Burnt to Bitz: At the Astoria cover

Released 20 years ago

Burnt to Bitz: At the Astoria

Graham Coxon · 2006

110 min · 28 tracks · alternative rock

A raw and energetic live album blending Coxon's signature guitar-driven sound with candid lyrical introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Bittersweet Bundle of Misery — This track encapsulates the thematic core of the album with its melancholic yet catchy chorus, representing Coxon's unique blend of vulnerability and wit.
  • →
    I Wish — The song showcases Coxon's emotive vocal delivery and introspective lyrics, making it a highlight that resonates deeply with listeners seeking authenticity.
  • →
    That's When I Reach for My Revolver — Covering this classic adds an element of punk energy to the set, highlighting Coxon's ability to reinterpret influences while maintaining his distinctive style.

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

The album effectively showcases Coxon's live energy and guitar prowess, though it lacks some structural cohesion.

What we noticed

  • Coxon's guitar work is prominent throughout, often taking center stage in instrumental breaks that showcase his technical skill.
  • The live recording captures audience interaction, with Coxon frequently addressing the crowd and responding to their energy.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • raw energy for live vibes
  • dynamic progression throughout album
  • for energetic gatherings
  • engaging sing-alongs with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer polished studio recordings
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
By 2006, Graham Coxon was solidifying his post-Blur identity as a solo artist, following the release of his critically acclaimed album 'Love Travels at Illegal Speeds' in 2006. 'Burnt to Bitz: At the Astoria' captures his live performance energy during this transitional period, showcasing his evolution from band member to a distinctive solo voice.
Stylistic neighbors
Blur· The Libertines· Franz Ferdinand

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Escape Song 3:00
  • 2 Spectacular 2:53
  • 3 I Can't Look at Your Skin 3:24
  • 4 No Good Time 3:26
  • 5 I Wish 5:43
  • 6 Bittersweet Bundle of Misery 5:20
  • 7 What's He Got? 4:33
  • 8 Girl Done Gone 5:04
  • 9 All Over Me 4:48
  • 10 Just a State of Mind 5:11
  • 11 You and I 4:06
  • 12 Standing on My Own Again 4:30
  • 13 Right to Pop! 2:50
  • 14 Don't Let Your Man Know 3:30
  • 15 What Ya Gonna Do Now 3:01
  • 16 Bloody Annoying 3:20

Disc 2

  • 1 Freakin' Out 3:46
  • 2 That's When I Reach for My Revolver 4:27
  • 3 People of the Earth 3:50
  • 4 Big Bird 7:26
  • 5 See a Better Day 5:37
  • 6 All Mod Cons 1:12
  • 7 You Always Let Me Down 2:52
  • 8 I Don't Wanna Go Out, Part 1 3:20
  • 9 I Don't Wanna Go Out, Part 2 1:31
  • 10 Gimmie Some Love 2:52
  • 11 Who the Fuck? 5:07
  • 12 Life It Sucks 4:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata