About this album

Sound: "A whimsical tapestry of lo-fi indie rock that effortlessly blends humor and introspection."

Where they were

Released in 2000, 'A Thousand Songs' was Jim Guthrie's debut full-length album, following his work as a member of The Starling Years. At this point in his career, he was transitioning from collaborative projects into establishing his own distinct voice within the Canadian indie rock scene.

Why it matters

This album garnered critical acclaim for its inventive songwriting and has been recognized for influencing the indie rock genre in Canada. It helped to establish Guthrie as an influential figure in the underground music community, leading to future collaborations and a dedicated fan base.

Essential tracks

  • "I Don’t Wanna Be a Rockstar" — This track captures Guthrie's playful yet poignant critique of fame, showcasing his signature blend of humor and relatable storytelling.
  • "Thousand Songs" — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of exploration and self-discovery while highlighting Guthrie's melodic sensibility.
  • "Mr. Work Stubborn" — This brief but impactful piece reflects on mundane life struggles with wit, embodying the album's quirky charm.

Release Date

January 1, 2000

Artist Origin

Canada

Tracklist

  1. 1 Introduction 0:07
  2. 2 Satana’s Theme 2:25
  3. 3 Jigsaw Muzzle 2:57
  4. 4 Not Yalk’s Requiem 2:28
  5. 5 Mr. Work Stubborn 1:45
  6. 6 I Love Broken Shoes 2:19
  7. 7 The Fantabulous World of Jimmy 3-Guts 3:47
  8. 8 Who Needs What 2:40
  9. 9 I Don’t Wanna Be a Rockstar 2:24
  10. 10 Dirty Fingernail Dreams 2:16
  11. 11 Thousand Songs 2:00
  12. 12 Audio Pepsi 2:16
  13. 13 Trust 4:48
  14. 14 Sexy Drummer 6:24
  15. 15 Not a Word 2:17
  16. 16 Invisible Gem 2:16
  17. 17 Wear in the World 1:43
  18. 18 Shape of Things 2:54
  19. 19 Let’s Get in a Fight 0:45
  20. 20 Focus on Floor Care 5:22
  21. 21 Gamera 3:53
  22. 22 Repression’s Waltz 4:24
  23. 23 Roads and Paper Routes 5:18
  24. 24 And We Got Older 6:08