Come On Board
Jeffrey Lewis · 2011
45 min · 13 tracks · anti-folk
An eclectic mix of whimsical storytelling and lo-fi melodies captures the essence of urban life and introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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20,000 Leagues Under the Sea — This track exemplifies Lewis's playful lyrical approach, weaving intricate narratives inspired by classic literature into a catchy melody.
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God, What Am I Doing Here? — The song reflects on existential themes with a blend of humor and sincerity, encapsulating the introspective nature of the album.
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On We Went — As the album's closing track, it offers an expansive exploration of life's journey, both musically and lyrically, leaving a lasting impression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases unique storytelling and eclectic melodies, making it distinct within the anti-folk genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that sets a conversational tone, featuring spoken word elements intertwined with melody.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and shifts in instrumentation.
- Lyrically, the album features storytelling that blends humor with introspection, often addressing urban themes and personal experiences.
- 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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- whimsical storytelling with charm
- short bursts of playful energy
- urban introspection and humor
- quick, engaging narrative snapshots
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, immersive albums
- want polished studio production
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 2011, Jeffrey Lewis was already established in the anti-folk scene, having released several albums since his debut in 2001. 'Come On Board' is notable as his fifth studio album, showcasing his unique narrative style and musical evolution after receiving critical acclaim for previous works, particularly 'Em Are I' in 2009.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Daniel Johnston· The Mountain Goats· Fionn Regan
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Come on Board 1:38
- 2 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea 2:18
- 3 Bottlecaps Are Cool 3:13
- 4 Busted 2:03
- 5 I Spent the Night in the Wax Museum 3:38
- 6 He’s Been Everywhere 3:02
- 7 God, What Am I Doing Here? 3:21
- 8 Billy (Cross Over the Bamboo Field) 2:49
- 9 Love, Love, Love, Love 2:40
- 10 Gong of Zero 3:54
- 11 Hoodoo Bash 3:26
- 12 Little Sister in the Sky 3:07
- 13 On We Went 10:28
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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