Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #28065 in Music
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .19 pounds

From Amazon.com
Although this Kentucky combo had a short lifespan, its influence has been extraordinary, presaging the underground "math-rock" revolution and spawning spinoffs such as Tortoise and Gastr Del Sol. But don't go thinking that the foursome is a mere footnote: The bracingly dense, dizzyingly complex songs that vein this, their second full-length release, perfectly capture the smarter face of early-'90s thug-rock. Yes, Slint's sound is descended from punk, but its members--particularly guitarist Brian McMahan--never subscribed to the "keep it simple, stupid" philosophy. Spiderland is so rife with breakneck tempo changes, off-kilter chord progressions, and bizarro-world themes, you'd be hard-pressed to go a listen without discovering something new. --David Sprague

Customer Reviews

Eight-legged gloom machine
I bought "Spiderland" on the same day as Codeine,s "Frigid Stars". If you are one of those less enlightened people who equate "depressing music" with being depressed that you,d have thought that was a real bummer of a day. On the contrary i was as happy as Robbie Williams in front of a full length mirror. Two stone cold classics in one day. Memories are made of this.
"Spiderland" shares "Frigid Stars" same wracked emotional landscape but is if anything even more bereft of hope.Skeletal guitars which are fleshed out by sudden squalls of caustic noise adorn this album. The sound is stark and unembellished. The vocals are mostly spoken in a tired resigned voice,dry as autumn leaves after an Indian summer.When the torpor is lifted by guitars that squeal like a stuck pig or the vocals rise to a pitiful howl its startling.
Never is this more superbly illusrated than on the albums undoubted highlight "Good Morning Captain" A plangent guitar motif gives way to a precise rolling drunbeat.The voice is innervated,bled of all emotion. The guitars occasionally morph into discordant streams of uncluttered noise. Then at the songs epoch they surge and seethe and the vocallist screams, and i mean really screams....a howl of such pain and anguish it travels up your spine like a bullet.I kid you not, it,s one of the greatest moments in the history of recorded music.
Needless to say it,s worth owning this album for that track alone and it,s one tiny problem is that nothing else comes near to matching it. In terms of consistency "Frigid Stars" is actually the superior work but at these elevated levels of artistry it,s fairly irrelevant."Spiderland"is a landmark release and listening to it again for the first time in a long time for the purposes of this review has been a draining experience.It remains with you long after the last note has faded and that is the mark of all truly great music.

The Best Album Ever Made
The Most Breath takingly stunning album ever recorded! if you have a good taste in music this is worth buying no matter what other music you like. Spiderland isn't burdend with a degrading genre its too good for that.rising from the ashes of the young hardcore band "squirrel bait" slints first album, though impressive was released at the tail end of the 80s gaining little fanfare. its follow up "spiderland", slints second, final and massively influential concept album has been raised to near mythical status since its low key release in 91. it has never sold much just to the right people.
the most noticable thing about this album is the sheer intensity of the songs. recording was infact so intense that several of the band were later administered to a phyciatric hospital. a prime example of such intensity is found in the albums swansong "Good Morning, Captain" the albums best, most eerie song. as the song builds to its mind blowing conclusion it is clear something special is about to happen. lead singer/whisperer/shouter brian mcmahan, later of the palace brothers, goes through the most of the song creeply whispering the lyrics. then in one phenominal moment the song explodes as he lets out a mind blowing scream which he shouted so loud he was physicaly sick. it is an amazing end to an amazing album you must buy and givin time love.

An expressive, intense masterpiece.
I bought this classic album back in 1991 and am always moved by the depth, subtlety and power of the music. Dynamics are strong throughout, with beautifully constructed, sublime guitar riffs and chords, and expressive, sometimes delicate rhythms. Vocals range from softly spoken renditions of personal experiences to intense, powerful expressions of angst. Understated and played with genuine intent and purpose, a range of emotions are expressed and felt by the listener.