i received 36 tracks ballots, 32 albums ballots, and 17 covers ballots
i'll start off with albums and covers today
thanks to everyone who participated & submitted a ballot
― ufo, Monday, 22 November 2021 22:32 (two years ago) link
HERE!!!!
― just staying (Karl Malone), Monday, 22 November 2021 22:33 (two years ago) link
going through top 10 albums. 23 different releases received votes
https://i.imgur.com/a0Pz7zh.png10. Ones and SixesReleased in 2015176 points, 18 voters, 2 #1 votes
― ufo, Monday, 22 November 2021 22:34 (two years ago) link
LET'S GET LOW!LET'S FEEL LOW!LOW LOW LOW!LOW LOW LOW!
― just staying (Karl Malone), Monday, 22 November 2021 22:34 (two years ago) link
yesssss!
― donna rouge, Monday, 22 November 2021 22:36 (two years ago) link
my #9 album...my hivemind remains strong
― just staying (Karl Malone), Monday, 22 November 2021 22:37 (two years ago) link
SHORTY GOT LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW LOW
― licorice in the front, pizza in the rear (Whiney G. Weingarten), Monday, 22 November 2021 22:42 (two years ago) link
I'm going to stick my neck out and say I was the only voter for three of my album choices.
― Long enough attention span for a Stephen Bissette blu-ray extra (aldo), Monday, 22 November 2021 22:43 (two years ago) link
only two, actually
― ufo, Monday, 22 November 2021 22:44 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/15UssxB.png9. The Great DestroyerReleased in 2005178 points, 19 voters
― ufo, Monday, 22 November 2021 22:45 (two years ago) link
I ranked Ones and Sixes higher but in the context of how many albums they have released and how comparatively overlooked it feels compared to their subsequent two albums, I think 10 is a good result.
I actually ranked The Great Destroyer ninth so very happy with that outcome!
― Tim F, Monday, 22 November 2021 22:46 (two years ago) link
just realized we should have waited until the ILM Artist Poll # hit 116
― just staying (Karl Malone), Monday, 22 November 2021 22:47 (two years ago) link
we're doing top 61 tracks (starting tomorrow) so
obviously the great destroyer is more of a traditionally 'indie rock' album than usual from them but it's so so good at that, i really love it.
― ufo, Monday, 22 November 2021 22:50 (two years ago) link
One thing that struck me about The Great Destroyer when I revisited it for the purpose of working out my ballot is how much its reputation seems shaped by "California" and "Just Stand Back". If you put those tracks to one side, it's a pretty dark and menacing album, and makes much more sense as an effective continuation of the previous two.
― Tim F, Monday, 22 November 2021 22:52 (two years ago) link
I didn't realise until the noms thread The Great Destroyer was so poorly appreciated. Even as an early stuff head I still think it's great.
― kraudive, Monday, 22 November 2021 22:53 (two years ago) link
you can hear a clear progression from "canada", "in the drugs", "last snowstorm of the year" etc. on it
it reminds me a bit of the rockier end of hail to the thief for whatever reason
― ufo, Monday, 22 November 2021 22:55 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/bmbxf6P.png8. Drums and GunsReleased in 2007196 points, 20 voters, 2 #1 votes
― ufo, Monday, 22 November 2021 22:56 (two years ago) link
Zak was just so disengaged on that tour (although we had a great chat about The Recidivist, which he was much more excited about) it coloured my opinion of it for a long time.
It wasn't helped by an inferior version of Silver Rider to the one on the Murderer ep either if I'm honest.
― Long enough attention span for a Stephen Bissette blu-ray extra (aldo), Monday, 22 November 2021 22:56 (two years ago) link
!!! that's awesome :D
― just staying (Karl Malone), Monday, 22 November 2021 22:57 (two years ago) link
drums and guns in at #10 for me, but tbh as far full-lengths go i have a pretty clear top 8 tier
― just staying (Karl Malone), Monday, 22 November 2021 22:58 (two years ago) link
xps he'd already committed to leave the band at that point (& had previously briefly done so after the trust tour), so that's not surprising
to me drums and guns is 4 or 5 great tracks that really justify the unique approach they took (though the panning is still really annoying) & the rest are just ok, it's unusually uneven for them
― ufo, Monday, 22 November 2021 23:00 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/MK1b1sY.png7. Secret NameReleased in 1999278 points, 25 voters, 1 #1 vote
― ufo, Monday, 22 November 2021 23:09 (two years ago) link
RONG
― licorice in the front, pizza in the rear (Whiney G. Weingarten), Monday, 22 November 2021 23:18 (two years ago) link
In my head Drums and Guns is quite uneven (the middle mainly), but when I return to it it doesn't really feel that way? "Hatchet" stands out (or rather, doesn't stand out) as a bit throwaway I guess.
I suppose it's more (for me) that the album has clear emotional peaks ("Breaker", "Take Your Time", "Murderer") and everything else kind of feels like the landscape formed around them - even if in another context some of that supporting material would seem really standout.
― Tim F, Monday, 22 November 2021 23:25 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/gUe9a6U.png6. HEY WHATReleased in 2021298 points, 27 voters
― ufo, Monday, 22 November 2021 23:29 (two years ago) link
not too shabby for an album that came out a little over two months ago
― donna rouge, Monday, 22 November 2021 23:30 (two years ago) link
Gah Secret Name is TOO LOW
― A Scampo Darkly (Le Bateau Ivre), Monday, 22 November 2021 23:32 (two years ago) link
I'm happy to see I wasn't the only person to put 'Drums & Guns' at #1.
But it being #8 and 'Secret Name' (my #3) at #7 suggests I love some different things about Low than most.
― Soundslike, Monday, 22 November 2021 23:33 (two years ago) link
secret name spent most of the voting period at #4, it only fell down to #7 near the end. it being that low is a little surprising to me, though it's not a personal favourite (it's a transitional record overshadowed by those either side of it imo)
i am a little surprised that people aren't higher on the fridmann period overall but i guess it's probably their most polarising? have not done the maths to confirm though
― ufo, Monday, 22 November 2021 23:41 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/77jqytu.png5. I Could Live in HopeReleased in 1994300 points, 25 voters, 2 #1 votes
When I compiled my albums list the top 6 had two albums from the 90s, 1 album from the 00s (i.e. Low's commercial peak I assume) and 3 albums from after the 00s. Which kind of underscored to me that there's not really a "thing" or even a small number of things that I like about Low.
I was also belatedly struck, after submitting my ballot, that when compiling my songs list it had not occurred to me to ever distinguish between songs sung by Alan, sung songs by Mimi and songs sung by both.
― Tim F, Monday, 22 November 2021 23:47 (two years ago) link
I Could Live In Hope is such an amazing album, a perfectly formed aesthetic straight out the gate. I find it really intriguing that it and Curtain are so captivating for me whereas Long Division mostly leaves me cold.
― Tim F, Monday, 22 November 2021 23:48 (two years ago) link
i remember reading in a fairly recent interview that they largely write songs separately but i'd never be able to tell that
― ufo, Monday, 22 November 2021 23:49 (two years ago) link
xpost Drums & Guns, it was the album I moved up my list the most after re-listening for the poll. Ended up putting 5 tracks on my ballot as well.
― that's not my post, Monday, 22 November 2021 23:49 (two years ago) link
long division is kinda an experiment with that early sound to see just how slow & sparse they could get but i agree the results aren't that compelling overall - the albums either side manage to push that aesthetic in much more interesting directions
― ufo, Monday, 22 November 2021 23:51 (two years ago) link
'Seceet Name' cemented my emotional connection with Low. And I think it's wonderfully (simply, subtly, warmly) produced, and has some of their strongest songs. I remember finding it odd that (at least in the UK where I was at the time) 'Things We Lost In The Fire' was so beloved and was seemingly their "breakthrough" album, as (while I loved it) it felt more diffuse and a bit more indifferently or at least less richly produced.
I'm guessing 'Trust' isn't going to place, which I also found more coherent and more interestingly produced than 'TWLITF'...
― Soundslike, Monday, 22 November 2021 23:53 (two years ago) link
HEY WHAT was my #2, but it really could have been 5th or something. it's in my top 8 for sure! I had Secret Name at 5th, as it goes, but it's probably my 2nd or 3rd all-time listened to low
― just staying (Karl Malone), Monday, 22 November 2021 23:54 (two years ago) link
xxpost in theory Long Division being the album of the 3 that sounds most like Durutti Column should appeal to me the most but I think the songs are mostly less strong and it also misses (for me at least) the beautiful guitar / bass interplay of the debut. Whereas the sound of the debut is totally hypnotic for me.
― Tim F, Monday, 22 November 2021 23:55 (two years ago) link
I always loved 'I Could Live In Hope' and 'Curtain' (the first two albums I heard circa '97), and always felt removed from 'Long Division' somewhat. Though I really love some of their tracks that push the minimalism sans prettiness to the extreme...
― Soundslike, Monday, 22 November 2021 23:55 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/loL1fJX.png4. The Curtain Hits the CastReleased in 1996 348 points, 29 voters, 4 #1 votes
― ufo, Monday, 22 November 2021 23:58 (two years ago) link
The album version of "Caroline" I like much, much less than the far starker and less pretty version on the 'Transmission' EP--maybe my favorite track of theirs for just pure desolation.
― Soundslike, Monday, 22 November 2021 23:58 (two years ago) link
Surprised this is only 4th! But I guess it makes sense on reflection (will avoid spelling out my prediction of the top 3 order). This is definitely my most listened-to Low album albeit was not my number 1. Transfixing from the very first note of "Anon".
― Tim F, Monday, 22 November 2021 23:59 (two years ago) link
I would say that it does seem like my top 10 albums ballot and ILM's top ten results will match, which is surprising to me.
― Tim F, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:00 (two years ago) link
it's a masterpiece & could very easily have been my #1
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:01 (two years ago) link
Surprised to see 'Curtain' that low (though I had it lower at #6, personally). Always thought that was the most beloved of fans who jumped off at 'Trust' and 'Drums & Guns,' which I thought was most of their older fans...
― Soundslike, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:02 (two years ago) link
My BF always complains when I play any other Low - he dismisses them as the Mamas and the Papas - but loves this album? But I don't know.
― Tim F, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:03 (two years ago) link
a gently flickering, barely there campfire. better at doing 'post-rock' than any 'post-rock' band
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:03 (two years ago) link
it had not occurred to me to ever distinguish between songs sung by Alan, sung songs by Mimi and songs sung by both.
Yeah I don't think it's a thing that makes sense to do with this band. It's not that you can't (wikipedia does) but sometimes the harmonies or counter lines by the other person are stronger than the "lead", it blurs the line of what an Alan-led or Mimi-led song is. The variation in that space is the band's strongest asset imo
― Vinnie, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:04 (two years ago) link
xp--has your BF heard 'Double Negative,' 'Drums & Guns,' 'Bombscare,' 'Trust'? Mamas and the Papas wow (though I could see Low doing a great 'California Dreaming" cover)
― Soundslike, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:05 (two years ago) link
xp - Agreed - a big part of their longevity for me is tied up in the way they find new ways to complicate that dynamic.
― Tim F, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:06 (two years ago) link
― Soundslike, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:05 (twenty-five seconds ago) bookmarkflaglink
In fairness I don't tend to play Double Negative or Drums & Guns or Hey What in front of him - it seems like asking for trouble.
― Tim F, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:12 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/9rMhKsz.png3. TrustReleased in 2002386 points, 27 voters, 4 #1 votes
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:12 (two years ago) link
i know there's quite a few huge trust fans here but it was still a little surprising to see it this high. it was the biggest beneficiary of the last two days of ballots though, it really shot up.
for most of the voting period the order of #3 - #7 was somewhere around the following:I Could Live In HopeThe Curtain Hits the CastSecret NameTrustHEY WHAT
which felt more expected?
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:14 (two years ago) link
to me Trust at #3 seems about right! (was #4 for me, and it was hard to decide)
― just staying (Karl Malone), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:15 (two years ago) link
it's good but not quite up with their best. the bookends are great but i think "the great destroyer" generally did the lighter parts of the album better & i don't find the darkest parts ("the lamb", "john prine" etc.) super compelling. but i can understand how that is exactly what some want out of low
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:18 (two years ago) link
what do you think about amazing grace?
― just staying (Karl Malone), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:24 (two years ago) link
i don't want that out of low every time - to me, 'the lamb' and 'amazing grace' in particular - but i they can do that kind of thing like no one else
"the bookends are great"
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:25 (two years ago) link
comeon c'mon!
― diamonddave85 (diamonddave85), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:27 (two years ago) link
drums & guns was my #2-- it was my LOW gateway drug so it really holds a special place in my heart. TOO LOW
― diamonddave85 (diamonddave85), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:28 (two years ago) link
in silence > murderer > violent past is probably the best run on an album they've done
https://i.imgur.com/PQOHE4D.png2. Things We Lost in the FireReleased in 2001390 points, 29 voters, 10 #1 votes
https://i.imgur.com/R6Zs01h.png1. Double NegativeReleased in 2018402 points, 28 voters, 7 #1 votes
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:29 (two years ago) link
appropriate #1. what a fucking album
― diamonddave85 (diamonddave85), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:30 (two years ago) link
wow! had DN as 2 and curtain as 1 but what a result
― donna rouge, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:33 (two years ago) link
I'm just going to say that I'm a little surprised and disappointed tbh.
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:34 (two years ago) link
Who else is correct and voted "Curtain" at #1?
these were always the top 2 (though trust got very close in the end) & i was surprised that they were such clear favourites - over half of all ballots voted for one of them as #1
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:35 (two years ago) link
A bit surprised Double Negative is #1 but it was my #1. It's probably in my top 25 albums of all time by this point. Truly remarkable album
Things We Lost in the Fire though... the album leaves me pretty cold and I don't get why it has such a strong rep. I'm happy to take "Laser Beam" and leave the rest
― Vinnie, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:35 (two years ago) link
things we lost in the fire feels like the culmination of latter day LOW while double negative feels like a culmination of mid-period LOW. both are incredible albums and i would've been fine with either one taking #1
― diamonddave85 (diamonddave85), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:37 (two years ago) link
A little surprised that Long Division didn't make it at all.
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:42 (two years ago) link
Has one of my favorite "creepy" Low songs on it— "Turn." Also "Throw Out the Line" and "Stay".
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:43 (two years ago) link
full results:
1. Double Negative - 402 points, 28 voters, 7 #1 votes2. Things We Lost in the Fire - 390 points, 29 voters, 10 #1 votes3. Trust - 386 points, 27 voters, 4 #1 votes4. The Curtain Hits the Cast - 348 points, 29 voters, 4 #1 votes5. I Could Live In Hope - 300 points, 25 voters, 2 #1 votes6. HEY WHAT - 298 points, 27 voters7. Secret Name - 278 points, 25 voters, 1 #1 vote8. Drums and Guns - 196 points, 20 voters, 2 #1 votes9. The Great Destroyer - 178 points, 19 voters10. Ones and Sixes - 176 points, 18 voters, 2 #1 votes11. Long Division - 128 points, 17 voters12. C'mon - 124 points, 15 voters13. Christmas - 62 points, 8 voters14. Bombscare - 54 points, 6 voters15. Songs for a Dead Pilot - 46 points, 5 voters16. The Invisible Way - 26 points, 4 voters17. Murderer - 22 points, 2 voters18. A Lifetime of Temporary Relief - 20 points, 2 voters19. The Exit Papers - 14 points, 2 voters19. One More Reason To Forget - 14 points, 1 voters21. In the Fishtank 7 - 10 points, 2 voters21. owL Remix - 10 points, 1 voters23. Live at Eindhoven - 2 points, 1 voters
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:45 (two years ago) link
Oh no
― kraudive, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:45 (two years ago) link
I'm going to be controversial and say that I like them, but I actually am genuinely befuddled by the extreme love for Double Negative...and tbh, the new one.
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:48 (two years ago) link
The general line on Trust is that it is inconsistent but I find it very consistent throughout, and it's Things We Lost... that feels patchy but with very high highs for me.
― Tim F, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:52 (two years ago) link
going to go through covers fairly quickly
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:52 (two years ago) link
10. Lord, Can You Hear Me?Originally performed by Spacemen 3, written by PierceReleased on the A Tribute To Spacemen 3 compilation & A Lifetime of Temporary Relief90 points, 9 votersStudio version
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:48 (four minutes ago) bookmarkflaglink
I'm curious to hear you unpack this a bit - you talked in the other thread about C'Mon and The Invisible Way but not these ones.
― Tim F, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:53 (two years ago) link
re: Double Negative, I can't think of another band that has made that kind of leap 25 years into their career
― Dan S, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:54 (two years ago) link
Things We Lost in the Fire though... the album leaves me pretty cold and I don't get why it has such a strong rep...
― Vinnie, Monday, November 22, 2021
I listened a few times through while voting, and in retrospect it seems a little distant and manicured to me. I don't remember thinking that at the time. I know that could be a criticism of Secret Name, too
― Dan S, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:55 (two years ago) link
i can understand longtime fans being somewhat alienated by double negative but at this point it's genuinely up there with like kid a, loveless etc. as far as pop-experimental rock albums go & it has some of their very best tunes even ignoring the production.
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:55 (two years ago) link
Yeah I said this previously but Double Negative has surprisingly indelible melodies.
― Tim F, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:57 (two years ago) link
Very few points separating Trust, Things We Lost, and DN. I had Things We Lost as #1. It was my gateway disc.
― that's not my post, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:58 (two years ago) link
voted for more tracks from Trust and The Great Destroyer than from any of their other albums. they were my #2 and #3
― Dan S, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 00:59 (two years ago) link
8. StayOriginally performed by Rihanna, written by Ekko/Parker/LoelvReleased as a single in 201392 points, 8 votersStudio version
8. Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved MeOriginally performed by The Smiths, written by Marr/MorrisseyReleased as as single in 2001 & on A Lifetime of Temporary Relief92 points, 7 voters, 1 #1 voteStudio version
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 01:01 (two years ago) link
Ended up being easier to rank than I thought - for me Fire, Trust, Double Negative, HW just absolutely nail an aesthetic start-to-finish with no dead weight, feel exceptionally replayable. Drums and Guns material is incredibly strong, but with the obvious production issue. Destroyer, Cast, Hope, Secret Name have really high highs but aren't quite top-to-bottom packed with favourites. The 2010 records are still strong but combined with songs that I really struggle to get on with - as much as I wish that weren't the case.
― matt h, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 01:03 (two years ago) link
I think the comparison to Kid A or Loveless is apt! The production is striking but underneath that are some very strong songs
xp to Dan: Secret Name is a bit stronger for me than Things We Lost so I kinda get why people like that one, but nothing from either album made my ballot. I guess the connection there is Albini but I've liked other albums he's produced
― Vinnie, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 01:05 (two years ago) link
yeah, that Albini produced those surprised me. I really liked Secret Name though, it was maybe too twee but it felt very intimate to me
― Dan S, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 01:08 (two years ago) link
7. Long Long LongOriginally performed by The Beatles, written by HarrisonReleased on the "Joan of Arc" single & A Lifetime of Temporary Relief96 points, 8 votersStudio version
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 01:09 (two years ago) link
Always thought this live version with strings https://v3.fastupload.co/file/9766 of the Last Night cover beat out the box set recording which bumped it up a few places.
― matt h, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 01:17 (two years ago) link
6. Blue-Eyed DevilOriginally performed & written by Soul CoughingReleased on the Teleconned Volume 1: We Want The Airwaves v/a compilation & A Lifetime of Temporary Relief108 points, 8 voters, 2 #1 votesStudio version
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 01:19 (two years ago) link
ooh what's the context of that live version, are there other tracks from the same performance with strings out there
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 01:22 (two years ago) link
HEY WHAT too Low! Long Division way too low. Oof.
― octobeard, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 01:30 (two years ago) link
5. Little Drummer BoyAs made famous by Harry Simeone Chorale, written by Simeone/Davis/OnoratiReleased on Christmas112 points, 8 voters, 1 #1 voteStudio version
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 01:35 (two years ago) link
Glad to see other voters put Little Drummer Boy on their list of covers. Christmas drone
― that's not my post, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 01:35 (two years ago) link
that was my favorite Christmas song as a little kid. I've heard it to death, but their version is very nice
― Dan S, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 01:38 (two years ago) link
4. I Started a JokeOriginally performed by The Bee Gees, written by Gibb/Gibb/GibbReleased on the Jabberjaw...Pure Sweet Hell v/a compilation & A Lifetime of Temporary Relief140 points, 9 voters, 2 #1 votesStudio version
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 01:46 (two years ago) link
Yay!
― licorice in the front, pizza in the rear (Whiney G. Weingarten), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 01:50 (two years ago) link
I don’t agree with all these crazy results but I love seeing em
I'm curious to hear you unpack this a bit - you talked in the other thread about C'Mon and The Invisible Way but not these ones.― Tim F, Monday, November 22, 2021 4:53 PM (forty-seven minutes ago) bookmarkflaglink
― Tim F, Monday, November 22, 2021 4:53 PM (forty-seven minutes ago) bookmarkflaglink
I think the issue for me is that they're both great albums, but at a certain point, DN has more in common with the kinetic aural density of like a Tim Hecker record than with the side of Low that I love best, which is sparse and expansive. Curtain is my #1 because it feels like an endless plain at dusk.
I love the earlier more experimental ambient Low tracks a lot, and sort of wish that these newer records went more in that direction-- instead, that sort of sonic palette seems to be applied to the more 'song-y' side of the band.
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 01:58 (two years ago) link
3. FearlessOriginally performed by Pink Floyd, written by Gilmour/WatersReleased on the "Canada" single & A Lifetime of Temporary Relief154 points, 12 voters, 1 #1 voteStudio version
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 01:59 (two years ago) link
yup xp
― donna rouge, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 02:00 (two years ago) link
if anything, the melodies on double negative seem to harken back to the sparser approach of the curtain hits the cast to me rather than the more 'pop' direction they'd been exploring for quite a while up until ones and sixes.
double negative was my #1 but curtain was my #2
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 02:01 (two years ago) link
Like, if anything, I want them to make more barebones tracks (like the really beautiful version of Silent Night) or lean heavier into the indeterminate warbling loops of "Shots & Ladders." Instead it feels a little more like they're really fucking around a lot with tracks from The Great Destroyer.
And maybe that's a part of it: the new records are really LOUD even when they're quiet, and I don't quite like that, tbh!
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 02:01 (two years ago) link
xpost Yeah - songs like "Always Up" or "Always Trying To Work It Out" or "Poor Sucker" remind me of say "Drag" or "Slide" or "Anon" or "Coattails": insistent rather than conventionally songful.
Hey What doesn't fit that comparison though - definitely reminds me of The Great Destroyer more than anything else.
I also agree that a more abstract / ambient approach would make sense as a next direction.
― Tim F, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 02:05 (two years ago) link
2. TransmissionOriginally performed by Joy Division, written by Curtis/Hook/Morris/SumnerReleased on Transmission EP156 points, 11 voters, 4 #1 votesStudio version
1. Low & Dirty Three - Down by the RiverOriginally performed by Neil Young & Crazy Horse, written by YoungReleased on In the Fishtank 7186 points, 12 voters, 5 #1 votesStudio version
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 02:08 (two years ago) link
a more abstract/ambient approach is something they've pretty strongly toyed with on the last two albums & they could easily push much further into that next time if they feel like it
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 02:09 (two years ago) link
the "down by the river" cover is pretty transcendent
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 02:14 (two years ago) link
here's the full covers results:
1. Down by the River - 186 points, 12 voters, 5 #1 votes2. Transmission - 156 points, 11 voters, 4 #1 votes3. Fearless - 154 points, 12 voters, 1 #1 vote4. I Started a Joke - 140 points, 9 voters, 2 #1 votes5. Little Drummer Boy - 112 points, 8 voters, 1 #1 vote6. Blue-Eyed Devil - 108 points, 8 voters, 2 #1 votes7. Long Long Long - 96 points, 8 voters8. Stay - 92 points, 8 voters8. Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me - 92 points, 7 voters, 1 #1 vote10. Lord, Can You Hear Me? - 90 points, 9 voters11. Back Home Again - 66 points, 5 voters12. I'm On Fire - 50 points, 5 voters13. Let's Stay Together - 50 points, 6 voters14. Sunshine - 44 points, 3 voters15. Carnival Queen - 42 points, 4 voters16. Blue Christmas - 32 points, 3 voters17. Surfer Girl - 28 points, 3 voters18. ...I Love - 26 points, 4 voters19. Heartbeat - 24 points, 4 voters19. Nowhere Man - 24 points, 3 voters21. War on War - 20 points, 1 voter, 1 #1 vote22. Silent Night - 18 points, 2 voters23. Open Arms - 2 points, 1 voter
i'll be back starting the tracks countdown tomorrow, starting a little earlier probably
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 02:15 (two years ago) link
i was one of the #1s for "down by the river." i had "i'm on fire" at #2, glad to see other ppl voted for it too
― donna rouge, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 02:17 (two years ago) link
xxp
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Monday, November 22, 2021
that's interesting. makes me realize I love that when Low as a soft band became really loud - there was something about that to me
― Dan S, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 02:18 (two years ago) link
my favorite of their covers is pretty easily “blue-eyed devil”. wish soul coughing sounded like that (ok not really)
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 02:55 (two years ago) link
The first 60-80 minutes of that covers list would make a pretty good album tbh
― licorice in the front, pizza in the rear (Whiney G. Weingarten), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 03:03 (two years ago) link
They're a band I'd love to see do a covers record.
Or honestly, given the territory they're ik sonically the last few years, and self-covers record in their current sound-world would be pretty awesome (a la The Knife's 'Shaken Up Versions').
― Soundslike, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 03:10 (two years ago) link
For a little reading before the songs rollout--found the interview Alan graciously did with me almost 20 years ago, when 'Trust' had leaked but not yet been issued. Some pretty interesting thoughts in his responses (no thanks to my amateur fan-perspective questions), and observations that ring as true 28 years into the story of Low as (at the time) 8 years in.
It was so cool of him to do the email-based interview--as I mention in the preable, I had no outlet for an interview and wasn't in any way a professional, but he took the time while they were on tour.
http://www.trustlow.com/articles/2002-10-30_popmatters.php
― Soundslike, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 03:25 (two years ago) link
Great album poll results, I think the only one I had that didn’t place was “In the Fishtank.” I’d be very curious about how the Burton produced albums are rated in ten years or so. They have this Berlin-era Bowie vibe for me right.
Unsurprisingly, I find “Double Negative” to be their “Low”!
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 03:33 (two years ago) link
xp that was a really good interview, Soundslike
― Dan S, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 03:41 (two years ago) link
Things We Lost in the FireHEY WHATDouble NegativeTrustSecret NameI Could Live in HopeThe Curtain Hits the CastLong DivisionOnes and SixesDrums and Guns
― just staying (Karl Malone), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 05:31 (two years ago) link
I was the only vote for their cover of "War on War," it's awesome. (I've never heard the original.)
― Freeze Instr., Tuesday, 23 November 2021 05:39 (two years ago) link
I like the cover of "Fearless" because the song itself rules, but they don't really do anything with it. Unlike "Down by the River" and "Transmission," they don't make it a Low song.
I ultimately cut all covers from my Top 30 ballot, but "Down" and "Trans." were the last to go.
― Hideous Lump, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 07:24 (two years ago) link
My #1 was Ones and Sixes, I really can get lost in that album, which is very consistent and like an enclosed universe. Double Negative probably gives a similar impression. I voted for Long Division over I could live in hope, both high in my ballot, surprised this album is not more loved. Trust, Things We Lost in the Fire, and The Curtain Hits the Cast (voted for in that order next to each other) I find of similar strength, with many highlights, but with passages that occasionally keep me at bay over an album length.
― Nabozo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 09:26 (two years ago) link
Curtain was my #1. I'm actually surprised less of the current era fans get behind it, not least because of the imperious DYKHTW - which unsurprisingly became the centrepiece of touring Double Negative since it"s clearly the progenitor in their history.
Who else was the Exit Papers voter? Love that record.
― Long enough attention span for a Stephen Bissette blu-ray extra (aldo), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 09:43 (two years ago) link
I didn't expect "Things We Lost in the Fire" to get the most #1 votes, at least not by that margin. It was my #2, and DN my #1, so I can't really complain.
Their covers have never done much for me, having not heard most of them, I didn't send a covers ballot. "Transmission" is too slow (a dumb and obvious thing to say, but it is what it is), "Lord Can You Hear Me?" is one of the worst songs on an otherwise excellent S3 tribute album. "Sunshine" works as a stylistic coda to "I Could Live In Hope" but is otherwise bland and uninspired. I do like the Smiths cover though.
― NoTimeBeforeTime, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 10:10 (two years ago) link
Enjoyed reading that interview Soundslike, first time I read his thoughts outside their music, thanks for sharing !
― Nabozo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 10:30 (two years ago) link
A day behind here but I did not expect those album results - was sure Curtain would be a runaway #1, Things We Lost and Trust were my top two so I'm happy to see the love for them. I know it's early days but I think Hey What improves slightly on Double Negative, just a bit stronger melodically.
― Gavin, Leeds, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 12:44 (two years ago) link
Hey What is more accessible because on that one vs DN the vocals are not also buried in noise, and that discrepancy sounds more powerful to me as a result as well.
― Evan, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 13:03 (two years ago) link
man, that "down by the river" cover is something else
― Nedlene Grendel as Basenji Holmo (map), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 17:17 (two years ago) link
i am unfortunately awake far too early so i'll kick off the tracks rollout soon
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 18:39 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/itAHVla.png61. I RememberReleased on Secret Name (1999)176 points, 5 votersStudio versionAlternate version (released on "Immune" single)
https://i.imgur.com/InlDTd8.png61. NightingaleReleased on C'mon (2011)176 points, 5 votersStudio version
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 18:50 (two years ago) link
almost voted for 'I Remember'! one of many Low songs that are perfect in the context of the album its on
― just staying (Karl Malone), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 18:52 (two years ago) link
Love "I Remember," and it was one of the last I cut from my list of tracks.
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 18:55 (two years ago) link
Who did the images?
― licorice in the front, pizza in the rear (Whiney G. Weingarten), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 18:56 (two years ago) link
it's all my work
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 18:59 (two years ago) link
for those who are into such things
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1GrLJ5GUNVF4UJtRDA9iT0?si=ea3c57f12296426f
― just staying (Karl Malone), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 19:00 (two years ago) link
Images are v nice ufo, good work
― licorice in the front, pizza in the rear (Whiney G. Weingarten), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 19:00 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/u3J7sDx.png60. GentleReleased on Ones and Sixes (2015)177 points, 6 votersStudio version
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 19:09 (two years ago) link
ah thanks whiney, my graphic design skills are fairly amateur but i'm quite happy with how most of the images for this turned out
i'm a big fan of "gentle", my favourite from ones and sixes. probably the most direct predecessor to double negative? the slight shift halfway through is wonderful
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 19:12 (two years ago) link
Ones and 60s
― licorice in the front, pizza in the rear (Whiney G. Weingarten), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 19:16 (two years ago) link
I Remember was my #5. The layers of tape hiss make it feel like some mysterious recovered broadcast from a ghostly numbers station.
Low should have played the Roadhouse in Twin Peaks season 3.
― Hideous Lump, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 19:19 (two years ago) link
Good call
― licorice in the front, pizza in the rear (Whiney G. Weingarten), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 19:27 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/OBUpf8m.png58. Like a ForestReleased on Things We Lost In The Fire (2001)186 points, 6 votersMusic video
https://i.imgur.com/v5An7Mn.png58. Spanish TranslationReleased on Ones and Sixes (2015)186 points, 7 voters, 1 #1 voteStudio version
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 19:35 (two years ago) link
Whoever put Spanish Translation at #1, I will buy you a beer
― Jimmy Iovine Eat World (bernard snowy), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 19:42 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/8fcmPk4.png57. Days Like TheseReleased on HEY WHAT (2021)202 points, 7 votersMusic video
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 19:57 (two years ago) link
I'll have that beer. As incomprehensible as it will be for some, I hesitated between Gentle, Spanish Translation, Caroline and Anon as #1. I think it's the combination of softness, delicate harmonies, hisses that have won my heart over. I'd play Spanish Translation as an introduction to the band, it's caressing and abrasive, drifting, the vocal line is addictive, love Mimi's backing vocals too. I guess it speaks of the talent of the band that you can vote for almost any of their songs as #1.
― Nabozo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 19:58 (two years ago) link
"everything once within reason" <3 <3 <3
i dig that alternate version of "i remember" with mimi on vocals that sounds like a lost factory recordings track
― donna rouge, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 20:09 (two years ago) link
"Like a Forest" is a song of theirs that was the last one cut from TWLITF for me, mostly because I used to *hate* it, yet in the past few years it's become one of my favorite tracks on that particular record.
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 20:13 (two years ago) link
One thing I've noticed with Low is how one single line perfectly sung can make you fall in love with a song'It doesn't have to end this way'
― Nabozo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 20:14 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/jdbZn3t.png55. BelarusReleased on Drums and Guns (2007)206 points, 6 votersMusic video
https://i.imgur.com/526cNqg.png55. John PrineReleased on Trust (2002)206 points, 7 votersStudio version
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 20:21 (two years ago) link
xp to Nabozo: I spaced out and forgot to submit my ballot, but "Caroline" would have been my #1
― Jimmy Iovine Eat World (bernard snowy), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 20:25 (two years ago) link
John Prine is such a weird song to me, it's like a match going out. It seems like it's setting you up for another big crescendo and then it just slowwwwly fades away.
― cwkiii, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 20:27 (two years ago) link
one of their creepiest/funniest songs
― donna rouge, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 20:29 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/ivNfyCs.png54. SoonReleased on Secret Name (1999)216 points, 8 voters, 1 #1 voteStudio version
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 20:37 (two years ago) link
There are some really funny moments on Trust, for all of its doom and gloom
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 20:37 (two years ago) link
i couldn't quite fit "belarus" on my ballot but it's a fascinating direction i wish they'd explored further
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 20:39 (two years ago) link
Roll out reminding me of all the great songs I left off my ballot.
― that's not my post, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 20:51 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/gXLOGqz.png53. Low, Piano Magic & Transient Waves - Sleep at the BottomReleased as a single (1998) & on A Lifetime of Temporary Relief233 points, 8 voters, 1 #1 voteStudio version
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 21:00 (two years ago) link
No real complaints but just noting there's already been 7 songs that didn't make my top 50. I picked a ton of TWLITF songs but not "In a Forest," and I like a lot of Ones and Sixes but I think only one song made my top 50. I'm going to be really interested in seeing what I chose that doesn't place at all.
― sctttnnnt (pgwp), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 21:06 (two years ago) link
That single really does use Comic Sans
― licorice in the front, pizza in the rear (Whiney G. Weingarten), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 21:17 (two years ago) link
it's one of the best fonts out there
― just staying (Karl Malone), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 21:17 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/ZhggrLN.png52. Dancing and BloodReleased on Double Negative (2018)237 points, 7 votersMusic videoLive at NOX ORAE 2019
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 21:22 (two years ago) link
oh i should have mentioned, 175 different tracks were voted for
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 21:23 (two years ago) link
XD
― licorice in the front, pizza in the rear (Whiney G. Weingarten), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 21:29 (two years ago) link
Cool, glad to see Sleep at the Bottom make it (which reminds me, hats off to the other A Lifetime of Temporary Relief voter in the albums section).
― Gavin, Leeds, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 21:44 (two years ago) link
only four of the songs announced so far were on my ballot. "dancing and blood" was in my top ten
― donna rouge, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 21:50 (two years ago) link
I forgot to vote for "Sleep at the Bottom" because thinking about all the material on A Liftime... was too exhausting a proposition, but it's lovely. Reminds me of A.R. Kane's 69 but prettier.
― Tim F, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 21:53 (two years ago) link
the graphic design here is so sweet & it's so good to see the best band in the world getting so much love.
― maelin, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 21:57 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/qT2u2xY.png50. Especially MeReleased on C'mon (2011)238 points, 9 voters, 1 #1 voteMusic video
https://i.imgur.com/o1BZTnP.png50. MoreReleased on HEY WHAT (2021)238 points, 10 voters, 1 #1 voteMusic video
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 21:58 (two years ago) link
5 of the first 10 tracks garnered a #1 vote. Shows the depth of the catalog and how everyone finds their own personal Low track.
― that's not my post, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 22:16 (two years ago) link
'Soon' was my number one. Beautiful song.
― ceci n'est pas une messi (cajunsunday), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 22:17 (two years ago) link
As I mentioned on the other thread, I did unranked for tracks. Don't know how the rest of you did it.
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 22:19 (two years ago) link
By picking a solid top 5 and ballparking the rest
― Hideous Lump, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 22:34 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/HQi1J1Y.png49. ImmuneReleased on Secret Name (1999)250 points, 5 voters, 1 #1 voteStudio version
I think there is a music video for this one but it's the only one that's not on YouTube
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 22:38 (two years ago) link
“John Prine” was one of those tracks that hung off the list for awhile but roped itself back into orbit. Kinda has a later-era Swans vibe going.
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 22:40 (two years ago) link
i'd forgotten that alan & mimi do sing on swans' "lunacy" until digging deep for this poll
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 22:43 (two years ago) link
I remember being shocked that the last song on HW was the only one to have drums in it because it sounds so much like there are some buried in the heaviness of “More.” Great Mimi cut.
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 22:43 (two years ago) link
God bless whoever put "Especially Me" as their #1. It's underrated.
― sctttnnnt (pgwp), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 22:44 (two years ago) link
they did a lot of heavy side-chaining with the drums on most of hey what before removing the drums from the mix so there's still the ghost of them there pretty much. i think there might still be some electronic pulses too, but "the price you pay" is the only one with live drums for sure
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 22:56 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/S5potwi.png48. AnonReleased on The Curtain Hits The Cast (1996)257 points, 7 votersStudio version
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 22:57 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/5uJmgDV.png47. Just Like ChristmasReleased on Christmas (1999)266 points, 7 votersStudio version
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 23:24 (two years ago) link
xpost the last 5 songs really capture Low's diversity pretty well. I only voted for "Anon" of these, but all of them were on my long list before I chopped it down.
― Tim F, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 23:26 (two years ago) link
Absolutely that, voted Especially Me and Just Like Christmas quite high. I can see the latter being dismissed by hardcore fans possibly? To me it's a classic and integral to my festive activities!
― kraudive, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 23:37 (two years ago) link
i never quite got into their christmas tunes. might have to remedy that this year
― diamonddave85 (diamonddave85), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 23:38 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/V1Rs7TN.png46. VenusReleased as a single (1999) & on A Lifetime of Temporary Relief270 points, 11 voters16 points for "Venus (Time Stereo Dub Mix)"Studio versionTime Stereo Dub mix
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 23:45 (two years ago) link
another that didn't quite make my ballot but is still excellent
of a piece with "over the ocean"
― ufo, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 23:46 (two years ago) link
Just Like Christmas is Top 5 for me!
― sctttnnnt (pgwp), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 23:50 (two years ago) link
Me too!
Especially Me was my #1.
― cwkiii, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 23:53 (two years ago) link
John Prine was my #2 and lots of others were my votes. Venus just outside the top 10.
I would have laid hard cash Just Like Christmas would have been top 10 in the poll.
― Long enough attention span for a Stephen Bissette blu-ray extra (aldo), Tuesday, 23 November 2021 23:56 (two years ago) link
I always play Christmas obsessively at this time of the year. I also love the lyrics for "Just Like Christmas", they really capture how memories can be both vague and sharp simultaneously.
― Tim F, Tuesday, 23 November 2021 23:57 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/kBxtZbo.png45. Always UpReleased on Double Negative (2018)271 points, 6 votersStudio versionLive at NOX ORAE 2019
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 00:02 (two years ago) link
top 10 for me, love that organ & bass flute
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 00:03 (two years ago) link
they really capture how memories can be both vague and sharp simultaneously.
In many ways one of the greatest evocations of memory in all of art, some vague facts or ideas linked with a couple of specific points.
― Long enough attention span for a Stephen Bissette blu-ray extra (aldo), Wednesday, 24 November 2021 00:11 (two years ago) link
"Trust" the hardest to whittle down, but across all the records it seemed the angrier, weirder-production tracks like John Prine remained standing and left a much stronger impression over the breezier Canadas and Californias. I guess it's the name of the game, but still painful to fit into the 30. Maybe they felt cul-de-sac'd by the same since the last two records.
― matt h, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 00:15 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/PU8peJD.png44. LiesReleased on Ones and Sixes (2015)273 points, 9 votersMusic video
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 00:16 (two years ago) link
one of the highlights from ones and sixes but i couldn't quite get it on my ballot
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 00:30 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/G1mwVPw.png43. JulyReleased on Things We Lost In The Fire (2001)274 points, 10 votersMusic video
'always up' was my #2-- such a beautiful song. i think the only reason it's not my #1 is because i've only lived with it for a few years
― diamonddave85 (diamonddave85), Wednesday, 24 November 2021 00:48 (two years ago) link
I love the triptych of "Always Up" / "Always Trying To Work It Out" / "Always In The Dark" - feels like a real descent.
― Tim F, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 00:50 (two years ago) link
Happy to see some of the C'mon tracks make it, after the album DNPed in the albums poll. "Nightingale" is one of those tracks that might sound generic or sleepy to some, but to me has an ineffable beauty
Very impressed by the variety of the tracks so far, what a band
― Vinnie, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 00:51 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/lyJT2xI.png42. CaliforniaReleased on The Great Destroyer (2005)276 points, 9 votersMusic video
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 00:52 (two years ago) link
Xp the word "Always" falls on the same beats in all three songs, makes me wonder if they were all born out of the same idea
― Vinnie, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 00:52 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/Tcj5iLG.png41. The Price You Pay (It Must Be Wearing Off)Released on HEY WHAT (2021)277 points, 9 votersStudio version
last one for today. i really meant to get through these a little quicker but i got distracted. probably should have settled for stopping at 46, oh well
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 00:58 (two years ago) link
one of my favorites from the new one. the way mimi's voice is consumed by and struggles with the noize section is incredible
― diamonddave85 (diamonddave85), Wednesday, 24 November 2021 03:05 (two years ago) link
yes, one of my faves as well, and in my top 10
― just staying (Karl Malone), Wednesday, 24 November 2021 03:17 (two years ago) link
I didn't vote for anything from HEY WHAT more out of principle -- too new, too many other great Low songs -- but in all fairness should have voted for The Price You Pay and one or two others. If this poll had happened next year then I probably would have.
― NoTimeBeforeTime, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 05:02 (two years ago) link
“Venus” was a really lovely surprise while doing a deep dive through their Temporary Relief comp.
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 07:03 (two years ago) link
So far I've voted for Gentle, Spanish Translation, Dancing and Blood (love that pulse sound), Especially Me, Lies, Anon (too low ! that sustained note in the near-void) and July. Would have liked to vote for Immune, it was one of the last one to go.
― Nabozo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 07:49 (two years ago) link
For me, John Prine is the centrepiece of Trust, it feels like an exercise to produce a seven minute track with the maximum amount of space between the notes (even for Low). It encapsulates what the album is about, at least for me, and that's why I voted for it even though I don't think it's necessarily the best song on the album.
I just realized that Pissing (on GD) has the same chord progression (I think) as John Prine and sees them taking that exercise to the opposite extreme -- maximize the number of notes filling up the space between simple chord changes.
― NoTimeBeforeTime, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 08:55 (two years ago) link
July ended up being my #3, they restrain themselves from taking the brakes off and doing the more maximal sun-breaking-through-the-melancholy a lot more than I remembered but when they do (Like a Forest, Soon, Will the Night etc) it's devastatingly effective.
― matt h, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 09:11 (two years ago) link
I was the #1 voter for Immune. Secret Name was my route into Low after I had a real 'moment' with Immune during the John Peel Festive 50 countdown in late-Dec 1999 - it was played unannounced and felt so much more insistent and coiled and warm than I'd previously perceived them to be; I was really surprised and delighted when I found out who it was.
California also in my top 5 - such an addictive track!, and really interesting that this and Just Like Christmas haven't just defaulted to top 10 placings. I think that (from a UK perspective at least), these two are kind of 'the hits'.
― technopolis, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 09:21 (two years ago) link
A little shocked that Anon was so low, but then again I'm shocked that Curtain wasn't voted #1 album.
I'm starting to think I should have ranked my tracks so I'd agree with this list more.
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Wednesday, 24 November 2021 11:47 (two years ago) link
Immune and California both in my top 10 - Immune is such a simple song but it's totally perfect; California maybe not totally representative of The Great Destroyer but it definitely unlocked that album for me.
― Gavin, Leeds, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 15:27 (two years ago) link
only voted for one of these tracks so far, but I like a lot of them!
― Dan S, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 16:35 (two years ago) link
I've been thinking a lot about any reasons beyond sentiment and age that might influence my feelings toward Low's output, and I realize that there might be something about the earlier albums *lyrically* that could be part of it. The lyrics of the early records feel hermetic and cryptic yet strangely associative and narrativizing (I think of "Mom Says" or "Cut" as good examples). Starting around "The Great Destroyer," there was a sense (for me) that their lyric was expanding and becoming more outward-facing, and I think that the more recent records certainly put that in relief, in that they're pretty direct sociopolitical statements. And maybe that's why the more threatening and cryptic vibes of tracks like "Murderer" or "Take Your Time" or "Dancing and Blood" tend to be the tracks from the later records that feel most like older Low to me, and why I like them best of the newer stuff...there's something about suggestion that is much more interesting to me than directness.
That could just be me spitballing too much, tho.
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Wednesday, 24 November 2021 17:18 (two years ago) link
so far:61. Nightingale - 176 points, 5 voters61. I Remember - 176 points, 5 voters60. Gentle - 177 points, 6 voters58. Spanish Translation - 186 points, 7 voters, 1 #1 vote58. Like a Forest - 186 points, 6 voters57. Days Like These - 202 points, 7 voters55. John Prine - 206 points, 7 voters55. Belarus - 206 points, 6 voters54. Soon - 216 points, 8 voters, 1 #1 vote53. Sleep at the Bottom - 233 points, 8 voters, 1 #1 vote52. Dancing and Blood - 237 points, 7 voters50. More - 238 points, 10 voters, 1 #1 vote50. Especially Me - 238 points, 9 voters, 1 #1 vote49. Immune - 250 points, 5 voters, 1 #1 vote48. Anon - 257 points, 7 voters47. Just Like Christmas - 266 points, 7 voters46. Venus - 270 points, 11 voters45. Always Up - 271 points, 6 voters44. Lies - 273 points, 9 voters43. July - 274 points, 10 voters42. California - 276 points, 9 voters41. The Price You Pay (It Must Be Wearing Off) - 277 points, 9 voters
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 20:16 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/9nQOrwL.png40. TempestReleased on Double Negative (2018)278 points, 7 votersStudio versionEarthQuaker Session
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 20:17 (two years ago) link
What is that thing on the cover anyway
― licorice in the front, pizza in the rear (Whiney G. Weingarten), Wednesday, 24 November 2021 20:18 (two years ago) link
some sort of mask i think
― diamonddave85 (diamonddave85), Wednesday, 24 November 2021 20:25 (two years ago) link
i really love "tempest", those waves of sidechained distortion are gorgeous
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 20:31 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/whaWxK5.png39. Last Snowstorm of the YearReleased on Trust (2002)279 points, 8 votersStudio version
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 20:32 (two years ago) link
I love Tempest so much! I discovered that EarthQuaker session yesterday while following the rollout, and looked back in disbelief at how low I had it on my ballot. Really a perfect summation of what's so great about Double Negative: there are amazing, amazing songs at its core.
― cwkiii, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 20:38 (two years ago) link
Last Snowstorm of the Year is also incredible. :)
― cwkiii, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 20:39 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/XX4CDB1.png37. WhitetailReleased on Things We Lost In The Fire (2001)285 points, 8 votersMusic video
https://i.imgur.com/GpBCMwN.png37. LandslideReleased on Ones and Sixes (2015)285 points, 11 votersStudio version
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 20:46 (two years ago) link
I know you can probably say something like this about pretty much any song so far, but how does the band that wrote Landslide have 36 better songs? They really might be the best band.
― cwkiii, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 20:52 (two years ago) link
I am here for the content-free filler while everyone else is busy.
Oh shit, they're playing here in February! I should snag tickets.
― Josh in Chicago, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 20:53 (two years ago) link
“tempest” didn’t make my ballot but it’s a really incredible track - those last 30 seconds where it sounds like the band is drowning
― donna rouge, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 21:00 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/nEItCQr.png35. Weight of WaterReleased on Secret Name (1999)291 points, 9 voters, 1 #1 voteMusic video
https://i.imgur.com/cUMZQMo.png35. No ComprendeReleased on Ones and Sixes (2015)291 points, 11 votersStudio version
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 21:00 (two years ago) link
“whitetail” otoh did make my ballot - amazing creeping dread
― donna rouge, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 21:01 (two years ago) link
I had Weight of Water at number one and I can't quite believe that it's so far down in the rankingsSame for Whitetail which was second in my list
― treefell, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 21:02 (two years ago) link
Hearing "No Comprende" the last time I saw them live was the precise moment where I recognized, whoa, I clearly didn't give "Ones and Sixes" the time and attention it deserved.
― Josh in Chicago, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 21:03 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/nm1a8s8.png34. Broadway (So Many People)Released on The Great Destroyer (2005)302 points, 7 votersStudio version
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 21:15 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/PtF6Tfu.png33. The LambReleased on Trust (2002)303 points, 7 voters, 1 #1 voteStudio version
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 21:30 (two years ago) link
I guess for the 25th time I am going to need to give Trust another try to see why you all rate it so highly amongst all their albums. Like all things Low I love every album but I still have always placed this album near the bottom of my personal rankings. And I only nominated one song in my top 30.
― sctttnnnt (pgwp), Wednesday, 24 November 2021 21:33 (two years ago) link
Whitetail way too lowwwwwwwwww
― licorice in the front, pizza in the rear (Whiney G. Weingarten), Wednesday, 24 November 2021 21:33 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/09hXPao.png31. Violent PastReleased on Drums and Guns (2007)310 points, 10 voters, 1 #1 voteStudio versionLive 2013
https://i.imgur.com/3HepswN.png31. Will the NightReleased on Songs For A Dead Pilot (1997) & Secret Name (1999)310 points, 11 voters, 1 #1 vote56 points for the Songs For A Dead Pilot versionSongs For A Dead Pilot music videoSecret Name versionPeel SessionDemo
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 21:47 (two years ago) link
Woah. Some serious TOO low placings here. Weight of Water - I thought was a lock for Top Ten. I adore Broadway but I can see how it may not be everyone's idea of Low.
I'm a Dead Pilots voter for Will The Night. In retrospect it's another of those recordings that sound a little like the early stuff. A bit more ambient maybe.
Dead Pilots was my entry level to Low and I'm a little concerned my Number one might not make it?
― kraudive, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 21:59 (two years ago) link
There are number one places all over the place here. This is unprecedented, right?
― kraudive, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 22:00 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/xstlYtJ.png30. White HorsesReleased on HEY WHAT (2021)331 points, 10 votersMusic video
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 22:01 (two years ago) link
there is not a huge amount of consensus with the #1 votes yeah
not sure exactly how unusual that is though
The Lamb was my #1. Every distant creak and reverberant stomp is magical to my ears.
― Hideous Lump, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 22:01 (two years ago) link
I could probably have specified the Dead Pilot version to be honest because that's the one I prefer.
― Long enough attention span for a Stephen Bissette blu-ray extra (aldo), Wednesday, 24 November 2021 22:03 (two years ago) link
The Lamb is astonishing.
I think the fitting irony of “Too LOW” is that the complaint really applies to anything in the roll-out that misses the top ten.
― Tim F, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 22:03 (two years ago) link
love all of the last three
"will the night" is great in both versions, the dead pilot version is proto-grouper & the secret name version makes the most of strings out of any of their tracks
"white horses" is my favourite from hey what, those guitar textures are incredible
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 22:05 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/Jsn50Td.png29. Shots & LaddersReleased on Trust (2002)352 points, 14 voters2 points for "Shots & Ladders 2" (from the "Canada" single & A Lifetime of Temporary Relief)Trust versionShots & Ladders 2
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 22:15 (two years ago) link
a lot of the ones I voted for are now showing up. The Lamb is the first track so far that is top 10 for me
― Dan S, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 22:20 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/qwaodUD.png28. BreakerReleased on Drums and Guns (2007)370 points, 13 voters20 points for "Breaker (Dub Plate)"Music videoLive at L'Omnibus 2007Retribution Gospel Choir versionBreaker (Dub Plate) (yes, it's mislabeled)
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 22:31 (two years ago) link
while the live version would have been great on a great destroyer 2, the sparseness of the studio version's arrangement has a real power to it
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 22:41 (two years ago) link
my hand just kills and killsthere’s gotta be an end to that
D&G stuff got a big bump for me thanks to DN and HW- and the “Breaker” video is top tier
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 22:44 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/MaRXqke.png27. ShameReleased on Long Division (1995)394 points, 13 votersMusic video
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 22:45 (two years ago) link
I voted for the Breaker (Dub Plate), and earlier for Venus (Time Stereo Dub Mix). After the first few records I get most excited about Low when their template gets distressed or abstracted.
― Freeze Instr., Wednesday, 24 November 2021 22:48 (two years ago) link
the time stereo dub mix of "venus" is great yeah
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 22:49 (two years ago) link
i'm not huge on long division but "shame" is one of the real gems from it
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 22:52 (two years ago) link
I never knew they had all these alternative rock-era music videos for their Vernon Yard records!
― licorice in the front, pizza in the rear (Whiney G. Weingarten), Wednesday, 24 November 2021 22:53 (two years ago) link
I love Long Division as a limit-case of their early form, but I get how it can be kind of a tough hang.
― Freeze Instr., Wednesday, 24 November 2021 22:57 (two years ago) link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbCF2OqZOfEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AESrPcQRgc0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_3q0_m7JCY
― licorice in the front, pizza in the rear (Whiney G. Weingarten), Wednesday, 24 November 2021 22:58 (two years ago) link
didn’t specify this version on my ballot but the IG live performance of “breaker” literally brought me to tears
― donna rouge, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 22:59 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/YKedsTm.png26. In The DrugsReleased on Trust (2002)397 points, 14 votersStudio version
last one for today
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 23:00 (two years ago) link
i think “shame” was my sole long division vote
― donna rouge, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 23:01 (two years ago) link
Looks like 120 Minutes played "Shame" once, as the final video on July 9, 1995
And "Over the Ocean" once, also as the final video, on December 15, 1996
― licorice in the front, pizza in the rear (Whiney G. Weingarten), Wednesday, 24 November 2021 23:02 (two years ago) link
secret name had a lot of videos, "weight of water", "don't understand", "home" and "immune" all got videos but they're not officially uploaded on youtube & some of them aren't there at all
& i was kinda amazed that the songs for a dead pilot "will the night" got a video
― ufo, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 23:03 (two years ago) link
I’m not generally big on lyrics but those of In The Drugs completely get to me.
― Jeff W, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 23:07 (two years ago) link
Same here - I first came to it via the video on the DVD that came with the box set (I haven't seen any of those clips in a long time though).
Weight of Water is one I'd overlooked until I went through the albums again. Shots and Ladders another great track - probably my favourite album closer of theirs?
― Gavin, Leeds, Wednesday, 24 November 2021 23:20 (two years ago) link
“Shame” was the only Long Division track to make the ballot for me as well, though “Violence” came close.
― Tim F, Thursday, 25 November 2021 01:03 (two years ago) link
I included 4 from Long Division in my top 30, but none in the top 10.
My ballot favored early Low.
― Freeze Instr., Thursday, 25 November 2021 01:40 (two years ago) link
y’all need to get right with your opinions about “stay” and “below & above”
long division > i could live in hope (sorry)
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Thursday, 25 November 2021 01:47 (two years ago) link
I ranked Long Division third on my albums list, it's awesome.
― Freeze Instr., Thursday, 25 November 2021 01:53 (two years ago) link
I keep saying this but it blows my mind that anyone could rank a song like "Broadway" over a song like "Whitetail."
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Thursday, 25 November 2021 01:58 (two years ago) link
I wouldn't even out "Broadway" in my top 80 or 100
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Thursday, 25 November 2021 01:59 (two years ago) link
I swear if the top ten are all from post-Trust albums I will absolutely lose it.
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Thursday, 25 November 2021 02:00 (two years ago) link
yeah "Shame" is in my Low top 5 trax
― weekend at brony's (rip van wanko), Thursday, 25 November 2021 02:08 (two years ago) link
there's a r/indieheads low poll i can point you to that has most of its top 10 from ones and sixes
― ufo, Thursday, 25 November 2021 02:15 (two years ago) link
xp
I love Broadway
― Dan S, Thursday, 25 November 2021 02:40 (two years ago) link
i also love broadway and almost suggested BROADWAY….SO MANY PEO-POLL as the name for this thread
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Thursday, 25 November 2021 02:47 (two years ago) link
Great album poll results, I think the only one I had that didn’t place was “In the Fishtank.” I’d be very curious about how the Burton produced albums are rated in ten years or so. They have this Berlin-era Bowie vibe for me right.Unsurprisingly, I find “Double Negative” to be their “Low”!― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Monday, November 22, 2021 10:33 PM
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Monday, November 22, 2021 10:33 PM
I thought of this post tonight, and was thinking about a similar analogy with Eno's work with Talking Heads, where their first record together has more of a "traditional" producer/band dynamic, and then goes on to become more of a collaboration over the next few records, eventually down to similar setups where the band lays down tracks, leaves, and the producer does their thing.
― cwkiii, Thursday, 25 November 2021 03:20 (two years ago) link
"Shame" made my ballot and "Violence" would have if we could extend it a few more places. Long Division is not one of my favorites, but still a solid listen with those highs
― Vinnie, Thursday, 25 November 2021 04:58 (two years ago) link
I just realized that Pissing (on GD) has the same chord progression (I think) as John Prine and sees them taking that exercise to the opposite extreme
Yeah, I think "Majesty/Magic" also uses the same progression (and just sounds like a lesser version of John Prine in general). "Pissing" always sounded like their take on Slowdive's "Avalyn" to me.
― toneburst country, Thursday, 25 November 2021 05:39 (two years ago) link
"Broadway" clicked for me when someone in another thread here said it sounded like the answer to the yearning posed in "Lullaby."
― toneburst country, Thursday, 25 November 2021 05:49 (two years ago) link
The Lamb (only seven voters !), Shame, White Horses, Weight of Water, No Comprende and Shots & Ladder were on my ballot from yesterday. I can hardly complain about the songs that are not my idea of Low because I doubt my votes were perfectly coherent. I sound like a broken record already, but for me it's a testimony of their consistency. I'd have a hard time singling out a song that does not belong in the results.
Drums and Guns was one album where I only voted for one song, but Breaker with its minimal wave and claps is totally lovely.
― Nabozo, Thursday, 25 November 2021 07:18 (two years ago) link
"Violent Past" was my #1. The studio recording is a beast, cathartic noise over a churning, insistent, inevitable beat. Like a Nine Inch Nails experiment mixed with Zeppelin's "Kashmir". The lyrics are simple but horrifyingly grim. On the announcement thread somebody wrote that In Silence/Murderer/Violent Past is one of their best three song runs, which is completely OTM. It's their best closing stretch for sure, even if D&G as a whole isn't in their top tier of albums.
― NoTimeBeforeTime, Thursday, 25 November 2021 10:14 (two years ago) link
yeah, well put. the organ + its embrace of that sort of carthatic distortion are also obvious predecessors for double negative
i'd agree it's their best closer unless you ignore "dark" in favour of "do you know how to waltz"
― ufo, Thursday, 25 November 2021 10:18 (two years ago) link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nq--nrquHIA
this is terrible quality but lmao
― ufo, Thursday, 25 November 2021 10:27 (two years ago) link
yeah, well put. the organ + its embrace of that sort of carthatic distortion are also obvious predecessors for double negativei'd agree it's their best closer unless you ignore "dark" in favour of "do you know how to waltz"― ufo, Thursday, November 25, 2021 11:18 AM (forty-two minutes ago) bookmarkflaglink
For what it's worth, I'd take In Metal, Shots & Ladders, DJ and The Price you Pay over both. At the risk of sounding blasphemous, the 14 minutes of DYKHTW sound very cinematographic, quite like a GYBE track, but leave me cold emotionally.
― Nabozo, Thursday, 25 November 2021 11:16 (two years ago) link
i'd easily take "do you know how to waltz" over anything in gy!be's catalogue
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5t_RcCOvhF0
there is this bootleg of them performing it together once though
― ufo, Thursday, 25 November 2021 11:33 (two years ago) link
several XP - I’d do one better and say “Take Your Time” through “Violent Past” is their best album run.
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Thursday, 25 November 2021 13:09 (two years ago) link
lol y'all are fucking insane
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Thursday, 25 November 2021 14:05 (two years ago) link
I mean at least I know now whose tastes I can trust, I guess.
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Thursday, 25 November 2021 14:06 (two years ago) link
I voted for ten pre-Trust songs, I think my ballot was fairly varied. I voted for five songs from "Things We Lost In The Fire", the most of any album. However, my two favourite albums are Double Negative and The Great Destroyer, which are about as different as it gets from the pre-Trust style.
― NoTimeBeforeTime, Thursday, 25 November 2021 14:50 (two years ago) link
My two favs are Ones and Sixes and Long Division, the latter of which seems to mark me as an outlier even among people who hold the early stuff in high regard. (s/o to Brad though!)
― Jimmy Iovine Eat World (bernard snowy), Thursday, 25 November 2021 15:07 (two years ago) link
I put two songs from Long Division in my top 10, one of them at #1.
― toby, Thursday, 25 November 2021 15:19 (two years ago) link
I'm impressed there's so little "I like the early stuff" bias in all these results, even if few of the tracks thus far were in my list (and probably most in my list won't place).
I've been a fan for 25 years, and loved "the early stuff". But I also loved the next phase thereafter, and the most recent phase. Seems like a shame to close the door after the first three records, just because those captured a certain crystaline sound and approach. The breadth and itch for experimentation was always there, even from the beginning. If they'd kept on retreading that ground faithfully, would we even be talking about them in the present tense?
― Soundslike, Thursday, 25 November 2021 15:39 (two years ago) link
Agree with that statement but I’m sure there will be more early stuff as go further in the poll.
― sctttnnnt (pgwp), Thursday, 25 November 2021 16:04 (two years ago) link
i had to cut “lazy” from my ballot but i still hope the first low song i ever heard places
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Thursday, 25 November 2021 16:19 (two years ago) link
just catching up with the results! (spotify playlist is updated too)
― just staying (Karl Malone), Thursday, 25 November 2021 17:53 (two years ago) link
so far...
61. Nightingale - 176 points, 5 voters61. I Remember - 176 points, 5 voters60. Gentle - 177 points, 6 voters58. Spanish Translation - 186 points, 7 voters, 1 #1 vote58. Like a Forest - 186 points, 6 voters57. Days Like These - 202 points, 7 voters55. John Prine - 206 points, 7 voters55. Belarus - 206 points, 6 voters54. Soon - 216 points, 8 voters, 1 #1 vote53. Sleep at the Bottom - 233 points, 8 voters, 1 #1 vote52. Dancing and Blood - 237 points, 7 voters50. More - 238 points, 10 voters, 1 #1 vote50. Especially Me - 238 points, 9 voters, 1 #1 vote49. Immune - 250 points, 5 voters, 1 #1 vote48. Anon - 257 points, 7 voters47. Just Like Christmas - 266 points, 7 voters46. Venus - 270 points, 11 voters45. Always Up - 271 points, 6 voters44. Lies - 273 points, 9 voters43. July - 274 points, 10 voters42. California - 276 points, 9 voters41. The Price You Pay (It Must Be Wearing Off) - 277 points, 9 voters
40. Tempest - 278 points, 7 voters39. Last Snowstorm of the Year - 279 points, 8 voters37. Whitetail - 285 points, 8 voters37. Landslide - 285 points, 11 voters35. Weight of Water - 291 points, 9 voters, 1 #1 vote35. No Comprende - 291 points, 11 voters34. Broadway (So Many People) - 302 points, 7 voters33. The Lamb - 303 points, 7 voters, 1 #1 vote31. Will the Night - 310 points, 11 voters, 1 #1 vote31. Violent Past - 310 points, 10 voters, 1 #1 vote30. White Horses - 331 points, 10 voters29. Shots & Ladders - 352 points, 14 voters28. Breaker - 370 points, 13 voters27. Shame - 394 points, 13 voters26. In The Drugs - 397 points, 14 voters
― ufo, Thursday, 25 November 2021 19:30 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/m6JDG3r.png25. Always Trying to Work It OutReleased on Double Negative (2018)400 points, 12 votersMusic videoLive at NOX ORAE 2019
― ufo, Thursday, 25 November 2021 19:32 (two years ago) link
the bridge where it all dissolves into the most beautiful noise is incredible
it's one i expected that it could have made it to the top 10, since it seemed to be a favourite on double negative
― ufo, Thursday, 25 November 2021 19:46 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/SCThwpz.png24. MonkeyReleased on The Great Destroyer (2005)405 points, 13 votersMusic videoStudio version
― ufo, Thursday, 25 November 2021 19:55 (two years ago) link
oh i didn't even consider that it's thanksgiving in the us lol that's why it's quiet on here today
― ufo, Thursday, 25 November 2021 19:57 (two years ago) link
"monkey" always reminds me of "bullet with butterfly wings" lol
― ufo, Thursday, 25 November 2021 20:00 (two years ago) link
I imagine there would be more early stuff bias if the band's later stuff weren't so awesome.
― Josh in Chicago, Thursday, 25 November 2021 20:02 (two years ago) link
Late cut, undeniable album opener
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Thursday, 25 November 2021 20:05 (two years ago) link
yeah, it’s, how do you say, the mood
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Thursday, 25 November 2021 20:07 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/TxFtRDR.png23. The PlanReleased on The Curtain Hits The Cast (1996)417 points, 12 votersStudio versionDemo
― ufo, Thursday, 25 November 2021 20:09 (two years ago) link
one of their prettiest moments
― ufo, Thursday, 25 November 2021 20:10 (two years ago) link
the best song ever
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Thursday, 25 November 2021 20:14 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/XZVL86H.png22. CoattailsReleased on The Curtain Hits The Cast (1996)424 points, 13 votersStudio version
― ufo, Thursday, 25 November 2021 20:21 (two years ago) link
first draft of my list, “coattails” was no. 1
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Thursday, 25 November 2021 20:34 (two years ago) link
otherworldly swirl of mystery
https://i.imgur.com/noRNq64.png21. StarfireReleased on Secret Name (1999)428 points, 15 voters, 1 #1 voteStudio version
― ufo, Thursday, 25 November 2021 20:38 (two years ago) link
Yes, voted for these last three. The Plan and Coattails both my top ten. All fucking time. What a band.
― kraudive, Thursday, 25 November 2021 20:49 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/FefVd4T.png20. FlyReleased on Double Negative (2018)433 points, 12 voters, 1 #1 voteMusic videoLive at NOX ORAE 2019
― ufo, Thursday, 25 November 2021 20:51 (two years ago) link
probably steve garrington's greatest moment? both that bass line & those keyboards
! Had written it off placing at this point. One of my SN that made the cut.
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Thursday, 25 November 2021 20:52 (two years ago) link
There's a lot of this record isn't there.
― kraudive, Thursday, 25 November 2021 20:55 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/caWh8cK.png19. QuorumReleased on Double Negative (2018)438 points, 14 votersMusic videoLive at NOX ORAE 2019
― ufo, Thursday, 25 November 2021 21:04 (two years ago) link
remember when they premiered the first three tracks of double negative and since then we’ve been living in a fundamentally different universe
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Thursday, 25 November 2021 21:08 (two years ago) link
That was such a brilliant way to announce what they were doing. As a long-time fan of 'weird' Low, I was so proud and excited.
― Soundslike, Thursday, 25 November 2021 21:16 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/QQrfhf8.png18. Dinosaur ActReleased on Things We Lost In The Fire (2001)440 points, 14 voters, 1 #1 voteMusic video
― ufo, Thursday, 25 November 2021 21:19 (two years ago) link
dinosaur aaaaaaact
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Thursday, 25 November 2021 21:25 (two years ago) link
dinosaur aaaaaaaaact
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Thursday, 25 November 2021 21:27 (two years ago) link
Again. Expected this really high. Great track. This poll is weird.
― kraudive, Thursday, 25 November 2021 21:28 (two years ago) link
This was the first of their songs where I got Neil Young vibes.
― Josh in Chicago, Thursday, 25 November 2021 21:30 (two years ago) link
love Dinosaur Act
― byebyepride, Thursday, 25 November 2021 21:32 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/4AJOMWJ.png17. HeyReleased on HEY WHAT (2021)461 points, 15 votersStudio version
― ufo, Thursday, 25 November 2021 21:33 (two years ago) link
heyyyyyyyyyy
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Thursday, 25 November 2021 21:34 (two years ago) link
this is the only song from hey what that made my ballot. rest of the album still feels too new, but “hey”… first time i heard it i thought it was the best song ever
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Thursday, 25 November 2021 21:35 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/BjC9Scg.png16. PissingReleased on The Great Destroyer (2005)479 points, 16 votersStudio versionLive from the Fitzgerald Theater 2018
― ufo, Thursday, 25 November 2021 21:57 (two years ago) link
does it make sense to stop here for today with thanksgiving and everythin? i can do another 5 if people want but i think it makes more sense to do the top 15 tomorrow?
― ufo, Thursday, 25 November 2021 21:59 (two years ago) link
the studio version of "pissing" is good but doesn't really compare to how immense the live versions are
― ufo, Thursday, 25 November 2021 22:03 (two years ago) link
Sounds good!
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Thursday, 25 November 2021 22:04 (two years ago) link
15 tomorrow is good!
― kraudive, Thursday, 25 November 2021 22:15 (two years ago) link
The first three words of Starfire sound like Alan's about to sing "They call him Flipper, Flipper, Flipper the dolphin."
― Hideous Lump, Thursday, 25 November 2021 22:20 (two years ago) link
starfire was my #1 - too low!
― just staying (Karl Malone), Thursday, 25 November 2021 23:42 (two years ago) link
Friday is also a holiday in the US but I hope we can get some people to check in for the final 15
"Coattails" is so simply constructed: a single one-note vocal line under a repeated arpeggio, bookended by a trudging riff. Amazing what they turn that into
"Fly" was my #1. Love everything about it: the mood they spin, the electronic touches, the haunting melody line and lyrics. everything I want from this band!
"Pissing" never stood out for me on Great Destroyer, maybe because it follows "Broadway". but I'm listening back now and realizing this song is way better than I gave it credit for
― Vinnie, Friday, 26 November 2021 00:02 (two years ago) link
It's their best song about pissing!
― cwkiii, Friday, 26 November 2021 00:18 (two years ago) link
Overall, revisiting their oeuvre in full these last weeks has really just hit home how excellent even all the tracks I didn't register over the years as "favorites" really are excellent (things like "Pissing" as an example prompting the thought).
'C'mon,' 'Invisible Way,' and 'Ones & Sixes' still don't really hit me like 10 or so other albums... But they're at worst "good" even so. Made me realize I like 'The Great Destroyer' much more than I did at the time--I think at the time I was hoping for more "weird" Low (which I got in spades on the next album), and I was disappointed by the guitar-god-ness of it, but now I hear it as a cohesive collection of really stellar songs, produced in a way I wouldn't want ever song to be, but that was well warranted.
I'd easily say they're my favorite "rock" band of my lifetime, more consistently great than Radiohead (probably the only other rock band that's kept my attention over all these years).
― Soundslike, Friday, 26 November 2021 00:23 (two years ago) link
From #61-#36, there have been 13 songs which received a #1 vote, which appeared on 10 different releases.
Weirdly, the only record to have multiple songs receive #1 votes so far is Secret Name, which has 4 or 5 of them (depending on whether the #1 voter for "Will the Night" specifically intended the Dead Pilot version)
― Jimmy Iovine Eat World (bernard snowy), Friday, 26 November 2021 01:10 (two years ago) link
i know no one needs to read this in the low poll thread but i've been revisiting as well and i'm even more convinced they have nothing to offer me any more. i was into them when i was a very confused person, and i can't unhear that confusion when i listen to them now, even in the newer stuff. the tension i hear in everything they've made between darkness and light feels completely unnecessary to me now, like a massive dead end. it becomes more pronounced after 2002. it doesn't help that i generally don't find their lyrics convincing at all (they do a lot of hedging imo). the earlier stuff has an appealing innocence or open-heartedness to it that i don't hear in the later work. but anyway, that's all i can give them, even though from a distance i appreciate how gifted they are and what they were able to do with it. although even that i feel the need to qualify somehow. signed, a low fan no longer.
― Nedlene Grendel as Basenji Holmo (map), Friday, 26 November 2021 01:11 (two years ago) link
The tension is unnecessary in the grand scheme of things
― Jimmy Iovine Eat World (bernard snowy), Friday, 26 November 2021 01:15 (two years ago) link
...but essential to their music. Think of them like a really good crime novelist or something.
― Jimmy Iovine Eat World (bernard snowy), Friday, 26 November 2021 01:16 (two years ago) link
That tension seems essential to... the human condition?
Curious--in what ways were you confused, now enlightened, that that struggle within Low (or humanity) holds no appeal?
― Soundslike, Friday, 26 November 2021 01:54 (two years ago) link
not a good faith question, i'm done in this thread
― Nedlene Grendel as Basenji Holmo (map), Friday, 26 November 2021 02:08 (two years ago) link
I was genuinely curious what made that tension hold no appeal, as it seems fundamental to life itself (as opposed to say depression or hard times, both of which I know personally). But as you wish.
― Soundslike, Friday, 26 November 2021 03:08 (two years ago) link
I also ask having created a two-part "introduction to Low" mix some while back called 'A Light in Darkness' specifically themed around that duality and tension, which I find not only compelling but necessary. So you're wrong ti say I ask how you changed such that that part of Low and their art became superflouous at best and a cause to entirely dismiss them at worst.
I'm not a huge lyrics parser (despite of or perhaps because of having a literature degree) but it seems to me few lyricists are as forthrightly expressing their own experience and struggles as Alan and Mimi. Whether those lyrics are brilliant is an argument to be had I guess--to me they play their role in the overall music aptly and sometimes with great pithy beauty. But "hedged" (as opposed to, say, "struggling" or "searching" or rife with longing, anger, sometimes hope) seems a vast oversimplification and a mischaracterization.
― Soundslike, Friday, 26 November 2021 03:31 (two years ago) link
"Wrong to say I ask in bad faith..." that is.
― Soundslike, Friday, 26 November 2021 03:32 (two years ago) link
Low has some of the best lyrics-in-the-interrogative imo. At one point a few years ago I tried to make a playlist of them all (naturally titled "What Part of Me") but I'm sure I missed some.
― Jimmy Iovine Eat World (bernard snowy), Friday, 26 November 2021 03:50 (two years ago) link
Always Trying To Work It Out, Quorum, and Dinosaur Act were in my top ten.
Always ... is an oasis of relative calm and basic human emotion among the chaos of DN, although it's the queasy, drunk vocal effects that make the track what it is.
I meant to vote for Pissing, I discovered I'd left it off my ballot after submitting it, totally inexcusable.
― NoTimeBeforeTime, Friday, 26 November 2021 06:22 (two years ago) link
― cwkiii, Friday, November 26, 2021 bookmarkflaglink
I actually prefer “Plastic Cup”!
― sctttnnnt (pgwp), Friday, 26 November 2021 07:50 (two years ago) link
I have to be honest, I've never really gelled with Starfire.
― Long enough attention span for a Stephen Bissette blu-ray extra (aldo), Friday, 26 November 2021 09:58 (two years ago) link
it's not at all bad but it's pretty far from my favourite side of theirs
― ufo, Friday, 26 November 2021 10:18 (two years ago) link
Coattails and The Plan are top five, often number ones for me depending on my mood. When I write that it blows my mind that people like songs like "Always" better than "The Plan," it's because it does. Almost every single person I know irl agrees with me, it's only on this board that people slobber over "Low with cool effects," which is honestly the way that I think of the later records.
The early stuff is better.
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Friday, 26 November 2021 12:31 (two years ago) link
imagine writing a song about your mate who runs a pirate radio station out the back of an ambulance. it doesn't get better.
― maelin, Friday, 26 November 2021 13:21 (two years ago) link
xp I kinda feel like a Grammy nomination for Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical) is a form of slobbering, so it's definitely not just this board!
― cwkiii, Friday, 26 November 2021 13:27 (two years ago) link
table, you like techno. Dismissing something as "Low with cool effects" is kinda beneath you?
― Tim F, Friday, 26 November 2021 13:30 (two years ago) link
Low *is* a cool effect, and has been from the start.
― Josh in Chicago, Friday, 26 November 2021 13:36 (two years ago) link
Cool effects is all there is from top to bottom
― Tim F, Friday, 26 November 2021 14:03 (two years ago) link
Who is saying "Always" is better than "The Plan"? Certainly not the poll results. And it seems like there will be plenty of early Low in the top 15, maybe even an early fan favorite that's basically all "cool effects."
― toneburst country, Friday, 26 November 2021 14:45 (two years ago) link
I don't see "Low with cool effects" as a negative! (and I had "Always..." higher than "The Plan" on my ballot)
― Vinnie, Friday, 26 November 2021 15:21 (two years ago) link
I don’t expect it to place at this point, but I love the simplicity of “What Part of Me.” It’s like they dusted off an old Elvis number and made it their own.
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Friday, 26 November 2021 15:43 (two years ago) link
“what part of me” is the best song ever. cut from my ballot at the last minute
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Friday, 26 November 2021 15:50 (two years ago) link
all i want to say about this early v. late low business is that if these guys had made 13 albums that all sounded like “curtain” (which was my #1 album vote tho it was truly neck and neck with DN), i’d have lost interest in them years ago
― donna rouge, Friday, 26 November 2021 16:19 (two years ago) link
Indeed!
― Soundslike, Friday, 26 November 2021 16:23 (two years ago) link
Btw I don't know if this has been talked about but all the lockdown instagram concerts have been compiled here: http://itsfridayiminlow.com/ Pretty cool!
― ceci n'est pas une messi (cajunsunday), Friday, 26 November 2021 16:34 (two years ago) link
"all i want to say about this early v. late low business is that if these guys had made 13 albums that all sounded like “curtain” (which was my #1 album vote tho it was truly neck and neck with DN), i’d have lost interest in them years ago"
Not only that, but whichever hardcore fans were left caring after 13 albums and 25 years of the same thing would *still* be favouring the "early stuff", and stacking their ballots with songs from the first five albums, making for a fairly boring and predictable poll.
― NoTimeBeforeTime, Friday, 26 November 2021 17:00 (two years ago) link
In 1969, shortly after In A Silent Way’s release, Davis was relaxing on the patio of his New York brownstone when an elderly man called the trumpeter over. “Miles Davis, I love that music of yours” he said, “but I don’t like that new shit you’re into.” Miles turned to him, and tersely replied, “Well shall I wait for you, motherfucker?”
Feels appropriate for Low.
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Friday, 26 November 2021 17:18 (two years ago) link
Do strings count as "cool effects"? Because I love "Closer" and I hope to see it place in the top 15 today
― Jimmy Iovine Eat World (bernard snowy), Friday, 26 November 2021 17:22 (two years ago) link
In 1969, shortly after In A Silent Way’s release, Davis was relaxing on the patio of his New York brownstone when an elderly man called the trumpeter over. “Miles Davis, I love that music of yours” he said, “but I don’t like that new shit you’re into.” Miles turned to him, and tersely replied, “Well shall I wait for you, motherfucker?”Feels appropriate for Low.― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Friday, November 26, 2021 9:18 AM (seven minutes ago) bookmarkflaglink
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Friday, November 26, 2021 9:18 AM (seven minutes ago) bookmarkflaglink
How about "I'm not totally impressed by a band using tools that electronic musicians and others have been using for years"
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Friday, 26 November 2021 17:29 (two years ago) link
Some of the songs are great, some of them are embarrassing (imho), and framing it as some sort of Ludditism is wrong-headed.
I have a deep emotional attachment to the early records, and that bias isn't really going to be shaken by the new ones, despite my appreciation for them.
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Friday, 26 November 2021 17:32 (two years ago) link
i love both eras (very early and very recent), and some of the others in between. in the same way that table has a deep emotional attachment to the old ones, a new listener could very well have an even deeper emotional attachment to the new ones, while never quite feeling what's so special about the old ones.
i don't know, funny to think to say on a board full of paid and unpaid critics, on a thread about ranking inherently subjective things in an objective fashion, but it makes no sense to me to ever try to objectively rank things that are inherently subjective. it's a fun exercise to see where it all lands though
― just staying (Karl Malone), Friday, 26 November 2021 17:46 (two years ago) link
it's like ranking colors and then disagreeing about what someone picked
― just staying (Karl Malone), Friday, 26 November 2021 17:47 (two years ago) link
I like the early colors better.
; )
To me it's a testament to the strength of the 2nd and 4th phases of Low that I love the music so much *given* I have a deep emotional attachment to the early work. Musically I love the 2nd and 4th phase as much or more, when played together with the 1st phase. I love that I feel like the band grew and changed, like a person would--like I hope I have--over all these years.
― Soundslike, Friday, 26 November 2021 17:55 (two years ago) link
There are many acts--maybe most?--where one would say "the early stuff is better" and most people would agree.
I find it fascinating that Low is one of the rare acts beloved for a singular early vision who *hasn't* been "early stuffed" in most estimations.
― Soundslike, Friday, 26 November 2021 17:57 (two years ago) link
xposts I can totally see someone throwing down over a recently-named Crayola or Pantone shade ranking higher than, say, yellow (Soundslike beat me to it lol).
― cwkiii, Friday, 26 November 2021 18:02 (two years ago) link
i'm not sure what your phases of low are, but are they kind of like this?
1: low born as a fully complete and perfect idea. ICLIH - Curtain.2: Albini albums. Secret Name - Trust.3: Fridmann albums. Great Destroyer - Drums and Guns4: The "honestly I thought they were on their way out" era. C'mon - The Invisible Way5: BJ albums. Ones & Sixes - HEY WHAT
― just staying (Karl Malone), Friday, 26 November 2021 18:02 (two years ago) link
that’s how i divide it up lol
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Friday, 26 November 2021 18:04 (two years ago) link
though trust isn’t an albini album. it’s just kinda hanging out there in the center of things
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Friday, 26 November 2021 18:05 (two years ago) link
"I'm not totally impressed by a band using tools that electronic musicians and others have been using for years"
But when they were just using guitars/drums/vocals in 1994, yeah others had been doing that for years, but they were doing something new and special with old tools. And the same can be applied to how they are using the tools employed on Double Negative and HEY WHAT.
Also, as KM said, this is all subjective!
― cwkiii, Friday, 26 November 2021 18:05 (two years ago) link
the trust era, when they made the greatest album of all time trust
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Friday, 26 November 2021 18:06 (two years ago) link
Shoot, albini didn’t produce trust?! Not sure why I always thought he did.
― just staying (Karl Malone), Friday, 26 November 2021 18:10 (two years ago) link
i forgot Fridmann did The Great Destroyer as well. Could definitely see people not liking those few because of his involvement. His name seems to spark immediate hatred for some people.
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Friday, 26 November 2021 18:11 (two years ago) link
The early stuff is my favorite too. I think it could be argued that the early stuff captures the essence of Low the best. However, like a lot of indie, it's insular and staunchly limited in a way that the newer stuff isn't, which is why fans who got into them with TWLITF or later might have trouble connecting with.
Anyway, nothing about the poll results suggest to me that the early stuff is being neglected in favor of the hip new material.
― toneburst country, Friday, 26 November 2021 18:32 (two years ago) link
I am most invested in the gambit of the "fully complete and perfect idea" that then starts to spool into abstraction and electronics - i.e. Dead Pilot and Bombscare, the remix album (the latter is not great in retrospect but just the idea of it). So I disagree w/ toneburst that they were insular/limited in that era. I liked Secret Name OK when it came out, but in retrospect it felt to me like Low's normalization into a more rock/indie idiom, as signaled by Albini then Fridmann. I usually checked out what they were doing, and sometimes found things to like, but I was no so longer invested in them. I "returned" as it were with Double Negative, though listening through to everything I did worry that it's Burton's production that I'm into, or Burton/Low. I do usually turn off when things start to sound too rock or too angelic, and prefer them when things get more fragged out.
― Freeze Instr., Friday, 26 November 2021 18:38 (two years ago) link
*no longer so invested
― Freeze Instr., Friday, 26 November 2021 18:40 (two years ago) link
Fridmann is so associated with pushing things into the red I can't imagine the last couple without those albums.
― Josh in Chicago, Friday, 26 November 2021 18:40 (two years ago) link
They code really differently to me - Fridmann is modeled on Neil Young, Burton on DAW-noise.
― Freeze Instr., Friday, 26 November 2021 18:50 (two years ago) link
Not being a Frid-fan though I may have that all wrong.
― Freeze Instr., Friday, 26 November 2021 18:52 (two years ago) link
I know it's all subjective, and you're right, Karl. I think it's just that many tracks from the early records literally send me into profound states of listening ecstasy and/or emotional presence. Only two or three tracks from each of the past three records have a similar effect.
This is a good summation:
I am there for all of 1 and 2, elements of 3, none of 4 (excepting one or two tracks), and sizable portions of 5. I truly do think that one of the reasons why I have problems the newer records is that I'm a little unsure of their lyrics— tracks like "Always Trying to Work it Out" can be taken in a few ways, but rather than its lyrical ambiguity being its strength (like on many notable tracks from earlier records), its ambiguity feels evasive.
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Friday, 26 November 2021 18:55 (two years ago) link
I think Hey What is >> Double Neg and Ones & Sixes
― licorice in the front, pizza in the rear (Whiney G. Weingarten), Friday, 26 November 2021 18:56 (two years ago) link
I truly do think that one of the reasons why I have problems the newer records is that I'm a little unsure of their lyrics— tracks like "Always Trying to Work it Out" can be taken in a few ways, but rather than its lyrical ambiguity being its strength (like on many notable tracks from earlier records), its ambiguity feels evasive.
this is interesting to me because (and yes i know this is subjective) i find '...work it out' one of the most moving songs on the album from a purely lyrics standpoint - like a lot of that album generally it mirrored a lot of what i was thinking/feeling in 2018 (malaise, frustrated connections w/others, even political anguish w/ that "everybody says the war is over" line)
― donna rouge, Friday, 26 November 2021 19:28 (two years ago) link
haha, honestly table i think we have pretty similar takes on low, in the glass half-full / half-empty kind of way. like this:
Only two or three tracks from each of the past three records have a similar effect.
i think that's still impressive! there are very few albums that have any tracks at all that can move me in the same way, so their adding of a few more songs to their god-tier canon every couple years like a clock is pretty unusual and commendable imo.
― just staying (Karl Malone), Friday, 26 November 2021 19:42 (two years ago) link
25. Always Trying to Work It Out - 400 points, 12 voters24. Monkey - 405 points, 13 voters23. The Plan - 417 points, 12 voters22. Coattails - 424 points, 13 voters21. Starfire - 428 points, 15 voters, 1 #1 vote20. Fly - 433 points, 12 voters, 1 #1 vote19. Quorum - 438 points, 14 voters18. Dinosaur Act - 440 points, 14 voters, 1 #1 vote17. Hey - 461 points, 15 voters16. Pissing - 479 points, 16 voters
― ufo, Friday, 26 November 2021 20:10 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/KSvhwjC.png15. Silver RiderReleased on the Murderer EP (2003) & The Great Destroyer (2005)495 points, 13 voters, 3 #1 votes56 points for the Murderer EP versionThe Great Destroyer versionMurderer EP version
wow, the best song ever
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Friday, 26 November 2021 20:13 (two years ago) link
amazingly i forgot to vote for it
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Friday, 26 November 2021 20:14 (two years ago) link
I was a murderer version voter and I think my feelings are well documented.
― Long enough attention span for a Stephen Bissette blu-ray extra (aldo), Friday, 26 November 2021 20:15 (two years ago) link
i love both renditions. album version is slower iirc? it was the first i encountered and maybe that’s why i don’t prefer one
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Friday, 26 November 2021 20:16 (two years ago) link
6 of my top ten haven't placed yet and I suspect two of them won't.
― Long enough attention span for a Stephen Bissette blu-ray extra (aldo), Friday, 26 November 2021 20:17 (two years ago) link
think i somewhat prefer the murderer version these days but either way, beautiful song
― donna rouge, Friday, 26 November 2021 20:22 (two years ago) link
interestingly we won't see more #1 votes for a track than that
― ufo, Friday, 26 November 2021 20:24 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/wVuj72c.png14. Nothing But HeartReleased on C'mon (2011)506 points, 13 votersStudio version
― ufo, Friday, 26 November 2021 20:25 (two years ago) link
alan's most arena-rock guitar heroics? it rules
― ufo, Friday, 26 November 2021 20:27 (two years ago) link
Murderer version is sparser and more harmonically ambiguous whereas the album version has a more conventional chord structure iirc. I think they played it even slower when they did it live.
― toneburst country, Friday, 26 November 2021 20:34 (two years ago) link
wow, figured this one would be top ten
― donna rouge, Friday, 26 November 2021 20:37 (two years ago) link
(it was my #2)
https://i.imgur.com/f9kLt6w.png13. LazyReleased on I Could Live In Hope (1994)507 points, 15 votersStudio version
― ufo, Friday, 26 November 2021 20:40 (two years ago) link
How these are not top 5?! So many of Low's best songs feel like naming and giving catharsis to microcosms of human behavioural experiences - ugly, violent, beautiful - and nothing but heart just feels to me like sarcasm and narcissism and I'm so very into it.
― matt h, Friday, 26 November 2021 20:46 (two years ago) link
my first low song!!! i didn’t vote for it but it’s still incredible
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Friday, 26 November 2021 20:46 (two years ago) link
LAZY!!! my early era gateway. I could live in that guitar sound.
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Friday, 26 November 2021 20:54 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/Lb2CP2q.png12. CanadaReleased on Trust (2002)522 points, 14 votersMusic videoStudio version
― ufo, Friday, 26 November 2021 20:55 (two years ago) link
this is one i didn't at all expect to see this high. it's fine but there are at least two or three songs on the great destroyer that improve on its general vibe
no in fact this song is incredibly dope
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Friday, 26 November 2021 20:56 (two years ago) link
i love the drums soooo much
I really love “Nothing But Heart” but that was my #30 for the longest time but it eventually got pushed out for something that needed a better chance of placing.
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Friday, 26 November 2021 20:59 (two years ago) link
I was one of the #1 voters for Silver Rider. Love the sense of dread and the overwhelming la-la-las on the chorus with Mimi’s voice riding over the waves of sound.
― that's not my post, Friday, 26 November 2021 21:01 (two years ago) link
Nothing but heart was amazing during the DN tour with the weird light show behind the stage.
― that's not my post, Friday, 26 November 2021 21:02 (two years ago) link
I think Hey What is >> Double Neg and Ones & Sixes― licorice in the front, pizza in the rear (Whiney G. Weingarten), Friday, November 26, 2021 1:56 PM (two hours ago) bookmarkflaglink
― licorice in the front, pizza in the rear (Whiney G. Weingarten), Friday, November 26, 2021 1:56 PM (two hours ago) bookmarkflaglink
Seconded! Unless there’s some wonderful cabal of you out there, I think it’s safe to assume my favorite from HW won’t be placing.
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Friday, 26 November 2021 21:03 (two years ago) link
Nearly half of mine placed under 25 and then it dried up, I'm now expecting my #1 not to place.
― matt h, Friday, 26 November 2021 21:08 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/EBmZwDV.png11. LullabyReleased on I Could Live In Hope (1994)565 points, 17 voters, 1 #1 voteStudio versionDemo
― ufo, Friday, 26 November 2021 21:10 (two years ago) link
i’m v surprised my no. 1 is gonna place in the top ten
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Friday, 26 November 2021 21:15 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/C1sUAZn.png10. Laser BeamReleased on Things We Lost In The Fire (2001)587 points, 15 voters, 1 #1 voteMusic video
― ufo, Friday, 26 November 2021 21:27 (two years ago) link
this is another i had no idea would be such a favourite at all
it’s going to be weird if the better Mimi-led song from that album doesn’t place.
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Friday, 26 November 2021 21:29 (two years ago) link
More than any other song, Laser Beam made me a Low fan for life, no joke. I had ever heard an "indie" (for lack of a better word) song do so much with so little.
― NoTimeBeforeTime, Friday, 26 November 2021 21:33 (two years ago) link
― ufo, Friday, November 26, 2021 2:27 PM (eight minutes ago) bookmarkflaglink
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Friday, November 26, 2021 2:29 PM (six minutes ago) bookmarkflaglink
wtf y’all
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Friday, 26 November 2021 21:35 (two years ago) link
no more singular unit of beauty in their catalog than
“i need your grace”
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Friday, 26 November 2021 21:36 (two years ago) link
it's good, just never felt like a standout to me? "slide"'s sibling
― ufo, Friday, 26 November 2021 21:38 (two years ago) link
how dare you undervalue this perfect jewel of a song
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Friday, 26 November 2021 21:39 (two years ago) link
j/k
https://i.imgur.com/b7vnyd6.png9. ViolenceReleased on Long Division (1995)614 points, 17 voters, 2 #1 votesStudio version
― ufo, Friday, 26 November 2021 21:40 (two years ago) link
Hell yes to Laser Beam in the top 10.
― that's not my post, Friday, 26 November 2021 21:47 (two years ago) link
I think about 'Violence' whenever I lend someone a book.
― ceci n'est pas une messi (cajunsunday), Friday, 26 November 2021 21:50 (two years ago) link
Ah there it is, phew! The unassailable distillation of what makes Low - perfect economical sound, those themes of violence, trust - feels like the grandfather of everything ever they've done, in a way. Never any question.
― matt h, Friday, 26 November 2021 21:50 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/41Qfodd.png8. In MetalReleased on Things We Lost In The Fire (2001)699 points, 18 voters, 3 #1 votesMusic video
― ufo, Friday, 26 November 2021 21:55 (two years ago) link
Amazing song.I know it's a bulb, but I always think the cover of Long Division is a bottle nipple.
― Josh in Chicago, Friday, 26 November 2021 21:56 (two years ago) link
seems like earlier low is gonna rule the top ten huh
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Friday, 26 November 2021 21:57 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/HHHQSpS.png7. Over the OceanReleased on The Curtain Hits The Cast (1996)728 points, 20 voters, 1 #1 voteMusic video
― ufo, Friday, 26 November 2021 22:10 (two years ago) link
absolutely gorgeous
also a little structurally odd when you pay attention
― ufo, Friday, 26 November 2021 22:11 (two years ago) link
it’s going to be weird if the better Mimi-led song from that album doesn’t place.― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Friday, November 26, 2021 4:29 PM (forty-two minutes ago) bookmarkflaglink
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Friday, November 26, 2021 4:29 PM (forty-two minutes ago) bookmarkflaglink
Xxxxp there it is!
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Friday, 26 November 2021 22:14 (two years ago) link
“In Metal” for the ILX parenting crew
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Friday, 26 November 2021 22:15 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/AgluTxO.png6. (That's How You Sing) Amazing GraceReleased on Trust (2002)782 points, 21 voters, 1 #1 voteStudio version
― ufo, Friday, 26 November 2021 22:25 (two years ago) link
just checking in on the rollout for a minute! every single song, so good, for so long.
― just staying (Karl Malone), Friday, 26 November 2021 22:33 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/ResXKnk.png5. SunflowerReleased on Things We Lost In The Fire (2001)789 points, 23 voters, 1 #1 voteMusic video
― ufo, Friday, 26 November 2021 22:40 (two years ago) link
quite surprised about number six. laser beam was my number one. i know what my odds are for number one...!
― maelin, Friday, 26 November 2021 22:40 (two years ago) link
hm maybe my no. 1 didn’t make it. do you all like “tonight” as much as i do or no
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Friday, 26 November 2021 22:47 (two years ago) link
I think it was on the other thread but I definitely had no idea “amazing grace” was liked so well. In the bottom half of their admittedly great track record of album openers (Words, Sunflower, Monkey, White Horses, etc.)
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Friday, 26 November 2021 22:49 (two years ago) link
trust has some good tunes but i feel like the production is so... distant and indirect for the most part
― maelin, Friday, 26 November 2021 22:52 (two years ago) link
hm, i feel exactly the opposite
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Friday, 26 November 2021 22:52 (two years ago) link
kinda like that time i saw them in halifax minister for a christmas show but i was drunk off two miniature bottles of red wine from the train ride and stood behind a pillar at the back for the whole show
― maelin, Friday, 26 November 2021 22:53 (two years ago) link
it and c’mon are my favorite (acoustic, non-blown out) low production jobs
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Friday, 26 November 2021 22:53 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/k4Bknxg.png4. WordsReleased on I Could Live In Hope (1994)859 points, 20 voters, 1 #1 voteMusic video
― ufo, Friday, 26 November 2021 22:55 (two years ago) link
oooooo damn
― maelin, Friday, 26 November 2021 22:56 (two years ago) link
<3 “words”, it just…shimmers
― donna rouge, Friday, 26 November 2021 22:59 (two years ago) link
Hmmm... Are we in for a Mimi surprise?
― matt h, Friday, 26 November 2021 22:59 (two years ago) link
nah it'll be a certain song from drums and guns (:
― maelin, Friday, 26 November 2021 23:01 (two years ago) link
how does almost everything on trust place but not “tonight” i’m devastating and won’t be taking any calls thank you
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Friday, 26 November 2021 23:02 (two years ago) link
devastated* but i’m also devastating
That one and the other one taken as a given, but i'm scratching my head at the 3rd one.
― matt h, Friday, 26 November 2021 23:02 (two years ago) link
deaf/murderer/waltz in some order?
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Friday, 26 November 2021 23:04 (two years ago) link
There are 5 songs in my personal top 10 that have not shown up yet.
― sctttnnnt (pgwp), Friday, 26 November 2021 23:04 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/ZeqZORZ.png3. Two-StepReleased on Secret Name (1999)922 points, 24 voters, 2 #1 votesStudio version
― ufo, Friday, 26 November 2021 23:10 (two years ago) link
"Words" is probably my favorite Low song but that line "man in the box wants to burn my soul" is a little rough lol
― weekend at brony's (rip van wanko), Friday, 26 November 2021 23:11 (two years ago) link
televangelism
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj9pVoAoUEg
― maelin, Friday, 26 November 2021 23:14 (two years ago) link
i knew that would be number 1
― Nedlene Grendel as Basenji Holmo (map), Friday, 26 November 2021 23:15 (two years ago) link
Ah yeah not such a surprise after all then, absolutely deserved.
― matt h, Friday, 26 November 2021 23:20 (two years ago) link
I’d honestly written this song off for placing once the 20 and under results started showing. Really really great to see it’s placement here.
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Friday, 26 November 2021 23:24 (two years ago) link
https://i.imgur.com/wfwvABt.png2. Do You Know How To Waltz?Released on The Curtain Hits The Cast (1996)1002 points, 25 voters, 1 #1 vote60 points & 1 #1 vote for the Rock the Garden 2013 live versionStudio versionLive at Rock the Garden 2013
https://i.imgur.com/dM2tJ9o.png1. MurdererReleased on the Murderer EP (2003) & Drums and Guns (2007)1156 points, 27 voters, 2 #1 votes114 points, 3 voters for the Murderer EP versionDrums and Guns versionMurderer EP versionLive at NRMAL 2016
― ufo, Friday, 26 November 2021 23:26 (two years ago) link
i recommend everyone itt fall in love with “tonight” and never look back
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Friday, 26 November 2021 23:26 (two years ago) link
called it
― maelin, Friday, 26 November 2021 23:29 (two years ago) link
wait y’all knew murderer would be no. 1? i assumed waltz
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Friday, 26 November 2021 23:30 (two years ago) link
Wow. I know “Waltz” is beloved but I’d honestly like to hear from others about giving “Murderer” such high marks.
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Friday, 26 November 2021 23:33 (two years ago) link
XP completely shocked. It was my #1 and had no thought it was in that circle of reverence. I knew the EP version was preferred by the heads but that was it.
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Friday, 26 November 2021 23:36 (two years ago) link
there's something about the mellotron(?) & bass progression & the opening lines that makes it so definitive, final, resolute. it feels like the complete epitome, like the last song they could have ever written. they could have stopped there and it would have been perfect, but im so glad they didnt.
― maelin, Friday, 26 November 2021 23:37 (two years ago) link
2-Step was my #1
Not surprised nor mad at the top 3.
Biggest shock for me is that “Stars Gone Out” didn’t place.
― sctttnnnt (pgwp), Friday, 26 November 2021 23:38 (two years ago) link
oh totally, that was my #2
― maelin, Friday, 26 November 2021 23:38 (two years ago) link
Two Step is incredible. Never been much of a fan of Do You Know. I have no opinion of Murderer really, I mean it's fine but.
Phh. My number one didn't even place.
― kraudive, Friday, 26 November 2021 23:42 (two years ago) link
I'm also pretty shocked that "Murderer" took it, especially over the towering "Waltz". No complaints though, both would be worthy winners
Anyone think "Over the Ocean" was inspired by "Purple Rain"? Very similar chords, sparse guitar + drums, water theme?? I've had association between those songs since I heard them
Thanks for running the poll ufo!
― Vinnie, Friday, 26 November 2021 23:43 (two years ago) link
This was the performance that pushed me from casual to LOWRULES
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSbR0_gdc60
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Friday, 26 November 2021 23:43 (two years ago) link
i was one of the #1 votes for "murderer" (specifically the EP version) - i love the way the anger and disillusionment reaches this intense boiling point - AND I'VE READ YOUR BOOKS! - and then slowly ebbs right when you think it's going to explode. "waltz" was in my top ten because it undeniably rules but it also feels like something i can only listen to in a particular state of mind
definitely assumed either "when i go deaf" or "point of disgust" was going to show up here at some point. what a wild poll! thanks for running it ufo
― donna rouge, Saturday, 27 November 2021 00:01 (two years ago) link
thank you for participating, everyone
here's the full results:
1. Murderer - 1156 points, 27 voters, 2 #1 votes2. Do You Know How To Waltz? - 1002 points, 25 voters, 1 #1 vote3. Two-Step - 922 points, 24 voters, 2 #1 votes4. Words - 859 points, 20 voters, 1 #1 vote5. Sunflower - 789 points, 23 voters, 1 #1 vote6. (That's How You Sing) Amazing Grace - 782 points, 21 voters, 1 #1 vote7. Over the Ocean - 728 points, 20 voters, 1 #1 vote8. In Metal - 699 points, 18 voters, 3 #1 votes9. Violence - 614 points, 17 voters, 2 #1 votes10. Laser Beam - 587 points, 15 voters, 1 #1 vote11. Lullaby - 565 points, 17 voters, 1 #1 vote12. Canada - 522 points, 14 voters13. Lazy - 507 points, 15 voters14. Nothing But Heart - 506 points, 13 voters15. Silver Rider - 495 points, 13 voters, 3 #1 votes16. Pissing - 479 points, 16 voters17. Hey - 461 points, 15 voters18. Dinosaur Act - 440 points, 14 voters, 1 #1 vote19. Quorum - 438 points, 14 voters20. Fly - 433 points, 12 voters, 1 #1 vote21. Starfire - 428 points, 15 voters, 1 #1 vote22. Coattails - 424 points, 13 voters23. The Plan - 417 points, 12 voters24. Monkey - 405 points, 13 voters25. Always Trying to Work It Out - 400 points, 12 voters26. In The Drugs - 397 points, 14 voters27. Shame - 394 points, 13 voters28. Breaker - 370 points, 13 voters29. Shots & Ladders - 352 points, 14 voters30. White Horses - 331 points, 10 voters31. Violent Past - 310 points, 10 voters, 1 #1 vote31. Will the Night - 310 points, 11 voters, 1 #1 vote33. The Lamb - 303 points, 7 voters, 1 #1 vote34. Broadway (So Many People) - 302 points, 7 voters35. Weight of Water - 291 points, 9 voters, 1 #1 vote35. No Comprende - 291 points, 11 voters37. Whitetail - 285 points, 8 voters37. Landslide - 285 points, 11 voters39. Last Snowstorm of the Year - 279 points, 8 voters40. Tempest - 278 points, 7 voters41. The Price You Pay (It Must Be Wearing Off) - 277 points, 9 voters42. California - 276 points, 9 voters43. July - 274 points, 10 voters44. Lies - 273 points, 9 voters45. Always Up - 271 points, 6 voters46. Venus - 270 points, 11 voters47. Just Like Christmas - 266 points, 7 voters48. Anon - 257 points, 7 voters49. Immune - 250 points, 5 voters, 1 #1 vote50. Especially Me - 238 points, 9 voters, 1 #1 vote50. More - 238 points, 10 voters, 1 #1 vote52. Dancing and Blood - 237 points, 7 voters53. Sleep at the Bottom - 233 points, 8 voters, 1 #1 vote54. Soon - 216 points, 8 voters, 1 #1 vote55. Belarus - 206 points, 6 voters55. John Prine - 206 points, 7 voters57. Days Like These - 202 points, 7 voters58. Like a Forest - 186 points, 6 voters58. Spanish Translation - 186 points, 7 voters, 1 #1 vote60. Gentle - 177 points, 6 voters61. I Remember - 176 points, 5 voters61. Nightingale - 176 points, 5 voters63. When I Go Deaf - 168 points, 7 voters64. Don't Understand - 166 points, 8 voters65. Take Your Time - 163 points, 5 voters65. Point of Disgust - 163 points, 7 voters67. Because You Stood Still - 162 points, 4 voters67. Closer - 162 points, 4 voters69. You See Everything - 158 points, 6 voters70. Try To Sleep - 152 points, 5 voters71. La La La Song - 151 points, 5 voters72. Throw Out The Line - 143 points, 5 voters72. Stars Gone Out - 143 points, 4 voters74. Everybody's Song - 140 points, 4 voters75. Time is the Diamond - 136 points, 6 voters76. Medicine Magazines - 135 points, 5 voters77. Congregation - 130 points, 5 voters78. Witches - 128 points, 5 voters78. Down - 128 points, 5 voters80. Drag - 127 points, 5 voters81. Little Argument With Myself - 126 points, 5 voters81. Just Make It Stop - 126 points, 5 voters83. Condescend - 124 points, 5 voters, 1 #1 vote83. Hatchet - 124 points, 4 voters85. Laugh - 119 points, 4 voters86. Tonight - 118 points, 3 voters, 1 #1 vote86. Long Way Around The Sea - 118 points, 3 voters88. All Night - 116 points, 5 voters88. Cut - 116 points, 4 voters88. Disappearing - 116 points, 3 voters91. Whore - 114 points, 3 voters92. If You Were Born Today (Song for Little Baby Jesus) - 110 points, 3 voters92. Down by the River - 110 points, 3 voters94. So Easy (So Far) - 106 points, 3 voters94. Don't Carry It All - 106 points, 2 voters96. Stay - 101 points, 4 voters97. Rome (Always In The Dark) - 100 points, 3 voters98. Swingin' - 98 points, 4 voters98. Poor Sucker - 98 points, 3 voters100. Below & Above - 94 points, 5 voters101. Bombscare - 90 points, 2 voters102. In Silence - 86 points, 3 voters103. Born by the Wires - 82 points, 3 voters103. Hand So Small - 82 points, 2 voters105. Dancing and Fire - 81 points, 4 voters105. On the Edge of - 81 points, 4 voters107. Disarray - 78 points, 4 voters108. Joan of Arc - 76 points, 3 voters109. Don't Walk Away - 74 points, 2 voters110. Embrace - 73 points, 2 voters111. What Part Of Me - 72 points, 5 voters112. The Innocents - 70 points, 4 voters113. Dragonfly - 68 points, 4 voters114. Standby - 67 points, 3 voters115. Fear - 64 points, 2 voters115. Be There - 64 points, 3 voters115. Plastic Cup - 64 points, 5 voters118. Just Stand Back - 62 points, 3 voters119. Mom Says - 59 points, 2 voters120. Cue the Strings - 58 points, 2 voters120. Caroline - 58 points, 2 voters120. So Blue - 58 points, 2 voters123. Death of a Salesman - 56 points, 2 voters123. DJ - 56 points, 3 voters125. Candy Girl - 54 points, 2 voters125. Dark - 54 points, 2 voters127. Streetlight - 48 points, 1 voter127. Slide - 48 points, 1 voter129. From Your Place on Sunset - 47 points, 2 voters130. Always Fade - 46 points, 3 voters130. Untitled 4 - 46 points, 1 voter130. Transmission - 46 points, 3 voters133. Those Girls (Song For Nico) - 44 points, 1 voter134. On My Own - 42 points, 3 voters134. David & Jude - 42 points, 1 voter136. Tomorrow One - 40 points, 3 voters137. Way Behind - 38 points, 1 voter137. Missouri - 38 points, 2 voters139. Old Man Song - 36 points, 1 voter139. One Special Gift - 36 points, 1 voter139. I Started A Joke - 36 points, 2 voters139. When You Walked - 36 points, 1 voter139. Untitled 1 - 36 points, 1 voter144. Amethyst - 32 points, 1 voter145. Turn - 31 points, 1 voter145. Walk You Out - 31 points, 1 voter145. Lust - 31 points, 1 voter145. Turning Over - 31 points, 1 voter149. Hey Chicago - 30 points, 1 voter150. Alone - 28 points, 2 voters150. Rope - 28 points, 1 voter150. Walk Into the Sea - 28 points, 2 voters150. Landlord - 28 points, 1 voter154. Sea - 26 points, 1 voter155. Bright - 24 points, 1 voter155. Sunshine - 24 points, 1 voter157. Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me - 20 points, 1 voter157. Blue-Eyed Devil - 20 points, 1 voter159. Lion/Lamb - 18 points, 1 voter159. Peanut Butter Toast and American Bandstand - 18 points, 2 voters159. Home - 18 points, 2 voters162. I Can Wait - 16 points, 1 voter162. Kind of Girl - 16 points, 2 voters162. Overhead - 16 points, 1 voter165. Days of… - 14 points, 1 voter166. Majesty/Magic - 12 points, 1 voter166. No Need - 12 points, 1 voter168. Prisoner - 8 points, 1 voter168. Something's Turning Over - 8 points, 1 voter170. I Hear... Goodnight - 6 points, 1 voter170. Stay (Rihanna cover) - 6 points, 1 voter172. Take - 4 points, 1 voter172. Taking Down The Tree - 4 points, 1 voter172. Tear Down - 4 points, 1 voter175. Back Home Again - 2 points, 1 voter
― ufo, Saturday, 27 November 2021 00:02 (two years ago) link
SILVER RIDER WAY TOO LOW! it was my #1. my favorite version of the song is basically "whenever i see them play it live" because on a good night, it's the most transcendent song humans have ever crafted
― diamonddave85 (diamonddave85), Saturday, 27 November 2021 00:09 (two years ago) link
Love for whoever voted “Condescend” #1 and “Don’t Carry It All” as highly as I did
Thank you for running this, ufo!!
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Saturday, 27 November 2021 00:09 (two years ago) link
murderer is a worthy #1, i believe it was my #3. "i've seen you pound your first into the earth" is probably the most striking imagery i've ever heard in music
btw thanks for running the poll ufo!
― diamonddave85 (diamonddave85), Saturday, 27 November 2021 00:11 (two years ago) link
my ballot
TonightCoattailsLandslideDo You Know How to Waltz?MurdererTempestLaser BeamStayTake Your TimeThe PlanHeyJulyOld Man SongDancing and BloodSo BlueDon't UnderstandLaughDJSpanish TranslationAlways FadeCaliforniaCongregationWill the NightTime is the DiamondLiesTry to SleepDisarrayJust Stand BackBelow & AboveNo Comprende
― STOCK FIST-PUMPER BRAD (BradNelson), Saturday, 27 November 2021 00:12 (two years ago) link
my songs ballot
1. Murderer (EP version)2. Nothing But Heart3. Laser Beam4. Words5. (That's How You Sing) Amazing Grace6. Dancing and Blood7. Do You Know How to Waltz?8. The Plan9. Breaker10. Coattails11. Silver Rider12. Point of Disgust13. In Metal14. Quorum15. Witches16. Tomorrow One17. Lazy18. Spanish Translation19. Shame20. John Prine21. Don't Understand22. Over the Ocean23. Shots and Ladders24. When I Go Deaf25. Soon26. Hey27. Whitetail28. Starfire29. Tear Down30. Pissing
― donna rouge, Saturday, 27 November 2021 00:21 (two years ago) link
I'm the number one voter for Condescend. I didn't do a covers poll, so..
CondescendNothing But HeartDown By The RiverBroadway (So Many People)Just Like ChristmasDinosaur ActOver The OceanEspecially MeIf You Were Born TodayThe PlanCoattailsYou See EverythingTwo StepLaser BeamWill The Night (Dead Pilot version)CloserWeight Of WaterIn The DrugsSunflowerMonkeyLazyWordsSilver RiderIn MetalWhitetailShots & LaddersJulyStarfirePoint Of DisgustVenus
― kraudive, Saturday, 27 November 2021 00:24 (two years ago) link
Great poll. Thanks to ufo for running it and to everyone for all the great discussion.
Silver RiderIn MetalWordsVenusBreakerAmazing GraceSunflowerWeight for WaterLaser BeamCanadaEverybody's SongDinosaur ActLast Snowstorm of the YearCongregationNothing But HeartDrag Below & AboveShameStarfire2-StepMurdererLullabyEspecially MeMedicine MagazinesLa La SongTake Your TimeIn SilenceMonkeyCue the StringsDragonfly
― that's not my post, Saturday, 27 November 2021 01:06 (two years ago) link
Unsurprising ballot, unranked:
Throw Out the Line
Turn
Stay
Two-Step
Weight of Water
Whitetail
Medicine Magazines
Laser Beam
Embrace
(That's How You Sing) Amazing Grace
In the Drugs
Last Snowstorm of the Year
La La La Song
Point of Disgust
Shots & Ladders
Anon
The Plan
Over the Ocean
Mom Says
Coattails
Standby
Laugh
Lust
Stars Gone Out
Do You Know How to Waltz?
Murderer
Words
Lazy
Lullaby
Drag
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Saturday, 27 November 2021 01:26 (two years ago) link
Thanks ufo! And thanks to all of you for putting up with me being annoying for days.
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Saturday, 27 November 2021 01:27 (two years ago) link
Fascinating that Double Negative took the album poll, yet its highest placing in tracks was #19?? Feel like that's gotta be unprecedented among these artist polls
― Vinnie, Saturday, 27 November 2021 01:42 (two years ago) link
xp I’ve liked reading your take on Low, table!
― Dan S, Saturday, 27 November 2021 01:45 (two years ago) link
been distracted by family events the last few days but have enjoyed this thread. thanks ufo
― Dan S, Saturday, 27 November 2021 01:48 (two years ago) link
curious how common it is for other artist polls to have that many different songs of theirs get #1 votes - seemed like there were a lot for this one?
― donna rouge, Saturday, 27 November 2021 01:57 (two years ago) link
yeah this was something that stood out to me as quite unusual, but i think it lines up with a lot of people mentioning that they loved double negative but weren't finding it easy to separate out individual tracks from it
― ufo, Saturday, 27 November 2021 01:58 (two years ago) link
This band.
― Josh in Chicago, Saturday, 27 November 2021 01:59 (two years ago) link
Silver RiderMonkeyWitches(That’s How You Sing) Amazing GraceAlways Trying to Work It OutDon’t Walk AwayThe LambBroadway (So Many People)DisappearingCaliforniaLandslide Candy GirlTwo-StepCanadaNo ComprendePissingTime Is the DiamondOn My OwnWeight of WaterShots and LaddersDo You Know How to WaltzQuorumHeyBreakerMajesty/MagicViolenceDinosaur ActJust Stand BackLittle Argument with MyselfDays Like These
― Dan S, Saturday, 27 November 2021 02:44 (two years ago) link
Good lookin out, tableTwo-StepWhitetailNothing But HeartCue the StringsMonkeyViolenceTime Is The DiamondCanadaWhoreThrow Out the LinePlastic CupSunflowerMissouriDinosaur ActStandby (That's How You Sing) Amazing GraceEspecially MeSo BlueHatchetJust Like ChristmasLullabyCoattails Don't UnderstandOn My OwnShameJust Make It StopWhite HorsesMoreTransmissionI Started a Joke
― licorice in the front, pizza in the rear (Whiney G. Weingarten), Saturday, 27 November 2021 03:16 (two years ago) link
StarfireWordsThe LambIn Metal(That's How You Sing) Amazing Grace2-StepPissingPoor SuckerThe Price You Pay (It Must Be Wearing Off)WhoreDo You Know How to WaltzMurdererDon't UnderstandSunflowerDancing and BloodOver the OceanAlways Trying to Work it OutCoattailsCondescendViolent PastAnonThrow Out the LineBorn By the WiresLazyWhen I Go DeafHeySpanish TranslationMoreIn the DrugsDinosaur Act
― just staying (Karl Malone), Saturday, 27 November 2021 03:18 (two years ago) link
I thought "whore" might be top-ten material. the lyrics, i don't know. i don't listen to them. everything else about it is stunning.
great poll, thanks so much for running it ufo!!
The only rock bands I want to listen to these days are Low and Ween, idk what that says about me
― licorice in the front, pizza in the rear (Whiney G. Weingarten), Saturday, 27 November 2021 03:19 (two years ago) link
what do you have against the foo fighters?
― just staying (Karl Malone), Saturday, 27 November 2021 03:27 (two years ago) link
yeah it ended up being my favourite from things we lost in the fire. the lyrics are a pretty awkward biblical reference which is a shame compared to how good the rest of it is
― ufo, Saturday, 27 November 2021 03:32 (two years ago) link
The LambTwo-StepMonkeyBroadway (So Many People)I RememberFlyOver the OceanCanadaImmuneLullabyShameDo You Know How to Waltz?Everybody's SongLazyBecause You Stood StillNightingaleLong Way Around the Sea(That's How You Sing) Amazing GraceWordsThe InnocentsMedicine MagazinesPissingDancing and FireIn MetalBelarusPlastic CupSleep at the BottomSunflowerStandbyShots & Ladders 2 – I was apparently the only vote for this version, and contributed only 2 points vs. the 350 points that the Trust version received.
― Hideous Lump, Saturday, 27 November 2021 03:35 (two years ago) link
things we lost in the fire was my first low. i was 20 at the time (2003) and met this wonderful woman who would play it all the time. i hope this isn't tmi, but i really liked her and for a while we were a couple and would sleep in the same bed. we never made love (TMI), which was a smart move on her part, because she knew i was just a young whatever and not a good idea for anyone who was taking things seriously. i would always be waiting for the right time, and who knows what she was thinking, and then at some point it would be things we lost in the fire time, and it was so warm and intense. Sunflower wowed me of course, first time, but later it was Whore and In Metal and....every single other song...that would knock me out. it was really intense laying there in that bad, on the edge of some sort of horny mistake, not making it, listening to this music, wine drunk. i can never forget it
― just staying (Karl Malone), Saturday, 27 November 2021 03:38 (two years ago) link
Thanks UFO!
Fascinating results I'll spend more time parsing--but I feel like the take-away is basically that Low may be even more amazing than we often remember. They're so consistently great that perhaps sometimes we become innured to really seeing it.
My tracks:
01. “Will The Night (Secret Name, 1999)02. “So Easy (So Far)” (Bombscare EP, 2000)03. “Belarus” (Drums & Guns, 2007)04. “Fly” (Double Negative, 2018)05. “Little Argument With Myself” (Trust, 2002)06. “Because You Stood Still” (Last Night I Dreamt EP, 2001)07. “Soon” (Secret Name, 1999)08. “Breaker” (Drums & Guns, 2007)09. “Hand So Small” (Bombscare EP, 2000)10. “Down By The River” (In the Fishtank EP, 2001)11. “The Price You Pay (It Must Be Wearing Off)” (Hey What, 2021)12. “Do You Know How To Waltz?” (The Curtain Hits The Cast, 1996)13. “Two-Step” (Secret Name, 1999)14. “Don’t Understand” (Secret Name, 1999)15. “Bombscare” (Bombscare EP, 2000)16. “Hey” (Hey What, 2021)17. “Landlord” (Songs For A Dead Pilot EP, 1997)18. “John Prine” (Trust, 2002)19. “Sunshine” (I Could Live In Hope, 1994)20. “Always Fade” (Drums & Guns, 2007)21. “Disarray” (Double Negative, 2018)22. “Dragonfly” (Drums & Guns, 2007)23. “The Plan” (The Curtain Hits the Cast, 1996)24. “On The Edge Of” (The Great Destroyer, 2005)25. “Always Trying to Work It Out” (Double Negative, 2018)26. “Murderer” (Drums & Guns, 2007)27. “Drag” (I Could Live In Hope, 1994)28. “Words” (I Could Live In Hope, 1994)29. “Poor Sucker” (Double Negative, 2018)30. “Laser Beam” (Things We Lost in the Fire, 2001)
And releases:
01. Drums & Guns (2007)02. Double Negative (2018)03. Secret Name (1999)04. Bombscare EP (2000)05. Trust (2002)06. The Curtain Hits the Cast (1996)07. I Could Live in Hope (1994)08. Hey What (2021)09. The Great Destroyer (2005)10. Things We Lost In the Fire (2001)
I'll continue to push for more folks to hear the 'Bombscare' EP, which more and more feels like the secret fulcrum of their oeuvre...
― Soundslike, Saturday, 27 November 2021 04:22 (two years ago) link
Thanks for sharing that, Karl. Long Division was my first, but TWLITF was the one that really hooked me.
― Cow_Art, Saturday, 27 November 2021 04:24 (two years ago) link
My take on the last two is that Double Negative is the better album length statement, Hey What has higher highs but a couple duds. Between the lyrics and the vocal I don't like "Days Like These" at all.
Songs
MoreWordsBelarusQuorumShameLazyHeyPissingWitchesViolenceTwo-StepSunflowerMurdererDisarrayLullabySoonAnonFearLiesCutStayDragTakeGentleI RememberSo Easy (So Far)Born by the WiresBreaker (Dub Plate)Do You Know How to Waltz?Venus (Time Stereo Dub Mix)
Albums
I Could Live in HopeDouble NegativeLong DivisionOnes and SixesHey WhatThe Curtain Hits the CastSongs for a Dead DreamerDrums and Guns Secret Name
― Freeze Instr., Saturday, 27 November 2021 05:21 (two years ago) link
*Songs for a Dead Pilot 8/
― Freeze Instr., Saturday, 27 November 2021 05:23 (two years ago) link
Tracks
1. Murderer2. Lazy3. Don’t Carry It All4. When I Go Deaf5. All Night6. Words7. Do You Know How to Waltz8. Violent Past9. Lullaby10. In Metal11. Take Your Time12. Nightingale13. White Horses14. Condescend15. Pissing16. Rome (Always in the Dark)17. Starfire18. Dancing and Blood19. Sunflower20. Canada21. More22. Breaker23. The Price You Pay (It Must Be Wearing Off)24. Venus25. 2-Step26. Landslide27. John Prine28. What Part of Me29. Like a Forest30. In the Drugs
1. Drums and Guns2. Hey What3. I Could Live in Hope4. Things We Lost in the Fire5. The Curtain Hits the Cast6. The Great Destroyer7. Double Negative8. Ones and Sixes9. In a Fishtank10. Trust
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Saturday, 27 November 2021 05:51 (two years ago) link
TWLITF was my gateway years back. Someone put it on the morning after a night of heavy partying and the mood of “Sunflower” and on just clicked.
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Saturday, 27 November 2021 05:54 (two years ago) link
"sunflower" is the ultimate low gateway song imo
it's imo because it was my gateway i guess
― just staying (Karl Malone), Saturday, 27 November 2021 06:08 (two years ago) link
i'm surprised that When I Go Deaf didn't place
― just staying (Karl Malone), Saturday, 27 November 2021 06:09 (two years ago) link
this poll has prompted me to reassess the great destroyer. it was always one of my least favorite of theirs, but after giving it 10 or so years since the last listen, i can really recognize several fantastic songs on it.
― just staying (Karl Malone), Saturday, 27 November 2021 06:10 (two years ago) link
Yeah, that one screams big crowd singalong when played live
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Saturday, 27 November 2021 06:11 (two years ago) link
“All Night” became my new favorite Mimi song. She’s holding everything together for around 4 minutes before it sounds like she’s getting pulled into a telephone.
― Western® with Bacon Flavor, Saturday, 27 November 2021 06:21 (two years ago) link
Pardon the interruption, but the gorgeous David Gilmour song "The Blue" sounds a lot like Low "Shame," and the first word in the song is "shamelessly."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1kJfdfrzIM
― Hideous Lump, Saturday, 27 November 2021 06:50 (two years ago) link
Most of them placed but I'm still shocked at Caroline. Seriously people ?
Spanish TranslationLazyCarolineThe LambAnonMurdererThat’s How you sing Amazing GraceGentleLiesShameAlways Trying to Work it OutWordsWhite HorsesCongregationEspecially MeQuorumLullabyWeight of WaterSunflowerJulyDancing and BloodFlyDinosaur ActMonkeyThe InnocentsThe PlanNo ComprendeShots & LaddersDownSilver Rider
― Nabozo, Saturday, 27 November 2021 07:35 (two years ago) link
Most of these placed but more love for Bombscare and Tonight please. Trust is the favourite album and Tonight is crucial flickering warmth relative to the general chillier nocturnal vibe.
ImmuneBombscareMurdererCaliforniaWhite HorsesViolent PastShots & LaddersNo ComprendeFlyMoreTonightHand So SmallCanadaMonkeyBelarusQuorumSoonPissingSunflowerJust Like ChristmasTime is the DiamondSleep at the BottomDo You Know How to Waltz?Days of…JulyPoint of DisgustViolenceBreakerIn the DrugsCondescend
TrustBombscare EPSecret NameDrums and GunsHEY WHATDouble NegativeI Could Live in HopeThings We Lost in the FireThe Great DestroyerChristmas
Courtesy of this poll I've finally found a route into Curtain which for years I found rather unapproachable. Today it feels really lush and stretches of it are pretty new to me still - the ultimate treat of quasi-new old Low to immerse in.
― technopolis, Saturday, 27 November 2021 08:12 (two years ago) link
I’ve been traveling and I missed this rollout. I must be a casual low fan because I had no idea Murderer had a chance at the top 10 let alone would be the winner of this poll. I would have betted on “Words”.
Happy “sleep at the bottom” made it albeit way TOO LOW.
― ✖✖✖ (Moka), Saturday, 27 November 2021 08:42 (two years ago) link
Great poll ufo, thank you!
― ✖✖✖ (Moka), Saturday, 27 November 2021 08:44 (two years ago) link
Here's my ballot
SoonStarfireViolenceWordsSunflowerDinosaur ActLike A ForestIn MetalPoint of DisgustMurdererJust Like ChristmasLong Way Around The SeaOne Special GiftBreakerHatchetJust Make It StopQuorumBelow & AboveThrow Out The LineSwingin’Over The OceanLion/LambTwo StepDon’t UnderstandKind of Girl(That's How You Sing) Amazing GraceCanadaWhen I Go DeafTaking Down The TreeMissouri
Things We Lost in the FireSecret NameLong DivisionChristmasThe Curtain Hits The CastTrustThe Great DestroyerI Could Live In HopeDouble NegativeDrums and Guns
― ceci n'est pas une messi (cajunsunday), Saturday, 27 November 2021 08:46 (two years ago) link
I’m not sure if double negative was my#1 album vote but it feels to me like the absolute climax of what Low is. I had a hard time picking a song I’d recommend off it because it’s the one Low album that works as a full album imho. It’s a crushing experience if you listen to it in one sitting with a good pair of headphones. No other album of them works in the same context for me. It’s a bit masochistic, while it’s my favorite I’ve only listened to it 3 times fully. You really need to be in the mood to be dragged into the ground.
― ✖✖✖ (Moka), Saturday, 27 November 2021 08:49 (two years ago) link
It was difficult to decide whether I wasn't so hot on the Low 'standards' - top 15 or so - due burning out on them being part of the live set for many years. But no, turns out they just have ridiculous amounts of good material on all the records and they all get crowded out when you're only picking top 30. Great fun though!
ViolenceSilver RiderJulyShameNo ComprendeWill The NightWhitetailNothing But HeartJohn PrineEmbraceLullabyDragonflyWhen You WalkedDisappearingAmethystOn The Edge OfHeyDancing and FireBreakerWhite HorsesLittle Argument with MyselfViolent PastTime Is The DiamondDo You Know How To Waltz?I RememberEspecially MeMurderer (EP version)I Hear... GoodnightWitchesLast Snowstorm of the Year
Things We Lost In The FireTrustDrums and GunsDouble NegativeHEY WHATThe Great DestroyerI Could Live In HopeSecret NameThe Invisible WayCurtain Hits The Cast
― matt h, Saturday, 27 November 2021 09:41 (two years ago) link
Thanks a lot for running this ufo, really enjoyed reading the different takes on the Low catalogue.
Dinosaur ActSunflowerIn the DrugsDo You Know How to Waltz?Sleep at the BottomImmuneSlideCaliforniaShameMurdererWeight of WaterMoreShots & LaddersBecause You Stood StillLazyVenusMedicine MagazinesFlyBright(That's How You Sing) Amazing GraceCutOver the OceanEverybody's SongYou See EverythingLike a ForestTime Is the DiamondJoan of ArcOn the Edge ofLittle Argument With MyselfStarfire
Things We Lost in the FireTrustI Could Live in HopeHEY WHATA Lifetime of Temporary ReliefDouble NegativeThe Curtain Hits the CastThe Great DestroyerSecret NameC'mon
― Gavin, Leeds, Saturday, 27 November 2021 09:52 (two years ago) link
my ballots:
LullabyMurdererOver The OceanDo You Know How to Waltz?TempestJust Stand BackAlways UpFlyAlways Trying to Work It OutWhite HorsesBreakerLaughThe PlanQuorumGentlePissingWhoreCoattailsDownViolenceHeyNothing But HeartWhen I Go DeafViolent PastRome (Always In The Dark)LandslideWill the NightShots & LaddersMoreIn Metal
Double NegativeThe Curtain Hits the CastThe Great DestroyerHEY WHATI Could Live In HopeThings We Lost in the FireDrums and GunsOnes and SixesC'monTrust
Down by the RiverI'm On FireLet's Stay TogetherNowhere ManTransmissionStay
― ufo, Saturday, 27 November 2021 10:20 (two years ago) link
I forgot to post my albums and covers, which were ranked:
Albums: The Curtain Hits the CastTrustI Could Live in HopeThings We Lost in the FireSecret NameLong DivisionDrums & GunsDouble NegativeHEY WHATBombscare EP
Covers:Blue-Eyed DevilStayCarnival QueenI Started a JokeLittle Drummer BoySilent NightDown by the RiverSurfer Girl...I LoveOpen Arms
― I'm a sovereign jizz citizen (the table is the table), Saturday, 27 November 2021 12:26 (two years ago) link
My ballots:Songs (in ranked order 1-30):Weight Of WaterWhitetailMurdererDo You Know How To Waltz?CutTwo-StepLiesLazyDinosaur ActFlyCanadaYou See EverythingDragCongregationPissing LowOver the OceanLaser Beam(That's How You Sing) Amazing GraceTransmissionPoint of DisgustAloneNothing But HeartBreakerThe Price You Pay (It Must Be Wearing Off)Down By The RiverStarfireLullabyStay (Rihanna cover)Days Like These LowJust Make It Stop
Albums:Secret NameI Could Live In HopeThings We Lost In The FireOnes and SixesTrustC'MonThe Curtain Hits The CastDrums and GunsHey WhatDouble Negative
Covers:TransmissionDown By The RiverStayLast Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved MeSurfer GirlLord, Can You Hear Me?Back Home AgainI'm on FireLet's Stay TogetherNowhere Man
― treefell, Saturday, 27 November 2021 12:41 (two years ago) link
Thanks ufo for picking up the ball
My ballots (yeah, I thought it was 50)
Over The OceanJohn PrineSilver Rider (Murderer ep version)Do You Know How To Waltz?La La La SongJoan of Arc(That’s How You Sing) Amazing GraceLittle Argument With MyselfMonkeyDavid & JudeLast Snowstorm Of The YearVenusWill the NightI Started A JokeTwo-StepThe PlanThrow Out The LineWeight Of WaterIf You Were Born Today (Song for Little Baby Jesus)Just Like ChristmasLast Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved MeTransmissionPeanut Butter Toast and American BandstandIn The DrugsDinosaur ActSoonAloneEspecially MeStars Gone OutAlways FadeLong Way Around The SeaWhen I Go DeafViolent PastBlue ChristmasI RememberSunflowerPretty PeopleFrom Your Place On SunsetTry To SleepDon’t UnderstandDown By The RiverAlways Trying To Work It Out LazyInto YouPissingViolenceHand So SmallCarolineLaser BeamCondescend
Curtain Hits The CastTrustSecret NameOne More Reason To ForgetSongs For A Dead PilotOWLThe Great DestroyerThe Exit PapersLong DivisionThings We Lost In The Fire
I Started A JokeLast Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved MeTransmissionBlue ChristmasDown By The RiverSurfer GirlLong Long LongFearlessCarnival QueenLord Can You Hear Me
― Long enough attention span for a Stephen Bissette blu-ray extra (aldo), Saturday, 27 November 2021 13:32 (two years ago) link
Thanks so much, ufo! Love the images.
My ballot below. Thought for a bit I was Mr Hive Mind when it comes to Low, given my #1 LP and #1 cover were also the poll's #1s. However, I didn't for any of the top 7 in songs.
In MetalJust Make It StopCanadaIn The DrugsDays Like TheseDon’t Carry It AllTry To SleepBecause You Stood StillThose Girls (Song For Nico)BelarusLiesWay Behind (w/ Spring Heel Jack)The Price You Pay (It Must Be Wearing Off)Below & AboveMonkeyHatchetYou See EverythingSeaWhitetailBe ThereDeath of a SalesmanJoan of ArcOverheadViolenceSleep At the Bottom (w/Transient Waves & Piano Magic)Weight Of WaterPrisonerWhat Part Of MeVenusPlastic Cup
Cover versions
Down By The River (w/ Dirty Three)FearlessLittle Drummer BoyBack Home Again…I LoveSunshineLast Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved MeHeartbeatLord, Can You Hear Me?Transmission
Double NegativeHEY WHATTrustBombscare EP (w/ Spring Heel Jack)Drums and GunsChristmasThings We Lost In The FireIn The Fishtank 7 (w/ Dirty Three)Long DivisionC’mon
― Jeff W, Saturday, 27 November 2021 14:26 (two years ago) link
Songs:
2-StepLaser BeamWordsMurdererJust Like ChristmasStars Gone OutDo You Know How to Waltz?TempestAlways Trying to Work It OutMedicine & MagazineDownStarfireViolenceOver the OceanNothing But HeartJulyNightingaleViolent PastThe Price You Pay (It Must Be Wearing Off)Be ThereSleep at the BottomVenusSilver RiderAnonNo ComprendeLullabyQuorumHeyCondescend(That’s How You Sing) Amazing Grace
Albums:
Things We Lost in the FireDouble NegativeThe Curtain Hits the CastC’monHEY WHATI Could Live in HopeLong DivisionSecret NameSongs for a Dead PilotOnes and Sixes
― sctttnnnt (pgwp), Saturday, 27 November 2021 15:17 (two years ago) link
Thanks ufo for your hard work on this poll!
I don't know why I left Murderer off my ballot (and voted for the blander Belarus from the same album) but I guess that's what happens when you compile your ballot quickly and mostly on instinct.
Violent PastWhen I Go DeafLaser BeamAlways Trying to Work It OutBroadway (So Many People)LullabyCloserQuorumDinosaur ActWordsIn MetalCanadaShots and LaddersJohn PrineMonkeyCaliforniaLandslideNothing But HeartTempestTry To SleepFlyOver the OceanDo You Know How to WaltzTwo StepSunflowerWalk Into the SeaBelarusEspecially MePlastic CupOn My Own
Double NegativeThe Great DestroyerThings We Lost In the FireI Could Live In HopeTrustDrums and GunsChristmasC'monThe Invisible WayThe Curtain Hits the Cast
― NoTimeBeforeTime, Sunday, 28 November 2021 11:07 (two years ago) link
I didn't do a relisten before voting. With Christmas on just now I think Little Drummer Boy might have got top 20. SO MUCH NOISE.
― Long enough attention span for a Stephen Bissette blu-ray extra (aldo), Saturday, 4 December 2021 01:03 (two years ago) link
There's a few i haven't heard but no way do Low have 10(!!) albums that are even better than Long Division.
― The 25 Best Songs Ever Ranked In Order (Deflatormouse), Saturday, 4 December 2021 01:11 (two years ago) link
i might be biased cause it was the first one i picked up, but i was under the impression it was their highest regarded release for a time pre-TWLITF? Secret Name or maybe Christmas was their current release then.
― The 25 Best Songs Ever Ranked In Order (Deflatormouse), Saturday, 4 December 2021 01:38 (two years ago) link
I *love* Long Division AND, according to my ballot, therr e are a solid six Low albums that are better.
― sctttnnnt (pgwp), Saturday, 4 December 2021 02:51 (two years ago) link