LIGHTBULB SUN

Steven Wilson would use more mellotron on this release then any of his previous records. Not surprisingly this is the darker of the two "song oriented" albums PORCUPINE TREE recorded. Of the two I prefer this one more than "Stupid Dream", I think it's the melancholic and dark vibe on this album. The "Lightbulb Sun" cd I have is a double with the second disc containing three tracks namely "Buying A New Soul", "Pure Narcotic" and a live version of "Tinto Brass". I like what it says in the liner notes: "Steven Wilson uses Boots nasal spray. Richard Barbieri uses outdated keyboards". Haha.

"Lightbulb Sun" contrasts the heavy and light very well. Love the lyrics too.The guitar 2 1/2 minutes in is aggressive, and it's even better after 3 1/2 minutes as it goes on and on. Nice. Awesome song ! You can hear children playing in the background to end it. "How Is Your Life Today" is a silly song with piano and vocals. I like it. "Four Chords That Made A Million" is BEATLES-esque to open before it settles in with percussion. It turns spacey 2 1/2 minutes in.This is probably my least favourite song on here. "Shesmovedon" is one of my all time favourite PORCUPINE TREE songs. Mellotron, organ and a splendid guitar solo. Great chorus too. I like when it kicks back in 3 1/2 minutes with heavy drums and grinding guitar, then he starts to rip it up. Emotional track for me. "Last Chance To Exit Planet Earth" is another highlight for me. It just flows beautifully. And check out the opening banjo. A change 2 minutes in with spoken words to follow. This is so cool ! A full sound kicks in at 3 minutes and I like the bass lines a minute later.

"The Rest Will Flow" is kind of poppy, it's ok. I like the Hammond organ, and there is a string quartet helping out too. "Hatesong" is dark (what else would it be) with mellotron. Love the bass lines to open as eerie synths come in. It builds to an amazing sound 3 minutes in.The light and heavy are contrasted throughout. Excellent atmosphere before 7 minutes. It ends with birds singing. Haha. "Where Would We Be" is a tranquil song as the birds continue to sing then strummed guitar and vocals come in. Beautiful song. Nice guitar solo 2 1/2 minutes in. "Russia On Ice" the next tune is a dark, heavy yet uplifting song. The string quartet is back for this one. Love the lyrics too: "Can't stop myself drinking, can't stop being me, if I call will you come and will you save me ?" This is simply one of the best songs they've ever created. So dark and at times heavy. Check out the church bells 11 1/2 minutes in as it ends with lots of atmosphere. The record closes with "Feel So Low" a melancholic, beautiful song. The string quartet is back for this one too. A sad ending to a beautiful album.

Easily 4 stars and a must have for PT fans.