Misery Is a Butterfly | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | March 15, 2004 | |||
Recorded | March 16 – April 6, 2003 | |||
Studio | Long View Farm (North Brookfield, Massachusetts) | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 44:54 | |||
Label | 4AD | |||
Producer | ||||
Blonde Redhead chronology | ||||
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Singles from Misery Is a Butterfly | ||||
Misery Is a Butterfly is the sixth studio album by American alternative rock band Blonde Redhead. The album was released on March 15, 2004, by 4AD. [8] Much of the visual and lyrical imagery of the album is reflective of an accident in which lead singer Kazu Makino was trampled by a horse. [9]
Kazu Makino’s Horse Accident Influenced the Album
Much of the album’s emotional and lyrical content reflects Makino’s 2003 horseback accident, which required facial reconstructive surgery and months of rehabilitation including relearning how to sing. Tracks like “Elephant Woman” and “Equus” make direct lyrical and rhythmic references to this event
Third Album to Feature Orchestral Arrangements
Continuing the sonic evolution that began with 2000’s Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons, the album integrates lush string arrangements (viola, violin, cello) and clavichords, giving it a cinematic, chamber-pop feel. Contributors include Eyvind Kang and Jane Scarpantoni
![]() | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (September 2023) |
Aggregate scores | |
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Source | Rating |
Metacritic | 78/100 [10] |
Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The Boston Phoenix | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Entertainment Weekly | B− [13] |
Mojo | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Now | 4/5 [15] |
Pitchfork | 7.9/10 [16] |
Q | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Rolling Stone | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Spin | B [18] |
Uncut | 9/10 [19] |
CMJ ranked Misery Is a Butterfly as the 18th best album of 2004. [20]
All tracks are written by Blonde Redhead (Kazu Makino, Amedeo Pace and Simone Pace).
No. | Title | Lead vocals | Length |
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1. | "Elephant Woman" | Makino | 4:49 |
2. | "Messenger" | A. Pace | 3:21 |
3. | "Melody" | Makino | 4:36 |
4. | "Doll Is Mine" | A. Pace | 3:06 |
5. | "Misery Is a Butterfly" | Makino | 5:07 |
6. | "Falling Man" | A. Pace | 3:26 |
7. | "Anticipation" | Makino | 4:04 |
8. | "Maddening Cloud" | A. Pace | 3:20 |
9. | "Magic Mountain" | Makino | 3:02 |
10. | "Pink Love" |
| 6:13 |
11. | "Equus" | Makino | 3:50 |
Total length: | 44:54 |
Credits are adapted from the album's liner notes. [21]
Blonde Redhead
Additional musicians
Production
Design
Chart (2004) | Peak position |
---|---|
French Albums (SNEP) [22] | 77 |
Italian Albums (FIMI) [23] | 50 |
UK Independent Albums (OCC) [24] | 41 |
US Billboard 200 [25] | 180 |
US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard) [26] | 10 |
US Independent Albums (Billboard) [27] | 11 |
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)