Waiter: "You Vultures!" cover

Released 20 years ago

Waiter: "You Vultures!"

Portugal. The Man · 2006

52 min · 13 tracks · indie rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of indie rock and pop, infused with playful experimentation and eclectic instrumentation.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Gold Fronts — This track showcases the band's knack for catchy hooks paired with sharp social commentary, encapsulating their unique blend of upbeat melodies and introspective lyrics.
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    Elephants — With its infectious rhythm and layered instrumentation, this song beautifully exemplifies Portugal. The Man's ability to create anthemic choruses that resonate with listeners.
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    How the Leopard Got Its Spots Start here — The opening track sets an adventurous tone for the album with its driving beat and intriguing lyrical narrative, inviting listeners into the band's eclectic world.
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    Kill Me. The King — This track stands out for its darker, more introspective vibe, showcasing the band's versatility and willingness to explore complex themes in their music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

52 /100
Foothills
Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album showcases eclectic instrumentation and varied tempos, establishing a distinct sound within indie rock.

What we noticed

  • The album features a wide range of instrumentation, including horns and synthesizers, which contribute to its eclectic sound.
  • Tracks often shift in tempo and mood, with abrupt transitions that keep the listener engaged.
  • Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, creating a rich texture that enhances the overall sound.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady flow with climactic moments
  • youthful exuberance and introspection
  • engaging narratives throughout tracks
  • for focused listening sessions

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek standalone singles experience

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This debut album helped establish the band's identity in the indie rock scene.
Themes
social commentary· kaleidoscopic experimentation· adventurous narratives
Career context
Released in 2006, 'Waiter: You Vultures!' marked Portugal. The Man's debut studio album after a series of EPs. At this point, the band was establishing their identity within the burgeoning indie rock scene while still exploring varied musical influences from psychedelic to folk, setting the stage for their later mainstream breakthrough.
Stylistic neighbors
Tame Impala· MGMT· Foster the People

Tracklist

  • 1 How the Leopard Got Its Spots Start here 3:59
  • 2 Gold Fronts 3:27
  • 3 Stables & Chairs 3:16
  • 4 AKA M80 the Wolf 3:56
  • 5 Marching With 6 3:02
  • 6 Elephants 4:03
  • 7 Waiter 3:23
  • 8 Chicago 4:13
  • 9 Bad, Bad Levi Brown 3:29
  • 10 Kill Me. The King 3:05
  • 11 Tommy 4:27
  • 12 Horse Warming Party 3:44
  • 13 Guns.Guns... Guns 8:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata