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Binding: Audio CD EAN: 0731455942422 Format: Enhanced, Live Label: London / Umgd Manufacturer: London / Umgd Number Of Discs: 1 Publisher: London / Umgd Release Date: November 10, 1998 Studio: London / Umgd Sales Rank: 8254 MPN: 559424
Amazon.com: Usually, groups wait until they've released at least three or four records before putting out a live album, but PNYC was too good an idea for Portishead to turn down. Recorded with a full orchestra on a cold, rainy day shortly after the release of their second record, Portishead, the project doubled as a live album and the soundtrack for a BBC documentary. In addition to being economical and perhaps lucrative, the disc demonstrates how sampled and sequenced music can be re-created in concert without losing any of the charm or dynamics of the original recordings. All it takes is a 22-piece string section, some horns, and a band whose tightness is exceeded only by its creativity. At times the performances on PNYC sound even more breathtaking and cinematic than Portishead's original recordings, as humming theremin, skittery scratching, and gliding strings mingle with stealthy guitar lines and sultry vocals. For Portishead, sour times seem like a distant memory. --Jon Wiederhorn
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - 4.5 stars
Live versions of their best album tracks. They used an orchestra on this and it adds extra flavor and makes the songs even better. The live recording also adds an echo so you feel like you are really in ... Read More
Rating: - The coolest trip-hop group live with an orchestra
It seems like it might not work at first, but Portishead's "Live: Roseland NYC" album is probably the most stunning and most original live electronica album. And the string orchestra enhances their songs ... Read More
Rating: - The best live electronic music album ever.
I read a review for Third in the New Yorker, and I found out that this live album existed. I had to get it right away because the reviewer was basically saying that Third is great, but nothing can ever beat ... Read More
Rating: - Never record ANYTHING in NYC again
One word: "Roads." What a mess the dimwitted NYC audience made of this song. Their stupid little clap-a-long and early applause ruin what really would have been one of the standout tracks on this album. Good ... Read More
Rating: - Absolut genius
This is a masterpiece of contemporary music. PNYC is a very complex album, full of arrangements that goes to deep obsesive levels. No matter what kind of music do you really like. Everyone who cares about music ... Read More
- 4.5 stars
- The coolest trip-hop group live with an orchestra
- Never record ANYTHING in NYC again