What makes Throw a Sickie by Tall Dwarfs notable?

This album is notable for its role in shaping the lo-fi genre and influencing subsequent New Zealand musicians. It received positive critical reception, being celebrated for its experimental approach while remaining accessible, thus contributing to the rise of independent music labels in the region. Released in 1986, Throw a Sickie is Tall Dwarfs' second album, following their debut, The Gloomy Walk, which established their lo-fi aesthetic. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their identity as pioneers of New Zealand's underground music scene, blending pop sensibilities with avant-garde influences.

How many songs are on Throw a Sickie?

Throw a Sickie has 9 tracks, running approximately 21 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Throw a Sickie

Tall Dwarfs · 1986

21 min · 9 tracks · lo-fi music

Lo-fi melodies mingle with playful experimentation, creating an eclectic and whimsical soundscape that defines the band's unique charm.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Attack of the Munchies — This track encapsulates the album's playful spirit with its catchy chorus and quirky lyrics, making it a standout example of Tall Dwarfs' unique style.
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Come Inside — With its inviting title and engaging melody, this song showcases the band's knack for blending humor with catchy hooks, embodying their inventive nature.
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The Universality of Neighbourliness — At under a minute long, this track cleverly plays with themes of community and connection, highlighting Tall Dwarfs' ability to distill complex ideas into concise musical statements.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100

Foothills

Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album's eclectic sound and lo-fi charm showcase its distinctiveness while maintaining an accessible experimental approach.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate lo-fi production techniques, such as distortion and tape hiss, which contribute to the overall aesthetic.
The album includes playful instrumentation, with unexpected sounds like toy instruments and found objects layered into the arrangements.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Underhand 1:50
2 Road and Hedgehog 1:42
3 Attack of the Munchies 3:40
4 Come Inside 2:27
5 The Universality of Neighbourliness 0:57
6 The Big Dive 3:06
7 No Place 1:22
8 ...And Other Kinds 4:00
9 Farewell 2:02

What to play next

Listen next

Hello Cruel World

1988

Go back to

That's the Short and Long of It

1985

Full Tall Dwarfs discography Artists like Tall Dwarfs

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata