Don't spend a ridiculous amount, it's being re-released
E. R Wilson | Novato, CA USA | 10/04/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Don't spend an absolutely ridiculous amount on this, it is being released in a new double CD re-issue with a newly recorded/re-mixed version of Up The Downstair in 2005."
Up The Downstairs should be double album!
Surjorimba Suroto | Jakarta, Indonesia | 05/28/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I just bought this CD at a local store here. At first I was surprised since I never heard this album before. But I'm always curious of PT's music and I didn't have any doubts to get this album. Shortly after I played the disc and read the notes inside. This album was supposed to be the 2nd disc of Up the Downstairs album. Wilson said that there were some difficulties and these songs had to be released seperately. Since track 1, Cloud Zero, I couldn't believe that this album was a leftover! Cloud Zero represents the spirit of PT songs. The beat, the rhythm, everything. Some parts reminded me of their song Waiting. Other tracks, Joke's On You and Navigator, still need more time for me to listen. But the last two tracks, Rainy Taxi and Yellow.... are the gems of this album. These two were recorded during the sessions shortly afterwards and weren't meant for Up the Downstairs. Only the first 3 tracks were out-takes.It's a pity that this album wasn't largely available like other PT albums from Delerium (this album was marketed by Blueprint). Any PT fans should have this album, especially since it's already out of print from the label company."
Trippy ambient soundscapes
Mike Chadwick | Gdynia,Poland | 12/06/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This album combines a few outtakes from "up the downstair" sesssions and two specially recorded tracks - "Rainy taxi" and legendary "Yellow hedgerow dreamscape" (one of Porcupine's first compositions)
if you prefer Porcupine's instrumental and trippy ambient tracks than this is for you.amazing "Cloud zero" or "Navigator" are simply stunning pieces of relaxing music that not only moves your body - it moves your mind.inteligent,simply brilliant.the only vocal song "The joke's on you" might surely fit on their debut.steven's gentle vocals and delicate guitar is fitting nicely to band's early songs.the most eccentric songs from here is "Yellow hedgerow dreamscape" that was composed long before the release of band's debut album.it is progressive rhytmical piece that is speeding faster and faster along with long and beautifull guitar solo.not stunning but it is a proof of Porcupine's great ideas and genius.
"Staircase infinities" is a bridge between two worlds - more straightforward oriented rock and electronic trippy melodies.surely worth a listening."
Porcupine Tree - 'Staircase Infinities' (Blueprint)
Mike Reed | USA | 04/28/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Five studio out-takes of the band's 'Up The Downstair' disc. All five of these tracks are well produced, mixed and sound great. My favorite two are "Cloud Zero" and the semi-lengthy "Yellow Hedgerow Dreamscape". Basically, just good '90's British art rock/progressive to fully taken in. Two downsides here: duration of this CD is just seconds shy of the thirty minute mark, plus the super-high asking price. A good pick, but pretty much for the completists."
For collectors only ?
Richard Pievaitis | sat on Kobia with the prophet Nebehr Gudahtt | 09/15/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"as the reviewer below me has just stated you can now find the music of "staircase infinities" on disc 2 of the recently reissued "Up The Downstairs " deluxe 2 cd digi pack.
this is available direct from the band by logging on to the main P.T. website and clicking "store " this takes you to the burning shed store and it is the 2005 " snapper " version you want .
sorry to all these highly priced vendors but if its the music you really want then buy it from the band.
if like me you are an avid collector of ALL of P.T. work then i am afraid that you will have to pay the price !?!
is it worth it - yes, the music is great and it was originally the unissued ( second disc ) part of U.T.D. but was left off for "commercial reasons " whatever that means ?
as P.T. get to be more well known by the general record buying public their earlier work ( which was often released by small european labels or to the fan club members only in very limited numbers )will become VERY ,VERY ,collectable.
that ,i am afraid ,is the price you have to pay for getting left behind the bus ( as we say in england ! ).