Libertine
Silkworm · 1994
46 min · 11 tracks · indie rock
A raw blend of angular guitar riffs and tight rhythms that channels both humor and disillusionment within the indie rock landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Yen + Janet Forever — This track exemplifies Silkworm's knack for combining sharp lyrical observations with compelling melodies, revealing their signature blend of humor and introspection.
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There Is a Party in Warsaw Tonight — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its punchy instrumentation and sardonic lyrics, establishing an inviting yet critical atmosphere.
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Wild in My Days — With its driving rhythm and vivid storytelling, this song encapsulates the band's ability to weave personal narratives into broader cultural critiques.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Libertine showcases strong songwriting and distinct sound but lacks some cohesion across its runtime.
What we noticed
- The first track features a driving rhythm with angular guitar riffs that set a raw tone for the album.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, particularly noticeable in 'Oh How We Laughed' which shifts from a steady beat to a more chaotic sound.
- Lyrical wit is prominent throughout, with lines that blend humor and disillusionment, particularly in 'Cotton Girl' and 'Yen + Janet Forever'.
- The album closes with 'Bloody Eyes', which features a slower tempo and a more reflective mood compared to the preceding tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
Known within its scene. 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
- raw energy with playful wit
- short bursts of sardonic humor
- punchy tracks for quick engagement
- bittersweet reflections on youth
Maybe skip if you
- prefer polished, smooth production
- want lengthy, immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 1994, Libertine was Silkworm's third studio album, following their well-received record, In the West. At this stage, the band was solidifying their identity within the indie rock scene, developing a distinctive sound that would influence later artists in the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Shellac· The Jesus Lizard· Polvo
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 There Is a Party in Warsaw Tonight 4:04
- 2 Grotto of Miracles 4:48
- 3 Cotton Girl 3:08
- 4 Yen + Janet Forever 5:59
- 5 Oh How We Laughed 2:55
- 6 The Cigarette Lighters 2:44
- 7 Couldn't You Wait? 3:45
- 8 A Tunnel 5:10
- 9 Written on the Wind 4:27
- 10 Wild in My Days 5:33
- 11 Bloody Eyes 3:31
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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