What makes The Death of Speedy Ortiz by Speedy Ortiz notable?

The album received critical acclaim, with notable mentions in publications like Pitchfork, which praised its lo-fi charm and lyrical wit. This release helped position Speedy Ortiz as key players within the alternative rock revival, influencing a wave of indie acts in the early 2010s. Released in late 2011, The Death of Speedy Ortiz was the debut album for the band, establishing their presence in the indie rock scene. At this point, they were gaining traction after a series of well-received EPs, setting the stage for their subsequent artistic developments.

How many songs are on The Death of Speedy Ortiz?

The Death of Speedy Ortiz has 10 tracks, running approximately 29 minutes.

Released 15 years ago this November

The Death of Speedy Ortiz

Speedy Ortiz · 2011

29 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

Raw guitar riffs swirl around introspective lyrics, creating a blend of grunge and noise pop that captures youthful angst.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cutco — This track stands out for its sharp, biting lyrics that juxtapose personal vulnerability with a catchy melody, showcasing the band's knack for blending humor and heartache.
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Hurricane Speedy — With its frenetic energy and vivid imagery, this song encapsulates the chaotic spirit of youth while highlighting the band's signature sound of melodic dissonance.
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Kinda Blew — This track's introspective lyrics and dynamic shifts capture the essence of adolescent confusion, making it a resonant anthem for listeners navigating similar feelings.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

56 /100

Foothills

Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

The album combines raw instrumentation with clever lyrics, establishing a distinct sound within its genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a raw guitar riff in 'Hexxy Sadie' that sets a gritty tone, followed by tracks that maintain a similar intensity.
Several songs feature abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Kinda Blew', which shifts from a driving rhythm to a more subdued section.
Lyrically, the album blends introspective themes with playful wordplay, evident in tracks like 'Cutco' and 'Thank You'.
The final track, 'Blondie', closes with an extended instrumental outro that gradually fades out, creating a sense of resolution.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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 Hexxy Sadie 2:47
2 Cutco 4:03
3 Phish Phood 2:06
4 Kinda Blew 3:35
5 Ken-Ohki 1:32
6 Speedy Ortiz 2:36
7 Hurricane Speedy 3:23
8 Thank You 2:59
9 Frankenweenie 3:41
10 Blondie 3:13

What to play next

Listen next

Major Arcana

2013

Full Speedy Ortiz discography Artists like Speedy Ortiz

alternative rock grunge indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata