Mink, Rat or Rabbit cover

Mink, Rat or Rabbit

The Detroit Cobras · 1998

31 min · 13 tracks · garage rock

A vibrant blend of garage rock and soul-infused covers, exuding raw energy and playful charm.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I'll Keep Holding On — This track showcases the band's ability to transform a classic into a high-energy anthem, blending heartfelt lyrics with an infectious rhythm that captures their signature style.
  • →
    Putty (in Your Hands) — With its catchy melody and snappy arrangement, this song exemplifies the Cobras' knack for combining playful lyrics with a driving beat, making it an instant standout.
  • →
    Easier to Cry — This track highlights the emotional depth of the album while maintaining an upbeat tempo, showcasing the band's range and their ability to evoke nostalgia.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album's energetic covers and vibrant sound contribute to its appeal within the garage rock genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of upbeat tempos across the first eight tracks, creating a lively atmosphere.
  • Several tracks incorporate brass instrumentation, adding a layer of richness to the garage rock sound.
  • The vocals often employ call-and-response techniques, enhancing the playful and energetic vibe of the performances.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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

  • short bursts of infectious energy
  • for spontaneous dance breaks
  • playful vibes for social gatherings
  • quick pick-me-ups during commutes

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, introspective albums
  • seek complex, layered compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1998, Mink, Rat or Rabbit marked The Detroit Cobras' second studio album, following their debut, Life, Love and Leaving from 1998. At this point, the band was solidifying their reputation for reviving obscure tracks with a gritty rock twist, further establishing their unique sound in the burgeoning garage rock revival scene.
Stylistic neighbors
The Gories· The White Stripes· The Black Keys

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Cha Cha Twist 2:31
  • 2 I’ll Keep Holding On 2:22
  • 3 Putty (in Your Hands) 2:45
  • 4 Easier to Cry 2:22
  • 5 Bad Girl 2:30
  • 6 Slummer (The Slum) 1:50
  • 7 Midnight Blues 2:34
  • 8 You Knows What to Do 2:46
  • 9 Can’t Do Without You 2:24
  • 10 Hittin’ on Nothing 2:12
  • 11 Out of This World 2:06
  • 12 Chumbawa 2:44
  • 13 Breakaway 2:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata