Portishead

Third, Portishead’s first album in more than a decade, is drastically different from their previous work—and it’s leaving critics upset. But for as much flak as the group is taking, the album is certainly selling, and justifiably so. Rather than abandoning their trip-hop roots (as some claim), they’ve simply grown up and, dare I say, evolved. (Portishead is more than just a trip-hop band, remember?) Leaving samples behind and opting instead for live instrumentation, their sound becomes raw and abstract. Guitars, intricate live drums and the mysterious Beth Gibbons make the album. Sadly, some people don’t understand that at a time when anyone can sample a break beat, Portishead chooses originality. Check out “Nylon Smile,” “Silence,” “Machine Gun” and the lonesome banger, “We Carry On.”