No-Man: new album Love You To Bits

**Valen** · 11-25-2019

Sometimes the best things happen when you least expect them.

I'd assumed Steven Wilson and Tim Bowness were now too busy to reactivate their No-Man collaboration, but here we are with a new album Love You To Bits released last week.

The new No-Man album boldly goes where No-Man hasn’t been before, and turns out to be one of the best things they’ve ever done.

I’ve put together a brief blog review which offers some thoughts on the music, possible influences, and why this album might be a major step change in Wilson’s approach to producing his music.

Hope you find it interesting.

https://momentstransition.wordpress....-to-bits-2019/

**Steve983** · 11-25-2019

Still trying to like it, the dancey beats don't help! I'm fearing that my long love of SW's music has come to a close.

**jamesmanzi** · 11-25-2019

I mentioned this over in the new Steven Wilson music thread, but I'll repeat it here: I love this album.

**Nearfest2** · 11-25-2019

Sounds like a Daft Punk album with vocals.

**LeFrog** · 11-26-2019

I have no problem with the dance beats and electronics. In fact I have always thought SW should add more of this in his music on the basis of tracks like The Incident (PT) or Song of I.
What I do have a problem with is that this album seems to stretch very few ideas thin. My first impression is that of a strong lack of substance.

**Harbottle** · 11-26-2019

Reminds me of Voyage 34 with vocals and more electronics. Quite like the sudden appearance of a brass band at the end of side one.

I like the whole thing. Even better, when I play it in the car it annoys the kids.

**Valen** · 11-26-2019

Received a nice message from Tim last night, thanking me for my review and mentioning the 10cc connection I made:

"You're the fourth or fifth person who's made the I'm Not In Love observation. It wasn't intended, but it remains a favourite piece for me (and the first single I bought). 10cc's Kevin Godley sang on my solo album from earlier this year in honour of that. Clearly, it's in the DNA."

**Steve983** · 11-26-2019

Originally Posted by LeFrog

I have no problem with the dance beats and electronics. In fact I have always thought SW should add more of this in his music on the basis of tracks like The Incident (PT) or Song of I.
What I do have a problem with is that this album seems to stretch very few ideas thin. My first impression is that of a strong lack of substance.

Yes, to me it sounds like one song that is being recycled over and over but with a different arrangement each time. If they'd do a remix without the beats and turn it into an ambient soundscape I think I might like it but no, I'm off the No Man bus for this one.

**Kcrimso** · 11-26-2019

Originally Posted by Steve983

Yes, to me it sounds like one song that is being recycled over and over but with a different arrangement each time. If they'd do a remix without the beats and turn it into an ambient soundscape I think I might like it but no, I'm off the No Man bus for this one.

Well I think the whole point of the album is to stretch "three minute disco single" to epic length (little bit like Donna Summer's "Love To Love You Baby"). Is that a good idea or is the implementation successful in this case? I can't say yet

**Crawford Glissadevil** · 11-27-2019

Meh.

**Progtastic** · 12-02-2019

Played this for the first time and my wife said "Is this Porcupine Tree?" I was astounded she'd made a connection.

For the record I like it, I liked "To The Bone" too, so shoot me.

**jamesmanzi** · 12-02-2019

There's some crossover in sensibilities. I think that's true of everything Wilson touches. Was listening to Heaven Taste (the song) on the way in this morning and thinking it could easily come off of an early PT album. Not far removed from Moonloop.

**interbellum** · 12-02-2019

From what I heard this is also a return to the beginning: Lovesighs

**3LockBox** · 12-02-2019

Days In The Trees is one of my FAVORITE songs

**jamesmanzi** · 12-03-2019

Originally Posted by 3LockBox

Days In The Trees is one of my FAVORITE songs

same here

**Geoff O'Donoghue** · 12-22-2019

I've had this on continuous rotation for quite a while now and I love it. This is easily my favourite No-Man release with 'beats' (previously Wild Opera held the slot) while Schoolyard Ghosts is my favourite 'quiet' album. Love You To Bits is also on my top 10 of the decade.