These Are Field Recordings
Matthew Ryan · 2004
92 min · 21 tracks · alternative country
A raw yet melodic exploration of heartache and resilience, blending alternative country with intimate storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Return to Me — This track encapsulates the emotional core of the album with its haunting melody and poignant reflections on longing and regret, making it a standout piece.
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I Hope Your God Has Mercy on Mine — Here, Ryan confronts existential themes through vivid imagery and a compelling narrative, highlighting his skillful songwriting and emotional authenticity.
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The World Is on Fire — With its urgent instrumentation and incisive lyrics, this track serves as a powerful commentary on societal issues, showcasing Ryan's ability to blend personal and political content.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- haunting melodies for introspection
- reflective moments of quiet solitude
- emotional depth in every track
- long-form exploration of yearning
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party vibes
- prefer standalone catchy singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 2004, Matthew Ryan was solidifying his place in the alternative country scene with 'These Are Field Recordings,' following his previous album 'Conviction' released in 2001. This album marked a continuation of his artistic evolution, showcasing a more mature sound and lyrical depth that resonated with fans and critics alike.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Josh Ritter· Ryan Adams· Lucinda Williams
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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I Hope Your God Has Mercy on Mine
The narrative shifts from personal reflection to universal questioning about faith and morality, creating an impactful moment of vulnerability.
This transition reflects a deepening complexity in the lyrics, moving beyond individual experience to touch on larger philosophical concerns.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 One Day the Everclear 4:00
- 2 Fathers and Compromise 5:06
- 3 The World Is on Fire 4:33
- 4 Raildoaded 4:18
- 5 Return to Me 6:03
- 6 Sweetie 3:41
- 7 I Must Love Leaving 4:34
- 8 Irrelevant 5:00
- 9 Autopilot 3:42
- 10 Trouble Doll 4:57
Disc 2
- 1 The Little Things 3:30
- 2 Still, Part 2 4:59
- 3 Sadlylove 3:49
- 4 Heartache Weather 3:51
- 5 I Can't Steal You 5:58
- 6 Chrome 4:55
- 7 I Hope Your God Has Mercy on Mine 3:18
- 8 I Hear a Symphony 4:11
- 9 Dragging the Lake 5:14
- 10 This Side of Heaven 3:13
- 11 Bone of Truth 3:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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