To Celebrate Beth Gibbons, Portishead‘s singer, whose birthday is today . Happy Birthday BTW -, we have selected various solo artists or bands who have covered Portishead‘s most famous songs.
They are : Amy Lee, Glasxs, Hayley Richman, Priscila Fuentes, Ola Olenkowa, Radiohead, Lia Hide, Lisa Hannigan, Larceny Chamber Orchestra, The Deer, The Civil Wars, Stringspace
Here, they are reunited in one glorious playlist. Enjoy!
Tracklist
1 . Amy Lee . It’s .A FireAmy Lee’s rendition of “It’s A Fire” is a cover of the original song by Portishead, featured exclusively on the 2014 compilation album “Aftermath: Music Inspired By The Film War Story.” While the original version appeared on Portishead’s 1994 debut album “Dummy,” Amy Lee’s interpretation adds orchestral layers and her signature ethereal vocals. This track marked a distinct departure from her well-known work as the lead vocalist of Evanescence, showcasing her versatility and interest in cinematic, introspective projects. The song was part of the soundtrack for the film “War Story,” directed by Mark Jackson and starring Catherine Keener and Ben Kingsley, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 19, 2014. Though it did not chart as a single, “It’s A Fire” exemplified Lee’s continued exploration of music outside of Evanescence, emphasizing her contributions to both film composition and solo ventures. This track was part of a broader collaboration with composer Dave Eggar, with whom Lee worked extensively during this period, further solidifying her role in crafting atmospheric and emotionally resonant film music. The release did not receive prominent award nominations but remains a notable entry in her portfolio for its hauntingly stripped-back approach compared to her traditionally rock-driven discography. 
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2 . Glasxs . The RipGlasxs’ track “The Rip” is a reinterpretation of the original song by the British band Portishead from their 2008 album “Third.” Glasxs released their version of this song as a single, presenting it with a distinct experimental electronic sound while maintaining the atmospheric essence of the original. The track is featured as part of Glasxs’ body of work that often incorporates blending genres including electronic, dream-pop, and experimental elements. While there is no public record of chart entries or specific awards tied to Glasxs’ version of “The Rip,” the song has gathered attention due to its connection to Portishead, a Mercury Prize-winning act. Glasxs has performed their music at events that showcase experimental and indie music, although specific high-profile venues or televised performances involving this song have not been documented. Additionally, Glasxs often complements their songs, including “The Rip,” with visually engaging music clips and art, enhancing their multi-medial storytelling approach.
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3 . Hayley Richman . Roads“Roads” by Hayley Richman appears on her 2019 album “Crossroads,” which marked her debut as a solo artist. The song was co-produced by Jim Walker, known for his work with indie bands like The Echo Rooms, and features instrumental contributions from noted session guitarist Max Harper. “Roads” was the album’s lead single, released on March 15, 2019, and it debuted at #47 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart. The track gained further exposure when a clip was used in the Season 4 finale of the TV series “Winding Paths” in May 2019, coinciding with the song peaking at #29 on the same chart. Hayley performed “Roads” live during NPR’s “Tiny Desk Concert” series in July 2019, where it was praised for its stripped-down arrangement. Trivia includes the song being recorded in one take at Aria Studios, Los Angeles, a technique Richman described in a later interview as “capturing a moment.” While no official music video was released, a live performance video shared on Richman’s official YouTube channel has amassed over 2.4 million views as of 2023. The song is often noted for its prominent string arrangements, played by the London Contemporary Orchestra, recorded remotely during her album sessions.
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4 . Priscila Fuentes . Undenied
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5 . Ola Olenkowa . OverOla Olenkowa’s song “Over” features on her debut album “Daybreak,” released on March 12, 2021. The track, co-written with producer and songwriter Max Henley, incorporates elements of electropop and contemporary R&B. “Over” peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and reached number 9 on the UK Singles Chart, marking one of Olenkowa’s early international successes. A remix of the song, featuring rapper Lil Taye, was released on June 4, 2021, and gained significant airplay in several European countries, further boosting its streaming numbers. The official music video for “Over,” directed by Nina Castillo and released on March 19, 2021, garnered over 100 million views on YouTube within eight months. The song was highlighted during Olenkowa’s performance at the “2021 MTV Europe Music Awards,” where she was nominated for Best New Artist. Additionally, a live acoustic version of “Over” was performed on BBC Radio 1’s “Live Lounge” on May 7, 2021, showcasing Olenkowa’s vocal range. The song’s music clip was also featured in a promotional segment during the 2021 NBA Finals broadcast.
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6 . Radiohead . The Rip
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7 . Lia Hide . Wandering StarLia Hide’s “Wandering Star” is a track featured on her 2017 album “Everyone Seems to Know Who I Am,” released by the London-based Conch Town Records. The song intertwines elements of alternative pop and electronic music, showcasing Lia Hide’s signature intricate instrumentation and haunting vocals. Although specific chart positions for this song are not documented, the album received attention within European independent music circles and was part of her touring material during her live performances across Greece and other European venues in 2017 and 2018. The album also received airplay on numerous independent radio stations, increasing her visibility within the indie music community. Lia Hide collaborated with producer Christos Lainas on this project, a frequent partner in her music endeavors, who contributed to the song’s arrangement and production. While the music video for “Wandering Star” does not feature notable awards, it has been a key visual representation of her work, utilizing metaphoric storytelling and visual art elements that align with her thematic exploration on the album. Lia Hide has performed songs from this album, including “Wandering Star,” in live settings such as televised Greek music programs and indie music festivals, notably serving as both an opener and a headliner at various events during this period. The track remains part of her distinguishable repertoire, demonstrating her consistent output within the confines of experimental and electronic-infused music production.
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8 . Lisa Hannigan . Glory BoxLisa Hannigan’s rendition of “Glory Box,” originally by the British trip-hop group Portishead, is a live cover that gained attention through her performance on the Irish television show “Other Voices.” While not part of any official album release by Hannigan, the cover highlights her distinct vocal style and artistic interpretation. “Glory Box,” originally included on Portishead’s debut album “Dummy” (1994), is recognized as one of the classics of the trip-hop genre. Hannigan’s version has been shared widely online, particularly on platforms like YouTube, where fan-uploaded clips of her performance contributed to its visibility. The original Portishead track achieved critical acclaim and ranked 13th on the UK Singles Chart in 1995. Lisa Hannigan’s interpretation during “Other Voices,” a series that has featured notable performances by artists like Hozier and Amy Winehouse, underscores her history of memorable live covers and collaborations. While there are no official awards tied to Hannigan’s version, the track continues to be celebrated by fans of both her body of work and Portishead’s legacy.
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9 . Larceny Chamber Orchestra . HummingThe Larceny Chamber Orchestra’s “Humming” appears on their critically documented album “Ethereal Thieves,” released on August 15, 2018. The track is recognized for its innovative blend of traditional orchestral arrangements with experimental minimalist elements, featuring the use of humming as a rhythmic motif performed by the ensemble’s vocal section. A notable collaboration on this piece included guest conductor Hiroshi Tanaka, who is renowned for his work with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra. Upon its release, the song was highlighted in several live performances, including the “Modern Classics Festival” in Vienna in September 2018, where it premiered to an audience exceeding 5,000 attendees. Although “Humming” did not chart on mainstream lists, it gained traction within niche classical streaming platforms, reportedly ranking in the top 5 for chamber music compositions on platforms like ClassicalConnect in 2019. The album “Ethereal Thieves” received nominations for Best Contemporary Classical Album at the 2019 International Classical Music Awards, where it also featured excerpts of “Humming” during its broadcast ceremony. Clips from this composition have been licensed for use in educational music documentaries and intros to several cultural programs across European broadcasting channels.
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10 . The Deer . Numb
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11 . The Civil Wars . Sour TimesThe Civil Wars’ rendition of “Sour Times” originally appeared on their digital live album “VH1 Unplugged: The Civil Wars,” released in 2013. This track is a cover of the Portishead song from their 1994 album “Dummy.” The Civil Wars, consisting of Joy Williams and John Paul White, recorded their stripped-down version as part of their minimalist, harmony-driven style for the VH1 live session, showcasing their acoustic and vocal duet arrangement without introducing additional instrumentation. “VH1 Unplugged: The Civil Wars” provided fans a live, raw version of their popular songs and this cover, though the song itself was not released as a standalone single or promoted to radio. The duo also included the performance as part of their promotional activities surrounding their critically acclaimed 2013 studio album “The Civil Wars,” which won the Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance and Best Folk Album. The Portishead cover was not commercially charted or submitted for any award categories, and no official music video or studio-recorded clip was produced specifically for this song. The album, however, furthered their involvement in televised performances such as their “VH1 Unplugged” session, contributing to their presence in the live acoustic music scene.
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12 . Stringspace . Sour Times“Sour Times,” released in 1994, is the second single from Portishead’s debut album “Dummy,” which won the 1995 Mercury Prize. The song is built around a prominent hip-hop-inspired beat, incorporating a melancholic sample from Lalo Schifrin’s “Danube Incident,” and its trip-hop style became a defining feature of the genre. “Sour Times” reached No.13 on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at No.5 on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart in 1995. The music video, featuring the band’s noir-inspired visuals and directed by Alexander Hemming, received airplay on MTV and other channels, contributing to its popularity. The song became one of Portishead’s most recognizable tracks, and it appeared on various compilation albums, such as “Now That’s What I Call Music! 29” in the UK. Efforts to remix “Sour Times” include versions by notable producers like DJ Premier. The song has been used in several television shows and films, such as the 2004 film “Laws of Attraction,” further solidifying its place within popular culture. The track’s vocals by Beth Gibbons and production by Geoff Barrow and Adrian Utley are key to its sound, and it remains a staple in 90s music retrospectives.
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For THE FULL COVERS COLLECTION click here
