February 23, 2005

Portishead - We Miss You


Portishead - Strangers
Portishead - Glory Box
[Recorded Live: August 21, 1998]
[Bizarre Festival, Cologne, Germany]

Portishead's Beth Gibbons haunted vocal style is not as memorable as, say PJ Harvey or Bjork [though neither has she had the recognition of those two] but the trip-hop soundscapes of Portishead are surely as interesting as anything out there. Unfortunately you can file them in the "Where Are They Now?" drawer. Their high water mark was 1994's "Dummy" as well as the great 1998 live CD [and accompanying Video] "Roseland NYC" which surprised critics and fans with skillfully reproduced studio tracks in a live setting. But Portishead never came up for air after 1998. Apparently a new record is in the works, but it's already been seven long years, so who knows. However Portishead did perform live this week for the first time since 1998 to benefit victims of the Asian Tsunami. A worthy cause - respect. [more info here: http://www.crisisinasia.com ] These tracks were recorded live at the Bizarre Festival in Cologne, Germany on August 21, 1998. Enjoy!