Complete List Of Mercury Rev Albums And Discography

Mercury Rev Albums

Feature Photo: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

This Complete List Of Mercury Rev Albums And Songs presents the full discography of Mercury Rev studio albums. The band was first formed in 1989. The group hails from the area of Buffalo, New York. All these very original-sounding Mercury Rev albums have been presented below in chronological order. We have also included all original release dates with each Mercury Rev album and all original album covers. Every Mercury Rev album listed below showcases the entire album tracklisting.

MERCURY REV STUDIO ALBUMS

Yerself Is Steam

Released: May 14, 1991

Yerself Is Steam, Mercury Rev’s debut album, released in 1991, introduced the band’s experimental and psychedelic sound. The album’s unique blend of noise rock, dream pop, and avant-garde elements marked it as a distinctive entry in the early 90s alternative music scene. Mercury Rev consisted of Jonathan Donahue (vocals, guitars), Grasshopper (born Sean Mackowiak, guitars, clarinet), Dave Fridmann (bass), Suzanne Thorpe (flute), and Jimy Chambers (drums). The album was produced by Dave Fridmann and recorded at SUNY Buffalo, New York, and NRS Studios in Catskill, New York. While it did not chart upon its initial release, Yerself Is Steam later gained a cult following and critical acclaim for its innovative approach and rich sonic textures.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Chasing a Bee” – 7:08
  2. “Syringe Mouth” – 4:04
  3. “Coney Island Cyclone” – 2:38
  4. “Blue and Black” – 6:00
  5. “Sweet Oddysee of a Cancer Cell T’ Th’ Center of Yer Heart” – 7:41
  6. “Frittering” – 8:47
  7. “Continuous Drunks and Blunders” – 0:46
  8. “Very Sleepy Rivers” – 12:23

Boces

Released: June 1, 1993

In 1993, Mercury Rev released their second studio album, Boces. This album further explored the band’s signature experimental sound, combining psychedelic rock with orchestral and electronic elements. The album’s more polished and eclectic approach showcased the band’s evolving musicality. The lineup remained largely the same, featuring Donahue, Grasshopper, Fridmann, Thorpe, and Chambers. Boces was produced by Dave Fridmann and recorded at Six Hours Studios in New York. The album reached number 43 on the UK Albums Chart, demonstrating the band’s growing popularity and critical recognition.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Meth of a Rockette’s Kick” – 10:26
  2. “Trickle Down” – 5:00
  3. “Bronx Cheer” – 2:46
  4. “Boys Peel Out” – 4:24
  5. “Downs Are Feminine Balloons” – 6:29
  6. “Something for Joey” – 4:03
  7. “Snorry Mouth” – 10:58
  8. “Hi-Speed Boats” – 3:58
  9. “Continuous Trucks and Thunder Under a Mother’s Smile” – 0:48
  10. “Girlfren” – 4:41

See You on the Other Side

Released: September 19, 1995

See You on the Other Side, released in 1995, marked a shift in Mercury Rev’s sound towards a more melodic and structured form while still retaining their experimental essence. This album melded jazz influences with their established psychedelic and dreamy soundscapes. With the departure of Dave Fridmann as a performing member, the band continued with Jonathan Donahue, Grasshopper, and Jimy Chambers, alongside new members Adam Snyder (keyboards) and Dave Fridmann taking on the role of producer exclusively. Recorded at Tarbox Road Studios in Cassadaga, New York, See You on the Other Side was lauded for its imaginative composition and lush orchestration, though it did not chart significantly.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Empire State (Son House in Excelsis)” – 6:00
  2. “Young Man’s Stride” – 2:43
  3. “Sudden Ray of Hope” – 6:58
  4. “Everlasting Arm” – 5:14
  5. “Racing the Tide” – 7:42
  6. “Close Encounters of the 3rd Grade” – 4:16
  7. “A Kiss from an Old Flame (A Trip to the Moon)” – 4:57
  8. “Peaceful Night” – 5:16

Deserter’s Songs

Released: September 29, 1998

Deserter’s Songs, released in 1998, is widely regarded as Mercury Rev’s masterpiece and marked a major turning point in their career. The album’s lush orchestration, combined with dreamy, melancholic melodies, resonated with a wide audience. The band, consisting of Jonathan Donahue, Grasshopper, and new member Jeff Mercel (drums, piano), collaborated with a variety of musicians and incorporated diverse instruments like the flute, clarinet, and mellotron. Produced by Dave Fridmann, the album was recorded at Tarbox Road Studios. Deserter’s Songs reached number 27 on the UK Albums Chart and was certified Gold by BPI, reflecting its commercial success and critical acclaim.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Holes” – 5:55
  2. “Tonite It Shows” – 3:40
  3. “Endlessly” – 4:25
  4. “I Collect Coins” – 1:27
  5. “Opus 40” – 5:10
  6. “Hudson Line” – 2:54
  7. “The Happy End (The Drunk Room)” – 2:06
  8. “Goddess on a Hiway” – 4:31
  9. “The Funny Bird” – 5:51
  10. “Pick Up If You’re There” – 3:05
  11. “Delta Sun Bottleneck Stomp” – 6:17

All Is Dream

Released: September 11, 2001

In 2001, Mercury Rev released All Is Dream, an album that continued the orchestral and lush soundscapes established in Deserter’s Songs. This album delved deeper into the band’s dreamlike and cinematic style, with an emphasis on rich, emotive arrangements. The lineup included Jonathan Donahue, Grasshopper, and Jeff Mercel, with Dave Fridmann returning as producer. All Is Dream was recorded at Tarbox Road Studios and various other locations. The album achieved commercial success, peaking at number 11 on the UK Albums Chart, and was certified Gold by BPI.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “The Dark is Rising” – 4:52
  2. “Tides of the Moon” – 5:12
  3. “Chains” – 4:22
  4. “Lincoln’s Eyes” – 7:07
  5. “Nite and Fog” – 3:57
  6. “Little Rhymes” – 5:12
  7. “A Drop in Time” – 4:18
  8. “You’re My Queen” – 2:34
  9. “Spiders and Flies” – 4:10
  10. “Hercules” – 7:50

The Secret Migration

Released: January 24, 2005

The Secret Migration, released in 2005, saw Mercury Rev continue to explore their dreamy, orchestral sound, but with a more upbeat and vibrant approach compared to their previous albums. The album’s lush soundscapes and poetic lyrics delved into themes of nature and transformation. The core lineup of Jonathan Donahue, Grasshopper, and Jeff Mercel was complemented by a range of guest musicians. Produced by Dave Fridmann, The Secret Migration was recorded at Tarbox Road Studios. The album received positive reviews and reached number 16 on the UK Albums Chart, showcasing the band’s ability to evolve while maintaining their distinctive sound.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Secret for a Song” – 3:56
  2. “Across Yer Ocean” – 3:19
  3. “Diamonds” – 3:50
  4. “Black Forest (Lorelei)” – 4:44
  5. “Vermillion” – 4:07
  6. “In the Wilderness” – 2:31
  7. “In a Funny Way” – 4:01
  8. “My Love” – 4:14
  9. “Moving On” – 1:19
  10. “The Climbing Rose” – 3:18
  11. “Arise” – 3:50
  12. “First-Time Mother’s Joy (Flying)” – 3:30
  13. “Down Poured the Heavens” – 1:36

Snowflake Midnight

Released: September 29, 2008

With Snowflake Midnight, released in 2008, Mercury Rev ventured into more electronic territory, integrating synthesizers and digital manipulation into their sound. This album marked a departure from their orchestral-driven work, embracing a more experimental and ambient style. The album was largely created by the core trio of Donahue, Grasshopper, and Mercel, exploring new sonic landscapes and textures. Produced by the band and Dave Fridmann, Snowflake Midnight was recorded at Tarbox Road Studios. While the album charted at number 52 in the UK, it demonstrated Mercury Rev’s willingness to innovate and experiment with their music.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Snowflake in a Hot World” – 3:58
  2. “Butterfly’s Wing” – 3:59
  3. “Senses on Fire” – 3:30
  4. “People Are So Unpredictable (There’s No Bliss Like Home)” – 5:59
  5. “October Sunshine” – 2:00
  6. “Runaway Raindrop” – 5:58
  7. “Dream of a Young Girl as a Flower” – 8:34
  8. “Faraway from Cars” – 3:18
  9. “A Squirrel and I (Holding On… And Then Letting Go)” – 3:26

