What makes Decimation Blues by Castanets notable?

Decimation Blues received critical acclaim for its intimate songwriting and innovative production techniques, marking a significant entry in the indie folk scene. It was praised in various publications such as Pitchfork and The A.V. Club for its emotional depth and experimental approach, further solidifying Castanets' reputation as a unique voice in American music. Released in 2014, Decimation Blues is Castanets' fifth album, following their 2007 release, Texas Rose, the Thaw. At this point, frontman Raymond Raposa had established a distinctive sound blending folk traditions with avant-garde sensibilities. The album continues to explore personal themes while demonstrating his artistic evolution over nearly a decade.

How many songs are on Decimation Blues?

Decimation Blues has 12 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Decimation Blues

Castanets · 2014

35 min · 12 tracks · psychedelic folk

A haunting blend of lo-fi folk and experimental textures, unearthing the raw emotions hidden in everyday life.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
It's Good to Touch You in the Sunlight — Opening the album with warm melodies and vivid imagery, this track encapsulates the theme of fleeting moments of connection. Its engaging instrumentation sets the tone for the introspective journey that follows.
→
Pour It Tall and Pour It True — This song features a striking balance between melancholic lyrics and uplifting melodies, highlighting Raposa's ability to juxtapose sorrow with hope. The repetitive structure reinforces its meditative quality.
→
Tell Them Memphis — This track stands out with its narrative quality and rhythmic drive, revealing deeper layers of storytelling within Raposa's songwriting. Its driving beat contrasts sharply with more subdued moments on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's unique blend of folk and experimental elements creates a distinct sound that rewards repeated listens.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that build gradually in intensity, while the second half introduces more experimental soundscapes and varied instrumentation.
Several songs incorporate unconventional song structures, often eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats in favor of freeform arrangements.
The use of lo-fi production techniques creates a raw, intimate atmosphere that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 It's Good to Touch You in the Sunlight 4:19
2 Be My Eyes 3:00
3 Thunder Bay 3:55
4 Out for the West 4:14
5 To Look Over the Grounds 2:45
6 Blackbird Tune 2:11
7 Cub 3:20
8 Pour It Tall and Pour It True 3:04
9 There Is a Place Up the Road There 0:53
10 My Girl Comes to the City 2:02
11 Tell Them Memphis 3:37
12 Somewhere in the Blue 1:55

What to play next

Go back to

First Light's Freeze

2005

Full Castanets discography Artists like Castanets

psychedelic folk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata