Between the Times and the Tides
Lee Ranaldo · 2012
47 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A reflective blend of alternative rock and indie sounds, layered with poetic lyrics and a serene yet haunting atmosphere.
Top tracks — play these first
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Waiting on a Dream — This opening track sets the tone for the album, combining intricate guitar work with dreamlike lyrics that encapsulate themes of longing and introspection.
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Xtina as I Knew Her — This song displays Ranaldo's storytelling ability, blending personal narrative with evocative imagery to create a poignant reflection on memory and loss.
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Fire Island (Phases) — With its layered instrumentation and meditative pace, this track exemplifies the album's exploration of nature and time, making it a standout moment in Ranaldo’s solo career.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends reflective songwriting with varied instrumentation, though it lacks a strong cohesive arc.
What we noticed
- Ranaldo's vocal delivery varies from spoken word to melodic singing, often accompanied by intricate guitar work that shifts between clean tones and distortion.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- 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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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
- reflective moments of solitude
- poignant storytelling with depth
- unhurried pacing for contemplation
- haunting melodies that linger
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party vibes
- wanting instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2012, Between the Times and the Tides marks Lee Ranaldo's first solo album since Sonic Youth's hiatus. This album emerged as a personal exploration after years of collaborative work, showcasing Ranaldo's unique songwriting style while projecting his artistic evolution beyond the influential band.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Thurston Moore· Sonic Youth· Swans
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Shouts
A shift in perspective occurs as the singer directly addresses an absent figure, creating an intimate connection amidst the surrounding chaos.
This direct address breaks from the more generalized narratives of other tracks, emphasizing vulnerability and immediacy in the emotional landscape.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Waiting on a Dream 6:14
- 2 Off the Wall 3:04
- 3 Xtina as I Knew Her 7:04
- 4 Angles 3:17
- 5 Hammer Blows 4:04
- 6 Fire Island (Phases) 6:07
- 7 Lost 3:59
- 8 Shouts 4:54
- 9 Stranded 4:20
- 10 Tomorrow Never Comes 4:30
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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