Mark of the Mole cover

Mark of the Mole

The Residents · 1981

23 tracks

A surreal blend of avant-garde sounds and theatrical narratives that challenge conventional music forms.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • surreal narratives that provoke thought
  • fragmented pacing for active engagement
  • theatrical soundscapes invite exploration
  • unexpected twists keep attention piqued

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek consistent rhythmic flow

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1981, 'Mark of the Mole' is The Residents’ fifth studio album and marks a significant shift in their artistic direction. Following the more accessible 'Commercial Album', this project delves into complex themes of labor and alienation, solidifying their reputation as pioneers of avant-garde music during a time when they were becoming increasingly recognized.
Stylistic neighbors
Captain Beefheart· Frank Zappa· Devo

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Voices Of The Air
  • 2 Won't You Keep Us Working?
  • 3 First Warning
  • 4 Back To Normality?
  • 5 The Sky Falls!
  • 6 Why Are We Crying
  • 7 The Tunnels Are Filling
  • 8 It Never Stops
  • 9 March To The Sea
  • 10 The Observer
  • 11 Hole-Workers' New Hymn
  • 12 Rumors
  • 13 Arrival
  • 14 Deployment
  • 15 Saturation
  • 16 Idea
  • 17 Construction
  • 18 Failure / Reconstruction
  • 19 Success
  • 20 Driving The Moles Away
  • 21 Don't Tread On Me
  • 22 The Short War
  • 23 Resolution?

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata