RECORDINGS

Steven Wilson goes through phases. It's one of the things that makes him arguably the most interesting figure in modern prog. He rarely repeats himself. Right now (2012), he is exiting a metal phase and entering into a more experimental phase with Grace For Drowning.

Stupid Dream, Lightbulb Sun and Recordings have always been dubbed the 'crossover phase'. Wilson said himself that he would have preferred to release SD and LS as one double album, but didn't think of it at the time. And Recordings are the out-takes from those two. And easily the best of the three.

The 10 minute "Buying New Soul" is better than any song on both albums, and I'm actually glad they put it here, giving people reason to buy this. Because this is more than a compilation.

Of the 5 real songs on the album, there is not one dud. Even the often ridiculed "Access Denied" is a nice little pop rock song that would have fit well on the later Blackfield records.

"In Formaldehyde" and "Cure For Optimism" are both excellent songs, with the former being one of the saddest ballads wilson has pulled off. And the upbeat "Disappear" gives a nice contrast to it.

The rest of the album is filled with instrumentals, some with truly fantastic moments, and an extended version of "Even Less" from Stupid Dream. While the extended instrumental section does distract from the essence of the song, it's great to hear what the band really intended with that one.

More than a 'b-sides compilation', this is a fantastic record, and a must for anyone who even likes PT a bit.

7/10