syntheticman

Probably the definitive trip-hop album for me. Just every song on this is incredible, with some really choice samples used (so much so that they're now more associated with Portishead than the original artist in my mind). But the key factor is Beth Gibbons' gorgeous, haunting voice which lends the whole album this seductive melancholy.

Really fantastic, spacey and atmospheric krautrock. Tago Mago probably still has the edge for me, but this is wonderful.

Weirdly despite quite liking the Beatles, I'd never really given this album much of a listen. And for whatever reason I find myself quite muted on it. There are tracks here I really like - particularly Within You Without You - but this definitely feels like the weaker of the band's golden era records

Have always really admired TV On The Radio, but never really gone back to this album as much. You can definitely sees what sets them apart from the other indie rock bands of the era, though there's still a roughness to this which I think they refine on later releases. Still a super interesting and unique record.