Customer Reviews

Together We're Stranger

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The first time I sat down and listened to this album was on a trip to work. By the end of the first song I was mesmerized in a trance.. about 2 minutes into the 2nd song my eyes started to water.

The music on this album is so incredibly beautiful--and heartbreaking. This is one of the finest works of art in music. I was thinking of giving this album 4 stars because it's not something that could be listened to all the time and it's lack of any kind of catchy beats or rhythms would definitely deter many a listener. But the sheer brilliance of it deserves 5.

If you decide to get this album.. be warned: it is very slow and many of the things musically is happening in the background, a place most listeners of pop music don't really pay attention to. That said--sit down, relax, close your eyes and enjoy.

Together We're Stranger is a big departure from "Loveblows and Lovecries", and "Flowermouth". This isn't as upbeat or as catchy as their previous albums, but it does feature some of their finest lyrics, especially on "Back When You Were Beautiful", and "The Break-Up for Real". The album kind is kind of rocky until the last three tracks, which are really brilliant (and some of No-Man's best). Track by track review:

Together We're Stranger: 7/10 - Not bad for a title track, but it kind of drags on and is overlong. Still good.
All the Blue Changes: 9/10 - Now this is such a pretty song. It is the most upbeat on the album and features some good lyrics and vocals.
The City in a Hundred Ways: 5/10 - A short instrumental piece that goes through one ear and out the other.
Things I Want to Tell You: 6/10 - Another decent track. Like the title track, it would be much better if it were shorter. Such great lyrics too.
Photographs in Black and White: 9/10 - The longest track on the album, but it does not drag on like some of the other lengthy works. One of the three best songs on the album.
Back When You Were Beautiful: 10/10 - My personal favorite on the album. Features beautiful vocals by Tim Bowness, and great acoustic guitar melodies. Very spacey too.
The Break-Up for Real: 10/10 - The perfect way to close this album. A sad song about break up...for real.

Overall: 56/70 = 8/10

Together We're Stranger is a quality album, especially the final three songs. Definitely recommended, but if you are new to No-Man, start with "Flowermouth", or "Loveblows and Lovecries".

Its a pity few have ever heard of No Man, but that's the way it is with quality music these days because that's just the kind of music that rarely receives airplay. I'd never have heard of them myself had it not been for the fact that I am already a fan of Porcupine Tree and Steve Wilson and was interested in exploring some of Wilson's other projects.
It took me quite a few listens in a variety of environments to develop a taste for this CD. That's because what it needs is your full attention, and I wasn't always able to give it mine. After you listen several times, I think you'll agree that its best enjoyed when there are no distractions.
Together We're Stranger is purely sonic stress relief. The music is mellow and entrancing while the vocals are often reminiscent of the style and texture of jazz vocalist Michael Franks. My favorites here are Photographs In Black and White and Back When You Were Beautiful.
If you enjoy thoughtful, mellow and well-crafted songs or are already a Porcupine Tree or even a Michael Franks fan, then you should find a lot to like on Together We're Stranger. I did and I will explore further the music of No Man.

This indulgent piece of mellow progressive manages to squeeze off a gentle hypnosis in better moments from the floating production and circular structure. Even though the songwriting feels pretentious, a certain studio competence, no doubt perfected through the psychedelic articulation from Porcupine Tree's Wilson, overrides much of the repetition. Much of the sparse, hypnotic styled melodies do not get as much potential mileage because of the overly airy vocal delivery from Bowness. In effect, much of this album's strengths lie in extended intros and outros that frame the precious vocalizing, making the purchase a mixed outing. Fans of minimalist acoustic work from bands like Low, mixed with the unabashedly sincere ballads the gentler progressive leanings from Dream Theater would offer will be right at home with this underwhelming but accomplished disc, though I am told the band has offered up greater music before this.

Since I am a sucker for "enhanced" and "special" editions, I was intrigued by this when it appeared on the market recently. Though I already own the original, hearing the much better mastering on this has made me appreciate Together We're Stranger all the more.
The music on this CD can best be described as ambient prog. It is great for just kicking back, closing your eyes, and relaxing. Though its a Steve Wilson project, its not Porcupine Tree, so its certainly not for the peripatetic who just can't relax. The patient listener will be rewarded by ethereal soundscapes that carry you deep into the world of the mind.
I think that staring at the static image that accompanies the music on the DVD while the music plays enhances the listener's experience by inducing the necessary feelings of relaxation. My favorite cut is Photographs In Black and White which becomes extremely intense as it progresses. I also really enjoy Back When You Were Beautiful and The Break-up For Real.
The DVD contains all the songs on the CD plus two bonus tracks. In addition, there is an arty, minimalist video of Things I Want To Tell You.
Like the first reviewer, I was tempted to give this four stars just because its not for everyday listening. But I became mesmerized after several listens and viewings and now agree with him that this is a work of genius.
I have several other No-Man recordings, but hearing/viewing the enhanced edition of Together We're Stranger has made me eager to go back and revisit those with new ears. If you need a little relaxation in your life and are open to new and interesting music, then this set may be for you.

It's been well over a year now since Tim Bowness & Steven Wilson released this work, but it still finds its way onto my stereo at least once a week. Music for lovely, gray, rainy days. (Yes, there are people who actually like the rain). Occasionally, I find myself hitting the repeat button to prolong the exquisite pain this music conjures up. Pain is good. One grows from it. Only the fool shuns it. We all break up with a beloved at least once in our lives. Sometimes twice. This is music to celebrate that ending, and move forward to the new beginning that awaits us all. Although a somewhat flawed, lo-fi recording, what it lacks in sonic clarity, is made up in leaps and bounds in mood.

I only hope no-man reaches further down this road in subsequent recordings. I'll be walking down the same road as well.

This is a lovely album. Steve Wilson (Porcupine Tree) collaborates with Tim Bowness and the result is gorgeous. Gentle, ethereal songs that drift along - it's just a pleasure to listen to them. Chill out to this - candles, a glass of wine, a close friend - magical...

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this album, since I heard it was quite a bit different from Porcupine Tree's material.


It's really beautiful, really ethereal, and just really pleasant to listen to. Steven Wilson doesn't do a whole lot of singing on this album, but Bowness is a great singer in his own right. This album is just really beautiful. Favorite tracks include Together We're Stranger, All the Blue Changes, and Photographs in Black and White. Highly recommended for both Porcupine Tree fans and non P-Tree fans.

I liked most of the previous No-Man releases, but this album is a remarkable departure. The instrumentation is very sparse and the album focuses a great deal of attention on the delicate, breathy vocal delivery. Unfortunatley I find this kind of vocal styling annoying, especially if it isn't accompanied by some form of music with dynamics. That's not to say all the music is dull and lifeless, Porcupine Tree mastermind Steven Wilson does manage to add some nice psychedelic textures to the songs. But that isn't enough to save this album from its own lack of weight. I'd recommend starting off with an album like "Flowermouth".

I really enjoy listening to this after a hard day at the office, which is actually operating noisey machinery! This is stripped- down, basic music but is beautiful beyond words. Track four,"Things I Want to Tell You," reminds me alot of the middle section of Yes' Close to the Edge (I Get Up/ I Get Down,) at least the string synth in the background. Track 5 ,"Photographs In Black and White," reminds me of a cross between the mellow section of Yes' "The Ancient" and King Crimson's "Epitaph." These are only comparisons to give a frame of reference to someone who hasn't heard this work. I would say it's right up there with Porcupine Tree's mellow stuff (although I do like their rocking material also, which you won't find on this disc.) It is an extremely enjoyable listening experience. Cleverly written tunes that create different moods throughout. Recommended!