ATLANTA

Floating in the mix...

This live recording was initially released to benefit Mick Karn's cancer treatment, but sadly the ex-Japan bassist has since passed away.

The Good: I was particularly happy to get hold of this after the disappointment of missing out on an Anaesthetize box set. The set list is similar, focusing on their heavier era and features no material prior to 1999's Stupid Dream. Whilst I would have quite liked to hear Prodigal, the inclusion of Drown With Me makes up for this and I honestly have no idea why it was left off In Absentia as it really is a top tune.

The Bad: The production is weak, especially considering Steven Wilson's track record, and does little to convey the energy of a Porcupine Tree live performance.

The Verdict: A nice little package, but doesn't come anywhere near to the quality of Coma Divine.

4.5 stars. Well I am a huge PORCUPINE TREE fan and have seen them in concert a few times including the North American tour that this show in Atlanta was taken from. Funny but when I got "Fear Of A Blank Planet" I really felt it was a step down from "Deadwing" and "In Absentia" the two that came before it. Even if Fripp and Lifeson guest on here I had a hard time getting into it. Then I saw the concert. Something just clicked seeing and hearing this live. Each song became more meaningful in part from the videos they were showing but the band was so passionate and Gavin Harrison was just a beast. Next time I spun it it was like it went from black and white to colour. Weird but true.

Man this live record along with "Arriving Somewhere..." and "Coma Divine" create a killer trilogy of live music touching on my some of my favourite periods of this band. Disc one is all about "Fear Of A Blank Planet" and man it gets my juices flowing. It doesn't hurt having "Sound Of Muzak" an all time fav on there either. Disc two is surprising for having older cuts like "Dark Matter" and "A Smart Kid" on it. Man the latter track has been such a long time favourite that I felt emotion hearing and seeing this live. "Way Out Of Here" just smokes and then there's the sentimental favourite "Even Less". Bumping this one up to five stars. For the memories!