Actually, since I've got you here:
My old flatmate, since disappearing Oop North has discovered a fresh interest in the progressive and psychedelic rock I originally tried to introduce him to, from which he has independently discovered Gong. He is now insisting that I should give, among other bands, Porcupine Tree a try. Any thoughts?
(LongJohnBaldry, Mon 14 Feb 2011, 12:01, 3 replies, latest was 15 years ago)

don't listen to Porcupine Tree
a friend loved them, dragged me to see them in Bristol. Tedious wank
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Mon 14 Feb 2011, 12:03, Reply)

Duly noted, many thanks.
But then you are talking to someone who enjoys the occasional bit of Ozric Tentacles.
(LongJohnBaldry, Mon 14 Feb 2011, 12:15, Reply)

there's bit and pieces of it that are good
but taken as a whole it just doesn't ever feel like it gets anywhere. But then you're talking to someone who will happily listen to Tubular Bells so I don't know what that tells you
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Mon 14 Feb 2011, 12:17, Reply)

you've summed them up very well I think
they could be great, but don't really get close.

nothing wrong with Mike Oldfield. Tubular Bells III and Guitars are good albums
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Mon 14 Feb 2011, 12:21, Reply)

Ozric Tentacles are fucking brilliant.

( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Mon 14 Feb 2011, 12:22, Reply)

indeed they are
one of the guys in the office where I am on secondment is their biggest fan. Absolutely loves them to bits.
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Mon 14 Feb 2011, 12:23, Reply)

Not my cup of tea, but each to their own. Bit too pompous.
The chap (Stephen Wilson) has just remastered and remixed the King Crimson back catalogue to massive acclaim. Some of their work I do like a lot.
( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Mon 14 Feb 2011, 12:08, Reply)

Ah yes, I think I heard this in passing the other day.
I must give some of Crimson's other stuff a try as well. Loved the first LP but really couldn't get into Red. Suspect I have a less-than-legit copy of Islands somewhere that I should fish out.
(LongJohnBaldry, Mon 14 Feb 2011, 12:16, Reply)

they have one or two alright songs
but there are much better bands doing the same thing

Bigelf are who you want to listen to. (Thanks Monty)
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Mon 14 Feb 2011, 12:19, Reply)