Top 5 Audiophile Albums with Steven Wilson - The Prog Report

Steven Wilson joins the podcast to talk about his latest album The Future Bites, and also pick his Top 5 best sounding Audiophile Albums. We end up covering a wide array of albums including a few from his past, as well.
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[@Phan211]

I'm stunned that no one picked Aja by Steely Dan. No album comes close to audio perfection. You can hear every instrument perfectly.

[@jamieokane989]

It is really well recorded/ produced/ mixed, but isn’t a) a Prog album b) some of the songs are sterile.

[@craigmarks7217]

1977

[@joddeurter2448]

@@jamieokane989 but Massive Attack, Tears For Fears, Talk Talk are??

[@rmcq1999]

@@jamieokane989 Sterile? lol GTFO

[@rmcq1999]

@@joddeurter2448 No doubt.

[@Audioholics]

I first introduced Steven Wilson to Dolby Atmos in my Hand Cannot Erase interview with him years ago. He didn't think it would catch on but I'm glad he was mistaken and has embraced it. The latest Porcupine Tree album in Atmos sounds stellar.

[@myworms]

I hope he mixes his back catalog in Atmos

[@FranciscoBurrola]

I want Mezzanine mixed by Steven Wilson on 5.1

[@garanceadrosehn9691]

... or atmos! 🙂

[@vinvanveen]

Coincidentally I came across a very old article where he lists the top 20 albums he'd like to do in surround sound, and Mezzanine is one of them. (Also interesting: he did end up doing some of these) www.soundandvision.com/content/20-albums-deserve-be-surround-sound

[@FranciscoBurrola]

@@vinvanveen there's hope

[@stevemuzak8526]

He's into Atmos now. 5.1 is the past.

[@jonnykhatru]

Yes please

[@analogkid2869]

Pink Floyd - Dark side of the Moon Rush - Moving Pictures Yes - Close to the Edge Steven Wilson - Hand Cannot Erase Genesis - Selling England by the Pound Honorable mention: The Cure - Disintegration

[@TuneHead]

Wow,,, this could easily be my list.

[@doc6448]

You get a thumbs up just for having the right Yes album and Rush on your list.....everything else is a bonus (side note.....I do like 90125....but Close to the Edge is where’s it’s at)

[@johnnicholson8345]

I'd put Raven ahead of HCE. Just my 2 cents.

[@westernartifact580]

Nice list. I am the world’s biggest Rush fan but I still have to say the production on MP could have been better. It’s better than Permanent Waves but still too flat and dry. I’m saying this about my favorite album by my favorite band.

[@budgetguitaristcom]

I own all 5 of those.

[@Pedro2706]

Always fascinating listening to SW-articulate,thoughful,intelligent & very aware-and always delivers musically.

[@alejandroriquelme5278]

King Crimson:Red Genesis: Selling England (barely edging Foxtrot) Yes: Close to the Edge Camel: Mirage Rush: Permanent Waves (barely edging moving pictures). Honorable mention: ELP: Trilogy

[@brunosamppa]

Supertramp - Crime of the Century Rush - Moving Pictures Yes - Drama Toto - IV The Alan Parsons Project - I Robot Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Watch Triumvirat - Spartacus Eloy - Ocean Camel - Moonmadness Santana - Abraxas Le Orme - Florian King Crimson - Discipline Gentle Giant - In a Glass House Il Volo - Essere O Non Essere? Essere, Essere, Essere! McLuhan - Anomaly 1972 Genesis - A Trick Of A Tail Boston - Boston Bad Company - Bad Company Captain Beyond ‎- Sufficiently Breathless Gryphon - Red Queen to Gryphon Three U.K. Nektar - Remember The Future Renaissance - Turn of the Cards Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Tarkus Focus - Hamburger Concerto Jethro Tull - Heavy Horses Soft Machine - Bundles Brand X - Nuclear Burn Grobschnitt - Jumbo Can - Flow Motion Horslips - The Táin Kansas - Point Of Know Return Man - Welsh-Connection Steve Hackett - Spectral Mornings Paul McCartney And Wings ‎- Band On The Run Mahogany Rush - Strange Universe Wishbone Ash - No Smoke Without Fire Anyone's Daughter - Adonis Spirit - Spirit Schicke & Führs & Fröhling - Symphonic Pictures FM - Black Noise Ian Gillan Band - Clear Air Turbulence Sweet Smoke - Just A Poke Junipher Greene - Friendship Fusion Orchestra -Skeleton In Armour Blue Oyster Cult - Veteran of the Psychic Wars Triumph - Thunder Seven Magnum - On The Wings Of Heaven

[@101Bram]

The "5" best ;)

[@garanceadrosehn9691]

I wanted to avoid giving a long list, but as long as *you've* given a long list I'd like to add Mike Oldfield's "Tubular Bells" or "Ommadawn", and Marillion's "Marbles" (full version). 🙂 I'm sure I'd add more if I took much time to think about it!

[@RaymondPeckIII]

I put Relayer above Drama, but those are my two favorite Yes albums.

[@lightningstrikes7314]

Band on The Run us an overrated crock of 5hit like everything since 1970 by him. Horrible bass sound and playing on that particular.

[@garanceadrosehn9691]

@@lightningstrikes7314 - Personally I like Band on the Run, but I'd agree it isn't audiophile quality. I like my own singing too, and that's *definitely* not audiophile quality! 🙂

[@stephanevilleneuve9450]

Great topic and interview. The 80’s choices of Mr Wilson are so right. Also from the 80’s, I suggest Rush Moving Pictures. Great production at Le Studio, Québec.

[@gautrstafr]

Just because I have already written them down. Here's the lists. For me one album which always amazes me on how it sounds is Marillion's Happiness is the Road. There's just something special about it that I enjoy it a lot. Steven Wilson pick 5. Dark Side of the Moon 4. Tear for Fears - The Seeds of Love 3. Massive Attach Mezzanine 2. Talk Talk - The Colour of Spring 1. SW - The Future Bites Nick picks 5. Frost* - Milliontown (SW hasn't heard it) 4. Transatlantic - The Whirlwind 3. It Bites - Eat me in St. Louis 2. Yes 90125 1. SW - Hand Cannot Erase Roie 5. Devin Townsend - Empath (SW hasn't heard it) 4. Elton John - Goodby Yellow Brick Road 3. ELO - Out of the Blue 2. Porcupine Tree - In Absentia 1. Queen - A Night at the Opera

[@101Bram]

How can it be that Steven Wilson doesn't know Devin Townsend :p ?

[@FranciscoBurrola]

I love how the first 3 albums by The Mars Volta sound, especially Frances The Mute, the mixing on that record should be amazing on surround

[@TheAlibabatree]

@@FranciscoBurrola Frances is one of the best albums of all time. Cedrics voice is so damn good on it.

[@FranciscoBurrola]

@@TheAlibabatree agree

[@Gos72]

Going to list a few notable picks myself so people can find new music. Ignoring the obvious picks like Abba's discography, Dark Side of the Moon and Close To The Edge. In no order, these albums have very interesting sounds, crisp and satisfying mix or just overall depth to them that reveal themselves to good listeners. Joanna Newsom - Divers Corbin - Mourn Kate Bush - Aerial 2814 - Birth of a New Day Gazpacho - Fireworker Chroma Key - You Go Now

[@ronanbernard9630]

Quite surprised that Steven Wilson doesn't seem to know about Frost* - Craig Blundell has been Steven's drummer for years, and belonged to Frost*'s lineup for ten years. And that's not all - John Mitchell (aka Lonely Robot) was in the band from the beginning, and Steven just released a cover for one of John Mitchell's best songs, "Floral Green", on his B-sides EP ! Anyway, great interview, will have many albums to try after this !

[@JohnnyRecently]

Struck me strange too.

[@duartelucas8129]

Devin Townsend too. Maybe that he is insanely focused and decides not to get overwhelmed with novelty.

[@hmcdonnell23]

@@duartelucas8129 Same here, quite surprised he's not familiar with Devin Townsend's music.

[@augustomonster]

I think that’s a pose.

[@briancox8518]

Yes Iam a bit surprised as well also surprised he doesn't like genesis but loves Peter Gabriel solo

[@omargomez2984]

Steven's election: 5: Pink Floyd - Dark side of the moon 4: Tears For fears - The seeds of love 3: Massive attack - Mezzanine 2: Talk Talk - The colour of spring 1: Steven Wilson - The future bites.

[@DUNCANDUNKDUNCAN]

thanks for doing this. Now I'm definitely going to watch it.

[@tinostabile3256]

Excellent work. Wow, always loved Steven Wilson and Porcupine Tree and all the wonderful reissues he has produced. After seeing him in this video I admire him even more. God bless you all, Prog and all that is beautiful from initially in the studio and finally to the CD players/turntables and ultimately to the ears. Tino

[@cladouce]

Fantastic episode guys, I cant thank you enough for "introducing" me to "modern" prog over a year ago when I first started listening to the podcasts, believe it or not I had never even heard of Steven Wilson then, and now I consider him an all time favourite and absolute genius! And to have an interview that is so accessible is truly inspiring and entertaining. Thanks again for your commitment and passion in promoting such an amazing genre of music!

[@progreport]

Thanks! That's amazing to hear. Really appreciated.

[@alexbrandauer606]

I absolutely agree regarding extraordinary of SW himself as golden ear in modern prog. I’ve reading each his publication in Electronic Musician column magazine. Pull of my hat behind you, Steven. Thank you for shearing your vision and skills, as well fo gems you gave us.

[@altaybayr]

Joy to watch, thank you so much for the interview

[@MrBlond777]

Wow 🤩 This interview was FANTASTIC. Great 👍 job everyone!

[@jackadesman8386]

The 5.1 mix of Brave by Marillion is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever heard!!!!!

[@johnnicholson8345]

the pinnacle of production from them, for me has to be Sounds...... While Brave is their landmark album I feel the production may not be their strongest. I would put Marbles ahead of it for one.

[@adam872]

One of the best albums I've ever heard, sonically speaking.

[@frazerspooner7683]

I love this concept, I find traditional interview formats a bit tedious whereas giving pioneering artists an opportunity to be passionate and have a casual chat with some other huge fans of music is really great viewing.

[@jimhyman8544]

ELO's "Concerto for a Rainy Day" is 20 minutes of partially prog pop perfection.

[@jacobm.vantuijl]

I hear you. Briljant.

[@j.prt.979]

Yep

[@johnnicholson8345]

My all time favorite from Jeff. Even ahead of Eldorado. Matter of fact, Mr. Blue Sky was the song I chose for my wedding as an entrance song to the reception. I might be a fan!!!!

[@leoshishmanian661]

LOVE that Steven picks Talk Talk's The Colour of Spring! One of my absolute all time favorites. It's an 80's record that is still fresh today. Also, a bit surprised Steven seemed not to know Frost*'s Milliontown. When I saw Steven live in Seattle in about 2014 or 15, Craig Blundell was filling in on drums and he was drumming for Frost* at the time. Anyway, great video! And gives me some new bands to check out!

[@sspbrazil]

“Mezzanine” is a great album, another band that comes to mind in a similar vein as Massive Attack is Zero 7, their debut album “Simple Things” is a brilliant album. Talk Talk amazing band. Love that band, “Spirit Of Eden” is a masterpiece. “In Absentia” is great sounding, but I would go with “Fear Of a Blank Planet”, for me that album has so much.

[@duncandavies1966]

I've just discovered Zero 7 - totally missed them first time round. Simple Things & When It Falls are lovely warm records.

[@sspbrazil]

@@duncandavies1966 love those two albums.

[@danburnes722]

I agree, Zero 7 is by far the best in that genre. I keep getting pulled back to them.

[@sspbrazil]

@@danburnes722 that first album I played a lot.

[@sspbrazil]

@Piotr Konieczynski yes

[@Nephilim-81]

I feel I grow in intelligence just listening to SW speak. He’s well educated and handles himself well. We definitely need more humans like him. I also identify with him very well cause I’m of the 1% who bends over backwards to treat my music properly.

[@dipanjanbiswas6580]

Really looking forward to the release of the album! Sounds like great stuff!

[@nickrussillo6689]

Really coold vid and convo guys! Loved it! Super surprised no one mentioned Remain In Light or any Eno production for that matter.... but im glad I have some homework of some albums I have yet to hear! 🍻🤘✌❤

[@careycottle4099]

Also LOVE, LOVE LOVE, Steven's remixes of the Jethro TULL albums. Never imagined they could sound so good!

[@javierllerena5756]

You love the the Jethro Tull remixed but I don’t, the Ian Anderson voice has changed in this remixed , I don’t like , prefer by far the original Ian’s voice and the original sound , completely delegitimized .

[@paulauskiel]

I love both.

[@smalltown4855]

The most interesting discussion around music I've heard in a long time.

[@tomvenner6030]

I always liked to try out new stero equipment with Supertramp Crime of the Century as well as Dark Side, Sgt Pepper, Selling England, Closer to the Edge , Moving Pictures and Court of the Crimson King.

[@mike_lowndes]

The best music related vid I've watched for years, thanks. I love (neo)prog and like my hifi both stereo and 5.1. In Absentia is my favourite album _of all time_. Plus at least 5 albums there I've never listened to! Lots to look forward to. If I was to add one I'd say listen to Strangeitude by Ozric Tentacles. They didn't really 'progress' after this point but its an awesome album, somewhere between Hawkwind with production values and FSOL with electric guitars...

[@KyleDavisMusic]

THOROUGHLY enjoyed this. Thanks guys! Can't wait to spin The Future Bites.

[@TimothyHughes]

Great interview guys and thank you also to Steven.

[@hklinker]

Some of the best-produced redbook CDs I own from the 70s are by 10 cc. That run of three including Sheet Music, The Original Soundtrack and How Dare You are all over the block musically and very detailed and sublime sonically.

[@stephenhugo-seinader317]

Colour of Spring -picked it as my one desert island disc years ago, and still stand by it. Timeless, richly textured, and so memorable . Many talk about the foreshadowing of Radiohead, which becomes increasing arguable with their later work on Spirit of Eden and Laughing Stock. Brilliant!

[@aussie_philosopher8079]

I just bought a set of b&w speakers going through a denon 3805 ( my first setup) it'd totally changed my life, I love high end audio/production. I'm getting everyday people to in to hear some surround sound albums and everyone loves it.

[@mad.magirus]

Prog Nick. What a great pleasure to see you.

[@tobyornot]

What beautiful, genuine, and deserved words of praise for HCE by Nick (and Roie)

[@christown2827]

'Crime Of The Century' Supertramp particularly 'School' and 'Rudy'.

[@lynnkeegan8487]

My favourite on that album is Crime of the Century.

[@wr7662]

Hide In Your Shell is an incredible song.

[@johnnicholson8345]

Great call.

[@westernartifact580]

No

[@ulfingvar1]

Glad to hear Devin Townsend mentioned, but surprised Steven didn't know it.

[@Venus_Isle]

Mr Wilson looking at his watch a bit there at the end. But fair play lads, well done for securing his services...this was a very entertaining video.

[@vinvanveen]

Because of this video I checked out Devin Townsend's "Empath," particularly its surround mix. It is indeed a wonderful album with a wonderful 5.1 mix. It's rare to find an album as eclectic as this one.

[@threestringsomg]

Disintegration!! What a sound on that record....still feels like a spherical hug everytime I listen

[@careycottle4099]

I agree with Nick. Steven Wilson's Hand Cannot Erase is outstanding musically and in production. I took that album to Axpona 2019 to find my ultimate speakers for the rest of my life. Several dealers at the show asked about it because it really shows off an audiophile setup. My friend who attended is not a prog fan and he wanted the album too.

[@theprogmaster3307]

The Colour of Spring is my favourite album of all time, it's one I always come back to and immerse myself into the sound scapes

[@daan5361]

I'm really delighted to see that Steven chose Tears for Fears and Talk Talk. Both in my top 5 as well, although that changes from time to time :). On top of that Deadwing - Porcupine Tree and the other Talk Talk albums. They all sound stunning..

[@stevemuzak8526]

Tears for Fears and Talk Talk are one of the best sounding bands ever. So clean and rich in sound.

[@digibirder]

Empath is yet another breakthrough work of art by Devin Townsend. Listen to the whole thing for a true journey of mind and soul. But there is one song Devin does that is not on that album, which I would recommend as the "quintessential" prog-rock/metal opus. "Pixillate", which is originally off his "Synchestra" album. The best version of that song in my opinion is the version he does on his "Crappy Halloween Party" concert from last year. Somehow, Devin Townsend manages to get his transcendent music with Anneke van Giersbergen's angelic, valkyrie-like vocals to blend with a kitchy, goofy video game virtual set. You've never seen or heard anything like it. It defies description.

[@billnole2188]

I truly appreciate the list and agree that Hand Cannot Erase is a great album. I especially love the song combination of Home Invasion/Regret #0. It's amazing to me how this song combo is making its way around KZbinrs.

[@MusicGunn]

Best concert I ever saw. Saw it in Mesa, AZ at a 550 seat theater and I was in the 4th row. It blew me away.

[@cskg25]

@Bill Nole: Yes! That is one GREAT combo

[@cryptotab2090]

more like a Pink Floyd rip off

[@MusicGunn]

@@cryptotab2090 Thank you for your opinion.

[@ahab6969]

Well - was happy to pick some of Steven's thoughts of this topic - he truly seems to be a very serious expert in his profession, an intellectual and deep thinking person. I was not happy that the only criteria for the top 5 picks in audiophilia were only about the form and not so much about the contence. But I was happ< that those experst could agree at least about Pink Floyd and I was even more surprised that some other bands that I like made it like the Devin Townsand Band (i would have chosen his Infinity album) or the Transatlantic album. I just read the comments - people there is no need to post one's personal top XXX list - right I could easily go into the 100+ or even the posts what's about xxx. Steven is a professional and his criteria to choose are probably totally different to the ones a pure audio engineer (who play no instrument at all) would make and even more different to the choices a pure listener would. Besides the negative effect that the Internet had/has on our social interactions it had some positive ones as well - mainly the amount of digital music that is floating around in the public and semi public sphere - I remember the vinyl times and our anxiety when a new album of, lets say Pink Floyd was released - it sometimes lagged like 6 to 12 months (in Austria) to buy the medium in the record selling stores. And even in bigger countries like Germany the selling release dates were arbitrarily manipulated by the big music industry companies. Today I am able to listen to Spotify or a similar service and with some luck find some stuff I like - by artists from, for example Indonesia, Russia, the Middle East or anywhere else in the world. And sometimes its even possible to buy that music on a physical medium. And if all the middlemen are lost in that process and I can believe that most of my money ends in the artists pocket I am even happier. Just as a provocation - what about Aphrodites Child (666-Live) or any album of Quidam or any album of Riverside a.s.o. Thanks to Steven and the whole Prog Report team for making events like that possible.

[@tomigoi]

Totally enjoy this video guys. I love what he said about the distortion in Mezzanine. Never thought of it before...

[@kevinheckeler]

It was more insightful than perhaps the casual listener realizes. In tinkering and reading engineering tips, I started applying a light bit of fuzz to main vocal tracks a few years ago. Depending on how much is applied it can translate to the listener as warmth or aggression. Distortion is a very useful engineering tool. Not sure I would ever take it to the "on everything" extreme.

[@Steedonline]

Steven and I have the same musical tastes and influences (almost). I can only agree on his choices and I was particularly happy about Teardrop which is also one of my favourite songs ever.

[@lightningstrikes7314]

Police Ghost In The Machine/Synchronicity sounded incredibly crisp and futuristic in 81/83 and sounded like 'the future', making all other bands of the time sound stodgy and 70s-ish especially the tuning/performance/sound of the drums. Genesis picked up Hugh Padgham as obviously great musicians heard that there was a 'shift' into the digital age of greater fidelity anticipating CD.

[@simonbondsfield4249]

Very enjoyable. Got a lot of music to check out :-)

[@deanwolfechannel]

Fantastic podcast, thank you!

[@Highcastle_of_Tone]

Looking forward to The Future Bites release, my pre-order just charged so we're in the final stretch.

[@kevinlakeman5043]

Some fantastic picks here. Some stuff I might have to check out, too. Happily surprised by some of Roie's picks. Not so sure about picking your own album, though. Also, TWO albums by this guy? Never heard a single song by him that I'm aware of, though I certainly admire his skill in the studio. And Nick's list blows.

[@dirk-jansmit9772]

Thanks Nic for your talk about HCE.

[@richarddoyle3420]

Great job Nick! Frost AND It Bites?!? Good call. I would have gone with 'Close to the Edge' over '90215.' You may want to check out Iluvatar 'Children' - a 90's gem.

[@memopinzon]

Empath is an INSANE record. Talk Talk in 5.1 would be absolutely incredible.

[@RaymondPeckIII]

Talk Talk, especially the later albums, are absolutely stunning.

[@memopinzon]

@@RaymondPeckIII amen.

[@AdAstra78]

Dev throws everything at the wall. A lot of it sticks, but it lacks the cohesion and heart of his best work (Ocean Machine, Infinity, Terria)

[@Stringer13ell]

Insane? You've been on KZbin too long

[@ElectRocnicOfficial]

54:30 Nick, I could not agree more with you. Thanks so much for these words about Hand. Cannot. Erase.

[@davidkershner7513]

It's the KZbin algorithm that brought me to this video, of enjoying Steven's music.

[@threestringsomg]

Been discovering you this last year Mr Wilson because of social media, so it has one good thing about it at least.....finding the best music....i agree the competition is now a digital realm.....bring back taping off the radio!!!.... My top 5 prog records are.... 5 Fear of A Blank Planet 4 Lizard 3 The Raven That Refused To Sing 2 In Absentia 1 In The Court Of The Crimson King The rest of my top 20 is all Opeths albums....Best Band in The World 😀

[@MrDaveangelo1]

Very nice interview!

[@canadianstudmuffin]

I am doing a 5 CD exchange with another KZbinr every two weeks or so, and a few weeks ago he gave me Steven Wilson's "Hand. Cannot. Erase." and I was blown away. I have a lot of catching up to do with his solo albums and Porcupine Tree.

[@rtimmins7212]

My CURRENT 5 reference album (Maybe, obviously there is more) when Im listening new gear or speaker placement Massive Attack-Mezzanine Beck - Sea Change Tracy Chapman - Tracy Chapman Steven Wilson - To the Bone Ryan Adams - Prisoner

[@rubicon-oh9km]

Tracy Chapman? Very interesting. Going to have to go back and listen with fresh ears.

[@k1icq]

Nicks #1was my choice as well. It's a perfect mix of Steven. You do feel it!

[@lexrichardson7820]

Thank you Steven!

[@briancox8518]

Steve Wilson is a musical genius and so true about the world we now live in

[@andu__]

I highly recommend Dwellers of the Deep by Wobbler to everyone. Quite a gem for today's prog rock.

[@stephanea5364]

I have the record before and it's great!

[@ganazby]

I dig the Wobbs, and their total commitment to recreating classic prog.

[@MrChrodo]

It was so enjoyable to listen to all of you. My picks would be - Supertramp - Crime Of The Century (It aged SO well, whether you are listening to the LP or remasters. Dare i say, i prefer it over DSOTM?) - Mike Oldfield - Amarok (Great production and dynamics, the MOST unique album that exists in the whole music "industry" for me from a big artist.) - Steven Wilson - Grace For Drowning (THAT album stood the test of time for me, knowing PT/SW since 2010) - Cheeto's Magazine - Amazingous (What a new and fresh album. If one does like Transatlantic, you can't go wrong with this rather unknown band. They would've been at the Night Of The Prog already, if not for COVID) - Genesis - Duke (Genesis was the reason i got into bootlegs, fanclubs, the reason why i got into Porcupine Tree and other prog-bands...Following a deep dive into other (electronic) genres. My musical DNA has started with them. That being said, if would have to keep just one album of them, it would be that one. It has all the trademark sounds. Tonys great usage of his Yamahas, Phils strong drumsound, Mike with some small, yet great solos and good bass lines. I think it would flow better with 1 or 2 ballads cut out, of which they did alot during the Duke sessions. I think the strong "Pop" tracks, combined with strong instrumental sections and a decent cover concept make up for a strong album that works best to merge all phases of the band together. It is not as "poppy" or sometimes "uninspired" as the later albums, yet not so "dark and gritty" as the albums before. And don't me wrong, i like The Lamb! Also, that was, for me, the last album where Mike really showed his whole talent. The next time whould "show off" on a Genesis studio record was "Do The Neurotic" and "Calling All Stations" and very few other tracks. Also, skip the 2007 remaster, Nick Davis did a great job on the older albums, not so much on the David Hentschel produced ones. :/ Lots of dynamics are missing and the lower end suffers alot.)

[@Thewestslope]

The Future Bites is a terrific album. Twelve Things I forgot is on of my favourite cuts. I usually play The B-Sides Collection before playing TFB.

[@stevesmith3990]

Great interview thanks.

[@MrJanbalk]

Hand Cannot Erase is definitely one of the best sounding albums of all time. Can't agree more. Aja by Steely Dan should have been mentioned too.

[@hmcdonnell23]

"Teardrop" (Mezzanine) was the opening theme to the TV show "House". I had forgotten about until I played the song today.

[@kjc9trader491]

In addition to most of Frank Zapp'a Records from the 70's - Chick Corea's Return To Forever's Romantic Warrior - is one of the most incredible sounding /Incredibly produced records of the 70's... Listen to it Loud on Good Equipment sometime... It blows most anything else away from that era! The bass and treble depths go beyond almost anything else I have EVER Heard!

[@DallasGunther]

That was really cool. I always felt S.W.'s creative output was more a continuation of the world of prog, as opposed to bands that harken back in a misty, water colored memories kind of way. I am surprised Devin Townsend hasn't been detected in the radar though. I'd think Devin and Stephen were half brothers if not separated by the ocean.

[@FirstAmongNerds]

My choices aren't necessarily the most "accurate" records, per se, but they all have great dynamic range and an interesting sonic character. My choices in alphabetical order: "Aja" - Steely Dan "Grace For Drowning" - Steven Wilson "Larks' Tongues in Aspic" - King Crimson "Laughing Stock" - Talk Talk "Mark Hollis" - Mark Hollis

[@guille7545]

Aja has one of the most beautiful drums ever recorded.

[@westernartifact580]

Interesting choices and all great records but of course most of them don’t really really rock. Not even as much as the Elton John mentioned in the video. Love later Hollis and Talk Talk. Eden and his Solo are my favorites. Also, don’t you feel that LTIA is more important than it is listenable? To me it’s that. Just a lot less fun than other stuff from the same or a little later time.

[@toonhkuitjes6382]

Lots of great albums to pick in this category. Five of the best: Marillion - Brave (a real headphone, listen-on-your-own record) Roger Waters - Amused to death (the usual Waters special effects create lots of interesting backgrounds on some brilliant music and soundscapes) Steely Dan - Aja (a classic, the absolute height of music production easily eclipsing anything that went before and rarely surpassed) Sting - Ten Summoner's tales (not only produced crisply and warmly, but the musicianship as in all of the albums in this list, is spot on) James Taylor - Live (the best live recording ever in my opinion, my favourite in any case) and then some albums that just sound amazing: Joe Jackson - Body and Soul (he wanted a big airy sound, so recorded in a church, what a sound he created!) Janis Ian - Breaking the silence (for a stripped down crystal clear sound) Leonard Cohen - Songs of love and hate (the hollowness in the sound perfectly embodying the content of the music) Metallica - Master of puppets (never has metal sounded so full, bold and clear) The Beatles - Sgt Pepper (just because it does, especially on the original mono vinyl) Pink Floyd - Dark side of the moon (a classic in sound production, I could also mention some of Alan Parsons Project albums) Barbra Streisand;s "Love Songs" compilation - her voice is just the greatest musical instrument ever Steve Wilsons's Hand. Cannot. Erase of the Raven are also beautiful. Headphone music.

[@stephanea5364]

Metallica Master of Puppets? LOL Ride the Lightning sound already better and the 5.98$ is the best production they did before Bob Rock.

[@toonhkuitjes6382]

@@stephanea5364 respectfully disagree. Ride the lightning to me sounds a bit thinner than MoP which has such as lovely rich sound. Not listing it as audiophile but in the lower part amongst albums I particularly like the “sound” of, a certain sound that fits well with the music or are just original.

[@guille7545]

@@stephanea5364 People usually love or hate Metallica's production. Happens with Pantera too.

[@luckyman6trois]

Hello, thanks that was very interesting, I discovered now the Talk Talk album, can't understand that I missed that ! I want to ask you boys : what about the ladies ? For me number one album is Kate Bush, The Kick Inside, every song is a jewel, brings me to the verge of tears, even after more than forty years. I've got a lot of albums that I love with women artists, so more about that later....

[@budgetguitaristcom]

Glad for the FROST* mention - I'm a huge, huge fan. Also, Steven Wilson is one of my musical heroes.

[@clauspoulsen6687]

Hey guys - i strongly recommend the norwegian band Motorpsycho, preferrably the new album the Alls is One, then work your way backwards. Best new prog i have heard in a long time!

[@DCJayhawk57]

Strangely enough, I discovered Porcupine Tree after hearing "Blackest Eyes" on the radio in 2003 during one of those late-at-night new music segments from my local rock radio station where they weren't constrained by their usual bro-rock corporate playlists. I'm sure I would have discovered the band eventually since I was already getting interested in prog, but I remember hearing that single and being immediately blown away by the songwriting. I went out the next day and bought the CD at Best Buy. Have been a huge SW fan ever since.

[@mikereiss4216]

I only heard one Porcupine Tree song on the radio once and it was the same one, "Blackest Eyes." I remember the dj even mentioning that the band started out as a joke which is kind of true I guess. Lol. I was into them before that album came out though.

[@capt.lovestarii2752]

I agree with Steven and look forward to the album and tour. Social media is a tool . Like a hammer. Used judiciously, you can fix things. Used maliciously, you can kill.

[@gianmarcogiacomini9975]

You could tell throughout the 5 picks that Roie is such a Wilson's fan 😅 amazing interview 👌

[@progreport]

Guilty. Thanks for watching!

[@coffeedawg822]

Milliontown is Prog with a pop sensibility to it. Fantastic album. Odd times, sound effects, monster playing and then sometimes it just plain rocks!

[@ralphmaiph]

Some great choices, especially from Nick. I am a little surprised that Frost, Transatlantic and It Bites appear to be new to Steven.

[@Kimos55]

Thanks guys.

[@jolineforshaw4841]

I've been listening to the future bites in 5.1, which is amazing! Now i'm thinking I need to discover atmos

[@martinfarnworth6659]

i like the concept of "albums i never need to hear again" as it would mean making it a little easier to discover stuff i have barely heard if at all.

[@mattmckeon1688]

My audiophile list usually includes Marillion's Brave and Seal II. The latter is perhaps the most perfectly mixed and arranged album I've ever heard. Very dense and detailed arrangements yet you can hear every single instrument and note perfectly. And the stereo imaging and centering of Seal's voice in the mix makes you feel like you're listening to it in a pro recording studio.

[@mattmckeon1688]

Seal II being Trevor Horn produced, of course.

[@tanis7050]

1- The Gathering : How to measure a planet 2- Genesis : Selling england by The pound 3- Pink Floyd : Dark Side Of The Moon 4- Devin Townsend : Empath 5- Steven Wilson : Hand. Canot. Erase

[@Visionoir]

That yellow album is incredible

[@tanis7050]

@@Visionoir Yep it’s a freaking good album and the song Travel it’s my favorite song

[@michaelpontrelli6588]

@@tanis7050 kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5u2qWCplNOej8U

[@oliverherrenschmidt5284]

How to measure a planet is sadly far from an audiophile recording. That guitar distortion is absolutly terrible IMO and destroys some of the louder songs like "Probably Built in the Fifties" for me. :'(

[@tanis7050]

@@oliverherrenschmidt5284 I really don't agree with you, I am an audiophile and I can assure you that on a quality sound system this album sounds superb, the distortion is especially present in the long 28 minutes piece which is mostly experimental.

[@schpleeb]

My top 5, in no particular order: Talk Talk - Laughing Stock Mr Bungle - California Karnivool - Sound Awake Igorrr - Savage Sinusoid Plaid - Reachy Prints And 5 honourable mentions: Sigur Rós - Takk Pink Floyd - The Wall Radiohead - In Rainbows Steven Wilson - Hand Cannot Erase Aphex Twin - Drukqs

[@AllMediaReviewsPodcast]

At least 50% of the mixing on Sound Awake is unlistenable to me. The cymbals constantly clip.

[@AlanGonzalez-vq7bj]

Man, The Wall is an experience with headphones!!!

[@schpleeb]

@@AllMediaReviewsPodcast hmm I’ll have to listen out for that. I’m pretty sure the CD I own is utter perfection

[@roddykennedy9476]

I’ve never understood why “In Rainbows” doesn’t do too well in Radiohead albums rankings. I think it may be their best and “Hail To The Thief” is even more underrated.

[@schpleeb]

@@roddykennedy9476 it’s a masterpiece and my joint-favourite with Kid A

[@vincejohnston3244]

LoL!!!!! As soon as I heard Roie say there's one album he picked from the last ten years that came out about a year ago whose production blew him away in a way that hadn't happened before, I instantly thought, "He better say Empath". And sure enough!! I couldn't agree more. It's the most daring and emotionally complete album I've ever heard.

[@brennand933]

whenever i see the word audiophile i cant help but think of any of mogwai's records (my fav is young team). Incredible production throughout their whole career.

[@cheekofnut]

Young Team is unbelievable, but I usually go for Mr. Beast, which doesn’t seem to get as much love from the fan base unfortunately, but I think Friend of the Night is the greatest art rock song ever.

[@biancachristie]

Marching orders accepted. I need to revisit the albums I know (all Steve's picks would be on my short list, especially Massive Attack because that record it a beast) and then go find the stuff I don't know yet. Cheers Xo

[@davelightman]

Have just ordered a copy of Hand Cannot Erase on the basis of this interview. Have heard of Steven, but never really dived in, so will correct that. I'm sure my list would horrify folks, so I'll keep it to myself. But great interview guys, have subscribed.

[@sidnew2739]

Do that! It will change your life.

[@jah9253]

Hand Cannot Erase and The Raven who Refused to Sing are my favorite solo albums from Steven. If you've never listened to Porcupine Tree, check them out. They are a bit heavier than Steven's solo work.

[@VampireHeart518]

Mezzanine is the most dark, rich, luscious sounding piece of art, nothing compares to it... At least I'm yet to hear anything even close to it (that being said, I have a lot of homework to do after watching this whole video!) Truly mindblowing, immersive, textured, fills up your whole space around you. And has a fantastic sense of time and tension, too. Everything is so perfectly tense and taut Gets under your skin so organically And not just sonically, but compositionally too it's fantastic (actually, the two aspects are completely married, the sonic IS part of the composition) It's also timeless :) Mr. Roie, PLEASE tell me you listened to it in the meantime! Or that you will soon :D

[@davidstein9129]

I like what their guest producer had to say. He was thoughtful.

[@TheGreatConstantini]

Personally the future bites is sonically masterful. And after listening a few times the songs are getting stuck in my head

[@markrigg6623]

Dire Straights " Brothers in Arms" is the best quality recording that I've ever heard.

[@davidusmar8363]

It is so hard to pick 5 but there are two albums that to me were absent .. Crime of the Century by Supertramp and Genesis Foxtrot .. but we are lucky to have so many great albums .. Of the more recent bands I love Lifesigns .. Cardington, Under the Bridge Live and the last album Altitude ..and then of course The Yes Album and the one that started it all In the Court of the Krimson King

[@ViewsofCornwall]

The Colour of Spring is probably my favourite album ever. If only Steven Wilson could do a surround or Atmos version

[@lamecasuelas2]

Boy! Just thinking about the surround mixes for The future bites Is making me drool

[@ScottyKirk1]

Ohhhhh Steven, how about a surround sound mix of The Sky Moves Sideways??

[@ahab6969]

That Album and the Deadwing and Fear Of ... and essentially all Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilsons albums are worth to be considered for and overhaul .