Pennsylvania cover

Pennsylvania

Pere Ubu · 1998

70 min · 15 tracks · art rock

A dissonant collage of avant-garde sounds intertwined with fragmented narratives and distinctively unsettling melodies.

Why this album works

The album received mixed reviews upon its release but has since been recognized for its ambition and innovation within the art rock scene. It contributed to the band's reputation as pioneers of avant-garde rock, influencing subsequent artists who sought to blend unconventional sounds with lyrical experimentation. Notably, the track 'Wheelhouse' stands out for its length and complexity, often discussed in retrospective analyses of the band's work.
Best for
wave-like pacing for deep listening dynamic journey with unsettling melodies fragmented narratives to ponder
Context
Released in 1998, 'Pennsylvania' is Pere Ubu's seventh studio album, following the critically acclaimed 'The Tenement Year' from 1988. At this point, the band was exploring more experimental soundscapes, marking a continued evolution of their unique art rock identity after a significant hiatus. This release followed a period of lineup changes and showcased their willingness to push boundaries within the genre.
Stylistic neighbors
The Velvet Underground· Kate Bush· Lou Reed

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Woolie Bullie Standout 3:43
  • 2 Highwaterville 1:33
  • 3 SAD.TXT 3:21
  • 4 Urban Lifestyle 2:58
  • 5 Silent Springs 4:08
  • 6 Mr. Wheeler 4:14
  • 7 Muddy Waters 3:49
  • 8 Slow 1:04
  • 9 Drive Standout 4:42
  • 10 Indiangiver 0:57
  • 11 Monday Morning 4:07
  • 12 Perfume 4:21
  • 13 Fly’s Eye 2:39
  • 14 The Duke’s Saharan Ambitions Standout 4:56
  • 15 Wheelhouse 23:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata