Passed Away, Vol. 1 cover

Passed Away, Vol. 1

Dr. Dog · 2008

37 min · 10 tracks · indie folk

A whimsical blend of lo-fi indie folk and psychedelic melodies that captures the essence of nostalgia and playful introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

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    The Man Who Was Wrong — This track stands out for its intricate storytelling and rich instrumentation, showcasing the band's ability to blend humor with poignant themes of regret and self-reflection.
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    Oh Me Oh My — Opening the album with an infectious melody, this song encapsulates the carefree spirit of the record while addressing deeper existential questions through vivid imagery.
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    Going Home — With its soothing harmonies and reflective lyrics, this track highlights the album's nostalgic undertones, inviting listeners to ponder their own journeys.
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    Beer Can — At just over a minute long, this quirky interlude provides a humorous break in the album's flow, demonstrating Dr. Dog's playful approach to songwriting.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends whimsical melodies with varied structures, creating an engaging yet cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature layered harmonies and upbeat tempos, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective mood.
  • Several songs incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and unexpected instrumental breaks.
  • The album closes with a lo-fi production aesthetic that contrasts with the polished sound of earlier tracks, creating a sense of nostalgia.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • nostalgic melodies for reflection
  • steady pacing for relaxed listening
  • whimsical tunes for sunny days
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of high-energy tracks
  • prefer standalone hits over albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its eclectic sound and heartfelt lyrics, solidifying the band's identity.
Career context
Released in early 2008, Passed Away, Vol. 1 marked Dr. Dog's fifth studio album, following their breakthrough with We All Belong in 2007. At this point, the band was solidifying its identity within the indie rock scene, combining catchy songwriting with a retro aesthetic that appealed to both critics and fans alike.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Oh Me Oh My 4:39
  • 2 Going Home 3:14
  • 3 The Man Who Was Wrong 7:14
  • 4 I'm Standing in the Light 3:58
  • 5 A Long Time Ago 3:46
  • 6 Oh My God 2:38
  • 7 Me and My Girl 3:27
  • 8 Eyesing the Blues 3:30
  • 9 Little Bird 3:55
  • 10 Beer Can 1:20

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata