The Details On Our Upcoming Trip To The Ghetto

On March 2nd, Portugal. The Man will release their fifth full length studio album, entitled American Ghetto.

Frontperson John Gourley had this to say in a lengthy post today on the band’s official site:

[It] is probably the most consistent album lyrically and the most true to some of the harder points of my friendships back home, some that have ended some that remain and many of which were forfeited to some poor life choices and the downfalls of small town life. It is the first time I have really gone into these things, and there was a very strange mixture of both happiness and sadness to finally get it all out. Song by song each piece is a different group, person, or place that I spent a big part of my life. From the streets we drove and the places we built bonfires and had parties. Overall a good experience that is a big part of who I am today.

There were other consistencies brought around in Ryan’s keyboard playing and Zach’s bass lines as well as Jason’s thoughts on sound and delivery. Jason has always had a great ear for this and I am not sure how often it has been mentioned. There is something really great to be said about a Ween fan’s ear. They hear everything. There was still the room full of instruments and gear at our disposal and still the level of excitement that was brought from Anthony Saffery and Adam Taylor. We spent our nights out with Anthony’s family in Cambridge and our days in Camp Street just riffing off one another. It was a truly great experience and is, in my opinion, one of our most important albums.

Their Satanic Satanist remains one of my personal favorites from last year, holding strong through countless rotations. Hopes are high for American Ghetto. Yet if everything goes according to well-laid plans, we won’t hear it any sooner than you. Gourley explains:

As much as it was discussed, we honestly feel that American Ghetto is something best left for all of you to do with as you please. On March 2nd we will make this record available to you, press, radio, retail, etc. Nobody gets the record early; We will not be soliciting reviews, airplay or any support from the industry. It is up to you to tweet about #americanghetto or to share or to send friends to buy. If you want to write/blog/play American Ghetto, March 2nd is your opportunity. It will be the same for everyone. We love all of you very much and appreciate every bit of the support…

Read the rest here. We’re looking forward to sharing the experience with all of you on March 2nd.