In the Air
The Handsome Family · 2000
37 min · 11 tracks · alternative country · Americana
Haunting melodies intertwine with darkly whimsical narratives, evoking a rich tapestry of Americana storytelling.
Why this album works
The album garnered critical praise and played a crucial role in popularizing The Handsome Family’s distinctive sound, leading to increased recognition within underground and mainstream circles. Its influence is evident in subsequent alt-country and folk artists who embraced narrative-driven songwriting, helping to elevate the genre’s profile in the early 2000s.
- Best for
- steady melodic journey throughout haunting narratives with whimsy for reflective afternoons
- Context
- In the Air marked The Handsome Family's sixth studio album, following their acclaimed record Through the Trees in 1998. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their unique sound within the alternative country scene, blending folk influences with surrealist lyrics. This release further established them as significant voices in Americana music, attracting a broader audience.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Emmylou Harris· Bob Dylan· Dave Alvin
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Don’t Be Scared 2:39
- 2 The Sad Milkman 3:40
- 3 In the Air Standout 3:30
- 4 A Beautiful Thing 3:39
- 5 So Much Wine Standout 3:48
- 6 Up Falling Rock Hill 2:57
- 7 Poor, Poor Lenore Standout 3:41
- 8 When That Helicopter Comes 2:32
- 9 Grandmother Waits for You 3:50
- 10 Lie Down 3:30
- 11 My Beautiful Bride 3:17
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.