Things We Lost in the Fire

Album: Things We Lost in the Fire
Artist: Low
Released: January 1, 2001
Runtime: 53:16
Producer: Steve Albini

Hailing from my home state of Minnesota, Low is renowned for the glacial progression of their compositions. Things We Lost in the Fire is their fifth album, recorded by the legendary (perhaps infamous?) Steve Albini, who is best known for his work on the Pixies' Surfer Rosa and Nirvana's In Utero (even though he claims the final product didn't resemble anything like the original album he recorded with Cobain and Co.). Albini's traditional disdain for human sounds is not evident on Things..., though, as the signature harmonies of lead vocalist/guitarist Alan Sparhawk and drummer/vocalist Mimi Parker are anything but shrouded or distorted. The end result is a sublime, subtle, and depressing experience.

The album opens with the dark and cryptic "Sunflower" with the lyrics:

"When they found your body/ Giant X's on your eyes/ With your half of the ransom/ you bought some sweet/ sweet sunflowers"

That pretty much sets the tone for the album, which is a cohesive collection of similar dark and brooding tunes. Songs like "Dinosaur Age", ostensibly a song about domestic turbulence between two parents, and "July" actually sound slightly more upbeat and show that Low can also write a catchy chorus.

Albini's production is very smooth, especially compared to his previous work with more virile acts. The drums are more subdued and everything blends into one long, smooth progression of haunting sound. This is truly a great winter album and bears all the marks of the band's hometown of Duluth, MN.

Unfortunately, the unique characteristics that set this album apart are also the characteristics that will turn many listeners away. This is beautiful music, but it's not exciting, and there are plenty of lulls in the action ("Laser Beam") that could easily put a listener to sleep. Most of the music is also not overly complex in structure, even though it carries a definite depth to its sound.

Overall, Things We Lost in the Fire is a success for Low and their distinctive style of rock. Turn this album on sometime in the middle of a midnight snow storm and wait for the shivers to subside as the last notes of the final track "In Metal" drift away into the cold. You will be a fan forever after.

Arbitrary Alibi Rating: 3.5 out of 5 snow drifts