What makes Machiavelli and the Four Seasons by TISM notable?

The album is notable for its critical reception and cultural commentary, showcasing TISM's distinctive approach to alternative rock. It received attention for its provocative themes and clever wordplay, helping to establish the band as a significant voice in Australian music during the 1990s. Machiavelli and the Four Seasons was TISM's third studio album, released in 1995, during a period of growing notoriety in Australia. Following their breakthrough with Great Truckin' Songs of the Renaissance, this album further solidified their reputation for satirical lyrics and theatrical performances, showcasing their unique blend of humor and musicality.

Who is Machiavelli and the Four Seasons for?

Machiavelli and the Four Seasons works well if you're into steady mid-tempo progression, satirical reflections on society and playful irreverence throughout tracks.

How many songs are on Machiavelli and the Four Seasons?

Machiavelli and the Four Seasons has 12 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Machiavelli and the Four Seasons

TISM · 1995

48 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

Eclectic and irreverent, this album fuses biting satire with infectious melodies across a landscape of alternative rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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(He'll Never Be An) Ol' Man River — This opening track sets a satirical tone with its playful take on expectations of aging, introducing listeners to TISM's unique brand of humor.
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What Nationality is Les Murray? — This song blends absurdity with social commentary, reflecting on identity through a cleverly constructed narrative that challenges perceptions.
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Give Up for Australia — As an anthem of irony, the track encapsulates national sentiment while critiquing societal norms, representing TISM's bold lyrical style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album's eclectic style and sharp lyrical content create a distinctive listening experience.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that features layered vocals and a driving rhythm, setting a lively tone.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as the transition from 'Lose Your Delusion II' to '!UOY Sevol Natas', which shifts from a frenetic pace to a more subdued one.
The final track, 'Give Up for Australia', concludes with a gradual fade-out, leaving an impression of unresolved tension.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo progression
satirical reflections on society
playful irreverence throughout tracks
engaging in-order listening experience
quirky narratives with humor

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward lyrical themes
seek high-energy instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context: Machiavelli and the Four Seasons was TISM's third studio album, released in 1995, during a period of growing notoriety in Australia. Following their breakthrough with Great Truckin' Songs of the Renaissance, this album further solidified their reputation for satirical lyrics and theatrical performances, showcasing their unique blend of humor and musicality.
Stylistic neighbors: The B-52's· They Might Be Giants· Devo