What makes Spiderland by Slint notable?

Spiderland is widely credited with influencing the post-rock genre and has been hailed as a seminal work within alternative music. The album received critical acclaim upon release and has since been included in numerous 'best of' lists, cementing its status as a cornerstone of 1990s indie rock. Released in 1991, Spiderland was Slint's second album, following their debut Tweez. At this point, the band was transitioning from a more straightforward punk sound to the intricate, dynamic textures that would define their legacy in post-rock.

Who is Spiderland for?

Spiderland works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, atmospheric background focus and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Spiderland?

Spiderland has 6 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Spiderland

Slint · 1991

39 min · 6 tracks · post-punk

A haunting blend of jagged rhythms and atmospheric soundscapes that evoke both tension and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Breadcrumb Trail — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its shifting dynamics and complex guitar interplay, establishing the band's unique sound.
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Good Morning, Captain — This track features an evocative narrative and builds to an emotional climax, showcasing Slint's ability to balance tension and release.
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Washer — The slow build-up and haunting vocals create an atmosphere of melancholy, highlighting the band's experimental approach to song structure.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

81 /100

Summit

Higher than 100% of albums we've rated

Spiderland's intricate structures and dynamic shifts create a haunting atmosphere that has influenced many genres.

What we noticed

Tracks frequently shift dynamics, with quiet passages suddenly erupting into intense climaxes, particularly noticeable in 'Good Morning, Captain'.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 8/10

Defined its genre or moment. 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

long, immersive listening sessions
atmospheric background focus
gradual builds and payoffs
steady, consistent energy levels

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1991, Spiderland was Slint's second album, following their debut Tweez. At this point, the band was transitioning from a more straightforward punk sound to the intricate, dynamic textures that would define their legacy in post-rock.
Stylistic neighbors: Tortoise· Don Caballero· The For Carnation

Tracklist

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

1 Breadcrumb Trail 5:55
2 Nosferatu Man 5:34
3 Don, Aman 6:28
4 Washer 8:50
5 For Dinner… 5:05
6 Good Morning, Captain 7:39

What to play next

Listen next

Los Fabulosos

2000

Go back to

Tweez

1989

Full Slint discography Artists like Slint

math rock post-punk post-rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata