Snake's Got a Leg cover

Snake's Got a Leg

Sunset Rubdown · 2005

35 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

Eclectic arrangements blend whimsical melodies with introspective lyrics, creating a surreal sonic landscape that captures the essence of indie rock's mid-2000s experimentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I'll Believe in Anything You'll Believe in Anything — This track showcases the band's signature blend of philosophical lyrics and catchy melodies, encapsulating the album's introspective yet playful spirit.
  • →
    Hope You Don't Stoop to Dirty Words — With its layered instrumentation and evocative storytelling, this song highlights Krug's unique lyrical perspective, making it a standout moment on the album.
  • →
    Stadiums and Shrines — This track combines haunting vocals with intricate arrangements, creating an atmospheric soundscape that exemplifies the band's innovative approach to indie rock.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album's eclectic arrangements and unique vocal delivery create a distinct sound within its genre.

What we noticed

  • Vocals often alternate between spoken word and melodic singing, creating a dynamic interplay that shifts throughout the record.
  • The use of layered instrumentation, including strings and synthesizers, adds depth to the arrangements, particularly in tracks like 'Cecil's Bells' and 'Stadiums and Shrines'.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • whimsical melodies with introspection
  • short bursts of playful energy
  • surreal soundscapes for exploration
  • quick, eclectic listening sessions

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek lengthy, cohesive albums

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2005, Snake's Got a Leg was Sunset Rubdown's second album, following their debut album, Shut Up I Am Dreaming. At this point, frontman Spencer Krug was gaining recognition for his unique songwriting style and shifting from the more straightforward indie pop of his earlier work to a sound rich in complexity and ambiguity.
Stylistic neighbors
Wolf Parade· Sufjan Stevens· Grizzly Bear

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • I'll Believe in Anything You'll Believe in Anything

    The chorus shifts between hopeful affirmations and existential doubts, creating a tension that reflects the complexities of belief and trust.

    This dynamic interplay between contrasting emotions deepens the listener's engagement with the song, illustrating how belief can be both empowering and precarious.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Dust You Kick Up Is Too Fine 0:59
  • 2 Snake's Got a Leg 4:01
  • 3 I'll Believe in Anything You'll Believe in Anything 4:48
  • 4 Hey You, Handsome Vulture 1:34
  • 5 Hope You Don't Stoop to Dirty Words 4:10
  • 6 Hope You Don't Stoop to Dirty Words II 2:46
  • 7 Cecil's Bells 1:44
  • 8 I Know the Weight of Your Throat 2:50
  • 9 Sol's Song 4:03
  • 10 Stadiums and Shrines 2:59
  • 11 Snake's Got a Leg II 3:51
  • 12 Portrait of a Shiny Metal Little Boy 1:20

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata