Steven Wilson Talks 'Permanating' Controversy, Challenging His Fans

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[@rasaecnai]

I just automatically assume any person listening to Steven Wilson to be a cultured person with great taste.

[@G.B.P.]

And pretentious

[@NotOrdinaryInGames]

At least not all cultured people with great taste are right about all topics.

[@kunalkumar8217]

@@G.B.P. not really. You have to be really stupid to listen to steven Wilson's music for being pretentious. Just enjoy his music.

[@norwood-n3q]

@@G.B.P. very pretentious

[@ParthSharma1996]

He certainly does NOT look 50

[@Brytons_Thoughts]

Immortal.

[@nitishmohan3972]

Vegetarian isn’t he

[@Nathan41737]

More like mid 30's. It's pretty amazing he was alive in the 60's a 70's but still has a youthful look.

[@txdrummerboy98]

Yeah, he does. I’ve met him and he definitely looks older in person.

[@Leit2290]

He was never married....

[@richcampus]

Mister Wilson has a great attitude regarding his critics and his fans. Very admirable. Always enjoy what he has to say. Whether I agree or not. Great interview.

[@ytsejam58]

When I first listened to To The Bone, I didn't quite understand it. I was still in my "Progressive Rock is everything" phase since the alternative had to be the top 40s radio stuff that I hate. But after seeing him live, I listened to the album in a whole new light. Experiencing the visuals and the stories behind the songs really helped me to appreciate the ideas more. It's very much more lyrically and does substitute drums for electronic sounds from time to time, but when the drums are needed, they hit hard! Like in "Refuge" or "Detonation". And yes, Wilson's music is known to be more meloncholic and "prog" but it is important to explore all sides of creativity. Bring some light into this world of darkness with a song like Permanating. It's still a hell of a lot more artististic than Shape of You. Pariah has quickly become one of my favorite songs and gets me emotional every time it comes around again. People Who Eat Darkness is my favorite off the album. I still love Raven and I have yet to really absorb Hand Cannot Erase but as far as I'm concerned, To The Bone is as important as anything else he has done.

[@ytsejam58]

Miguel Melchior I love pariah. It's the one I think about the most from the album. I have hand cannot erase. I just haven't listened to it enough to absorb it yet

[@handcanterase4996]

Scott Karrasch I loved the album but also agree seeing it live sheds new light. Seeing him again this weekend, it was incredible. Hand Cannot Erase is perfect. You want to absorb that album.

[@Albaer]

It's interesting to see how people's expectations cause them to view the album in one way or another. I actually went into the album embracing the idea of it being more pop orientated than his previous work, but still feel like it missed the mark. It felt like he didn't really commit to the pop idea, like he had one foot in prog rock, the other in pop, and ended up doing neither very well.

[@gregbatchelor9205]

Refuge is a behemoth of a song. I watched him at Albert Hall and Mark Feltham performed the most mindblowingly fitting and heart wrenching harmonica solo which was possibly the highlight of the show for me. To The Bone is a great album and especially with the visuals accompanying it which really add to the context of the songs. I wish I'd picked up a copy of the deluxe edition album book as I imagine it has plenty of artwork by Lasse Hoile etc which would accompany album listenings really well. I got the Hand.Cannot.Erase deluxe edition though and that is awesome, you should definitely immerse yourself in that album, and read up on the story that inspired it.

[@Psymon1471]

I hope you enjoy HCE dude. The concept and story of the album really hits the emotional strings throughout. Routine and Happy Returns are probably the saddest songs he's ever written

[@NewsToAstonish]

I’ve been a hardcore fan of Steven Wilson/Porcupine Tree for roughly 18 years now and when I first heard “Permanating” it did catch me by surprise, but I actually loved it. It’s got a nice groove and beat to it and it’s probably my favorite track second to “Pariah.”

[@lynnesrnec9384]

I have learned that listening to a Steven Wilson record requires a number of listens before making the decision that I either like or dislike it. His music takes several listens to "get it". One byproduct of that reality is I find myself seeking out more Steven Wilson records to listen to as possible, as I am intrigued to find out what Steven Wilson is doing on the next album. His solo albums are so different that as his music grows on me, I just have to find more of his music to listen to. No doubt, Steven Wilson has succeeded in changing continuously. I applaud him for it.

[@sandymoricle7101]

I have been a fan since 95 ..... every song resonates with me in some way. I love the point the lyrics make in permanating. It IS joyful, and that deserves credit in the balance of things. I have enjoyed every moment I have had the privilege to be granted.

[@vinylreactionz6337]

Saw him at Playstation Theater in NYC. Absolutely amazing experience. It was as visually as stunning as the Roger Waters show I saw, except I was about 30 feet away! I took my mom, and even SHE loved it.

[@salildeshpande7]

Vinyl Reactionz was your mom already familiar with the music? I'm trying to convince my friends to go see him..

[@vinylreactionz6337]

She was, a little bit with the last 2 albums. Only because I played them incessantly. She loved "Perfect Life" (off HCE), and "Permanating" off the new album, and when he ended the show with "Song of Unborn", she was blown away. She hadn't heard that before. However, she really loved the whole show. His personality was charismatic and contagious that night! I've been a fan since "In Absentia" back in 2003 and seen PT about 4 or 5 times. SW has come along way with his sense of humor and being an entertaining character, I must say.

[@salildeshpande7]

Vinyl Reactionz nice, thx.

[@USMCSDI]

He is the absolutely the BEST musician alive!

[@5urg3x]

That always happens to me, whenever I hear something a little different than I'm used to, it always grows on me. I'm just a fan of music period, doesn't matter what the genre is. I will always find elements of anything that I like.

[@mnrradioshow5566]

Love this guy's music! And hearing him talk on and on about all things music is pretty damn entertaining too!

[@richcampus]

Steven Wilson is "...A SIXTY TON ANGEL..." 《●》BRILLIANCE《●》

[@ralphus555]

Really great interview. Great questions, and, as always, a lot of candor from Steven... Surprised that he is not a Genesis fan, especially with his obvious love of pop music...

[@xedasxedas]

He's jealous of Phill Collin's voice...aaaaaahh

[@TRON0314]

Steve Wilson fan by the way of discovering through Opeth years ago. Love Permanating. He did a great show in Milwaukee. But he always does a good show. What else is new.

[@briancherry8088]

I had trouble getting into To The Bone... but once I did, WOW. It's amazing. I did't think he could top The Raven Who Refused to Sing.... but he just might have. Steven - Thank you for growing.

[@williewilson9836]

to the bone has become one of my favorite albums. Permanating being my favorite song :)

[@huffdaddy3845]

I love "To The Bone". I'm a hardcore PT fan, but this album is great. It took a few times listening to it to but it has stuck in my mind like so many PT albums have. O also really enjoy "Permanating". I got to see him live in Salt Lake City on 6 May 18. Excellent concert!~

[@davidmb1595]

It's a good album. But is not any way near as good as Hand.Cannot.Erase or The Raven That Refused to Sing

[@lifeinsurround]

To the Bone has definitely grown on me. Great job, Steven. Keep it up!

[@OfficialLightswitch]

I’m a massive fan, would love to see some kind of Collaboration with Steven Wilson and MUSE. On Steven’s side, I think something inspired by the sounds of No Twilight Within The Courts of The Sun, Raider II, and Regret #9.. and on MUSE’s side, something inspired by Algorithm and Unsustainable. I just imagine something awesome but mysterious with the amazing intricacy of what both of them do. A sound intertwined with epic solos, heavy riffs, and crazy synths while still being catchy but mysterious at the same time. Basically a very detailed song that is catchy enough to be pop but defeats the cookie cutter template for what pop songs usually are

[@SpitfireCallum]

Agreed!!

[@scotthunt5765]

I'm going to see him in 2 days. I'm so excited

[@YazOchoa20]

Give your self the chance to enjoy the sadness/melancholy of this album’s but also that happiness and joy with permanating

[@pauly2929]

Permanting is wonderful and I love people hate it! ❤❤ imagine forever being the same … forever!

[@edwardbenoit3545]

Mr. Wilson, I have been listening played Signify on my show years ago. That track is beautiful Prog. Pretty Prog!

[@kjellandersson4505]

Can't wait to see him in Atlanta on Sunday!

[@teresajustice7431]

I can't believe I just this last 2 weeks discovered him. I feel like I've been deprived!

[@xedasxedas]

Good luck

[@TheOfficialBragi]

Permanating is the best song from the album. Fuck yes Steven! Keep evolving, keep changing, never be stagnant. Love u to bits!

[@kansascityonline]

permanating is a really good tune.. it permanates in my brain.. :).. anything Steven does is golden..

[@Wilantonjakov]

Andy Partridge and XTC were amazing. Can't say how many times I listened to English Settlement.

[@primordial.sounds]

Have you seen the manimals go by?!

[@sspbrazil]

Akhnaten one of my all time favorite bands, I’m also glad someone finally did a documentary on them.

[@incognito7479]

Strange as it may seem, a friend turned me on to Steven Wilson about a month ago. 2020. Prior to that I never heard of him. It was definately worth the wait.

[@alabamacoastie6924]

A musical genius!

[@primordial.sounds]

To The Bone is alright. I enjoy some of it. It'll never compare to The Raven though.

[@davidmb1595]

or to Hand.Cannot.Erase

[@primordial.sounds]

Agreed, my small, equine friend!

[@RyanxDunn]

Raven was amazing especially the watchmaker... Best on that album in my opinion

[@ehoc42]

Daum it’ll be a lot better than Future Bites lol

[@bandit4690]

@@ehoc42 i bet they're gonna be equal. To The Bone was amazing

[@bassslinger8191]

I love you Steven.

[@freddip2039]

I was shocked when he said he is not a fan of Genesis! Didn't expect that one! But he did choose Peter Gabriel over Phil...that made me a little happy.

[@LesPaulManiac]

He's always been very open about his love for Peter Gabriel's music, but that doesn't necessarily mean he was a fan of that era of Genesis either.

[@freddip2039]

Yeah, I knew he liked Peter Gabriel's solo work, it just surprised me as many prog fans came from a love of Genesis, so it was just odd to hear :)

[@LesPaulManiac]

Yeah, to be fair, as a younger prog fan (25), it took me quite a few years to really appreciate the work of the Peter Gabriel/early Phil-Collins Genesis catalogue. Because unlike their contemporaries, Genesis had a strong lack of digestible songs to easily integrate people to their work. Bands like Yes, Jethro Tull, Rush, even King Crimson, had at least one or two songs that were able to capture easy mass appeal.

[@freddip2039]

I agree! I could not imagine trying to get into early Genesis stuff now! I think if your parents played it, it almost becomes a part of you and your musical development.

[@drummerinthepark9641]

InsurDjent Genesis isn't for ye if ye are finding it hard to get into it. Songs like Dancing with the Moonlit Knight, Musical Box, Fountain of Salmacis and many other songs are extremely good and easy to fall in love. Much better than the story telling of Steven and instrumentally ye can't compare Genesis to Wilson's repertoire ever.

[@josephsikorski2313]

Not being a fan of genesis doesn't mean he can't find inspiration from them or even cover their songs. I think he is fan of peter gabriel. That's good enough. Im not a fan of Zep. However, there are about 5 songs by them that i do like. And those 5 have found their way into my writing.

[@mrb7094]

Which 5 out of interest?

[@ThinWhiteAxe]

He mentions Roger Waters and Muse as examples of fantastical shows. I've been to see them both, they're absolutely mind-blowing. I'd love to see Steven too.

[@Tarbabyification]

Steven if you are board, I have two song beginnings that need a treatment, first is Monkey Man- Rolling Stones, second is Sheep-Pink Floyd. What I mean by treatment is where just the opening instrumentals need to be made into separate songs in themselves

[@fuzzylogiceire]

I like this interviewer.

[@sterbus79]

I did'nt expect him to choose Oasis over Blur after he wrote "four chords that made a million"... weird!

[@Cyberplayer1337]

Nah I get it. Also imo. Oasis over Blur but Damon Albarn over the Gallaghers

[@muvee69]

@Henry TheEgg Agreed!

[@AkashAgrahari92]

I really don't have a problem with Wilson making joyous pop songs. I listen to a lot of variety of music across a broad emotional spectrum. I have a problem with TTB and Wilson's recent output in general because it has been less and less orignal and more derivative than ever before. I don't really remember Wilson's music being a breakthrough of any sorts but I liked his previous work because it had a flavour of his style. At least that's what I thought. It also bothers me that artists, who are clearly doing more mainstream things to (obviously) gain audience will say things like "I know its a bold move and I am going to lose fans and upset them,". Because it really isn't. Coldplay turning to their brand of electronic music isn't bold. Steven doing TTB isn't bold at all. The album is extremely derivative and to some extent a copy of Steven's own discography. Better examples of bold moves in music are Kid A by Radiohead, etc.

[@to_a_nico]

go for it. then send me the link - i'll bid on em

[@nosfy]

If you compare Insurgentes to GfD to TRTRtS to HCE to even 4 1/2 you'll hear nothing derivative. He's gone from Murcof-esque noise rock to harking back to the 70s prog to jazz fusion to electronic prog to pop prog. He's kind of a maverick, not to mention the PT years and any loose song, such as Belle de Jour - which is more akin to French gypsy music.

[@samashton6112]

Cool Anyway this is a great song. Love it too bits

[@davidevens2954]

You know what really DID sound tired and formulaic? The Incident. That's the only SW work to date I'd say that about. I don't know about bold, but TTB is Wilson's most engaging and direct work to date, with exceptionally well-crafted songs, and is unlike anything else in his discography. That's all I need. Bold is a detergent.

[@vladimirivan3963]

Steven, you're a prolific artist. H.C.E. is one of my favourite albums. I bought that box set plus TTB box set. I've seen you live at Royal Albert Hall about 4 times now. But I gotta say that your music has become more and more like lukewarm melancholia with flower petals on top. Where the fuck is the edge you had when you're in Porcupine Tree? No need to resurrect that band if you don't wish that, but there's no fucking balls in your music anymore other than a few glimpses here and there. Anyways, you've made your mark in music even though I don't exclude that you'll go on and write jingles in a few years, saying that "you've changed and you want to challenge your fans".

[@Rasedan]

Found some wisdom here. Gonna drop it forward.

[@rocioortiz5889]

It is a really good music☺️ i like very much 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@nudesoftheworld]

Whats with the raised inflections? Is it because its an American broadcast?

[@lolwut162]

what's his name?

[@franklingauthier-parker7253]

I tell everyone about Steven and PT. I've converted at least 5 friends to Prog!

[@araizadav]

The same asylum as before it’s my favorite song too ❤️

[@EliasUlrich1984]

INTERVIEWER: "you know what song I love on the album? is 'same asylum as before' Tell me about that song". STEVEN WILSON "sure, it sounds like Prodigal from Porcupine Tree"

[@Elidoransgar]

Steven Wilson occasionally makes songs I don't like, but that doesn't offend me in the least. His catalog is full of great stuff, and I wouldn't like as much of it as I do if he wasn't taking chances.

[@davidmb1595]

I love this man's music, but LOL with that not being a fan of Genesis shit. Those guys did definitely influence Steven's music.

[@Cr8Tron]

There definitely seems to be a bit of a denial!

[@aussie_philosopher8079]

I don't see anything controversial about it, it's a great song with a great theme. Like most audiophiles, we listen to prog, classical, jazz, POP etc. Keep an open mind

[@timworley3235]

if i could ask steven a question, i'd ask, how can you surprise your audience when so many other prog/rock bands have done just that before? tbh i think im more annoyed that he's not working with guthrie and marco anymore, and that there replacement pushed him in a more instrumentally boring sound. hand. cannot. erase. was an album i dismissed on the first listening, specifically because the first 2 tracks were just boring and hand. cannot. erase. (3rd song) is also a pretty "pop-like" song. a few months later i'd seen alot of friends of mine and fans say it grew on them. so i gave it ago and its actually really amazing! so much feel and emotion to all the writing and playing, to the bone doesnt quite feel like it was as epic i guess. even gone back a few times now and i have to admit, the same asylum as before and refuge are great! however the rest of the album is just ehh

[@rafalzubek2788]

my genius

[@haroldklump4342]

To The Bone is Steven Wilson's female Ghostbusters remake. The one where supporters dismiss criticism with a strawman and ignore the fact that people simply don't like it as much.

[@wiggy009]

Before that movie even came out tho people were just screeching over the female cast, and crying about the “sjws and feminists”

[@Litoff90]

The comments of this are just evidence of how butthurt "die-hard" fans are.

[@jcreature11]

Dude ur high.

[@karmentolable]

He dyed his hair darker, this is why he looks "younger".

[@d3rpamyjohnsin]

haha

[@amitraam1270]

"Sir, it is said that Some people wanna fill the world with silly love songs." - And what's wrong with that? "Well, sir , Id like to know, . cause here I go again:"

[@stratogatesteins3828]

People losing their minds at " im not a fan of genesis" bit..the way i took it was that he likes some of their music but is not a fan..just like me.. i like steven wilson music but im not a fan overall

[@michaelbenoit9240]

That's a radio voice lol

[@Psychedelic_Psychedeler]

Yeaah gentle giant

[@dawncroy]

I love permeating now! Huge fan....but it took a while. Can’t wait to see the show in Atlanta this year.

[@flawedsapien2115]

Emphatically not a Genesis fan, didn’t know that.

[@dogshit2112]

SW doesn't like Genesis? Haha! Good one.

[@mhagnemae5202]

Douglas Goller Best response I’ve heard from Steven

[@vincentbull]

He got the XTC Cocteau's question wrong

[@RobertHurleyJr]

Well he got the last 2 questions right .

[@cemegonuts]

I saw the show in DC. It was nice. I like the new album. But to be honest, when they did the porcupine tree stuff, i found Nick Begg's bass playing lacking (surprisingly) and holzman's keyboard playing was DIFFERENT (not better). Trust me, Beggs and Holzman are incredible musicians, but if we're gonna hear Porcupine Tree stuff, then tour with Porcupine Tree. I realize it is all Wilson's music, but in some way, the BAND interpreted the BAND's music differently. And his apologetic discourse about Permanating was trite and condescending. It's not controversial in this fan's mind. I like and appreciate Steven's diversity and taste. Apologizing for it seems pandering. Don't compromise Steven, play the damn song. You have smart tasteful fans Steven, you do not need to explain yourself.

[@benevolentautore4463]

It's Steven's music to make and that's that. That being said To The Bone does not have the depth of his previous albums in my opinion. The musical input from Govan and Minnemann is a factor.

[@Snook_]

The actual song writing is stronger and its recorded so damn well

[@SteveFletcherGuitar]

He sold out three nights at The Royal Albert Hall. I wish I was able to complain about being so "unknown"!

[@beerpoweredcyclist]

you know you are over the target when you get the most flak...

[@heatseeker9738]

Bruh how could he not be a fan of Genesis when some of his songs are CLEARLY Genesis influenced. He's gotta be trolling.

[@usmuse]

I followed and saw Porcupine Tree for many years and can't believe what a crap shot that was. It is like some of the high end Roger Waters spew of recent.

[@schpleeb]

I hate the term "overrated" but I'll admit to feeling that way about Genesis. A band like Gentle Giant slipped under the radar whilst Genesis took the plaudits and I struggle to understand that personally

[@philfyphil]

Whaaaaaaaat!! Genesis were amazing and produced some wonderful pieces of music. I too liked Gentle Giant in their day but they were not in the same league.

[@heatseeker9738]

Genesis deserved their success because they were a great band and highly influential. Its a shame Gentle Giant didn't get as much attention, and i love them too but they are definitely harder to digest. You've gotta Acquire a Taste for them ;)

[@primordial.sounds]

Maybe he thought they meant the Sega Genesis! LOL

[@walker8476]

Steven Wilson does not give short answers

[@darkeco]

I found the album very meh on my first playthrough, but now it's one of my favourites from him.

[@anthonyjordan830]

waaaaah Steven Wilson did something I don't approve of waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah. I commend him for doing whatever the fuck he wants and constipating the armchair prog elitists. I hope the next album is entirely made of "Permanating" style songs.

[@gazbertrum88]

Legend ...travesty he's not better known ...

[@ProgNosis_JD]

Why is it a travesty that he is not better known? I have enjoyed his earlier output from many years ago. But there are many excellent musicians we could all mention. Not all are well known, so I say 'so what'....

[@ahab6969]

The Spanish "journalist" did NOT pay for the trip to the press conference - his magazine did ROFLOL.

[@marjanmehrabi183]

Ask him David Gilmour or Roger Waters?

[@bernlin2000]

Uh...did people forget PT's song "Drawing The Line"? Similar pop-rock vibes. Phony controversy.

[@Sebastian_ignasi0]

I didn't expect him choosing Oasis over Blur, someone comes up with some theory about it? I can only think about the production going on in the albums

[@jean-sebastiendeshaies-mas1034]

Haha. He is not a fan of Genesis!

[@christianostfeld3734]

Jean-Sébastien Deshaies-Massarelli Unfortunately, as I am french, I didn't heard clearly the reason why he said not to be a Genesis fan. At the same time, I cannot undestand this prolific and so créative musician is aknowledging not to be a Genesis fan.. Even Peter Gabriel era....

[@christianostfeld3734]

sound dream It will be very helpfull to clarify the reason why SW is not Genesis fan. More than a question of taste, it could be more " sophisticated" explanation. I hope so. SW was the first to complain about the fact that some Porcupine Tree members were not jazz fan. He was not able to explain and forgive that, no matter taste question... On the same way, I cannot undestand that the man who wrote some asthonishing tracks is not a Genesis fan, this absolute dreaming band.

[@charlosr2]

That is a weird statement based on this video, some questions were Genesi's kzbin.info/www/bejne/ap6shHqYlK2gpJI

[@usmuse]

It is simply ridiculous not to appreciate on many levels what Genesis accomplished in their various forms. Absolutely idiotic and NOT a matter of taste. My conclusion is that he is trying to create a new fan base. His answers about preferences were all calculated. "I'll say Gentle Giant because I think more people deserve to hear Gentle Giant" ??? Who is he talking to? New listeners. If you went to an ABWH show you could find a few people complaining about not hearing Owner of a Lonely Heart or all of 90125. But Wilson is not being slick enough about it. He may lose the past along the way.

[@txikilin]

He is only a fan of one song "Can-Utility and the Coastliners" Ha hahaha.

[@regaltip8A]

Yeah the comparison to Steve Lukather is ridiculous because Lukather played on tracks that in total sold hundreds of millions. Sorry let's not compare them because if we must Lukather is Barcelona and Wilson is Grimsby Town on a football level. I like Wilson's music but that comparison by the interviewer is ridiculous.

[@0Imtheslime0]

Permanating might be a decent song on its own, but whenever i listen to "To The Bone" That track completely throws me of the Wilson train journey. It does not fit in there..

[@fugithegreat]

Call me an uncultured swine if you must, but I really enjoy Permanating and all of the other tracks on this album.

[@ChrisChaquay]

the comments on this are cancer. might as well disable comments

[@Precurser66]

Chris Chaquay a lot of butthurt Genesis fans

[@skipper425]

Permanating is a masterpiece. Change my mind. spoiler* you wont lol

[@TheRealLazyBear]

Re-start porcupine tree

[@bernlin2000]

Ashwin The time feels right...this 5th solo albums feels like it completes the circle. Plus he's been touring a bit with Richard Babieri too (as his opener)...its not about looking back, but making something new. I think Steven puts a weight on the PT name that isn't real.

[@FractureOfReality]

Hate to say it, but Gavin's probably a bit busy playing in, oh, you know, King Crimson

[@dickmcwienersonIII]

So many people it would be interesting to see Steven work with but personally I would like to see him team up with Josh Homme.

[@gedalyahuwittow9520]

The interviewer talks like Anthony Bourdain

[@SvenBroos]

Well, at least Permanating has a musical vision. Most other songs on TTB feel uninspired, and there’s a shocking amount of literal, blatant PT ripping off. The record feels like it had to made really quickly, so SW decided to fall back on some old habits to get it over with quickly. I don’t blame him though- he pretty much admitted he thinks he won’t ever top HCE. I’d go for the money too if I were him.

[@vinylreactionz6337]

I think it had alot to do with him letting the reigns go into the hands of Andy Partridge. I have nothing bad to say, I just accept it as another phase of SW. For now lol.

[@derrjoooas7156]

He hasn't released such a different, slightly poppy and audience friendly for money. He did this a lot of times in his career. He always changes his style. Did you even listen to a bit of what he did? After Porcupine Tree released Signify, they were labeled as prog. They released Stupid Dream to dim it down, which is an album quite similar to To The Bone. Insurgentes, Grace for Drowning and Raven were prog albums. They were dark and sad as fuck so he dimmed it down with Hand Cannot Erase which has its happy moments: 3 Years Older, title track, Perfect Life; Happy Returns had a slight bit of hope and happiness in it too, and Home Invasion/Regret 9 are the ultimate badass groove experience. Just like he dimmed down the sadness with Hand Cannot Erase, he dimmed down the prog with To The Bone. He pulled a Stupid Dream on his audience. To The Bone isn't my favorite from Steven, it takes the third spot after Hand Cannot Erase and Raven for me. But it is by no means a bad album. This dude doesn't do prog music. He does music.

[@SvenBroos]

silver cryoo Well, the thing is (imho) a good song is a good song, regardless of genre. I can respect having the balls to do whatever you want, but that doesn’t mean I immediately like the songs. Style and songwriting quality are two separate things (the latter is highly subjective, I know). And for what it’s worth, I absolutely adore stupid dream, but not because it’s “pop” or whatever, but because the songs are awesome!

[@SvenBroos]

Miguel Melchior that is if you dislike ABBA and Bowie 😜

[@to_a_nico]

well said!! very insightful. SW is the man.

[@PerilARisk]

Wrooong! I'm very sorry but Permanating is the one and only song I try to forget after Wilsons concerts. I know some fans just take that track in a ironic way and dance like clowns to it. Neverthless the shows are amazing and I appreciate that he plays the old Porcupine Tree Songs as well. Steven Wilson remains a musical genius!

[@rushxanthemtcg5607]

Owy actually most fans generally enjoy the song. Most except a very small minority who are very offended by other genres of music have the ability to appreciate a great pop song.

[@thomas.cloutier-guay]

or like me just doesn't like the high singing on it. but still didn't stop me from going to see him the last time he came to my town... and the show was great.

[@ktuluflux]

Lol Steven has the LA/valley girl up inflection lol

[@Right_in2]

TO THE BONER

[@astrophotonics9470]

Not a fan of Genesis? Certainly stole enough of there sounds and song formats lmao

[@catm9431]

When he was in porcupine tree? Or in his general solo? Or in this new album? I just took a look at genesis and since I've not looked at his new album permanating, I can't say for sure, but I don't think I see any influence so far from them otherwise. So I can believe him, since what I heard from Genesis sounds like most 80s music. Also saying you're not a fan of something doesn't mean you hate it, it just means you're not buying all their CDs or Vinyls or going to their live concerts. What is so bad about that?

[@davidmb1595]

Catherine Mitchell, what have you listend to by Genesis?

[@trippythecat1113]

The Watchmaker seems to me like his most obvious Genesis homage.

[@Steedonline]

Not a Genesis fan ? Fair enough, weird but possible. But he likes Steve Hackett enough to play live with him and to sing Can't Utility and the Coastliners from the Foxtrot album ??

[@missbluecaterpillar]

"Stole"

[@Micas099]

I hated the album when it came out, and I still hate it now. It has nothing to do with the genre, but rather just being bad. If Steven wanted to "challenge me", he lost. It's bad. If I'm going to listen to pop, I'll put on some OK Go or Temples.

[@danhill8164]

What, the whole album is "pop"? You suggest you've listened to it more than once, but on the basis of this inane comment that clearly isn't true. Christ, stop being so butt hurt. He doesn't need your approval.

[@danhill8164]

You think 'People who eat darkness" is pop? You think "Refuge" is pop? You think "Detonation" is pop? And even if it was, so what? You don't like it? Don't listen to it. He won't lose any sleep.

[@Darth_Revan25]

Temples is psychedelic rock for 2/3 of their albums you fud.

[@Prizzy999]

I've never been a fan of Genesis either. I liked their early days with Peter Gabriel, although I found their albums were like a longwinded intellectual masturbation, but the Genesis without Gabriel were simply crap. So I agree with Steven. About Permanating, I find it fantastic, what makes it special is that it was written by Steven 😊 He could sing the whole London phone book and I'd be fine with it.

[@kinetor59]

I like SW I have some of his solo stuff and some PT as well...but I have to say he has never had a truly original idea in his life. There was more creativity in 'Watcher Of The Skies' than in all of PT/SW output together. 'Permanating' sounds like an out-take from ELO' s "Out Of The Blue" with a solo borrowed from Mike Oldfield. I am saying this without any animosity and I am not trolling...as I said, I go to his concerts when he is in the area (twice so far) and I have bought some of his albums. You are OK, Steven. Not great, but OK.

[@Cheximus]

What's this talking with an inflection at the end of every sentence? Such an annoying thing to listen to. Is everything a question?

[@peacekeeper3026]

Please, Steven, get Porcupine Tree back together!

[@justinchancellorlegod8057]

the problem with Permanating isn't that its pop, its that its a bad song. I do not dislike To The Bone at all and Detonation is one of my favorite songs from the SW catalogue including everything he has done with his other bands. I also am open to every music genre, but, for me, Permanating just isn't a good song.

[@metalqueen17]

AMEN

[@DiegoAmaruHidalgoAcevedo]

Porcupine Tree was amazing and to the bone was simply horrible, you knew you were going to lose some fans and you did, but thought you could gain new fans and I think you didn't, so this is like your "The Last Jedi". Also ditching Genesis like that is just Bs, you clearly did covers of Genesis songs, you like the Peter Gabriel era, you did a video with Mikael Akerfeldt from Opeth were we could see that you knew the early Genesis stuff a lot, but gotta ditch the prog to make way for the pop, it's all just Bs.

[@danhill8164]

Jesus Christ get over yourself. Have you even listened to "To the bone" more than once and examined it? It's a very good album. And even if you don't like it, he can do what he wants. He's earned the right. What have you done??

[@IrateWizrd]

Who cares? If you don't like to the bone theres a ton of othee albums in his catalogue.

[@infamousdino5679]

Well, I found out about him through To The Bone, and as of right now, it’s a brilliant album. I love many many of his other songs and albums, but I just have this personal connection with it.

[@infamousdino5679]

Also continuing on, you can enjoy and respect someone’s work while not being a fan. I like Africa by Toto. That doesn’t mean that I’m automatically a Toto fan. Lastly, but this is more out of curiosity, why can’t the man play pop if he wants to? It’s his music, his passion. You’re allowed to dislike and have your own opinions, but I think more often than not, we tend to forget that these people make music because it makes them happy. Not to please us 24/7.

[@TribalSkyes]

Please let this gas bubble outta your system and re-kickstart Porcupine tree. Come home to us Pinetrees.

[@euntpet9163]

I loved PTbut i really think that this guy and his music is way overrated