Album Of The Week: Portugal The Man Gives Me “Woodstock”
I find it unsurprising that so many artists are getting more political or social in their music. Commentary and art go hand in hand to reveal to humanity the spiritual bits of itself only a sound, a image, motion, or sensory can. Enter Portugal The Man’s Woodstock as an exhilarating comment and prompt for freedom, in times, where it feels most threatened.
Portugal. The Man – “Feel It Still” (Official Video)
Woodstock, literally, begins with cheers from Woodstock, and Richie Haven rousing rendition of “Freedom”, which leads to lead singer John Baldwin Gourley’s own soulful voice declaring like, the song, a similar desire for freedom and childhood innocence. “Number One” perfectly sets the tone for the album’s “diving” atmosphere. Portugal The Man set up an instrumental backdrop that feels like a pool; you swim and whirl in its light waves forgetting all the chemicals used to clean it might hurt you. The notion sets of intoxicating tracks like “Easy Tiger”, “Noise Pollution”, “Tidal Wave” and “So Young” where, lyrically, Portugal The Man reflect the eagerness to fit in with society assuming “fitting in” brings stability and happiness, but shaking at the reality it does not. For all the structures and labels humankind builds to, supposedly, understand itself better, oppression derives from how such constructs imprison people more than understands them. The idea that what is considered “anarchy”, a world with no social constructs or labels, might be true ‘liberation” is not new, but no one has presented it as rhythmically as this band. You want to dance and bathe in Gourley’s kicking voice during the catchy “Live In The Moment”, the rock banditry of “Feel It Still”, and the swashing backdrop of “Keep On”, Gourley has the capacity to jolt both your heart and hip rhythm by making rebelliousness sound like a soulful experience. It is as saying “no” to conformity and collective ignorance leads to a feeling of spiritual lightness…. Who knew?! Still,” Rich Friends” and “Mr, Lonely” shows the need to find others that, mutually, say “No” to amassing people as the same just because you do not have the strength/ desire to absorb their difference. I know that is a weighty observation, but Portugal The Man has always known to lace the bitterness of life over sweet music.
Portugal. The Man – “So Young” (Official Lyric Video)
At times, the most rejuvenating thing can be truth, and such truth can only rejuvenate if it is shared. We are all the same in that we are different. Like the now legendary festival, Woodstock showed goodness is authentic when every difference we have can be treated with love. Portugal The Man shows love in Woodstock by making an album that is completely good. Every song is worthy of pressing play, and adapts to your every mood. Whether you want to have fun or have a feeling, on June 9 you should buy Portugal The Man’s Woodstock By Clicking Here.
Portugal. The Man – “Number One (feat. Richie Havens & Son Little)” [Album Version]
