Disco de Porcupine Tree: “Warszawa [Digipak]”

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!

This is the official release of what was previously a fanclub-only album. Very well-recorded concert from Poland that features the last recordings of the original Porcupine Tree line-up featuring drummer Chris Maitland. It's a nice summation of where the band was as a live act following Lightbulb Sun. This is a nice souvenir for fans of the band, but newcomers would also do well to start here.

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.

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.

I saw these guys last year in Montreal on the Damnation in Absentia tour with Opeth, so I already knew they were an amazing live act, but I was still shocked by Warszawa. I don't usually go in for live albums, as I prefer the studio stuff, but if it's got PT's name on it, I will pick it up. The best thing about this CD is that it's mostly made up of songs off of the Lightbulb Sun and Stupid Dream albums, which are currently out of print, so it's a great chance for those who don't own those albums to hear some of the songs. The live version of Shesmovedon is astounding, and it was awesome to hear the crowd clapping along at the beginning of Voyage 34.

The production is beautiful, and I would expect no less from Steven Wilson. Every note is crystal clear, there's enough crowd noise to let you know that they're playing live without drowning out the music, and everyone in the band is in top form.

If you've never heard Porcupine Tree before, I think this is as good a place as any to start. You get a good range of their sound (from accessible songs like the 5 minute Shesmovedon to epic ambient explorations like the 12 minute Russia on Ice, and even the extended jam session that is Voyage 34). The fact that the songs showcased are not readily available (pending reissues on Lava/Atlantic) only adds to this album's value. Also, according to their website, this album is a limited edition, so I suggest getting it while you can.

1. Even Less (7:36) 5/5 *

* My Favorites.

PS. All the 5/5s probably seem excessive only to those who have not heard this album.