The Rip, by Portishead (12" on Universal)

A Norman Records recommendation (2nd July 2008)

	Description:	Ltd one sided etched 12" on Universal
	Format:	12"
	Label:	Universal
	Price:	£4.99
	Catalogue number:	1776003
	Availability:	sorry, but this item is not available / sold out. (Other items may be available!)

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What we say

Rating: ecstatic This record left our Phil feeling ecstatic.

Portishead release The Rip, my absolute favourite track from their fantastic third album. By far one of the highlights of the year, this is the highlight of the record for me. It starts off with Beth singing the most fragile thing over a repetitive acoustic guitar line over some haunting spooky sounding keyboards. Then the drums kick in with this Can like cyclicalism and some in your face big Silver Apples keyboards. Put simply this is a beautiful song which completely rules. There's nothing bad about this song at all aside from it doesn't go on forever and be the soundtrack of my life until I die. Bold statement but I like this song a lot. Adoration aside I have to say this is one for the diehard fans (not the series of action films...) as it's an etched 1 sided 12" with just The Rip on it which is on the album. The black on black artwork is a bit nice though and the vinyl is weapons grade but I would say this is for the collectors. Limited edition of 2 or 3 thousand.... I just don't pay enough attention to sales notes to remember.

What the label says:

The most eagerly awaited album of the year ‘Third’ has certainly not disappointed. The album has been received to critical acclaim everywhere its been reviewed, and will undoubtedly be one of the albums of the 2008. No Portishead release ‘The Rip’, the second single from their brand new album, which is already certified Gold.

“Like Radiohead’s Kid A or Bjork’s Homogenic, Portishead bond strange sounds together with real emotional force, learning to make sense of madness. That Third exists at all is impressive. That it’s Portishead’s best album yet is little short of miraculous” – NME 9/10