What have you listened to of note this week, gang?

Porcupine Tree- Deadwing. I've spun it a few times now. I think it's a grower. My initial reaction was . . . kinda bored. It just didn't feel as texturally interesting as the earlier albums. Like everything is being played on all white keys instead of all black ones.

This album did not whallop me in the head, first spin, right out of the gate the way all the other albums did. Surprised? Not really. Clearly, the band is searching for a wider audience so they're gonna be more homogeneous with their sound.

I like it, and I may end up loving it in the coming weeks. But today, it's not album of the year material for me. Gimme some time with it.

BTW, forgot to mention that the disc doesn't play in my office player. It makes a rubbing sound and quits about halfway through, if it even plays at all. Plays fine in the 'puter. Good thing I have it running thru the amp in my office . . .

Other stuff:
Rupert Hine- Immunity Classic weird 1979 vintage melding of progrock sensibilty and new wave quirk.

Brian Wilson- Smile Vaudvillian. Impeccable production.

Cardiacs- Songs for Ships and Irons Fans of Oingo Boingo or The Stranglers would dig this.

Dave Gilmour. Brilliant solo album from Pink Floyd guitarist. Low key and psychedelic. Very Pink, but with out all the angst and melodrama.

Jethro Tull- Thick as a Brick Anyone else think side 2 sounds too much like side 1?

Bowie- Low Side 1 is some of Bowie's best, side 2, some of his worst.