Steven Wilson and Porcupine Tree are heavily influenced by the English Progressive Rock bands of the 60's and 70's. Believe it or not, The Moody Blues were considered progressive rock (to some degree, anyway). It should be pointed out that the Mellotron (an organ style instrument incorporating playback orchestral tape loops) was a principal instrument of the Moody Blues. Many rock bands caught on, but the Mellotron was a standard instrument and "sound" of all English Progressive Rock bands at the time (Genesis, Pink Floyd, Strawbs, Gentle Giant, Yes, ELP; just to mention a few.) Porcupine Tree is no different. That instrument is a staple of their sound; yes, they have a Mellotron.
"Stars Die" is a beautifully influenced song by the Moody Blues. All you have to do is play this song to someone who grew up in the 60's/70's and watch the smile come over their faces.
The Moody Blues never claimed to have the answer to the worlds problems (ie; man and his abuse of his environment), although many of their song lyrics took quite a stab at it. They eventually clarified in one famous song however, "I'm just a singer in a rock-n-roll band". Many of their songs talked about space and our planet, and that at least in one particular album, "To Our Children's Children's Children."
Nevertheless, "Stars Die" could have been a modern Moody Blues song. Regardless of how you interpret it's lyrics, "Stars Die" stands as one of Porcupine Tree's most beautifully melancholy (Moody Blues) songs. My personal interpretation of this song is that Man makes his plans, but there's only one thing that will last forever... and His Love is eternal.
Moody Blues' "Higher and Higher" lyrics: "Man, with his flaming fire, has conquered the wayward breezes. Climbing to tranquility far above the cloud conceiving the heaven clear of misty shroud" will spawn you to check out other lyrics from The Moody Blues; songs like: Beyond, Out and In, Gypsy, Watching and Waiting - all these songs are from "To Our Children's Children's Children" Album (check out the full album graphics - interesting de-evolution statement.)
Another strong note of influence to this song is found in "The fountain of Salmacis", by Genesis from their Nursery Cryme album. The opening melody of this song and the chorus to "Stars Die" are quite similar... check that out. BTW: Pink Floyd, another influence in Porcupine Tree's sound, was considered "Space Rock" in their infancy.
The one thing I have really learned to appreciate about Porcupine Tree is Steven Wilson's purity to (and integrity of) English Progressive Rock. He presents it with a fresh contemporary zeal. In a lot of ways, it's better than the progressive music of the era it reflects.
From someone (me) who loved English Progressive Rock in the 70's, it's amazing to find someone carrying the torch into the new millennium.
Steven Wilson and Porcupine Tree are heavily influenced by the English Progressive Rock bands of the 60's and 70's. Believe it or not, The Moody Blues were considered progressive rock (to some degree, anyway). It should be pointed out that the Mellotron (an organ style instrument incorporating playback orchestral tape loops) was a principal instrument of the Moody Blues. Many rock bands caught on, but the Mellotron was a standard instrument and "sound" of all English Progressive Rock bands at the time (Genesis, Pink Floyd, Strawbs, Gentle Giant, Yes, ELP; just to mention a few.) Porcupine Tree is no different. That instrument is a staple of their sound; yes, they have a Mellotron.
"Stars Die" is a beautifully influenced song by the Moody Blues. All you have to do is play this song to someone who grew up in the 60's/70's and watch the smile come over their faces.
The Moody Blues never claimed to have the answer to the worlds problems (ie; man and his abuse of his environment), although many of their song lyrics took quite a stab at it. They eventually clarified in one famous song however, "I'm just a singer in a rock-n-roll band". Many of their songs talked about space and our planet, and that at least in one particular album, "To Our Children's Children's Children." Nevertheless, "Stars Die" could have been a modern Moody Blues song. Regardless of how you interpret it's lyrics, "Stars Die" stands as one of Porcupine Tree's most beautifully melancholy (Moody Blues) songs. My personal interpretation of this song is that Man makes his plans, but there's only one thing that will last forever... and His Love is eternal. Moody Blues' "Higher and Higher" lyrics: "Man, with his flaming fire, has conquered the wayward breezes. Climbing to tranquility far above the cloud conceiving the heaven clear of misty shroud" will spawn you to check out other lyrics from The Moody Blues; songs like: Beyond, Out and In, Gypsy, Watching and Waiting - all these songs are from "To Our Children's Children's Children" Album (check out the full album graphics - interesting de-evolution statement.) Another strong note of influence to this song is found in "The fountain of Salmacis", by Genesis from their Nursery Cryme album. The opening melody of this song and the chorus to "Stars Die" are quite similar... check that out. BTW: Pink Floyd, another influence in Porcupine Tree's sound, was considered "Space Rock" in their infancy.
The one thing I have really learned to appreciate about Porcupine Tree is Steven Wilson's purity to (and integrity of) English Progressive Rock. He presents it with a fresh contemporary zeal. In a lot of ways, it's better than the progressive music of the era it reflects. From someone (me) who loved English Progressive Rock in the 70's, it's amazing to find someone carrying the torch into the new millennium.