Portishead - Roseland NYC live

Portishead has always been an elusive band. After their ’94 breakthrough with the relatively easygoing, vibey Dummy (featuring bona fide radio hit Glory Box) and the self-titled ’97 follow-up they disappeared from the radar, only to return in 2008 with the relentless, uncompromising album Third. This release was followed by a tour that can be seen as a victory march, leaving audiences in awe and introducing the sheer live force of this group to new, young listeners like myself. Back then, I couldn’t find the magic of what I encountered on stage in their first two studio albums, but I did catch it in their ’98 live recording from New York City’s Roseland Ballroom, where the band was accompanied by a 28-piece orchestra. Last month, a remastered version was released – a perfect opportunity to relive this monument of a live album.

~ Camiel

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