Show
44 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock
Raw and unfiltered, the album captures a chaotic intensity where jagged riffs clash with visceral, unsettling vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Boilermaker — This track stands out for its relentless build-up and dissonant energy, reflecting the band's ability to blend chaos with precision.
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Puss — With its hauntingly repetitive chorus and frenetic instrumentals, Puss exemplifies the raw emotion and tension that permeates the album.
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Gladiator — The song’s dynamic shifts between quiet introspection and explosive crescendos illustrate the band’s mastery of contrast and unpredictability.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's raw intensity and complex arrangements mark it as a significant entry in noise rock.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a frenetic pace, which is maintained through the first half before shifting to more subdued moments.
- Vocal delivery often overlaps with instrumental sections, blurring the lines between lyrics and instrumentation.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- wave-like dynamics with sharp contrasts
- short bursts of chaotic energy
- raw intensity for adrenaline seekers
- unsettling melodies for adventurous listeners
- engaging unpredictability throughout tracks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer polished, smooth sounds
- seek consistent, calm pacing
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1996, Show was The Jesus Lizard's fifth studio album and came after their critically acclaimed record, Liar. At this point in their career, they had established themselves as key figures in the alternative rock scene but were navigating changes in audience expectations and industry dynamics. This album showcases their experimental edge amid increasing mainstream interest.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Glamorous 3:20
- 2 Deaf as a Bat 1:42
- 3 Sea Sick 3:14
- 4 Bloody Mary 2:12
- 5 Mistletoe 1:57
- 6 Nub 2:59
- 7 Elegy 4:01
- 8 Killer McHann 2:59
- 9 Dancing Naked Ladies 2:59
- 10 Fly on the Wall 3:01
- 11 Boilermaker 2:16
- 12 Puss 3:08
- 13 Gladiator 3:50
- 14 Wheelchair Epidemic 2:10
- 15 Monkey Trick 4:12
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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