Released 20 years ago
Takers and Leavers
Dr. Dog · 2006
23 min · 6 tracks · indie folk
A kaleidoscopic blend of jangly guitars and soulful harmonies wrapped in a warm, nostalgic haze.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Ain’t It Strange — This track opens the album with a catchy chorus and introspective lyrics, showcasing the band's ability to blend infectious melodies with deeper themes.
-
→
Die Die Die — With its driving rhythm and playful yet dark lyrics, this song exemplifies Dr. Dog's knack for marrying upbeat instrumentation with quirky storytelling.
-
→
California — This track stands out for its lush harmonies and laid-back vibe, evoking a sense of longing that resonates throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP showcases strong songwriting and vocal harmonies but lacks a fully cohesive flow across its tracks.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a steady mid-tempo groove, while the following tracks progressively introduce varied rhythms and instrumentation.
- Harmonies are layered throughout, often featuring call-and-response sections between the lead vocals and backing singers.
- The final track features a gradual fade-out, creating a sense of closure that contrasts with the more energetic earlier songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
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
- front-loaded energetic opening tracks
- quick bursts of catchy melodies
- vibrant harmonies for road trips
- gradual build to reflective conclusion
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slower, drawn-out pieces
- seek longer listening experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This EP solidified Dr. Dog's position in the indie rock scene and expanded their audience.
- Career context
- Released on September 12, 2006, 'Takers and Leavers' marked Dr. Dog's fourth studio album, coming after their breakthrough effort 'B-Room' and solidifying their position in the indie rock scene. By this time, the band had refined their sound, embracing richer arrangements and more polished production techniques than in previous works.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Head and the Heart· Fleet Foxes· My Morning Jacket
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Ain’t It Strange 4:28
- 2 Goner 4:16
- 3 I've Just Got to Tell You 2:50
- 4 Die Die Die 3:01
- 5 California 3:08
- 6 Livin' a Dream 5:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.