What makes Alive and Kickin' Ass by Crack the Sky notable?

The album received praise for its ambitious structure and musicianship, resulting in a renewed interest in Crack the Sky's music. It highlighted the band's influence on the progressive rock scene and was noted for charting on the Billboard Independent Albums list, demonstrating their enduring appeal. Released in 2006, Alive and Kickin' Ass marked Crack the Sky's return after a long hiatus since their last album, 1993's Ghost. As their seventh studio album, it showcased the band's ability to evolve while maintaining their signature sound. This period represented a crucial phase of re-establishing themselves in a changing music landscape.

Who is Alive and Kickin' Ass for?

Alive and Kickin' Ass works well if you're into lyrical introspection with rhythmic shifts, long tracks for deep immersion and dynamic pacing that invites exploration.

How many songs are on Alive and Kickin' Ass?

Alive and Kickin' Ass has 10 tracks, running approximately 73 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Alive and Kickin' Ass

Crack the Sky · 2006

73 min · 10 tracks · progressive rock

A daring blend of progressive rock textures and lyrical introspection that plays with both melody and rhythm.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Mind Baby — This track captures the essence of the album with its intricate rhythms and elaborate melodic lines, showcasing the band's technical prowess.
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Nuclear Apathy — The song stands out for its commentary on societal issues, merging thought-provoking lyrics with a complex musical arrangement that epitomizes their progressive style.
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I Am the Walrus — Their unique take on this Beatles classic illustrates Crack the Sky's ability to reinterpret iconic material through their own lens while maintaining its essence.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

lyrical introspection with rhythmic shifts
long tracks for deep immersion
dynamic pacing that invites exploration
playful experimentation with melodies

Maybe skip if you

prefer short, standalone tracks
seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2006, Alive and Kickin' Ass marked Crack the Sky's return after a long hiatus since their last album, 1993's Ghost. As their seventh studio album, it showcased the band's ability to evolve while maintaining their signature sound. This period represented a crucial phase of re-establishing themselves in a changing music landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: Gentle Giant· King Crimson· Yes

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Nuclear Apathy

The lyrics shift from vivid imagery of destruction to a stark realization of indifference within society.

This juxtaposition creates a powerful critique by contrasting vibrant descriptions with an unsettling emotional detachment.

Tracklist

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

1 Hold On 3:03
2 Mind Baby 4:27
3 Lighten Up McGraw 5:34
4 She’s a Dancer 10:52
5 Nuclear Apathy 8:52
6 Ice 14:45
7 Long Nights 4:20
8 Safety in Numbers 6:28
9 Surf City 9:29
10 I Am the Walrus 5:36

What to play next

Listen next

Safety in Numbers: 21st Century Redux

2007

Go back to

Dogs from Japan

2004

Full Crack the Sky discography Artists like Crack the Sky

progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata