Excellent Italian Greyhound cover

Excellent Italian Greyhound

Shellac · 2007

42 min · 9 tracks · art rock

A jagged blend of dissonance and precision, this album showcases Shellac's signature abrasive yet rhythmic art rock sound.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The End of Radio — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its lengthy composition that builds tension through minimalist instrumentation and spoken word elements.
  • →
    Steady as She Goes — With its sharp guitar riffs and driving rhythm, this track encapsulates the band's unique ability to blend aggression with melody, making it a standout piece.
  • →
    Elephant — This track features a compelling narrative structure that uses repetition to create an unsettling atmosphere, exemplifying the band's experimental style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album features complex rhythms and angular compositions that define its distinctive sound.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a spoken word section that transitions into a driving rhythm, setting a tone of urgency.
  • Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes and shifts in dynamics, creating a sense of unpredictability.
  • The guitar work is characterized by sharp, dissonant chords that often clash with the steady bass and drums, enhancing the album's jagged feel.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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 End of Radio 8:27
  • 2 Steady as She Goes 4:06
  • 3 Be Prepared 4:05
  • 4 Elephant 4:24
  • 5 Genuine Lulabelle 9:17
  • 6 Kittypants 1:59
  • 7 Boycott 2:14
  • 8 Paco 5:29
  • 9 Spoke 2:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata