Dregs of the Earth
Dixie Dregs · 1980
36 min · 8 tracks · progressive rock
An intricate blend of jazz-infused rock and progressive elements, showcasing virtuosic musicianship and eclectic song structures.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hereafter — This track features an expansive arrangement that showcases the band's ability to blend complex melodies with intricate instrumentation, embodying their progressive essence.
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I’m Freaking Out — With its extended length and dynamic shifts, this track exemplifies the band's improvisational style and allows each member to shine through elaborate solos.
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Pride o’ the Farm — This lively piece combines bluegrass elements with rock, demonstrating the band's genre-blending capabilities and showcasing their technical prowess.
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 distinct jazz-rock fusion but lacks some cohesion in sequencing.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fast-paced track that features intricate guitar and keyboard interplay, setting a high-energy tone.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Broad Street Strut,' which shifts from a laid-back groove to frenetic sections.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- joyful exploration through playful melodies
- steady pacing with consistent flow
- short tracks for focused listening
- dynamic climaxes that engage attention
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek lengthy atmospheric soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Dregs of the Earth is the third album from Dixie Dregs, released in 1980 after their breakthrough with 1977's Free Fall. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their unique sound, merging rock with jazz and classical influences while gaining a loyal following in the progressive rock scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kansas· Gentle Giant· The Mars Volta
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Road Expense 3:24
- 2 Pride o’ the Farm 3:42
- 3 Twiggs Approved 4:34
- 4 Hereafter 6:26
- 5 The Great Spectacular 3:22
- 6 Broad Street Strut 3:58
- 7 I’m Freaking Out 9:09
- 8 Old World 2:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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