Wormwood: Curious Stories from the Bible cover

Wormwood: Curious Stories from the Bible

The Residents · 1998

64 min · 20 tracks

A surreal tapestry of avant-garde sounds intertwines with unsettling narratives drawn from Biblical tales.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • surreal narratives with unsettling twists
  • wave-like pacing encourages reflection
  • short tracks for quick engagement
  • themes of dark curiosity abound
  • varied peaks for dynamic interest

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer straightforward, linear storytelling
  • seek immediate gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Wormwood: Curious Stories from the Bible' was released in 1998, The Residents were well-established as pioneers of avant-garde music. This album marked their continued exploration of concept-driven work following the critically acclaimed 'The Commercial Album' in 1980, showcasing their distinct blend of experimental rock and performance art.
Stylistic neighbors
Captain Beefheart· Frank Zappa· Devo

Tracklist

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

  • 1 In the Beginning 2:56
  • 2 Fire Fall 3:37
  • 3 They Are the Meat 2:44
  • 4 Melancholy Clumps 1:46
  • 5 How to Get a Head 4:10
  • 6 Cain and Abel 3:40
  • 7 Mr. Misery 2:23
  • 8 Tent Peg in the Temple 2:58
  • 9 God’s Magic Finger 2:52
  • 10 Spilling the Seed 2:49
  • 11 Dinah and the Unclean Skin 3:17
  • 12 Bathsheba Bathes 2:55
  • 13 Bridegroom of Blood 5:02
  • 14 Hanging by His Hair 2:39
  • 15 The Seven Ugly Cows 2:39
  • 16 Burn Baby Burn 3:04
  • 17 KILL HIM! 2:43
  • 18 I Hate Heaven 2:54
  • 19 Judas Saves 4:00
  • 20 Revelation 5:37

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata