Search - No-Man :: Schoolyard Ghosts

Delicate and Exquisite Soundscapes

Kurt Harding | Boerne TX | 06/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though I have been a fan of No-Man for several years now, it wasn't until recently that I began to appreciate their music in a big way. So just as soon as I read of the impending release of Schoolyard Ghosts, I ordered directly from Burning Shed and received it about a month in advance of today's official release date. And since I've had it that long, I have had ample time to fully enjoy the delicate and exquisite soundscapes here woven by Steven Wilson and Tim Bowness.

Schoolyard Ghosts is really a tremendous piece of work. I like the whole set, but there are a few cuts to which I am partial. My favorites on the CD are: the shimmering Beautiful Songs You Should Know; the spacy Pigeon Drummer which is punctuated by furious bursts of percussion that culminate in a masterful ending; True North, an epic musical journey in which the listener figuratively floats above the music; the relaxing Song of the Surf; and Mixtaped, a mixture of soft jazz with an undercurrent of searing blues.

With the DVDA, you may find that you have to change your audio settings in order for it to play. I did. But despite that, the sound quality remained quite superb. On the DVDA, spectral and fog shrouded images accompany the songs. This reminds me of the static images which accompany the DVDA on Porcupine Tree's remastered Lightbulb Sun and on the special edition of PT's In Absentia. There are also some extra bonus videos which feature three of the songs from Schoolyard Ghosts in both stereo and surround sound.

If you've enjoyed other works from No-Man, you are bound to enjoy this one as well. This set from Snapper Music comes housed in a stylish and durable folding case that will make you wonder why all CDs can't be as well-presented. The wings on the case feature the lyrics. Get Schoolyard Ghosts while it is still available and still reasonably priced."

Beautiful Songs You Should Know

Chance | NC | 06/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is killing Me that this album has been out for this long now and there is only one review for it. Schoolyard Ghosts is No-Man at their best, and anyone who enjoys great and wonderful music should hear this album. Of all the albums that I have heard so far this year, this is the best of them.



All Sweet Things 5/5

This is the perfect intro. A very slow and sweet song, that always has me thinking of the past.



Beautiful Songs You Should Know 4/5

This to me is not one of the better tracks on the album but still is better than most songs out there today.



Pigeon Drummer 4/5

The odd ball track on the whole album and mainly because of the loud drum sections. A Very strange track.



Truenorth 6/5

THIS IS THE NO-MAN SONG. This is THE best song on the album and is a perfect example of No-Man on top of their game.



Wherever There is Light 5/5

This Song is a great ballad and probably sweeter than "All Sweet Things".



Song of the Surf 5/5

I didn't like this song a first, but then I actually LISTENED to the whole thing and I couldn't believe that I didn't like it. While it does start off kinda slow it picks up towards the end and is very moving.



Streaming 5/5

This is the song that calms me down. The Shortest song on the album and if it was any longer, it probably wouldn't be any good.



Mixtaped 5/5

This is the final track on the album and while it may be slow and a little longer than it needs to be, it is the perfect ending. When this song is over you know that you have finished something wonderful.



"

Very Inspiring And Beautiful

Russ Bellinger | Bradenton, Florida USA | 06/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is definately the best No Man work. It acheives an amazing spiritual reach with these very interesting tunes. At times it reminds me of the mellower Porcupine Tree tunes because of Steve Wilson's input, yet it is different, unique and quite beautiful. Lots of nice atmospheres here. I was pleasantly surprised and very, very happy with this release. If you are a Porcupine Tree fan or just a fan of interesting and progressive soundscapes with great vocal work and lyrics then you should own this. This CD along with the new RPWL Experience are the best CDs of 2008 so far."