My wife and I were camping over the last couple days and had this conversation.

In 1991 I would have said Portishead. Now, Massive Attack. I don't see that changing.

Portishead.

For any question "x vs. Portishead", the answer will be Portishead.

It's Portishead.

I prefer Massive Attack for Mezzanine and Blue Lines. I REALLY like Portishead's second and third albums, but even with their revolving-door policy for singers I feel that MA end up with something more personal, while Portishead often sound like different tributes to different bands (although totally great at that). I've been even warming up to 100th Window lately, MA it is.
Also, both bands make unreal sounding records, but Mezzanine is on a tier of its own.

Portishead, more for that third album than anything else.

A_Man_Who_Tries wrote: Wed May 19, 2021 5:47 pm Portishead, more for that third album than anything else.

Yeah, this is basically my reasoning for choosing Portishead too. I'm mostly indifferent towards their first two albums, but Third crackles with energy.

I think at this point in my life I am averse to Gibbons' voice. I'd rather listen to Barrows' production on Quakers than on any Portishead record; they all feel...affected.

enframed wrote: Thu May 20, 2021 11:03 pm I think at this point in my life I am averse to Gibbons' voice. I'd rather listen to Barrows' production on Quakers than on any Portishead record; they all feel...affected.

I'd rather listen to the album she did with Rustin Man than any Portishead or Massive Attack.

I'd rather listen to Beak than either but for this, Portishead.

penningtron wrote: Fri May 21, 2021 6:48 am I'd rather listen to Beak than either but for this, Portishead.

This Beak you mention is pretty good. I'd not heard of them. Definitely enjoy this better than Portishead.

enframed wrote: Wed May 19, 2021 5:04 pm In 1991 I would have said Portishead. Now, Massive Attack. I don't see that changing.

Massive Attack forever and it's not even close.