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Porcupine Tree — The Sound Of Muzak
Album: In Absentia
Avg rating:
7.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2575









Released: 2002
Length: 4:55
Plays (last 30 days): 2
Hear the sound of music
Drifting in the aisles
Elevator Prozac
Stretching on for miles

The music of the future
Will not entertain
It's only meant to repress
And neutralise your brain

Soul gets squeezed out
Edges get blunt
Demographic
Gives what you want

One of the wonders of the world is going down
It's going down I know
It's one of the blunders of the world that no one cares
No one cares enough

Now the sound of music
Comes in silver pills
Engineered to suit you
Building cheaper thrills

The music of rebellion
Makes you wanna rage
But it's made by millionaires
Who are nearly twice your age

Soul gets squeezed out
Edges get blunt
Demographic
Gives what you want

One of the wonders of the world is going down
It's going down I know
It's one of the blunders of the world that no one cares
No one cares enough

One of the wonders of the world is going down
It's going down I know
It's one of the blunders of the world that no one cares
No one cares enough

One of the wonders of the world is going down
It's going down I know
It's one of the blunders of the world that no one cares
No one cares enough

One of the wonders of the world is going down
It's going down I know
It's one of the blunders of the world that no one cares
No one cares enough
Comments (351)add comment
Brilliant, especially after the horrible 'Two Step (Live)' Dave Matthews Band.
 coloradojohn wrote:

I've always admired drummers that can and will just go ape-shit crazy, lighting up the the whole spectrum, even colors of the flame that only few can see... Gavin's drumming and PT's impressive filling it in and dancing around with it on this reminds me of how bands used to feature and showcase the wizardry and physicality of their drummers back in the day... -- JAM!




I  Agree!!   The same thing can be said about Tool!!
I've always admired drummers that can and will just go ape-shit crazy, lighting up the the whole spectrum, even colors of the flame that only few can see... Gavin's drumming and PT's impressive filling it in and dancing around with it on this reminds me of how bands used to feature and showcase the wizardry and physicality of their drummers back in the day... -- JAM!
 pfreet wrote:


This song is about music. Great music is a wonder of the world and Steven is lamenting its demise. The last 20 years have proven him mostly right IMO.  


I agree only to a point. Sure, top 40 radio is not for me. But Radio Paradise renders this point (somewhat) false. Yes, music from yesteryear is great, but there is equally great music being made today if you go out and listen for it. That's why I'm guessing we all listen to RP. Bill and team do a masterful job weaving old and new together seamlessly. 

And Steven's solo career is equally proof that new music continues to be recorded. Speaking of which, he's back in the recording studio working on what's next. :)
 westslope wrote:
To quibble with the wiki-page, the following is incorrect:

"...later moving towards a more progressive/space rock direction comparable to that of Pink Floyd."

As a solo project, Porcupine Tree started with a sound somewhat similar to Pink Floyd and then moved to an original somewhat bombastic art rock sound and then on to what has been described as 'Prog Metal' though comparing some of it to King  Crimson is likely appropriate.

The part I like it, is that each album tends to span several sounds from highly melodic and accessible to edgy.  

If you have not checked out the album released in 2022 -- Closure/Continuation -- please do.   Terrific.  The majority of the songs were collaboratively written.
 
Yes, Closure / Continuation is a great set.  Been awhile since I've played it once I got familiar with it from repeated listenings.  I find that I need to be in the mood for it but that is true with most music that is focused in its own direction independent of any cares about acceptance on a commercial level.

There is music for mass consumption and there is music like this which takes its place with the listener as familiarity brings it into its own place.  As in an acquired taste.  In Absentia has found a nice place in my listening experience.  Time to break it out again and give it a spin in its entirety.  Been way too long since I've listened to it.


{#Cheers}
To quibble with the wiki-page, the following is incorrect:

"...later moving towards a more progressive/space rock direction comparable to that of Pink Floyd."

As a solo project, Porcupine Tree started with a sound somewhat similar to Pink Floyd and then moved to an original somewhat bombastic art rock sound and then on to what has been described as 'Prog Metal' though comparing some of it to King  Crimson is likely appropriate.

The part I like it, is that each album tends to span several sounds from highly melodic and accessible to edgy.  

If you have not checked out the album released in 2022 -- Closure/Continuation -- please do.   Terrific.  The majority of the songs were collaboratively written.
Had the chance to see them live a few months ago in Amsterdam. I'm pretty sure it was one of the most memorable Monday nights in my life ♥️

(Dutch) review that would describe my memory of it pretty well: https://www.volkskrant.nl/cult...
 NEOvManhattan wrote:

F*** yea-



Spell it with music fuck yeah head!
10 track
11 album
F*** yea-
 scrubbrush wrote:

Tool-esque, at times



To the extent I understand Tool, fans of Tool should love the new PT album  Continuation/Closure.
 douglaseinck wrote:

Pls stop playing 




NO!!    
EXCELLENT!!!  I had never heard of PT prior to RP, now they are one of my favorite bands!!   Thanx RP!
 pfreet wrote:


This song is about music. Great music is a wonder of the world and Steven is lamenting its demise. The last 20 years have proven him mostly right IMO.  

Au contraire, mon fraire. 
Best G. Harrison
 mrtuba9 wrote:
"One of the wonders of the world is going down
It's going down I know
It's one of the blunders of the world that no one cares
No one cares enough"


While I don't believe we are necessarily one of the wonder's of the world as a country, at times it seems like we are going down, and blundering at that. 7-->8


This song is about music. Great music is a wonder of the world and Steven is lamenting its demise. The last 20 years have proven him mostly right IMO.  
 douglaseinck wrote:
Pls stop playing 
 

Pls stop commenting
As cool as the drum part is on this song, Gavin admitted that Steven actually programmed it on a drum machine first.  Lots of talent in this group!
Saw Steven play this song live when he played Phoenix earlier last year. What a treat to hear him play old PT songs!
 westslope wrote:

Unfortunately RP does not play any Tool.  Perhaps Tool fans could rectify that by uploading a song that would appeal?
 

I uploaded Schism and The Pot.  Nada.
 jefffromwi wrote:
First heard this on RP many years ago. Great great song!  And now I have  three  CDs of theirs that I’ve stumbled upon at Half Price Books. I wish I could find more and hear them live too. Thanks RP!!
 
I was introduced to PT here as well and am now a huge fan.  Their Arriving Somewhere DVD is excellent and some of Steven Wilson's solo stuff is too.
First heard this on RP many years ago. Great great song!  And now I have  three  CDs of theirs that I’ve stumbled upon at Half Price Books. I wish I could find more and hear them live too. Thanks RP!!
"One of the wonders of the world is going down
It's going down I know
It's one of the blunders of the world that no one cares
No one cares enough"


While I don't believe we are necessarily one of the wonder's of the world as a country, at times it seems like we are going down, and blundering at that. 7-->8
 westslope wrote:

Better than Pink Floyd, better than Yes, better than King Crimson.

 

LOLz... 
How have I not rated this song before? Love PT. Thanks Bill!
 below72 wrote:
This band always reminds me - in a good way of - Toad The Wet Sprocket


 
yes!
B  R  I  L  L  I  A  N  T
This album is absolutely excellent, but it will never be on the same level as (stated below). (old fag statement)
 Propayne wrote:
.....

But I think this album can absolutely stand alongside and be forever counted among Progressive Rock's best.

 
Better than Pink Floyd, better than Yes, better than King Crimson.

I've read where Steven Wilson has said that being in the "Prog" realm, he feels sometimes there is an attitude that no one will ever right and record anything as good as the greats from the past (Floyd, Crimson, Yes, etc.) -

But I think this album can absolutely stand alongside and be forever counted among Progressive Rock's best.
Very good!
This was the first Porcupine Tree tune that stopped me in my tracks on first listen.
{#Drummer}
Hooked ever since. Thanks Bill & RP! 
 easmann wrote:
s'rully, rully gud. trifik.
Image result for starman

 
{#High-five}
Why does the rating stop at 10 ? It should be 12 or 14 or so....
Never enough PT...
 scrubbrush wrote:
Tool-esque, at times

 
Unfortunately RP does not play any Tool.  Perhaps Tool fans could rectify that by uploading a song that would appeal?
s'rully, rully gud. trifik.
Image result for starman
 douglaseinck wrote:
Pls stop playing 

 
NEVER!
Tool-esque, at times
Wow, Bill rarely plays two Radiohead songs in a row. 

Great band.


 haklav wrote:
Masterpiece

 
Ditto
Amazing musicians, songwriting, production. Everything. 
Masterpiece
Pls stop playing 
Pure magic!
 Deadwing wrote:

Gavin played with him at one of the London shows a couple of weeks ago.

/crosses fingers

{#Laughing} 

We can always hope! 

 
Gavin Harrison is in town with King Crimson for 2 shows. Might sneak out of work Friday for the meet n greet {#Biggrin} Have met him before and he is a very friendly gentlemen.
 westslope wrote:

Hey man.  Signify through The Incident. 7 amazing CDs and a couple of EPs.  Not one throwaway song to be found.  

Be thankful for huge blessings.
Now, if PT and Wilson's current band were to combine for a super-group tour of jazz to psychedlic rock to heavy rock, that would be tremendous.  Imagine.

 
Gavin played with him at one of the London shows a couple of weeks ago.

/crosses fingers

{#Laughing} 

We can always hope! 
This band always reminds me - in a good way of - Toad The Wet Sprocket

I read those lyrics again, moved it up to a 9, I worship at the Stephen Wilson and PT  shrine.
 yofitofu wrote:
Song is particularly relevant given ISIS and Taliban destruction of monuments and cultural heritage across Middle East - at least to me.

 
Really?  

How......

When I think of the aerial bombing campaigns and the righteous typing that seems so popular in North America right now, I see blow back:  more dead Israelis, Americans and Canadians. 

But as long as the 'kill ratios' remain high, all is good?  Or is it? 
Song is particularly relevant given ISIS and Taliban destruction of monuments and cultural heritage across Middle East - at least to me.
"Music of rebellion makes you want to age
but it's made by millionaires more than twice your age"

Ain't that the truth...
 kinda has that alice in chains sound to it until gavin's insanely good drum beat kicks in.. {#Cheesygrin}
just too funny.

 

ppopp wrote:
The better proggie bands sound as though they like to play rock music, but get a bit carried away with tempo changes and complexities of where the music goes - which is great. Makes for a much more compelling listen in many ways.
Porcupine Tree sound as though they are trying to sound like their fave proggie bands. Nice of them to offer such a tribute, if indeed this is what they are trying to achieve.
It's a shame I don't like their songs much, because their sound is very good. Their lyrics are a bit hard to stomach at times.

 

 Relayer wrote:
Steve Wilson, you are a great man.  Love your solo work, but come on back to Porcupine Tree.  The world is a better place when PT is releasing music as a band.

 
Hey man.  Signify through The Incident. 7 amazing CDs and a couple of EPs.  Not one throwaway song to be found.  

Be thankful for huge blessings.


Now, if PT and Wilson's current band were to combine for a super-group tour of jazz to psychedlic rock to heavy rock, that would be tremendous.  Imagine.
Lyric & title kinda sums up their muzak for me
The quality of musicianship in this group is incredible.
Steve Wilson, you are a great man.  Love your solo work, but come on back to Porcupine Tree.  The world is a better place when PT is releasing music as a band.
Who wants an easy ride all the time when listening to music? Yes, their style is textured and multi-layered, and all the more creative and brilliant for it.
Another group I've followed since I first heard them here. Thanks to RP for the intro.
PTE music:  Porcupine Tree Elevator music.

There is far too much going on in this song for a quiet, zero-brain activity ride.
{#Dance}
BEST
Another wonderful segue from Radiohead — Go to Sleep.
Wonderful segue from Radiohead — Go to Sleep. Two solid tens!
 ppopp wrote:

It's a shame I don't like their songs much, because their sound is very good.


 
Sounds like Yogi Berra: "Wagner's music is better than it sounds."
I know that I've been up too late when these guys come on.... {#Yawn}
toured Oz in 2008 and then again 2010.... overdue guys? make sure you come over to the golden west - please!?
The better proggie bands sound as though they like to play rock music, but get a bit carried away with tempo changes and complexities of where the music goes - which is great. Makes for a much more compelling listen in many ways.
Porcupine Tree sound as though they are trying to sound like their fave proggie bands. Nice of them to offer such a tribute, if indeed this is what they are trying to achieve.
It's a shame I don't like their songs much, because their sound is very good. Their lyrics are a bit hard to stomach at times.
Finally something by PT I like...!!!  been waiting for it....  strong chorus!!!!
Gavin Harrison is among the best in his class. Pristine drummer with a pristine band. A perfect fit.
 Marzz_13 wrote:

That's a cool story and I agree about main stream radio.  As you may know, Alex played the guitar solo on the track Anesthetize off of Fear Of A Blank Planet, which to this day is still my favorite PT song.  If you're a Rush fan too, you can clearly identify it as being Lifesonesque.
 
Yeah..you can hear it right away on that solo.  I actually met Lifeson at a Porcupine Tree concert in Toronto, what a great night all around!
My absolute FAVOURITE rp segue of two god-like songs:

Radiohead - Go to Sleep > Porcupine Tree - The Sound Of Muzak 

I've never heard any Muzak with such complex drumming. Wish all Muzak sounded like this.


I was actually thinking this was Days of the New at first.  Travis is still out there making music.
 hobiejoe wrote:
The Sound Of Muzak.
 
I'm encouraged to see that the art of self-parody is not yet entirely dead.
 
Seriously? well, there's nought queer as folk, I guess. If they played this in any elevator in my town, I'd just ride up and down all day to listen to the layers, the voicing, the drums, (wow, those drums) and that guitar. As far from Muzak as I can imagine.
10 out of 10 - absolutely GOD LIKE!
 Canlistener wrote:
The problem is main stream radio is horrendous, and if you don't fit their little niche in the market, you don't get played.  Then the miracle of internet radio and all of a sudden we are awakened to so much music that we never knew existed.  I found them by seeing them as a 'friend' on Alex Lifeson's Myspace page.  Intrigued by the name I looked them up and the rest is history.
 
That's a cool story and I agree about main stream radio.  As you may know, Alex played the guitar solo on the track Anesthetize off of Fear Of A Blank Planet, which to this day is still my favorite PT song.  If you're a Rush fan too, you can clearly identify it as being Lifesonesque.
The Sound Of Muzak.
 
I'm encouraged to see that the art of self-parody is not yet entirely dead.
Nice!
I love this song, great stuff
9 to 10
Great tune. Has everything going for it. Mystique. 
 Limpopoking wrote:


I could not agree more... I'm humbly thankful to RP
 
Me! ME!! I agree too!! TY RP!!
 kayumann wrote:
ABSOLUTE ... BEST .... DRUMMER ... I've heard in 25 years !*!* (since Billy Cobham) {#Yes}

Oh ... GREAT ... GREAT ... BAND AS WELL !*!*!*


Can I add to the list??..... How about Neil Peart from Rush.... Danny Carey from Tool....Lars Ulrich from Metallica....and the great John Bonham :))))
 
and d'ont forget Smilie from Archive
There should be a "bump button" that denotes when the tune has been bumped UP.  Today I bump this one, WOO HOO
good morning F::R:A:  HÖRT SICH GUT AN
thank you so much radio paradise
 salzburg4321 wrote:
{#Notworthy}  Also want to thank RP for turning me on to this stellar group of artists

 

I could not agree more... I'm humbly thankful to RP
{#Notworthy}  Also want to thank RP for turning me on to this stellar group of artists

 rolo wrote:
ABSOLUTE ... BEST .... DRUMMER ... I've heard in 25 years !*!* (since Billy Cobham) {#Yes}

Oh ... GREAT ... GREAT ... BAND AS WELL !*!*!*


Can I add to the list??..... How about Neil Peart from Rush.... Danny Carey from Tool....Lars Ulrich from Metallica....and the great John Bonham :))))

 


Ah... the first PTree tune I ever heard here. The one that drew me into a rich world of "new" and undiscovered music... including the entire Porcupine Tree catalog. THANKS, RP!
 gregr79 wrote:
Heard this one live @ Bogarts in Cincinatti 5/1  - The boys were excellent as always!  Gavin performed a magic trick literally (besides his usual rythmic magic)  Steven had a good time with a couple aduience members who had seen them on The Current tour for The Incident somethign like 8 times......He asked them to let everyone know what came next in the show  :)

Hard to not like this band!!

 

I was at that show too. Good times!    {#Cheers}

That's one sweet rhythm guitar figure in the verses.
{#Drummer}{#Guitarist}

Phuck yeah

Agreed !! (Although I think every CD of their's is the best when I am listening to it !!)

 westslope wrote:

This is a great song off the best CD to date.  The vocals are understated.

The layered guitars are sublime.


 

 westslope wrote:

This is a great song off the best CD to date.  

 
Agreed. . . can't wait to hear them come close to this again. . . 
 
 Foot wrote:
Really like PT but wouldn't say this is one of their better efforts.  Music good, vocals kinda weak...
 

This is a great song off the best CD to date.  The vocals are understated.

The layered guitars are sublime.


ABSOLUTE ... BEST .... DRUMMER ... I've heard in 25 years !*!* (since Billy Cobham) {#Yes}

Oh ... GREAT ... GREAT ... BAND AS WELL !*!*!*


.
.
GAVIN HARRISON
.
.



Only CD I have bought so far. This song always makes me turn the volume up just a wee bit more.
Really like PT but wouldn't say this is one of their better efforts.  Music good, vocals kinda weak...
 RedGuitar wrote:

"Prodigal" from this CD was my first taste of PT (here on RP).  I've bought most of their catalogue.
Great stuff!

 
For me it was "Mellotron Scratch" off Deadwing. Again, thanks to RP and yes, I have purchased most of their catalog. Still need "On the Sunday of Life" and "Voyage 34" on CD but I do have them on mp3.

One of my favorite bands.

 Peace_tode wrote:
I am just embarking into the PT catalog. This is the 1st cd for me, and this is my fave song from this most excellent effort.
 
"Prodigal" from this CD was my first taste of PT (here on RP).  I've bought most of their catalogue.
Great stuff!

The problem is main stream radio is horrendous, and if you don't fit their little niche in the market, you don't get played.  Then the miracle of internet radio and all of a sudden we are awakened to so much music that we never knew existed.  I found them by seeing them as a 'friend' on Alex Lifeson's Myspace page.  Intrigued by the name I looked them up and the rest is history.
 tompoll wrote:
As a huge alt rock fan, I'm still trying to figure out how PT completely evaded my radar until I heard them here on RP a couple years ago.
 

I suppose alt rock is a large encompassing category. This music is also called progressive rock, and prog metal.  There has been a Death Metal influence.  Kraut-rock.  Heavy psychedlic Beatles influence.  Beach Boys.  King Crimson and Pink Floyd seem like obvious influences.  David Gilmour's guitar?  Probably.  I like Steven Wilson's guitar work better but it is all great stuff.

And then the time signature time keeps shifting.

There are lots of reasons to not have heard of Porcupine Tree. Be thankful for small favours.  I know am.

 

 


 tompoll wrote:
As a huge alt rock fan, I'm still trying to figure out how PT completely evaded my radar until I heard them here on RP a couple years ago.
 
I agree. Seeing how far back their catalog goes, I don't know how I didn't hear of them earlier.

As a huge alt rock fan, I'm still trying to figure out how PT completely evaded my radar until I heard them here on RP a couple years ago.
 nini wrote:
And that's putting it lightly!!

 repeat108 wrote:
The drummer IS Awesome!
 

I have listened to him and have seen him live. Awesome no doubt. But the most impressive cred I have seen so far is the nod from Robert Fripp to take the drum riser (taking Bill Brufords throne) right next to Pat Mostellato and hold his own in King Krimson with Tony Levin and Adrien Balew in the line up. Extremely impressive part of a resume. Not many are of that calibre. Kudos to Gavin.
 


 gregr79 wrote:
Heard this one live @ Bogarts in Cincinatti 5/1  - The boys were excellent as always!  Gavin performed a magic trick literally (besides his usual rythmic magic)  Steven had a good time with a couple aduience members who had seen them on The Current tour for The Incident somethign like 8 times......He asked them to let everyone know what came next in the show  :)

Hard to not like this band!!

 

I heard them play this in Buffalo on the 4th of May (next show, nope that would be Detroit) and Steven messed up the lines in the refrain, apologized saying "I f^ed that up, forgot my lines!"

It was funny. The perfectionist forgets his lines to one of his most popular songs. We all laughed. It was very intimate and we were standing like 30 feet from the stage on a platform so we were eye level with Steven and Colin.

Steven really razzed the Detroit crowd calling them all a bunch of King Crimson T Shirt Thugs! Guess they won't be in Detroit again. Gavin stated that the Buffalo show was really good. Thanks Gav, couldn't have done it without ya!

Wilson has a few favourite themes.  Love gone bad. Mediocre music and mediocre-music-oriented industry.  This is his best stab at pop culture to date.

 

But you have to admit he does a great Love gone bad song.  The best.


. King's X, eh?

 

Don't be stingy.  Share.  Why is it similar?  Opinions?



And that's putting it lightly!!

 repeat108 wrote:
The drummer IS Awesome!
 


I am just embarking into the PT catalog. This is the 1st cd for me, and this is my fave song from this most excellent effort.
 Dude wrote:
Thanks RP for turning me on to Porcupine Tree, and their amazing drummer Gavin Harrison. 

The Dude abides.
 
+1  Thanks RP!!!
The drummer IS Awesome!
 htowncoog wrote:
Sounds like King's X
 

Interesting ... King's X opened for them here in Toronto last year.

Phil Selway, eat yer heart out.

The album photo has always repulsed me.
Thanks RP for turning me on to Porcupine Tree, and their amazing drummer Gavin Harrison. 

The Dude abides.
Heard this one live @ Bogarts in Cincinatti 5/1  - The boys were excellent as always!  Gavin performed a magic trick literally (besides his usual rythmic magic)  Steven had a good time with a couple aduience members who had seen them on The Current tour for The Incident somethign like 8 times......He asked them to let everyone know what came next in the show  :)

Hard to not like this band!!

 volnomad wrote:
PT will be in Charlotte at Amos' Southend on April 28. Don't miss it; it will be one of the best concerts you've ever seen/heard. Well worth a road trip, trust me.

 

I was there it was fantastic!

The music of the future
Will not entertain
It's only meant to repress
And neutralize your brain



 westslope wrote:
. . . Porcupine Tree's best effort (CD) to date.
 
Agreed, although there are many others that come close!