Porcupine Tree Album: “Deadwing [Bonus Tracks]”

DEADWING is a winner. I read the sparse negative reviews too, but think they are way off base. As many have emphasized, this is an album that bears repeated listening to fully appreciate. It may not completely grab your the first few listens, but will be be hooked sooner than later. After listening to it for a while, it still does not quite grab me like other some other PT releases (hence the loss of a star) but it is still an amazing mucical effort.

I bought my album from the PT website and it is a special dual disc deluxe edition with 70+ page booklet and 2nd DVD audio version of the album in 5.1. This IS the way to hear this album! Steve has worked his aural magic once again, even more so than his 5.1 remastering of In Absentia. It is truly audio bliss. Any self respecting fan with the right equipment NEEDS to own this version! I cannot say for sure if this Japanese edition is in 5.1 but would think it is not since it uses the 2 CDs for all the extra tracks (over the European and American releases).

Since this album has been so well coverd by others, let me just say, if you are a fan, you probably already own this or should. If you are new to the group, get Lightbulb Sun first if you like the lighter stuff, or In Absentia if you like your music a little heavier. Being a long-time fan, it is hard to imagine starting out with Deadwing, but newcomers to PT could do a lot worse.

All in all a worthy addition to the PT canon and 5 big stars for one of the best albums of 2005. If you are a rabbid fan or collector, then this Japanese edition with its extra tracks should satiate you...for a while. ;']