Get Guilty
A. C. Newman · 2009
42 min · 12 tracks · indie rock
Melodic indie rock intertwines with introspective lyrics, creating a tapestry of personal storytelling and vibrant arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Like a Hitman, Like a Dancer — This track embodies the album's mix of catchy melodies and darkly humorous lyrics, capturing the essence of Newman's songwriting prowess.
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The Heartbreak Rides — With its poignant narrative and infectious chorus, this song highlights Newman's ability to weave emotional depth into accessible pop structures.
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Submarines of Stockholm — This track's atmospheric instrumentation sets it apart, showcasing Newman's skill in creating immersive soundscapes that complement his storytelling.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting with varied arrangements but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature layered instrumentation with prominent guitar melodies and harmonized vocals, establishing a vibrant sound early on.
- The album includes moments of quiet introspection, particularly in tracks like 'Submarines of Stockholm,' where sparse arrangements allow the lyrics to take center stage.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- short bursts of melodic storytelling
- thoughtful reflections on personal experiences
- vibrant arrangements with emotional depth
- easygoing tracks for casual listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, immersive albums
- want high-energy dance tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Get Guilty is A. C. Newman’s second solo album, released after his work with The New Pornographers. Following the success of his debut, The Slow Wonder, this record showcases a more confident songwriting style while continuing to blend pop sensibilities with indie rock aesthetics.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The New Pornographers· Belle and Sebastian· Sufjan Stevens
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 There Are Maybe Ten or Twelve... 2:40
- 2 The Heartbreak Rides 4:09
- 3 Like a Hitman, Like a Dancer 3:40
- 4 Prophets 2:58
- 5 Submarines of Stockholm 3:54
- 6 Thunderbolts 3:45
- 7 The Palace at 4 A.M. 3:22
- 8 The Changeling (Get Guilty) 3:19
- 9 Elemental 3:28
- 10 Young Atlantis 3:49
- 11 The Collected Works 3:09
- 12 All of My Days and All of My Days Off 3:51
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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