The Difference Machine is the fifth studio album by the English progressive rock band Big Big Train. It was released on 30 August 2007, by English Electric Recordings. TDM is a concept album exploring chaos theory, communication, failure, death, loss, and bereavement. The story is of the death of an individual, which was linked to an exploding star in a distant galaxy. There are more influences of Van der Graaf Generator, Genesis, Mew, Sigur Rós and King Crimson throughout the album.
Professional ratings| Review scores |
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| Source | Rating |
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| Classic Rock |   |
| Guitar & Bass | (favourable) [1] |
| Dave Ling | (favourable) [2] |
| Progression |  |
| Traps | (favourable) |
| Title | Writer(s) |
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| 1. | "Hope This Finds You" | Spawton | 3:12 |
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| 2. | "Perfect Cosmic Storm" | Spawton | 14:40 |
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| 3. | "Breathing Space" | Spawton | 1:47 |
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| 4. | "Pick Up If You're There" | Spawton, Poole, Filkins | 13:39 |
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| 5. | "From the Wide Open Sea" | Spawton, Poole | 1:20 |
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| 6. | "Hope You Made It (Re-issue Bonus Track)" | Spawton | 3:46 |
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| 7. | "Salt Water Falling on Uneven Ground" | Spawton, Poole, Filkins | 12:38 |
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| 8. | "Summer's Lease" | Spawton, Poole | 7:34 |
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- Guest musicians
- Becca King - viola (tracks 1, 2, 4, 7, 8)
- Tony Wright - alto saxophone (tracks 1, 8), tenor saxophone (tracks 2, 4, 6, 8), flute (track 4)
- Nick D'Virgilio - drums (tracks 2, 4, 6), backing vocals (track 2)
- Dave Meros - bass (track 2)
- Pete Trewavas - bass (track 4)
