What makes The Cat and the Cobra by Les Savy Fav notable?

The Cat and the Cobra received critical acclaim upon its release, often noted for its innovative approach to songwriting and performance. It has influenced a generation of indie rock bands, particularly within the art rock genre, helping to establish Les Savy Fav as key figures in the underground music scene. Released in early 1999, The Cat and the Cobra marked Les Savy Fav's third studio album, following their breakthrough record, Go Forth. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation for high-energy performances and distinctively quirky sound, as they navigated the burgeoning post-rock scene of the late '90s.

How many songs are on The Cat and the Cobra?

The Cat and the Cobra has 11 tracks, running approximately 49 minutes.

The Cat and the Cobra

Les Savy Fav · 1999

49 min · 11 tracks · art rock

An eclectic blend of art rock and post-hardcore that brims with frenetic energy and playful lyricism.

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Top tracks — play these first

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We've Got Boxes — This track showcases the band's signature blend of sharp lyrics and driving rhythms, encapsulating their energetic style while commenting on themes of consumerism.
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Wake Up! — With its infectious chorus and dynamic shifts, this song exemplifies the band's knack for creating catchy hooks amid chaotic instrumentation.
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Roadside Memorial — This longer track allows for expansive musical exploration, using layered sounds to evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflection that contrasts with the album's more frenetic moments.
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Dishonest Don, Part II — The second part of this two-part suite delivers an introspective narrative over compelling instrumentation, showcasing the band's lyrical depth and unique structure.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases energetic songwriting and performance but has some cohesion issues due to abrupt transitions.

What we noticed

The first four tracks maintain a high-energy tempo, with aggressive guitar riffs and dynamic drumming that set a frenetic pace.
Tracks six and seven are split into two parts, creating a narrative flow that contrasts with the more straightforward structures of earlier songs.
The album features abrupt transitions between tracks, often shifting styles or tempos, which keeps the listener engaged but can disrupt cohesion.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Wake Up!

The shift from an upbeat tempo to a sudden drop creates a stark contrast that emphasizes a moment of realization about personal complacency.

This structural choice highlights the tension between carefree energy and deeper self-awareness, showcasing the band’s ability to weave complex emotions into their music.

Tracklist

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

1 The Orchard 3:19
2 We've Got Boxes 3:59
3 Who Rocks the Party 2:31
4 Wake Up! 3:21
5 Roadside Memorial 6:20
6 Dishonest Don, Part I 1:34
7 Dishonest Don, Part II 3:57
8 The End 3:22
9 This Incentive 3:19
10 Reformat 3:12
11 Titan / Our Coastal Hymn (live) 14:53

What to play next

Listen next

Go Forth

2001

Go back to

3/5

1997

Full Les Savy Fav discography Artists like Les Savy Fav

art rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata