Music Monday: Portugal. The Man

I've already mentioned ad nauseam that Portugal. The Man is my favorite band. But when you really admire a particular artist, your expectations rise with each record that they release. It's been nearly two years since Portugal's last album, In the Mountain in the Cloud, found its way into my heart. I had high hopes for Evil Friends and maintained an open mind (knowing well and good that the guys are notorious for changing their sound). I liked every single Portugal. The Man song I've ever heard (all of them) until this year. Like many fans, upon first listen, I admittedly didn't love the title track of Evil Friends. That had never happened to me before with this group. It has since grown on me a bit but it's still nowhere near a favorite. I was worried that I might not like the rest of the record but I stayed optimistic and purchased the pre-sale package anyway (that art better be worth something someday).

I recently had the opportunity to chat via Google Hangouts with a few of the guys in Portugal- Noah, Zach and Kane. With all the backlash out there, I asked point blank what evil means to them. In a roundabout way, Zach mentioned the band's affinity for contrast and compared the title of the new record to that of The Satanic Satanist (a previous release and one of my all time favorites). Anyone who follows these musicians knows that they're extremely accessible and dare I say, sweet, to their fans. Don't get it twisted. Or do?

Was my video off the entire time? Nah. It couldn't have been.

Evil Friends turned out to be a really solid record. It's not my absolute favorite from Portugal. The Man but it does include a few tracks that are "best of" material. I can safely say that I'll be playing it out until the next one.

"Purple Yellow Red and Blue"


"Atomic Man"


"Plastic Soldiers"


"Modern Jesus"


"Waves"


"Smile"


Favorite Tracks: Smile, Modern Jesus, Plastic Soldiers, Waves.
Least Likely to Play: Hip Hop Kids, Someday Believers.

Portugal. The Man are from Portland (by way of Alaska). Evil Friends can be purchased here. They're currently on an extensive tour. I highly recommend checking them out when they come to an area near you. They're best live and slightly buzzed.

Official
Twitter
Tumblr
Facebook
YouTube

My Top 11 Albums of 2011!

I had a somewhat difficult time narrowing down my favorite albums of the year but I'm happy with the final list. Of course, I haven't had the pleasure of listening to every record that was released this year but I have listened to quite a few. As with most rankings, this is purely an opinion.


MY TOP 11 ALBUMS OF 2011!

11. Tha Carter IV by Lil Wayne

Tracks:
6. She Will (ft. Drake)
12. How to Love

10. 21 by Adele

Tracks:
1. Someone Like You
4. Rumour Has It

9. El Camino by The Black Keys

Tracks:
3. Gold on the Ceiling
6. Run Right Back

8. Kaputt by Destroyer

Tracks:
3. Savage Night at the Opera
4. Suicide Demo for Kara Walker
5. Kaputt

7. Nine Types of Light by TV on the Radio

Tracks:
1. Second Song
3. You
6. Will Do

6. Cults by Cults

Tracks:
1. Abducted
2. Go Outside
3. You Know What I Mean

5. Ceremonials by Florence + the Machine

Tracks:
4. Never Let Me Go
5. Breaking Down
7. No Light, No Light
8. Seven Devils
12. Leave My Body

4. Circuital by My Morning Jacket

Tracks:
1. Victory Dance
2. Circuital
5. Outta My System
6. Holdin On to Black Metal
10. Movin' Away

3. Wounded Rhymes by Lykke Li

Tracks:
All of them are gorgeous! I love each one more than the next.
*2. I Follow Rivers
*8. I Know Places

2. In The Mountain In The Cloud by Portugal. The Man

Tracks:
Every single song on this album is fantastic! My favorite band of the year and most-listened to record!
*4. Senseless
*11. Sleep Forever (It's a masterpiece)

1. Bon Iver by Bon Iver

Tracks:
The entire album is perfection!!!
*3. Holocene
*8. Calgary

Shooting Hoops

Portugal. The Man should probably add this girl to their stage show. This was more exciting than the Pretty Lights show I suffered through earlier this month.

Meet Me on the Equinox

And when the summer ends, yeah
I'll be there, hiding
And when the sun rises, yeah
I'll stay warm forever

"Senseless" Portugal. The Man

Album Review: In The Mountain In The Cloud by Portugal. The Man

I've been a fan of Portugal. The Man for two years. I've seen them live twice and feel they are one of the most talented bands out there. I've been anxiously awaiting their new album, In The Mountain In The Cloud for the past few months.

I was beyond excited to find out via twitter that the album is streaming in its entirety a week before its official release! I love that bands are doing this nowadays. It makes so much sense. I've already heard the snippets and knew this album was going to be something I'd appreciate. There are few artists that I am compelled to support financially but P. TM is one of the select groups that I will see live time and time again. They have an uncanny ability to transport me into a magical state of bliss. I will definitely be purchasing In The Mountain In the Cloud when it comes out next week; on repeat status. Everything about Portugal. The Man's music makes me happy. On top of it all is singer, John Gourley; painfully good-looking, smart and uber talented. My heart skips a beat. Yes, please!


The entire album is genius but my initial favorite tracks are as follows:

"Got It All (This Can't Be Living Now)"
Reminds me of Led Zeppelin but better. Gorgeous.

"Head Is A Flame (Cool With It)"
I'm cool with it ;) I just love the way this flows. The vocals are perfect.

"All Your Light (Times Like These)"
Such a sexy song with an interesting sound. In the best way possible, it reminds me a bit of The Black Keys (one of my other favorite bands).

"Sleep Forever"
I admit I almost cried (okay, maybe I did) when I first heard this song. I've felt like this many times in my life. It's one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. If I had to listen to only one song forever, this would be a strong contender. The video is also breathtaking. If you haven't seen it, go now!


This is an album that I will certainly be listening to for years to come. If there is a mountain in the cloud where music like this is played, I want to live there. One of the best albums of the year! I can't wait to see Portugal. The Man the next time they come back to Pittsburgh. I highly recommend the experience!