Ok, I was a bit hasty a few weeks ago in an initial review of the new Steven Wilson album. My actual, physical, honest-to-goodness copy of the CD arrived yesterday. And, what a thing of excellence it is. With apologies to Brian Watson, I must gush a bit. The “flow” is especially strong. Listening to the album is akin to watching the intricate and unpredictable patterns in nature–perhaps the cracks that develop on a frozen body of water. There is a hidden symmetry in its revelations. Indeed, this album shows a real maturity, a sort of combining of the best of the first and second solo albums. And, as always, Wilson is an audiophilic genius. This I’ve never questioned, and his talent manifests itself galore on this album. Ok, enough gushing. If you’ve not bought this album yet, do so! It’s probably even worth paying the $3.99 for expedited delivery.
Progarchy 
I suspected that you might come around to others’ way of thinking on this one!
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Thanks for having faith in me, Richard. Much appreciated. I will admit, I was allowing some personal dislike of his statements in interviews to bias me. So, I was actually the biased one.
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My physical copy should arrive today; am looking forward to listening to it closely with headphones on. Speaking of Wilson interviews, AllAboutJazz.com just posted one: “Steven Wilson: Intuitive Indulgences And Pop Proclivities”. The site also reviewed the album, giving it 5 stars.
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Eager to know your thoughts on it, Carl.
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Brad – you’ve seen the light!! – I have listened to it at least half a dozen times and it does flow perfectly for a concept album. It combines the best elements of his music and I do prefer it to Raven.
As for comparisons to GFD or Insurgentes, I need to revisit them.
I am very looking forward to seeing it played live on my birthday in March.
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Ian! I’ve come to the light!!! I never wanted to leave. I still listen to Insurgentes regularly.
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