Top tracks — play these first
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Leaving This Place — This track intertwines haunting melodies with poignant lyrics about isolation and self-reflection, showcasing El-P's ability to evoke complex emotions through his music.
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Oxycontin — Oxycontin stands out for its gritty narrative on addiction, backed by a pulsating beat that mirrors the urgency of its themes.
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Feel Like a Ghost — In this track, El-P explores themes of alienation and existential dread, employing vivid imagery that highlights his lyrical prowess alongside intricate production.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's experimental production and unique sound make it stand out in the alternative hip-hop landscape.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a layered instrumental that sets a dark, atmospheric tone, which is maintained throughout the first half.
- Tracks often feature abrupt transitions and unconventional structures, such as 'Telemundo' which shifts from a rhythmic beat to a spoken word section.
- Several tracks incorporate samples from various genres, creating a collage effect that challenges traditional hip-hop production.
- The final track features a slow build-up with minimal instrumentation, ending the album on an introspective note.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- introspective moments of quiet reflection
- short bursts of eclectic energy
- thoughtful soundscapes for deep focus
- experimental beats with narrative depth
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, catchy tunes
- seek traditional song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 2004, Collecting the Kid marked El-P's first solo album after his work with Company Flow, establishing him as a prominent figure in underground hip-hop. This album followed his critically acclaimed production on Cannibal Ox's The Cold Vein, further solidifying his innovative approach to music and lyricism.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Run the Jewels· Aesop Rock· Death Grips
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Dream Theme 2:13
- 2 Jukie Skate Rock 4:30
- 3 Leaving This Place 3:48
- 4 Feel Like a Ghost 4:08
- 5 Intrigue in the House of India 6:27
- 6 Telemundo (Bombing Theme) 5:32
- 7 Slow Sex 3:52
- 8 Constellation Remix 4:49
- 9 The Dance 4:27
- 10 The Day After Yesterday 3:53
- 11 Oxycontin 5:36
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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