The Use of Ashes
Pearls Before Swine · 1970
32 min · 10 tracks · folk rock
A haunting blend of surreal folk melodies and introspective lyrics that evoke a dreamlike atmosphere.
Why this album works
This album is significant for its exploration of darker themes within the folk genre, which resonated during a period of social upheaval in America. It received critical praise for its poetic lyrics and unique sound, helping to solidify Pearls Before Swine's influence on the psychedelic folk movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
- Career context
- Released in August 1970, 'The Use of Ashes' was Pearls Before Swine's third studio album, following their acclaimed sophomore effort, 'Balaklava.' At this point, the band had established themselves within the folk rock scene, yet they continued to experiment with their sound and lyrical themes, reflecting an artistic evolution that would characterize their later work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Piknik· The Proclaimers· Michael Stipe
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Jeweler Standout 2:48
- 2 From the Movie of the Same Name 2:21
- 3 Rocket Man Standout 3:06
- 4 God Save the Child 3:08
- 5 Song About a Rose 2:21
- 6 Tell Me Why 3:43
- 7 Margery 3:03
- 8 The Old Man 3:16
- 9 Riegal 3:13
- 10 When the War Began Standout 5:07
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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