Porcupine Tree – Anesthetize

Simply put, “Anesthetize” is an invaluable live document that showcases how one of the best progrock bands was performing at the height of its powers.

Recorded live on the 15th and 16th of October 2008 at the 013 in Tilburg- The Netherlands- this live album is a sweeping achievement that captures the prodigy that Porcupine Tree was during the “Fear Of A Blank Planet” tour, leaving it documented for the ages in an unmissable release if you are a fan of the band (or are into 21st century's prog for that matter) but, even if you’re not, this concert should help you understanding why Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson are held in such a high esteem within the scene.

During more than 2 hours, the band goes through a comprehensive performance of much of the material recorded and released during the FOABP sessions (including the “Nil Recurring” EP), plus a selection of songs from the “Deadwing” and “In Absentia” era... and even a bunch of songs from “Signify”.

There is not much more that can be said about the FOABP material (probably PT’s peak album), so let’s just say that the band gives songs like “Fear Of A Blank Planet”, “My Ashes”, “Sentimental”, “Way Out Of Here” and, of course, “Anesthetize” an extra of energy and emotion that lifts the whole thing even higher. The remaining songs get very interesting live renditions, with “Normal” (an alternate version of “Sentimental”?), “Dark Matter”, “Drown With Me” and “Half Light” being my favourites.

An abrasive rendition of Deadwing's "Halo" closes this magnificent live recording that can be considered PT’s crowning achievement as far as live albums go, and a time capsule that allows us to why the guys are still considered to be one of 21st century prog finest acts.

"And I don't like the questions
How do you feel?
How's it going in school?
Do you wanna talk about it?"

Hello,

My copy (double CD, TRANSM321CD) tends to saturate/clip during dynamic ages, for example on the track Anesthetize, from 2:54 to 3:04, or during the track Sleep Together from 1:42 (on Steven's vocals), and other high volume ages on both CDs.

I encounter the same issue, at the same timecodes, on a Lossless digital copy (Tonefloat version).

Also on Youtube, at the same timecodes.

I'd like to know if it's my equipment that's to blame, or the source? Because this concert has a excellent reputation for high sound quality, but I'm always frustrated when I listen to it.

Thank you for your opinion.

I just managed to pick this up second hand in my local record store. Not cheap at £170.00 but it was the only Boxset missing from my PT collection, so needs must :). Like others have mentioned the outer box has numerous raised white marks and it’s not clear what caused the damage or whether it is even intentional (that would be very odd as the marks and frequency seem to differ from set to set) I managed to negotiate a £20.00 discount (I wanted £30, they offered £10, so we met in the middle). Other than that the Boxset is in VG+ condition so extremely happy with my purchase considering they are going for between £300-£400 mark on here.

I’ve had this box set since release date, value keeps going up. I when the value was just over $140….and now.

I don’t see a repress coming, not for this. I’ve had a bit of what people have described about the box. Have never found outer sleeves big enough.

I’ve just come across your comments regarding shrinkage 😱 I’ve had my copy since release and I haven’t got any signs yet, however I’ve kept mine in a poly cover. But what I have noticed my larger boxsets of Led Zeppelin show white scuff marks? Yet I keep my vinyl in expedit shelving.
Mint Sleeves in the UK are going to start selling Vinyl Solution boxset covers soon this hopefully prevent further damage

My copy didn't have the scratch marks as mentioned but I think it's a common issue as a friend of mine recieved his that way. Bought mine directly from Acoustic Sounds when it was brand new. Now as for the music: Outstanding to say the least The tunes and sound quality show the band at its peak. I actually prefer the Fear of a Blank Planet tracks better on this live album than their studio counterparts, there's just more emotion and excitement with the crowd setting. It's a sturdy box with graphic inner sleeves but not scratch free. The lps themselves are flat and heavy with a quiet sound. Probably the best overall live album Porcupine Tree ever put out.

I bought this because of the inclusion of the DVD. I watched the whole thing and I'll say it's great, especially the first part where they play the whole Porcupine Tree - Nil Recurring, which was an EP of songs written during the same sessions that produced FOABP, and that includes the outstanding track NORMAL.
I am in the US and this DVD plays just fine. It's region 0, as indicated in the back cover.

The copy I own has a "Made in EU" on the back cover and a "Made in Poland" on the credit page of the inner booklet.
Is this to be considered a different release or all the UK copies have the same credits?

So I just noticed in the forums that some people have a problem with the cover of this 4LP box set - during time it starts to shrink somewhat and there are syringe like drag marks on the cover. My copy is exactly the same, didnt have this problem when I bought it as new back in the day. I have keeped the box set in my expedit, almost ideal temperature conditions throughout the year.