Short Walk on a Long Pier
68 min · 18 tracks · hardcore punk
A raw, spoken-word journey blending humor and introspection over minimalist instrumentals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Bus Driver — In this track, Rollins recounts an encounter with a bus driver, weaving humor with sharp observations about daily life and human interactions. Its storytelling showcases his unique ability to blend the mundane with insightful commentary.
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Do It Alone — Rollins offers a powerful reflection on solitude and independence, engaging listeners with its candid delivery and relatable themes. The track underscores his knack for addressing personal struggles in a resonant manner.
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It's All Rock 'N' Roll — The lengthy closing piece encapsulates Rollins' passion for music while discussing its broader cultural implications, making it a definitive statement on his artistic philosophy. This track serves as a microcosm of the album's themes of authenticity and self-expression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's blend of humor and introspection in spoken word form stands out while maintaining a cohesive structure.
What we noticed
- Several tracks include audience interaction or live recordings, adding an element of spontaneity and engagement to the performance.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- 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
Significant within its genre. 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
- witty narratives with sharp insights
- brief reflections on everyday life
- humorous storytelling in intimate settings
- thought-provoking moments of solitude
- engaging spoken-word performance energy
Maybe skip if you
- seeking polished musical production
- prefer continuous rhythmic flow
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Short Walk on a Long Pier was released in 1994, positioning Henry Rollins firmly in his post-Black Flag career as a spoken-word artist. Following his transition from punk frontman to solo performer, this album reflects his established presence in the alternative performance scene, showcasing his storytelling prowess after several successful spoken-word releases.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Black Flag· Minor Threat· Bad Brains
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Talking To Fool/Alienation
Rollins shifts from observational humor to a more introspective narrative about feeling disconnected from society.
This transition highlights his ability to balance light-heartedness with deeper emotional insights, reflecting the complexities of modern life.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Pre-Show In Holland 2:21
- 2 Standing Still 4:51
- 3 Talking To Fool/Alienation 9:11
- 4 Do It Alone 4:24
- 5 Bus Driver 4:04
- 6 John Cooper Clark 1:41
- 7 The Balls Are In Your Court 5:47
- 8 What a Gal 1:31
- 9 Be Very Quiet 0:42
- 10 Olivia 1:54
- 11 Madonna 2:04
- 12 Bullshitting With The Friendly Dutch 1:30
- 13 Football 1:28
- 14 Barefoot And Pregnant 1:45
- 15 A Friend To All Women 3:25
- 16 The Cliff 3:27
- 17 It's All Rock 'N' Roll 13:05
- 18 Live On Dutch Radio 5:21
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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