Close-Up Series cover

Close-Up Series

Suzanne Vega · 2014

277 min · 83 tracks · alternative rock

Intimate storytelling unfolds over delicate melodies, showcasing Vega's distinct vocals and poignant lyricism.

Why this album works

The 'Close-Up Series' highlights Suzanne Vega's enduring influence in the folk and alternative rock scenes, receiving positive reviews from critics. The project exemplifies her ability to connect with listeners through personal narratives, further solidifying her place as a pioneering singer-songwriter. It notably helped introduce her music to a younger generation, ensuring that her lyrical craft remains relevant.
Best for
intimate storytelling through melodies wave-like pacing with emotional depth delicate vocals for quiet moments
Context
By 2014, Suzanne Vega was revisiting her extensive catalog with the 'Close-Up Series', a project that reimagined her earlier works. This series came after several years of varied artistic exploration, including her 2007 album 'Beauty & Crime'. The release marked a reflective phase in her career, allowing her to reinterpret and recontextualize her most beloved songs for a new audience.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Small Blue Thing 4:04
  • 2 Caramel 3:06
  • 3 (If You Were) In My Movie 2:55
  • 4 Gypsy Standout 4:09
  • 5 Marlene on the Wall 4:15
  • 6 (I’ll Never Be) Your Maggie May 3:36
  • 7 Harbor Song 4:17
  • 8 Headshots 2:54
  • 9 Songs in Red and Gray 4:15
  • 10 Stockings 3:39
  • 11 Some Journey 4:22
  • 12 Bound 4:15

Disc 2

  • 1 Luka Standout 3:13
  • 2 Zephyr & I 3:09
  • 3 NY Is a Woman 2:58
  • 4 In Liverpool 4:49
  • 5 Calypso 3:45
  • 6 Fat Man & Dancing Girl 2:17
  • 7 The Queen & The Soldier 5:02
  • 8 Rock in This Pocket (Song of David) 3:39
  • 9 Angel’s Doorway 2:53
  • 10 Ironbound/Fancy Poultry 5:01
  • 11 Neighborhood Girls 3:32
  • 12 Tom’s Diner Standout 4:33
  • 13 The Man Who Played God 3:07

Disc 3

  • 1 Undertow 3:31
  • 2 When Heroes Go Down 2:05
  • 3 My Favorite Plum 2:37
  • 4 Solitude Standing 3:58
  • 5 Cracking 2:58
  • 6 Last Year's Troubles 3:08
  • 7 Solitaire 2:15
  • 8 Tombstone 2:46
  • 9 Blood Makes Noise 3:05
  • 10 50-50 Chance 2:48
  • 11 Penitent 4:08
  • 12 Straight Lines 4:02
  • 13 Pornographer's Dream 3:31
  • 14 Instant of the Hour After 3:10

Disc 4

  • 1 Rosemary 2:54
  • 2 Honeymoon Suite 3:13
  • 3 World Before Columbus 3:01
  • 4 As You Are Now 2:29
  • 5 Soap and Water 2:52
  • 6 Widow’s Walk 3:42
  • 7 Blood Sings 3:21
  • 8 Bad Wisdom 3:11
  • 9 Ludlow Street 3:11
  • 10 Tired of Sleeping 3:48
  • 11 Pilgrimage 4:27
  • 12 Brother Mine 3:15
  • 13 The Silver Lady 5:36
  • 14 Daddy Is White 2:44

Disc 5

  • 1 99.9F° 3:06
  • 2 It Makes Me Wonder 4:04
  • 3 Freeze Tag 2:53
  • 4 Knight Moves 3:51
  • 5 Luka (Spanish version) 3:25
  • 6 Frank and Ava 2:38
  • 7 Wooden Horse (Casper Hauser’s Song) 4:23
  • 8 Song of Sand 3:10
  • 9 Room off the Street 2:57
  • 10 Priscilla 3:40
  • 11 Anniversary 3:05
  • 12 Language 4:04

Disc 6

  • 1 Introduction From Suzanne 4:00
  • 2 Tom’s Diner Standout 2:22
  • 3 Interview 0:53
  • 4 Rock in this Pocket 4:09
  • 5 Interview 1:25
  • 6 Gypsy Standout 6:33
  • 7 Interview 2:35
  • 8 Solitude Standing 3:53
  • 9 Interview 0:58
  • 10 Room Off the Street 3:02
  • 11 Interview 0:38
  • 12 Silver Lady 4:58
  • 13 Interview 1:57
  • 14 Daddy Is White 3:13
  • 15 Interview 1:02
  • 16 Penitent 3:54
  • 17 Interview 1:14
  • 18 Luka Standout 3:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata