Like Rats
Mark Kozelek · 2013
38 min · 16 tracks · folk rock
A stark and introspective collection of melancholy folk-rock, marked by Kozelek's signature confessional songwriting.
Top tracks — play these first
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Like Rats — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of despair and disillusionment, with vivid imagery that reflects Kozelek's unique perspective on life's struggles.
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Young Girls — In this track, Kozelek's poignant observations intertwine with a haunting melody, delivering a powerful commentary on fleeting youth and desire.
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I Killed Mommy — This song stands out for its stark narrative and dark humor, illustrating Kozelek's ability to blend personal anecdotes with unsettling themes in an engaging manner.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's raw production and introspective songwriting create a distinct yet uneven listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a slow tempo, while the second half introduces more varied pacing with some faster songs.
- Kozelek's vocal delivery is often conversational, with lyrics that unfold in a stream-of-consciousness style, creating an intimate atmosphere.
- Several tracks feature minimal instrumentation, primarily focusing on acoustic guitar and sparse arrangements, emphasizing the lyrical content.
- 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
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
- steady pacing for focused listening
- contemplative themes with raw honesty
- short tracks for quick sessions
- intimate moments of personal reflection
- live versions enhance emotional impact
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, sprawling compositions
- seek high-energy, upbeat tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Upon the release of Like Rats in 2013, Mark Kozelek was navigating a prolific phase in his career, having recently achieved critical acclaim with his 2012 album Among the Leaves. This record continued to explore personal themes while showcasing his evolution as a songwriter, solidifying his place within the indie rock and folk scenes during this period.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sun Kil Moon· Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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I Killed Mommy
The final line delivers a sudden twist by revealing a shocking truth that contrasts with the preceding narrative tone.
This unexpected shift not only jolts the listener but also exemplifies Kozelek's skill in crafting narratives that challenge expectations.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I 2:12
- 2 Like Rats 2:26
- 3 Free-For-All 2:16
- 4 Young Girls 2:58
- 5 Right Back Where We Started From 2:23
- 6 Time Is Love 1:41
- 7 Silly Girl 2:07
- 8 Onward 2:10
- 9 Carpet Crawlers 4:22
- 10 13 1:58
- 11 Green Hell 3:08
- 12 I Killed Mommy 1:23
- 13 I Got You Babe 3:17
- 14 Silly Girl (live) 2:08
- 15 I Killed Mommy (live) 1:41
- 16 Young Girls (live) 2:37
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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