What makes Strungout on Jargon by Death of Samantha notable?

The album garnered critical acclaim for its sharp wit and inventive song structures, helping to solidify Death of Samantha's place within the burgeoning alternative rock movement of the mid-'80s. It has been cited as an influence on later indie and post-punk bands seeking to blend humor with angst. Strungout on Jargon marks Death of Samantha's second album, following their 1985 debut. Released in the wake of growing alternative rock scenes, this record showcases their evolving sound while still capturing the raw energy that characterized their earlier work.

How many songs are on Strungout on Jargon?

Strungout on Jargon has 9 tracks, running approximately 28 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Strungout on Jargon

Death of Samantha · 1986

28 min · 9 tracks · alternative rock

Raucous guitars and sardonic lyrics collide in a gritty, lo-fi exploration of everyday absurdities.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Coca Cola & Licorice — This opening track sets the tone with its catchy riffs and clever lyrics, encapsulating the band's unique blend of humor and critique.
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Conviction — With its driving bassline and anthemic chorus, this track exemplifies the band's ability to marry melody with lyrical depth, making it a standout moment.
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Sexual Dreaming — This song features surreal imagery and playful wordplay, showcasing the band's knack for combining absurdity with biting social commentary.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album combines sharp lyrics with dynamic instrumentation, reflecting the raw energy of its era.

What we noticed

The album opens with a fast-paced track that features distorted guitars and a driving rhythm, establishing an energetic tone.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Ham & Eggs 99c', which shifts from a mid-tempo groove to a more frenetic pace.
The lyrics often employ irony and humor, with songs like 'Coca Cola & Licorice' using everyday imagery to convey deeper absurdities.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Coca Cola & Licorice 3:32
2 Simple as That 3:23
3 Bed of Fire 1:52
4 Ham & Eggs 99c 2:12
5 Conviction 3:23
6 Grapeland (I'm Getting Sick) 2:32
7 Sexual Dreaming 2:10
8 Turquoise Hand 2:49
9 Couldn't Forget 'bout That (One Item) 6:48

What to play next

Listen next

Where the Women Wear the Glory and the Men Wear the Pants

1988

Full Death of Samantha discography Artists like Death of Samantha

alternative rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata