Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia cover

Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia

The Dandy Warhols · 2000

56 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of alternative rock, infused with tongue-in-cheek lyrics and a laid-back, West Coast vibe.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Bohemian Like You — This track's catchy hooks and playful commentary on modern romance encapsulate the album's irreverent spirit, making it a defining anthem for the era.
  • →
    Godless — The opening track sets a bold tone with its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, establishing thematic depth that resonates throughout the album.
  • →
    Horse Pills — This song's driving beat and layered instrumentation showcase the band's ability to blend rock with psychedelic influences while addressing themes of addiction and desire.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production, with a mix of humor and vibrant instrumentation.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a slow, atmospheric track that gradually builds into more upbeat songs, creating a dynamic flow.
  • Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, with guitars and keyboards intertwining to create a rich soundscape.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • atmospheric background focus

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album marked their commercial success and wider recognition.
Career context
By the time of its release in 2000, The Dandy Warhols had already established themselves with their previous album, '13 Tales from Urban Bohemia' marking their third studio project. Following the moderate success of 'Come Down' in 1997, this album solidified their signature sound and expanded their audience, particularly through the hit single 'Bohemian Like You.'

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Get Off

    The narrator directly confronts someone about their inhibitions, pushing them towards liberation and self-expression amidst a backdrop of infectious energy.

    This moment emphasizes the theme of breaking free from societal constraints, contrasting the upbeat rhythm with a call for personal authenticity.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Godless 5:20
  • 2 Mohammed 5:20
  • 3 Nietzsche 5:41
  • 4 Country Leaver 3:23
  • 5 Solid 3:08
  • 6 Horse Pills 3:25
  • 7 Get Off 3:11
  • 8 Sleep 5:57
  • 9 Cool Scene 4:08
  • 10 Bohemian Like You 3:32
  • 11 Shakin' 3:56
  • 12 Big Indian 3:35
  • 13 The Gospel 5:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata