Released 30 years ago
It's Raining Today: The Scott Walker Story (1967–70)
Scott Walker · 1996
58 min · 17 tracks · country music
Scott Walker's haunting baritone weaves through orchestral arrangements, blending pop and avant-garde sensibilities with profound emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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It's Raining Today — This title track epitomizes Walker's unique sound with its somber orchestration and introspective lyrics, reflecting his artistic shift towards deeper thematic expression.
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The Old Man’s Back Again (Dedicated to the Neo-Stalinist Regime) — This track stands out for its sharp political commentary wrapped in lush instrumentation, showcasing Walker's ability to merge personal and societal themes effectively.
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Jackie — With its melancholic melody and poignant storytelling, Jackie reveals Walker's gift for crafting emotional narratives within a pop framework, making it a highlight of the collection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Scott Walker's unique blend of orchestral pop and avant-garde elements, making it distinct yet cohesive.
What we noticed
- The album features orchestral arrangements that often swell dramatically, contrasting with Walker's subdued vocal delivery.
- Several tracks employ unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and unexpected key shifts.
- Many songs include layered harmonies and intricate instrumentation, creating a rich sonic texture that invites close listening.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- 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
Significant within its genre. 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 reflections on life
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- thoughtful listening during solitude
- evocative storytelling through sound
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
- seek straightforward, catchy tunes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1996, this compilation captures the early experimental phase of Scott Walker's career from 1967 to 1970. This period saw him transition from mainstream pop success with The Walker Brothers to a more avant-garde solo artist, exploring complex themes and innovative sounds. The album serves as a retrospective look at his formative works during a time of artistic exploration.
- Stylistic neighbors
- David Bowie· Nick Cave· Tim Buckley
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Big Louise 3:12
- 2 Jackie 3:22
- 3 The World’s Strongest Man 2:20
- 4 It’s Raining Today 4:01
- 5 Montague Terrace (in Blue) 3:28
- 6 Through a Long and Sleepless Night 4:11
- 7 Next 2:50
- 8 The Seventh Seal 4:56
- 9 Plastic Palace People 6:06
- 10 Rosemary 3:24
- 11 The Old Man’s Back Again (Dedicated to the Neo-Stalinist Regime) 3:42
- 12 Joe 3:41
- 13 Lights of Cincinnati 3:21
- 14 Cowbells Shakin’ 1:05
- 15 Thanks for Chicago Mr. James 2:17
- 16 Little Things (That Keep Us Together) 2:19
- 17 Joanna 3:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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