Lightbulb Sun

Porcupine Tree | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 11, 2000)
• Original Release Date: June 6, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Snapper UK
• ASIN: B00004T1NA
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (83 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #215,086 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Lightbulb Sun

2. How Is Your Life Today?

3. Four Chords That Made A Million

4. Shesmovedon

5. Last Chance To Evacuate Planet Earth Before It Is Recycled

6. The Rest Will Flow

7. Hatesong

8. Where We Would Be

9. Russia On Ice

10. Feel So Low

Editorial Reviews

Eighth album from experimental prog-rock act featuring Steven Wilson (No Man). 10 tracks, 3 of which feature the stunning string arrangements of Dave Gregory of XTC, includes the singles '4 Chords That Made A Million' and 'Shesmovedon'. 2000 release. Standard jewel case.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid album from Porcupine Tree, May 29, 2008

By 

AccessDenied - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lightbulb Sun (Audio CD)

This is a Re-issue/Re-master of Porcupine Tree's ~ Lightbulb Sun, which was originally released in 2000. Most of the songs are unchanged. The bass and kick drum are more present in the 2008 mix than the 2000 mix and "Rest will flow" is slowed down just a bit, that is it.

The album delivers a wide variety of music, from the harder riffs in "Hatesong" and "Russia on Ice" to a softer edge with "Last Chance...." and "Rest Will Flow". This album is very diverse and well rounded. While I personally do not consider it to be one of Porcupine Tree's strongest works, it is by no means weak. Any fan of PT should purchase this album, it is fantastic!

The re-master also comes with a 5.1 DVD-A mix of the album. Which also contains 5.1 mixes of the original 2000 recording. As well as several bonus tracks only in 5.1

The double CD set comes housed in a very nice and durable Super Jewel Case with a cardboard sleeve and booklet.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pushing the limits of progressive rock, February 23, 2002

By 

"progrock86" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

At some point in listening to this album, you have to ask yourself, "Is this really progressive rock?" Sure, the symphonic epic scope of the 13:03 "Russia on Ice" and the extensive sax/flute jams on "Hatesong" tell you "yes." However, the euphoric acoustic pop of "The Rest Will Flow" and the hard-rocking chorus of the title track really make you question this album as a prog piece.

So, genre-haters rejoice at this British prog-pop hybrid that celebrates Floydian surrealism as well as Beatlesque catchy pop. True, you'll be singing many of the album's catchy, poppy melodies for months to come, but this isn't the simplistic, commercial tripe you hear on FM radio. Though poppy to a certain extent, many of these songs exhibit sophistication, subtle details and adroit playing native to progressive rock. Not to be forgotten, obviously, is the brilliant songwriting.

This album also has a great diversity of moods, which is something that really spices it up. "Four Chords" is high energy rock that criticizes commercialism in music. "Last Chance to Evacuate" has a nostalgic feel in the first part and a space age adventure in the second. "Russia on Ice" is heavily melancholic and powerful. "Where Would we Be" is both the simplest and most powerful track on the album, consisting mostly of just acoustic guitar and vocals. This song is incredibly moving.

Really, all of the tracks stand out on here. Some catchy and poppy, some conspicuous prog takes. If your up for something adventurous that challenges your expectations, try this out. And if you know any pop fans who are sick of commercial music, point them in Porcupine Tree's direction. Chances are, they won't be disappointed. And niether will you.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rich, Complex, Vast, Powerful, Beautiful, June 21, 2000

By 

Just Bill (Grand Rapids, MI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lightbulb Sun (Audio CD)

A friend of mine just returned from London with a copy of Lightbulb Sun in hand (I asked her to pick it up for me while she was there). For the past two days, I've listened to it over and over and OVER again. This CD is unbelievable in its depth and complexity! The music is mesmerizing and incredibly moving. The lyrics are as clever as ever. The vocals are trademark Tree. Woven throughout are snippets of sounds, conversations, laughter. Lightbulb Sun takes the power and precision of Stupid Dream to another realm, another musical level. From the delicate acoustic guitar intro and vocal (that quickly becomes an electric guitar riff worthy of Jimmy Page) of the opening title track to the haunting "How Is Your Life Today?" (check out the vocal harmonizing and the herky-jerky carnival piano!) to the oh-so-catchy "Four Chords That Made a Million" to the epic-length (13 minute) "Russia On Ice" to the closing track, the heartbreaking "Feel So Low," Lightbulb Sun is an astonishing musical statement from a band that just keeps getting better. Because of its level of musicianship, its ability to draw me in and its uncanny ability to flow from melancholy to upbeat, Lightbulb Sun has become one of my all-time favorite albums. I put my portable CD player on Repeat and listen to Lightbulb Sun with my headphones on all day long at the office (I'm a copywriter in an ad agency so I can get away with that sort of thing). Buy this album NOW...and hope Tree tours near you this year!