Hearing Portishead For The First Time ***struggles with words***

[@mtdnelson]

Wow, as someone from the UK who grew up in the 90s, I feel sorry for people who haven't heard Portishead. Thanks for the reminder!

[@Ryan-ff2db]

I live in the US and they were very popular here to. I actually worked with a guy who had a Beth Gibbons tattoo.

[@vitalya.7784]

Can't really beleive that he never listened Portishead, he's kidding...

[@fabrizioaiello]

One of the biggest bands of the 90s, everyone loved Portishead, they crossed genres. Incredible albums I listen to today.

[@mtdnelson]

@@Ryan-ff2db That's good to know - their popularity... not the tattoo in particular. ;)

[@Ryan-ff2db]

@@mtdnelsonOh yeah at least in my area. I was listening mostly to Metal, folk, some industrial, and some indie but when this album came out I went through a years long trip hop phase. Massive Attack, Sneaker Pimps, Unkle etc... I probably would never have experienced any of that music without first hearing Portishead.

[@simonhart2186]

Dummy is a seminal album. I still play it regularly. The whole Bristol trip hop scene was amazing then…. Massive Attack, Tricky , Portishead. Roads is an absolute masterpiece

[@macfilms9904]

Don't forget Banksy - he came out of that scene as well. Not musical, but art nonetheless.

[@Bellabaddi]

Is it considered early hipster music? I dug all that stuff as well. All do different but somehow under the same umbrella of throw back but modernized noise. Brilliant!

[@NotThatOneThisOne]

@@Bellabaddi the Bristol scene was way before that - Steve Jobs didn't return to Apple until 96.

[@ryanphelan6861]

Magical stuff so much style without massive attack dummy wouldn't have been such an absolute diamond 💎 we were so lucky ✌️ f'n incredible tunes

[@philipcable437]

The live version of roads was spoilt somewhat by some idiot whooping in the background. "Just shut up and listen!"

[@DenaDenaDena73]

Imagine how we felt in 1994 when we first heard this. Blew our minds.

[@waitdontwaitrecords]

Amen to this!

[@mordicaiknode]

Lights off, glow in the dark stars on the ceiling, maybe a black light if you're fancy...

[@jennstrayer8095]

One of my co-workers just listened to Portishead for the first time ever and I was kind of jealous of him getting to hear it for the very first time.

[@26theband]

YEP!! 100%

[@26theband]

@@jennstrayer8095hahahaha that’s what I’m feeling like with Michael…except I also have tears in my eyes. Oddly moved by him “getting it”.

[@gpeddino]

This concert has just turned 25, so they have released a remastered version with more songs. One of the best live albums EVER.

[@CarbonSolutions]

Pro tip, thanks! Roseland is in my top 10 all time. That version of Sour Times (album, not DVD) still haunts me. And the guitar tone on Glory Box is just unbelievable. Gonna go check out that remaster.

[@rmiraflor]

The live album is one of the GREATEST sonic experiences I’ve ever had the pleasure of having

[@calliopeshif7581]

AHHH THANK YOU!!! I only found out about this through your comment! This is a beautiful moment :')

[@LoneStarCarper]

Wow is it really 25 years old…feeling older everyday

[@beekeo]

Oh dang, I listened to the CD over and over back in the 90s but never knew about this orchestral concert, I’ll have to check out the remaster! Thanks!!

[@antondavies3136]

this is trip hop to perfection. its conflicted by design. melancholic funk

[@johnharbison587]

I'm ready for Trip-Hop/Down-Tempo to make a resurgence. Portishead, Morcheeba, Air, Sneaker Pimps - All that music was just soooo cool. I felt sophisticated listening to it. Definitely some of my favorite music.

[@Minuz1]

@@memoryedit WHAT WHAT WHAT?!?!!?!?!?!?

[@dreams7091]

Zero 7 and Morcheeba on repeat.

[@isathx1406]

Don’t forget Goldfrapp!!!

[@jamiestewart8570]

And Lamb

[@KerriGilpin]

I was ate up with Air for such a long time. Felt like I was a bit crazy for a while, like does this band exist?! No one I talked to knew what band I was talking about 🤪

[@Mike-rw2nh]

Greetings from Portishead, UK. So glad you found this gem.

[@Kennykibble]

As a fellow native Posset, I share 2nd your greetings!

[@DeckardWill]

@@Kennykibble Bedminster, but close enough 😀

[@timmachin3830]

Man holds guitar and looks confused by Portishead. Don't worry dude that's been me since I was 15. Probably the best album ever.

[@AmazePaulz]

I lived through thus.. as a guitarist... youre never gonna get it cause you werent.playing like... Portish, then dandy warhols, then nircsna, then moby, then a dre riff for the rappers, then rhcp... Its.. our generation was a vibe and its frankly hilarious watching ANYONE make content from it. The kids are not going to get it while theyre attracted to 'vibe sexuality' as opposed to 'core identity'

[@SvenTviking]

Sorry, that’s either “Who’s next” or “Physical graffiti”.

[@ojomythgimeht]

Just so you know, there's a whole live album of this performance. Portishead Live at Roseland NYC. One of the greatest live albums ever.

[@SelenaSea]

Just remastered and expanded for its 25th anniversary this month, too. It's just amazing! 🤩

[@triggerhappysound]

@@SelenaSea !!! Thanks for the heads up!

[@vvvictoriav5958]

@@SelenaSea25 years? I’m so old

[@olsonjk2]

Will this have a physical (LP) release? I see digital file release on discogs now, but no CD/LP.

[@HidingFromFate]

Wait, what!?!? Any chance they expanded to include the entire performance of, 'Undenied', without the cut-away to the street scenes? I had always wanted to see the band's entire performance of that song and not just the beginning and end, as they had done for the original DVD release. @@SelenaSea

[@DonostiGros]

That is the genius of Portishead for you, doesn't take the listener for granted, you don't know where the thing is going, but you know it's freaking amazing.

[@JamesHartBassist]

Portishead consumed a chunk my 90s and beyond... it was and is a vibe. as others have said, this DVD is a must experience for any musician or music fan.

[@nathanielreichert4638]

Man if only I could back in time and make them consume a big chunk of my 90s as well. Great stuff, yet my first time hearing of them

[@JamesHartBassist]

this one is part of subconsciousness thought... it defines moments in time in my brain! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnrTp2WMidysgKM @@nathanielreichert4638

[@ryanphelan6861]

Absolutely perfectly put almost reminded me of Motown the way the music represents such a vibe. Beautiful stuff!! Glory box roads are masterpieces 👍

[@korkoo1]

Portishead is a vibe, I listened to this so many times, but will check out this DVD, they were so sporadic with their releases but their self titled is probably my favorite of their albums.

[@9madness9]

Dummy and the live in New York as such an awesome album

[@squeedum4893]

Easily one of the most underrated yet most influential bands of the 90s. Essentially the blueprint of Trip-Hop.

[@dentheplodder]

"Dummy" was/is one helluva special album. A must for every collection.

[@melgarcon7114]

I low key envy you for getting to DISCOVER Portishead now. They are such smart musicians, with deceptively simple melodies. Beth Gibbons will break your heart if you take the time to listen to that entire album, and just listen

[@BryanL1982]

I medium key envy him

[@nicholasrella6904]

You should envy me for living through the 90's during the prime of my life. I guarantee I had a much better time listening to this when it first came out then this guy did listening to it last week.

[@fat6674]

What album, Roseland or Dummy? I've only now discovered them from watching this video.

[@elektrovert]

I remember when that album dropped, it was absolutely unfucking believable!! Totally blew my mind!

[@clementbatut4053]

​@@fat6674I think roseland is Portishead at their best, but anything they recorded is worth listening, i only saw them once, one of the best moment of my life Beth Gibbons may be the greatest singer ever recorded and those guys, well they rose up to the opportunity of playing with her, they were just unbelievable. I was into trip hop and there were à lot if great bands with insane singers but Portishead, they were in à league of their own

[@dannylinossi4362]

I still can’t believe Portishead wasn’t bigger than they were. Brilliant and incredible to witness live. Absolutely masterful instrumentalists and vocalist. Michael, I’m glad someone introduced you to them. Hope you explore…portishead is a beautiful and magical world! Enjoy.

[@herooftheday77]

They were way ahead of their time.

[@jonathanmills5747]

They were connecting with a certain audience while the pop music genre at the time was Britpop and Indie. (The majority of it was really good). Oasis ruled for two albums but sold out to a record contract where they had to come up with albums in a time frame so that meant pressure to produce albums of "filler", no "killer" stuff. Less commercial main stream bands at that time got away with having to churn out Muzak. Radiohead are the best example of how to tell their record label to stay out of their musical creativity. That's Simply the record Biz.

[@Codex7777]

Portishead were HUGE in the UK and were big in several other countries too. They never really broke through properly in the States but US sales are far from being the only measure of success. :)

[@timchildress2048]

Too deep for your average listener to understand

[@EllieW3000]

@@Codex7777 I´m a bit confused too - Portishead/Massive Attack where everywhere back then here in Norway. But again - US sales are not necessarily *success*

[@paulb2399]

Portishead was huge in the expansion of my musical tastes in the 90s. It was like a combination of spy theme songs, smoky 30s/40s jazz, chilled out techno, and amazing scratching. Their first two LPs and this Live album are three of the greatest pieces of music recorded.

[@young3nsinglej]

One of THE greatest musical acts ever! They changed music, it was like a whole new experience! Still sounds SO fresh.

[@LLlap]

I can`t imagine not hearing Portishead. I still get shivers listening.

[@Murdo2112]

Imagine being able to hear them for the first time all over again. I'm jealous of this bloke.

[@jonreed6448]

Glory box from this concert is awesome, well worth a reaction and listen.

[@annagrisham2215]

When it was used in an episode of The Handmaids Tale it was perfection 😍 Tricky and Portishead together is something I never imagined. It's mesmerizing

[@Finny14754]

Being from the UK and in my 20’s during the 90’s this band is part of my DNA 🧬 🙏🇬🇧. Still killing it to this day .

[@SelenaSea]

Yessss! You found Portishead (thank you, Courtney)! They've always been fearless, uncompromising pioneers. And Beth's voice... ♥️ Enjoy the complex but vitalizing musical journey. It'll be like your Radiohead ride!

[@Sphynx3001ac]

Portishead is like an unicorn. The record and this concert are just masterpieces. This concert is one of the best recorded things I have ever heard.

[@twd3lr]

Cannot believe this is 25 years old. My word. Portishead's music continues to challenge me whenever I listen to it. Just brilliant.

[@triggerhappysound]

I feel so old right now!

[@simonhart2186]

9 months shy of 30 years (sorry) 🤣

[@barking_mad6649]

Bit like Massive Attack, just timeless.

[@omram566]

Im getting chills watching this. A band ive loved since 1995, seeing someone see them for the first time, who loves music, is just awesome.

[@jameshannagan4256]

Their first album Dummy and Radioheads OK Computer were two of the most influential albums of the 90s and both records still sound great.

[@antondavies3136]

The Bends I feel was slightly more influential than ok computer but yes, those two bands were my childhood along with Garbage, Massive attack, Sound Garden and RATM

[@kebman]

Listening to Radiohead at Wembley Stadium: Unforgettable. Overpriced black market tickets too. All at the back. Still worth it.

[@deloreanized]

"Still sounds great". That's so funny. OF COURSE they do. Like if there were anything from 2023 sounding any close.

[@daveholly9005]

haha dont start that bends v OK computer thing! @@antondavies3136

[@stephenhowell5611]

I don't know, PJ Harvey did it for me.

[@J0intV3nture]

This is one of the greatest live albums ever made. The band released this concert as a remaster just last week. Just about anything is top tier. Anyone who really appreciates music, needs to know Portishead.

[@busfahrer09]

do you know if they plan to release a remaster of the DVD, too? DVD 4:3 in 480p looks just like arse on a 65" ;/

[@sophiamarchildon3998]

@@busfahrer09 That would be nice. But I just want that audio track straight to FLAC 24/192+

[@eboethrasher]

I remember hearing them back when they first came out. Still have a promotional poster for "To Kill a Dead Man" somewhere.

[@eboethrasher]

hopefully they shot it on film. It looks like it was. @@busfahrer09

[@Uni413]

This DVD is everything. Amazing performance. Roads and Glory Box are the jam.

[@greynoise1409]

"Roads" is a trip hop Jerry ballad.

[@mr.fancipants6639]

It’s absolutely available on KZbin

[@neilireson128]

This is the first one of these reaction videos I've watched and I think I (or rather the KZbin algorithm) has chosen well. I have watched it way too many times. Michael seems to be both knowledgeable and utterly lovely. He's also possibly eloquent but I love the fact he's not in this video, instead he's perfectly expressing what it's like to be blown away by a peice of music. I lived in Bristol in the 90s and the first time I saw Portishead live was at the free Ashton Court festival, all the local bands turned up and played with varying degrees of energy and talent, the sun shone and everyone was having a great time... and then Portishead went on stage... and we were hit by this tidal wave of wierd and wonderful sound. We didn't fully understand what we were hearing, all we knew was it was awesome. The thought of it still brings tear to my eyes.

[@fp.chattanooga]

Thanks for checking this out Mike. This band ruled my teenage years and there’s really nothing quite like them. They defy classification and always pushed the boundaries.

[@briumphbimbles]

Except the other "Bristolian" trip hop artists from this era?

[@arcadialive4265]

this band set the standard for generations of musical inspiration. Trip-hop today is now considered by many to be mainstream pop. But are the current top chart artists as great as the original masters?

[@fp.chattanooga]

@@briumphbimbles I can’t put Portishead next to anyone else. Massive Attack… maybe? I would categorize most trip hop groups alongside MA, but Portishead went in another direction, esp w Third.

[@gomezthechimp1116]

Actually the classification is Trip-Hop...

[@arcadialive4265]

@@gomezthechimp1116 Your right. Portishead was trip-hop. And had other bands like bishop Briggs or Lana Del ray started in the 90s bishop they might have fallen into trip-hop. But we seldom refer to any newer music as trip-hop these days.

[@dameonwalker8994]

A truly great band, Mr. Adrian Utley's guitar work had a huge impact on my approach to playing and to music in general. When I met him years later (in Johnny Roadhouse, Manchester) I found him to be as genuinely modest as he is highly-skilled; a true gent and a scholar.

[@eboethrasher]

He was a huge part of their sound, I know everyone focuses on Geoff and pretty rightly but Adrian was certainly a huge part of it, that whole Bond vibe they had going on Dummy.

[@ryanphelan6861]

Glad you discovered them really magical music. Her vocal on glory box is worth the watch not just shifting pitch and tone she changes texture in similar ways to guitar with effects. The contrast from style and attitude to big beautiful bright tones is awesome 👍. Hope you check it out some time roads too. There's some crossover from massive attack which is why along with brilliant session musicians they were able to nail such a sound on debut release. Talented artists fingerprints everywhere It's heavy digestion lots going on!!

[@NicHills]

Portishead - they shine so brightly.... nothing quite like them.... and Beth's vocals.... sublime

[@keithrichardscorpse1230]

Shocked any huge music fan has never heard Portishead, but glad you discovered them.

[@0ooTheMAXXoo0]

They made their first album by recording themselves playing instruments, making vinyl records of the recordings, then sampling the records, to get the sound and feel they wanted... I think they did not go back to that production method after the first album, but they still kept their sound and feel, IMO.

[@MrDecksels]

Wasn't that how they made their second album?

[@davegold]

I seem to remember they deliberately found aged instruments to create imperfect sounds and then added extra distortion on top through the analog process.

[@drewsacks]

@@davegold I imagine that it has to be out there in an interview somewhere online.

[@JeroenvanOlffen]

There are many / mostly other artists' records being sampled on Dummy

[@largeeng]

As someone else commented, their debut album is a masterpiece! Right when they first broke I was fortunate enough to see them live in a crowded and sweaty tent at Glastonbury, the anticipation and buzz about them was electric and they didn't disappoint! They were right at the front of the trip hop explosion alongside fellow Bristol based Massive Attack

[@joshs8685]

That's amazzzzing you caught them right at that time WOW!!!

[@gushall9615]

I was in that tent in 1995, great times and some amazing music

[@briansmith1179]

We couldn’t get in the field the tent was in. Think half the people at Glastonbury were trying to get to see them!

[@Rolytoov]

I left the tent cos they were over an hour late, bunch of assholes😂

[@DaveLaneNZ]

For me, Portishead's Dummy coloured a whole decade - in a very good way. It's so evocative and unique and low-fi. Apparently all samples dropped were originally recorded by Geoff Barrows (Portishead's tunesmith) onto vinyl and sampled in analogue, and Beth Gibbons wrote the lyrics and melodies on top of the finished instrumental tracks. Superb artistry. Make sure you check out Numb. Roads (perhaps the most perfect song of all), Sour times, and Glory Box. But it's all a masterpiece.

[@sophiamarchildon3998]

Ah... Glory Box... ! A week or two after first made aware of Portishead and Trip Hop in general, I had my first adventure into psychedelics (2C-I). And Glory Box was the first tune I fed my headphones. The experience was incredible and left an indelible mark on who I am; such outlandish feel, stylish, captivating, surrendering ... What a proper introduction!

[@TheMightymolar]

Roads! Thanks for the reminder. One of my favorites.

[@jaredgruttadauria9445]

NUMB! The deep bass drop, scratching and drum pattern in the intro is SOO good

[@bvaljalo]

It's kind-of amusing to call Dummy lo-fi because it's actually an absolutely phenomenal production/mix, in fact I'd call it one of the best-sounding albums I've ever heard. But it has this lo-fi component mixed in that makes it totally magical. The Soft Parade by The Flaming Lips is somewhat similar, though Dummy sounds much better overall.

[@porgy29]

Their "main sound" is the mix of electronics/sampling, some light instrumentation, and the vocals. But the arrangement they did for these live shows with the orchestra is amazing.

[@drewfellows1977]

It's actually a joy to see someone discover Portihead! Welcome to one of your new favourite bands.

[@npinjest7779]

Oh man, what a trip hop down memory lane - there was a notable period where Portishead, Massive Attack, and Morcheeba would not leave my headphones!

[@questionmarke]

Morcheeba, yes!

[@npinjest7779]

@@questionmarke They got better in early 00s too, if you have not heard Charango or their reunion Blood Like Lemonade, you should really check'em out. And one of the non-Skye albums, Antidote, was pretty awesome too.

[@questionmarke]

@@npinjest7779 thanks for the tip!

[@nicholasmolen9662]

Add Tricky's Maxinquaye to that and you have my main loop

[@npinjest7779]

@@nicholasmolen9662 That opener alone! Brand New You're Retro was a favorite too... Lumped him in under Massive Attack umbrella, especially with Karmacoma/Overcome overlap, but totally in that mix

[@NZWozza]

Yes the sound out of Bristol UK at this time was insane, and Portishead were always my personal favourite. Saw them live years ago. Incredible.

[@TheProco2020]

Big shout out to the Bristol Massive. Cool times and still sounds fresh to my ears

[@farn451]

Portishead is one of the greatest bands ever. Words can't really describe them, they're just a whole vibe unto themselves and magnificent for it.

[@davidhernandez1699]

This band is so seriously truly underrated, it's ridiculous. They really pushed themselves to the limit with an original sound. Also, I've never heard a DJ that mattered in a band until I heard this record. It's not just wiki wiki and speed, the parts are actually musical and emotional.

[@sKlush]

not really, they are the most famous band in the trip hop community, alongside with massive attack. And they definitely shot themselves in the foot when they stopped performing all together. When I discovered them (2011-ish) they already stopped making new albums and concerts, especially concerts, how would you get new fans if you don't even perform. At least massive attack is still in the business. Im not shit talking them, they are my favorite band! oh, and also, you need to understand that trip hop is not for everyone. Is easier to find a death metal fan in the wild than a trip hop one.

[@uncle_thulhu]

I have to agree. Beth's voice is angelic, but I do prefer Massive Attack if I'm chilling out, especially Mezzanine. That album can turn me into a happy zombie in 2½ songs.😌 Portishead is nice, but I've always seen it as suicidal ideation you can dance to.😔🕺💃

[@robonzo4817]

I dunno, as a Brit who was at college in 1998 Portishead, Massive Attack, and a few other bands and artists (Goldie, Roni Size) were pretty massive if you liked certain subcultures like BMX, skate culture, art, graffiti etc. Even now Dummy makes the essential album list along with Blue Lines of most top record lists. Perhaps not in the America's?

[@jameslast3192]

Not at all underrated. They were one of the biggest and most influential bands of the second half of the nineties. Maybe your just thirty years behind the times.

[@stevestrange965]

oh god, the 'underrated' comment

[@BEEZERWAX34]

One of my all time favorite bands. First few albums were all great. Beth’s sultry, smokey, haunting voice is amazing…Trip-hop, with nods to jazz, soul, classical, rock, pop. Just pure musical beauty.

[@lyonz42]

When you said that you were going to break down Portishead, I chuckled and was like, "Have fun with that!" Love their use of unconventional discordant tones and how they can bring you in one direction, stop, pivot, and take you in an entirely different direction.

[@HotelBravoWhiskey]

The guy came ready for a play along session --- ended up like a deer in the headlights.

[@bvaljalo]

It's funny because it's KINDA guitar-music, but at the same time ... REALLY not. I do love this guy though, I guarantee he could figure it all out no problem, but not in the space of this vid lol. This was a total blindsiding.

[@ryanbonesio7234]

I am honestly jealous that you get to hear Portishead for the first time. I wish i could teleport back in time and experience that over and over.

[@yannhollister9091]

The Rip is my favorite track from them, Beth Gibbons voice is one of a kind she's amazing

[@niallcameron6433]

Probably my favourite concert DVD back in the day. The performances are unreal. So much 90s awesomeness in the crowd shots.

[@darkhalo0868]

I've been a Portishead fan since 95. This was came out in 97. I bought the CD and DVD. I still listen to it today.

[@Nottodaysatan71]

Trip-Hop was my vibe in the 90s. I was broken, dark and twisty. Looking back I can see the 90s as a bit of a peak in UK life. I fully expect some more Trip-Hop vibes to emerge during this highly unsettled and dark period. Bring it on! ❤

[@nickharvey7233]

Dummy is a seminal album for me. I still have visceral flashbacks to Oxford '95: hearing that bass rip through, from the college cellar bar up to the periodicals room (where I was usually facing an all-nighter to chunk through a week's work before a tutorial the next morning!). As such, everytime I hear Roads or Glory Box, it elicits conflicting feelings of warm nostalgia and panic-tinged guilt. Fantastic musicians.

[@dougsmith7083]

I was living in Toronto at the time of the orchestral PORTISHEAD shows in NYC and my ex-wife GOT US TICKETS...one of the best performances that I have ever seen. I've played and toured since 1981 and seen a LOT of amazing shows too

[@Man_Ray78]

Portishead first two albums were just on my cd players, from mid 90's to the 2000's I still put them on. It´s one of those bands that created my appetite for music! shaped me.

[@SmittenKitten.]

Oh, will you please do more from Portishead? They are amazing.

[@hetfield668]

Yeah, „Roads“ please

[@sophiamarchildon3998]

Roads! of the same live at Roseland!

[@SmittenKitten.]

@@sophiamarchildon3998 Yes, please!

[@lk-music]

@@hetfield668 Roads is one of the most beautiful pieces of audio ever recorded.

[@darrelduke]

hopefully you go back and watch the whole concert. amazing.

[@peteaos]

Roads from that gig is my all time favourite performance video. And the guitar solo and vibe in Glory Box is awesome.

[@Scanini]

Monumental song in my life.

[@sophiamarchildon3998]

​@@Scanini our* lives. The crowd going wild after but a few short beats... The string section slowly building up from 2:34, across the chorus, ... before the whole orchestra swells to that sweet bass release into bliss... and the crowd cheers!! My heart still melts every time.

[@BrickNewton]

Lucky enough to see them in the late 90's. Beth came out with a glass of whisky, apologised for her raspy voice. Then performed the most outstanding set, and Beth's voice sounded amazing.

[@craigbarth_rsb]

Bristol sounds! Portishead, Massive Attack, Tricky, Smith & Mighty, Roni Size & Reprazent, Seppa, The Blue Aeroplanes, just to name a few, Airbus? the memory is a little fuzzy possibly something to do with all the scrumpy, weed, shrooms and other things around that time, for some reason I only remember their quirky song 'Apple trees'. Then just down the road you've also had Bath bands like Tears for Fears, Propellerheads, and The Heavy. Lots of collaborations and collectives so you'll see musicians contributing on each others songs and albums, also artists/producers like Neneh Cherry and her husband. I've been lucky enough to see most of them live. There were/are some awesome small-medium size live venues in Bristol and a really active live music scene - The Fleece, Thekla, Bierkeller, Lakota, Trinity Centre, Fiddlers, soo many good times :-)

[@astewart9410]

Still LOVE Portishead to this day. That Roseland performance is gold. Great stuff!

[@darkhoundslobber2028]

Killer choice to react to this song, thank you Courtney for suggesting it. This band, Portishead, defies genre even though the media tried to link them to the trip hop scene during the 90s (they do share some similarities, but Portishead differs quite a bit from that sound once you go deeper than surface level 'vibe'). There's so much to unpack in their music, and each little piece - guitar, beat, voice, samples, turntables, etc. - brings so much creativity for the whole to be greater than the sum of its parts. Live or studio, wherever it lies in their discography, it doesn't really matter - check out any song of theirs and I am sure you'll enjoy it.

[@CommuneofBees]

think it's slightly disingenuous to suggest they weren't trip hop, they were one of the bands coming out of Bristol that literally defined the genre along with Massive Attack

[@fp.chattanooga]

I would loosely classify them as trip-hop but they did everything they could to defy classification so it’s hard to put them in a box.

[@puupipo]

I feel like their Third album is the one that makes the trip-hop classification a bit questionable, but in my opinion all of their 90's work is very much grounded in that particular genre. They do have a unique sound for sure.

[@darkhoundslobber2028]

@@CommuneofBees I think they differ quite a bit, musically, from what I consider more solidly trip hop artists - e.g., Massive Attack, Sneaker Pimps, DJ Shadow, all the Ninja Tune stuff I was hearing (and loving) in the late 90s, etc.. But yeah, despite their protestations that they weren't trip hop, Portishead got attached to the term and thus popularized it and spawned a bunch of imitators. I am obviously not a genre authority, I just personally don't put them in the trip hop bucket. Many people do, however, and they aren't necessarily wrong to do so since the 'definition' of the genre is rather blurry.

[@bsmith6646]

They absolutely are considered to be Trip Hop having come out of Bristol like the aforementioned Massive Attack etc.

[@andrewwhite1335]

Dude! You definitely need to listen to Glory Box, Sour Times or Roads from that same live recording. Such magical music. And, then, when you start to groove to trip hop, go listen to Massive Attack, perhaps their Angel from Mezzanine.

