Porcupine Tree – Lightbulb Sun (2000)

One of my favourite Porcupine Tree albums which I spin regularly. It was the last album with Chris Maitland on drums before Gavin Harrison took over his place. This album is not as dark as Siginify, but not as poppy as Stupid Dream. I just love the album sleeve of this album, it’s beautifully done and really represents the album title.

The album starts with the title track Lightbulb Sun. I’ve read on several websites and forums that not many people appreciate this track, and I wonder why. I think this is one of the best tracks on the album actually. The quiet acoustic guitar intro, that is later followed up by a powerful guitars, drums and wonderful bassline by Colin Edwin. I really love the energy in this song. Lightbulb Sun flows into How Is Your Life Today, a track with a dark undertone. I love the vocals on this one, and the funfair instrumental mid-section is even quite spooky. Four Chords That Made A Million is an accessible rock track, and was used as a single of course. The lyrics are a clear demonstration of how things are going on the music world. Shesmovedon is my least favourite track of the album, although I really love the drums on this one.

Last Chance To Evacuate Planet Earth Before It Is Recycled starts with a lovely banjo (at least, I think it’s a banjo), and carries a positive vibe through the whole song. The musical compositions of this track are beautifully done, and the narrator at the end of the track is a cool surprise. The Rest Will Flow is one of my all-time favourite tracks. A “Don’t worry, everything will be alright someday” song. The strings are a great addition, and even uplifting. Hatesong starts with a catchy bass line. It’s a dark and heavy song. Where We Would Be carries a bit of the same vibe as Last Chance To Evacuate Planet Earth and The Rest Will Flow. It’s not a strong song, but it works as a good padding between Hatesong and Russia On Ice, which is the longest track on the album. It’s also one of the best Porcupine Tree songs out there. It’s dark, it’s haunting, well thought and keeps my complete attention. Chris Maitland’s drumming is phenomenal on this one, and the bass parts are superb. The ultra-low bass tones and submarine-like sounds give the song extra power. Last track Feel So Low is a real tearjerker, and a beauty to end the album with.

An album I recommend to everyone.

http://www.porcupinetree.com/

https://www.burningshed.com/

Please, feel free to check out all my other reviews and stories about Porcupine Tree/Steven Wilson:

My introduction to Porcupine Tree

My introduction to Porcupine Tree Part II

My introduction to Steven Wilson

Album review: Porcupine Tree – Up The Downstair

Album review: Steven Wilson – 4½

A big hug from your roving reporter!

Iris, aka Ier!

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Me with Lightbulb Sun on vinyl and CD, and Four Chords That Made A Million on a 7 inch vinyl single.