What makes Milk and Scissors by The Handsome Family notable?

This album is significant for its critical acclaim, marking a pivotal moment in The Handsome Family's rise within the alternative country scene. It has influenced many contemporary Americana artists and received praise for its vivid storytelling and atmospheric instrumentation, helping to establish the duo's reputation as prominent figures in the genre. Released in 1996, 'Milk and Scissors' was The Handsome Family's third studio album, following their previous release 'Odessa' in 1994. At this point in their career, the duo was solidifying their unique sound, characterized by storytelling steeped in folklore and the macabre, which would later become a hallmark of their work.

Who is Milk and Scissors for?

Milk and Scissors works well if you're into haunting tales of nostalgia, steady pacing for reflection and whimsical narratives with depth.

How many songs are on Milk and Scissors?

Milk and Scissors has 12 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Milk and Scissors

The Handsome Family · 1996

40 min · 12 tracks · alternative country · Americana

A haunting blend of dark folk narratives and whimsical Americana melodies that evoke a sense of eerie nostalgia.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

haunting tales of nostalgia
steady pacing for reflection
whimsical narratives with depth
eerie atmosphere for quiet moments

Maybe skip if you want

seeking high-energy tracks
prefer straightforward structures

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1996, 'Milk and Scissors' was The Handsome Family's third studio album, following their previous release 'Odessa' in 1994. At this point in their career, the duo was solidifying their unique sound, characterized by storytelling steeped in folklore and the macabre, which would later become a hallmark of their work.
Stylistic neighbors: The Civil Wars· Sufjan Stevens· Neko Case