Live at Third Man cover

Live at Third Man

White Denim · 2011

11 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant live recording that captures the raw energy and eclecticism of White Denim's genre-blurring sound.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    It’s Him Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Shake Shake Shake — This track exemplifies White Denim's frenzied live energy with its infectious groove and dynamic shifts, making it a standout moment in their set.
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    At the Farm — Rich with improvisational flair, this song highlights the band's ability to blend genres seamlessly while showcasing their musicianship and spontaneity.
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    Drug — A fan favorite, this track delivers a hypnotic rhythm and intricate guitar work, capturing the essence of White Denim's experimental spirit.
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    Bess St. — With its compelling narrative and engaging instrumentation, this track encapsulates the band's knack for storytelling within their vibrant soundscapes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album effectively captures White Denim's energetic live performance while showcasing their eclectic sound.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended instrumental sections, allowing the band to showcase their improvisational skills during live performances.
  • Tracks often transition seamlessly into one another, creating a continuous flow that maintains the energy throughout the set.
  • The vocals are delivered with a raw intensity that captures the immediacy of a live setting, contrasting with the polished studio versions of their songs.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • improvisational energy in every track
  • fragmented pacing keeps engagement high
  • live atmosphere for spontaneous moments
  • for upbeat gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer structured album experiences
  • avoid live recordings and jams

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Captures the band's rising reputation after their acclaimed album, Fits.
Themes
live music energy· improvisational flair· narrative storytelling
Career context
Released in early 2011, Live at Third Man is a snapshot of White Denim’s ascent following their critically acclaimed album, Fits. This live album showcases the band's dynamic performance style and serves as a bridge between their earlier work and the more polished production of their subsequent releases.
Stylistic neighbors
Tame Impala· The Black Angels· MGMT

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Say What You Want

    The delivery shifts from a conversational tone to an emphatic declaration that emphasizes individuality and defiance against external opinions.

    This change in tone underscores the tension between personal conviction and societal expectation, making it a powerful statement within the song.

Tracklist

  • 1 It’s Him Start here
  • 2 Burnished
  • 3 At the Farm
  • 4 Say What You Want
  • 5 Street Joy
  • 6 Anvil Everything
  • 7 Drug
  • 8 Bess St.
  • 9 Shake Shake Shake
  • 10 River Consider
  • 11 Is and Is and Is

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata