have" if you already own every studio album. For others, this "best of" compilation is a great introduction to the music of this band.

I got this career retrospective to check out a bunch of different things from different albums to introduce myself to The Pineapple Thief and no matter how I try, I cannot get into it. It's sort of faux angsty-like a bad Nirvana meets Porcupine Tree. Not so sure that's the best way of putting it. I can't stand the "what is prog" question but I really don't hear a lot of things that point to them being a prog band. Some odd times once in a while but very little virtuosity on display and mostly unmemorable melodies just leaves me unexcited. I'd love to tell someone to check out this primer to the band's first decade but it's just makes me keep questioning what's the big deal with these guys?