A Raw Take On Old Music: Portugal. The Man Releases “Oregon City Sessions”

Q&ASpotlightMusic

May 20

☆ BY Lannan Ruiz ☆

A LIVE TAKE OF THE BAND IN DECEMBER 2008 — Portugal. The Man has released their newest live album, Oregon City Sessions. Showing the band two years into their adventures as Portugal. The Man, they recorded the album in one take in a quiet studio in Portland, Oregon, before shelving the record for over a decade in lieu of their record The Satanic Satanist and newer music.

After being off the road for the longest time since their debut, the band felt it was the right time to finally release the live session — exactly how it has remained since its recording. Oregon City Session is Portugal. The Man all their glory — live and raw, before they went on to become Grammy award-winning artists.

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Churchmouth (Live)

This energetic beginning is a good foreshadow and lead into Oregon City Sessions. The shift of energy halfway through the song renews the listener’s interest and has them swinging to the music with the band. Vocals laced with a touch of loneliness and ache, this track is perfect for a late-night hype playlist.

Horse Warming Party (Live)

Shining throughout the song, the bright guitar and vocals accompany a fast-paced second track. The song has a significant break of instrumentals doing the talking, conveying excited and suspenseful energy.

New Orleans (Live)

This song’s light-hearted mood takes shape alongside a longing and desperate-sounding voice for the four and a half minute song. Heavy drums and guitar emerge throughout the track, conveying the feeling of struggle and suffocation, in heavy contrast to the beginning of the music and its original sense of lightheartedness.

Bellies Are Full (Live)

Smoothly transitioning into this song from “New Orleans,” the drums take the stage front and center alongside a guitar demanding your attention. The band’s excited raw vocals will send shivers down your spine as they demand a fun time performing this eccentric song.

1989 (Live)

This slow and heavy-lidded track is a quiet gem on the album. The reminiscing tone and emotions flooding out of the harmonizing vocals cascade over guitar sounds that peek out from the back, growing and taking complete control by the end.

My Mind / The Home (Live)

This eerie and unsure sound showcases the pain and emotion seeking to be recognized in the song. The ten-and-a-half-minute song is used by PTM as a means to shift moods to create a story to tell. Guitar, drums, and other instruments are arranged throughout the track to expand on a new concept.

Lay Me Back Down (Live)

The bright and springy sound to the melody captivates the audience and has everyone wanting to sing along. As the first song on Censored Colors, the track was an important one to the group. “We had finished our deal with Fearless Records and recorded this all on our own,” singer/guitarist Jon Gourley said. “It represents the freedom we created by doing it ourselves.”

Chicago (Live)

This high-energy track reels you in, taking you through a unique experience for four and a half minutes. Switching between a lively melody and a smooth, calming verse, the band leaves everyone with a hunger for more rock pieces from the group.

And I (Live)

This emotional display of frustrated feelings rocks your heart to its core and takes your breath away. PTM passionately sings the slower song with the aggressive need to make its point about “taking to the streets” for various reasons.

The Devil (Live)

In this track, PTM excitedly builds up anticipation before leaving you chasing behind them, craving more. Accompanied by a music video containing film from the live recording, the band’s raw execution of the music frames the build of “The Devil” and puts this track in a league of its own.

AKA M80 the Wolf (Live)

Bright colors shining through the seams of this track, the band gleems through with shining synth and vocals. Halfway through, the emotion and raw feelings of the song come into light with lively instrumentals.

Colors (Live)

This slow, somber song leaves you in a daze with its soft synth and melody. A perfect choice for a late-night study session or chill hang out with friends, the flowing vocals emerge balanced and full of emotion to round off the track.

Marching With 6 / Elephants / Sit Back And Dream (Live)

The dynamic start to this track will have you on your feet full of new-found energy. Taking you on a full adventure, the band rocks out to the music, singing with everything they can give.

Tommy / Helter Skelter (Live)

The last song on the album, “Tommy/ Helter Skelter” is a culmination of the album's different moods, cascading through the 11 and a half minute track. The band finishes their live album with flare and spirited energy.

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