Is Dignity of Labour a good place to start with The Ex?

Yes, Dignity of Labour is recommended as a starting point for new The Ex listeners. A chaotic blend of dissonant guitars and frenetic rhythms, challenging the conventions of punk and art rock. Released in 1983, Dignity of Labour marked The Ex's third studio album, following their influential second album, 1982's Pigs. This record solidified their reputation for experimentalism, showcasing a shift towards more complex arrangements and social commentary.

Who is Dignity of Labour for?

Dignity of Labour works well if you're into short bursts of raw energy, playful experimentation with sound and dynamic shifts in pacing.

How many songs are on Dignity of Labour?

Dignity of Labour has 8 tracks, running approximately 31 minutes.

Dignity of Labour

The Ex · 1983

31 min · 8 tracks · art rock

A chaotic blend of dissonant guitars and frenetic rhythms, challenging the conventions of punk and art rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Sucked Out Chucked Out 1 Start here — The opening track sets an urgent tone with its relentless pace and biting guitar riffs, establishing the album's critique of societal norms.
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Sucked Out Chucked Out 4 — This track exemplifies the album's thematic focus on labor, using repetitive structures to mirror the monotony of work life.
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Sucked Out Chucked Out 8 — Closing the album with a dynamic culmination of sounds, this track encapsulates The Ex's radical energy and artistic intent.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

short bursts of raw energy
playful experimentation with sound
dynamic shifts in pacing
unexpected twists and turns

Maybe skip if you

prefer polished, radio-friendly tracks
want lengthy, immersive albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album helped establish The Ex's reputation in the post-punk scene.
Career context: Released in 1983, Dignity of Labour marked The Ex's third studio album, following their influential second album, 1982's Pigs. This record solidified their reputation for experimentalism, showcasing a shift towards more complex arrangements and social commentary.
Stylistic neighbors: Shellac· The Flying Lizards· Don Caballero

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Sucked Out Chucked Out 4

The repetition of phrases underscores the drudgery associated with labor while invoking a sense of urgency and frustration.

This structural choice amplifies the song’s critique by mirroring the cyclical nature of work, reinforcing the message through its very form.