Shooting Hoops

Portugal. The Man should probably add this girl to their stage show. This was more exciting than the Pretty Lights show I suffered through earlier this month.

Album Review: In The Mountain In The Cloud by Portugal. The Man

I've been a fan of Portugal. The Man for two years. I've seen them live twice and feel they are one of the most talented bands out there. I've been anxiously awaiting their new album, In The Mountain In The Cloud for the past few months.

I was beyond excited to find out via twitter that the album is streaming in its entirety a week before its official release! I love that bands are doing this nowadays. It makes so much sense. I've already heard the snippets and knew this album was going to be something I'd appreciate. There are few artists that I am compelled to support financially but P. TM is one of the select groups that I will see live time and time again. They have an uncanny ability to transport me into a magical state of bliss. I will definitely be purchasing In The Mountain In the Cloud when it comes out next week; on repeat status. Everything about Portugal. The Man's music makes me happy. On top of it all is singer, John Gourley; painfully good-looking, smart and uber talented. My heart skips a beat. Yes, please!


The entire album is genius but my initial favorite tracks are as follows:

"Got It All (This Can't Be Living Now)"
Reminds me of Led Zeppelin but better. Gorgeous.

"Head Is A Flame (Cool With It)"
I'm cool with it ;) I just love the way this flows. The vocals are perfect.

"All Your Light (Times Like These)"
Such a sexy song with an interesting sound. In the best way possible, it reminds me a bit of The Black Keys (one of my other favorite bands).

"Sleep Forever"
I admit I almost cried (okay, maybe I did) when I first heard this song. I've felt like this many times in my life. It's one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. If I had to listen to only one song forever, this would be a strong contender. The video is also breathtaking. If you haven't seen it, go now!


This is an album that I will certainly be listening to for years to come. If there is a mountain in the cloud where music like this is played, I want to live there. One of the best albums of the year! I can't wait to see Portugal. The Man the next time they come back to Pittsburgh. I highly recommend the experience!

Summertime Tunes

One of my favorite radio stations, WYEP is asking for "summer song" submissions. They are compiling suggestions for its end of the season countdown. There are so many wonderful songs written about the summer. Here is the list that I submitted from the top of my head:

1. Having a Party by Sam Cooke
This is one of my favorite songs of all time. While it can apply to just about any part of the year, this one reminds me of summer parties spent with friends and family.

2. The Boys of Summer by Don Henley
I listen to this song often come late August/early September. It's the perfect end of summer anthem.

3. Summer In the City by The Lovin' Spoonful
As a city girl, I have a soft spot for this one. I love the beat.

4. The Sun by Portugal. The Man
While this song doesn't really refer to summer directly, it's still my favorite song that mentions the sun itself.

5. (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding
Just a nice, relaxing tune. Since Pittsburgh is lacking in bays, I like listening to this one when I'm
poolside or by the river.

One of the Most Powerful Videos I Have Ever Seen

Flashback Friday

Earlier this week, I was fortunate enough to catch a Portugal. The Man show. I saw them in March 2010 and it turned out to be one of my favorites of the year. This time did not disappoint. I LOVE their sound. It's unique, soulful and beautiful. Portugal. The Man's shows are a euphoric experience. I highly recommend checking them out when they come to your area. This band is not very well-known yet. If you haven't given their music a shot, you are doing yourself a major disservice. This week's flashback Friday is the first song I recall hearing from Portugal. The Man. It has since become one of my favorite songs of all time. The lyrics, the voice, the music- beautiful. Their new album, In The Mountain In the Cloud will be out this summer.

we are all just lovers
born of earth and light like all these others

if you're talking to the moon
the moon might sing about the universe
shouting out I don't need, I don't need time

"The Sun" by Portugal. The Man