RECORDINGS

"Recordings" is a compilation album by UK progressive rock act Porcupine Tree. The album was released in May 2001 by Kscope/Snapper Music. "Recordings" mainly consists of B-sides from the albums "Stupid Dream (1999)" and "Lightbulb Sun (2000)". The only track that hasn´t been released in some form is "Access Denied", which was demoed during "Lightbulb Sun" writing sessions, but is exclusive to this release.

The material on "Recordings" are of the usual high quality that Porcupine Tree are known for. The musicianship is excellent, the sound production is warm, organic and professional and the songwriting is inspired and has emotional impact. When that is said, I do think that some of the tracks on "Recordings" are obviously B-side material. Tracks like "Access Denied" (oh well...it´s not technically a B-side, but still) and the two instrumentals "Untitled" and "Ambulance Chasing" probably wouldn´t have made it unto neither "Stupid Dream" nor "Lightbulb Sun". On the other hand tracks like "In FOrmaldehyde", the extended 14 minutes long version of "Even Less" and especially the album opener "Buying New Soul" are high quality material. The latter features one hell of a catchy chorus with some beautiful harmony vocals.

The 61:52 minutes of music on "Recordings" make a nice addition to Porcupine Tree´s discography and even though I think some of the material wouldn´t have made it unto the regular studio albums, it doesn´t mean that those tracks aren´t greatly enjoyable. The band´s Beatlesque psychadelic pop meets Pink Floyd´s sedated progressive rock is as enjoyable as ever and if you enjoy the more laid back and sedated part of the band´s most pop/rock oriented material from around the turn of the millenium "Recordings" is more than a worthy purchase. A 3.5 - 4 star rating is deserved.