It should go without saying that few things on this earth would keep me from watching a Sox game – especially on one of the few occasions that the Sox are playing in my present hometown.

I made an exception last night, to attend the first stop of the 2009 Porcupine Tree tour, at the historical and intimate Moore Theatre in Seattle. 

Prior to the game, I texted BFF Mike to request that I get a score update after the 4th and a final as well.  Like a good best friend, he obliged. 

To begin the show, Porcupine Tree showcased what is the first disc and centerpiece of their latest album, released yesterday.  "The Incident" is a 55-minute masterpiece - an exquisite journey of ear-kissing brilliance.

 I had already heard bits and pieces of The Incident through youtube videos released/leaked prior to yesterday.  And I knew full well that the entire album was probably available yesterday morning, for my downloading indulgence.  However, I didn’t seek it out. 

I wanted my first listen – my first experience – to be their first live performance of it. 

And although it would not have ruined anything, I think I made the right decision by allowing myself to be surprised… then again, that’s a weak term…  Overwhelmed and stunned, is more like it.

Once the usual technical sound kinks were worked through and the band found their groove, the concert took off in an engrossing direction.  Front man Steve Wilson has crafted a complete work of art – a full musical thought that traps you in its dazzling, guitar-driven web.  And you are grateful to be helplessly stuck there.

For the majority of the show, the entire crowd gazed upon the stage in complete awe. 

There was some applause – undeniable moments of beauty that needed to be rewarded.  But for the most part, we all sat in wonder while the show unfolded before us.  Scanning the faces of other crowd members, it was apparent that the feeling was more than mutual; we were dumbfounded.

The living, breathing, on-stage-in-front-of-you-Steve Wilson is nothing like you could expect.  And I’ve watched plenty live Porcupine Tree videos on youtube before, so I was aware of his style and power before seeing him perform in person.

He is a rather plain English guy by appearance; a cross between Thom Yorke and Kurt Cobain (and the opening lyrics of "Time Flies" reveal he was born the same year as Cobain).  He is wiry and dorky and his voice is whatever he wants it to be, depending on the tune.  He is not traditionally charismatic.  He doesn’t dance or do stage antics.  But he is engrossing.  He is thrilling to behold.  Watching him, you are certain you are witnessing a genius in action – a freak.  I actually referred to him last night as the Tim Lincecum of musicians.

Whether he is tearing the daylights out of an electric guitar, or beautifully picking at an acoustic, Wilson is flat-out commanding.  (Warning: Testicle shrivel ahead) He is an unearthly presence in a scrawny flesh casing.  And he’s just one of the five incredible musicians who make up Porcupine Tree.

The other guitarist, John Wesley, was superb.  His voice is richer and traditionally lovelier than Wilson’s, and some of my favorite moments came when he was tenderly soaring vocals over Wilson’s purposeful guitar.  Wesley’s frame is equally as thin as Wilson’s, but his height advantage and lanky figure moves in an almost erotic and fluid motion while he possesses his guitar. 

For the sake of brevity, which is long lost already, I will not go into depths of each band member’s greatness, because they are all essential and masters of their instruments.  But I cannot shy from divulging that Gavin Harrison, the drummer, is intensely badass.  Ridiculously.  Trust me on this.

Although all 55 minutes of The Incident were moving, my favorite moment came during the song, "Time Flies."  The preceding song, "The Yellow Windows of the Evening Train," gently established the tone before Wilson sat down with his acoustic and began strumming "Time Flies."  The nearly 12-minute song is so beautiful in itself and might move a person to tears anyway, but the moment that did it for me was the guitar solo in the middle of the song (he swapped his acoustic for an electric).  My words will be inadequate, so I will patiently await a youtube video of it in the upcoming weeks, as the tour continues.   

I’m not one to just drool over any and every bitching guitar solo.  But Wilson plays with purpose.  He is not playing notes because they sound nice together and create pretty melodies.  His songs are directional and his guitar solos are driven and functional.  He does not waste your time.  And he certainly does not leave you unfulfilled. 

And the best thing that you can do

Is take whatever comes to you

'cause time flies.... 

*

After the first set, I finally checked my vibrating phone to get the 4th inning update.  3-2 Mariners.  I replied, "put in Aaaaaardsma!!!"

The second half of the show was 8 songs, plucked from their extensive library of recorded music, which dates back to 1991. 

Without going into too much detail, I’ll say that the majority of the second set was blow-your-mind-metallic melodies.  After an abridged version of "Anesthetize" that nearly wore you out with intensity, Wilson took a seat with an acoustic guitar.   

"All the metal heads in the crowd are thinking, Oh no, he’s got the acoustic guitar again," Wilson joked.

 I highly doubt even the heaviest metal fans in the crowd were disappointed with what he proceeded to do with that acoustic guitar for the song, "Normal," which was one of my favorites of the night. (Incredible song here - listen in full, please).

Wish I was old and a little sentimental...

Another compelling moment came during the performance of "Russia On Ice," which began with the lights off and only the body of Wilson’s guitar illuminated.  The entire song was played in minimal lighting, with only his hand silhouetted against the guitar’s body; dazzling and mesmerizing with every string he touched. 

*

Needless to say, I recommend that The Incident (and all of Porcupine Tree) finds its way into your collection.  It takes a great deal to move me in such a way, and I sit here now in shock, still processing what I witnessed last night; wishing I was still there, and wondering how I could somehow get to another stop on their tour…

Chiburb was the one who tipped me off to Porcupine Tree, and Chiburb will be at The Vic on the 22rd of September to see what I just saw.  If it gives you any indication of their magnificence, it takes a helluva lot to get Chiburb out of the house, let alone to a loud concert on a Tuesday night...if there are tickets remaining, I urge you to get one.  And dad - you should probably bring earplugs, because this show will be like nothing you have ever seen.  Their sound is enormous. 

As many of you know either from past discussions or my SSS name, I am a Radiohead fanatic.  There has been one musical experience that ever induced such a stupor within me: Radiohead in Grant Park in 2001. 

When I left that show, I was awesomely misguided.  I couldn’t speak.  And nothing since that show – including 4 other Radiohead concerts – has led me close to that stupor, until now. 

I got in my car this morning and reached out to select music, but couldn't.  My ears are not quite ready for anything else. 

*

My phone vibrated in my pocket for the last 40 minutes of the show (no complaints here).  The final score was waiting, and I let it go until Porcupine Tree left the stage. 

6-3 Sox, it read.  My night was officially complete. 

*

And now, like any good Music Thread - have at it! Any PT fans out there?  If not, what's everyone's current poison?