It’s still so freaky and unsettling to me that the motorcycle accident that killed him (at 27 years of age, of course) happened while he was on his way to what would have been his first rehearsal with the then-new Noel Burke lineup. I don’t have a reasonable explanation for why that has always freaked me out, but it has for all these years. Anyway, yes one of the greatest drummers of the 80’s, and an essential part of the Bunnymen sound. He’ll never be matched.
And once again, after listening to this band for over 40 years, the one word that comes to mind is WOW! Percussion, flawless; guitars, spectacular, bass, perfection; vocals and lyrics, fabulous! This band will NEVER be forgotten, at least where I'm concerned. Really hard to find anything today to come close. RIP Pete ♥️☮
This is but one clip from the "Porcupine" dvd; it really needs to be remastered and re-released. My copy has been downloaded to my own desktop, but it really needs to be further shared. A truly great band and an iconic album.
From the first time I heard them in ‘82, through my college years (especially!), my twenties, thirties, forties and now approaching my sixties (OMG), E&TB will always be my favorite band with a special place in my heart. This is one of my favorites of theirs.
I totally agree that this is one of the best songs by Echo and The Bunnymen, little known however perhaps that gives it a touch of being special, one of their songs that I most liked to dance at the New Wave parties in Lima- Peru
I love everything. Bought and still buy , Everything... But they have never bettered Porcupine.. So very underated. Do much better than Ocean Rain , and very slightly better than Crocodiles and Heaven Up Here. I still hear something new everytime I listen to this album. Ocean Rain kinda bored me ...a little. ❤
@@robslevin7555 I get that Ocean Rain is a good deal more ‘mellow’ and a bit less directly visceral than the three albums that preceded it, but I’ve gotta say, this is the first time I’ve seen it described as ‘boring’ (I know those weren’t your exact words, but it was in that context). I do think that Ocean Rain gets a little too much attention sometimes, compared to the other early albums, but it’s a fascinating album in its own way. With OR it’s not so much about the energy levels as it is about the atmospheric elements and the symphonic aspect of it with the string section and the lush production. I do think that it tends to get a bit overhyped at times, but in my book it’s just as much of an essential album as the other ‘early three’. Anyway, sorry. I know you were just stating your opinion. I just have never heard the words “bored” and “Ocean Rain” used in conjunction before.
@Shikta-poobah67 Hi . Good morning from Ireland. At work. But quick reply. I just never fully enjoyed OC . I keep trying, but as I bought it on vinyl on release day, it's probably not going to 'grow on' me now. Lol. I love , Moon , and the title track and My Kingdom . Mac's vocals are fabulous on the forme two tracks , and Will's guitar is wonderful on the latter. But beyond that I find the tracks lack atmosphere . Nice strings. Yep. Nice vocals,lyrics, melodies, yep. But they still leave me entirely cold. I wish they had made two versions of the album . I would adore an alternative rock/ post punk version, even with the same track list. Except Yo-yo.🤦. I bought everything they released after OC. All the way up to the dreadful Meteorites. I'm a fan. I will try OC again today. 🤞🙂
Incredible song from their peak album (just one person’s opinion). I’ve been a diehard Bunnymen fan through thick and thin since 1981. With the exception of Crocodiles, I experienced each of their albums, ep’s, and singles in real time, as they were released (Crocodiles had been out for roughly a year before I ‘discovered’ it). I can honestly say that with each of the first four albums, I still get the same thrill listening to them today that I did as a teenager in the early 80’s. They still sound just as fresh and original as they ever have to my ears. That being said, I’ve always felt that Porcupine was the high water mark. It’s about as close to a perfect album as it gets. Every song is a masterpiece. There’s zero filler. Some are more well known than others. This is one of the lesser known ones, but it’s no less ‘classic Bunnymen’ than any of the others. Anyway, I can’t say enough about Porcupine. Easily one of my all time, top five albums, by anyone. It’s gotten me through many a rough patch, and it’s accompanied many a celebration. “Pining for the pork of the porcupine”
Pete de Freitas was the heartbeat of early period Bunnymen. He was one hell of a drummer/percussionist, and is probably happily jamming away with other members of the 27 club (Hendrix, Cobain, Morrison, Joplin etc).
Echo and the Bunnymen, The Wild Swans, Altered Images, and Ocean Blue....put me on a deserted island with these 4 groups and their albums and I'd be ok
Those first four albums have aged perfectly, or rather haven’t aged at all… depending on the perspective. Except for Crocodiles, I bought each of those albums within a week of their respective releases (Crocodiles had been out for about a year when I first got it), and with all honesty I can say confidently that they all sound just as fresh, exciting, and cathartic today as they did way back then. Especially Porcupine, which has always been my personal favorite.
This is a totally underrated LP, dark and different at least they didnt stick to a boring formula but Ocean Rain gets all the accolades and its there weakest LP by a mile
I don't know how I didn't get exposure to them in the early 80s, I blame MTV for not playing their videos. They are amazing! So sorry I missed out until now.
MTV is how I discovered them, starting with "The Cutter" video. The weren't on heavy rotation, but definitely shown. Ultimately, you did discover this awesome band, and that's what really matters. 🙂
@@Pleasure_VictimI’m not sure which side of the Atlantic you’re on. I know that MTV was formatted differently in the UK and mainland Europe from what it was in the U.S. I was born ‘67 and came of age in the 80’s in the states. I distinctly remember going to London in summer ‘85 and seeing a completely different set of music videos airing over there from what they’d been playing on regular rotation in America. They were playing _much better_ stuff in England. No surprise there.
I have loved this song since the get go - it is such a beautifully realised album. As an Australian reviewer described it at the time; "A wonderful roller coaster ride with a beautiful coda". If you love Joni Mitchell , then my comment is completely understood.And my headstone will read, "In bluer skies". Bless ylu Ian & Joni.
True, from Crocodiles to Ocean Rain, just great. I tolerated the '87 album-loved Bedbugs and Ballyhoo and Over My Shoulder. Pete and Les were a great rhythm section.
First four albums are airtight and rock solid. After that I have to start cherry-picking. The ‘87 album is the OG lineup with Pete, but I’d say it’s a pretty big step down from what came before it. Reverberation and the two singles that followed it aren’t completely awful, but it’s basically a different band at that point in my opinion. Should’ve changed their name. Evergreen and everything else that’s come out since has been not much more than a pale shadow of their former self. A few decent songs here and there, peppered amongst a pile of forgettable mediocrity.
All four of the first four, for me. However Porcupine is the peak. They were a real force between ‘80 and ‘84. No one else could touch them in that timeframe.
@@trevorloughlin1492 I have nothing against Reverberation and the Noel era, other than I think they probably would have been a bit wiser had they changed the band’s name at that point. It’s not a bad album, and it got a lot of undeserved flak, mainly because it was released under the E&TB moniker. No matter the quality of the music during that period, without Mac or Pete the name “Echo & The Bunnymen” kind of just rang a little false… or at the very least more than a bit awkward. Like I said, I think it’s a decent album. Nowhere near as good as the first four, but at least on the same tier as the ‘87 album (though stylistically quite different from that one). The two obscure (obscure in America at least) singles that followed it on a small label were much better. A significant improvement. Unfortunately they got almost no promotion and were swept under the carpet, which really was a shame. That lineup had gelled nicely by then, but people had stopped paying attention and they soon broke up. Anyway, that’s my long winded way of saying that I think the Noel era deserves a second chance from the fans. It may not have been their best era, but it’s a hell of a lot better than the post-reunion stuff.
I absolutely love these films they made for 4 of the songs off of Porcupine, The Cutter film/video from the same session is fantastic as is Porcupine the song.
Echo an the bunnymen....faz parte de meu ser.....pena....Pete de Freitas ter morrido e o Les Pattinson....não estar mais com eles.....pra mim....a melhor banda de meus 58 anos.....todas músicas tem um remember pra mim
I actually got a little scared when I first heard this, I thought some spell had taken effect ( which can be done) through the recording..It hit me so immediately + deeply. I'm hoping it's just an incredible piece of music!
I don’t know if you were being literal about spells or not. All I know is that when a band as talented and tight as Echo & The Bunnymen were in the early 80’s gets locked into a groove, the music has a strong hypnotic effect. The Bunnymen were especially adept at locking in like that. It’s something that they learned from their 60’s and 70’s forefathers (Velvet Underground, 13th Floor Elevators, Doors, Television). I don’t know if any actual spells were cast, but the music does tend to put its listeners into a trance.
Faint Sounds: They only did that occasionally though. Apparently it makes it a lot harder for the rest of a band to hear themselves playing/singing when the drummer is placed in line with them.
There was a band from Tucson Arizona roughly 20 years ago called Shark Pants that regularly set up and played that way. Also, Wayne Kramer’s (former guitarist for MC5) band in the 90’s used to set up with their drums/drummer at the front of the left side of the stage facing sideways. Interesting configuration.
The way I see/hear it, all four of the first four albums are essentially perfect in their own way. No filler. Every song a mini-masterpiece. Rock solid from start to finish. Certain albums get more attention and accolades than others (*ahem Ocean Rain), but I’ve never paid much attention to that sort of thing. To me, the music is what matters. That said, Porcupine rises just a teentsy bit higher than the others. I don’t know how else to describe it. It just has that little bit of ‘extra’. It really is the crest of a huge, beautiful wave that didn’t crash or wash out for about five straight years. It’s perfection, perfected.
Heard it in Woolworths and bought album on spot. Can’t understand why it’s hardly ever been played live. All the same they were brilliant at Cambridge Corn Exchange on Saturday
Pete de Freitas wasn't just a drummer, he was a percussionist, instrumentalist and most of all, a talented musician. RIP
Completely agree.
Yes totally agree.. Pete was so important to their overall sound, he was just a beautiful man. blessings 💞
It’s still so freaky and unsettling to me that the motorcycle accident that killed him (at 27 years of age, of course) happened while he was on his way to what would have been his first rehearsal with the then-new Noel Burke lineup. I don’t have a reasonable explanation for why that has always freaked me out, but it has for all these years.
Anyway, yes one of the greatest drummers of the 80’s, and an essential part of the Bunnymen sound. He’ll never be matched.
The most underrated bunnymen song. It is one of their best.
I've been listening to this song for 35 years, and appreciate it more every time I play it.
Same
Me too, I rebought this album many times over the years. I love them just as much today as I did then. They look so young to me now !
Because is a good music.
here I am 3 years later because this is still the perfect song
Porcupine is their best album to my way of thinking. Ian's vocals were at their absolute peak..
And once again, after listening to this band for over 40 years, the one word that comes to mind is WOW! Percussion, flawless; guitars, spectacular, bass, perfection; vocals and lyrics, fabulous! This band will NEVER be forgotten, at least where I'm concerned. Really hard to find anything today to come close. RIP Pete ♥️☮
This is such a classic and beautiful song.
Let's take a moment to appreciate Pete's originality putting together this percussion setup that work's so well.
This is but one clip from the "Porcupine" dvd; it really needs to be remastered and re-released. My copy has been downloaded to my own desktop, but it really needs to be further shared. A truly great band and an iconic album.
From the first time I heard them in ‘82, through my college years (especially!), my twenties, thirties, forties and now approaching my sixties (OMG), E&TB will always be my favorite band with a special place in my heart. This is one of my favorites of theirs.
I totally agree that this is one of the best songs by Echo and The Bunnymen, little known however perhaps that gives it a touch of being special, one of their songs that I most liked to dance at the New Wave parties in Lima- Peru
one of the bests bunnymen songs, mcculloch's vocal is perfect, seargent riffs are unique and the lyrics are so poetic and very beautiful
Perfect description..
RIP Pete de Freitas (2 August 1961 - 14 June 1989)
Awesome song...I love this album! WAY underrated.
Blair M I highly agree!
I love everything. Bought and still buy , Everything... But they have never bettered Porcupine..
So very underated. Do much better than Ocean Rain , and very slightly better than Crocodiles and Heaven Up Here. I still hear something new everytime I listen to this album. Ocean Rain kinda bored me ...a little. ❤
Completely right.
@@robslevin7555 I get that Ocean Rain is a good deal more ‘mellow’ and a bit less directly visceral than the three albums that preceded it, but I’ve gotta say, this is the first time I’ve seen it described as ‘boring’ (I know those weren’t your exact words, but it was in that context). I do think that Ocean Rain gets a little too much attention sometimes, compared to the other early albums, but it’s a fascinating album in its own way. With OR it’s not so much about the energy levels as it is about the atmospheric elements and the symphonic aspect of it with the string section and the lush production. I do think that it tends to get a bit overhyped at times, but in my book it’s just as much of an essential album as the other ‘early three’.
Anyway, sorry. I know you were just stating your opinion. I just have never heard the words “bored” and “Ocean Rain” used in conjunction before.
@Shikta-poobah67 Hi . Good morning from Ireland.
At work. But quick reply.
I just never fully enjoyed OC .
I keep trying, but as I bought it on vinyl on release day, it's probably not going to 'grow on' me now. Lol. I love , Moon , and the title track and My Kingdom .
Mac's vocals are fabulous on the forme two tracks , and Will's guitar is wonderful on the latter.
But beyond that I find the tracks lack atmosphere . Nice strings. Yep. Nice vocals,lyrics, melodies, yep.
But they still leave me entirely cold.
I wish they had made two versions of the album .
I would adore an alternative rock/ post punk version, even with the same track list. Except Yo-yo.🤦.
I bought everything they released after OC. All the way up to the dreadful Meteorites.
I'm a fan.
I will try OC again today.
🤞🙂
Loved it then and still. So cool. Pete da Freitas rip. One very talented drummer.
I just discovered this song this year!! amazing song, one of the best bands ever.
For a period the Bunnymen WERE the best band in the world.
1980-84, definitely.
Echo & The Bunnymen one of the influential post-punk neo-psychedelic bands of the time
Probably one of my favorites by Echo. Tight and full of sound. That transition at 2:26 is wonderful
My fave Echo album. It's always in my rotating top 5 albums ever.
@@robslevin7555Same.
Porcupine is a fine gem of a recording. Definitely my favorite.
Incredible song from their peak album (just one person’s opinion). I’ve been a diehard Bunnymen fan through thick and thin since 1981. With the exception of Crocodiles, I experienced each of their albums, ep’s, and singles in real time, as they were released (Crocodiles had been out for roughly a year before I ‘discovered’ it). I can honestly say that with each of the first four albums, I still get the same thrill listening to them today that I did as a teenager in the early 80’s. They still sound just as fresh and original as they ever have to my ears. That being said, I’ve always felt that Porcupine was the high water mark. It’s about as close to a perfect album as it gets. Every song is a masterpiece. There’s zero filler. Some are more well known than others. This is one of the lesser known ones, but it’s no less ‘classic Bunnymen’ than any of the others.
Anyway, I can’t say enough about Porcupine. Easily one of my all time, top five albums, by anyone. It’s gotten me through many a rough patch, and it’s accompanied many a celebration.
“Pining for the pork of the porcupine”
YEEEEESSSSSS! When little else makes sense, at least Echo and The Bunnymen do.
Pete de Freitas was the heartbeat of early period Bunnymen. He was one hell of a drummer/percussionist, and is probably happily jamming away with other members of the 27 club (Hendrix, Cobain, Morrison, Joplin etc).
One of their top 3 songs, no doubt
Wonderful, thanks
Echo and the Bunnymen, The Wild Swans, Altered Images, and Ocean Blue....put me on a deserted island with these 4 groups and their albums and I'd be ok
Still sounds as good as ever.
Those first four albums have aged perfectly, or rather haven’t aged at all… depending on the perspective. Except for Crocodiles, I bought each of those albums within a week of their respective releases (Crocodiles had been out for about a year when I first got it), and with all honesty I can say confidently that they all sound just as fresh, exciting, and cathartic today as they did way back then. Especially Porcupine, which has always been my personal favorite.
40 años escuchandolos y nunca cansan.
I 100% endorse all the previous comments on this page.
This is a totally underrated LP, dark and different at least they didnt stick to a boring formula but Ocean Rain gets all the accolades and its there weakest LP by a mile
@@dermot51You think Ocean Rain is weaker than the ‘87 album, Reverberation, and all the post-reunion albums? Ok then. 🤔
Their songs should have a warning sign, could contain hooks. They were so talented. Fabulous voice, fabulous musicians, ❤️🎵🎶🐰
I don't know how I didn't get exposure to them in the early 80s, I blame MTV for not playing their videos. They are amazing! So sorry I missed out until now.
MTV is how I discovered them, starting with "The Cutter" video. The weren't on heavy rotation, but definitely shown. Ultimately, you did discover this awesome band, and that's what really matters. 🙂
@@Pleasure_VictimI’m not sure which side of the Atlantic you’re on. I know that MTV was formatted differently in the UK and mainland Europe from what it was in the U.S. I was born ‘67 and came of age in the 80’s in the states. I distinctly remember going to London in summer ‘85 and seeing a completely different set of music videos airing over there from what they’d been playing on regular rotation in America. They were playing _much better_ stuff in England. No surprise there.
arrangement, sound and lyrically in a total class of their own around this period, the Bunnymen are dead, long live the Bunnymen
Loved this band since 82".Loved them ever since.
Got me by a year
Excellent band. One of my favorites in high school in 83, 84.
Need to come here once in a while to get my fix.
Massive fan and can't believe I haven't seen this video before and I'm in my mid 50s.
Fab.
Shame on you ! Especially if you are a scouser.
Now I'm an industrial techno/dubstep/ambient head. 🤑 and I'm 50y.
I have loved this song since the get go - it is such a beautifully realised album. As an Australian reviewer described it at the time; "A wonderful roller coaster ride with a beautiful coda". If you love Joni Mitchell , then my comment is completely understood.And my headstone will read, "In bluer skies". Bless ylu Ian & Joni.
Love Ian's voice , detest Joni's. It's a funny old world.
Excellent 🖤
Umas das melhores bandas de todos tempos....
One of their best songs. Not keen on their later stuff aftet Pete Defritas died
True, from Crocodiles to Ocean Rain, just great. I tolerated the '87 album-loved Bedbugs and Ballyhoo and Over My Shoulder. Pete and Les were a great rhythm section.
First four albums are airtight and rock solid. After that I have to start cherry-picking. The ‘87 album is the OG lineup with Pete, but I’d say it’s a pretty big step down from what came before it. Reverberation and the two singles that followed it aren’t completely awful, but it’s basically a different band at that point in my opinion. Should’ve changed their name. Evergreen and everything else that’s come out since has been not much more than a pale shadow of their former self. A few decent songs here and there, peppered amongst a pile of forgettable mediocrity.
Pete makes this song. Kudos to the rest of the Bunnymen but I bow down to the late, great Peter de Freitas
Dark; mysterious; warm with a 60's sounding organ; pure Echo!
If this album ain’t there best album ever then I’ll be shocked either this or heaven up here
Flaming Red on the Reverberation album is the Noel Burke Bunnymen mk2 answer to this masterpiece.
All four of the first four, for me. However Porcupine is the peak. They were a real force between ‘80 and ‘84. No one else could touch them in that timeframe.
@@trevorloughlin1492 I have nothing against Reverberation and the Noel era, other than I think they probably would have been a bit wiser had they changed the band’s name at that point. It’s not a bad album, and it got a lot of undeserved flak, mainly because it was released under the E&TB moniker. No matter the quality of the music during that period, without Mac or Pete the name “Echo & The Bunnymen” kind of just rang a little false… or at the very least more than a bit awkward. Like I said, I think it’s a decent album. Nowhere near as good as the first four, but at least on the same tier as the ‘87 album (though stylistically quite different from that one). The two obscure (obscure in America at least) singles that followed it on a small label were much better. A significant improvement. Unfortunately they got almost no promotion and were swept under the carpet, which really was a shame. That lineup had gelled nicely by then, but people had stopped paying attention and they soon broke up.
Anyway, that’s my long winded way of saying that I think the Noel era deserves a second chance from the fans. It may not have been their best era, but it’s a hell of a lot better than the post-reunion stuff.
Great song
Pete de Freitas R.I.P
I absolutely love these films they made for 4 of the songs off of Porcupine, The Cutter film/video from the same session is fantastic as is Porcupine the song.
One of their best...
brilliant.
El riff de guitarra en el coro... qué pinche precioso suena.
Echo an the bunnymen....faz parte de meu ser.....pena....Pete de Freitas ter morrido e o Les Pattinson....não estar mais com eles.....pra mim....a melhor banda de meus 58 anos.....todas músicas tem um remember pra mim
Semplicemente magnifica!
perfect
Who thumbed this down 😂 its a rite tune!! 😍
What a load o dweebs
The coolest fucking band in history.
One of them, for sure.
I actually got a little scared when I first heard this, I thought some spell had taken effect ( which can be done) through the recording..It hit me so immediately + deeply. I'm hoping it's just an incredible piece of music!
I don’t know if you were being literal about spells or not. All I know is that when a band as talented and tight as Echo & The Bunnymen were in the early 80’s gets locked into a groove, the music has a strong hypnotic effect. The Bunnymen were especially adept at locking in like that. It’s something that they learned from their 60’s and 70’s forefathers (Velvet Underground, 13th Floor Elevators, Doors, Television).
I don’t know if any actual spells were cast, but the music does tend to put its listeners into a trance.
I C O N I C
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Bons tempos!
Good looking band.
Essa música é um tesouro
Are there any other bands that line up like the bunnymen with the drummer in the front with the group?
Faint Sounds: They only did that occasionally though. Apparently it makes it a lot harder for the rest of a band to hear themselves playing/singing when the drummer is placed in line with them.
There was a band from Tucson Arizona roughly 20 years ago called Shark Pants that regularly set up and played that way. Also, Wayne Kramer’s (former guitarist for MC5) band in the 90’s used to set up with their drums/drummer at the front of the left side of the stage facing sideways. Interesting configuration.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👌👌❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Porcupine didn't have one average track on it! IMO, just pips Heaven Up Here at the finishing line.....
You Echo my thoughts. Heaven Up Here is perfection , so how can it be bettered ??? But somehow, Porcupine just pips it ...❤
The way I see/hear it, all four of the first four albums are essentially perfect in their own way. No filler. Every song a mini-masterpiece. Rock solid from start to finish. Certain albums get more attention and accolades than others (*ahem Ocean Rain), but I’ve never paid much attention to that sort of thing. To me, the music is what matters.
That said, Porcupine rises just a teentsy bit higher than the others. I don’t know how else to describe it. It just has that little bit of ‘extra’. It really is the crest of a huge, beautiful wave that didn’t crash or wash out for about five straight years. It’s perfection, perfected.
@@robslevin7555 fully agree...
Heard it in Woolworths and bought album on spot. Can’t understand why it’s hardly ever been played live. All the same they were brilliant at Cambridge Corn Exchange on Saturday
they look 15
21,23,24 & 24
So true, made me laugh.😂
culte