[@devinup3981]

I love Portishead. That's all. It was cool seeing you experience them for the first time. The whole Roseland concert is fantastic.

[@rev.enant73]

I am not sure there is a more entertaining moment than watching someone who knows music well listening to Portishead for the first time.

[@paulrawnsley3963]

Such a huge band for my Uni years. Beth ... oh Beth. It always seems weird to me that people haven't heard of them... but I get it. For me, Live at Roseland is one of the best live albums ever - every song is insane but there's always love in my heart for Mysterons (shout out Captain Scarlet!).

[@homegrownchats]

Dood. You motivate my practice of guitar, and I have yet to even review your site. MANY THANKS.

[@daviecleland9698]

Love it .. this DVD is banging . Roads is 👌

[@Stoobers]

Portishead are one of those bands that will always remind me of so many good times back in the 90's. Damn. So good.

[@di0__0ib]

this whole show is a banger. excellent all the way through. spent a lot of time listening to Portishead. love them so much. one thing is for sure, they have the craziest combo of sounds. it's hard to reproduce what they're doing. one of the most wonderful rabbit holes to go down, tbs

[@protonb6090]

the DVD with surround sound is very good!

[@andrewbrockway5857]

Saw Portishead play a Glastonbury warm up show in Cardiff not a few yrs after Third came out. I’ve been to a lot of gigs and this was top 3 - utterly utterly mesmerising, groovy AF and each member is a virtuoso. Some tracks were epically layered - others you could hear a pin drop. They are treasures.

[@paultatchell-zb8bq]

Portishead are one the best groups ever mate us in England no how to rock x

[@DerekJ1969]

Love seeing people discover amazing bands for the first time.

[@marksinger5954]

This is such a wonderful video because it really shows just what it's like for so many the first time they hear Portishead. It's like nothing else! Beautiful, spooky, emotive, all sitting in a pocket that is something beautiful to behold!

[@taffeylewis]

Wow. Ice cold with Portishead! When this album came out it blew me away. So cool to see your reaction to this. I'm not musical in any way, but do appreciate the effort you put in.

[@justsomejusstsome8994]

Im sorry to break it to you, but if you understand what makes music like this so good. Then you are in fact, musical.

[@MJonBenj]

I love seeing things like this where things get so thoroughly appreciated and with such enthusiasm. I don't see as much of that as I would like, typically. Very fun to watch.

[@IanMellett]

Absolutely one of my favourite bands ever. Can specifically remember a friend bringing this out at his house when it was released and a bunch of us absolutely losing it. Incredible stuff.

[@JS-vk7ek]

This took me back to an incredibly powerful time in life. Witnessing someone be impacted by this for the first time and feeling so strongly amazed and in awe by this masterpiece was truly welcomed and worthy.

[@descendingforth]

One of the best bands of the 90s!

[@fabianpertschi1500]

I loved the album and listened so much as I got it. What a beautiful time.

[@rcieszkowski]

So psyched! Back in the day I would see Portishead much like Radiohead-the music on the recordings is amazing but it’s all “studio wizardry” and they could NEVER play that live. Being wrong (on both counts) never felt so good. Thanks Michael.

[@timmiethedog]

This is an absolute delight! My musical skills are waaaaay down the scale but it's always so profound seeing someone else's joy when introduced to music you love

[@robj144]

Wow. You never heard Portishead before? :) I've only been listening to them for 20+ years. Good stuff.

[@cugash]

The most amazing thing is that no one in the audience is holding up their phone and they're all just enjoying the show! How I miss those days!

[@jameslast3192]

Me too. Hold a phone or worse an iPad in front of my face at a gig and it’s going flying.

[@elpeltys]

I'm with you on that, people have lost the abiility to experience what they are fortunate to see and hear. Oh, the joy and intensity that we have lost for future generations.

[@emanggitulah4319]

Was hard with landline phones 🤣

[@mr.dirtydannnnn]

​@@elpeltysas far as I can tell peoplr have just as much fun with concerts now as they did before. Maybe you just aren't going to the right scenes

[@elpeltys]

@@mr.dirtydannnnn yes, but they're having fun on insta. Missing the experience and missing the point.

[@eatshawn]

"This is overwhelming! This is overwhelming!" Yeah dude. It's Portishead.

[@mikehannon1412]

Been listening to Portishead regularly since first seeing this on your channel. Haunting complexity!

[@mercurial_cyclist]

I remember hearing Glory Box off a compilation CD from Q Magazine, or someone like that, in advance of Dummy coming out. From that first "I'm so tired..." I was hooked. I think Sour Times and Roads were always my favourites of theirs. Amazing to think this is 30 years old next year, 94 was a great year for albums!

[@donalmaguire6099]

First heard glory box on the q music station on sky as part of a countdown of the greatest songs of the 90s. I think it's the only song I can remember when and where I heard it. It totally blew me away.

[@richardselby5676]

Roads: haunting, fragile, fierce, honest, raw; it makes weep I love it soo much. Respect Kia Kaha.

[@robnewton3368]

Electronica really developed and broadened in the 90’s from the synth pop (which was also great) in the 80’s . Triphop had its own very recognisable down beat dark musical language and Portishead were one of its finest exponents. Thankyou Bristol. Must be something in the water down there?

[@gomezthechimp1116]

Roads, from this same concert is my favourite Portishead song. The emotion she pours into that song is incredible.

[@jl9363]

Best song on the best album of the best band. The last two minutes where they build up the suspense then just all drop in and kill it is nothing short of musical perfection.

[@danthemaninfierno]

Absolutely! It's one of my favourite tracks of all time. You might like Morrissey - Speedway the closing song from Vauxhall and I or Emmanuel Top - Acid Phase from Monika Kruse's Boiler Room Berlin 2016 for similar "WOW! What an ending! How to follow that??" Chills!

[@WoodlandT]

One of the greatest shows from one of my favorite bands of all time. I grew up on this music. Oh how I miss those days

[@macfilms9904]

Ok - I can't believe you haven't heard them before! So amazing. I can't say I'd have given you this first - it's a little challenging - my #1 pick would be "Roads" (also live at Roseland) - but "Dummy" also amazing - honestly the entire live at Roseland performance is a tour de force More Portishead please!

[@joshuaneeld5844]

Portishead is awsome. Still listen to them to this day.

[@AyyyGabagool]

Find it hard to believe you've never heard Portishead. They are like ...THE foundation of alternative rock, going back to the beginning of the 90s. The song you're listening to is over 30 years old. Wild to think about

[@riklionheart23]

You’re wordless reaction of wonder is gold. Back when this music was been made in the early 90s it was from a period of time in the UK when there was a lot of experimentation in music, stemming from the Americans call electronic dance music scene. Since the second half of the 80s, there had been a lot of experimentation in electronic music. Equipment has become more financially accessible to ordinary musicians, and a lot of so call musical “rules” we’re being broken by the young music producers. In fact they didn’t even know there were rules to be broken. Portishead where a great example of mashing together previously thought unrelated styles of music into beautiful film soundtrack like, jazzy tinged musical beauty. This is a beautiful live production of a beautiful song, and that coda at the end where the orchestra really kicks in is pure James Bond vibes. Welcome to the world of Portishead and the trip hop scene that was centred around Bristol in the Southwest UK. At the same time there was also a vibrant Drum & Bass scene in that city that matched the London-based scene that was happening at the same time. This was all new and shiny at the time, extremely vibrant and very inspiring and I remember those times with great joy.

[@andymcpandy2128]

I was lucky enough to do some work at Beth's house...got to listen to her rehearsing for Glastonbury and working on some new (at the time) music. I got paid to have a personal Portishead gig, only interrupted by Beth bringing me a cuppa every hour. Amazing experience and such a lovely, welcoming, chill person. Definitely dive into.her music...(also check out Tricky, Martina Topley Bird, Massive Attack, Morcheeba, Glue....man there's so much amazing music from this scene. The free party days back in 90s in SW UK were some of my best lack of memories 😅

[@graememorrison333]

superb anecdote !

[@pedromarques2077]

This concert is something else. You should definitely see the performances for both "Roads" and "Glory Box". Well well worth it!

[@robalid]

What a beautiful journey you have ahead, if you're about to go listen to more Portishead. I have a recommendation for a guitar track that I think you will find very intriguing. Thin Thing, by The Smile. Its truly incredible. Two of radioheads members are in the band. They are really very good

[@SelenaSea]

The guitar work on Thin Thing is so creative! Such a brilliant song from an innovative album. Can't wait for album two - they have enough new material for it now.

[@badoli1074]

"Roads" by Portishead was one my saving grace in my youth. One of the most beautiful and heart-wrenching songs i've ever heard in my whole life. Just thinking about it makes me teary-eyed. Have my sub, i'll watch any reaction of you on Portishead!

[@BrickBlacktoe]

You've heard Glory Box before you just didn't know who it was.

[@VecaPereca83]

Yeah, from movie stolen beauty.

[@miledeepUK]

There is nothing like portishead and thats a sublime track to introduce you to them ❤😂