Years in the Making
122 min · 42 tracks · blues
A tapestry of storytelling woven through bluesy folk melodies and sharp, humorous observations on life and human relationships.
Top tracks — play these first
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You Ain't Going Nowhere Start here — This track stands out for its catchy melody and clever lyrics, offering a playful take on themes of stagnation and longing.
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God's Got a Shit List — The song’s irreverent approach to serious topics exemplifies Wainwright's ability to blend humor with poignant social critique.
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I Wanna Be on MTV — This track captures the irony of fame and the music industry, reflecting Wainwright's self-aware commentary on pop culture during the 1980s.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- quirky storytelling with humor
- short tracks for quick listens
- playful energy throughout the album
- intimate reflections on life
- lighthearted tunes for gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking long, immersive experiences
- prefer straightforward structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid entry that doesn't fit other specific roles in Wainwright's catalog.
- Themes
- 1980s pop culture irony· bluesy storytelling· humorous social critique
- Career context
- Released in 1985, Years in the Making marks Loudon Wainwright III's return to the studio after a five-year hiatus following the album I'm Alright. This record showcases his continued evolution as a songwriter, blending personal narrative with social commentary, during a period when he was gaining more recognition for his unique voice within the folk music scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Prine· Steve Goodman· Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Your Mother & I
The narrative shifts from playful anecdotes to a poignant reflection on family dynamics and relationships.
By juxtaposing lighthearted stories with deeper emotional truths, the writing reveals the complexities of familial ties amidst humor.
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Rosin the Bow 0:38
- 2 You Ain't Going Nowhere Start here 2:26
- 3 East St. Louis Tweedle-Dee 1:41
- 4 Everybody I Know 1:09
- 5 Philadelphia Lawyer 4:12
- 6 Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms 4:15
- 7 Love Gifts 2:40
- 8 Stewball 3:43
- 9 Floods of Tears 2:25
- 10 Station Break 0:27
- 11 Have You Ever Been to Pittsburgh? 1:10
- 12 2 Song Set 3:54
- 13 Cardboard Boxes 3:13
- 14 Smokey Joe's Cafe 3:25
- 15 You Hurt Me Mantra 3:28
- 16 Rambunctious 2:34
- 17 I Wanna Be on MTV 2:19
- 18 Birthday Poem / Happy Birthday / Animal Song 1:33
- 19 Your Mother & I 3:33
- 20 Button Nose 2:41
- 21 The Ballad of Famous & Harper 2:39
- 22 Teenager's Lament 3:02
- 23 Things 4:21
Disc 2
- 1 Unrequited to the Nth Degree 3:15
- 2 Ulcer 3:31
- 3 You Can't Fail Me Now 2:57
- 4 No 3:30
- 5 Rowena 2:53
- 6 Cheatin' 2:13
- 7 IDTTYWLM 5:23
- 8 Down Where the Drunkards Roll 4:31
- 9 POW 2:03
- 10 Meet the Wainwrights 4:19
- 11 Liza Minnelli Interview 0:45
- 12 Hollywood Hopeful 2:43
- 13 Valley Morning 3:23
- 14 Trailer 3:30
- 15 God's Got a Shit List 2:30
- 16 Thank You, Mr. Hubble 2:15
- 17 It Ain't Gaza 3:06
- 18 Out of This World 6:05
- 19 Birthday Boy 1:32
What to play next
I'd Rather Lead a Band
2020
Continues the reflective storytelling with a fresh sound and energy.
Haven't Got the Blues (Yet)
2014
Sets a similar tone of introspection and humor that leads into 'Years in the Making'.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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