20 Mothers cover

20 Mothers

Julian Cope · 1995

71 min · 20 tracks · rock music

A kaleidoscopic blend of whimsical melodies and introspective lyrics, merging post-punk energy with folk influences.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Wheelbarrow Man Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Try Try Try — This track showcases Cope's reflective lyricism and melodic sensibility, capturing the essence of personal struggle and resilience through its catchy yet poignant refrain.
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    Queen/Mother — A standout for its contrasting themes of reverence and critique, this song exemplifies Cope's knack for blending the profound with the absurd in his songwriting.
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    Highway to the Sun — With its expansive soundscapes and contemplative lyrics, this track merges rock intensity with a sense of spiritual journeying that reflects Cope’s evolving artistry.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • whimsical lyrical explorations
  • dynamic journey with contrasts
  • for reflective afternoons
  • engaging storytelling with twists

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward single tracks
  • seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Further established Cope's status as an influential figure after his resurgence.
Themes
personal struggle· cultural critique· spiritual journeying
Career context
Released in 1995, '20 Mothers' is Julian Cope's sixth studio album, following his artistic resurgence with 'Jehovahkill' in 1991. At this stage in his career, Cope was solidifying his reputation as a solo artist after the dissolution of The Teardrop Explodes, exploring diverse themes ranging from personal reflection to cultural commentary.
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Tracklist

  • 1 Wheelbarrow Man Start here 3:01
  • 2 I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud 2:35
  • 3 Try Try Try 3:27
  • 4 Stone Circles ’n’ You 1:48
  • 5 Queen/Mother 3:30
  • 6 I’m Your Daddy 2:13
  • 7 Highway to the Sun 6:14
  • 8 1995 3:47
  • 9 By the Light of the Silbury Moon 2:13
  • 10 Adam & Eve Hit the Road 2:06
  • 11 Just Like Pooh Bear 3:41
  • 12 Girl‐Call 4:23
  • 13 Greedhead Detector 3:49
  • 14 Don’t Take Roots 2:13
  • 15 Senile Get 3:37
  • 16 The Lonely Guy 4:42
  • 17 CryingBabiesSleeplessNights 3:35
  • 18 Leli B. 3:14
  • 19 Road of Dreams 6:05
  • 20 When I Walk Through the Land of Fear 5:25

What to play next

Interpreter
Listen next

Interpreter

1996

Continues the eclectic blend with deeper introspection and varied soundscapes.
Autogeddon
Go back to

Autogeddon

1994

Sets the stage with a mix of energy and themes that flow into '20 Mothers'.
Full Julian Cope discography Where to start with Julian Cope Artists like Julian Cope
post-punk

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

The Soft Bulletin

The Soft Bulletin

The Flaming Lips

Shares whimsical melodies and a blend of introspective themes with expansive soundscapes.

Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain

Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain

Pavement

Combines post-punk energy with a laid-back, reflective lyricism capturing personal and cultural critiques.

Outside

Outside

David Bowie

Explores themes of personal struggle and cultural commentary through a kaleidoscopic sonic palette.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata