Product Description

Originally released in 2000 in the U.K., LIGHTBULB SUN found Steve Wilson and Porcupine Tree streamlining their prog rock inclinations into song structures that explored more conventional pop territory ("She Moved On" and "Where Would We Be" are cases in point). Which is not to say that the disc doesn't overflow with instrumental prowess and extended explorations, making it one of Porcupine Tree's most well-rounded albums. The 2008 reissue features a new stereo mix of the album, plus a bonus DVD-Audio disc packed with bonus features.

Track Listing

Disc 1:

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 Recylced
6. The Rest Will Flow
7. Hatesong
8. Where We Would Be
9. Russia On Ice
10. Feel So Low

Disc 2:

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 Recylced
6. The Rest Will Flow
7. Hatesong
8. Where We Would Be
9. Russia On Ice
10. Feel So Low
11. Disappear 5.1 Mix
12. Buying New Soul 5.1 Mix
13. Cure For Optimism 5.1 Mix
14. Original 2000 stereo album mix / master

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1961 in Music
• Released on: 2008-04-28
• Number of discs: 2
• Dimensions: .31 pounds

Customer Reviews

The end of an era for the band
This is the last studio album from the Porcupine Tree back catalogue to receive the remastering treatment by Steven Wilson and can be seen as the end of an era for the band. It was to be drummer Chris Maitlands final album, replaced by Gavin Harrison for 2002's "In Absentia" which also introduced a much heavier, metal-influenced style. Released a year after "Stupid Dream" which for me was a certain creative peak for the band, "Lightbulb Sun" was slightly overshadowed by its predecessor. With this new issue, it is clear that the material was still strong, but maybe not the progression we had always come to expect from the band. Maybe that was why Steven Wilson took the band on such a radical journey for the next instalment.

Favourites are the epic "Russia on Ice", with Richard Barbieri's beautiful electric piano introduction, the apocalyptic "Last Chance...." and the sad "Feel So Low". Even what is regarded as Wilson's bid for commercial glory, "Four Chords That Made a Million" sounds mighty strong on this remix. Yes, the album has been remixed as the CD is a mix down from the surround version, available on the DVDA disc included in this 2 disc package. This stereo mix does sound very good indeed, with Colin Edwin's bass sounding more prominent than on the original mix. In fact every instrument has been given room to breathe!

There are no extras on the CD disc, but additional bonus tracks, including the original 2000 stereo mix available on the DVD. If you only have access to a CD player then you may feel a bit short changed. The bonus tracks are excellent, especially the wonderful "Buying New Soul". These bonus tracks were originally released on the limited edition "Recordings" album, which I believe is also being remastered for release this year, so CD only listeners can hopefully obtain those tracks then.

The packaging is quite classy. Both discs are housed in the new super jewel box with a cardboard slip cover. The booklet has been updated and shows a slightly modified version of John Foxx's original design. Overall a very worthwhile upgrade, though I do question including bonus tracks as DVD only items, which Steven Wilson seems to like doing!

Finally this album is re-released for everyone who missed it before.
Okay, I must confess like most of the reviewers I already have this album from the original release. But I will not be buying it, I would though, if I had a 5.1 system.

For those new, or new-ish to the band this album comes from the "peak" of late 90s-early 00s (Stupid Dream/Lightbulb Sun/In Absentia).

Personally, i'm surprised nobody has praised the album opener "Lightbulb Sun" with a great guitar riff. To be honest the only fault I can pick with this album is "How is your life" which bores me silly..it's too stripped back and basic.

Anyway, it doesnt matter, the rest is excellent, just buy it and follow it immediately with Stupid Dream (which is even better), and then In Absentia and finally Signify.

Highly recommended.
I agree with most of the previous reviews. The songs are very good, especially "shesmovedon" and the magnificient "Russia on ice". The bonus track only in the DVD, "buying a new soul" is really a haunting song, you will never forget it. The remix work is excellent, specially in the dvd-audio (5.1). I think that the dvd-audio quality is far superior to that of the "stupid dream", even better than the "fear of a blank planet", that in fact it were good. The sound is smooth and the timbre of the instruments is marvellous. One of the best sounding dvd-audios ever (and i have a lot).