As this album was released to anyone and everyone at the exact same time via internet, this review is based on my immediate reaction and was posted two hours after I first heard any of the songs.
It only took a few songs to realize that this was an outstanding follow-up to last year’s The Satanic Satanist and that it wasn’t going to disappoint. It also didn’t take long to realize that it was a lot different than The Satanic Satanist as well. As is tradition for Portugal. The Man, they stayed true to their sound while evolving and completely changing almost everything about themselves. I don’t know how that is possible either, but I’m glad they’ve found out how to do that because it makes every album and experience all of its own, incomparable to anything. KEEP READING →→
The Satanic Satanist is definitely another contender for top album of 2009. If it’s not in the top 5, the last four months of 2009 must deliver some absolutely mind blowing material. Well, more mind blowing than The Satanic Satanist, that is. The guitar riffs are reminiscent of the 60s and 70s and are just downright groovy!
Most of us will still have no idea what John Gourley is singing about, the vocals are still fun to sing along to, and of course, are still the higer pitched, soft voice we have all come to recognize as Gourley’s. The tracks do seem to all blend together and at first listen I had a hard time realizing when a new track had started, but now that’s one of the things I love about the album. The music doesn’t get interrupted and it all fits perfectly together.
Wrap this glorious gift from…satan?…up in artwork by Austin Sellers that somehow manages to perfectly compliment the songs with his colorful yet eerie water colors, and you’ve got Christmas in July!
Initial Thoughts: I was really relieved and excited because the last time I really loved a Portugal. The Man album was Church Mouth. The Satanic Satanist has all the elements I love Portugal. The Man for without the things that didn’t allow me to love Censored Colors.
Now: It’s been almost two weeks since I heard this album and it hasn’t lost any of its appeal. It gets better every time I listen to it.
Best Track: I’m really digging The Home but I think this is a tie with The Woods and Guns and Dogs. I can’t help it, it’s a good album!
Quick little edit (October 1st) 3 months later this is still all I can listen to [...]
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