What is the best The Ex album to start with?

The best album to start with is "And the Weathermen Shrug Their Shoulders" (1993). It's the most representative of what makes The Ex worth hearing.

What are the best The Ex albums?

The essential The Ex albums include "Too Many Cowboys", "Disturbing Domestic Peace" (1980), "History Is What's Happening" (1982), "Tumult" (1983) and "Dignity of Labour" (1983).

How many albums does The Ex have?

The Ex has 32 releases in their discography, including 23 albums and 5 EPs.

Photo: The original uploader was Schorle at German Wikipedia. · CC BY-SA 3.0

The Ex

Q: Who is The Ex for?

If you're into art rock, The Ex is worth your time. With jagged rhythms and shifting dynamics, The Ex creates an intricate texture that balances tension and release throughout their compositions.

With jagged rhythms and shifting dynamics, The Ex creates an intricate texture that balances tension and release throughout their compositions.

art rock

Netherlands Est. 1979

Read about The Ex on Bookshop

Start here

The album

And the Weathermen Shrug Their Shoulders album by The Ex

And the Weathermen Shrug Their Shoulders (1993)

Presents a cohesive collection that showcases The Ex's signature sound with intricate textures and dynamic shifts, making it accessible for new listeners.

The song

“Scrabbling at the Lock”

This track captures their unique style with immediate engagement, serving as a strong introduction to their complex rhythms and distinctive sound.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Dere Geliyor Dere" — from And the Weathermen Shrug Their Shoulders (1993)

establishes the sonic palette early
2

"Crap-Rap" — from Hands Up! You're Free (1988)

establishes the sonic palette early
3

"Town of Stone" — from Dizzy Spells (2001)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"Bouquet of Barbed Wire" — from Tumult (1983)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"The Sky Is Blue Again" — from Disturbing Domestic Peace (1980)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"Human Car" — from Singles. Period. The Vinyl Years 1980–1990 (2005)

accessible entry with immediate hook

About The Ex

The Ex stands as a pivotal force in the landscape of art rock, reshaping the boundaries of punk and avant-garde with an unwavering commitment to innovation and expression.

Their impact reverberates through underground music scenes, not only inspiring a generation of artists willing to experiment but also cultivating a dedicated audience that thrives on unpredictability. By fostering a sense of community around their live performances, The Ex has created spaces where spontaneity and collaboration can flourish, transforming how audiences engage with music. At the heart of The Ex’s approach is a relentless pursuit of sound that defies conventional structures. Their method often integrates improvisation with meticulous arrangements, allowing each performance to resonate uniquely while maintaining a cohesive artistic vision. This duality infuses their music with an energetic tension that captures the listener's attention, pushing against the confines of standard songwriting. Lyrically, The Ex frequently navigates themes of social critique, existential questioning, and everyday life experiences, employing a storytelling technique that balances irony with sincerity. Their voice carries a raw intensity, often immersing listeners in vivid impressions rather than straightforward narratives, creating an emotional landscape that invites contemplation and reflection.

23 studio albums· 32 total releases· 4 decades· Netherlands