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.