March 10, 2010

Portugal. The Man - American Ghetto (2010)

Less than a year after The Satanic Satanist was released and became one of my favorite albums, Portugal. The Man is back with American Ghetto and as a fan, I couldn't be happier. American Ghetto is moodier album than the Satanist, more likely to ride a groove than build up to a soaring chorus. While the album still feels retro and soulful, the songs rely more a pulsing beat and backing harmonies. They've toned down the pop hooks, added atmosphere and electronic blips, and it works; the album is consistently good and cohesive. "The Dead Dog" is still my favorite, but "60 Years" and "All My People" aren't far behind. And that's just the first half. As the songs progress they settle into sound somewhere between chill soul and fluid psychedelic funk. "When The War Ends" closes the album out by picking up pace and almost heading back to the dancefloor. Very cool.

9 Comments:

Mona said...

One word: obsessed. Haha.

Nightrain said...

Rockin' this so HARD at work right now... Golden Doom and P.TM = Perfectly Productive Friday.

awmercy said...

That sounds like a great day at work.

sandenuts said...

this album rocks!!

Nightrain said...

So good. Back at work, rockin' the hell outta these dudes.

awmercy said...

Time to bump it up to Best New Music.

Nightrain said...

For sure.

Nightrain said...

This might be my "favorite band." It feels strange to say that, but I fucking love their music.

awmercy said...

Yeah. They rule.

Apparently, they just signed to Atlantic.

Weird. Good?