Glee Sides and Sparities cover

Glee Sides and Sparities

Jebediah · 2003

68 min · 18 tracks · alternative rock

An energetic blend of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics, capturing the essence of early 2000s Australian alternative rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Television Lies — This track encapsulates the band's sharp wit and critique of media culture, employing catchy hooks that make it memorable and impactful. Its upbeat tempo contrasts with its critical lyrical content, showcasing Jebediah's knack for blending humor with social commentary.
  • →
    The Less Trusted Pain Remover — Clocking in at over six minutes, this song explores themes of vulnerability and self-reflection through a dynamic arrangement that evolves throughout. Its introspective lyrics and varied instrumentation highlight the band's ability to push their sonic boundaries while remaining relatable.
  • →
    Weekend Away — With its infectious chorus and relatable themes of escapism, this track stands out as a quintessential Jebediah anthem. The song captures the longing for freedom and adventure, making it a favorite among fans and a staple in their live performances.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

43 /100
Lowland
Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its peers.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
  • Several tracks utilize layered guitar melodies that intertwine with the vocal lines, creating a rich sonic texture.
  • The lyrics often reflect personal and introspective themes, with a focus on storytelling across multiple songs.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • dynamic flow through introspection
  • for weekend road trips
  • engaging tracks for thoughtful moments
  • short bursts of reflective energy

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer immediate gratification
  • seek straightforward structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2003, Glee Sides and Sparities is Jebediah's fourth studio album, coming after their commercially successful album, Slightly Odway. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their sound while navigating a rapidly changing music scene in Australia, making this record a significant entry in their discography as they sought to balance mainstream appeal with artistic integrity.
Stylistic neighbors
You Am I· Grinspoon· Something for Kate

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Minutes 3:22
  • 2 Monument 4:09
  • 3 Television Lies 2:29
  • 4 The Less Trusted Pain Remover 6:28
  • 5 Pace It 3:28
  • 6 Tracksuit 4:25
  • 7 Clint 5:18
  • 8 Weekend Away 4:37
  • 9 Hey Presto! 3:39
  • 10 Bosco 4:05
  • 11 Supposed to Say 1:55
  • 12 Jerks of Attention 4:17
  • 13 Smiler 2:42
  • 14 Closing Time 5:51
  • 15 Ski Trip 2:27
  • 16 When the Generals Talk 2:34
  • 17 Thought About It 3:17
  • 18 Big Beer Wall 2:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata