Stupid Dream Review

Release Date: Apr 6, 1999
Label: Snapper
Genres: Prog-Rock/Art Rock, Experimental, Post-Rock/Experimental
Number Of Tracks: 12
Psychedelic music-heads, texture lovers and Radiohead fans take note: you've got a real treat coming once this is available again, and experiencing Stupid Dream for the first time is a marvel.

Sound:	10
Lyrics:	9.5
Impression:	9.5
Overall rating:	8.8
Reviewer rating:	9.7
Users rating:	8
Votes:	4

overall: 10

Reviewed by: CaptainSBDA, on december 17, 2007

Sound: Back in the nineties, pop music dominated the scene. After a few albums that focused more on progressive/Floyd spacinesss, Steven Wilson and Porcupine Tree released this monster of an album. The title of "Stupid Dream" comes from that dream that musicians have that has them thinking that the music industry is a good thing. In truth, you're selling yourself out a lot of the time. So, what does Wilson do relating to this dream? He releases the best pop music you will ever hear. The general sound throughout the entire album is epic pop (As evident by the brilliant opener "Even Less") and prog rock. Progressive music does come in tracks such as "A Smart Kid" and "Baby Dream in Cellophane." // 10

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics, as usual, are brilliant. The brilliantly catchy single "Piano Lessons" tells of how music really seems to come these days ("I come in value packs of ten... in five varieties.") That statement delivered in a catchy pop package: pure satirical brilliance. "Pure Narcotic," "Slave Called Shiver," and "Don't Hate Me" all share the theme of someone who loves someone who doesn't love them back. "A Smart Kid" tells of someone left stranded on Earth after a "chemical harvest." All of this delivered in Steven Wilson's brilliant voice. Top-notch. // 10

Impression: It's hard to compare PT's albums because they are all so brilliant, but this is their best in my opinion. All of the music here is brilliant in every aspect; I don't think these guys could have made it any better than this. This gets my vote for greatest pop album and greatest album of the nineties. Sheer brilliance. // 10

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: aenimafist, on january 12, 2008

Sound: Okay this is a strange band. They are both heavy and dark. Then sometimes they are almost anthemish like in Piano Lessons. That reminds me of Smells Like Teen Spirit believe it or not. The chord progression build up seems rather standard but with the additional help of synths and extra guitars, the overall effect is astounding. This goes for all songs. Even Less is a great way to start off the album. The bassist is very talented and is not afraid to stand out. He does a very good job on Slave Called Shiver. Steven Wilson uses some really cool sound effects with his guitar and his Line 6 POD. Yay! // 10

Lyrics and Singing: Steven Wilson is a Brit so you know the lyrics will probably be intriguing. Floyd's were and this band seems to model off the Floyd slightly. For instance on Even Less, the intro is a slow fade in followed by a thick and distorted slide guitar which does soe dark melodies after doing a riff off of a D-shaped chord. The the band comes in and blows the house down. The synths added to the melody greatly. The lyrics on Even Less are some of the best on the album. The opening line is rather odd: "A body is washed up on a Norfolk beach". Or something like that. Piano Lessons tells a story and those are good too. // 9

Impression: The only thing stupid about this album is the third song Stupid Dream. It seems to just be some ambient noise that has a rythm to it. A song that is the same as the album title ought to be more than just that. Other than that I see no real reason to complain. I would recomend this album to anyone who likes both Rush and Tool. Oh, and best songs on the album are as follows: Piano Lessons, Even Less, Baby Dream In Cellophane, Slave Called Shiver, and This is no Rehearsal. // 9

Comments

[CaptainSBDA]

Here's part of my review that got cut out for some reason:

1. Even Less- Probably the best track on the album. It's the most epic pop song you will ever hear. This version was shortened from the original 16 minute version, but it's still brilliant. 5/5
2. Piano Lessons- Probably the catchiest song I have ever heard in my life. Perfect choice for a single. 5/5
3. Stupid Dream- 28 second filler piece.
4. Pure Narcotic- Very catchy acoustic guitar/piano ballad. 5/5
5. Slave Called Shiver- Awesome bassline. 5/5
6. Don't Hate Me- Moody Floyd-esqe piece with an amazing saxophone/flute solo section. 5/5
7. This is No Rehearsal- Catchy rock song. Primarily acoustic, but it does have a crazy riff after the chorus. 5/5
8. Baby Dream in Cellophane- Floyd-esque piece with a very melodic chorus. 4/5
9. Stranger by the Minute- Very catchy; almost as much as "Piano Lessons." 5/5
10. A Smart Kid- Basically as close to Pink Floyd as you can imagine. PT pulls it off brilliantly. 4/5
11. Tinto Brass- One of the oddest instrumental tracks you will ever hear; I suppose that's what makes it so awesome. 5/5
12. Stop Swimming- The only track I really don't like a lot. 3/5

[pangui]

This CD is brilliant! The only thing I don't like is when the lyrics are about the music industry in a satirical way. I can't stand those kinds of lyrics.
But the flute/sax solos in Don't Hate Me makes this CD for me, since I'm a sax player. I love it

[roundwoundsound]

i just started getting into PT,but i love them to death already! this,imo is one of their best cd's,and can you believe that pitchfork media had the nerve to give this album a 3.5/10?!?! damn,those morons wouldn't know good music if it crawled up their ass and around the corner.they can't rate for shit!!

[sgwizard92]

Hi everybody. This album is incredible. A Smart Kid, Baby Dream in Cellophane, and, OF COURSE, PURE NARCOTIC are standouts.