Artist profile Β· 06/07/2026
Portishead
- 5
- Albums on Vinyles.com
- 3.4M
- Last.fm listeners
- 145M
- Last.fm plays
About
Portishead, Bristol trip-hop pioneers blending jazz, electronics, and cinematic moods.
Portishead originated in the early 1990s Bristol scene, combining electronic beats, jazz instrumentation, and haunting female vocals by Beth Gibbons. The trio, including Geoff Barrow and Adrian Utley, brought a cinematic depth to trip-hop, highlighted by collaboration with sound engineer Dave McDonald. Their debut album Dummy, released in 1994 on Go! Beat, quickly gained critical and commercial success, winning the 1995 Mercury Prize.
Subsequent releases include their self-titled 1997 album and the 2008 album Third, recorded after a decade-long hiatus. They also released Roseland NYC Live in 1998 capturing a performance with a 35-piece orchestra at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City.
Discography
Portishead discography
Studio albums, live records, compilations and radio recordings. Each album groups all its editions.
In Concert 652
Portishead
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Live in Paris 1997
Portishead
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Data provided by Discogs
Listen
Signature songs
- 01
Glory BoxDummy Β· 1994 - 02
RoadsDummy Β· 1994 - 03
Sour TimesDummy Β· 1994 - 04
MysteronsDummy Β· 1994 - 05
Wandering StarDummy Β· 1994 - 06
StrangersDummy Β· 1994 - 07
It Could Be SweetDummy Β· 1994 - 08
NumbDummy Β· 1994
Essentials
3 Portishead albums you need to own
Our picks, approved by the editors.
#1 Β· 1994The debut LP featuring seminal tracks like 'Glory Box' and 'Sour Times', the album shaped trip-hop with jazz and cinematic elements.
10 tracksGo! Beat labelMisprint edition availableOriginal 1994 UK/Europe pressing
#2 Β· 1997The band's sophomore album with 11 tracks including 'All Mine' and 'Cowboys', featuring darker and more experimental production.
11 tracksGo! Beat labelOriginal 1997 UK & Europe pressing
#3 Β· 2008Released after a 10-year hiatus, this album explores experimental and industrial sounds across 11 tracks.
11 tracksMercury labelOriginal 2008 US pressingLimited edition
Go further
Artists similar to Portishead
Artists who share part of Portishead's musical DNA.
B-side
B-side: the hidden stories of Portishead
Studio secrets, tour stories and B-sides worth the whole album.
Dummy wins Mercury Prize over Oasis and Blur
In 1995, Portishead's debut album Dummy won the prestigious Mercury Prize, beating British giants Oasis, Blur, and PJ Harvey, marking a key moment for trip-hop.
Roseland NYC Live captures 35-piece orchestra performance
Recorded in 1998 at New York City's Roseland Ballroom with a 35-piece orchestra, this album highlights Portishead's live orchestral dimension beyond studio work.
Extended recording pause before Third
Portishead released Third in 2008, their first album in over 10 years after their 1997 self-titled record, marking a stylistic shift with industrial and experimental sounds.
Formation in Bristol by Geoff Barrow and Beth Gibbons
The group formed in 1991 after Geoff Barrow, from Portishead in Somerset, met vocalist Beth Gibbons, bringing influences from Massive Attack and Tricky's Bristol scene.
Portishead's sound blends electronic beats with jazz and cinematic moods, creating a unique trip-hop atmosphere.β Music Enthusiast
Portishead vinyl discography
See allPortishead CDs
See allRecommended accessories
See allFAQ
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
What are the key albums by Portishead available on vinyl?
Essential Portishead vinyl albums include Dummy (1994), Portishead (1997), and Third (2008), with several different pressings available.
When was Portishead formed and where are they from?
Portishead formed in 1991 in Bristol, United Kingdom, a city known for its influential trip-hop scene.
What distinguishes the album Dummy on vinyl?
Dummy's original 1994 LP pressing often includes a misprint and offers 10 tracks blending trip-hop, jazz, and cinematic sounds, valued among collectors.
Are Portishead vinyl pressings from the UK more valuable than others?
Original UK and European pressings of Portishead albums, especially Dummy and Portishead, generally hold higher collector prices compared to some US releases.
What formats are Portishead albums released on vinyl?
Portishead albums are available mainly as 12" LPs, with some releases at 45 RPM and limited editions, including live and studio albums.
What is special about Roseland NYC Live on vinyl?
Roseland NYC Live features a live performance with a 35-piece orchestra in New York City, available on LP with various reissues and collector editions.
How many tracks are on the Third album?
Third contains 11 tracks, exploring experimental and industrial electronic sounds, released on limited edition vinyl in 2008.
Where can fans find reliable pricing for Portishead vinyl records?
Pricing varies widely by pressing; various editions and rare misprints can command prices from under β¬10 to over β¬100, available through dedicated vinyl price tracking services.
Transparency
Sources & method
This profile is compiled by the vinyles.com editors from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discography data from MusicBrainz (dates, country, active years).
- Tracklists, covers and genres from Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists from Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editors.































