Ape In Pink Marble
Devendra Banhart · 2013
44 min · 13 tracks · folk music
A whimsical blend of folk and experimental sounds, radiating warmth through intimate melodies and rich textures.
Top tracks — play these first
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Good Time Charlie — This track encapsulates the album's playful spirit while juxtaposing lighthearted lyrics against a backdrop of wistful melodies, showcasing Banhart's distinctive lyrical style.
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Theme for a Taiwanese Woman in Lime Green — With its evocative title and lush arrangement, this song highlights Banhart's ability to create vivid imagery while exploring themes of identity and culture.
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Linda — This longer track stands out for its emotional depth and narrative quality, drawing listeners into a reflective journey filled with rich instrumentation and intimate storytelling.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends folk with experimental elements, showcasing unique compositions and rich textures.
What we noticed
- Several songs employ unconventional song structures, often shifting between different melodies and rhythms within the same track.
- The use of ambient sounds and field recordings in the background adds an experimental layer to the folk foundation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- whimsical melodies for daydreaming
- intimate moments of quiet reflection
- gentle pacing for relaxed listening
- playful tunes for lighthearted moods
- short tracks for easy enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy anthems
- prefer longer, immersive compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 2013, Devendra Banhart was already an established figure in the indie folk scene, with 'Ape In Pink Marble' marking his sixth studio album. Following the more polished production of his previous work, 'What Will We Be' (2009), this release showcases a return to a more lo-fi aesthetic that emphasizes organic instrumentation and personal storytelling.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine· José González
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Mourner’s Dance
The narrative shifts from collective grief to personal reflection creates an emotional pivot within the song's structure.
This transition not only deepens the listener's connection to the theme but also exemplifies Banhart's skill in weaving storytelling with musical dynamics.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Middle Names 3:28
- 2 Good Time Charlie 2:06
- 3 Jon Lends a Hand 2:33
- 4 Mara 3:13
- 5 Fancy Man 2:59
- 6 Fig in Leather 3:13
- 7 Theme for a Taiwanese Woman in Lime Green 4:23
- 8 Souvenirs 2:59
- 9 Mourner’s Dance 3:18
- 10 Saturday Night 4:23
- 11 Linda 5:56
- 12 Lucky 2:49
- 13 Celebration 2:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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