Top tracks — play these first
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Joining a Fan Club — This track showcases Jellyfish's knack for catchy hooks combined with clever lyrics about the irony of fame and fandom, encapsulating the band's witty perspective.
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Glutton of Sympathy — With its rich vocal harmonies and dynamic shifts, this song exemplifies the band's ability to blend emotional depth with a playful sound, making it a memorable highlight.
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New Mistake — This track features an anthemic chorus and intricate arrangements, reflecting the band's signature style while addressing themes of regret and realization.
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The Ghost at Number One — The haunting melodies and evocative lyrics explore themes of loss and longing, serving as a poignant centerpiece of the album’s emotional landscape.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases ambitious songwriting and intricate arrangements that push the boundaries of power pop.
What we noticed
- The album features complex vocal harmonies that often layer multiple melodies simultaneously, creating a rich texture.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as 'New Mistake' which shifts from a slow intro to an upbeat chorus.
- The use of unconventional song structures is evident, with tracks like 'Glutton of Sympathy' featuring extended instrumental sections and unexpected key changes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- 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
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
- steady pacing with melodic hooks
- playful energy for group listening
- vibrant harmonies for joyful moments
- gradual build towards a climax
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek dark, brooding atmospheres
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Spilt Milk is Jellyfish's sophomore album, released in January 1993, following their successful debut, Bellybutton. The band was at a critical juncture, having gained recognition for their melodic craftsmanship but facing internal tensions that would soon lead to their breakup shortly after this release.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Posies· Big Star· Matthew Sweet
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hush 2:11
- 2 Joining a Fan Club 4:03
- 3 Sebrina, Paste and Plato 2:23
- 4 New Mistake 4:02
- 5 Glutton of Sympathy 3:49
- 6 The Ghost at Number One 3:36
- 7 Bye, Bye, Bye 4:03
- 8 All Is Forgiven 4:09
- 9 Russian Hill 4:45
- 10 He’s My Best Friend 3:44
- 11 Too Much, Too Little, Too Late 3:14
- 12 Brighter Day 6:12
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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