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Porcupine Tree — Mellotron Scratch
Album: Deadwing
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2383









Released: 2005
Length: 6:57
Plays (last 30 days): 0
A tiny flame inside my hand
A compromise I never planned
Unravel out the finer strands

And I'm looking at a blank page now
Should I fill it up with words somehow?

I whispered something in her ear
I bare my soul but she don't hear

The scratching of a mellotron it always seemed to make her cry
Well maybe she remembers us collecting space up in the sky

(The scratching of a mellotron it always seemed to make her cry)
Nothing rises from my feet of clay, but it's OK
Red mist spreads across my fingertips, ardour slips

I lay her gently on my clothes
She will leave me yes I know

And I'm looking at a blank page now
Should I fill it up with words somehow?

The scratching of a mellotron it always seemed to make her cry
Well maybe she remembers us collecting space up in the sky

(The scratching of a mellotron it always seemed to make her cry)
Nothing rises from my feet of clay, but it's OK
Red mist spreads across my fingertips, ardour slips
(Well maybe she remembers us collecting space up in the sky)
Don't look at me with your mother's eyes or your killer smile
Sing a lullaby

Don't look back into black
Don't let the memory or the sound drag you down
Don't look back into black
Don't let the memory or the sound drag you down
Don't look back into black
(To end as friends; so painful)
Don't let the memory or the sound drag you down
(Don't look down; shut it down)...
Comments (379)add comment
 raga wrote:

This is not a Mellotron,  but a Chamberlin, precursor of the Mellotron

Google it. Very interesting story.
 dmiley wrote:


Radio paradise is a wonderful bright guiding light in a world of  otherwise, 
awful music.

Fixed it!

Very well stated!   That is why we come here.  Thanx RP!  
 huib wrote:

Just got me some tickets to see them live in Amsterdam :)


You lucky duck.  I wish that I could be there too!
Does Porcupine Tree spin a bad track?  I have yet to hear one.  10/10 on this one!
Just got me some tickets to see them live in Amsterdam :)
 DW4554 wrote:

Superb tune.  The bridge alone is exquisite.  


Where is that confounded bridge?
8 => 9 for the 6/4 final part.
8 > 9. I adore this band and this is one of my fav songs from them.
 Danbdc1 wrote:
The first ever track I heard on RP back in 2005. Didn't do anything for me at the time. I now consider this one of the finest tracks I've had the pleasure to listen to. Radio paradise is a wonderful bright guiding light in the world of awful music.
 

Radio paradise is a wonderful bright guiding light in a world of  otherwise, 
awful music.

Fixed it!
The first ever track I heard on RP back in 2005. Didn't do anything for me at the time. I now consider this one of the finest tracks I've had the pleasure to listen to. Radio paradise is a wonderful bright guiding light in the world of awful music.
Superb tune.  The bridge alone is exquisite.  
dig the heck out of that percussion
 layson921 wrote:
often times I find myself echoing your sentiments. "wouldn't have known, otherwise"
chinaski wrote:
Man I still remember hearing this for the very first time on RadioParadise when it first came out in 2005. You know...the "what IS this and what is Porcupine Tree?" and I've been hooked on Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson ever since. Wouldn't of known of his existence otherwise.
Same for learning of Neko Case when Deep Red Bells first got lots of play way back when and I've seen both performers in concert quite a few times since.
 
Thanks Bill!
 

 
@layson921  / chinaski   Wow ... took the words and the artists right out of my mouth!

When my younger son was in his late teens, I remember advancing a notch up the "Dad's not a dinosaur" rating when he realized we both liked PT / Deadwing ;>)

Deep Red Bells.... one and the same song that hooked me deep on Neko Case. Seeing her/her band live 8-10 years ago .... sublime.
often times I find myself echoing your sentiments. "wouldn't have known, otherwise"
chinaski wrote:
Man I still remember hearing this for the very first time on RadioParadise when it first came out in 2005. You know...the "what IS this and what is Porcupine Tree?" and I've been hooked on Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson ever since. Wouldn't of known of his existence otherwise.
Same for learning of Neko Case when Deep Red Bells first got lots of play way back when and I've seen both performers in concert quite a few times since.
 
Thanks Bill!
 

Chinaski,  I did the same thing around that time maybe a little earlier.  Who is this!!!  Every time a PT song came on.  I think they might be my favorite band!


 
 chinaski wrote:
Man I still remember hearing this for the very first time on RadioParadise when it first came out in 2005. You know...the "what IS this and what is Porcupine Tree?" and I've been hooked on Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson ever since. Wouldn't of known of his existence otherwise.
Same for learning of Neko Case when Deep Red Bells first got lots of play way back when and I've seen both performers in concert quite a few times since.
 
Thanks Bill!
 

 haresfur wrote:

Doesn't remind me of Gentle Giant at all.
 
Wow, haven't thought of that band in years, but yes, the quieter parts definitely reminds me of Gentle Giant.  
The guitar arpeggio break though the outro vocals, cycling and overlapping are just pure PT bliss! And of course, Gavin., –Ghost-note Gavin, –wow!
It sounds a lot like Diorama and Young Modern era Silverchair at the end. Not a bad thing at all
Sreven Wilson is a exzellent multi Talent! In all Times a 10. Thanks for playing
 LowPhreak wrote:
Reminds me of Gentle Giant. {#Cool}
 
Doesn't remind me of Gentle Giant at all.
 chinaski wrote:
Man I still remember hearing this for the very first time on RadioParadise when it first came out in 2005. You know...the "what IS this and what is Porcupine Tree?" and I've been hooked on Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson ever since. Wouldn't of known of his existence otherwise.
Same for learning of Neko Case when Deep Red Bells first got lots of play way back when and I've seen both performers in concert quite a few times since.
 
Thanks Bill!

Oddly I came across both Neko Case and Porcupine Tree together in 2006 via Paste Magazine.  The moment I heard both on RP, I knew I had found my permanent home for streaming music.  And oh yes.... Deep Red Bells is just one of thos songs that everyone that I play it for loves.


Roger Waters did not fry his brains on drugs.

Nonsense.  

But I can readily understand why people of modest intelligence with no creativity might say something like that......

I do not particularly care for Water's anti-corporatist, finger-pointing populism but 'drugs' is not the problem.
 Athyrius wrote:

Steven Wilson was right to call out Waters.  Too bad, but someone had to do it.  Wilson is what Waters could have been without frying his brain on drugs.
 

While I wasn't there to confirm, my understanding is that Syd was the only PF member to "fry his brain" with drugs.  In fact, all the other members were only casual users, and even then mostly pot, which back then could best be described as 'the brown frown' compared to today's high 'POTency' weed.  Long Live RP!!

Oh...I've rated this an 8...it's really about an 8.33333....not quite to my '9' level.  
Man I still remember hearing this for the very first time on RadioParadise when it first came out in 2005. You know...the "what IS this and what is Porcupine Tree?" and I've been hooked on Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson ever since. Wouldn't of known of his existence otherwise.
Same for learning of Neko Case when Deep Red Bells first got lots of play way back when and I've seen both performers in concert quite a few times since.
 
Thanks Bill!
 Athyrius wrote:

Steven Wilson was right to call out Waters.  Too bad, but someone had to do it.  Wilson is what Waters could have been without frying his brain on drugs.

 
To put a finer point on it, I would describe the Israeli nation building process as the single biggest threat to the security of rich western nations.  It is the glaring exception to the rule that rich capitalist countries in the post-war period no longer use force to acquire land and resources.  

I am simply not in favour of exclusion as a strategy to catalyze change.   Targeting and punishing Israeli artists, intellectuals and academics is a very bad idea.  These are the very people that can catalyze change for peace within Israel.  

So, yes, I fully support 'constructive engagement' and believe that artists like Roger Waters should play in Israel, play in the West Bank if given the opportunity and keep the dialogue open.  
 westslope wrote:
Steven Wilson has taken to calling himself a 'dictator' within Porcupine Tree of old.  Seems like there is a tinge of regret, a sense that he should have allowed band members a little more lee-way.  

I believe he spends a lot of time explaining why Porcupine Tree has not put out anything in the past few years.  
BTW, he took a shot at Roger Waters over the boycott of Israel recently.  Israel is Steven Wilson's second home.  

I am pretty sure that the Steven Wilson of let's say the early Porcupine Tree era would never dream of taking a pot shot at Roger Waters or any other major star over politics.  These days?  Maybe all his solo success is going to his head.  

Not to suggest that Wilson isn't somehow correct in his view.  Simply that smart marketing 101 for the young and ambitious usually implies staying out of political barking contests.  

 

 
Steven Wilson was right to call out Waters.  Too bad, but someone had to do it.  Wilson is what Waters could have been without frying his brain on drugs.
How could that ever be less than a nine??? Pretty close to 10101010101010101010101010!
{#Dancingbanana_2}
Steven Wilson has taken to calling himself a 'dictator' within Porcupine Tree of old.  Seems like there is a tinge of regret, a sense that he should have allowed band members a little more lee-way.  

I believe he spends a lot of time explaining why Porcupine Tree has not put out anything in the past few years.  
BTW, he took a shot at Roger Waters over the boycott of Israel recently.  Israel is Steven Wilson's second home.  

I am pretty sure that the Steven Wilson of let's say the early Porcupine Tree era would never dream of taking a pot shot at Roger Waters or any other major star over politics.  These days?  Maybe all his solo success is going to his head.  

Not to suggest that Wilson isn't somehow correct in his view.  Simply that smart marketing 101 for the young and ambitious usually implies staying out of political barking contests.  

 
{#Cowboy}
 Deadwing wrote:
{#Yes}
 Indeed, every time I hear PT (more on my tunes than RP, nowadays), I think of you and opening up this great world of sound! An affectionate "thanks" again!
Hei Deadwing!

Have you given Wilson's  4 1/2 a spin?   Should be enough there to please die-hard PT fans.  I hear a little Frank Zappa too.

The new version of Don't Hate Me is terrific.  

So everybody, are the other members of the PT band writing new material?  I ask because Steven Wilson has suggested that this is necessary condition for another PT album. 
{#Yes}
Great road music.
 raga wrote:

This is not a Mellotron,  but a Chamberlin, precursor of the Mellotron

 
A sour note from the Wikipedia article: 

"The Chamberlin's use as a commercial instrument in rock (or rock and roll) music was never given consideration, as Harry Chamberlin generally resented rock music and rock musicians."

That's "generally", you understand... 
Thanks raga.

—————————————-

Was listening to RP in the kitchen when this song came on in the android tablet.  There was this great photo of a grizzly bear scratching its back on a conifer tree (spruce I am guessing).

I am really blown away with the high quality of the photos that show up on the android app the HD Slideshow Player.  I would guess that modern digital photography has flooded the market with top notch photography.

Oh, oh.  Yes' Long Distance Runaround & the Fish just started playing.....    Radio paradise is simply too much! 
 BBoyes wrote:


 
This is not a Mellotron,  but a Chamberlin, precursor of the Mellotron
Absolute percussion mastery. Just amazing.
I love how this song starts so mellow and then transitions to have a very impetuous and heroic mood ... {#Sunny}
 ScottFromWyoming wrote:

Oh good, you're here.

 
I just stopped to say I was on FB looking at a photo of a friend in the studio playing a Mellotron when this came on. Pretty weird coincidence. 

 
No worries, man. Just bustin' yer balls.  {#Wink}
 leathepea wrote:
Are these guys ever going to put out a new album? I have worn out everything already released.

 
According to recent interviews with Steven Wilson and Gavin Harrison it appears we will be waiting for a while however the good news is they have not officially called it quits.  {#Bananajam}

Are these guys ever going to put out a new album? I have worn out everything already released.
 LowPhreak wrote:

Haha!...music to 'Republican' by...{#Razz}

{#Lol}

 
Oh good, you're here.

 
I just stopped to say I was on FB looking at a photo of a friend in the studio playing a Mellotron when this came on. Pretty weird coincidence. 
I am sure that lots of Republican voters are die-hard Steven Wilson/Porcupine Tree fans.

Steven Wilson apparently bought himself a Mellotron.   Must be all of those CD purchases of mine.  

Next thing you know, he'll be 'rich' and less motivated to work so hard.  Risky. 
 ShaunJ wrote:

No worries as there is lot of simple/dumbed down music out there for Scott in windy WY. {#Cheesygrin}

 
Haha!...music to 'Republican' by...{#Razz}

{#Lol}
 ShaunJ wrote:

Looking forward to seeing the Steven Wilson tour date in Vancouver this summer{#Bananajam}

 
Me too!

Look for a 6' 5" guy sporting an RP t-shirt. 
 LowPhreak wrote:
Reminds me of Gentle Giant. {#Cool}

 
Looking forward to seeing the Steven Wilson tour date in Vancouver this summer{#Bananajam}
Somebody should upload some Gentle Giant music.
Reminds me of Gentle Giant. {#Cool}
 westslope wrote:
Hey guys, Scott doesn't like Porcupine Tree.  

Comprendez. 

 
No worries as there is lot of simple/dumbed down music out there for Scott in windy WY. {#Cheesygrin}
ROFL!! ...But as I was about to say, Porcupine Tree seems to keep pulling 9's from me. Such beautiful music.
 

westslope wrote:
Hey guys, Scott doesn't like Porcupine Tree.  

Comprendez. 

 


Hey guys, Scott doesn't like Porcupine Tree.  

Comprendez. 
 Peter_Bradshaw wrote:
{#Drummer}{#Bananajam}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Guitarist} ............... luv this band - 9 for me

 
–9 for me too!
{#Drummer}{#Bananajam}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Guitarist} ............... luv this band - 9 for me
I think they have gone. RIP Porcupine Tree.

for the young 'uns, from Wikipedia:

The Mellotron has a similar behavior to a sampler, but generates its sound via audio tape. When a key is pressed, a tape connected to it is pushed against a playback head, like a tape recorder. While the key remains depressed, the tape is drawn over the head, and a sound is played. When the key is released, a spring pulls the tape back to its original position.

 

mellotron guts

 

Sorry, theirs got scratched; blame it on a careless roadie.


 Imkirok wrote:
An hour and a half ago, I downloaded a new album from an artist I heard here on RP.  Since then, I've been dying to listen to it.  But I can't seem to make the switch - Bill's sets this morning have been amazing.  Bill, please play some Dave Matthews or Jack Johnson so I can go listen to my new album.

 
Yes, please do (love Dave's & Jack's music)
Love that melodic hypnotic smooth as tonic mellotron..  {#Music}
An hour and a half ago, I downloaded a new album from an artist I heard here on RP.  Since then, I've been dying to listen to it.  But I can't seem to make the switch - Bill's sets this morning have been amazing.  Bill, please play some Dave Matthews or Jack Johnson so I can go listen to my new album.
Hearing this song here on RP so many years ago started my love affair with PT {#Yes}
Oh yes!!! To the rescue with the scratch!
whenever i think like "oh how nice, who is this?" i get porcupine tree for an answer. they're truly amazing.
Never too much Porcupine Tree
 westslope wrote:

Were the Anderson/Squire harmonies inspired by the Beach Boys?  I ask because Wilson points to the Beach Boys as a significant influence.

 
Wilson is well schooled and no doubt has some Anderson/squire in his DNA . Apparently the record collection growing up had lots of prog.
Also Anderson claims influence from many including Everly Bros and Lennon MaCartney and others already mentioned here. 
mellotron sounds like "vellotron"...either way, tasty.
This resonates with the very depths of my soul... What talented people we have on the planet. Thank you PT... and thank you Radio Paradise for the introduction. I'm forever in your debt.
This album featured for January? 

There are other PT albums available.  {#Yes} 
 westslope wrote:

Were the Anderson/Squire harmonies inspired by the Beach Boys?  I ask because Wilson points to the Beach Boys as a significant influence.
 

I seem to recall Squire mentioning that he and Anderson were into Simon and Garfunkel and the Association, harmony-wise.
How could I have rated this a "7"?  I guess there's always room for growth.  "8" minimum.
 cShaggy wrote:
..i just like the word "mellotron"..
 
It's not a word one hears as much since the 1970s, though there have been artists using them all along, including these guys, obviously.
In Seattle these days we have had a grey sky, slow days.  This constant flux of apathetic slow music is putting us to sleep.  -Mechanic 1
Just great! 10
..i just like the word "mellotron"..
 black321 wrote:
The harmonies beckon Yes Anderson/Squire
 
Were the Anderson/Squire harmonies inspired by the Beach Boys?  I ask because Wilson points to the Beach Boys as a significant influence.
 black321 wrote:
The harmonies beckon Yes Anderson/Squire
 
Bill must have been reading.  Song was followed with Long Distance Runaround.  My Favorite Yes song.
The harmonies beckon Yes Anderson/Squire
It's hard to put a finger on it, but this has got to be my favorite PT song.
guten morgen , Du lausiger, kleiner planet danke für P. T.
 hippiechick wrote:

 
enjoying the song, will have to check out the album

 hippiechick wrote:
Great song, great album
 


Nicely stated - totally hear what you mean.

 
citybiker wrote:

I like, but a sedated Red Hot Chili Peppers keeps popping into my mind.

 


I can only give out so many 8 PT ratings.  I'll make an exception on this.

YES!  Playing PT within minutes of PF, or vice versa, is always a great idea — THANKS!

I like, but a sedated Red Hot Chili Peppers keeps popping into my mind.


 hippiechick wrote:
Great song, great album
  Looking forward to seeing/meeting Gavin Harrison at the Sonor Drums clinic in Vancouver this evening {#Drummer}


Bill, you've got your Jam On this afternoon!
Great song, great album
And I'm looking at a blank page now...
Should have filled it up with words somehow...

Story of my life  {#Cheers}

 ShaunJ wrote:

Did any PT fans catch Gavin Harrison on David Letterman (August 23)?
If not, here it is:

https://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/g...anchicken.html

 

Thanks for posting! Gav did us all proud  =D
 patrick30 wrote:


mine too! like their variety of sound. cool radio!!
 
Did any PT fans catch Gavin Harrison on David Letterman (August 23)?
If not, here it is:

https://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/g...anchicken.html

 RedGuitar wrote:

One of my first RP discoveries too!  I heard "Prodigal" from In Absentia and was hooked.

 

mine too! like their variety of sound. cool radio!!
For a second I imagined what it would be like if Cocteau Twins was all male...Short & interesting enough for me to want to hear more from them.
Good music like this builds on the shoulders of great tracks before this. This isn't instantly memorable like ... well, almost any track off DSOTM ;-) (too high a bar?) but Deadwing is certainly a very enjoyable album by a prog rock band both my Dad and I enjoy listening to (and he's from the oldskool era of prog)... It sounds STELLAR in 5.1 too.
 tutakea wrote:
to name all the old progrock songs "used" in this title would fill several pages  - lol
i would call this "robbed" music :-)
pink floyd, genesis, led zeppelin, king crimson, and ... yes, yes!. and some melody-lines and riffs are "stolen" 1:1, i swear it (although I do not have the time now to prove and name it)
astonishingly, the outcome is quite nice ...

 

Not that I agree with you totally, but I DID definitely hear a total Gentle Giant influence on the outro. Anyone else get that?

spigolli:  Good question.  Most is studio work.  Wilson will write a song, all the layered guitar parts for it, the keyboards, and once upon a time, the drum machine ;-).

 

However, sometimes the band will write together in studio sessions.  I don't know but I doubt that it comes flowing out, rather is the music is pieced together.


Less tree, more bush
Love the depth of many of their tunes.  I wonder how much is derived from live sessions vs. mixing room assembly.
to name all the old progrock songs "used" in this title would fill several pages  - lol
i would call this "robbed" music :-)
pink floyd, genesis, led zeppelin, king crimson, and ... yes, yes!. and some melody-lines and riffs are "stolen" 1:1, i swear it (although I do not have the time now to prove and name it)
astonishingly, the outcome is quite nice ...

 Dave_Mack wrote:
I Should get this one too. PT is one of my first RP discoveries
 
One of my first RP discoveries too!  I heard "Prodigal" from In Absentia and was hooked.

I Should get this one too. PT is one of my first RP discoveries
Such a great song. Very smooth, hypnotic tune. It's on my marathon playlist.
ummmm, still love them.

Love the Yes-like vocals at the end. 
 I really love Stupid Dream...probably 'cause it was my 1st PT purchase. Imkirok wrote:

I also love The Incident.  It may be bumping Deadwing off of my #1 slot.

 

 jagdriver wrote:
7 —> 8. I love Porcupine Tree!
 
Any PT fans out there going to the Royal Albert show tonight?


7 —> 8. I love Porcupine Tree!
..and my Son and I tomorrow night in Hollywood..enjoy yourself..nini wrote:
I'm seeing them tonight in San Fran!!
 

I'm seeing them tonight in San Fran!!
perfect timing   {#Music}
I have tickets to see them in Asheville NC in August    {#Jump}
Seeing my boys tonight here in Richmond VA!

BCIT or SFU?

 

Any math?


 horstman wrote:

Gee, it does just the opposite for me!!!.{#Ass}
 
Now that is just uncalled for. {#Rolleyes}  {#Lol}


 badstudent wrote:

I don't get it either. This is a good example of songs I tune out. My apologies to the majority, but Prog like this just makes my wiener go limp. Pardon the language.
 
Gee, it does just the opposite for me!!!.{#Ass}


 t00lur wrote:
why the fuck do you have  so much Porcupine Tree ?!
 
I don't get it either. This is a good example of songs I tune out. My apologies to the majority, but Prog like this just makes my wiener go limp. Pardon the language.


From PT to Yes (Heart of the Sunrise), now that is connecting the dots!  Great set.
April 21. Houston. Yeah, Baby!

Listen to what the Beach Boys influenced.

 

Not bad, eh?


{#Music} crockydile wrote:

April 21st Houston. Tickets in hand! {#Dancingbanana_2}
 

Same here, can't wait! Sound should be phenomenal.