Steven Wilson "Cover Version"

I wasn't going to bother with this because it's a compilation of CD singles he released whilst still in Porcupine Tree but BKP sent it over, so I will add it to the hard drive.  All of the singles themselves were limited editions and this is the first time they have been made available to the masses.  These are solo performances with minimal additions, mostly restrained and reflective, not at all what he was doing with PT or his more recent ventures.  The choice of covers are what interested me.  For a few years now I've marveled at his eclectic taste, semi-regularly visiting his website to follow his playlists.  In June, his selections included Tears For Fears, Andy Partridge, Wire, Townes Van Zandt, Swans & Thin Lizzy.  Go back through earlier months and you'll find Roy Harper, Budgie, John Barry, Ian Anderson, Sigur Ros, Love, The The, Al Stewart, Underworld, The Strawbs, Durutti Column, The Waterboys, Cocteau Twins, The Jam, Butthole Surfers and a shitload of names I didn't recognize.  So let's see what he choose to do in that span of years between '01 - '10;
Alanis Morissette's "Thank You," a Cure single from their second album, a centuries-old English folk ballad and a little-known Donovan composition from an album that failed to chart after the previous dozen had done so.  My favorite of the lot was his version of Prince's "Sign O' The Times."  It really fuzzes out about the 3:00 mark.  And finally, after believing this was a brilliant original song by Blancmange from thirty years ago...



...I noticed the writing credits and damn near threw up.  Did you see the hint in the video?  I honestly had no clue this was one of the last ABBA singles ever (worldwide, that is, it wasn't released domestically).  I've since gone back and listened to their version......awful.  Guess it really was a signal of the end for them.  Anyway, Wilson's version is slightly shorter, simpler and more haunting. 

If you are a ravenous fan of any of the cover songs, they are worthy of a $1.  The collection as a whole is for long-time fans.............................like moi.