Foreign Keys cover

Foreign Keys

Jandek · 1985

43 min · 12 tracks · blues · folk · traditional folk music

A haunting blend of dissonant blues and introspective folk, echoing with outsider authenticity.

Foreign Keys is an album by Jandek, released in 1985. A haunting blend of dissonant blues and introspective folk, echoing with outsider authenticity. While not commercially successful, 'Foreign Keys' has garnered critical acclaim for its raw emotionality and innovative sound. It has influenced numerous artists within the outsider music genre and continues to be referenced in discussions about non-traditional approaches to songwriting and performance. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Foreign Keys sound like?

A haunting blend of dissonant blues and introspective folk, echoing with outsider authenticity. Rooted in blues and folk.

What makes Foreign Keys by Jandek notable?

While not commercially successful, 'Foreign Keys' has garnered critical acclaim for its raw emotionality and innovative sound. It has influenced numerous artists within the outsider music genre and continues to be referenced in discussions about non-traditional approaches to songwriting and performance. By 1985, Jandek had released several albums, with 'Foreign Keys' being his fifth. The album continued his unconventional approach, further establishing his unique voice within the outsider music scene. This release came after his previous album, 'Chair Beside a Window,' and marks his growing experimentation with form and structure.

How many songs are on Foreign Keys?

Foreign Keys has 12 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Tracklist

12 tracks·43:53

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

  • 1 Spanish in Me Standout 5:46
  • 2 Lost Cause Standout 4:31
  • 3 Caper 5:48
  • 4 Uncle Steve 2:32
  • 5 Don’t Be So Mean 2:11
  • 6 Coming Quiet 1:59
  • 7 Needs No Sun 3:16
  • 8 Oh No 2:24
  • 9 Some of Your Peace 2:45
  • 10 Put It Away 4:31
  • 11 Ballad of Robert 3:49
  • 12 River to Madrid Standout 4:21

Release Date

January 1, 1985

Genre

blues, traditional folk music

More albums in blues

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

43 min 53 sec