ALBUM: The Satanic Satanist

I love the anticipation of a new album.
Driving to the record store while listening to the single that floored you so many months before, refusing to download the leaked version (even though you really really want to), the excitement that you'll be listening to something new from a band you love, and then silently praying that they don't let you down.

They didn't.

Portugal. The Man's newest album The Satanic Satanist never let me down. From beginning to end it flows seamlessly, each song melding into its predecessor and successor. All this while each song still retains the power to stand under its own power. Portugal. The Man further cements their place as being the masters of crafting not just songs, but entire albums that ebb and flow with precision and without fault.

mp3: Portugal. The Man - People Say (NOTE: link goes to a free download.)
from the album The Satanic Satanist (Amazon/iTunes)

SONG: People Say

Not even a full-year after Censored Colors (seriously incredible) our favorite Wasilla, AK progressive rockers, Portugal. The Man, are set to release a new album titled The Satanic Satanist on July 21st.

Having the littlest bit of a sample of this forthcoming album increases my excitement nearly ten-fold. (That little guitar riff at the beginning accounts for nearly four of the ten folds. Wow.)

And lets not overlook that besides making exciting and captivating music, Portugal. The Man really shines in the album name department. We've got The Satanic Satanist, Censored Colors, Church Mouth, and, my personal favorite, It's Complicated Being a Wizard.


mp3: Portugal. The Man - People Say
from the album The Satanic Satanist (Amazon)

ALBUM: Censored colors

One bit of warning should you purchase Portugal. The Man's latest album Censored Colors, don't open it.
Don't get me wrong it's a fantastic album and the boys from Wasilla, AK (yup, the same 'Wasilla' of Sarah Palin fame. Who knew?) have outdone themselves. But the inside album photo of what appears to be a hand that has suffered severe chemical burns is pretty upsetting. (At least to someone who gets light headed when they draw his blood)
So buy this album, close your eyes, pull out the CD, and listen up cause it's pretty great.

It starts with the strongest tracks off the album. Lay Me Back Down, a unique blend of distorted rock guitar and chirpy piano ballad (I know right? Trust me though, it works) and the anthemic title track Colors. But it doesn't stop there, Censored Colors is simply amazing from start to finish. It just keeps drawing you in because, although the songs vary and are unique, there is a certain feeling of cohesivness throughout the entirity of the album that doesn't allow you to stop. Especially the last half, which feels like one epic (and psychadelic) song.

Portugal. The Man - Colors
from the album Censored Colors (Amazon/iTunes)