Have a Bad Day cover

Have a Bad Day

The Residents · 1996

48 min · 12 tracks

Surreal narratives unfold over eclectic instrumentation, blending avant-garde rock with absurdist themes and dark humor.

Why this album works

'Have a Bad Day' received notable attention for its unique blend of storytelling and genre-defying sounds, further solidifying The Residents' influence on the avant-garde music scene. The album's exploration of absurdity and existential themes resonated with critics, helping to maintain the band's cult status amidst changing musical landscapes in the mid-90s.
Best for
surreal narratives with dark humor steady pacing with eclectic peaks quirky tales for curious minds
Context
By the time 'Have a Bad Day' was released in 1996, The Residents were already established as experimental pioneers, known for their unconventional approach since their debut in the early 1970s. This album followed 'Freak Show' (1991) and continued their exploration of thematic storytelling through bizarre soundscapes and satirical lyrics.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Bad Day on the Midway Standout 1:56
  • 2 Dagmar, the Dog Woman 3:31
  • 3 I Ain’t Seen No Rats 3:30
  • 4 Tears of the Taxman Standout 2:50
  • 5 God’s Teardrops 5:14
  • 6 The Seven Tattoos 3:17
  • 7 The Marvels of Mayhem 3:38
  • 8 Lottie the Human Log 4:38
  • 9 Ugly Liberation Standout 6:15
  • 10 Daddy’s Poems 6:16
  • 11 The Red Head of Death 3:48
  • 12 Timmy 3:07

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata