New Picnic Time cover

New Picnic Time

Pere Ubu · 1979

36 min · 10 tracks · art rock

An eclectic mix of art rock, blending surreal lyrics with dissonant instrumentation and avant-garde sensibilities.

Why this album works

'New Picnic Time' is significant for its critical reception, often noted for pushing the boundaries of rock music. The album did not chart highly but has since been celebrated as a cult classic within the avant-garde and post-punk scenes, influencing numerous artists who embraced unconventional songwriting and instrumentation.
Best for
steady mid-tempo exploration surreal lyrics provoke thought quirky arrangements for curiosity
Context
Released on September 1, 1979, 'New Picnic Time' is Pere Ubu's third studio album, following their influential debut 'The Modern Dance' and the more experimental 'Dub Housing'. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation as pioneers of the art rock genre, known for their innovative sound and theatrical live performances.
Stylistic neighbors
The Velvet Underground· Kate Bush· Lou Reed

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Have Shoes Will Walk (The Fabulous Sequel) 3:16
  • 2 49 Guitars and One Girl Standout 2:51
  • 3 A Small Dark Cloud Standout 5:49
  • 4 Small Was Fast 3:39
  • 5 All the Dogs Are Barking 3:03
  • 6 One Less Worry 3:49
  • 7 Make Hay 4:03
  • 8 Goodbye Standout 5:18
  • 9 The Voice of the Sand 1:28
  • 10 Hand a Face a Feeling 3:17

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata