STARS DIE: THE DELERIUM YEARS 1991 - 1997

Hemel Hempstead's very own rock giants Porcupine Tree spent six very happy years with Delirium investigating the boundaries of space rock and downtempo prog. This box set contains some of the highs from that period along with a selection of b-sides and remixed material that serve as an excellent introduction to any PT newcomer.

The two disks split themselves neatly into their early psychedelic/dance period that was largely the product of guitarist/songwriter Steven Wilson who played and engineered almost everything and the second ambient/rock phase that incorporated the Wilson/Edwin/Maitland/Barbieri 'live' line up.

Beginning with the excellent 'Radioactive Toy' through the early 90's rave/crusty 'Up The Downstair' and finally landing with the beautiful 'Rainy Taxi', you can hear the familiar PT sound grow in confidence and identity.

The second disk displays the more recognisable Porcupine Tree prog/ambient style that raised their profile to the public at large. It has to be said that some of the longer tracks eg. 'The Sky Moves Sideways - Phase One' lose a little of their gravitas when placed out of context on a 'best of/rarities' box set. However, the Delirium staff are to be commended as their excellent choice of companion material more than makes up for such problems and still make this box set an enjoyable listening experience.

The accompanying booklet is superb. Again Delirium have pulled out all of the stops to provide a blow by blow account of PT's rise to prominence. The wonderful pictorial and biographical details leave you with the impression that you are reading a book not CD sleeve notes. One thing to note however, watch your fingers on this as one good read will leave it covered in fingerprints!!

A great album for those looking for a way into the PT world.