About this album
Where they were
Released on May 14, 1991, 'Yerself Is Steam' was Mercury Rev's debut album, emerging during the burgeoning alternative rock scene of the early '90s. The band was still in its formative stages, having formed just a few years earlier in 1989, and this album marked their first significant entry into the music world.
Why it matters
'Yerself Is Steam' is notable for its experimental sound and influence on the shoegaze and indie rock movements that followed. It received critical acclaim upon release, with publications like Pitchfork later recognizing it as a pivotal record that shaped the sonic landscape of the era.
Essential tracks
- "Chasing a Bee" — This track encapsulates the album's ethereal soundscape with its lush instrumentation and otherworldly lyrics, setting the tone for the entire project.
- "Sweet Oddysee of a Cancer Cell t' th' Center of Yer Heart" — With its sprawling length and intricate arrangement, this song showcases Mercury Rev's ambitious approach to songwriting and their unique blend of avant-garde influences.
- "Coney Island Cyclone" — This track stands out for its vibrant energy and vivid imagery, reflecting the band's ability to combine whimsy with introspective themes.
Release Date
May 14, 1991
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Chasing a Bee 7:09
- 2 Syringe Mouth 4:04
- 3 Coney Island Cyclone 2:37
- 4 Blue and Black 6:00
- 5 Sweet Oddysee of a Cancer Cell t' th' Center of Yer Heart 7:48
- 6 Frittering 8:47
- 7 Continuous Trucks and Thunder Under a Mother's Smile 0:43
- 8 Very Sleepy Rivers 7:15
- 9 Very Sleepy Rivers (continued) 0:04
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- 98 [silence] 0:04
- 99 Car Wash Hair 6:45