Performing with a 35-piece orchestra, Portishead runs through selections from their two albums, favoring their second slightly. On the surface, it doesn't seem like the orchestra would add much to the performances, especially since the arrangements remain similar, but their presence makes the music tense, dramatic, and breathtaking. This is especially true of the material from Portishead. On album, several of these songs sounded a little flat, but here they soar right alongside such staples as "Mysterons," "Sour Times," and "Glory Box." That alone doesn't necessarily make PNYC revelatory — instead, it deepens a listener's understanding of the artist, much like the Tindersticks' The Bloomsbury Theatre, 12.3.95. Which means, of course, that it's much more compelling and essential than the average live album. -- All Music Guide Track Listing
1 Humming
2 Cowboys
3 All Mine
4 Mysterons
5 Only You
6 Half Day Closing
7 Over
8 Glory Box
9 Sour Times
10 Roads
11 Strangers