Steven Wilson — Perfect Life
Album: Hand. Cannot. Erase.Avg rating:
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Total ratings: 1294
Length: 4:41
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When I was 13 I had a sister for 6 months. She arrived one February morning, pale and shellshocked, from past lives I could not imagine. She was 3 years older than me but in no time we became friends.
We'd listen to her mix tapes; Dead Can Dance, Felt, This Mortal Coil
She introduced me to her favourite books, gave me clothes and my first cigarette.
Sonetimes we would head down to Blackbirds Moor to watch the barges on Grand Union in the twilight. She said, "The water has no memory".
For a few months everything about our lives was perfect. It was only us. We were inseparable.
But gradually she passed into another distant part of my memory.
Until I could no longer remember her face, her voice, even her name.
We have got
We have got a perfect life
We have got
We have got a perfect life
We have got
We have got a perfect life...
We'd listen to her mix tapes; Dead Can Dance, Felt, This Mortal Coil
She introduced me to her favourite books, gave me clothes and my first cigarette.
Sonetimes we would head down to Blackbirds Moor to watch the barges on Grand Union in the twilight. She said, "The water has no memory".
For a few months everything about our lives was perfect. It was only us. We were inseparable.
But gradually she passed into another distant part of my memory.
Until I could no longer remember her face, her voice, even her name.
We have got
We have got a perfect life
We have got
We have got a perfect life
We have got
We have got a perfect life...
Comments (78)add comment
GOOD TUNE! But, not one of his best. Thanx RP! 
struzi wrote:
I think I've heard worse (to my taste obviously), but this comes pretty close. I'm struggling to give it more than a 3, to be honest...
worst piece of music here on RP
I think I've heard worse (to my taste obviously), but this comes pretty close. I'm struggling to give it more than a 3, to be honest...
worst piece of music here on RP
So....so... Moby?
I'm verklempt
Susan_Amati wrote:
I know what you mean, just let it happen. And I wish it was longer every time!
I don't know why, but this really affects me.
I know what you mean, just let it happen. And I wish it was longer every time!
Chilling.
Christ! this hits me in a place I'd forgotten I had.
The video to Perfect Life really captures the essence of the song and enhances the listening experience IMO......something that can't be said for a lot of music videos. His other videos are pretty cool too, especially some of the animated stuff 
I adore this song though it also creeps me out.
RP is where I discovered Steven Wilson ("Harmony Korine") and Porcupine Tree ("Time Flies"). (you're saying: "how did you miss that?" leave me alone.)
Keep it up!
Keep it up!
Mundane!
westslope wrote:
I posted this two years ago. Since then Steven Wilson has put out To the Bone which clearly reflects a Talk Talk influence.
To understand the inspiration, get a hold of Boards of Canada Tomorrow's Harvest CD.
If you like original techno-ambient music, you will love it.
Though I cannot help but feel that Steven Wilson has listened to Talk Talk.
If you like original techno-ambient music, you will love it.
Though I cannot help but feel that Steven Wilson has listened to Talk Talk.
I posted this two years ago. Since then Steven Wilson has put out To the Bone which clearly reflects a Talk Talk influence.
As a (long since passed) child from a bad upbringing who has just become a foster parent at the age of 50.....this is simply heart wrenching & beautiful
Wonder- and powerful concert this year in Luxembourg! Steven is an eloquent and enjoyable narrator, surprise surprise!
rocklandlove wrote:
Interesting. But not quite in the same category.
For those who love the spoken word, listen to the French artist Grande Corps Malade (Fabien Marsaud). This is French slam poetry. The voice and diction are amazing.
Perhaps it helps if you understand the words which happen to be very well articulated so easy to understand. The latest albumb Plan B is excellent.
Perfect tune. Now: may I recommend a perfect segue to another amazing sibling/story/spoken/song:
My Sister, by Tindersticks...
from one DJ to 2 others... think it over, B&R!
My Sister, by Tindersticks...
from one DJ to 2 others... think it over, B&R!
Interesting. But not quite in the same category.
For those who love the spoken word, listen to the French artist Grande Corps Malade (Fabien Marsaud). This is French slam poetry. The voice and diction are amazing.
Perhaps it helps if you understand the words which happen to be very well articulated so easy to understand. The latest albumb Plan B is excellent.
Going to see him again in March this year at Manchester Bridgewater Hall - he added another night also, so may go to both.
This song is fantastic, and the video on stage on his last concert was awesome.
Steven Wilson has the best audio for a concert I have heard in decades of going to concert. Will keep going to all his concerts when he is here in Manchester too.
Recommend anyone else to go see him.
This song is fantastic, and the video on stage on his last concert was awesome.
Steven Wilson has the best audio for a concert I have heard in decades of going to concert. Will keep going to all his concerts when he is here in Manchester too.
Recommend anyone else to go see him.
Perfect tune. Now: may I recommend a perfect segue to another amazing sibling/story/spoken/song:
My Sister, by Tindersticks...
from one DJ to 2 others... think it over, B&R!
My Sister, by Tindersticks...
from one DJ to 2 others... think it over, B&R!
westslope wrote:
I just started listening and if this first song is any indication, I am loving it.
Anybody here enjoying the latest SW album To the Bone?
It is taking me a while to 'understand' all the songs but once I do. Brilliant and original.
Perhaps the To the Bone is a little less cohesive than the previous two albums and most of the Porcupine Tree output.
I love some of the lyrics on To the Bone and find them insightful, almost profound for pop music. But some of the lyrics are a little too cliché for my tastes.
From the opening of the title song:
Once we've made sense of our world, we wanna go fuck up everybody else's because his or her truth doesn't match mine. But this is the problem. Truth is individual calculation. Which means because we all have different perspectives, there isn't just one singular truth, is there?
It is taking me a while to 'understand' all the songs but once I do. Brilliant and original.
Perhaps the To the Bone is a little less cohesive than the previous two albums and most of the Porcupine Tree output.
I love some of the lyrics on To the Bone and find them insightful, almost profound for pop music. But some of the lyrics are a little too cliché for my tastes.
From the opening of the title song:
Once we've made sense of our world, we wanna go fuck up everybody else's because his or her truth doesn't match mine. But this is the problem. Truth is individual calculation. Which means because we all have different perspectives, there isn't just one singular truth, is there?
I just started listening and if this first song is any indication, I am loving it.
jarcampbell wrote:
Go back to the country and western bar you came from
This is absolutely pretentious drivel. Make it stop.
Go back to the country and western bar you came from
jarcampbell wrote:
No no no no .... thow shall not diss The Wilson
This is absolutely pretentious drivel. Make it stop.
No no no no .... thow shall not diss The Wilson
Anybody here enjoying the latest SW album To the Bone?
It is taking me a while to 'understand' all the songs but once I do. Brilliant and original.
Perhaps the To the Bone is a little less cohesive than the previous two albums and most of the Porcupine Tree output.
I love some of the lyrics on To the Bone and find them insightful, almost profound for pop music. But some of the lyrics are a little too cliché for my tastes.
From the opening of the title song:
Once we've made sense of our world, we wanna go fuck up everybody else's because his or her truth doesn't match mine. But this is the problem. Truth is individual calculation. Which means because we all have different perspectives, there isn't just one singular truth, is there?
It is taking me a while to 'understand' all the songs but once I do. Brilliant and original.
Perhaps the To the Bone is a little less cohesive than the previous two albums and most of the Porcupine Tree output.
I love some of the lyrics on To the Bone and find them insightful, almost profound for pop music. But some of the lyrics are a little too cliché for my tastes.
From the opening of the title song:
Once we've made sense of our world, we wanna go fuck up everybody else's because his or her truth doesn't match mine. But this is the problem. Truth is individual calculation. Which means because we all have different perspectives, there isn't just one singular truth, is there?
Epic track
it taps into the spirit
it taps into the spirit jarcampbell wrote:
I absolutely disagree, but you get credit for not referring to this song as dribble. That's all you get, though.
This is absolutely pretentious drivel. Make it stop.
I absolutely disagree, but you get credit for not referring to this song as dribble. That's all you get, though.
New album out in August!
To the bone it is called. Three YouTube samples have been posted. Looking forward to it. Also looking forward to The War on Drug's new album. Adam Granduciel is amazing.
To the bone it is called. Three YouTube samples have been posted. Looking forward to it. Also looking forward to The War on Drug's new album. Adam Granduciel is amazing.
This is absolutely pretentious drivel. Make it stop.
MM_Oz wrote:
Agreed. Great segue, Bill!
Now - that is a segue!! Pink Floyd Gig in the sky and you could just hear this starting in the background in the closing bars ofPF ... Bloody beaut Bill. Good one...
Had the privilege to see SW in Melbourne a couple of months ago..... faultless and a fantastic night. Come back soon Steven!
Had the privilege to see SW in Melbourne a couple of months ago..... faultless and a fantastic night. Come back soon Steven!
Agreed. Great segue, Bill!
1wolfy wrote:
Sweet!
I truly adore the Grand Union mix of this track..check it out..it's a must. Moves me to tears
Sweet!
Now - that is a segue!! Pink Floyd Gig in the sky and you could just hear this starting in the background in the closing bars ofPF ... Bloody beaut Bill. Good one...
Had the privilege to see SW in Melbourne a couple of months ago..... faultless and a fantastic night. Come back soon Steven!
Had the privilege to see SW in Melbourne a couple of months ago..... faultless and a fantastic night. Come back soon Steven!
I don't know why, but this really affects me.
westslope wrote:
Yep, definitely some Talk Talk in there. I get an Elbow vibe too, especially from the percussion.
To understand the inspiration, get a hold of Boards of Canada Tomorrow's Harvest CD.
If you like original techno-ambient music, you will love it.
Though I cannot help but feel that Steven Wilson has listened to Talk Talk.
If you like original techno-ambient music, you will love it.
Though I cannot help but feel that Steven Wilson has listened to Talk Talk.
Yep, definitely some Talk Talk in there. I get an Elbow vibe too, especially from the percussion.
I truly adore the Grand Union mix of this track..check it out..it's a must. Moves me to tears
Wavemechanic wrote:
Sounds like you had 2 players running simultaneously.
Jeez Bill, your new voiceover booth must be covered in ceramic tiles instead of acoustic ones... Mucho early reflections. Intentional?
Sounds like you had 2 players running simultaneously.
Jeez Bill, your new voiceover booth must be covered in ceramic tiles instead of acoustic ones... Mucho early reflections. Intentional?
For some reason the main vocal (voiceover) sends the hairs on my neck up whenever I hear it. Without this the song is its a medioco Ho-hum kind of song track
On_The_Beach wrote:
In Tilburg, I didn't even need earplugs. My ears where not ringing afterwards. I think volume issues are caused by the venues messing things up.
I was there too and I agree with your comment re the volume, westslope.
I did bring ear plugs but you do lose a lot of the subtleties (read high end) of the sound.
Not sure why some artists/bands insist on cranking their music to painful levels. Does anyone enjoy that?
Musically, a great show of course.
I did bring ear plugs but you do lose a lot of the subtleties (read high end) of the sound.
Not sure why some artists/bands insist on cranking their music to painful levels. Does anyone enjoy that?
Musically, a great show of course.
In Tilburg, I didn't even need earplugs. My ears where not ringing afterwards. I think volume issues are caused by the venues messing things up.
Stingray wrote:
The song works much, much better in the context of the whole CD. It really provides an emotional core there.
I do not know about the CD
The song works much, much better in the context of the whole CD. It really provides an emotional core there.
Went to the show in Bristol last week.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
They did Space Oddity which was wonderful and chilling.
The new EP is pretty good too!
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
They did Space Oddity which was wonderful and chilling.
The new EP is pretty good too!
To understand the inspiration, get a hold of Boards of Canada Tomorrow's Harvest CD.
If you like original techno-ambient music, you will love it.
Though I cannot help but feel that Steven Wilson has listened to Talk Talk.
If you like original techno-ambient music, you will love it.
Though I cannot help but feel that Steven Wilson has listened to Talk Talk.
Beautiful... 
westslope wrote:
I believe this sad article from the New York Times is in keeping with the theme of the Hand.Cannot.Erase CD:
Small world, I read that too. Really well-written piece. Drives home how really insignificant any one life is. On the other hand, so much contrary evidence of how one person can effect so much change.
I believe this sad article from the New York Times is in keeping with the theme of the Hand.Cannot.Erase CD:
The Lonely Death of George Bell
Small world, I read that too. Really well-written piece. Drives home how really insignificant any one life is. On the other hand, so much contrary evidence of how one person can effect so much change.
I believe this sad article from the New York Times is in keeping with the theme of the Hand.Cannot.Erase CD:
The Lonely Death of George Bell
Nice!
Piranga wrote:
I do not know about the CD - but I know this song is your 72 year old Hippies who lost touch with reality!
Only Floyd can be worth for anybody under the age of 40!
Old-fart chill song - MOST TERRIBLE!
Steven Wilson can do no wrong. Fabulous CD.
I do not know about the CD - but I know this song is your 72 year old Hippies who lost touch with reality!
Only Floyd can be worth for anybody under the age of 40!
Old-fart chill song - MOST TERRIBLE!
Steven Wilson can do no wrong. Fabulous CD.
k-man wrote:
I caught the show in San Fran., and yeah, loud! I guess my old ears prefer a bit of sonic noise on the quieter side of things.
I also just caught John Mayall in a small club here in Santa Cruz, a club that's I've known for being really Loud. As the show started, John began to talk to the audience, and the mic blared. John made the sound guy turn down the mains until they were at a reasonable listening level. The band then proceeded Rock Friggin' OUT!! An amazing show, but also, one that wasn't too loud.
With the gizmos they have these days, you can get a Jimi Hendrix electric amp-buzz going, and still be kind to your ears. John's been around for a while, and he enjoys listening, still. Nice that he treats his audience with care, too.
Stanley Clark in the mid '70s - loudest concert I have ever been to.
Next was the Chili Peppers in the mid '80s.
I caught the show in San Fran., and yeah, loud! I guess my old ears prefer a bit of sonic noise on the quieter side of things.
I also just caught John Mayall in a small club here in Santa Cruz, a club that's I've known for being really Loud. As the show started, John began to talk to the audience, and the mic blared. John made the sound guy turn down the mains until they were at a reasonable listening level. The band then proceeded Rock Friggin' OUT!! An amazing show, but also, one that wasn't too loud.
With the gizmos they have these days, you can get a Jimi Hendrix electric amp-buzz going, and still be kind to your ears. John's been around for a while, and he enjoys listening, still. Nice that he treats his audience with care, too.
Stanley Clark in the mid '70s - loudest concert I have ever been to.
Next was the Chili Peppers in the mid '80s.
Steven Wilson--a true musical genius in my book. This song, from his latest CD, is part of his best work yet.
The BEST musician around the world!!!
On_The_Beach wrote:
I caught the show in San Fran., and yeah, loud! I guess my old ears prefer a bit of sonic noise on the quieter side of things.
I also just caught John Mayall in a small club here in Santa Cruz, a club that's I've known for being really Loud. As the show started, John began to talk to the audience, and the mic blared. John made the sound guy turn down the mains until they were at a reasonable listening level. The band then proceeded Rock Friggin' OUT!! An amazing show, but also, one that wasn't too loud.
With the gizmos they have these days, you can get a Jimi Hendrix electric amp-buzz going, and still be kind to your ears. John's been around for a while, and he enjoys listening, still. Nice that he treats his audience with care, too.
Not sure why some artists/bands insist on cranking their music to painful levels. Does anyone enjoy that?
I caught the show in San Fran., and yeah, loud! I guess my old ears prefer a bit of sonic noise on the quieter side of things.
I also just caught John Mayall in a small club here in Santa Cruz, a club that's I've known for being really Loud. As the show started, John began to talk to the audience, and the mic blared. John made the sound guy turn down the mains until they were at a reasonable listening level. The band then proceeded Rock Friggin' OUT!! An amazing show, but also, one that wasn't too loud.
With the gizmos they have these days, you can get a Jimi Hendrix electric amp-buzz going, and still be kind to your ears. John's been around for a while, and he enjoys listening, still. Nice that he treats his audience with care, too.
I like the way she says 'clothes'
REALLY enjoying this album...but must confess this is my least favorite track/song. Just can't get into the vibe/theme.
Maybe it was the venue. I saw him a couple of weeks ago in Anaheim, CA, and the volume was... just right at The Grove where he played. The replacements for Guthrie Govan and Marco Minnemann did a credible impersonation of them, and his selection of older tunes (pre-solo albums) was just right. I enjoyed the concert so much I actually watched it again on the live stream the following night from Los Angeles, did anyone else catch that?
westslope wrote:
I was there too and I agree with your comment re the volume, westslope.
I did bring ear plugs but you do lose a lot of the subtleties (read high end) of the sound.
Not sure why some artists/bands insist on cranking their music to painful levels. Does anyone enjoy that?
Musically, a great show of course.
Saw the concert in Vancouver, BC. I enjoyed it but next time should bring acoustical ear plugs. Not much texture in a loud wall of sound.
I was there too and I agree with your comment re the volume, westslope.
I did bring ear plugs but you do lose a lot of the subtleties (read high end) of the sound.
Not sure why some artists/bands insist on cranking their music to painful levels. Does anyone enjoy that?
Musically, a great show of course.
Saw the concert in Vancouver, BC. I enjoyed it but next time should bring acoustical ear plugs. Not much texture in a loud wall of sound.
We have got
Rottinger wrote:
Things happen in the entertainment industry, and you may not agree with them, but they happen.
Yeah, at some moment, an artist, a professional artist, will do things you can't get behind. Even a professional artist you like, love, adulate. In the end they are all just people trying their best, having ideas and acting upon these.
In my book, it's okay, it's okay that you can't stand it.
But I find it a bit strange.
I am a huge Steven Wilson & Porcupine Tree fan, to an almost obsessive level. I love the new album, every single track is true to form and they have that combination of Steven Wilson typical traits and brushes of new stuff, which keeps his music fresh yet familiar.
But THIS track...No. I swear I have tried, but it's just soppy and boring. The story is uninteresting and Katherine Jenkins' voice is dull. For me the song starts at 2:15, where she does perfect backing vocals, by the way. Maybe I'm just an arse and can't take someone else doing any kind of vocals in his music.
I like Blackfield though....
But THIS track...No. I swear I have tried, but it's just soppy and boring. The story is uninteresting and Katherine Jenkins' voice is dull. For me the song starts at 2:15, where she does perfect backing vocals, by the way. Maybe I'm just an arse and can't take someone else doing any kind of vocals in his music
. I like Blackfield though....
Things happen in the entertainment industry, and you may not agree with them, but they happen.
Yeah, at some moment, an artist, a professional artist, will do things you can't get behind. Even a professional artist you like, love, adulate. In the end they are all just people trying their best, having ideas and acting upon these.
In my book, it's okay, it's okay that you can't stand it.
But I find it a bit strange.
I am listening to this on my Android phone right now, but it doesn't show in the playlist! The desktop playlist is showing and playing William Shatner - You'll Have Time. 
In complete agreement. But I do like the intro.
Rottinger wrote:
Rottinger wrote:
I am a huge Steven Wilson & Porcupine Tree fan, to an almost obsessive level. I love the new album, every single track is true to form and they have that combination of Steven Wilson typical traits and brushes of new stuff, which keeps his music fresh yet familiar.
But THIS track...No. I swear I have tried, but it's just soppy and boring. The story is uninteresting and Katherine Jenkins' voice is dull. For me the song starts at 2:15, where she does perfect backing vocals, by the way. Maybe I'm just an arse and can't take someone else doing any kind of vocals in his music.
I like Blackfield though....
But THIS track...No. I swear I have tried, but it's just soppy and boring. The story is uninteresting and Katherine Jenkins' voice is dull. For me the song starts at 2:15, where she does perfect backing vocals, by the way. Maybe I'm just an arse and can't take someone else doing any kind of vocals in his music
. I like Blackfield though....
Could someone please give this man a big hug? He sounds like he needs it.
I am a huge Steven Wilson & Porcupine Tree fan, to an almost obsessive level. I love the new album, every single track is true to form and they have that combination of Steven Wilson typical traits and brushes of new stuff, which keeps his music fresh yet familiar.
But THIS track...No. I swear I have tried, but it's just soppy and boring. The story is uninteresting and Katherine Jenkins' voice is dull. For me the song starts at 2:15, where she does perfect backing vocals, by the way. Maybe I'm just an arse and can't take someone else doing any kind of vocals in his music.
I like Blackfield though....
But THIS track...No. I swear I have tried, but it's just soppy and boring. The story is uninteresting and Katherine Jenkins' voice is dull. For me the song starts at 2:15, where she does perfect backing vocals, by the way. Maybe I'm just an arse and can't take someone else doing any kind of vocals in his music
. I like Blackfield though....
SmileOnADog wrote:
https://stevenwilsonhq.com/sw/sw-band-lineup-changes-for-americacanada-shows/
although I wonder who will be joining him if those two others from the band can't do the US leg... the PT regulars maybe? Anybody know?
https://stevenwilsonhq.com/sw/sw-band-lineup-changes-for-americacanada-shows/
Beautiful song...
I definitively love SW!
I definitively love SW!
First heard SW and P'Tree here on RP, sure appreciate Bill's eclectic tastes and bringing so many aural delights our way.
Got my tickets to a June stop on the H.C.E. tour, can't wait to experience the visuals and music, although I wonder who will be joining him if those two others from the band can't do the US leg... the PT regulars maybe? Anybody know?
Especially beautiful track and Routine blows my mind !! listen to the Ninet Tayeb solo vocal..blissful
More.
ShaunJ wrote:
Really looking forward to this tour. Unfortunately Guthrie Govan (guitar) and Marco Minnemann (drums) will not available for the North American tour dates.
I'm seeing him when he is in the Twin Cities later this spring. Can't wait.
Really looking forward to this tour. Unfortunately Guthrie Govan (guitar) and Marco Minnemann (drums) will not available for the North American tour dates.
I'm seeing him when he is in the Twin Cities later this spring. Can't wait.
Proclivities wrote:
Really looking forward to this tour. Unfortunately Guthrie Govan (guitar) and Marco Minnemann (drums) will not available for the North American tour dates.
Smooth groove here. His singing reminds me of David Gates' voice in this tune.
Really looking forward to this tour. Unfortunately Guthrie Govan (guitar) and Marco Minnemann (drums) will not available for the North American tour dates.
Not the most typical album from this album, but there are hardly any "typical" songs on it anyway. Would love to hear Happy Returns here as well. Such a moving epilogue.
Smooth groove here. His singing reminds me of David Gates' voice in this tune.
Great artist, great album, great song!
First listen for me, but,,,, more importantly, I have tix for SW in June.
Yup, still getting to know the CD here too.
It goes from simple refrains ('pop') to walls of sound and wallpaper shredding found on some King Crimson CDs. Wilson really tries to exploit the fullest sonicscape available. Is sonicscape a real word? I dunno....
So far, I like it, I like it a lot. Brilliant. Different from The Raven that refused to sing, far less jazzy, but still brilliant.
It goes from simple refrains ('pop') to walls of sound and wallpaper shredding found on some King Crimson CDs. Wilson really tries to exploit the fullest sonicscape available. Is sonicscape a real word? I dunno....
So far, I like it, I like it a lot. Brilliant. Different from The Raven that refused to sing, far less jazzy, but still brilliant.
Still getting to know this album - loving the 5.1 version
Sounds a bit like a Talking Heads' "Seen and Not Seen" with Elbow's drummer.
Wow...I like this. Pretty orchestration and composition.
This is one of the more moving songs on the CD.
Perhaps it is not for all palates and that is why it has not been played yet. (Spoke too soon.)
Perhaps it is not for all palates and that is why it has not been played yet. (Spoke too soon.)