This album is one of my favorite albums of all time! It crawls under your skin with chilling emotions, like the blue emptiness of the cover just as you've said. Perhaps with multiple listens, the songs you found repetitive might grow on you, as they did with me. Overall, great reaction man! This is a great introduction to trip hop, it's a rabbithole worth getting into.
I’d say Mezzanine by Massive Attack is the gold standard for 90’s Trip Hop, and it holds up really well. Might be a good follow-up if you want to see what else this genre has to offer. Massive Attack is less alt-rock and much more hip-hop compared to Portishead, but it will absolutely sound like the same genre somehow.
Mezzanine for sure, but Dummy is up there as one of the most influential and important trip-hop albums of all time. I associate Mezz with Portishead's second album. They are both super dark and were released around the same time. Massive Attack's second album was released around the same time as Dummy and has a similar sound as well, although I'm not a huge fan of it.
@@thelongestdongrod190 It's great but definitely not better than a lot of their other songs. I can see why it's used as an intro though - it's pretty accessible and catchy.
You’re my favorite album reactor atm so seeing this was a delight, love your honestly as always. Would love to see you react to their other 2 albums, or Mezzanine by Massive Attack :)
One of the best albums of the 90's! Portishead is a very significant band for underground electronic music. Glad you had that experience! I love that hypnotic sound influenced by Dub Music (which is one of the traits of trip hop and gives the repetitive pattern as you noticed) and also this dreamy and introspective vibe. I think you would love to hear Massive Attack's Mezzanine album too, another great trip hop band, surely you must have already received the recommendation... and I say: listen without thinking twice.
AHHHHH WHAT A TREAT. This album is one of my few 10s alongside TPAB, Loveless, and In Rainbows. So exciting you should definitely check out their self-titled record as well it’s insane
glory box was my fav track easily 🥲 but I respect your opinion! Everyone has their own taste man and who knows maybe it will grow on you more in the future! But yeah appreciate you reacting to this thing man haven’t seen many reactions to this record so it means a lot to me!
this album is the best execution of being experimental while still be extremely accessible. could play this to impress a RYM nerd then go home and play it at the dinner table with my family.
Third is tough. I like it, but I wouldn't recommend it before their self-titled album. They only have three so might as well go in order IMO. Their live album is also fantastic.
The one-note, one-mood repetitive ones are definitely a hallmark of 1994's "trip" aspect of trip hop, ambient music had been absolutely massive for the preceding few years (bands/artists like Enya, Enigma and The Orb having absurdly high album sales, which is almost impossible to imagine now and perhaps completely impossible to imagine as an American) and over the next few years trance music would absolutely dominate dance. So it's very much of its time, it just felt like a very natural yet fresh version of it and it's very understandable that it's not really grabbing you straight away. I read once that the singer would record at home (due to performance anxiety) onto a cassette that was a bit slow, so when the other guy got the tapes they had to fiddle with it to get it to the right speed and that created a weird thin quality to her voice that they liked and played with. I dunno if that only described their demo work or whether it's actually present on the final album though!
please please please listen to the 1998 live version of strangers. they have a live symphony and they use it SO well, especially with the ending of the song. it feels like something that might be in a james bond movie.
I'm glad it grew on you after couple of songs, Portishead are amazing as they are! Also, react to Goldfrapp, I'm sure you might love them. Albums Felt Mountain or Black Cherry. Underrated classics ahead of their time
Regardless of being a 90s classic that I love, can't really go back as much as I want to. After hearing their live versions, at Roseland ballroom NYC album, most of the songs on here seems to me like demo (skeletal as you said) versions, almost as much as I love em tho, since it's pretty much a DJ's project in which Beth (Gibbons) agreeds to sing on. *And she sure delivered!* Make yourself a favor and listen the live album or at least Mysterons on their live band iteration to let them grow on you.
Dude "It could be sweet" is also my favorite track, also one of may most favorite songs. The drums, the bass, the keys and very close sexy voice - everything is perfect and timeless
This is one of my favorite albums of all time. It's so influential and ahead of its time. I think the reason Glory Box is popular is the same reason you were probably bored by it - it's just more straightforward and accessible than much of the rest of the album. I love it though. I think trip-hop is definitely an acquired taste. You have to be in the mood. And too much can be... too much. You might like their second album even more. It's a bit harder and even more experimental. I think I've said this before but you MUST react to Madonna/Ray of Light. ⚡
sometimes you don't need to GO anywhere, you're already there or you aren't (with the song), then it becomes a matter weather you can float in that vibe or not.
The Trip Hop scene came out of Bristol, UK. Other bands to try include Massive Attack, Tricky and Morcheeba. Check out Tricky's Hell is Round the Corner, which uses the same Isaac Hayes sample
Honestly pretty much agree with you about this record. There are some rough spots but the songs that hit are so smooth and ahead of their time. Still deserving of its classic status but maybe a BIT overhyped. Also, way off topic, but if you’re ever looking to get into more classic rock type stuff I would love to see a reaction to Led Zeppelin’s debut album. I know it’s a pretty obvious request, but I think you’ll be surprised at some of the more ambitious spots on the track list. Anyway, great reaction as always. Keep it up, brotha
You'd probably enjoy their third album more, which is more experimental and more prog rock influenced rather than being pure trip-hop. Thom Yorke said he listened to it a lot when making King of Limbs. But I love this album. The 10s for me are Strangers, Biscuit and Glory Box. The (officially released) live versions of Strangers and Glory Box in NYC in 1998 are probably my two favorite Portishead songs. I would definitely recommend Mezzanine (as others have), but my favorite trip-hop album is Maxinquaye by Tricky, which is in my all-time top 5. Those would be my two recommendations if you want to explore the genre further.
Your opinion matches mine pretty closely. I liked the lo-fi hip echoey hop drums and the vocals. There are more melodic, varied takes on this style. I think you'd like these: - Massive Attack - Mezzanine ('98) - Hooverphonic - A new Stereophonic Sound Spectacular ('96l
There’s a bootleg EP using Dummy and Aesop Rock vocals from his Bazooka Tooth record that bangs, if you wanted to hear someone rap over Portishead, I think it’s called Rockhead EP
Hope you get around to Portishead's 2nd and 3rd albums. The 2nd album has a similar vibe and the 3rd album veers more into psychedelic rock. I have a suspicion you might end up enjoying their 3rd album the most. Love the honesty in your reviews, BTW.
Seems like you enjoy less, the songs that just linger on the same sound, like you get bored easily. I'm all about the vibe and just chilling with it. I love ambient electronic stuff
100% check out mezzanine by massive attack, it's the other massive (hehe) trip hop record that inspired groups like Gorillaz. tricky (part of massive attack) is like the father of the genre.
Funny how you mention Gorrilaz. Founder Damon Albarn used to be in Blur which was lead singer of Blur during the time when this album came out. ‘Triphop’ and Britpop were 2 genres born early 90’s in UK. Where ‘triphop’ was way more eclectic and experimental, Britpop was more poppy guitar based. I’m sure Damon was very inpired by Portishead, as so many artists. It didn’t fit Blur’s style, but he mixed both styles perfectly with Gorillaz years after the 2 genres lost their popularity. I think Björk was doing a simular thing with her album Post, 3 years prior to Gorillaz was founded. You might want to have a listen…
Perfume Genius - Ugly Season on the far left, Denzel Curry - Unlocked, Clairo - Sling, Bon Iver - Self Titled, and Kendrick Lamar - Good Kid MAAD City on the right
vocals dont seem to resonate with you as an instrument. im the type of listener that doesnt really hear/value vocals in any other way. lyrics are secondary for me always. when theyre meaningful its just an added bonus. probably why i love genres like shoegaze where the vocals are indecipherable and just another sound. im not really a 'triphop' fan (portishead apparently hate that term btw), but beth gibbons delivery has so much emotion in it. its, imo, what puts their sound (not neglecting the jazzy, hiphop goodness done to perfection before its time) on another level.
Ngl I've always been of the opinion that, as good as this album is, their self-titled is their true masterpiece. This album meanders too much at times. And yeah I don't get the hype for Glory Box. It's alright but there's so much better stuff on this album.
i was 16 when i first heard the entire album, still love it after a year and listen to it constantly. my father recommended me the album and i'm really grateful that he did that 💯🔥
updated thoughts/score www.albumoftheyear.org/user/davecher/album/2552-dummy/
uncut reaction www.patreon.com/DAVECHER
Umm why is it like only 144p and 360p quality in the video and no other option? 😶is it just me?
This album is one of my favorite albums of all time! It crawls under your skin with chilling emotions, like the blue emptiness of the cover just as you've said. Perhaps with multiple listens, the songs you found repetitive might grow on you, as they did with me. Overall, great reaction man! This is a great introduction to trip hop, it's a rabbithole worth getting into.
I’d say Mezzanine by Massive Attack is the gold standard for 90’s Trip Hop, and it holds up really well. Might be a good follow-up if you want to see what else this genre has to offer. Massive Attack is less alt-rock and much more hip-hop compared to Portishead, but it will absolutely sound like the same genre somehow.
100%
what an album that is!!!
Tricky
@@tempsitch5632 no it’s not, it’s an easy choice
Mezzanine for sure, but Dummy is up there as one of the most influential and important trip-hop albums of all time. I associate Mezz with Portishead's second album. They are both super dark and were released around the same time. Massive Attack's second album was released around the same time as Dummy and has a similar sound as well, although I'm not a huge fan of it.
I cant imagine thinking calling one of the best songs of the 90’s “mid” (glory box)
It's honestly in retrospect super mid. I wish Portishead fans would stop recommending it as people's first introduction
@@thelongestdongrod190 in retrospect it’s probably the most iconic trip hop song ever, thats why people recommend it
@@lazguy6936 in retrospect it isn't at all.
@@thelongestdongrod190 It's great but definitely not better than a lot of their other songs. I can see why it's used as an intro though - it's pretty accessible and catchy.
@@thelongestdongrod190 in retrospect you’re a dork
Mezzanine by Massive Attack is also a great Trip Hop album
Not that great
@@alexandersteffen7805 HUH??
you’ve been reacting to classic and stunning albums in the last weeks omg thank you so much❤️
YESSS i been obsessed with this album for like a decade now
You’re my favorite album reactor atm so seeing this was a delight, love your honestly as always. Would love to see you react to their other 2 albums, or Mezzanine by Massive Attack :)
It's not a synth you hear in the first track. It's a theremin.
One of the best albums of the 90's! Portishead is a very significant band for underground electronic music. Glad you had that experience! I love that hypnotic sound influenced by Dub Music (which is one of the traits of trip hop and gives the repetitive pattern as you noticed) and also this dreamy and introspective vibe. I think you would love to hear Massive Attack's Mezzanine album too, another great trip hop band, surely you must have already received the recommendation... and I say: listen without thinking twice.
AHHHHH WHAT A TREAT. This album is one of my few 10s alongside TPAB, Loveless, and In Rainbows. So exciting you should definitely check out their self-titled record as well it’s insane
glory box was my fav track easily 🥲 but I respect your opinion! Everyone has their own taste man and who knows maybe it will grow on you more in the future! But yeah appreciate you reacting to this thing man haven’t seen many reactions to this record so it means a lot to me!
this album is the best execution of being experimental while still be extremely accessible. could play this to impress a RYM nerd then go home and play it at the dinner table with my family.
THIS IS SO ACCURATE
Following up on the triphop it'd be great to see you reaction to Endtroducing..... sometime.
He's not ready for a 10 minute Shadow track 😭
You should react to Third by them. It is way better in my opinion
Third is tough. I like it, but I wouldn't recommend it before their self-titled album. They only have three so might as well go in order IMO. Their live album is also fantastic.
Portishead have a flawless discography (and only 3 albums). Keep them coming!
The one-note, one-mood repetitive ones are definitely a hallmark of 1994's "trip" aspect of trip hop, ambient music had been absolutely massive for the preceding few years (bands/artists like Enya, Enigma and The Orb having absurdly high album sales, which is almost impossible to imagine now and perhaps completely impossible to imagine as an American) and over the next few years trance music would absolutely dominate dance. So it's very much of its time, it just felt like a very natural yet fresh version of it and it's very understandable that it's not really grabbing you straight away.
I read once that the singer would record at home (due to performance anxiety) onto a cassette that was a bit slow, so when the other guy got the tapes they had to fiddle with it to get it to the right speed and that created a weird thin quality to her voice that they liked and played with. I dunno if that only described their demo work or whether it's actually present on the final album though!
please please please listen to the 1998 live version of strangers. they have a live symphony and they use it SO well, especially with the ending of the song. it feels like something that might be in a james bond movie.
Third is more like Radiohead and more dynamic to listen to. Mezzanine by Massive Attack is also a really good trip-hop album.
I'm glad it grew on you after couple of songs, Portishead are amazing as they are!
Also, react to Goldfrapp, I'm sure you might love them. Albums Felt Mountain or Black Cherry. Underrated classics ahead of their time
I support a reaction to Goldfrapp. They're so underrated it hurts.
Definitely Felt Mountain as a first listen, to check out how they started.
Felt Mountain definitely wouldn't exist without Portishead. It's good though. Black Cherry feels more original.
Regardless of being a 90s classic that I love, can't really go back as much as I want to.
After hearing their live versions, at Roseland ballroom NYC album, most of the songs on here seems to me like demo (skeletal as you said) versions, almost as much as I love em tho, since it's pretty much a DJ's project in which Beth (Gibbons) agreeds to sing on.
*And she sure delivered!*
Make yourself a favor and listen the live album or at least Mysterons on their live band iteration to let them grow on you.
Dude "It could be sweet" is also my favorite track, also one of may most favorite songs. The drums, the bass, the keys and very close sexy voice - everything is perfect and timeless
He's a snob, so young ...
Their self titled album is a great one!
Cool that you are honest. Apreciate the analytic aproach 🙂
This, Tricky's "Maxinquaye" and Massive Attack's "Mezzanine" are the big three in trip hop.
This is one of my favorite albums of all time. It's so influential and ahead of its time. I think the reason Glory Box is popular is the same reason you were probably bored by it - it's just more straightforward and accessible than much of the rest of the album. I love it though. I think trip-hop is definitely an acquired taste. You have to be in the mood. And too much can be... too much. You might like their second album even more. It's a bit harder and even more experimental. I think I've said this before but you MUST react to Madonna/Ray of Light. ⚡
sometimes you don't need to GO anywhere, you're already there or you aren't (with the song), then it becomes a matter weather you can float in that vibe or not.
YESSSSS PORTISHEAD
Ugh how can you not like the eerie masterpiece that is Mysterons 😭 Yawn
I can see why it took him a minute to get into. It's like if aliens were told to make human music. Portishead would be the result.
FINALLY! I Love every single track on this album, but Glory Box is my least favourite.
Please please please do their last album Third. It is harrowing and eerie beyond description.
This album blew my mind the first time I heard it in 1994. I think it is just as beautiful today.
The Trip Hop scene came out of Bristol, UK. Other bands to try include Massive Attack, Tricky and Morcheeba.
Check out Tricky's Hell is Round the Corner, which uses the same Isaac Hayes sample
You're right, it does sound skeletal. But I think that's apart of the appeal of it
Psyence Fiction by UNKLE it's a great trip-hop album, maybe so underrated, but a true classic
I highly recommend this album to hear the evolution of trip hop. UNKLE was a revelation to me after the sparseness of DJ Shadow's Endtroducing.
Honestly pretty much agree with you about this record. There are some rough spots but the songs that hit are so smooth and ahead of their time. Still deserving of its classic status but maybe a BIT overhyped.
Also, way off topic, but if you’re ever looking to get into more classic rock type stuff I would love to see a reaction to Led Zeppelin’s debut album. I know it’s a pretty obvious request, but I think you’ll be surprised at some of the more ambitious spots on the track list.
Anyway, great reaction as always. Keep it up, brotha
You'd probably enjoy their third album more, which is more experimental and more prog rock influenced rather than being pure trip-hop. Thom Yorke said he listened to it a lot when making King of Limbs. But I love this album. The 10s for me are Strangers, Biscuit and Glory Box. The (officially released) live versions of Strangers and Glory Box in NYC in 1998 are probably my two favorite Portishead songs.
I would definitely recommend Mezzanine (as others have), but my favorite trip-hop album is Maxinquaye by Tricky, which is in my all-time top 5. Those would be my two recommendations if you want to explore the genre further.
Your opinion matches mine pretty closely. I liked the lo-fi hip echoey hop drums and the vocals. There are more melodic, varied takes on this style. I think you'd like these:
- Massive Attack - Mezzanine ('98)
- Hooverphonic - A new Stereophonic Sound Spectacular ('96l
There’s a bootleg EP using Dummy and Aesop Rock vocals from his Bazooka Tooth record that bangs, if you wanted to hear someone rap over Portishead, I think it’s called Rockhead EP
Kids these days...
Guess you had to be there.
Beth gibbon appears on an mf doom track.i suggest listening to live in new York. It will give you a new found appreciation for what you are hearing..
Hope you get around to Portishead's 2nd and 3rd albums. The 2nd album has a similar vibe and the 3rd album veers more into psychedelic rock. I have a suspicion you might end up enjoying their 3rd album the most. Love the honesty in your reviews, BTW.
You need to react to The Cure record, for example "disintegration" album.
It's to much emotional to explain this in words
90s Trip hop Music should stay lost in time and you’ll be the chosen one if you find it
Seems like you enjoy less, the songs that just linger on the same sound, like you get bored easily. I'm all about the vibe and just chilling with it. I love ambient electronic stuff
love this album. i agree that glorybox isnt too exciting, to me its the outro of the album.tho i also love mysterons. roads is the highpoint.
100% check out mezzanine by massive attack, it's the other massive (hehe) trip hop record that inspired groups like Gorillaz. tricky (part of massive attack) is like the father of the genre.
It's also a far more enthralling listen than Dummy. At least in my opinion.
This one is a grower, I think you should check out the other two albums
Funny how you mention Gorrilaz. Founder Damon Albarn used to be in Blur which was lead singer of Blur during the time when this album came out. ‘Triphop’ and Britpop were 2 genres born early 90’s in UK. Where ‘triphop’ was way more eclectic and experimental, Britpop was more poppy guitar based. I’m sure Damon was very inpired by Portishead, as so many artists. It didn’t fit Blur’s style, but he mixed both styles perfectly with Gorillaz years after the 2 genres lost their popularity. I think Björk was doing a simular thing with her album Post, 3 years prior to Gorillaz was founded. You might want to have a listen…
For your own listening pleasure, you should listen to strangers live from rosland ny. Even if tou dont react to it, it's worth it.
You should react to Giles Corey (another project by Dan Barrett from Have A Nice Life)
Not for everyone, and that's ok. Without a doubt one of my favourite albums of all time.
Also, this album needs to be listened to after dark. And loud.
You should have listened to it late at night with the lights turned down and a beverage of your choice.
You should listen/react to some of the cure's albums if you haven't already. Disintegration, pornography, head on the door and faith are great
What u should do is react to portishead live at roseland park. With an orchestra. Oh u will appreciate it
What are the albums on the shelf behind you? I reckonise Madvillainy but not the others
Perfume Genius - Ugly Season on the far left, Denzel Curry - Unlocked, Clairo - Sling, Bon Iver - Self Titled, and Kendrick Lamar - Good Kid MAAD City on the right
@@DAVECHER Love GKMC. I'll have to check that Clairo album
As others mentioned it here, try Mezzanine!
Nah I completely get you with glory box, I think there was many songs on this album that were far better in my opinion
The glory box remixes are fire though. If you've never heard them they are all on spotify
@@BANGERSLLC I'll for sure check them out then 😌
Glory Box was the last one to grow on me
vocals dont seem to resonate with you as an instrument. im the type of listener that doesnt really hear/value vocals in any other way. lyrics are secondary for me always. when theyre meaningful its just an added bonus. probably why i love genres like shoegaze where the vocals are indecipherable and just another sound.
im not really a 'triphop' fan (portishead apparently hate that term btw), but beth gibbons delivery has so much emotion in it. its, imo, what puts their sound (not neglecting the jazzy, hiphop goodness done to perfection before its time) on another level.
You have some gifts. A little humility might suit you better.
listen to Tim Hecker - Virgins
Mfw glory box mid 😐
Check out "mezzanine" by massive attack youll fw so much more
Glory Box is a weak track. Love the guitar solo.
Keep trip hop on da down low
"Third" is their best album by far.
I agree with you about glory box tbh
imagine calling glory box is mid
Trip-Hop Gold: Mezzanine by Massive Attack.
Not an 808.
MASSIVE ATTACK MEZZANINE 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Nice try. Huge lack of background.
You said MF Doom. So funny. 3rd Bass!
Ngl I've always been of the opinion that, as good as this album is, their self-titled is their true masterpiece. This album meanders too much at times. And yeah I don't get the hype for Glory Box. It's alright but there's so much better stuff on this album.
You don't know the genre, its music. Terrible review
Classic trip hop album, but clearly worse than Mezzanine and Endtroducing, two other classic trip hop bangers.
Dude you are clearly wrong. It’s that simple.
Triphop is not a good genre for young people, you start to like it and appreciate more in your 30s, just my vision.
i was 16 when i first heard the entire album, still love it after a year and listen to it constantly. my father recommended me the album and i'm really grateful that he did that 💯🔥