Failure cover

Failure

The Posies · 1988

69 min · 20 tracks · alternative rock

Melodic harmonies intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a bittersweet tapestry of alternative rock.

Why this album works

'Failure' garnered positive reviews upon its release, helping to establish The Posies as key figures in the alternative rock movement of the late 80s. The album's melodic sensibility and lyrical depth resonated with listeners, leading to a cult following that would influence later artists in the genre.
Best for
bittersweet introspection and reflection wave-like pacing with peaks melodic harmonies for headphone listening
Context
Released in January 1988, 'Failure' was The Posies' debut album, introducing their distinctive sound that fused power pop and alternative rock. At this point, the band was still establishing its identity, having formed just two years earlier, and they were eager to carve out a space within the burgeoning indie scene.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Blind Eyes Open Standout 3:54
  • 2 The Longest Line 3:13
  • 3 Under Easy Standout 3:27
  • 4 Like Me Too 3:38
  • 5 I May Hate You Sometimes 3:22
  • 6 Ironing Tuesdays 2:58
  • 7 Paint Me 4:08
  • 8 Believe in Something Other (Than Yourself) Standout 4:11
  • 9 Compliment? 3:27
  • 10 At Least for Now 3:36
  • 11 Uncombined 4:03
  • 12 What Little Remains 2:53
  • 13 I May Hate You Sometimes (demo) 3:15
  • 14 Paint Me (demo) 3:11
  • 15 Like Me Too (demo) 3:31
  • 16 Alison Hubbard (instrumental) 2:59
  • 17 After Many a Summer Dies the Swan (instrumental) 1:12
  • 18 Blind Eyes Open (instrumental demo) 2:38
  • 19 I May Hate You Sometimes (alternate version) 3:27
  • 20 Compliment? (alternate version) 6:06

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata