Blue Divide
Richard Shindell · 1995
41 min · 10 tracks · traditional folk music
A poignant blend of traditional folk storytelling and introspective melodies that resonate with deep emotional landscapes.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Ballad of Mary Magdalene — This track stands out for its reimagining of a biblical figure, intertwining personal narrative with historical context, showcasing Shindell's lyrical prowess.
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A Summer Wind, a Cotton Dress — Opening the album, this song sets a reflective tone with its lush imagery and delicate melody, encapsulating the essence of Shindell's folk roots.
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TV Light — Incorporating social commentary, this track critiques modern life through a lens of nostalgia and longing, demonstrating Shindell's ability to weave profound themes into accessible music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Shindell's storytelling and intricate guitar work create a compelling folk experience, though it doesn't fully stand out in its genre.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of fingerpicked guitar patterns that underpin most tracks, creating a reflective atmosphere.
- Shindell employs narrative storytelling in his lyrics, often weaving personal and historical themes across multiple verses.
- The pacing varies throughout, with some tracks maintaining a steady tempo while others shift to more contemplative, slower moments.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- introspective melodies for reflection
- narrative storytelling in lyrics
- gentle pacing for quiet moments
- poignant themes of longing
- for late-night solitude
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat dance tracks
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1995, Blue Divide was Richard Shindell's third studio album, following his breakthrough record, Somewhere Near Paterson. By this point, Shindell had begun to establish himself as a significant voice in the contemporary folk scene, known for his intricate songwriting and narrative depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dar Williams· Greg Brown· Lucy Kaplansky
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 A Summer Wind, a Cotton Dress 3:57
- 2 Fishing 4:34
- 3 The Ballad of Mary Magdalene 5:04
- 4 Lazy 2:48
- 5 The Things That I Have Seen 3:55
- 6 TV Light 4:14
- 7 A Tune for Nowhere 3:42
- 8 Arrowhead 4:26
- 9 Ascent 3:54
- 10 Blue Divide 4:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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