Portishead's debut album, Dummy, popularized rip-hop, making its slow, narcotic rhythms, hypnotic samples, and film noir production commonplace among sophisticated, self-consciously "mature" pop fans. The group recoiled from such widespread acclaim and influence, taking three years to deliver its eponymous second album. On the surface, Portishead isn't all that dissimilar from Dummy, but its haunting, foreboding sonic textures make it clear that the group isn't interested in the crossover success of such fellow travelers as Sneaker Pimps. Upon repeated plays, the subtle differences between the two albums become clear. Geoff Barrow and Adrian Utley recorded original music that they later sampled for the backing tracks on the album, giving the record a hazy, dreamlike quality that shares many of the same signatures of Dummy, but is darker and more adventurous. Beth Gibbons has taken the opportunity to play up her tortured diva role to the hilt, emoting wildly over the tracks. Her voice is electronically phased on most of the tracks, adding layers to the claustrophobic menace of the music. The sonics on Portishead would make it an impressive follow-up, but what seals its success is the remarkable songwriting. Throughout the album, the group crafts impeccable modern-day orch songs, from the frightening, repetitive "Cowboys" to the horn-punctuated "All Mine," which justify the detailed, engrossing production. The end result is an album that reveals more with each listen and becomes more captivating and haunting each time it's played.
This is, admittedly, a rather self-indulgent, and unusually 'personal' post (read therapeutic); nevertheless, it does contain two great songs.There are days when a beloved's presence imparts unfathomable bliss; there are other days when that same presence leaves one feeling as cold as a morgue is sterile. Today belongs to the latter...here's to you my sweet vexation:The upcoming Nightmare Be...
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Portishead's self-titled album has enraptured me like few others since I got into it a couple years ago (yes, I was quite the latecomer on that one). I see a lot of people online who prefer "Dummy" to the self-titled album, and while I think "Dummy" is an admirable debut, "Portishead," to me, is a masterpiece of dark, moody music. I can't think of a more quintessential trip-hop album.I can't put i
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Cpunks,Trying to get my son to sleep, so I put on some old Portishead and it's got my thoughts buzzing. The CD is Portishead - Portishead and I'm wondering why it doesn't sound as good as the PNY live CD - not even close. Why? It's the same notes, the same musicians, same DJ, same rhythm, etc. What's missing? It's an emotional edge, an energy, a charge from the collection of electrical beings i...
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This is, admittedly, a rather self-indulgent, and unusually 'personal' post (read therapeutic); nevertheless, it does contain two great songs.There are days when a beloved's presence imparts unfathomable bliss; there are other days when that same presence leaves one feeling as cold as a morgue is sterile. Today belongs to the latter...here's to you my sweet vexation:The upcoming Nightmare Be...
More >
I just saw this on nme.com (seriously, UK MOGgers, stop giggling!) and I, for one, am excited. Now if I can get that darn teleporter to work properly..."Portishead are set to play their first official gig for nearly 10 years.The band are set to curate and perform at All Tomorrow's Parties Nightmare Before Christmas event, which is due to take place in Minehead between December 7-9.Writing on th...
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Cpunks,Trying to get my son to sleep, so I put on some old Portishead and it's got my thoughts buzzing. The CD is Portishead - Portishead and I'm wondering why it doesn't sound as good as the PNY live CD - not even close. Why? It's the same notes, the same musicians, same DJ, same rhythm, etc. What's missing? It's an emotional edge, an energy, a charge from the collection of electrical beings i...
More >
Portishead's self-titled album has enraptured me like few others since I got into it a couple years ago (yes, I was quite the latecomer on that one). I see a lot of people online who prefer "Dummy" to the self-titled album, and while I think "Dummy" is an admirable debut, "Portishead," to me, is a masterpiece of dark, moody music. I can't think of a more quintessential trip-hop album.I can't put i
More >
Is anyone else completely obsessed with this song?Sadly to admit i'm a new fan of Portishead (I'm on of the 'eliteist white people' who seem to grapple to the band, but no I don't read PASTE magazine), and am just learning of their stuff, old and new. But I can't stop spinning this tune. The strings, beats, mixing, vocals are so bloody amazing. I'd stretch to call this one an epic. wowwowowo.th...
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| Title | Lyrics | Buy |
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| 1 Cowboys |
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| 2 All Mine |
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| 3 Undenied |
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| 4 Half Day Closing |
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| 5 Over |
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| 6 Humming |
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| 7 Mourning Air |
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| 8 Seven Months |
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| 9 Only You |
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| 10 Elysium |
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| 11 Western Eyes |
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Click to purchase…
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 "Portishead")
