Album Mini-review: Steven Wilson — 4 1/2
File Next to: Radiohead, Opeth, Peter Gabriel
Steven Wilson is possibly the busiest musician of the 21st century. Beyond his leadership of the now on-hiatus Porcupine Tree, he’s recorded and/or toured as (or as part of) Blackfield, No-man, Bass Communion, Storm Corrosion, and I.E.M. His remix work has improved on the already superb back catalogs of King Crimson, Caravan, Jethro Tull, Yes, Gentle Giant, and XTC. Somehow he’s found time for a solo career. His four solo albums demonstrate his facility at various genres (prog, jazz, metal), combined with instincts of a top-notch pop songwriter. The 37-minute *4 ½ is billed as an EP, but deserves consideration as a full-fledged album. “My Book of Regrets” is as tuneful as anything he’s ever written, and the other five tunes – including a remake of Porcupine Tree’s “Don’t Hate Me” – are showcases for Wilson’s deft blend of melodicism, muscle, and melancholy.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4000-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he is co-teaching a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 40 Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.