Ghost Repeater cover

Released 20 years ago

Ghost Repeater

Jeffrey Foucault · 2006

47 min · 11 tracks · country blues

A haunting blend of country blues with lyrical storytelling that captures the essence of Americana's complexities.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Ghost Repeater — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of memory and longing through vivid imagery and a haunting melody, setting the tone for the entire record.
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    Americans in Corduroys — This track stands out for its sharp social commentary wrapped in a nostalgic sound, reflecting on American life with both humor and melancholy.
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    Train to Jackson — With its evocative storytelling and rhythmic drive, this song illustrates Foucault's mastery of narrative songwriting, making it a quintessential part of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album features strong storytelling and refined craftsmanship, making it a solid entry in the Americana genre.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a slow, haunting melody that sets a reflective tone for the album.
  • Many songs feature a narrative structure, with verses telling distinct stories that unfold over the course of the track.
  • Several tracks incorporate sparse instrumentation, allowing the vocals and lyrics to take center stage without distraction.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

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

  • melancholic storytelling in solitude
  • haunting melodies for quiet moments
  • reflective listening during twilight
  • journey through nostalgic landscapes

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat party anthems
  • prefer instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
When 'Ghost Repeater' was released in 2006, Jeffrey Foucault was solidifying his presence in the folk and country blues scene, following his acclaimed album 'Stripping Cane' from 2003. This third studio album showcased Foucault's refined songwriting and distinctive voice, establishing him as a significant figure in contemporary Americana music.
Stylistic neighbors
John Prine· Greg Brown· Lucinda Williams

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Ghost Repeater 5:10
  • 2 Americans in Corduroys 4:49
  • 3 I Dream an Old Lover 4:14
  • 4 One for Sorrow 3:52
  • 5 Train to Jackson 4:17
  • 6 One Part Love 4:07
  • 7 Wild Waste and Welter 5:12
  • 8 City Flower 3:38
  • 9 Tall Grass in Old Virginny 3:27
  • 10 Mesa, Arizona 5:05
  • 11 Appeline 3:47

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata