Death by Stereo
Umphrey's McGee · 2011
41 min · 10 tracks · progressive rock
A dynamic blend of progressive rock intricacies and jazz-inflected improvisation, balanced with a touch of lyrical introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Miami Virtue — This opening track sets the tone with its infectious groove and engaging lyrics, perfectly encapsulating the album's mix of energy and introspection.
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Search 4 — A standout piece that showcases the band's improvisational prowess, featuring intricate guitar work and shifting time signatures that highlight their progressive roots.
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Booth Love — With its catchy chorus and vibrant instrumentation, this track reflects the playful side of Umphrey's McGee while maintaining a polished sound that resonates with listeners.
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Deeper — This track combines lyrical depth with lush arrangements, illustrating the band's ability to blend personal storytelling with rich musical textures.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends intricate compositions with improvisational elements, reflecting the band's progressive rock roots.
What we noticed
- Lyrical themes often explore introspection and existential questions, with varied vocal delivery across different songs.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
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
- steady mid-tempo groove
- vibrant improvisation moments
- catchy hooks throughout
- engaging for active listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification
- seek standalone singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on September 13, 2011, Death by Stereo was Umphrey's McGee's sixth studio album, following their 2009 release Mantis. By this point in their career, the band had solidified their reputation in the jam band scene, showcasing their signature blend of rock, funk, and jazz elements while continuing to explore more complex musical structures.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Widespread Panic· Phish· Tauk
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Miami Virtue 3:49
- 2 Domino Theory 3:47
- 3 Search 4 6:18
- 4 Booth Love 3:39
- 5 The Floor 5:30
- 6 Wellwishers 4:52
- 7 Dim Sun 1:51
- 8 Deeper 3:51
- 9 Conduit 4:11
- 10 Hajimemashite 3:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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