Strange how music can – in 180 degrees – completely reorient what you’re doing at the time. The good thing, we guess, is that the music is – if you’re lucky – something that transports you to another place entirely than the place where you are. Of course, other music does quite the opposite. Case in point. I was wandering around in a clothing store of all places, and then a song came on that I had not heard for decades: Glorybox by the British band Portishead. OK, that’s fine – not something you would expect in a mainstream shop. But, there it was.
Next, the following stream of thought came along about Portishead, the City. It’s a town and civil parish in the North Somerset unitary authority area, in the county of Somerset, England. With a population of 26,366 at the 2021 Census, the town is located on the Severn Estuary opposite Cardiff and Newport in Wales. Likely you’ve never been there, let alone visited but you might want to give that a re-think. It isn’t a typical seaside tourist town. Its appeal lies in a unique blend of modern coastal living, industrial history, and a relaxed, understated charm that is quite different from more traditional resorts.
The town’s name, meaning “the port at the headland,” points to its long maritime history. You can walk along the coastal path to see the remnants of its industrial past, including the old lifeboat station and the lighthouse. This dramatic coastline, with its strong tides and views across the Severn Estuary to Wales, gives the place a raw, powerful feel that is both beautiful and historically significant.
Portishead has undergone a massive transformation, with its old docks and industrial port being redeveloped into a sleek, modern marina. The quayside is lined with contemporary apartment buildings, restaurants, and cafes, creating a sophisticated and picturesque atmosphere that feels a world away from the traditional fish and chip shops of a typical coastal town. It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll, admire the yachts and boats, and enjoy a meal with a waterfront view. It’s quite impressive and a place to turn your friends on to.
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Give the band a listen. Those were the times where real instruments were played by real musicians.
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