Beth Gibbons (vocalist from Portishead) has a solo album coming out at the end of this month, titled "Out of Season" (apparently with Rustin' Man, who I've never heard of). You can listen to several tracks at www.bethgibbons.com. It's very different from Portishead: acoustic guitars and very serene instead of trip-hop. I haven't really listened to it enough to decide what I think of it, but I will probably end up liking it very much after a few listens. Has any heard the whole album or know much about it?

I also have heard about an upcoming Portishead album, "Alien", but had just assumed that it was something people made up--has anyone heard much about it or know anything concrete? I'll really be looking forward to that album if/when it comes out.

Can't really say that I like the solo stuff. I do hope Portishead comes out with another album though.