The Glow Pt. 2
The Microphones · 2001
66 min · 20 tracks · indie rock
Ethereal soundscapes weave through intimate, lo-fi recordings that explore themes of nature and personal reflection.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Want Wind to Blow Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its haunting harmonies and longing lyrics that immediately draw listeners into Elverum's world.
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the Glow, pt. 2 — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of warmth and nostalgia, blending vivid imagery with ethereal sound textures that define Elverum's artistic vision.
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I’ll Not Contain You — This track features an emotional crescendo that showcases Elverum’s lyrical vulnerability and musical experimentation, making it a highlight of the album's narrative journey.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's innovative sound and structure create a unique listening experience, though its cohesion is affected by interludes.
What we noticed
- The running time is extended with interludes and instrumental pieces that serve as transitions, contributing to the overall atmosphere rather than traditional song progression.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- introspective late-night solitude
- sprawling soundscapes for reflection
- delicate melodies with emotional weight
- patient unfolding of themes
- headphone detail hunting
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party tracks
- prefer concise song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — 'The Glow Pt. 2' is often cited as an ambitious and influential work in their catalog.
- Themes
- intimate isolation· nature's influence· lo-fi soundscapes
- Moods
- Introspective· Dreamy
- Career context
- The Glow Pt. 2 is The Microphones' third album, released in 2001 after the breakthrough success of their earlier work, It Was Hot, We Stayed in the Water. At this point, Phil Elverum had begun to develop a distinct sound that combined experimental elements with folk influences, solidifying his reputation as a unique voice in indie music during the early 2000s.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Mount Eerie· Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine
Tracklist
- 1 I Want Wind to Blow Start here 5:32
- 2 the Glow, pt. 2 4:58
- 3 the Moon 5:17
- 4 Headless Horseman 3:10
- 5 My Roots Are Strong and Deep 1:53
- 6 instrumental 1:38
- 7 the Mansion 3:33
- 8 (something) 1:46
- 9 (something) 2:53
- 10 I’ll Not Contain You 2:50
- 11 the Gleam, pt. 2 1:58
- 12 Map 5:00
- 13 You’ll Be in the Air 2:41
- 14 I Want to Be Cold 1:41
- 15 I Am Bored 1:36
- 16 I Felt My Size 2:19
- 17 instrumental 1:56
- 18 I Felt Your Shape 1:55
- 19 Samurai Sword 4:07
- 20 My Warm Blood 9:27
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
Similar intimate storytelling with layered instrumentation and a lo-fi aesthetic reflecting personal and natural themes.
In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
Neutral Milk Hotel
Shares a raw, emotional depth with eclectic arrangements and a focus on nature and introspection.
For Emma, Forever Ago
Bon Iver
Captures a sense of isolation and intimacy through sparse arrangements and heartfelt, confessional lyrics.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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