Liejacker cover

Liejacker

Thea Gilmore · 2008

53 min · 13 tracks · rock music

A blend of folk-infused rock with poignant lyrics and intricate melodies that evoke both nostalgia and introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Old Soul Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Dance in New York — This track encapsulates the album's spirit with its vivid imagery and rhythmic vitality, illustrating the allure and chaos of city life.
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    Icarus Wind — With its reflective lyrics about ambition and consequence, this song stands out as a poignant commentary on personal aspirations and their potential pitfalls.
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    And You Shall Know No Other God but Me — This track merges haunting melodies with sharp social critique, highlighting Gilmore's ability to weave storytelling into her music effectively.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting with varied tempos but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its length.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a steady mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower tracks that create a reflective atmosphere.
  • Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
  • The instrumentation often includes acoustic elements alongside electric guitars, creating a blend that shifts between folk and rock textures.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • introspective lyrics for reflection
  • dynamic journey through emotions
  • haunting vocals for solitude
  • melodic hooks for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek consistent high-energy vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid entry in her catalog that showcases her evolution but isn't a standout for new listeners.
Themes
New York chaos· ambition's consequences· social critique
Career context
Released in 2008, Liejacker marked Thea Gilmore's sixth studio album, showcasing her continued evolution as a songwriter. At this point in her career, she was building upon the successes of her previous albums while exploring deeper themes of identity and societal observations, particularly following her acclaimed 2006 release, Harpo's Ghost.
Stylistic neighbors
Laura Marling· Nina Nastasia· Lissie

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Black Letter

    The shift in tone where the narrative confronts past mistakes directly challenges the listener's perception of regret and forgiveness.

    By juxtaposing harsh realities with melodic softness, this moment deepens the emotional impact of the song and reflects Gilmore's lyrical sophistication.

Tracklist

  • 1 Old Soul Start here 3:55
  • 2 Black Letter 3:11
  • 3 Dance in New York 6:53
  • 4 Rosie 4:32
  • 5 Roll On 5:27
  • 6 Icarus Wind 4:10
  • 7 The Wrong Side 3:16
  • 8 Slow Journey 2:39
  • 9 And You Shall Know No Other God but Me 4:24
  • 10 When I Get Back to Shore 2:03
  • 11 Breathe 4:16
  • 12 The Lower Road 5:13
  • 13 You Spin Me Right Round 3:51

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata