Sometimes, you come across a song that can only be described as purely brilliant, and utterly perfect. Roads, by Portishead is one of those songs.
I have been a huge fan of Portishead for many, many years, and I was more than pleased when they released a new album last year. While it was different from their previous material, it reinforced the simple fact that Portishead is still an innovative band, who is out there changing the face of music for the better. Roads is by far my favorite song of theirs, and it is one of those songs that seems perfectly poised for an intimate scene on the soundtrack of your life (which is why it fits so well on shows at the “right moment”). Additionally, it is one of those songs that really makes me appreciate good music, because it sets the bar so incredibly high with its arrangement, raw emotion, and overall brilliance.
I couldn’t post this video without commenting on how strikingly similar Beth Gibbons looks like a cross between Emma Thompson and Kristen Scott Thomas; it’s freaky, don’t you think!?!
Ten years is how long it was since a Portishead album was released. There has been much talk, and even more speculation about another album, but nothing ever came. So, when the news that 
was going to FINALLY be released this year, this fanboy was elated. See, Portishead is one of my favorite groups; some of the songs that they have are so powerful and filled with emotion that they draw me in like almost no one else can. Beth Gibbon’s haunting voice is like no other, and she wields it like a drug to which I am hopelessly and utterly addicted to. Only having three albums (really only two, since one is just a live album), I was salivating for more Portishead, because they are one of those groups that there really isn’t anyone else out there like them; which is amazing, but saddening when they go on ten year hiatuses. 
I want to start by making a grand, but wholly true statement about this song; it is one of the most amazing, and beautiful songs I have ever heard. I had never heard of David Ford before I heard he was opening for Sara Bareilles, so I really didn’t know what to expect. What I found out quickly into his set, is the amazing power in his performance, as well as the tender beauty that he weaves into his songs; both lyrically and melodically. This song literally gives me chills all over my body. I snatched his CD at the show, met him, and even took a picture with him; and all I can think of, is how glad I am to have been exposed to another amazing artist. This is one of those songs that will really, really stay with you; and one that I am definitely listening to on repeat.
When I first saw that Gavin Rossdale, former singer of the alternative powerhouse band Bush was releasing a solo album, curiosity got the best of me immediately, and I had to check out his first single. What I got, was a surprisingly tender ballad that I have totally fallen for. Not only have I always loved his voice, but I think that it totally suits this more sensitive acoustic rock, and I am definitely looking forward to hearing what else he has up his sleeve. It’s great to see him back on the music scene; especially when he is making great songs like this one.
Holy shit… new Weezer?!?! YES MA’AM! That is exactly what went through my head the other night when I saw that Weezer had a new single, Pork and Beans, up on iTunes, along with the pre-order for their new CD, the Red Album. As a LONG TIME fan of Weezer, I am delighted that they are bringing us another album, especially after rumors that they had called it quits after the last fantastic album, Make Believe. After listening to this track, I am reminded why I love Weezer so much; the quirky pop, and the buzzing guitars get me every time. After a few listens of this song, I can definitely tell you that I am now sitting on the edge of my seat, greatly anticipating the release of the Red Album.
Okay, as I spoke of earlier this week, I was really looking forward to Robyn’s self titled CD finally coming out in America. However, what I wasn’t expecting, was the inclusion of a couple of new tracks; most notably Dream On. Wow. This song totally brings a freshness to the record, and gives long time fans something more to clamor over, and yet another reason to run out and buy this fantastic album. Robyn is a pop goddess, and tracks like this give me the impression that she has a lot more up her sleeve for the future. I know that I am definitely looking forward to whatever Robyn has in store for us next. (FYI, after 3:12, when the track goes silent, there is nothing else on there, just a good 1:32 seconds of silence… no idea why).
Now that the record is finally out, I can finally get around to saying something about it. I downloaded it over a month ago when it leaked (I couldn’t resist), and first listens led me to make harsh, pre-judgment, where I declared that I was disappointed with the album. However, I refused to give up on one of the most innovative and brilliant bands that I have ever encountered, so I listened a few more times. With each listen, I got something new, and I realized that what they were trying to do with this album was just as they had done in the past; transcend. I think that they succeeded. It must be daunting to release an album after a decade’s hiatus, but Portishead have done so, and made it look effortless. The record is sure to continue to grow on me, and tracks like this one make me extremely glad that Portishead are in fact, back.