90 Bisodol cover

90 Bisodol

Half Man Half Biscuit · 2011

38 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

A whimsical blend of sardonic wit and catchy melodies wrapped in lo-fi indie rock charm.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Something's Rotten in the Back of Iceland — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its mix of absurdity and sharp observation, encapsulating the band's trademark humor and melodic sensibility.
  • →
    Tommy Walsh's Eco House — The song cleverly critiques modern environmentalism and DIY culture through its playful narrative, showcasing the band's ability to blend humor with social commentary.
  • →
    Rock and Roll Is Full of Bad Wools — This closing track offers a nostalgic reflection on the music industry while maintaining a humorous edge, effectively summarizing the album's overarching themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album blends clever lyrics with catchy melodies, maintaining a cohesive and engaging flow.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a track that features a steady mid-tempo beat and layered guitars, setting a whimsical tone.
  • Several songs incorporate spoken word elements alongside melodic choruses, blending narrative and song.
  • The lyrics often reference specific cultural touchstones, creating a sense of place and humor that is consistent throughout the record.
  • The last track features a gradual fade-out, leaving the listener with an unresolved feeling that mirrors the album's themes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

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

  • quick laughs in short bursts
  • playful absurdity for light moments
  • witty observations for social gatherings
  • spontaneous energy for casual listening
  • quirky charm during road trips

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking deep emotional exploration
  • prefer lengthy immersive narratives

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time of its release in 2011, Half Man Half Biscuit was well-established in the UK indie rock scene, known for their satirical lyrics and unique storytelling. '90 Bisodol' marked their return after a six-year hiatus since their last album, showcasing their signature style while continuing to evolve with contemporary references and themes.
Stylistic neighbors
The Fall· They Might Be Giants· Pavement

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Something's Rotten in the Back of Iceland 2:34
  • 2 RSVP 2:59
  • 3 Tommy Walsh's Eco House 2:38
  • 4 Joy in Leeuwarden 2:31
  • 5 Excavating Rita 3:40
  • 6 Fun Day in the Park 2:01
  • 7 Descent of the Stiperstones 5:17
  • 8 Left Lyrics in the Practice Room 2:08
  • 9 L'enfer c'est les autres 3:11
  • 10 Fix It So She Dreams of Me 2:54
  • 11 The Coroner's Footnote 3:47
  • 12 Rock and Roll Is Full of Bad Wools 5:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata