What makes Bleed Your Cedar by Elysian Fields notable?

The album garnered significant attention for its innovative sound and lyrical depth, positioning Elysian Fields as notable contenders within the burgeoning art rock genre of the mid-90s. Its critical reception included praise from outlets like The New York Times, highlighting its artistic merit and contributing to a growing interest in alternative music during this era. Released in 1996, Bleed Your Cedar was Elysian Fields' debut album, marking their entry into the art rock scene. At this point, the band was establishing its identity and sound after forming just a year prior, showcasing a unique blend of influences from jazz and rock.

How many songs are on Bleed Your Cedar?

Bleed Your Cedar has 11 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Bleed Your Cedar

Elysian Fields · 1996

48 min · 11 tracks · art rock

Dreamy melodies intertwine with melancholic lyrics, creating a hauntingly beautiful soundscape that lingers in the air.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Lady in the Lake — This track opens the album with ethereal vocals and lush instrumentation, setting the tone for the dreamlike atmosphere that characterizes much of the record.
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Fountains on Fire — A standout piece that showcases the band's ability to blend intricate arrangements with evocative storytelling, creating a sonic highlight in both length and emotional impact.
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Parachute — The song features a captivating shift in dynamics and tempo, offering a moment of introspection that deepens the album's exploration of vulnerability and desire.
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Mermaid — Closing out the album, this track encapsulates themes of longing and fantasy through its enchanting melodies and reflective lyrics, leaving a lasting impression on listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

62 /100

Foothills

Higher than 24% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks the cohesion and distinctiveness of later works.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth introduces a more dynamic arrangement with varied instrumentation.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'Fountains on Fire' and 'Sugarplum Arches'.
The album closes with 'Mermaid', which features an extended instrumental outro that contrasts with the lyrical focus of earlier tracks.

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: 6/10
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 Lady in the Lake 3:53
2 Jack in the Box 3:58
3 Off or Out 3:28
4 Fountains on Fire 7:00
5 Star 3:42
6 Anything You Like 5:11
7 Sugarplum Arches 2:59
8 Parachute 5:39
9 Gracie Lyons 2:52
10 Rolling 5:14
11 Mermaid 4:21

What to play next

Full Elysian Fields discography Artists like Elysian Fields

art rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata