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.
Why this album works
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.
- Best for
- haunting tales of nostalgia steady pacing for reflection whimsical narratives with depth
- 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
- Emmylou Harris· Bob Dylan· Dave Alvin
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Lake Geneva 3:11
- 2 Winnebago Skeletons Standout 4:13
- 3 Drunk by Noon 2:51
- 4 The House Carpenter Standout 3:36
- 5 The Dutch Boy 3:51
- 6 The King Who Wouldn’t Smile 2:35
- 7 Emily Shore 1819-1839 4:34
- 8 3-Legged Dog 4:34
- 9 No.1 Country Song Standout 3:35
- 10 Amelia Earhart vs. the Dancing Bear 3:13
- 11 Tin Foil 2:41
- 12 Puddin’ Fingers 1:41
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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