Top tracks — play these first
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Thunderstruck Blues Start here — The opening track sets a raw and energetic tone with its driving beat and vivid storytelling that encapsulates the album's thematic exploration.
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Embarrassment — This track stands out with its poignant examination of societal norms, delivered through a catchy yet complex arrangement that invites deeper reflection.
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Shore Thing — With its intricate instrumentation and layered vocals, this song exemplifies The Ex's knack for creating an immersive sonic experience while addressing existential themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's innovative structure and genre-blending sound mark it as a significant entry in the art rock landscape.
What we noticed
- The album features abrupt tempo shifts, with tracks like 'Thunderstruck Blues' starting slow before accelerating into frenetic rhythms.
- Lyrical narratives often shift perspective within a single song, requiring active engagement from the listener to follow the themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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 pacing for focused listening
- poignant reflections on everyday life
- energetic layers for detail hunters
- inviting sing-along moments
- thought-provoking themes throughout
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek purely upbeat party vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Showcases innovative genre blending, solidifying The Ex's influence in post-punk.
- Themes
- Dutch punk ethos· societal norms critique
- Career context
- Released in 1995, Mudbird Shivers is The Ex's fifth studio album, following their critically acclaimed record, 1993's 'Tension.' By this time, the band had established a reputation for their adventurous sound and political lyrics, solidifying their position within the Dutch punk and avant-garde scenes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Shellac· The Flying Lizards· Don Caballero
Tracklist
- 1 Thunderstruck Blues Start here 6:21
- 2 Only If You Want 3 4:59
- 3 Ret Roper 4:26
- 4 Embarrassment 4:10
- 5 House Carpenter 4:06
- 6 Newsense 2:50
- 7 Former Reporter 3:57
- 8 Shore Thing 5:50
- 9 Things Most People Think 2:40
- 10 Audible Bacillus 4:51
- 11 Hunt Hat 5:13
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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