Cheating at Solitaire
Mike Ness · 1999
59 min · 15 tracks · country music
A gritty blend of punk-inflected rock and heartfelt country storytelling that captures both rebellion and vulnerability.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Devil in Miss Jones — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its catchy hooks and narrative-driven lyrics, reflecting Ness's storytelling prowess.
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Crime Don’t Pay — With its rebellious spirit and energetic instrumentation, this track exemplifies Ness's punk roots while addressing themes of consequence and morality.
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Charmed Life — This song combines a sense of melancholy with a hopeful outlook, showcasing Ness's ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet poignant melodies.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends punk and country elements effectively, showcasing Ness's songwriting while navigating varied tempos and moods.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving tempo and gritty guitar riffs, maintaining a punk energy through the first half before shifting to more introspective ballads.
- The sequencing includes two covers placed in the middle, which alters the flow but adds depth to Ness's personal narrative.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Rest of Our Lives
In the bridge, the song shifts from wistful reminiscing to a stark confrontation with reality, emphasizing the fleeting nature of time.
This structural turn heightens the emotional impact, as it contrasts nostalgia with a sobering reminder of life's impermanence.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Devil in Miss Jones 3:49
- 2 Don’t Think Twice 3:47
- 3 Misery Loves Company 3:47
- 4 Crime Don’t Pay 3:31
- 5 Rest of Our Lives 3:44
- 6 You Win Again 3:12
- 7 Cheating at Solitaire 3:53
- 8 No Man’s Friend 4:57
- 9 Charmed Life 3:37
- 10 Dope Fiend Blues 5:18
- 11 Ballad of a Lonely Man 3:25
- 12 I’m in Love with My Car 4:42
- 13 If You Leave Before Me 4:19
- 14 Long Black Veil 4:04
- 15 Send Her Back 2:56
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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