What makes Lies on the Prize by Mike Feuerstack notable?

'Lies on the Prize' received positive critical reception, especially for its lyrical depth and musicality. It has since become a notable entry within the Canadian indie landscape, influencing upcoming artists seeking to blend storytelling with melodic rock. By the time 'Lies on the Prize' was released in 2008, Mike Feuerstack had already established himself as a significant presence in the Canadian indie rock scene. This album marked his first solo full-length release after years of contributing to various projects, including his work with the band Wooden Stars.

How many songs are on Lies on the Prize?

Lies on the Prize has 13 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Lies on the Prize

Mike Feuerstack · 2008

39 min · 13 tracks · indie rock

A blend of introspective lyrics and melodic indie rock, weaving personal narratives with a touch of Canadian charm.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Dollar Signs — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its catchy melody and insightful commentary on materialism, showcasing Feuerstack's knack for blending pop sensibilities with deeper themes.
→
Salvation Army — Here, Feuerstack explores themes of redemption and societal judgment through vivid imagery, making it one of the standout tracks that encapsulates his lyrical style.
→
O My God — This track features a hauntingly beautiful melody paired with introspective lyrics that question faith and existence, showcasing Feuerstack's ability to evoke emotion through simplicity.
→
Born in the City — Combining a reflective narrative with an engaging chorus, this song highlights Feuerstack’s storytelling prowess while tapping into themes of urban life and identity.

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 blends personal storytelling with melodic indie rock, showcasing solid writing but uneven pacing.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a steady mid-tempo, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Several songs incorporate layered instrumentation, with guitars and keyboards intertwining to create a rich soundscape.
Lyrically, the album focuses on personal narratives, often employing vivid imagery and introspective themes that invite listener reflection.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Dollar Signs 2:56
2 (Not) Superstitious 3:21
3 Salvation Army 2:40
4 Tone Deaf Birds 2:03
5 They Won't Believe You 3:55
6 Who We Are 2:54
7 Mahogany 1:11
8 O My God 3:50
9 Fire Alarm 3:16
10 Blue Sun 3:03
11 Born in the City 4:23
12 Tell Me What You Want 2:20
13 Homesick 3:36

What to play next

Listen next

Sentimental Gentleman

2011

Go back to

The Opposite Is Also True

2001

Full Mike Feuerstack discography Artists like Mike Feuerstack

indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata