Ashtray Rock
Joel Plaskett · 2007
41 min · 13 tracks · folk music
An introspective blend of folk and rock, enriched with storytelling and a distinct Canadian flavor throughout its melodic journey.
Top tracks — play these first
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Drunk Teenagers — This track captures the essence of youthful recklessness and nostalgia, balancing playful melodies with poignant reflections on suburban life.
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Fashionable People — With its catchy chorus and sharp lyrics, this song critiques social norms and expectations while maintaining an upbeat tempo that invites sing-alongs.
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Snowed In / Cruisin' — This sprawling track contrasts moments of isolation with driving rhythms, illustrating the dichotomy of longing and adventure within Plaskett's storytelling.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong storytelling and craftsmanship, with a cohesive flow despite some shifts in tempo.
What we noticed
- The album features a narrative structure, with several tracks telling interconnected stories that reflect on youth and identity.
- Tracks like 'Drunk Teenagers' and 'Fashionable People' employ upbeat tempos, while others like 'Penny for Your Thoughts' slow down for introspection.
- The use of varied instrumentation, including acoustic guitar and piano, creates distinct sonic textures across the tracks.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- nostalgic reflections on youth
- catchy melodies for sing-alongs
- warm acoustic storytelling
- short tracks for quick listens
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, immersive albums
- seek intense emotional experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2007, Ashtray Rock is Joel Plaskett's third studio album, following the acclaimed Pillfork. At this point in his career, Plaskett had solidified his reputation as a distinctive voice in Canadian indie music, using this album to further explore narrative-driven songwriting and complex arrangements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sam Roberts· The Weakerthans· Hayden
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 An Introduction 0:51
- 2 Drunk Teenagers 3:44
- 3 Ashtray Rock 0:50
- 4 Fashionable People 4:09
- 5 Penny for Your Thoughts 3:46
- 6 Snowed In / Cruisin' 6:26
- 7 Face of the Earth 4:08
- 8 The Glorious Life 2:15
- 9 Nothing More to Say 3:23
- 10 Chinatown / For the Record 2:47
- 11 The Instrumental 3:20
- 12 Soundtrack for the Night 4:57
- 13 Outroduction 1:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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