Portugal. The Manâs latest record plays unerringly like a free-spirited summer-anthem collection. At times electronic in nature, at times bluesy, at times more rock than anything, the indie heavy-hitter bandâs ninth record is surprisingly forward-thinking for a mainstream indie-pop band with nine records under their belt.
At times,
Woodstockâs quasi-folk, quasi-blues aesthetic overshadows the pop nature of the band, but is always brought back down to earth with tracks that remind the listener of the bandâs real appeal: theyâre fun.
And thereâs really no better example of that than âNoise Pollution.â Throwing away all of their non-pop elements, the track focuses on giving listeners nothing less than a highly danceable track with whatâs probably the best indie-pop hook of the summer so far. In an odd collaboration with Zoe Manville and actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead, the track manages to capture the indulgence of pop without falling pre
. What were those conversations like about recording something like the Oregon City Sessions
, and how did it all come about?
Zachary Carothers:Â Everything that we do when it comes to recordings or videos or writing a song, we re always just trying to take a snapshot of a moment. That s what all of our albums have ever been and anything that we ve done. What s funny about it is that when it comes to stuff like this, a lot of times we ll record a show, and then in the time that it takes to get things mixed and mastered and finalized, we re always just like playing different things or onto a new thing. It s always like, âMan, that s the old us,â and so we never put anything out. So this is kind of a big deal, more than just shouting out back to some old stuff, it s kind of us letting go of some special moments. We re just trying not to be too precious with things anymore. I don t know why we were about [
Horoscope for Feb. 4
Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021
ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Quarrels and disputes about money and possessions might arise today. Be careful, because you have a quick fuse. Stay chill.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Today the Moon is opposite Mars in your sign, which can create irritability with others. (Of course, they are irritating!) Take this in stride.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You might be frustrated because people at work are a bit annoying today. Or perhaps it’s people who are involved with a pet or your health. Either way, stay calm so you have nothing to regret later.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Parents must be patient with their kids today because conflicts will erupt. Similarly, it might be tough dealing with a friend or a member of a group. (Hey, these things happen.) Be cool.
By The Associated Press
Today is Thursday, Feb. 4, the 35th day of 2021. There are 330 days left in the year.
Today’s Highlight in History:
On Feb. 4, 1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet leader Josef Stalin began a wartime conference at Yalta.
On this date:
In 1783, Britain’s King George III proclaimed a formal cessation of hostilities in the American Revolutionary War.
In 1789, electors chose George Washington to be the first president of the United States.
In 1861, delegates from six southern states that had recently seceded from the Union met in Montgomery, Alabama, to form the Confederate States of America.