Strange Weirdos
Loudon Wainwright III · 2007
48 min · 14 tracks · blues
A collection of introspective folk songs that blend humor and melancholy with Wainwright's signature storytelling style.
Top tracks — play these first
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Grey in L.A. Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Daughter — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of the relationship between a father and daughter, combining tenderness with an undercurrent of regret.
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You Can't Fail Me Now — The song's hopeful message and catchy melody make it a highlight, showcasing Wainwright's ability to blend humor with heartfelt sentiment.
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Final Frontier — This track offers a reflective look at life and mortality, encapsulating Wainwright's introspective lyricism with a memorable chorus.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Wainwright's storytelling through varied tempos and acoustic arrangements but lacks strong cohesion.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of acoustic instrumentation, primarily guitar and piano, which supports the storytelling in each track.
- Several tracks employ a conversational vocal style, where Wainwright's delivery feels intimate and personal, enhancing the lyrical content.
- The pacing varies throughout, with some songs maintaining a steady mid-tempo while others slow down significantly, particularly towards the end of the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- mid-tempo reflective storytelling
- whimsical observations on life
- steady pacing for introspection
- for casual afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid entry that showcases Wainwright's storytelling but isn't a standout in his catalog.
- Themes
- father-daughter dynamics· humorous melancholy· life's final frontier
- Career context
- Released in 2007, Strange Weirdos arrived during Loudon Wainwright III's prolific phase, following his acclaimed album Here Come the Choppers. This album showcases his continued evolution as a songwriter, refining his craft while embracing themes of family and personal reflection.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Prine· Steve Goodman· Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Tracklist
- 1 Grey in L.A. Start here 3:15
- 2 You Can't Fail Me Now 3:45
- 3 Daughter 3:33
- 4 Ypsilanti 1:52
- 5 So Much to Do 3:26
- 6 Valley Morning 3:44
- 7 X or Y 2:54
- 8 Final Frontier 3:47
- 9 Feel So Good 2:03
- 10 Lullaby 3:12
- 11 Naomi 4:04
- 12 Doin' the Math 5:32
- 13 Strange Weirdos 4:07
- 14 Passion Play 2:54
What to play next
Recovery
2008
Continues the introspective themes with a fresh perspective and engaging storytelling.
Here Come the Choppers
2005
Sets the stage with a mix of humor and depth, leading into the tone of Strange Weirdos.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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