The Excitement Plan
Todd Snider · 2009
40 min · 12 tracks · country music
A blend of storytelling wit and Americana roots, layered with playful melodies and sharp social commentary.
Top tracks — play these first
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America's Favorite Pastime — This track cleverly critiques the American obsession with baseball while weaving in themes of nostalgia and disillusionment. Its catchy hook makes it memorable and encapsulates Snider's storytelling prowess.
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Bring 'Em Home — This song stands out for its heartfelt plea regarding soldiers returning home from war, blending personal narrative with broader social commentary. Its emotional depth resonates strongly within the album's context.
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Corpus Christi Bay — With vivid imagery and reflective lyrics, this track captures a sense of longing and connection to place, showcasing Snider's lyrical skills. It's both a personal journey and an exploration of shared experiences.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances humor and serious themes through varied song structures and instrumentation.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with playful melodies, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
- Several songs incorporate storytelling techniques, with verses that unfold narratives rather than adhering to traditional verse-chorus structures.
- The instrumentation blends acoustic guitar, piano, and subtle percussion, creating a warm Americana sound that supports the lyrical content.
- 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
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
- whimsical storytelling with humor
- laid-back grooves for relaxation
- catchy melodies for sing-alongs
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- for sunny afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of intense drama
- prefer lengthy immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2009, The Excitement Plan is Todd Snider's sixth studio album, following his critically acclaimed work, The Devil You Know. By this point in his career, Snider had established himself as a notable figure in the Americana scene, known for his humorous yet poignant lyrics that often tackle social issues.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Prine· Guy Clark· Steve Earle
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Slim Chance 2:48
- 2 Greencastle Blues 4:10
- 3 America's Favorite Pastime 3:11
- 4 Doll Face 2:34
- 5 Bring 'Em Home 2:32
- 6 Corpus Christi Bay 3:56
- 7 The Last Laugh 3:48
- 8 Unorganized Crime 3:19
- 9 Barefoot Champagne 3:29
- 10 Don't Tempt Me 2:58
- 11 Money, Compliments, Publicity (Song Number Ten) 4:16
- 12 Good Fortune 3:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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