Released 17 years ago this November
Down and Out in Paris and London
The Tangent · 2009
57 min · 5 tracks · progressive rock
Intricate melodies intertwine with sharp social commentary, creating a vivid tapestry of modern urban life and existential musings.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Where Are They Now? — This lengthy opener sets the tone for the album with its intricate arrangements and deep lyrical exploration of disillusionment in society, encapsulating the band's signature style.
-
→
Paroxetine – 20mg — Addressing mental health issues through metaphorical lyrics, this track offers a poignant reflection on the impact of medication on personal identity, showcasing the album's thematic depth.
-
→
The Canterbury Sequence, Volume 2: Ethanol Hat Nail — This track exemplifies the band's progressive roots with its complex structure and rich instrumentation, while also paying homage to the Canterbury Scene of the late 1960s.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate compositions and strong thematic elements but may not have widespread recognition.
What we noticed
- The album features five tracks, with the first four averaging over seven minutes each, allowing for extended musical exploration.
- Lyrical themes are woven into the music, with social commentary presented through storytelling that aligns closely with the melodic structure.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- intricate melodies with social themes
- thought-provoking narratives unfold gradually
- urban life reflections and musings
- immersive storytelling through extended tracks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- dislike lengthy, detailed compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2009, Down and Out in Paris and London was The Tangent's fifth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Not As Good As The Book. At this point, the band had solidified their reputation within the progressive rock genre, showcasing an evolving sound that incorporated jazz influences and thematic depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Spock's Beard· Transatlantic· The Flower Kings
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Where Are They Now? 19:12
- 2 Paroxetine – 20mg 7:41
- 3 Perdu dans Paris 11:42
- 4 The Company Car 6:19
- 5 The Canterbury Sequence, Volume 2: Ethanol Hat Nail 12:53
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.