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Porcupine Tree — Point 3 (.3)
Album: In Absentia
Avg rating:
7.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 4405









Released: 2002
Length: 5:24
Plays (last 30 days): 4
Black the sky, weapons fly
Lay them waste for your race
Comments (628)add comment
Floyd-esque
I started following PT back in 2002 after reading about them in Mojo Magazine from the U.K.  After hearing Blackest Eyes, I was intrigued. And became a follower of them as well as anything the brilliant genius Steven Wilson puts out as this band or his solo stuff. His drummer Gavin Harrison I believe is the best drummer alive right now. They as a whole are the Prog Gods that everyone should know about. Believe me, I am doing my best spreading the word.
Having just followed the tip of a listener here few days ago for watching them on youtube with their Anesthetize I'm disappointed a little. It's equal with reading a very good book, and watching the movie: your phantasy imaged something other as you get to see.
Anyway, great band!
 robijn wrote:
No nonsense that it is about RP playing any specific music, but it is about the flow of the music which makes me want to cry sometimes.  
I would never got to know this band without RP and since I heard it here, I bought with a joy about every album of Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson and have visited his concert alredy 4 times. .



I also discovered Porcupine Tree/Steven Wilson through RP, and they are among my top 3 bands of all time! They really are incredible. I'm glad you managed to see them so many times - very jealous ;D
If any band is worthy of the epithet "Godlike", it is Porcupine Tree. An absolutely superlative band, as faultless as it's possible to be. 
 ksiggery wrote:

recently saw them in London ...outstanding !




You lucky duck. I wish I could have been there too!
 Limpopoking wrote:

Any hackers out there who could hack RP and add an 11 to the scores?... asking for a friend.




LOL! Too funny!   
Any hackers out there who could hack RP and add an 11 to the scores?... asking for a friend.
so beautiful.
 robijn wrote:
No nonsense that it is about RP playing any specific music, but it is about the flow of the music which makes me want to cry sometimes.  
I would never got to know this band without RP and since I heard it here, I bought with a joy about every album of Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson and have visited his concert alredy 4 times. .


YOu are lucky man., to visite concert 4 times... Lool
recently saw them in London ...outstanding !
You DO realize they are on tour. https://porcupinetree.com/tour...
 spartadog wrote:

Going to see them at the Greek Theater in LA at the end of  September which could be the final PT performance in the US ever.    


Chicago Auditorium Sept 20, 2022 
1st time live for me.   Can hardly wait.
 pktinkler2984 wrote:


Take a look at their Tilburg concert from about 2008 - it is available on YouTube - and you get a feel for what the whole package looks like.  :-)



Thank You for the info!
Going to see them at the Greek Theater in LA at the end of  September which could be the final PT performance in the US ever.
 joejennings wrote:
EXCELLENT!!!  I never heard of Porcupine Tree, prior to RP, now, I like a lot of their tunes!! The more I hear this tune, the more I like it!!  Thanx RP!   


Take a look at their Tilburg concert from about 2008 - it is available on YouTube - and you get a feel for what the whole package looks like.  :-)
Looking forward to their new album, I think in just a week or two...! And they are touring.
Listen to "Russia on Ice" to really appreciate PT and Steve Wilson 
Reunited prog-rockers Porcupine Tree on surviving their rift: ‘You can’t help but feel bitter’


"Barbieri – the best soundscaper since Brian Eno, says Wilson"

Big table thump!  
 eileenomurphy wrote:



I Agree on ALL counts!! Now, I can't get enough of this tune!!   



Ditto!!!
 joejennings wrote:
EXCELLENT!!!  I never heard of Porcupine Tree, prior to RP, now, I like a lot of their tunes!! The more I hear this tune, the more I like it!!  Thanx RP!   



I Agree on ALL counts!! Now, I can't get enough of this tune!!   
EXCELLENT!!!  I never heard of Porcupine Tree, prior to RP, now, I like a lot of their tunes!! The more I hear this tune, the more I like it!!  Thanx RP!   
 eileenomurphy wrote:



I amend my comment to SUPERB!!! GREAT TUNE!!!  



I Agree!! Completely!!
This whole album is good.  Blackest Eyes, Trains, The Sound of Muzak are some especial faves.

Hard to believe it's almost 20 years old.
So PT is back in the studio as I type this, recording a new album! Never thought that it would actually happen based on SW's comments, but I am so glad that it is. Now we just have to cross our fingers that they do a tour to the Southeast US.
Excellent!!!
You PT fans ARE aware aren't you that Steven Wilson, contrary to his previous remarks, has once again reformed Porcupine Tree and they've produced a new album due for release June 2022 with a European tour as well.
https://porcupinetree.com/
and
https://burningshed.com/index....
Fingers crossed for a US tour later in 2022.

Bill! Rebecca! Use your industry connections and get an advance copy to play for us asap! That one track they present on their website is such a tease! 
 westslope wrote:

Better than Yes.

And I say that as somebody who absolutely adored Yes in the early 1970s and still do.



Comparison always leads to some kind of trouble. 
Radio Paradise really rocks today, and the sequence is mindblowing: Listening Wind by Peter Gabriel, Londong Calling, Shine by Younger brother, The Wall crossfading with Angel from Massive Attack, and now this. Couldn't be better.
 westslope wrote:


Steven Wilson would be a tad disappointed that you are playing the PT albums on shuffle.

The albums were conceived, written and produced to be listened in order from the beginning to the end.   

For longer road trips, listening to 2, 3, 4 or 5 Porcupine Tree albums in chronological order works for me.  
 I think he meant shuffle as in the apple made music playing device they sold for multiple years

 westslope wrote:
 whatsupdude wrote:
The new Yes.
 
Better than Yes.

And I say that as somebody who absolutely adored Yes in the early 1970s and still do.
 
Been into Yes, since their very first album back in the late 60's.  Still have it.  Just bought this album on vinyl per your recommendation.  Should be here in two days.  Cannot wait to crack the shrink and give it a spin.
 robijn wrote:
No nonsense that it is about RP playing any specific music, but it is about the flow of the music which makes me want to cry sometimes.  
I would never got to know this band without RP and since I heard it here, I bought with a joy about every album of Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson and have visited his concert alredy 4 times. .
 

I'm getting it right now and I'm looking for more of them :D
 rezadent wrote:
If only i could've seen them live
 

Better than I expected. If you get the double live DVD it is filmed at the Park West in Chicago. A great small venue. I was at both shows. Phenomenal, get it.
I miss them. Wish they were touring. Glad to hear them on RP.
I will be forever grateful to RP for introducing me to the music of Porcupine Tree. Thank you Bill and Rebecca.
 whatsupdude wrote:
The new Yes.
 
Better than Yes.

And I say that as somebody who absolutely adored Yes in the early 1970s and still do.
The new Yes.
If only i could've seen them live
 rick83390 wrote:
Sans RP il y a beaucoup de groupes et musics que je n'aurai jamais eu écho tellement la radio française est vraiment une grosse merde : "french radio is xxxl sucks"  tkx RPto open up our mind.
 
It's the same with german Radio... It causes brain frazzle
 rick83390 wrote:
Sans RP il y a beaucoup de groupes et musics que je n'aurai jamais eu écho tellement la radio française est vraiment une grosse merde : "french radio is xxxl sucks"  tkx RPto open up our mind.
 

FIP fm?   https://www.fip.fr/
 1wolfy wrote:
My son once asked me to pick a song...any song, to do a sound check on a new audiophile stereo system.  I picked this one...We thoroughly enjoyed the 'test'.
 
Lock Up the Wolves by Dio is another great song for tests like this
 robijn wrote:
No nonsense that it is about RP playing any specific music, but it is about the flow of the music which makes me want to cry sometimes.  
I would never got to know this band without RP and since I heard it here, I bought with a joy about every album of Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson and have visited his concert alredy 4 times. .
 
I was already a PT fan 20 years ago when I first turned on RP. And the first song I heard was Porcupine Tree !. So I have been listening to RP for 20 years.
 danny_t wrote:
the last few songs

peter gabriel
cranberries
u2
the war on drugs
younger brother
pink floyd
massive attack

topped off with porcupine tree!

a just unbelievable awesome playlist!
thank you bill for great music!
 
Having almost same sequence now.. but Eagle eye cherry  is between  U2 and the war on dugs
Thank you Bill!! Always a pleasure to hear.
I had never heard of this band until I listened to RP. In fact, I've discovered several groups here that don't make it to commercial radio. It all helps keep me sane in this age of pandemic.
I wholeheartedly endorse this product and/or service.

(RP)
the last few songs

peter gabriel
cranberries
u2
the war on drugs
younger brother
pink floyd
massive attack

topped off with porcupine tree!

a just unbelievable awesome playlist!
thank you bill for great music!
The contrasts are strong on this one.
 robijn wrote:
No nonsense that it is about RP playing any specific music, but it is about the flow of the music which makes me want to cry sometimes.  
I would never got to know this band without RP and since I heard it here, I bought with a joy about every album of Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson and have visited his concert alredy 4 times. .Agreement
 

Segue Air "Le Voyage de Penelope" into this, just a trippatrippatrippa
So sweet, so strong 
merci RP pour m'avoir fait connaitre Porcupine Tree !
 rick83390 wrote:
Sans RP il y a beaucoup de groupes et musics que je n'aurai jamais eu écho tellement la radio française est vraiment une grosse merde : "french radio is xxxl sucks"  tkx RPto open up our mind.
 

Je n'avais un clue quesque vous dit mais j'agree.
 westslope wrote:


Steven Wilson would be a tad disappointed that you are playing the PT albums on shuffle.

The albums were conceived, written and produced to be listened in order from the beginning to the end.   

For longer road trips, listening to 2, 3, 4 or 5 Porcupine Tree albums in chronological order works for me.  
 
I don't think the OP meant the songs were in "shuffle" mode, but that they were on the OP's Apple iPod shuffle. Which I think can be set to play songs in order.
Masterpiece. From a masterpiece of an album.
 guilhem34 wrote:

Les radios commerciales, c'est de la promotion entrecoupée de musique et c'est insupportable. Oui, merci RP pour vos diffusions de morceaux entiers et de groupes que l'on n'entend nulle par ailleurs. ça fait du bien ! Tiens, puisqu'on parle français :
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gBEqDulr0c&list=RD8gBEqDulr0c&start_radio=1&t=25
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtR5YC7zHJ0&list=RD8gBEqDulr0c&index=2
 
 
heu... Niagara pas quand même ^^
Mais merci RP je suis 100% ok :)
Everything by Steven Wilson gets a 9 from me automatically.
With his (yes, his) Porcupine Tree, he always gets a 10.
Yes, always.
The end.
 rick83390 wrote:
 
 
Les radios commerciales, c'est de la promotion entrecoupée de musique et c'est insupportable. Oui, merci RP pour vos diffusions de morceaux entiers et de groupes que l'on n'entend nulle par ailleurs. ça fait du bien ! Tiens, puisqu'on parle français :
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gBEqDulr0c&list=RD8gBEqDulr0c&start_radio=1&t=25
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtR5YC7zHJ0&list=RD8gBEqDulr0c&index=2
 
Sans RP il y a beaucoup de groupes et musics que je n'aurai jamais eu écho tellement la radio française est vraiment une grosse merde : "french radio is xxxl sucks"  tkx RPto open up our mind.
Steven Wilson can do no wrong.
 baronsylte wrote:

Quietly sharpening my sword, staring at you from.... Denmark
 
LOL!   This 196cm Viking plans on giving you a good run for your money!  


On a serious note.  Now if we could only persuade the rest of the world to adopt Neo-Viking Constructive Engagement as a founding principle of international relations.
The Strait of Hormuz  ..  weapons fly   light the sky
 westslope wrote:

Funny, I always thought the cover art was inspired by Greek statues from Classic times.

Lasse Hoile is the Danish artist responsible for the cover.  You know those funny Danes,  live in a flat country, like to ride bicycles, have a weird sense of humour, and exhibit stellar socio-economic outcomes. 

If in doubt, blame the Danes.  :-)  
 
Quietly sharpening my sword, staring at you from.... Denmark
 pigtail wrote:
I can't take the album cover.  It disturbs me.
 
Funny, I always thought the cover art was inspired by Greek statues from Classic times.

Lasse Hoile is the Danish artist responsible for the cover.  You know those funny Danes,  live in a flat country, like to ride bicycles, have a weird sense of humour, and exhibit stellar socio-economic outcomes. 

If in doubt, blame the Danes.  :-)  
No nonsense that it is about RP playing any specific music, but it is about the flow of the music which makes me want to cry sometimes.  
I would never got to know this band without RP and since I heard it here, I bought with a joy about every album of Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson and have visited his concert alredy 4 times. .
I can't take the album cover.  It disturbs me.
Hell live, just watching and no jesus for save...
Oh , what the hell an 11 .....
Props to Wilson for contributing to the Tim Smith tribute album, with his lonely lonely version of the lonely Cardiacs song Stoneage Dinosaurs.
 Hey_Porter wrote:
I have a marathon coming up and have four Porcupine Tree albums queued up on my shuffle for maximum distraction
 

Steven Wilson would be a tad disappointed that you are playing the PT albums on shuffle.

The albums were conceived, written and produced to be listened in order from the beginning to the end.   

For longer road trips, listening to 2, 3, 4 or 5 Porcupine Tree albums in chronological order works for me.  
Pink Floyd (10)->Massive Attack (8) -> Porcupine Tree (9).
My average rating in last 15 minutes = 9 =>  My mood increased by 100%
 Hey_Porter wrote:
I have a marathon coming up and have four Porcupine Tree albums queued up on my shuffle for maximum distraction
 

OK.  Watch out for the traffic.  Run safe.  
I have a marathon coming up and have four Porcupine Tree albums queued up on my shuffle for maximum distraction
After hearing this at least four times in the last week or so, I've bumped it from 8 to 9. It's really growing on me 
 {#Lol}dyharenas wrote:

wots wi da spelin dood
 

.3 x 30 = 9
 jbuhl wrote:

I just seened  his To the Bone show at the Ogden Theater in Denver and the demographic was older dudes for sure.  Very few womans.  Did see a small pack of indian guys walking around with Steven Wilson T's on, which was cool.  Good show for $35, recommended.
 
wots wi da spelin dood
 ddog wrote:

Maybe because some of us older fans grew up listening to 70's progress rock and still have a taste for it. Some younger folks may not have matured musically yet and do have a appreciation for PT.
 
I just seened  his To the Bone show at the Ogden Theater in Denver and the demographic was older dudes for sure.  Very few womans.  Did see a small pack of indian guys walking around with Steven Wilson T's on, which was cool.  Good show for $35, recommended.
 westslope wrote:
Wilson recently commented that he has many young fans in South America and India but that his fans in North America tend to be older.

Thoughts?

 
Maybe because some of us older fans grew up listening to 70's progress rock and still have a taste for it. Some younger folks may not have matured musically yet and do have a appreciation for PT.
this is where RP needs a pause button
A couple of great Pink Floyd songs followed by one of my favorite by Massive Attack followed by one of my favorite PT.

Come on man, too much winning, and I need to make a phone call. 
Wilson recently commented that he has many young fans in South America and India but that his fans in North America tend to be older.

Thoughts?
 johnalexford wrote:
Such a fan of Steven Wilson. Saw his Hand.Cannot.Erase tour last November and sat through 3+ hours of bliss. Easily in my top 5 artists.

 
Good to hear. Hope to see Steven Wilson at the Fillmore in San Francisco in May. Looking forward to it.
 sdwright wrote:
 I like this one.  And what do you think?

....... 

 
It is my favourite cut off what I believe could be Porcupine Tree's best album.   It is one of my favourite war/anti-war popular songs. 

Mind you, from Signify to The Incident, all the PT albums were terrific.
Such a fan of Steven Wilson. Saw his Hand.Cannot.Erase tour last November and sat through 3+ hours of bliss. Easily in my top 5 artists.
 RedGuitar wrote:

I first heard PT with Prodigal from this album.  Love these guys, especially the earlier stuff. Ordered Wilson's new album.

 
So what do you think?   

Took me a while to get into some songs and a couple of the lyrics strike me as lame (not fond of excessive use of clichés) but frankly, once again, Steven Wilson knocked it right out of the park as he has consistently done since the Raven album.  
dripping with content, PT creates energy...
My son once asked me to pick a song...any song, to do a sound check on a new audiophile stereo system.  I picked this one...We thoroughly enjoyed the 'test'.
Bump
 

westslope wrote:
In memory of Chris Squire.  

 


 kurtster wrote:
{#Snooty}  It revolves at 33 1/3 rpm. or 33.33333....
33.3 would actually be too slow. {#Wink}
 
. . . and 3(.3) would definitely be too slow, but I'm sure it would sound interesting . . .
I just swooned a lil bit from that Massive Attack "Angel" segue to this. Love it.
 westslope wrote:
10 since the third listen.  My favourite cut off the In Absentia album, perhaps the best album that PT put out.  

 
I first heard PT with Prodigal from this album.  Love these guys, especially the earlier stuff. Ordered Wilson's new album.


 On_The_Beach wrote:
Hmm, a vinyl record revolves at 33.3 rpm.
Just a coincidence, or . . . ?

 
{#Snooty}  It revolves at 33 1/3 rpm. or 33.33333....

33.3 would actually be too slow.
{#Wink}
10 since the third listen.  My favourite cut off the In Absentia album, perhaps the best album that PT put out.  
8 to 9

{#Clap}{#Drummer}
Hmm, a vinyl record revolves at 33.3 rpm.
Just a coincidence, or . . . ?
Woke up and had my morning coffee to PT and now the Sun is setting and I'm, er, WE are enjoying PT again. Thanks Bill for rounding out the day.
 westslope wrote:
In memory of Chris Squire.  

 
Yes.


Such a thrill, every single time.
In memory of Chris Squire.  
 Thin_Air wrote:
rossdogsdad wrote:
a bit like thom yorke?

same gender
 
They also both have the letters ‘t’, ‘e’, and ‘o’ in their names
 rossdogsdad wrote:
a bit like thom yorke?
 
same gender
a bit like thom yorke?
 DanielHLloyd wrote:
Any station that follows Rush with Porcupine Tree........is the greatest station in history. {#Notworthy}

 
Absolutely. There's a strong bass connection between Limelight and Point 3 (.3)!
Any station that follows Rush with Porcupine Tree........is the greatest station in history. {#Notworthy}
Rush to Porcupine Tree.  Brilliant transition.
 SmileOnADog wrote:

Does diversity not include us melanin-challenged types?  I can clap on the 2 and 4 beats so well you wouldn't even know I'm white.  Yeah I do love complex music with time signature changes, weird modal chord structures and all that (let's call it progressive, for lack of a better term) but I would never insult those who prefer music rooted in other cultures or sensibilities—or just like it simpler and from the gut (punk, rap, folk, country, any/all genres where applicable).

I'm increasingly shocked to find out that "PC" seems to be kind of a one way street...and the chilling effect it is starting to have on free speech and critical thought is frankly alarming.  People get shouted down, reasoning is out the window in some public "Justice Warrior" style encounters I've seen documented on video.  If I see more paid activists marching through the streets chanting about killing cops, I'm going to have to re-evaluate my "polite white liberal guilt" as it might be interpreted as just a sign of weakness by those who don't apparently don't share my "values" (e.g., love, humility, kindness, etc.).  The recent Milwaukee rioting incident where a black cop shot a black gun wielding man and the subsequent rioters called for "burning down the suburbs" (based only on mere rumors the cop was white and the suspect was unarmed and running away) is a wake up call for how crazy things could get once we sink to this level... https://bluelivesmatter.blue/bodycam-sylville-smith-milwaukee-shooting/   Martin Luther King would throw a fit if he saw this kind of stuff going on, and so should everyone who believes in his legacy and message.

 
Interesting comments Smile.  

The truth is that lots of brown and black people in the rest of the world (not just the rich OECD countries) also like British-style progressive rock/art rock/space rock but frankly it is largely a pasty-faced cultural phenomena.  

I personally do not have a lot of patience for political correctness.  Racism and bigotry are not acceptable excuses for political violence.  

The so-called oppressed also should take more responsibility for their own misery.   Be they Black Americans, First Nations in Canada or Palestinians suffering under the yoke of US-backed Israeli ethnic cleansing.

On occasion I have joked that my wife and I are white trash and I am amazed at the negative reaction of so many white people.  Must be a deep-seated sense of socio-economic class insecurity.   
I find Porcupine Tree music exhilarating,  life enhancing and superlative at all levels
 Love every minute.  
 westslope wrote:
Hoosfoos wrote:
         Music for white people.

White elitists to put a finer point on it.

 
Does diversity not include us melanin-challenged types?  I can clap on the 2 and 4 beats so well you wouldn't even know I'm white.  Yeah I do love complex music with time signature changes, weird modal chord structures and all that (let's call it progressive, for lack of a better term) but I would never insult those who prefer music rooted in other cultures or sensibilities—or just like it simpler and from the gut (punk, rap, folk, country, any/all genres where applicable).

I'm increasingly shocked to find out that "PC" seems to be kind of a one way street...and the chilling effect it is starting to have on free speech and critical thought is frankly alarming.  People get shouted down, reasoning is out the window in some public "Justice Warrior" style encounters I've seen documented on video.  If I see more paid activists marching through the streets chanting about killing cops, I'm going to have to re-evaluate my "polite white liberal guilt" as it might be interpreted as just a sign of weakness by those who don't apparently don't share my "values" (e.g., love, humility, kindness, etc.).  The recent Milwaukee rioting incident where a black cop shot a black gun wielding man and the subsequent rioters called for "burning down the suburbs" (based only on mere rumors the cop was white and the suspect was unarmed and running away) is a wake up call for how crazy things could get once we sink to this level... https://bluelivesmatter.blue/bodycam-sylville-smith-milwaukee-shooting/   Martin Luther King would throw a fit if he saw this kind of stuff going on, and so should everyone who believes in his legacy and message.
Two great drummers in a row (Peart then Harrison). Nice job Bill.
 hugogdt wrote:
Just had the pleasure of seeing Wilson on live a few days ago in Stockholm on one of the best live performances ever. Some PL songs in the second part of the show, awesome!! 

 
I saw him in Edmonton Canada last summer, freaking awesome.

something off my bucket list.


turn it LOUD
Now, we know why folks like living in Eastern Canada:  more concerts.  

No 2016 Steven Wilson concert in backwater Vancouver.  {#Frown}

Incidentally, bought 4 1/2 yet?  The re-do of Don't Hate Me song with Nina Tayeb singing (originally on the PT Stupid Dream CD) is great.

Jazzier.  
I just love this band/artist.  He's made an old genre seem fresh.
 hugogdt wrote:
Just had the pleasure of seeing Wilson on live a few days ago in Stockholm on one of the best live performances ever. Some PL songs in the second part of the show, awesome!! 

 
I saw him in montreal this week, and i agree wonderful show, the first part was his solo album hand.cannot.erase.  Just a great album, and a great performer.
Just had the pleasure of seeing Wilson on live a few days ago in Stockholm on one of the best live performances ever. Some PL songs in the second part of the show, awesome!! 
PT at their best!
 westslope wrote:

Yup, nothing like an aerial bombing raid to make folks feel happy......  Death from above.

That clever cuteness aside, this is perhaps my favourite cut off the In Absentia CD.  And one of my favourite contemporary songs about war. 

How are ya Deadwing?

 
I'm good Slope! Nice to see you are still out there kicking   {#Wave} Hugs for my PT bro!
 dpvest wrote:
when I hear a great segue, I just gotta pop in and say "great segue"  - seamless from Poe's Control...

 
Steven Wilson just played two nights at the Royal Albert Hall and Gavin Harrison joined the band for a few Porcupine Tree songs. Maybe there is hope after all?