Strange Attractor

Released: September 29, 2008

Strange Attractor, also released in 2008, served as a companion piece to Snowflake Midnight. This album, available as a free digital download, continued the band’s exploration into electronic and ambient music. Strange Attractor featured a collection of instrumental tracks, emphasizing Mercury Rev’s experimental ethos. The album’s atmospheric and immersive soundscapes provided a different listening experience from their usual lyric-driven work. Produced by Mercury Rev, the album further highlighted the band’s interest in electronic music and their ability to craft diverse and intriguing sonic worlds.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Love Is Pure” – 5:42
  2. “Taken Up Into Clouds, Changed and Rained Down” – 5:22
  3. “Pure Joie de la Solitude” – 2:56
  4. “Persistence and the Apis Mellifera” – 2:59
  5. “Fable of a Silver Moon” – 3:35
  6. “Loop Lisse, Loop” – 3:58
  7. “In My Heart, a Strange Attractor” – 3:45
  8. “Incident on Abeel Street” – 4:33
  9. “Af Den Fader Kommer Den Sol” – 4:01
  10. “Because Because Because” – 5:17
  11. “Nocturne for Norwood” – 2:47

Inner Autumn Outer Space

Released: 2013

In 2013, Mercury Rev self-released an album titled Inner Autumn Outer Space. This release was a distinctive addition to their discography, showcasing the band’s continuous exploration of new musical territories. The album’s content and style reflected a blend of ambient, experimental, and psychedelic elements. Being self-released, it provided the band with the freedom to experiment without commercial pressures. The lineup for this album included the core members Jonathan Donahue and Grasshopper, along with other contributing musicians. Inner Autumn Outer Space is a testament to Mercury Rev’s enduring creativity and willingness to explore diverse sonic landscapes.

CD Tracklisting:

  1. Inner Autumn Outer Space – 46:01

The Light in You

Released: October 2, 2015

The Light in You, released in 2015, marked Mercury Rev’s return after a hiatus, bringing a renewed sense of creativity and energy. The album combined their signature dream-pop sound with orchestral elements, creating lush and emotionally resonant music. The band, primarily consisting of Jonathan Donahue and Grasshopper, collaborated with a variety of musicians to enrich the album’s sonic depth. Produced by the band and recorded at various locations, The Light in You was a reflection of Mercury Rev’s enduring ability to craft compelling and beautiful music. The album reached number 39 on the UK Albums Chart, indicating a warm reception from both fans and critics.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “The Queen of Swans” – 3:57
  2. “Amelie” – 3:14
  3. “You’ve Gone with So Little for So Long” – 4:10
  4. “Central Park East” – 4:16
  5. “Emotional Free Fall” – 4:49
  6. “Coming Up for Air” – 3:40
  7. “Autumn’s in the Air” – 4:00
  8. “Are You Ready?” – 3:49
  9. “Sunflower” – 3:15
  10. “Moth Light” – 3:14
  11. “Rainy Day Record” – 4:04

Bobbie Gentry’s The Delta Sweete Revisited

Released: 2019

In 2019, Mercury Rev released an ambitious and reverent project titled Bobbie Gentry’s The Delta Sweete Revisited. This album is a track-by-track reimagining of Bobbie Gentry’s 1968 concept album, The Delta Sweete. It represents a deep dive into the roots of American music, exploring the blend of country, soul, and pop that Gentry pioneered. Mercury Rev’s version stands out for its collaborative nature, featuring a variety of female vocalists who each bring a unique interpretation and voice to Gentry’s original compositions.

On the  recording of The Delta Sweete Revisited,  each track features a different singer, including notable artists like Norah Jones, Lucinda Williams, and Margo Price, among others. The production of the album was overseen by Mercury Rev’s core members, Jonathan Donahue and Grasshopper, who infused the project with their characteristic dream-pop and psychedelic sensibilities.

Critically, The Delta Sweete Revisited was met with acclaim for its imaginative reinterpretation of Gentry’s work. This project was seen not just as a tribute, but as a recontextualization of Gentry’s music for a modern audience, highlighting her influence and the timelessness of her compositions.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Okolona River Bottom Band” (feat. Norah Jones) – 4:43
  2. “Big Boss Man” (feat. Hope Sandoval) – 4:45
  3. “Reunion” (feat. Rachel Goswell) – 3:17
  4. “Parchman Farm” (feat. Carice van Houten) – 2:49
  5. “Mornin’ Glory” (feat. Laetitia Sadier) – 3:11
  6. “Sermon” (feat. Margo Price) – 4:07
  7. “Tobacco Road” (feat. Susanne Sundfør) – 4:39
  8. “Penduli Pendulum” (feat. Vashti Bunyan and Kaela Sinclair) – 4:12
  9. “Jessye’ Lisabeth” (feat. Phoebe Bridgers) – 3:50
  10. “Refractions” (feat. Marissa Nadler) – 4:35
  11. “Courtyard” (feat. Beth Orton) – 3:49
  12. “Ode to Billie Joe” (feat. Lucinda Williams) – 4:50

Complete List Of Mercury Rev Albums And Discography article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023

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