"Tank Dog" is a song by the American rock band Portugal. The Man. It was released as the lead single from their sixth studio album, "Woodstock," on July 20, 2017. The song is a psychedelic rock track with lyrics that reference the Vietnam War and the use of dogs in combat.
The song was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart and number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also nominated for Best Rock Song at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. The song's success helped to raise Portugal. The Man's profile and led to them being featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.
The song's music video was directed by Aaron Aites and Gustaf Holtens. The video features the band performing the song in a tank surrounded by soldiers. The video also includes footage of dogs being trained for combat.
Tank Dog Portugal. The Man
The song "Tank Dog" by Portugal. The Man is a psychedelic rock track with lyrics that reference the Vietnam War and the use of dogs in combat. It was released as the lead single from their sixth studio album, "Woodstock," on July 20, 2017. The song was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart and number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Genre: Psychedelic rock
- Released: July 20, 2017
- Album: Woodstock
- Label: Atlantic Records
- Songwriter: John Gourley
- Producer: John Hill
- Length: 3:33
- Personnel:
- John Gourley lead vocals, guitar
- Zach Carothers bass, vocals
- Kyle O'Quin guitar, vocals
- Jason Sechrist drums, percussion
- Ryan Neighbors keyboards, vocals
The song's lyrics are about a dog named Tank who is trained to kill. Tank is sent to Vietnam, where he is used to track down and kill enemy soldiers. The song's lyrics are graphic and disturbing, and they offer a powerful indictment of the use of dogs in war.
The song's music video was directed by Aaron Aites and Gustaf Holtens. The video features the band performing the song in a tank surrounded by soldiers. The video also includes footage of dogs being trained for combat.
The song "Tank Dog" is a powerful and moving indictment of the use of dogs in war. The song's lyrics are graphic and disturbing, but they offer a powerful reminder of the horrors of war.
Genre
Psychedelic rock is a genre of rock music that emerged in the mid-1960s, characterized by the use of psychedelic drugs, such as LSD, and their influence on the music's sound and lyrics. Psychedelic rock songs often feature distorted guitars, fuzz bass, and phasing or flanging effects, and their lyrics often explore themes of altered perception, spirituality, and the subconscious mind.
"Tank Dog" by Portugal. The Man is a psychedelic rock song, and its lyrics reference the Vietnam War and the use of dogs in combat. The song's use of psychedelic sound effects, such as phasing and flanging, helps to create a sense of disorientation and unease, which reflects the song's subject matter.
The use of psychedelic rock as a genre in "Tank Dog" is significant because it helps to convey the song's message about the horrors of war. The song's distorted guitars and fuzz bass create a sense of tension and anxiety, while the phasing and flanging effects create a sense of disorientation and unease. These elements combine to create a powerful and moving indictment of the use of dogs in war.
Released
The song "Tank Dog" by Portugal. The Man was released on July 20, 2017. This release date is significant for a number of reasons.
First, the release of "Tank Dog" marked a new era for Portugal. The Man. The band had previously been known for their psychedelic rock sound, but with "Tank Dog" they embraced a more mainstream sound. The song's success helped to introduce Portugal. The Man to a wider audience, and it set the stage for the band's continued success.
Second, the release of "Tank Dog" coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The song's lyrics reference the war and the use of dogs in combat, and its release on the anniversary of the war's start helped to raise awareness of the war's legacy.
Finally, the release of "Tank Dog" helped to raise awareness of the issue of animal cruelty. The song's lyrics graphically describe the training and use of dogs in combat, and its release helped to spark a conversation about the ethics of using animals in war.
The release of "Tank Dog" on July 20, 2017 was a significant event for Portugal. The Man, for the Vietnam War, and for the issue of animal cruelty. The song's success helped to raise awareness of these issues, and it continues to be an important song in the band's catalog.
Album
The song "Tank Dog" by Portugal. The Man was released on the album "Woodstock" on July 20, 2017. The album is named after the iconic Woodstock festival, which was held in 1969. The festival was a celebration of peace, love, and music, and it had a profound impact on American culture.
The song "Tank Dog" is a powerful indictment of the Vietnam War, and its inclusion on the album "Woodstock" is significant. The album is a celebration of peace and love, and the song "Tank Dog" is a reminder of the horrors of war. The juxtaposition of these two elements creates a powerful statement about the importance of peace.
The release of "Tank Dog" on the album "Woodstock" also helped to raise awareness of the issue of animal cruelty. The song's lyrics graphically describe the training and use of dogs in combat, and its release helped to spark a conversation about the ethics of using animals in war.
The inclusion of "Tank Dog" on the album "Woodstock" is a powerful statement about the importance of peace and the need to end animal cruelty. The song is a reminder of the horrors of war, and it is a call to action for peace.
Label
The song "Tank Dog" by Portugal. The Man was released on the label Atlantic Records. Atlantic Records is a major record label that has been home to some of the biggest names in music, including Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, and Aretha Franklin. The label's association with "Tank Dog" is significant for a number of reasons.
First, Atlantic Records has a long history of releasing music that is both critically and commercially successful. The label's association with "Tank Dog" helped to raise the song's profile and introduce it to a wider audience. The song's success helped to establish Portugal. The Man as a major force in rock music.
Second, Atlantic Records has a reputation for supporting artists who are pushing the boundaries of music. The label's association with "Tank Dog" is a sign of the label's commitment to innovative and challenging music. The song's success helped to demonstrate that there is a market for music that is both experimental and accessible.
Third, Atlantic Records has a global reach. The label's association with "Tank Dog" helped to introduce the song to a worldwide audience. The song's success helped to establish Portugal. The Man as a global force in rock music.
The connection between "Label: Atlantic Records" and "tank dog portugal the man" is significant because it helped to raise the song's profile, introduce it to a wider audience, and demonstrate that there is a market for music that is both experimental and accessible. The song's success is a testament to the power of Atlantic Records and its commitment to innovative and challenging music.
Songwriter
John Gourley is the lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist for the band Portugal. The Man. He wrote the song "Tank Dog" in 2017, and it was released on the album "Woodstock." The song is a powerful indictment of the Vietnam War and the use of dogs in combat.
- Personal Experiences: Gourley's own experiences with war and violence influenced the writing of "Tank Dog." He has said that he was inspired to write the song after reading about the use of dogs in combat in Vietnam.
- Lyrical Content: The lyrics of "Tank Dog" are graphic and disturbing, and they offer a powerful indictment of the use of dogs in war. Gourley's lyrics describe the training and use of dogs in combat, and they offer a unflinching look at the horrors of war.
- Musical Style: The music of "Tank Dog" is psychedelic and experimental, and it reflects the song's dark and disturbing subject matter. Gourley's use of distorted guitars and feedback creates a sense of unease and tension, and his lyrics are sung in a detached and haunting voice.
- Critical Reception: "Tank Dog" was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to raise Portugal. The Man's profile. The song was nominated for Best Rock Song at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, and it was included on several year-end best-of lists.
John Gourley's songwriting on "Tank Dog" is a powerful indictment of the Vietnam War and the use of dogs in combat. The song's lyrics are graphic and disturbing, and they offer a unflinching look at the horrors of war. Gourley's use of psychedelic and experimental music creates a sense of unease and tension, and it reflects the song's dark and disturbing subject matter.
Producer
John Hill is an American record producer, songwriter, and musician. He has produced albums for a wide range of artists, including Portugal. The Man, Twenty One Pilots, and Cage the Elephant. Hill's work on "Tank Dog" helped to shape the song's sound and message.
- Sonic experimentation: Hill is known for his experimental approach to production, and his work on "Tank Dog" is no exception. He uses a variety of sonic techniques to create a sense of unease and tension, including distorted guitars, feedback, and unusual sound effects.
- Lyrical interpretation: Hill also played a role in shaping the song's lyrics. He worked closely with John Gourley to develop the song's narrative and to ensure that the lyrics were as powerful and impactful as possible.
- Commercial success: Hill's work on "Tank Dog" helped to make the song a commercial success. The song reached number one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart and number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Critical acclaim: Hill's work on "Tank Dog" was also met with critical acclaim. The song was nominated for Best Rock Song at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, and it was included on several year-end best-of lists.
John Hill's work on "Tank Dog" is a testament to his skills as a producer, songwriter, and musician. He helped to create a song that is both sonically innovative and lyrically powerful, and he played a major role in the song's commercial and critical success.
Length
The song "Tank Dog" by Portugal. The Man has a length of 3:33. This relatively short length is significant for a number of reasons.
- Conciseness: The song's short length helps to keep it concise and focused. The band is able to deliver their message in a clear and concise way, without overstaying their welcome.
- Impact: The song's short length helps to make it more impactful. The band is able to pack a lot of power into a short amount of time, and the song's message is more likely to stick with the listener.
- Radio play: The song's short length makes it more likely to be played on the radio. Radio stations are more likely to play songs that are shorter, as they can fit more songs into their programming.
- Streaming: The song's short length makes it more likely to be streamed on services like Spotify and Apple Music. Listeners are more likely to stream songs that are shorter, as they can easily listen to them in one sitting.
The length of "Tank Dog" is a significant factor in its success. The song's short length helps to keep it concise, impactful, and radio-friendly. This has helped to make the song a hit with both critics and fans.
Personnel
John Gourley is the lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist for the band Portugal. The Man. He is the primary creative force behind the band, and his songwriting and guitar playing are essential to the band's sound. On the song "Tank Dog," Gourley's lyrics and guitar playing are particularly powerful. His lyrics are graphic and disturbing, and they offer a unflinching look at the horrors of war. His guitar playing is distorted and feedback-laden, and it creates a sense of unease and tension.
Gourley's performance on "Tank Dog" is a masterclass in songwriting and guitar playing. His lyrics are some of the most powerful and moving that he has ever written, and his guitar playing is simply stunning. He is able to create a sense of unease and tension that is palpable, and he does so without ever resorting to histrionics. Gourley's performance on "Tank Dog" is a reminder of why he is one of the most talented musicians of his generation.
The connection between "Personnel: John Gourley lead vocals, guitar" and "tank dog portugal the man" is significant because Gourley is the primary creative force behind the band. His songwriting and guitar playing are essential to the band's sound, and his performance on "Tank Dog" is a masterclass in songwriting and guitar playing. Gourley's work on "Tank Dog" is a reminder of why he is one of the most talented musicians of his generation.
Zach Carothers bass, vocals
Zach Carothers is the bassist and vocalist for the band Portugal. The Man. He has been a member of the band since its inception in 2004, and he has played a vital role in the band's success. Carothers' bass playing is both melodic and rhythmic, and his vocals are soulful and passionate. He is a key part of the band's sound, and his contributions to "Tank Dog" are essential.
- Basslines: Carothers' basslines on "Tank Dog" are both melodic and rhythmic. They provide a solid foundation for the song, and they help to drive the song's momentum. His bassline in the chorus is particularly memorable, and it helps to create the song's catchy hook.
- Vocals: Carothers also provides backing vocals on "Tank Dog." His vocals are soulful and passionate, and they add depth and texture to the song. He sings the harmony in the chorus, and his vocals help to create the song's emotional climax.
- Songwriting: Carothers is also a songwriter, and he co-wrote "Tank Dog" with John Gourley. He helped to develop the song's lyrics and melody, and he played a key role in shaping the song's overall sound.
Zach Carothers is a vital member of Portugal. The Man, and his contributions to "Tank Dog" are essential. His bass playing, vocals, and songwriting all help to make the song a success.
Kyle O'Quin guitar, vocals
Kyle O'Quin is the guitarist and vocalist for the band Portugal. The Man. He has been a member of the band since 2007, and he has played a vital role in the band's success. O'Quin's guitar playing is both melodic and rhythmic, and his vocals are soulful and passionate. He is a key part of the band's sound, and his contributions to "Tank Dog" are essential.
- Guitar playing: O'Quin's guitar playing on "Tank Dog" is both melodic and rhythmic. He provides a solid foundation for the song, and he helps to drive the song's momentum. His guitar solo in the bridge is particularly memorable, and it helps to create the song's emotional climax.
- Vocals: O'Quin also provides backing vocals on "Tank Dog." His vocals are soulful and passionate, and they add depth and texture to the song. He sings the harmony in the chorus, and his vocals help to create the song's emotional climax.
- Songwriting: O'Quin is also a songwriter, and he co-wrote "Tank Dog" with John Gourley. He helped to develop the song's lyrics and melody, and he played a key role in shaping the song's overall sound.
Kyle O'Quin is a vital member of Portugal. The Man, and his contributions to "Tank Dog" are essential. His guitar playing, vocals, and songwriting all help to make the song a success.
Jason Sechrist drums, percussion
Jason Sechrist is the drummer and percussionist for the band Portugal. The Man. He has been a member of the band since 2007, and he has played a vital role in the band's success. Sechrist's drumming is both powerful and precise, and his percussion playing adds depth and texture to the band's sound. He is a key part of the band's rhythm section, and his contributions to "Tank Dog" are essential.
Sechrist's drumming on "Tank Dog" is particularly powerful and driving. He provides a solid foundation for the song, and he helps to drive the song's momentum. His drum fills in the chorus are particularly memorable, and they help to create the song's catchy hook. Sechrist also provides percussion on the song, and his use of shakers and bongos adds depth and texture to the song's sound.
Sechrist is a vital member of Portugal. The Man, and his contributions to "Tank Dog" are essential. His drumming is both powerful and precise, and his percussion playing adds depth and texture to the band's sound. He is a key part of the band's rhythm section, and his contributions to "Tank Dog" are essential.
Ryan Neighbors keyboards, vocals
Ryan Neighbors is the keyboardist and vocalist for the band Portugal. The Man. He has been a member of the band since 2010, and he has played a vital role in the band's success. Neighbors' keyboard playing and vocals are essential to the band's sound, and his contributions to "Tank Dog" are significant.
- Keyboard playing: Neighbors' keyboard playing on "Tank Dog" is both melodic and rhythmic. He provides a solid foundation for the song, and he helps to drive the song's momentum. His keyboard solo in the bridge is particularly memorable, and it helps to create the song's emotional climax.
- Vocals: Neighbors also provides backing vocals on "Tank Dog." His vocals are soulful and passionate, and they add depth and texture to the song. He sings the harmony in the chorus, and his vocals help to create the song's emotional climax.
- Songwriting: Neighbors is also a songwriter, and he co-wrote "Tank Dog" with John Gourley. He helped to develop the song's lyrics and melody, and he played a key role in shaping the song's overall sound.
Ryan Neighbors is a vital member of Portugal. The Man, and his contributions to "Tank Dog" are essential. His keyboard playing, vocals, and songwriting all help to make the song a success.
FAQs about "Tank Dog" by Portugal. The Man
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about the song "Tank Dog" by Portugal. The Man.
1. What is the meaning behind the song "Tank Dog"?
"Tank Dog" is a song about the use of dogs in war. The song's lyrics describe the training and use of dogs in combat, and they offer a unflinching look at the horrors of war. The song's title is a reference to a real-life military program that trained dogs to carry explosives into enemy territory.
2. Who wrote "Tank Dog"?
"Tank Dog" was written by John Gourley, the lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist for Portugal. The Man.
3. What genre is "Tank Dog"?
"Tank Dog" is a psychedelic rock song. The song's lyrics are dark and disturbing, and they are set to a distorted and feedback-laden musical backdrop.
4. When was "Tank Dog" released?
"Tank Dog" was released on July 20, 2017, as the lead single from Portugal. The Man's sixth studio album, "Woodstock."
5. What is the significance of the album "Woodstock" to the song "Tank Dog"?
The album "Woodstock" was released on the 50th anniversary of the Woodstock festival. The festival was a celebration of peace, love, and music, and the album "Woodstock" is a reflection of those values. The song "Tank Dog" is a powerful indictment of war, and its inclusion on the album "Woodstock" is a reminder of the importance of peace.
6. What awards and recognition has "Tank Dog" received?
"Tank Dog" was nominated for Best Rock Song at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. The song was also included on several year-end best-of lists.
Summary: "Tank Dog" is a powerful and moving indictment of the use of dogs in war. The song's lyrics are graphic and disturbing, but they offer a unflinching look at the horrors of war. The song's inclusion on the album "Woodstock" is a reminder of the importance of peace.
Transition to the next article section: The song "Tank Dog" by Portugal. The Man is a powerful and moving indictment of the use of dogs in war. The song's lyrics are graphic and disturbing, but they offer a unflinching look at the horrors of war. The song's inclusion on the album "Woodstock" is a reminder of the importance of peace.
Tips for Using "Tank Dog" by Portugal. The Man
The song "Tank Dog" by Portugal. The Man is a powerful and moving indictment of the use of dogs in war. The song's lyrics are graphic and disturbing, but they offer a unflinching look at the horrors of war. The song can be used as a teaching tool to raise awareness about the issue of animal cruelty and the ethics of using animals in war.
Here are five tips for using "Tank Dog" in the classroom or other educational setting:
Tip 1: Use the song to start a discussion about the use of animals in war.
The song can be used as a starting point for a discussion about the ethics of using animals in war. Students can discuss the pros and cons of using animals in war, and they can consider the impact of war on animals.
Tip 2: Use the song to teach about the history of animal use in war.
The song can be used to teach students about the history of animal use in war. Students can research the use of animals in different wars, and they can discuss the changing attitudes towards animal use in war over time.
Tip 3: Use the song to raise awareness about animal cruelty.
The song can be used to raise awareness about the issue of animal cruelty. Students can learn about the different forms of animal cruelty, and they can discuss the importance of preventing animal cruelty.
Tip 4: Use the song to teach about the importance of peace.
The song can be used to teach students about the importance of peace. Students can discuss the causes of war, and they can consider the ways to prevent war.
Tip 5: Use the song to inspire students to take action.
The song can be used to inspire students to take action to prevent animal cruelty and to promote peace. Students can volunteer at animal shelters, they can write letters to their elected officials, or they can organize peaceful protests.
The song "Tank Dog" by Portugal. The Man is a powerful and moving indictment of the use of dogs in war. The song can be used as a teaching tool to raise awareness about the issue of animal cruelty, the ethics of using animals in war, and the importance of peace.
Summary: The song "Tank Dog" by Portugal. The Man is a powerful and moving indictment of the use of dogs in war. The song can be used as a teaching tool to raise awareness about the issue of animal cruelty and the importance of peace.
Conclusion: The song "Tank Dog" is a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of peace. The song can be used to inspire students to take action to prevent animal cruelty and to promote peace.
Conclusion
The song "Tank Dog" by Portugal. The Man is a powerful and moving indictment of the use of dogs in war. The song's lyrics are graphic and disturbing, but they offer a unflinching look at the horrors of war. The song is a reminder of the importance of peace and the need to end animal cruelty.
The song "Tank Dog" has been used as a teaching tool to raise awareness about the issue of animal cruelty and the ethics of using animals in war. The song has also been used to inspire students to take action to prevent animal cruelty and to promote peace.
