 "Next Best Thing To Being There" | 2006-12-06 |
| - Reviewed By bon vivant from Boerne TX |
I have owned Warszawa for some time now, and listen to it frequently, but for some reason am only just now adding my two cents worth to the chorus of high hosannahs emanating from PT's amen corner. There are hardly enough superlatives in the dictionary to describe just how good this CD is!
I am generally not a fan of "live" recordings. As one reviewer said, a lot of bands don't make the grade when it comes to transfering the sounds of a studio setting to a live one. But one listen to Warszawa will make it patently clear that Porcupine Tree is one of the rare groups that are as good live as they are from the studio. So for those who live in areas not visited by the band, listening to Warszawa has to be the next best thing to being at a PT concert in person!
One reviewer gave a song-by-song review of the CD. Since I mostly agree, I won't give a redundant one. Just let me say that many of my pre-In Absentia favorites are here, and that there is not a single one I would omit. Polish fans present at the concert got a rare treat. Let's hope that PT sees fit to issue another live CD soon with selections from In Absentia and Deadwing!
|
| |
| "Not a fan of live recordings, but......" | 2006-06-05 |
| - Reviewed By Still hip after all these years from Lake Hamilton,FL USA |
| This is a great live recording. The sound quality is impeccable and the songs are performed with an energy that rivals their studio counterparts (can't wait for the live DVD in September!!!) I really enjoy the songs from Lightbulb Sun and Stupid Dream (see my reviews) and these are a good representation of those albums. So even though I own the studio renditions (including Signify, ) it is a real treat to hear these performed live, which is where the rubber really meets the road. Porcupine Tree seems to have the ability to perform their compositions quite capably without the use of studio wizardry (which I'm not adverse to, kinda like makeup!) Plus the convenience of not having to pop multiple discs into the player to hear my favorites from these discs . What more could you ask for. Definitely NOT "insignificant." |
| |
| "The Perfect Way To Appreciate The Songs Until The Albums Are Reissued" | 2006-02-22 |
| - Reviewed By al |
On this CD, their is a collection of songs that Porcupine Tree played in Poland for a radio broadcast. All the songs from the set are included except Tinto Brass.
Since Stupid Dream and Lightbulb Sun have been out of print for ages, and aren't being remastered and reissued until this summer, what better way to enjoy them then in their powerful live forms?
Warszawa is arguably one of the finest live albums I've ever heard. The songs range from dramatic to intense, to soft and fluffy to pure psychedelia. Porcupine Tree is truly a kaleidoscope of sound and texture, and the songs on this album lose no quality in their live translations- in fact, the ideas are expanded and built on.
Song By Song Review:
1.) Even Less- This song is truly a powerful opener, and the crowd couldn't be more excited when the band is announced to the stage. The song is a great example of "new" Porcupine Tree, leaving their progressive roots and taking a more commercial approach to music while maintaining their artistic integrity. Beautiful words atop cerebral music- bliss. 5/5
2.) Slave Called Shiver- This was the song that got me hooked on Porcupine Tree- in fact, it was this version. The song gets an adrenaline shot live, and speeds along while Steven sings and beats the hell from his guitar. Colin could not possibly be cooler as he plays the liquid bassline, and perfectly moves against the incredibly tight drums. Richard Barbieri's sonic contributions to the piece give it that final Porcupine Tree stamp. Perfection, one of the finest tunes on the album. 5/5
3.) Shesmovedon- Any fan of Porcupine Tree should know this song- bass-y chorus and a chorus that'll keep you singing for weeks. Put this on loud, and sing til the neighbors go deaf. 5/5
4.) Last Chance To Evacuate Planet Earth Before It Is Recycled- This song is a two-parter: The acoustic part one gives us a wonderful story of teenage love, while part two, seemingly out of left field, is much more heavy acoustic guitar, with floating keyboards and a backdrop tape of the man behind all the mass suicides. It sounds odd, but then again, Wilson is the sample master. Listen and enjoy, this song rules. 5/5
5.) Lightbulb Sun- Hit after hit after hit on this record. Lightbulb Sun is a great song, featuring brilliant lyrics and music that could only be Porcupine Tree. Listen and enjoy. 5/5
6.) Russia On Ice- This song slows thing down, but is still a great song. I would have prefered one of their earlier instrumentals or songs compared to this, but its still a fantastic song. 4/5
7.) Where We Would Be- Get ready to get teary- Wilson is able to inspire any emotion he wants out of the crowd, including sadness, as good as any of the great singers out there. His high notes have just a bit of crack to bring tears to one's eyes- you'll need a hanky during this one. 5/5
8.) Hatesong- The motherload. This song is absolutely great, and Wilson's minimalist playing perfectly counters the cool bassline and the drum work. It moves along slowly and cooly, lurking, until all hell breaks loose mid-way, and the solo kicks in. Turn the bass all the way up on the speakers, and feel your house shake. 5/5
9.) Stop Swimming- Not my favorite song in the world. Steven says its one of his sad songs, but I reserve that spot for Where We Would Be. A good song, but nothing overly spectacular. 3/5
10.) Voyage 34- THE psychedelic masterpiece, with part one played completely live, samples and all. The band brings brilliant new energy to the piece, and truly makes it shine to perfection. Enjoy this song, as it is one of the most unique things you'll ever hear. 5/5
11.) Signify- Yay! Another oldie! From the album of the same title, we get another trick out of the old Porcupine Tree hat, a stunning instrumental played with amazing precision. Although I miss Tinto Brass, this song is a perfect note to end on. 5/5
There you have it- a 79 minute and 19 second album packed to the brim with music- and great music to boot. As if the music weren't enough, it is packaged in a beautiful digipack.
Even if you aren't a big fan of Porcupine Tree, get this album and become one. For those who are already fans, purchase this and hear some of the finest versions of the Stupid Dream/Lightbulb Sun songs ever, and await the reissues patiently! |
| |
 "Great Band To See Live" | 2005-09-08 |
| - Reviewed By John S. Blackman from San Francisco CA |
| Porcupine Tree is one of those bands you have to see perform live in order to appreciate just how great they are. The fact that they can duplicate the lush, orchestral moody feel of their studio albums when they play live is quite a feat. This album gives a good flavor of just how good they can be live, although now in 2005 their overall sound is even more sophisticated and more lush than this album reveals. If I was recommending a first album to purchase for someone who had never heard this band, I would start with In Absentia or Deadwing, before buying this album. But for anyone who already likes this band, this album will make a welcome addition to your collection. |
| |
| "A wonderful, soulful, and vivid live recording. Put it on your wish list!" | 2005-07-16 |
| - Reviewed By digitalshan |
If you are a true PT fan, you already have this album. If you are a newbie, this should be on your wish list.
I have been fortunate enough to see PT live and was impressed with their ability to offer all the splendor of their music while maintaining a truly "clean" sound. I was hesitant when buying this album. Let's face it...good live recordings are rare. Porcupine Tree's XM recordings are excellent but could Porcupine Tree do it again? The answer is yes.
This album has a lot going for it. It has a wonderful set list including an excellent rendition of "Last Chance To Evacuate Planet Earth." The quality of the music is excellent. You won't hear a missed note, but would Steve have it any other way...doubt it. Lastly, it simply sounds great. This is not a half baked attempt to answer fan's requests for additional live recordings. This is a very good quality recording and it is truly a wonderful album. |
| |
| "could it ever get better?" | 2005-05-05 |
| - Reviewed By An Amazon User |
| As someone who discovered PT in 1998 or so, based only on "Waiting" and the Signify album, which I loved, I have found the band to be nearly permanently stuck in my car's CD player. In Absentia became a permanent fixture. The quiet songs just blow me away. The harmonies....how could it get better? I got the Stars Die compilation and Coma Divine, but my latest purchase of Warzsaza sent me into raptures. The opening cut, "Even less", has the most gorgeous guitar riff, anthemic and soaring, and the rest of the album takes off from there. Harmonies, fabulous guitar and keyboard work as always, and SW's beautiful vocals. The guy is a genius!! I cannnot stop playing this CD. I am hoping that Deadwing will be as good. |
| |
Expedited Available
![Spock's Beard - Octane [Bonus Disc]](product_images/4569000/4569173_thumb.jpg)
