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Portishead — Sour Times
Album: Dummy
Avg rating:
8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3940









Released: 1994
Length: 4:06
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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To pretend no one can find
The fallacies of morning rose
Forbidden fruit, hidden eyes
Courtesies that I despise in me
Take a ride, take a shot now
Cause nobody loves me, it's true
Not like you do

Covered by the blind belief
That fantasies of sinful screens
Bear the facts, assume the dye
End the vows no need to lie, enjoy
Take a ride, take a shot now
Cause nobody loves me, it's true
Not like you do

Who am I, what and why
Cause all I have left is my memories of yesterday
Ohh these sour times
Cause nobody loves me, it's true
Not like you do

After time, the bitter taste
Of innocence, descent or race
Scattered seeds, buried lives
Mysteries of our disguise revolve
Circumstance will decide

Cause nobody loves me, it's true
Not like you
Nobody loves me, it's true
Not like you do
Comments (278)add comment
 Ahnyer_Keester wrote:

Anyone else think of Bond when you hear this? Great song but I have visions of women in bikinis pointing guns at targets off screen.


Good luck with that. 
Posted 2 weeks ago by iloveradio    [ Reply ]
 raenvald wrote:

Mary Jane Lamond is the vocalist. A Montrealer who relocated to Nova Scotia (Cape Breton) and embraced Gaelic folk songs. She deserves a co-credit here.




"She deserves a co-credit here. Yes I thought the same .
Posted 6 months ago by kurnatovsky    [ Reply ]
Oh yeah, ultra-rare 10 from me. Portishead at their BEST!
Posted 8 months ago by jlind    [ Reply ]
I'd never thought of this as a Bond theme before. Having said that, if you want true John Barry-esque vibes from your trip-hop artistes, Alison Goldfrapp wins hands down.
Posted 1 year ago by ElCamoteLoco    [ Reply ]
so spooky. a shame about not being picked up for a bond theme, as been said below.

one of 2 portishead songs i actually like. this is pretty groovy.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
 Gromit_42 wrote:

Thanks for that! Here's an example of a Cimbalom being played on YouTube:
Cimbalom (dulcimer) solo played by Jeno Farkas, Szalai Hungarian Gypsy Band



Thank You for the info!
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

It's apparently a cimbalom, which is more-or-less an Eastern European type of hammered dulcimer.  (Wikipedia link for Cimbalom) The sample is from a Lalo Schifrin piece for "Mission: Impossible".

Thanks for that! Here's an example of a Cimbalom being played on YouTube:
Cimbalom (dulcimer) solo played by Jeno Farkas, Szalai Hungarian Gypsy Band
Posted 1 year ago by Gromit_42    [ Reply ]
(one of many comments saying this tune is "Bond like")...
 joejennings wrote:
I can hear an early James Bond sound in this tune!   GREAT TUNE!!  Thanx RP!

A review of this song elsewhere on the web said that all 11 tracks on this album would be suitable for Bond films.

Worth repeating:
 gauchamara wrote:
... Its actually a sample of a Lalo Schifrin tune called Danube Incident from the original series Mission Impossible.
Can be found on Schifrin's 1967 album, "More Mission: Impossible" (and on YouTube).
Posted 1 year ago by Gromit_42    [ Reply ]
 timmus wrote:
I notice this was released in 1994, a year before the James Bond movie "Goldeneye" in 1995.  I wonder if Portishead was hoping that this would be picked up as a theme song for the movie.



I can hear an early James Bond sound in this tune!   GREAT TUNE!!  Thanx RP!   
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Was was the sampled track?
Posted 1 year ago by TheKing2    [ Reply ]
I notice this was released in 1994, a year before the James Bond movie "Goldeneye" in 1995.  I wonder if Portishead was hoping that this would be picked up as a theme song for the movie.
Posted 1 year ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
Bill Bailey does a wonderful "Portishead version" of his proposed update to The National Anthem. 
Posted 2 years ago by MinMan    [ Reply ]
Take a ride, take a shot now... Love Beth's voice
Posted 2 years ago by lgonzale803    [ Reply ]
 Ahnyer_Keester wrote:

Anyone else think of Bond when you hear this? Great song but I have visions of women in bikinis pointing guns at targets off screen.



Uses a sample from Mission Impossible music from the 60s; so very much intentional I think (but the spy involved has an American accent).
Posted 2 years ago by Jamiedalzell    [ Reply ]
 gauchamara wrote:
So you both are close. Its actually a sample of a Lalo Schifrin tune called Danube Incident from the original series Mission Impossible.

 



Thanx for the info!  Great tune!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
The more I hear this tune, the more I like it!!  Thanx RP!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 Ahnyer_Keester wrote:

Anyone else think of Bond when you hear this? Great song but I have visions of women in bikinis pointing guns at targets off screen.




I hear James Bond too!! GREAT TUNE!!
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
Sheer poetry. 
Posted 2 years ago by sdn    [ Reply ]
Never not a 10
Posted 2 years ago by CCSandman    [ Reply ]
Nice!!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Posted 2 years ago by kramcd    [ Reply ]
 Ahnyer_Keester wrote:

Anyone else think of Bond when you hear this? Great song but I have visions of women in bikinis pointing guns at targets off screen.




That works so well!
Posted 3 years ago by Psychoscorpic    [ Reply ]
Tingles throughout!
Posted 3 years ago by paulprior61    [ Reply ]
What a load of hateful comments, I think it's not that bad, a 7 for me
Posted 3 years ago by Ghiaap    [ Reply ]
Portishead >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Radiohead
Posted 3 years ago by jelgator    [ Reply ]
Went swimming in the lido at Portishead in the mid nineties, it was quite like this sounds.
Posted 4 years ago by MattRudely    [ Reply ]
What a masterpiece this album was...
When Trip-Hop was on charts, radios and TVs...

Am I getting old?!

Yes I am and it's not a bad thing

Anyway, 10
Posted 4 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]
So you both are close. Its actually a sample of a Lalo Schifrin tune called Danube Incident from the original series Mission Impossible.

 dubberdan wrote:
There's an even more Bond-like song on their 2nd album. Sounds like the theme that got away

 SeriousLee wrote:


 

Posted 4 years ago by gauchamara    [ Reply ]
 akaike wrote:
now 26!  - still great

25!  
 

Posted 4 years ago by iiieddyiii    [ Reply ]
One of Portishead's most enchanting songs,
do I miss the 90's......
Posted 4 years ago by neptunejeff    [ Reply ]
There's an even more Bond-like song on their 2nd album. Sounds like the theme that got away

 SeriousLee wrote:
 Ahnyer_Keester wrote:
Anyone else think of Bond when you hear this? Great song but I have visions of women in bikinis pointing guns at targets off screen.
 

 

Posted 4 years ago by dubberdan    [ Reply ]
 moodfood wrote:
dang is this 20 years old already? {#Eek}
 

25!  
Posted 5 years ago by akaike    [ Reply ]
 Ahnyer_Keester wrote:
Anyone else think of Bond when you hear this? Great song but I have visions of women in bikinis pointing guns at targets off screen.
 

Posted 5 years ago by SeriousLee    [ Reply ]
While I love the song, sometimes I wish I had the option to rate the ongoing mix. They are very much on point this evening.
Posted 5 years ago by romduck    [ Reply ]
I suggest breaking up with a girlfriend, then you'll get it.

randyblew wrote:
Portishead is just one of those groups that I know that, while I should like them based on all of the available intelligence, musical ability, indie chops, interesting subtle melodies, I never could get them in my head. Too baroque? Maybe if I saw them live it would blow my mind. Not closed off to them, just underwhelmed, though I appreciate the virtuosity.
 

Posted 5 years ago by hutstar    [ Reply ]
 out_to_lunch wrote:
sutcliff wrote:
I always think of the Tindersticks when I hear this. Odd.
Yeah, I know what you mean. Its that instrument, what is it called again? Not a zither...or is it? Its a Eurasian string instrument you play with mallets. Well, anyway, Tindersticks use those alot too. Plus the general mood of the song... Good call
 
It's apparently a cimbalom, which is more-or-less an Eastern European type of hammered dulcimer.  The sample is from a Lalo Schifrin piece for "Mission: Impossible".
Posted 5 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
A very importand band for my build of musictaste and a must have for my CD-board.

 
Posted 6 years ago by belba    [ Reply ]
SECA_Alan wrote:
What was is about the Bristol area in the nineties? 

jt1 wrote:


There were some very good pubs & live music venues?

I was there, but I strongly suspect that my presence was not the cause of the musical creativity.



 
It was just gurt lush.
Posted 7 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
 ShamanManu wrote:
superplusgood {#Good-vibes}

 
I like songs that feature (what sounds like) a telephone button tone (the 7 button?) and heavy on good drum beats, yup...that does it for me ;-) 8 rate!
Posted 7 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
Great song, bearing its specific atmosphere
Posted 7 years ago by Figure    [ Reply ]
Love this song, and also the "Civil Wars" version, particularly good live if you can find it..
Posted 7 years ago by slawjam    [ Reply ]
superplusgood {#Good-vibes}
Posted 7 years ago by ShamanManu    [ Reply ]
I like what this song portends for this set......
Posted 7 years ago by passsion8    [ Reply ]
 SECA_Alan wrote:
What was is about the Bristol area in the nineties? 

 
There were some very good pubs & live music venues?

I was there, but I strongly suspect that my presence was not the cause of the musical creativity.


Posted 8 years ago by jt1    [ Reply ]
Wish I could enjoy this classic without the skips.  I thought it used to have just one, but now I've noticed multiple... {#Snooty}
Posted 8 years ago by RadioBow    [ Reply ]
please replace that corrupted file... it hurts me soooooo much
Posted 8 years ago by giammin    [ Reply ]
Disappointed that this skips and is obviously a faulty file, Portishead deserve more reverence!

(Android cache, has always done this)

What was is about the Bristol area in the nineties? 
Posted 8 years ago by SECA_Alan    [ Reply ]
Good girl.
Posted 8 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
This played cleanly for me all the way through on the RP pop-up player streaming at 192k.
 
Posted 8 years ago by jvalatka    [ Reply ]
Great song.  Bad file/copy.  {#Crashcomp}
Posted 8 years ago by RadioBow    [ Reply ]
 alkemyst wrote:
When this song plays, it skips toward the end and then there is a long pause at the end like something is not loading correctly. At first I thought it was just a one time thing but I keep hearing the same problems. I don't know if this happened before being able to cache on the smart phone.

 

Skipped for me about 40% of way into song just now. Then finished fine with no gap to next song. Using iPhone cache
Posted 8 years ago by rtrt    [ Reply ]
 Tim_in_N_FL wrote:
I never tire of hearing Portishead's greatest hits here on RP. Their work has aged well.  THIS is from 1994?!  It could have been released in the past 6-mos if you ask me.  Nice! At once, trippy {#Dance} and {#Chillpill}

 
Roger that.
Posted 8 years ago by passsion8    [ Reply ]
When this song plays, it skips toward the end and then there is a long pause at the end like something is not loading correctly. At first I thought it was just a one time thing but I keep hearing the same problems. I don't know if this happened before being able to cache on the smart phone.
Posted 8 years ago by alkemyst    [ Reply ]
 Jesus ! Came to to the rescue with singing.
Posted 9 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
I like the James Bond/Marilyn Monroe vibe. A 7.
Posted 9 years ago by wgsu_1978    [ Reply ]
An 8.1 rating? Really?
 
Most of us have been given the gift of hearing. Let's not abuse it!
Posted 9 years ago by VV    [ Reply ]
 stunix wrote:
Portishead.    ... because Clapton-in-Gordano sounds more like an STD.
 
An STD...or a musician's holiday. 

But there are 348 good souls (as of 2011) who probably beg to differ. It's all happening in Clapton-in-Gordano!

The church is very old, The Black Horse Pub looks quite nice, and Whizz the lifesaving dog is more interesting than David Hasselhoff.

pic of Whizz the lifesaving Newfoundland dog posing with David Hasselhoff

Yes, that really is Hassi, who loves C-in-G. Whizz was hoping for Pamela Anderson, but what can you do...
Posted 9 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Portishead.    ... because Clapton-in-Gordano sounds more like an STD.

Posted 9 years ago by stunix    [ Reply ]
We likey like!
{#Group-hug}
Posted 9 years ago by ljoergen    [ Reply ]
{#Wave} jnhashmi wrote:
ABSOLUTELY!!!

 


Posted 9 years ago by STLBubbles    [ Reply ]
Oh, I always pronounced it "porti-shead"!
Posted 10 years ago by Extreme343gs    [ Reply ]
Not a bad song but over–played.
Posted 10 years ago by Zicatela    [ Reply ]
dang is this 20 years old already? {#Eek}
Posted 10 years ago by moodfood    [ Reply ]
 This moves it from kinda boring and repetitive to downright cheesy.

Ahnyer_Keester wrote:
Anyone else think of Bond when you hear this? Great song but I have visions of women in bikinis pointing guns at targets off screen.

 


Posted 10 years ago by jnhashmi    [ Reply ]
Anyone else think of Bond when you hear this? Great song but I have visions of women in bikinis pointing guns at targets off screen.
Posted 10 years ago by Ahnyer_Keester    [ Reply ]
10, next
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
Portishead is just one of those groups that I know that, while I should like them based on all of the available intelligence, musical ability, indie chops, interesting subtle melodies, I never could get them in my head. Too baroque? Maybe if I saw them live it would blow my mind. Not closed off to them, just underwhelmed, though I appreciate the virtuosity.
Posted 10 years ago by randyblew    [ Reply ]
Nothing like a hammered dulcimer.
Posted 10 years ago by helloitsme    [ Reply ]
 dave_porter wrote:
I'm getting 1970s TV series flashbacks. The Persuaders theme tune, anybody (damn, I loved that show - and most of John Barry's themes of that era).

 
I vaguely remember that program.  I believe the main sample used in this tune is from incidental music for an episode of "Mission: Impossible", composed by Lalo Schifrin.
Posted 10 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 dave_porter wrote:
I'm getting 1970s TV series flashbacks. The Persuaders theme tune, anybody (damn, I loved that show - and most of John Barry's themes of that era).

 
So totally agree
Posted 10 years ago by janac13    [ Reply ]
I never tire of hearing Portishead's greatest hits here on RP. Their work has aged well.  THIS is from 1994?!  It could have been released in the past 6-mos if you ask me.  Nice! At once, trippy {#Dance} and {#Chillpill}
Posted 10 years ago by Tim_in_N_FL    [ Reply ]
I'm getting 1970s TV series flashbacks. The Persuaders theme tune, anybody (damn, I loved that show - and most of John Barry's themes of that era).
Posted 10 years ago by dave_porter    [ Reply ]

Good - sure. Still I prefer the TROGGS "Wild Thing" now...

I assume it's easy to understand why - is it not?


Posted 11 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Love this song - although I wish I didn't want to immediately throw on "All Day" every time I hear it while I'm at work (because then all I wanna do is dance)
Posted 11 years ago by swinghamer    [ Reply ]
HAHAHAHA
GREAT!
{#Lol} 



govna wrote:

I hear they're opening for PearlTemple of the CreedPilots.  Jam.

 


Posted 11 years ago by zvezdarka    [ Reply ]
By all accounts one of the highlights of this year's Glastonbury..
Posted 11 years ago by Boy_Wonder    [ Reply ]
The array of different guitar tones on this song is amazing.
Posted 11 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 MojoJojo wrote:
GoldHooverPortisFrappPhonicHead! My favorite! 

 
I hear they're opening for PearlTemple of the CreedPilots.  Jam.
Posted 11 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
GoldHooverPortisFrappPhonicHead! My favorite! 
Posted 11 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
best ever ... ;-)
Posted 11 years ago by Finni2910    [ Reply ]
Yeah, nobody loves a whiner.
Posted 11 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
This track on Roseland Live is fabulous. DVD is an essential purchase.

DoctorHooey wrote:
Yes! PNYC is amaaaazing!
 


Posted 11 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
Still so good {#Biggrin}
Posted 12 years ago by bearlys    [ Reply ]
Yes! PNYC is amaaaazing! 

1wolfy wrote:
This band has some outstanding live tracks...we need to hear some on RP.
 


Posted 12 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
{#Angel}
Posted 12 years ago by erdenese    [ Reply ]
{#Dance}
Posted 12 years ago by erdenese    [ Reply ]
:) againnn :)
Posted 12 years ago by erdenese    [ Reply ]
This band has some outstanding live tracks...we need to hear some on RP.
Posted 12 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
Just bought the album...can't wait to listen
Posted 12 years ago by asilbuch    [ Reply ]
everyday is a good day for Beth
Posted 12 years ago by tomatoslayer    [ Reply ]
 TerryS wrote:


Sounds like a Cinnabon with planks to me.....
 
Plankton?
Sheldon
Posted 12 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
For my bro SSG :)
Posted 12 years ago by erdenese    [ Reply ]
love this!
Posted 12 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

I believe it's a cimbalom - which is a 'concert' hammered dulcimer.

(Oh, someone mentioned that several posts below.)


 

Sounds like a Cinnabon with planks to me.....
Posted 12 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
 Misterfixit wrote:
Sounds a lot like Blossom Dearie from the 1970's ..... Just sayin'
 
Damn, I thought that was my little guilty secret......
Posted 12 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Sounds a lot like Blossom Dearie from the 1970's ..... Just sayin'
Posted 12 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
Got this disc the day it was issued based on the recommendations of my local music store... loved it from day one and still listen to this entire disc regularly... awesome stuff ! 
Posted 12 years ago by kayumann    [ Reply ]
 Mandible wrote:

she smokes during their concerts
 
"Do you smoke after sex?"

"I don't know, I've never looked."

Posted 12 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
 ThePoose wrote:

Do I hear a hammered dulcimer?


 
I believe it's a cimbalom - which is a 'concert' hammered dulcimer.

(Oh, someone mentioned that several posts below.)


Posted 13 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]

Do I hear a hammered dulcimer?


Posted 13 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
Nice...PJ to Portishead.....{#Meditate}
Posted 13 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
Was released in 1994. 

1994? No - can't be! It was only a couple of years ago surely?


Posted 13 years ago by SquiddlyDiddly    [ Reply ]
What a classic album!{#Clap}
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
todo este álbum de Portishead es lo máximo y esta canción es espectacular!
Posted 13 years ago by piñata    [ Reply ]
This song is so cool {#Cool}. Love it 
Posted 13 years ago by sarahg70    [ Reply ]
This one is a 10  {#Notworthy}   And what a terrific segue today from this to Travis - Re-Offender

Posted 13 years ago by socalhol    [ Reply ]
How on earth could I have had this on just a 6?! It's at least an 8!

Posted 13 years ago by aquadonia    [ Reply ]
Kwality! with a capital Q
Posted 13 years ago by ManU4ever    [ Reply ]
This arrangement, along with the production is just slightly creative...almost genius.  {#Clap} 9+

Posted 13 years ago by htowncoog    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:
Portishead - Sour Times
RJD2 - Smoke & Mirrors
Massive Attack - Protection

RP's trad rad trip-hop trio.
 
Yes indeed!  I have always LOVED this song since it came out, but hearing it paired with RJD2 is double the pleasure!  We did not get Massive Attack with it today.... 

Posted 13 years ago by socalhol    [ Reply ]
1125 ratings can't be all wrong !  pandora pisses me off....
Posted 13 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
great set bill
Posted 14 years ago by ajb    [ Reply ]
we're hittin it on the hip 4 this groove...meet us in the champagne room.

Posted 14 years ago by ajb    [ Reply ]
 Wizzuvv_oz wrote:
 1wolfy wrote:
I dig their sound.
 yeah.  Seems to me to be all thir own.  But I'm sure somebody will straighten me out on that 
 
I have to agree. They have a unique sound and style. Very original. This whole album is brilliant. One of the best of the late 20th Century.

Posted 14 years ago by grungepuppy    [ Reply ]
Timeless.

By the way, the sample here is, in fact from Lalo Schifrin's score for the American TV series "Mission: Impossible" (1966-73). The track called "Danube Incident" — excellent, moody track — when the sampled bit comes in at the end, it's like WHA?!

(More Wiki goodness: The jangly sample in "Sour Times" is a cimbalom, a form of hammered dulcimer from Central and Eastern Europe.)

 


Posted 14 years ago by Scott_Alic    [ Reply ]
loving it it it it it!!!! {#Dancingbanana}
Posted 14 years ago by physastro2050    [ Reply ]

Yea, this is a good'n.{#Bananajam}


Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 nmatavka wrote:
Sounds like an old James Bond theme song...
 

Totally agree.  Not that that is a bad thing. 
Posted 14 years ago by bwcyclist    [ Reply ]
 1wolfy wrote:
I dig their sound.
 yeah.  Seems to me to be all thir own.  But I'm sure somebody will straighten me out on that 
Posted 15 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]