Blueprints for a Blackout cover

Blueprints for a Blackout

The Ex · 1984

66 min · 19 tracks · art rock

A frenzied blend of art rock and punk, punctuated by sharp lyrics and experimental instrumentation.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with intensity shifts
  • short bursts of frenetic energy
  • dynamic flow with varied intensity
  • sharp lyrics provoking thought
  • engaging two-halves listening experience

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer long, uniform tracks
  • seek smooth, consistent melodies

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1984, 'Blueprints for a Blackout' was The Ex's third album, coming off their previous work 'Treat' which had established them as a unique voice in the Dutch underground scene. At this point, the band was solidifying its identity by embracing politically charged themes and avant-garde influences, setting the stage for their later experiments in sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Shellac· The Flying Lizards· Don Caballero

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Streetcars Named Desire/Animal Harm (Medley) 2:39
  • 2 Blueprints for a Blackout 3:53
  • 3 Rabble With a Cause 2:19
  • 4 Requiem for a Rip-Off 2:52
  • 5 Pleased to Meat You 4:16
  • 6 A Goodbuy to You 3:38
  • 7 The Swim 1:47
  • 8 Boohoo 2:28
  • 9 U.S. Hole 2:41
  • 10 (Not) 2B Continued 1:09
  • 11 Grimm Stories 4:52
  • 12 A Plague to Survive 5:22
  • 13 The Rise of the Dutch Republic 3:53
  • 14 Kidnap Connection 2:16
  • 15 Fire and Ice 4:41
  • 16 Jack Frost Is Innocent 2:53
  • 17 Love You Till Eh 2:47
  • 18 Food on 45 3:17
  • 19 Scrub That Scum 8:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata