What makes Bird Dog by The Verlaines notable?

Bird Dog received positive reviews upon release and is considered a key album in the New Zealand indie rock scene. It helped cement The Verlaines as influential figures within the genre, inspiring later artists with its unique blend of introspective lyrics and catchy melodies. Released in January 1987, Bird Dog was The Verlaines' second studio album, following their critically acclaimed debut, Hey Seaside. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their identity within the burgeoning Dunedin Sound movement, characterized by a raw yet melodic approach to rock music.

How many songs are on Bird Dog?

Bird Dog has 10 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Bird Dog

The Verlaines · 1987

37 min · 10 tracks · rock music

A jangly mix of melodic rock and poignant storytelling, capturing the essence of late '80s New Zealand music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Makes No Difference — This opening track features jangly guitars and an upbeat tempo, setting the tone for the album while exploring themes of uncertainty in relationships.
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Just Mum — A standout track that combines a slow tempo with poignant lyrics about familial relationships, reflecting a deep emotional resonance that permeates the album.
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Icarus Missed — This song showcases the band's lyrical prowess with metaphorical references and a haunting melody, encapsulating feelings of loss and missed opportunities.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

52 /100

Foothills

Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

Bird Dog showcases strong melodies and varied tempos, reflecting its place in the Dunedin Sound.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and jangly guitars, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more introspective tone.
Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
The album closes with a track that features an extended instrumental section, allowing for a gradual fade-out rather than a definitive ending.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Makes No Difference 4:06
2 You Forget Love 2:50
3 Take Good Care of It 2:21
4 Just Mum 5:24
5 Slow Sad Love Song 3:46
6 Only Dream Left 3:49
7 Dippy’s Last Trip 1:58
8 Bird-Dog 4:13
9 Icarus Missed 3:13
10 C.D. Jimmy Jazz and Me 5:46

What to play next

Listen next

Some Disenchanted Evening

1989

Go back to

Juvenilia

1987

Full The Verlaines discography Artists like The Verlaines

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata