Boil That Dust Speck cover

Boil That Dust Speck

Mike Keneally · 1994

74 min · 30 tracks · jazz fusion

A surreal blend of jazz fusion and avant-garde elements, where whimsical melodies meet playful dissonance.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    'Cause of Breakfast — This track exemplifies Keneally's quirky lyrical style, pairing offbeat humor with intricate musical arrangements that reflect his jazz fusion roots.
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    The Desired Effect — With its catchy melodies and dynamic shifts, this track highlights Keneally's knack for blending accessible pop sensibilities with complex instrumentation.
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    1988 Was a Million Years Ago — This song features reflective yet whimsical lyrics that delve into nostalgia while employing a playful musical approach, showcasing Keneally's lyrical craftsmanship.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • quirky short tracks for whimsy
  • unexpected shifts in pacing
  • playful experimentation with sound
  • headphone detail hunting required
  • late-night curiosity and exploration

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking straightforward song structures
  • prefer longer continuous pieces

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1994, Boil That Dust Speck was Mike Keneally's second solo album, coming after his debut album, Hat. At this point in his career, Keneally had already gained recognition for his work with Frank Zappa and was establishing his unique voice as a solo artist.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • 1988 Was a Million Years Ago

    The narrative shifts from a light-hearted reminiscence to a poignant reflection on time passing, creating an engaging contrast throughout the song.

    This shift between nostalgia and introspection illustrates Keneally’s ability to weave deeper emotional themes into whimsical storytelling.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Sooth 2:30
  • 2 'Cause of Breakfast 5:08
  • 3 The Desired Effect 3:34
  • 4 Skunk 2:42
  • 5 I'm Glad There's Lemon-Freshened Thorax in You 0:09
  • 6 Top of Stove Melting 2:42
  • 7 Aglow 2:49
  • 8 Bryan Beller's Favorite Song 0:21
  • 9 Deep-Fried Skinks Are Go! 0:31
  • 10 Good Morning, Sometime 1:40
  • 11 Them Dolphins Is Smart 0:59
  • 12 1988 Was a Million Years Ago 3:32
  • 13 Yep, Them Dolphins Is Smart, Alright 1:59
  • 14 Bullys (Sic) 5:57
  • 15 My Dilemma 4:02
  • 16 Helen Was Brash 1:13
  • 17 Weekend 3:55
  • 18 Land of Broken Dreams 2:28
  • 19 Blameless (The Floating Face) 2:15
  • 20 That Claim-Jumping Swine, O'Bannon 1:06
  • 21 Faithful Axe 1:25
  • 22 Natty Trousers 2:27
  • 23 Scotch 3:47
  • 24 There Have Been Bad Moments 4:43
  • 25 Frang Tang, the Valentine Bear 1:53
  • 26 I Will 0:44
  • 27 In the Bone World 2:33
  • 28 The Old Boat Guy, Part One 2:27
  • 29 The Old Boat Guy, Part Two 2:04
  • 30 The Old Boat Guy, Part Three 2:48

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata