The Ugly One with the Jewels
Laurie Anderson · 1995
71 min · 18 tracks
A surreal blend of spoken word, electronic textures, and unconventional instrumentation creates an introspective soundscape throughout the album.
Top tracks — play these first
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The End of the World — This opening track sets the tone with its atmospheric soundscapes and contemplative lyrics about societal collapse, encapsulating the album's overarching themes.
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The Ugly One With the Jewels — The title track features a captivating narrative that intertwines beauty with grotesqueness, illustrating Anderson's unique ability to blend storytelling with sonic experimentation.
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The Soul Is a Bird — This track stands out for its poignant reflection on spirituality and freedom, using metaphorical imagery that showcases Anderson's lyrical prowess.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- surreal narratives with haunting melodies
- thought-provoking explorations of absurdity
- delicate pacing that invites reflection
- short tracks for varied engagement
- experimental soundscapes for open minds
Maybe skip if you
- seeking straightforward song structures
- prefer upbeat and fast tempos
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1995, The Ugly One with the Jewels was Laurie Anderson's fourth studio album, following her acclaimed breakthrough, Strange Angels. At this point in her career, Anderson was exploring more abstract themes and integrating her multimedia artistry into her music, further solidifying her reputation as an innovative storyteller.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brian Eno· Sonic Youth· David Byrne
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Ugly One With the Jewels
A segment where the narrative shifts from external observation to a personal confrontation with self-perception.
This transition emphasizes vulnerability, as the speaker grapples with conflicting identities while maintaining a sense of irony.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The End of the World 5:00
- 2 The Salesman 3:19
- 3 The Night Flight From Houston 1:32
- 4 Word of Mouth 4:49
- 5 The Soul Is a Bird 3:56
- 6 The Ouija Board 4:11
- 7 The Ugly One With the Jewels 5:06
- 8 The Geographic North Pole 5:22
- 9 John Lilly 3:34
- 10 The Rotowhirl 3:54
- 11 On the Way to Jerusalem 1:20
- 12 The Hollywood Strangler 1:50
- 13 Maria Teresa Teresa Maria 5:43
- 14 Someone Else's Dream 2:25
- 15 White Lily 1:17
- 16 The Mysterious "J" 2:57
- 17 The Cultural Ambassador 6:47
- 18 Same Time Tomorrow 7:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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