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Editorial Reviews
In The Mountain In The Cloud marks Portugal. The Man's sixth full-length in as many years, as well as the band's debut for Atlantic Records. Carrying forth the momentum triggered by their unexpected rise in 2006, and their FM airwave success of "People Say" (from 2009's The Satanic Satanist), In The Mountain In The Cloud continues the pattern of an album per calendar year, a feat made all the more staggering when you consider the band's fervent devotion to the open road, logging over 800 shows-performing everywhere from freight elevators to a mesmerizing set at Bonnaroo-since their inception. In The Mountain In The Cloud marks the first recording by the band to accurately harness their onstage energy; it's a recording that places Portugal. The Man's devout work ethic and singular vision on full display.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By C-M
Format:Audio CD
I have been a fan for a while now, and loved their past efforts. I was worried their foray into a major label would dampen their sound or creativity, well I was wrong. This album is for the lovers of psychedelia and soaring vocals, if a man exercising his falsetto scares you, look elsewhere. It sounds grandiose but it is not pretentious in any way. The opening track "So American" is an instant hook that draws you in, complete with steel drum and all. The second song that really caught my attention (and my favorite track) is the fifth track "Head Is a Flame (Cool with It)" The vocals, guitars, bass, and atmosphere all have such an eerie nostalgic feel and pacing, the best chorus and solo in all the album leaves me humming and singing all day. I want to keep this review brief so I urge all who liked their previous work to support and buy this record.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By PuroShaggy
Format:MP3 Music
Portugal. The Man keeps their amazing streak of doing something different on each album alive with this '70s drenched, T-Rex meets Electric Light Orchestra, alternative pop masterpiece. Incorporating a little of everything they've done before- progressive jams, folk rock, electro pop- while pushing the boundaries of the studio to new limits, Portugal. The Man has created with "In the Mountain In the Cloud" an inspiring 11 song sequence filled with sing-a-long hooks, catchy riffs, and just enough room for some serious exploration when they take these songs to the stage.
The album opens with the one-two punch of "So American"/"Floating", two tracks seeped in strings and percussion that instantly evokes the studio wizardry of mid-seventies Bowie. "Senseless" soon follows and is drenched in guitar noise, in which lead singer/guitarist John Gourley proves his guitar mastery by doing everything with his six strings but soloing. "Once Was One" starts off sounding like a "Censored Colors" outtake before it evolves into another sweeping, drum-machine driven epic. What may be the best song PTM has ever released, "All Your Light" finds it's roots in "American Ghetto"'s dark second half. Ominous keyboards give way to a pounding drum beat over which Gourley's voice soars, at times playing call and response with the band's almost tribal backing vocals. Then, out of nowhere, the band drops into a seriously tight jam that harkens back to the band's first album, "Waiter: You Vultures!"
Lyrically, the band explores some darker places. Vietnam, politicians, growing old, "So American" is NOT a compliment, "All Your Light" CAN'T save me, and "Sleep Forever", the closing track, ends with the lines "everything is perfectly messed up again". For all the catchy riffs, quirky keyboard noises, and bouncy rhythms, the mood of the lyrics does not seem to be overwhelmingly positive. It is this contrast which makes the album that much more interesting.
It seems that there is something new to discover every time this album is played. If you own headphones, put them on. Portugal. The Man has done an amazing job of creating a sum that is greater than its parts, but to fully appreciate all that went into this album, make sure you find the time to hear all those parts.
The album opens with the one-two punch of "So American"/"Floating", two tracks seeped in strings and percussion that instantly evokes the studio wizardry of mid-seventies Bowie. "Senseless" soon follows and is drenched in guitar noise, in which lead singer/guitarist John Gourley proves his guitar mastery by doing everything with his six strings but soloing. "Once Was One" starts off sounding like a "Censored Colors" outtake before it evolves into another sweeping, drum-machine driven epic. What may be the best song PTM has ever released, "All Your Light" finds it's roots in "American Ghetto"'s dark second half. Ominous keyboards give way to a pounding drum beat over which Gourley's voice soars, at times playing call and response with the band's almost tribal backing vocals. Then, out of nowhere, the band drops into a seriously tight jam that harkens back to the band's first album, "Waiter: You Vultures!"
Lyrically, the band explores some darker places. Vietnam, politicians, growing old, "So American" is NOT a compliment, "All Your Light" CAN'T save me, and "Sleep Forever", the closing track, ends with the lines "everything is perfectly messed up again". For all the catchy riffs, quirky keyboard noises, and bouncy rhythms, the mood of the lyrics does not seem to be overwhelmingly positive. It is this contrast which makes the album that much more interesting.
It seems that there is something new to discover every time this album is played. If you own headphones, put them on. Portugal. The Man has done an amazing job of creating a sum that is greater than its parts, but to fully appreciate all that went into this album, make sure you find the time to hear all those parts.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Fantastic album! Love Portugal. The Man
I'd recommencement you only buy CD's from this band. The album art is great.
I'd recommencement you only buy CD's from this band. The album art is great.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Easily one of my favorite albums of all time.
Over the past year, this album has grown so much on me, that it's now one of my all time favs. The jams in this album are so enticing.
Published 7 days ago by Conner Currier
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very good
My first PTM CD. I really enjoy it. Solid throughout. If you like the band or have just heard a few songs online I recommend buying it.
Published 2 months ago by Josh Doppelt
4.0 out of 5 stars
Classic Portugal.
That classic, flowing, Portugal. sound. Great production value, the strings are very pleasant. I guess the album it reminds me of most is Censored Colors, but they even have a few... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Gregg
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Innovative Band With an Unforgettable Sound
Many people say the quality of all music has declined over decades, and if they came upon this realization only by listening to mainstream radio, they'd be absolutely right. Read more
Published 4 months ago by IMO
3.0 out of 5 stars
In the Mountain with a Cloud
Good packaging, great illustrations, a little minimal, i love this white LP...
i would rate it with one more star if lyrics were printed in a booklet. Read more
i would rate it with one more star if lyrics were printed in a booklet. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Fulkwarin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing Execution by a Great Band!
I have loved all of PTM's CDs and can say the band has grown over time, while still producing amazing music and lyrics. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Matthew Stromberg
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great blend of progressive and psychedelic rock
This is an all-around great album. There's not one song you want to skip. All 11 tracks are very powerful. I don't know why these guys aren't in the airwaves more. Read more
Published 12 months ago by OALM
5.0 out of 5 stars
Got it on vinyl, SPECTACULAR music
I'll keep it short and simple. BUY THIS ALBUM!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will see! My wife and I took the time to listen to the whole album twice yesterday and it's such a crisp record. Read more
Published 14 months ago by FeRn
5.0 out of 5 stars
Portugal
Wonderful. Fantastic. Amazing. Face-melting. Yet another fabulous album by Portugal. The Man. Great music by great people. A necessity for any Portugal fans.
Published 15 months ago by R. Callister
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hands Down BEST Album of 2011
This album is exquisite from start to finish. I learned about Portugal. The Man from KCRW in LA in August 2011 and cannot stop listening to them. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Mike D.
Listmania!
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