Rubbed Out
Alexis Taylor · 2008
39 min · 15 tracks · electronic music
A playful blend of lo-fi electronic beats and whimsical melodies reflecting an introspective yet light-hearted approach to songwriting.
Top tracks — play these first
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Fireworks — Opening the album with a brief yet striking track, Fireworks sets a whimsical tone that encapsulates the playful spirit of the entire record. Its succinctness contrasts with the more complex pieces that follow, making it memorable.
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I Thought This Was Ours — This track showcases Taylor’s ability to weave emotional depth into catchy melodies, featuring layered vocals that create a sense of intimacy amidst its upbeat instrumentation. It stands out as a highlight of lyrical introspection.
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What Good Is Love? — With its contemplative title and poignant lyrics, this track delves into themes of affection and longing, offering a reflective counterbalance to the album's more playful moments. Its rich textures invite deeper listening.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases inventive songwriting within a playful electronic framework, though it lacks broad cultural reach.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of lo-fi production techniques, giving tracks a raw and unpolished feel.
- Many tracks incorporate playful melodies layered over minimalistic electronic beats, creating a whimsical atmosphere.
- Several pieces utilize unconventional song structures, often eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats in favor of more experimental arrangements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- whimsical melodies for lighthearted moods
- short tracks for breaks
- introspective vibes with playful undertones
- quirky soundscapes for casual listening
- brief bursts of melodic joy
Maybe skip if you
- seeking long, immersive experiences
- prefer serious, heavy themes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2008, Rubbed Out is Alexis Taylor's debut solo album, following his work as the frontman of Hot Chip, which had already achieved critical acclaim. This project allowed Taylor to explore a more personal and experimental direction, setting the stage for his evolving artistry beyond the band's distinct sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Hot Chip· James Blake· Four Tet
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Fireworks 1:47
- 2 Plastic Man 2:34
- 3 Coming Up 2:36
- 4 Baby 3:16
- 5 Girl 3:38
- 6 I Thought This Was Ours 5:05
- 7 I'm Not a Robber 3:37
- 8 Collector's Item 2:03
- 9 What Good Is Love? 2:27
- 10 Musical Food 3:05
- 11 O Lord 0:30
- 12 I Love My Home 1:39
- 13 I'm Juan 1:20
- 14 Ruffles 3:44
- 15 The Big Drums of Chwodes 2:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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