What makes The High Co$t of Low Living by Hugh Dillon Redemption Choir notable?

The album garnered attention for blending diverse musical styles, which helped it resonate within the Canadian indie rock scene. It received notable reviews from various publications, highlighting Dillon's lyrical depth and authenticity, solidifying his reputation in the industry post-Headstones. When The High Co$t of Low Living was released in 2005, Hugh Dillon was transitioning from his earlier work with the band The Headstones to this new project. This album represented a fresh start for Dillon, showcasing his evolution as a songwriter while forming the Hugh Dillon Redemption Choir as a vehicle for his artistic expression.

How many songs are on The High Co$t of Low Living?

The High Co$t of Low Living has 12 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

The High Co$t of Low Living

Hugh Dillon Redemption Choir · 2005

42 min · 12 tracks

A raw blend of alt-country and punk-infused rock, marked by gritty vocals and introspective storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Surface of the Sun — This opening track sets an immediate tone with its driving rhythm and candid lyrics about personal struggle, encapsulating the album's themes of resilience and introspection.
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What It Takes — With its reflective lyrics and catchy melody, this song captures the essence of perseverance against adversity, showcasing Dillon's ability to blend narrative with emotion.
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My Mistakes — This track stands out for its confessional tone and vulnerability, illustrating Dillon's willingness to confront his flaws while maintaining an engaging melodic structure.
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Gods Have Spoken — The song features a haunting arrangement that complements its introspective lyrics, highlighting Dillon's skill in creating atmospheric soundscapes that resonate with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production, with a mix of tempos and vocal styles that reflect its alt-country and punk influences.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo drive, while the second half introduces slower, more reflective tracks.
Vocals alternate between gritty, spoken delivery and melodic singing, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the record.
Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, blending acoustic and electric elements to enhance the storytelling.

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

Influence 3/10

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 Surface of the Sun 2:39
2 Number on the Wall 2:10
3 Radio Plays 3:53
4 Microscope 2:53
5 What It Takes 3:45
6 Well on Your Way 2:48
7 My Mistakes 2:31
8 Gods Have Spoken 3:44
9 Sentimental Me 3:50
10 Ten Feet Tall 2:50
11 Puzzle I Am 3:42
12 Inch by Inch 7:51

What to play next

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata