Porcupine Tree – Anesthetize (Live In Tilburg - Oct. 2008)

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?"

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.