What makes An Evening Wasted with Tom Lehrer by Tom Lehrer notable?

This album is significant for its blend of comedy and music, showcasing Lehrer's sharp wit and satirical commentary on societal norms. It received critical acclaim, being hailed as a classic of musical humor, and has influenced generations of comedians and satirists in both music and performance art. Released in 1959, An Evening Wasted with Tom Lehrer was Lehrer’s second studio album, following his debut album, Songs by Tom Lehrer. By this time, Lehrer had established himself as a notable figure in the realm of musical satire, gaining popularity through performances at various college campuses and nightclubs.

How many songs are on An Evening Wasted with Tom Lehrer?

An Evening Wasted with Tom Lehrer has 11 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

An Evening Wasted with Tom Lehrer

Tom Lehrer · 1959

42 min · 11 tracks

Witty and satirical, Lehrer blends clever lyrics with playful melodies, creating a unique brand of musical humor.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Poisoning Pigeons in the Park — This track exemplifies Lehrer's dark humor and biting satire as it whimsically discusses a lighthearted approach to a morbid subject.
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The Elements — A clever tune that lists the chemical elements set to a catchy melody, showcasing Lehrer's ability to merge education with entertainment.
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The Masochism Tango — This song illustrates Lehrer's knack for wordplay and double entendre, combining absurdity with a lively tango rhythm that highlights his comedic style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

69 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

Lehrer's sharp wit and unique blend of humor and melody create a distinctive listening experience.

What we noticed

Each track features Lehrer performing solo on piano, with lyrics that often employ clever wordplay and satirical commentary.
The album's songs vary in tempo, with some tracks like 'Poisoning Pigeons in the Park' being upbeat, while others like 'A Christmas Carol' adopt a slower pace.
Several songs incorporate unexpected musical shifts or thematic juxtapositions, such as the transition from light-hearted melodies to darker subject matter.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

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

1 Poisoning Pigeons in the Park 2:39
2 Bright College Days 3:03
3 A Christmas Carol 2:38
4 The Elements 2:18
5 Oedipus Rex 3:43
6 In Old Mexico 6:35
7 Clementine 4:41
8 It Makes a Fellow Proud to Be a Soldier 4:50
9 She’s My Girl 2:52
10 The Masochism Tango 3:30
11 We Will All Go Together When We Go 5:30

What to play next

Listen next

That Was the Year That Was

1965

Go back to

More of Tom Lehrer

1959

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata