Steven Wilson – 4½

Great record. Sound is very good, no issues at all.

Five star album, three star pressing. My copy has got horrible surface noise, couldn't return it. I might have to buy a CD later. Too bad, there is great music in there.

So none of you yahoos even bothered to actually review this album, good grief. I just love this EP. They're leftover cuts from Raven and Hand Cannot Erase. Enough said as those were both brilliant albums. Just like Recordings from Porcupine Tree this album 4 1/2 which are also B cuts are good enough to be a regular album. Year of the Plague is probably the most beautiful and the most sad piece of music Wilson has ever laid down on tape. The combo of acoustic guitar, piano, the boys choir and that wonderful violin just bleeds with emotion in spades and makes me wanna cry. I imagine it as the perfect song to play at a funeral home with the back drop photos from one's life flashing by on a big screen. I had to also buy the CD cause I wanted to hear this track as perfect as possible since it starts so lovely yet eerily quiet. I also like the variety of the opening cut and the closer Don't Hate Me which may be a better version than the original with Ninet on vocals. If you're on board with most of what Wilson's done, I recommend you don't this one up.

This is the original release, there is at least 1 new release of this LP, with different front cover, Kscope artists advertising insert and no codes.

No one adds a reissue.I also don't have an outer jacket, card and a two-page inner sleeve instead of a 4-page one. What is this reissue?

Very nice pressing. Minimal surface noise, no clicks and pops.

There seems to be a different version out there, maybe a re-issue, I got a new copy from Amazon today, without DL Code, without Sticker on sleeve and with a 2-page Kscope insert (not 4-page)….

its hard for me. the instrumentals are pretty good but some parts are really weak and emo tingy vocals almost but like listen to Vermillioncore that's a 5 star jam

As with just about everything Steven Wilson has done in the past decade, this is no exception. Top grade craftsmanship, songwriting, production and band 'togetherness'. Of course there is little elements and nods to the past (I'm put in mind of Pink Floyd and XTC on the opener) but it is all done so well any lingering snatches of melody or arrangement are set aside in the enjoyment of a new progressive musical 'alloy'. Do not make the mistake of thinking anything here is inferior to the bigger PT or SW albums.

So nice, but oh so short. After the end you just want more. But for me, Vermillioncore all the way. Just love how he incorporates electronics in his track.