Portugal. The Man

These days, Wasilla, Alaska, is mainly known to residents of the Lower 48 as the place where Sarah Palin served as mayor before beginning a rise to fame that's included stints as Alaska's governor, a vice-presidential nominee and the inspiration for a Tina Fey impression that's a lot funnier than...

By Michael Roberts

November 13, 2008

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "12017618",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17242653",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261320",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261321",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

These days, Wasilla, Alaska, is mainly known to residents of the Lower 48 as the place where Sarah Palin served as mayor before beginning a rise to fame that's included stints as Alaska's governor, a vice-presidential nominee and the inspiration for a Tina Fey impression that's a lot funnier than she is. But Wasillans would be far better served if they were associated with some favorite sons – the members of Portugal. The Man – rather than this particular favorite daughter. Censored Colors, Portugal's latest album, has a depth and sweep that belies the players' relative youth. Take "And I," in which frontman John Baldwin Gourley and his cohorts add layer upon layer of passionate sounds to a composition that seems small-scale in the beginning but epic by the end. Joined on this bill by Earl Greyhound and Wintersleep, Portugal. The Man is much worthier of a vote than that other celebrity from the same home town.

KEEP WESTWORD FREE... Since we started Westword, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.

Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

Follow:

Facebook: 111180895657427

Twitter: @mikerobertscolo