Tip of the Sphere
Cass McCombs · 2019
57 min · 11 tracks · indie rock
A blend of introspective lyrics and eclectic melodies, exploring themes of existence against a backdrop of diverse musical styles.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Followed the River South to What — This track opens the album with a haunting melody that sets the tone for introspection and exploration, encapsulating McCombs' storytelling prowess.
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Sidewalk Bop After Suicide — With its contrasting upbeat rhythm and somber subject matter, this track exemplifies McCombs' talent for blending light and dark themes in his music.
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Prayer for Another Day — This song features poignant lyrics paired with a gentle melody, reflecting a yearning for hope and connection amidst personal struggles.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting with varied structures and introspective lyrics, though it lacks broad cultural reach.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a reflective tone, followed by a series of songs that vary in tempo but maintain a consistent introspective vibe.
- Several tracks feature unconventional song structures, such as extended instrumental sections and abrupt transitions between themes.
- Lyrically, the album explores existential themes through vivid imagery and storytelling, often shifting perspectives within individual songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- contemplative journey through melodies
- wave-like pacing with resolution
- introspective storytelling moments
- for reflective afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat, high-energy tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2019, Tip of the Sphere marks Cass McCombs' eighth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Mangy Love from 2016. At this point in his career, McCombs had established himself as a prolific songwriter known for his unique narrative style and genre-blending approach.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Iron & Wine· Sufjan Stevens· Fleet Foxes
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Absentee
The narrative voice reflects on absence through vivid imagery of longing and nostalgia.
This choice of imagery deepens the emotional impact by grounding abstract feelings in concrete visuals, enhancing the listener's connection to the theme.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I Followed the River South to What 7:37
- 2 The Great Pixley Train Robbery 4:01
- 3 Estrella 4:37
- 4 Absentee 2:49
- 5 Real Life 5:15
- 6 Sleeping Volcanoes 4:27
- 7 Sidewalk Bop After Suicide 4:27
- 8 Prayer for Another Day 4:54
- 9 American Canyon Sutra 4:46
- 10 Tying Up Loose Ends 4:35
- 11 Rounder 10:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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