What makes Do Not Ignore the Potential by The Mae Shi notable?

This album is significant for its innovative approach to genre blending and its influence on the experimental rock scene of the mid-2000s. It received positive reviews, including features in notable publications like Pitchfork, and helped establish The Mae Shi as a key player in the DIY music movement, paving the way for similar acts. Released in 2006, Do Not Ignore the Potential was The Mae Shi's first full-length album following a series of EPs and singles that established their eclectic sound. At this point in their career, they were transitioning from local California shows to broader recognition within the underground music scene, setting the stage for their subsequent projects.

How many songs are on Do Not Ignore the Potential?

Do Not Ignore the Potential has 19 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Do Not Ignore the Potential

The Mae Shi · 2006

46 min · 19 tracks · experimental rock

Frantic, lo-fi production underpins chaotic yet playful compositions that blend punk sensibilities with experimental rock nuances.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
The Potential — Opening with an energetic burst, this track encapsulates the album's ethos of unrestrained creativity and sonic experimentation. Its catchy hooks juxtaposed with frenetic instrumentation set a vibrant tone for what follows.
→
Heartbeeps — A concise yet impactful song that blends quirky lyrics with punchy rhythms, showcasing the band's ability to create memorable moments within brief compositions. Its playful nature highlights their unique approach to songwriting.
→
C'mon Give Me the Feeling — Spanning over ten minutes, this track represents a culmination of the band's experimental tendencies, featuring dynamic shifts and an immersive soundscape that illustrates their artistic ambition. It serves as a centerpiece of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100

Foothills

Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album's chaotic yet playful compositions and innovative genre blending mark it as a notable entry in experimental rock.

What we noticed

The album features abrupt tempo shifts, with tracks often transitioning from frenetic energy to quieter, more introspective moments.
Several songs incorporate unconventional song structures, frequently eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats in favor of more experimental arrangements.
Lo-fi production techniques are prevalent, giving the record a raw and unpolished sound that complements its chaotic aesthetic.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 The Potential 3:27
2 Don't Ignore the Potential 0:16
3 Remarkably Dirty Animals 2:35
4 Heartbeeps 1:50
5 Massively Overwrought 2:19
6 Nickel Arcade 2:42
7 The Bear 1:26
8 Split LP with Mae Shi 1:33
9 The Real Party 2:47
10 Look At Me 1:39
11 Testify 1:29
12 OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH 1:50
13 Something Dirty 1:48
14 Ha-Chew 1:34
15 $15.99 1:17
16 Radio Activity 2:45
17 Slow Motion and Decent 2:36
18 C'mon Give Me the Feeling 10:53
19 Bonus Track 1:47

What to play next

Listen next

HLLLYH

2008

Go back to

Terrorbird

2004

Full The Mae Shi discography Artists like The Mae Shi

experimental rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata