Released 40 years ago
Kicking Against the Pricks
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds · 1986
50 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock · post-punk · experimental rock
A haunting collection of covers that intertwines gothic rock with stark, raw emotionality.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing with haunting intensity
- emotional depth in every track
- reflective moments for solitude
- raw storytelling through covers
Maybe skip if you want
- seeking upbeat dance tracks
- prefer instant gratification sounds
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A notable collection of covers, showcasing unique interpretations but not widely recognized as a key album.
- Themes
- gothic Americana· spiritual desolation· haunting folk reinterpretations
- Career context
- Released on August 18, 1986, 'Kicking Against the Pricks' was Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' second album, following their debut 'From Her to Eternity.' At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their distinctive sound, blending alternative and gothic rock elements while showcasing Cave's increasingly poetic lyrics and dark themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Birthday Party· Swans· Tom Waits
- If this clicks, go next to
- Your Funeral... My Trial — Continues the emotional depth with a mix of rawness and gothic elements.
- Sounds like this from elsewhere
-
Floodland by The Sisters of Mercy — Shares a similar gothic atmosphere with deep vocals and rich, textured instrumentation.Closer by Joy Division — Explores dark themes and haunting melodies, characterized by introspective lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes.Songs of Leonard Cohen by Leonard Cohen — Combines poetic lyricism and raw emotionality, evoking a somber, reflective atmosphere.
Tracklist
New here? Start with "Muddy Water".
- 1 Muddy Water Start here 5:16
- 2 I’m Gonna Kill That Woman 3:44
- 3 Sleeping Annaleah 3:18
- 4 Long Black Veil 3:47
- 5 Hey Joe 3:56
- 6 The Singer 3:09
- 7 Black Betty 2:33
- 8 Running Scared 2:07
- 9 All Tomorrows Parties 5:52
- 10 By the Time I Get to Phoenix 3:39
- 11 The Hammer Song 3:50
- 12 Something’s Gotten Hold of My Heart 3:45
- 13 Jesus Met the Woman at the Well 2:00
- 14 The Carnival Is Over 3:17
What to play next
This album is considered a Deep Cut in Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds's catalog. A notable collection of covers, showcasing unique interpretations but not widely recognized as a key album.
Your Funeral... My Trial
1986
Continues the emotional depth with a mix of rawness and gothic elements.
The Firstborn Is Dead
1985
Sets a darker tone that leads into the haunting style of Kicking Against the Pricks.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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