What makes Dim the Lights, Chill the Ham by Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet notable?

The album helped define the sound of Canadian indie rock during the early '90s, gaining critical acclaim for its innovative mix of genres. It is often recognized for its influence on later instrumental and surf-rock bands, cementing Shadowy Men's reputation as pioneers in the genre. Released in 1991, Dim the Lights, Chill the Ham is Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet's debut studio album, following their success with several EPs. At this point, they were establishing themselves as a distinctive voice within the alternative rock scene, blending humor and instrumental prowess into their sound.

How many songs are on Dim the Lights, Chill the Ham?

Dim the Lights, Chill the Ham has 25 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Dim the Lights, Chill the Ham

Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet · 1991

42 min · 25 tracks · alternative rock

A playful collage of surf rock riffs and quirky instrumentals that captures the spirit of underground Canadian music in the early '90s.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Dim the Lights, Chill the Ham — This opening track introduces the album's playful vibe with its short, catchy riff and sets the tone for the entire record.
→
Exit From Vince Lombardi High School — With its whimsical title and driving beat, this track exemplifies the band's unique blend of humor and musicality, showcasing their signature style.
→
Who's Afraid of Alyson Hymer / Wow Flutter Hiss — This ambitious closing piece combines multiple sections and themes, illustrating the band's creativity and adventurous spirit throughout the album.

Tracklist

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

1 Dim the Lights, Chill the Ham 0:50
2 Reid's Situation 1:17
3 I Know a Guy Named Larry 1:19
4 Exit From Vince Lombardi High School 1:30
5 Aunt's Invasion 1:51
6 Running Meredith 2:11
7 Bang Bang 1:59
8 Hot Box Car 1:33
9 In My Room 2:13
10 Dewy Drops of Spring 0:21
11 5 American 6 Canadian 1:26
12 Who Painted Whistler's Mother 2:16
13 Case of the Missing Lady Fingers 2:02
14 Jackpot 2:01
15 D. Tour 1:53
16 Hunter S. Thompson's Younger Brother 1:54
17 Misogomy & the Object 2:13
18 Ben Hur Picked Off in a Gazebo 0:53
19 Who's Afraid of Alyson Hymer / Wow Flutter Hiss 3:24
20 You Spin Me Round '86 1:56
21 Babakganoosh 1:52
22 Siesta Cinema 2:50
23 Dim the Lights, Chill the Ham (reprise) 0:48
24 Thanks for Buying Our CD 0:51
25 Shakin' All Over 0:25

What to play next

Listen next

Sport Fishin': The Lure of the Bait, The Luck of the Hook

1993

Go back to

Savvy Show Stoppers

1988

Full Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet discography Artists like Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet

alternative rock instrumental rock surf music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata