The Park Avenue Sobriety Test
Joel Plaskett · 2015
50 min · 15 tracks · folk music
A reflective blend of acoustic melodies and introspective lyrics capturing the essence of everyday life and personal struggles.
Top tracks — play these first
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On a Dime — This track exemplifies the album's exploration of life's unpredictable nature through vivid imagery and catchy melodies, encapsulating a sense of urgency.
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Captains of Industry — With its sharp social commentary and engaging rhythm, this song stands out as a critique of modern capitalism while maintaining a folk-rock sensibility.
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The Park Avenue Sobriety Test — The title track serves as an introspective culmination of the album's themes, blending personal narrative with broader societal reflections.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances reflective songwriting with strong craftsmanship, though it doesn't significantly stand out in its genre.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with prominent acoustic guitar, while the second half shifts to slower, more introspective songs.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The album's title track features a gradual build-up in instrumentation, culminating in a rich, full sound before tapering off.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- reflective moments of everyday life
- short tracks for quick listening
- melancholic tunes for introspection
- gentle melodies for afternoon ease
- easygoing background for conversations
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party vibes
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on March 17, 2015, The Park Avenue Sobriety Test marks Joel Plaskett's seventh studio album. This project follows his critically acclaimed album, Scrappy Happiness, and showcases a more mature sound. At this point in his career, Plaskett was solidifying his status as a staple in the Canadian indie rock scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sam Roberts· The Weakerthans· Hayden
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Captains of Industry
The song's bridge shifts from storytelling to direct critique of corporate culture, using pointed language that challenges authority.
This structural choice enhances the song's impact by directly confronting listeners with uncomfortable truths about society.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Illegitimate Blues 0:56
- 2 On a Dime 4:04
- 3 Alright/OK 3:08
- 4 The Last Phone Booth 0:32
- 5 When I Close My Eyes 4:09
- 6 Credits Roll 2:56
- 7 Captains of Industry 5:05
- 8 For Your Consideration 4:38
- 9 Hard Times 3:25
- 10 Broke 3:17
- 11 Song for Jersey 2:45
- 12 Broken Heart Songs 3:14
- 13 The Park Avenue Sobriety Test 4:23
Disc 2
- 1 Beyond the Frame 4:36
- 2 Happy When I’m Sad 2:53
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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