My Favorite Songs: Portishead- Roads

This new topic will just explore my all time favorite songs of all time. It’s going to be quite fun. I’ll be making a playlist to coincide with this topic on Spotify, as the list goes on.

There are certain songs in every band’s catalog that really mean something special to me. I’m sure many of you out there feel that same notion too, when you hear “that” song. Those songs can take you back to a place or moment, or even just fit the mood and vibe perfectly where you are at. To this day, anytime I head the song “Roads” by Portishead, I get this overtaking feeling of warmth and peace. It’s such a perfect song and it’s so soothing that even if it’s a really shitty day, this song makes it all that much better. I still remember hearing the song 25 years ago while I was listening to Portishead’s first album Dummy. The instant this song came on, I was taken aback and it drew me in. The trip-hop classic has and always will be one of my all time favorite songs. Everything about this song is perfect. The music is subtle and sparce, creating this distant yet warm sensation that wafts over the listener. And the vocals, oh those vocals, are the type that will give you chills in the best way possible. Beth Gibbon’s voice is utterly outstanding on this song (just as it is on all the other Portishead songs). “Roads” is the perfect end of the evening song as you are just getting home or winding down. There have been bands that have covered this song but, it’s impossible to get it right, and it should be forever left to Portishead to play this song. Thankfully in 2008, I had the pleasure to finally see Portishead live and when they played this song, it was a dream come true and one performance that I will not only remember but, cherish as well.

Portishead- Roads (from Dummy):

 

 

Roads Lyrics:

Oh, can’t anybody see
We’ve got a war to fight
Never found our way
Regardless of what they say
How can it feel, this wrong
From this moment
How can it feel, this wrong

Storm, in the morning light
I feel, no more can I say
Frozen to myself
I got nobody on my side
And surely that ain’t right

And surely that ain’t right

Oh, can’t anybody see
We’ve got a war to fight
Never found our way
Regardless of what they say
How can it feel, this wrong
From this moment
How can it feel, this wrong

How can it feel, this wrong
From this moment
How can it feel, this wrong

Oh, can’t anybody see
We’ve got a war to fight
Never found our way
Regardless of what they say
How can it feel, this wrong
From this moment
How can it feel, this wrong

 

Worst Cover Songs: Gone Is Gone (Portishead)- Roads

There is a new “collective group” (I’ve stopped using the term Supergroup) out called Gone Is Gone. It’s made up of Troy Sanders of Mastodon, Troy Van Leeuwen of Queens of the Stone Age, Tony Hajjar of At The Drive In and Mike Zarin. On paper this sounds like it could sound really cool, but it just doesn’t do it sadly. So much talent, but the execution is lackluster. Speaking of lackluster, on their full length debut album Echolocation, Gone Is Gone did a cover of Portishead’s “Roads.” Their version really misses the mark and is quite possibly one of the worst covers I’ve ever heard. Hear it for yourself.

Gone Is Gone- Roads:

 

Portishead- Roads (Studio Version from Dummy):

 

 

Portishead- Roads (Live Version from Roseland Ballroom 1998):

Amazing and Must Own Albums: Portishead- Live At Roseland Ballroom

Live albums are tricky. They can be amazing or wretched. There are quite a few that are absolute gems. Kiss Alive, Led Zeppelin The Song Remains The Same, Thin Lizzy Live and Dangerous, and The Band The Last Waltz are just a few of them. In 1997 an innovative band took their sound and performance to the Roseland Ballroom in New York and created one of the best live albums ever. The band in question is Portishead, who with only two albums under their belt, delivered a spectacle. Accompanying Portishead that evening was the New York Philharmonic. The mixture of their music and the addiction of the stringed instruments added even more of a psychedelic trip vibe. Certain songs in their catalog really stood out that night such as “All Mine,” “Mysterons,” “Over,” “Glory Box,” and my personal favorite “Roads.”

This album is another one that is a must in any collection. As a side note this album is great for romantic evenings with your loved one!