Scavenger
The Walkabouts · 1991
42 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A haunting blend of alternative rock and Americana, weaving tales of despair and resilience through atmospheric instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Dead Man Rise — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its somber instrumentation and haunting vocals, encapsulating the themes of loss and introspection.
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Where the Deep Water Goes — With its vivid imagery and emotional depth, this song exemplifies the band's ability to blend storytelling with engaging melodies.
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Train to Mercy — Closing the album with an expansive nine-minute journey, this track showcases the band's musical evolution and thematic complexity, leaving a lasting impression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines atmospheric instrumentation with strong narratives, making it engaging but not.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces slower, more reflective tracks.
- Several songs incorporate layered instrumentation, creating an atmospheric sound that enhances the storytelling.
- Lyrical themes of despair and resilience are woven throughout, with each track presenting a distinct narrative arc.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady pacing with emotional depth
- introspective moments for quiet reflection
- haunting melodies that linger
- narrative arcs that unfold gradually
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1991, Scavenger was The Walkabouts' fourth studio album, following their acclaimed record, New West Motel. At this point, the band had solidified their signature sound, which combines folk and rock elements with poignant storytelling. This album further established them as significant voices in the alternative rock scene of the early '90s.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Red House Painters· Mazzy Star· The Church
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Dead Man Rise 3:27
- 2 Stir the Ashes 3:45
- 3 The Night Watch 3:28
- 4 Hang Man 4:59
- 5 Where the Deep Water Goes 3:11
- 6 Blown Away 3:43
- 7 Nothing Is a Stranger 4:19
- 8 Let's Burn Down the Cornfield 2:51
- 9 River Blood 3:04
- 10 Train to Mercy 9:28
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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