Dog City cover

Dog City

Crack the Sky · 1990

50 min · 10 tracks · progressive rock

A blend of theatrical storytelling and intricate melodies framed by progressive rock's expansive instrumentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Dog City — The title track encapsulates the album's central themes of societal disillusionment while featuring elaborate arrangements that highlight the band's musicianship.
  • →
    Love Me Like a Terrorist — This track stands out for its provocative lyrics and catchy hooks, blending personal and political themes in a way that resonates with listeners.
  • →
    Mr. President — A critical commentary on leadership and authority, this song combines sharp lyrics with dynamic instrumentation, showcasing the band's ability to merge message with melody.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • theatrical narratives with emotional depth
  • engaging storytelling through intricate melodies
  • dynamic shifts keeping attention engaged
  • immersive experience for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, instant gratification
  • looking for quick, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Dog City' was released in 1990, Crack the Sky had established themselves as a unique voice in progressive rock, following their 1980 album 'White Music.' This fifth studio album arrived during a period of experimentation and evolution for the band, showcasing a more mature sound while retaining their signature narrative style.
Stylistic neighbors
Gentle Giant· King Crimson· Yes

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Mr. President

    The bridge shifts to direct address, confronting authority figures with pointed questions about their decisions.

    This structural choice heightens the tension in the narrative, emphasizing accountability in a way that contrasts with the rest of the song's reflective verses.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Dog City (intro) 1:05
  • 2 Dog City 7:10
  • 3 Love Me Like a Terrorist 4:40
  • 4 Lost Boys 6:40
  • 5 Mr. President 5:37
  • 6 Quicksand 6:25
  • 7 Waiting for the New World 5:12
  • 8 Don't Call Me Brother 4:37
  • 9 I'll Be There 5:02
  • 10 Dog Redux 3:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata