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Album Details
- Artist: Portugal. The Man
- Album: The Satanic Satanist
- Label: Approaching Airballoons / Equal Vision
- Year of Release: 2009
- ME Rating:
- Reviewed by: tosnob on 2009-08-05
Media
RecommendPortugal. The Man is poised to release their fourth studio album. The Wasilla, Alaska natives will be dropping The Satanic Satanist on July 21st.
The album isn't just noteworthy for possessing possibly the best title of the year so far. From start to finish the record is a free flowing joyful ride. Be it the twangy groove rock of the opener "People Say" or the uplifting and hope redemption of the closer "Mornings", this album has something special: it has life.
The Madchester scene had an obvious influence on this album. The loose feel, psychedelic pomp, and lush arrangements evoke thoughts of The Stone Roses. The jazzier elements and funky beats of songs like "Lovers In Love" make one think of Primal Scream. The gospel feel on a track like "The Sun" feels like Spiritualized.
While those songs may beg for comparisons to those bands, Portugal. The Man does well in not sounding derivative. Yes, the influence is apparent, but by adding fuzz guitars, effects, and the occasional falsetto vocal, they really do create a sound of their own from those pieces.
Beyond all of that, the songs on The Satanic Satanist are just plain catchy. Whether it's the rocker "Do You" or the dancier "Work All Night" or "The Woods", there are hooks aplenty to reel you in.
With an effort this good you shouldn't be surprised if you see The Satanic Satanist popping up on multiple year end lists.
User Reviews and Comments
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Log In or Register to Rate Albumson 2011-03-15 digitalbath Said:
In my opinion, the greatest part about this album in comparison to any other Portugal the Man record is the subject matter.
Their lyrics are always thought provoking, don't get me wrong, but this album is one of their first that doesn't utilize as much metaphor in trying to get their point across. All in all, the message is one of peace, in stark contrast to the album title.
If you're a die-hard PtM fan and find yourself not able to thoroughly enjoy this album as you have so many others, take a closer listen to the lyrics.
Not Rated
on 2009-06-28 mountaloha Said:
The progression of this band since Waiter: "You Vultures!" is incredible. This album is very laid back and really easy to listen to all the way through. I'm enjoying the direction this band is heading towards.
Rating: 8/10
