What makes Jammy Smears by Ivor Cutler notable?

Jammy Smears gained attention for its unconventional structure and brief song lengths, often averaging under two minutes. The album showcases Cutler's influence on subsequent generations of artists in the realm of alternative comedy and avant-garde music, contributing to the development of a uniquely British form of surrealism in art. Released in 1976, Jammy Smears is Ivor Cutler's fifth studio album, following his earlier works that established him as a unique voice in British music. At this point, he had developed a distinct style characterized by short, idiosyncratic pieces that merge spoken word with musical elements, solidifying his position in the avant-garde scene.

How many songs are on Jammy Smears?

Jammy Smears has 31 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Released 50 years ago

Jammy Smears

Ivor Cutler · 1976

45 min · 31 tracks

A whimsical blend of absurdist humor and playful melodies, capturing the essence of British eccentricity in sound.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Life in a Scotch Sitting Room, Volume 2: EP. II — This track exemplifies Cutler's signature blend of narrative storytelling and absurdist humor, making it a quintessential representation of his style.
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Beautiful Cosmos — The poignant yet quirky lyrics reflect an imaginative take on nature and existence, highlighting Cutler's unique perspective on everyday life.
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The Surly Buddy — As one of the longer tracks on the album, it encapsulates Cutler’s ability to weave humor with deeper reflections on companionship and solitude.

Tracklist

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

1 Bicarbonate of Chicken 0:50
2 Filcombe Cottage, Dorset 0:22
3 Squeeze Bees 2:24
4 The Turn 0:30
5 Life in a Scotch Sitting Room, Volume 2: EP. II 3:54
6 A Linnet 0:25
7 Jumping and Pecking 0:44
8 The Other Half 0:46
9 Beautiful Cosmos 2:10
10 The Path 0:40
11 Barabadabada 1:02
12 Big Jim 3:01
13 In the Chestnut Tree 1:29
14 Dust 1:02
15 Rubber Toy 2:03
16 Fistyman 0:08
17 Unexpected Join 0:12
18 A Wooden Tree 2:13
19 When I Stand on an Open Cart 0:38
20 High Is the Wind 1:26
21 The Surly Buddy 4:16
22 Pearly-Winged Fly 0:41
23 Garden Path at Filcombe 0:40
24 Paddington Town 1:34
25 Cage of Small Birds 0:18
26 Life in a Scotch Sitting Room, Volume 2: EP. 6 3:09
27 Irk 0:23
28 Lemon Flower 1:02
29 Red Admiral 0:47
30 Everybody Got 2:08
31 The Wasted Call 4:26

What to play next

Listen next

Life in a Scotch Sitting Room, Vol. 2

1978

Go back to

Velvet Donkey

1975

Full Ivor Cutler discography Artists like Ivor Cutler

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata