The Sky Moves Sideways
by Porcupine Tree

Couldn't get in to this one after a few tries, although I love the band. The best was yet to come for them. I like Dislocated Day and The Moon Touches Your Shoulder, but didn't really enjoy the rest of the songs.

From dihansse 03/09/2021 20:33 | #267129 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

It's always difficult to get into a PT album and normally it takes a few listens to really appreciate it. But this third album (which is often described as the first real PT album) is fairly immediate. It is too many times repeated that it sounds a lot like Wish You Were Here and partly this is also the case but it's certainly more spacey and it hovers a lot between muzak and real heartfelt music which often excels in great guitar solos and melodies. I listened to the very long two CD version which sounds a bit repetitive after a while but I did like it.

From sageamagoo 05/27/2017 15:42 | #191515 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

The US release is my favourite version of this album. TSMS (Phase One) -> Stars Die -> Moonloop is just such a perfect way to open the record that I don't think I could listen to it any other way.

This album has so many great moments (especially in the title tracks) and I urge any Porcupine Tree fan who hasn't quite gotten into it yet to give it a few more tries. The bit in the middle of Phase Two with the female vocals followed by the guitar solo gets to me every time.

Very great album. The sound is fantastic. Guitar solos are epic.

Steven Wilson regrets making this album. Why Mr Wilson? Yes it is obviously a tip to Pink Floyd in its layout. But at least it sounds original (compare this with Voyage 34 which is too close to Another Brick in the Wall IMO). And the songs are brilliant. And it got me interested in Pink Floyd. No regrets from me!

The Sky Moves Sideways is one of the most essential pieces of experimental and progressive rock ever written. By far the highlight of the album is the epic title track, divided into two phases of nearly twenty minutes. Phase one is lyrically and vocally perfect, and the ambient textures and emotion portray by the piece is second to none. The Moon Touches Your Shoulder continues the unique atmosphere, and Moonloop is a fantastic, liquid spacey trip.

From SquishypuffDave 09/14/2011 13:52 | #27468

Pure. Cosmic. Beauty.

Take Doctor Who, Pink Floyd and Ozric Tentacles and throw them in a blender: this is what you get. Contains some of the most poetic lyrical imagery I've ever heard.