Smothered and Covered cover

Smothered and Covered

The Handsome Family · 2002

49 min · 18 tracks · alternative country

A haunting blend of Americana and alternative country, steeped in dark humor and poignant storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    There's a City Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Sunday Morning Coming Down — This cover transforms the classic song into a haunting reflection on loneliness and regret, showcasing the duo's distinctive sound.
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    Natalie Wood — The track intertwines nostalgia with dark imagery, embodying the album's exploration of Americana through a surreal lens.
  • →
    Knoxville Girl — A chilling retelling of a traditional murder ballad that exemplifies The Handsome Family's knack for storytelling and atmospheric composition.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • haunting storytelling with atmosphere
  • wave-like pacing with interludes
  • reflective moments for quiet introspection
  • early morning solitude listening
  • melancholic melodies that linger

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat, fast-paced tracks
  • prefer standalone singles over cohesion

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its unique sound and storytelling, though not the most accessible entry.
Themes
dark Americana· surreal nostalgia· murder ballads
Career context
Released on April 1, 2002, 'Smothered and Covered' is The Handsome Family's fifth studio album, following their previous work 'Through the Trees'. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their unique sound that combined traditional country with gothic themes, earning them a dedicated cult following.
Stylistic neighbors
The Civil Wars· Sufjan Stevens· Neko Case
New to The Handsome Family? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 There's a City Start here 3:12
  • 2 Sunday Morning Coming Down 4:48
  • 3 Prepared Piano #1 1:29
  • 4 I Hear a Sweet Voice Calling 3:44
  • 5 Down in the Ground (demo) 2:30
  • 6 Cello #1 1:00
  • 7 Trail of Time 3:12
  • 8 Faraway Eyes 4:26
  • 9 Knoxville Girl 4:03
  • 10 Prepared Piano #2 1:04
  • 11 The Last (demo) 2:45
  • 12 Banks of the Ohio 3:26
  • 13 Cello #2 1:15
  • 14 Natalie Wood 3:43
  • 15 #1 Country Song (demo) 3:35
  • 16 Prepared Piano #3 0:45
  • 17 Stupid Bells 2:59
  • 18 The Weinermobile 0:58

What to play next

Singing Bones
Listen next

Singing Bones

2003

Continues the haunting storytelling with a more polished sound.
Twilight
Go back to

Twilight

2001

Sets the stage with similar themes and mood leading into 'Smothered and Covered'.
Full The Handsome Family discography Where to start with The Handsome Family Artists like The Handsome Family
Americana alternative country

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Murder Ballads

Murder Ballads

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

Explores similar themes of dark storytelling and gothic Americana through haunting narratives.

Illinois

Illinois

Sufjan Stevens

Shares surreal nostalgia and vivid storytelling with a blend of folk and orchestral elements.

Emotionalism

Emotionalism

The Avett Brothers

Offers poignant lyricism and a mix of folk and country influences with an emotional depth.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata