XM

This is a "studio" live album from this amazing band. I do not like that much the sterilized atmosphere of such "concerts". In this case it will be recorded in the XM satelite studios (US based) for braodcasting and there is absolutely no audience nor band intervention that indicates that this is a live album. Sound quality is excellent of course, but it lacks a bit of humanity (Are we not men ? We are PT !).

Since "Absentia" needed some promotion (which is normal) the band will play six songs from this album (out of eight featured here). I was moderately enthusiast about "Absentia" (three stars) and since one the two great songs ("3") is not included in here I can hardly be laudatory for "XM".

"Even Less - Slave Called Shiver"and "Tinto Brass" come from "Stupid Dream". I mentioned already in my review of this album that "Tinto..." was far from being attractive. My opinion has not changed with this version.

It is a good album but far from being essential. "PT" die-hard fans will be pleased of course but I wouldn't recommend this live release for the casual proghead who would like to discover the band. So far, "Coma Divine" remains the reference.

"PT" also starts a less productive period in terms of new album material. Between "Absentia" in 2002 and their latest "Fear Of A Blank Planet" (2007) the band will only release one studio album : "Deadwing" in 2005.

Three stars.