LAZARUS

This could possibly be the greatest single of all time. One where not only is the title track a fantastic song, but the two b-sides are even better. In the context of the Deadwing album for which they were recorded, "Half-Light" and "So Called Friend" are in my top 4 songs from those sessions, falling only behind "Arriving Somewhere But Not Here" and "The Start of Something Beautiful".

So Called Friend is my absolute favourite of the PT heavy tracks, with possibly the most kickass chorus PT have ever come up with, and somehow keeping a strange 7/8 rhythm going throughout the whole track. I think now that PT have a second live guitarist, Steven was willing to improvise with countering rhythms, because there is absolutely no way anyone could ever both sing and play guitar on this at the same time.

Half-Light is one of PT feelier songs. Although the lyrics aren't particularly depressing, the music makes you feel all fuzzy and warm. I remember first obsessing over this song when I saw the Anesthetize DVD, and just repeating it over and over again. I'll admit, the video version is much better, with Steven's glowing guitar, but this studio version is still fantastic.

Overall, this is absolutely amazing. Out of the 15 (I think) songs recorded in the Deadwing sessions, these 3 are in the top 5.

Luckily, the two b-sides regularly make PT's live sets (Steven has a thing for playing rare tracks live), so you don't need to seek out this particular single to hear them.