Secret Name

Low | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 6, 1999)
• Original Release Date: March 30, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Kranky
• ASIN: B00000IAD0
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #28,433 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #96 in Music > Alternative Rock > Indie & Lo-Fi > Dream Pop

Editorial Reviews

Secret Name is unadulterated lo-fi/sadcore, semi-orchestrated pop/rock par excellence. The power trio is augmented by a string section, tympani, and piano on this beautifully understated chamber pop outing by a misunderstood Midwestern band. Mimi Parker's voice is stunning on "Weight of Water," which at times sounds like it might take flight, but naturally, it never does -- and that's not a criticism. When Parker and Alan Sparhawk duet, as on "Missouri" or "Immune," the result is as chilling as anything Gram and Emmylou ever conspired on -- though that's not to say it's country-tinged, just straight from the heart. What Low do particularly well is stay grounded, close to the earth and real. The music is so warm it's a literal caress from the speakers -- and that's no mean feat in their notoriously chilly genre. ~ Denise Sullivan, All Music Guide

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Low's Masterpiece, May 28, 2003

By 

Lee L. (Washington DC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Secret Name (Audio CD)

In the progression of Low albums, this record marks a significant change for the Duluth trio. Their first three full lengths, while all filled with wonderful songs, sound quite similar. On Secret Name, Low switches to Kranky as their label, and Albini as their producer. The results are incredible. This is Low coming into their own. This album shows incredible growth and a very noticable improvement in song writing and sound experimentation. They've kept living up to expectations whith their later records in my mind, but this album marks the change and it will stick with you.

I won't go into great details about each song, but this record has the highest concentration of classic Low songs of all their releases. I have yet to meet a fan that doesn't put at least three songs from Secret Name in their top-five favorite Low song list. The progression of Two-Step, Weight of Water, Missouri (sung misery), and Don't Understand is almost too much to take. Beautiful vocal harmonies and some of the most simple, but moving melodies that I've heard in a long time make up these songs.

Low always gets described as a sad sounding band, and this record is the best reason for this. However, I would disagree with this label. Low aren't for sad depressed people, they're for people with longer than average attention spans who like to sit and reflect. People that want tangible substance in their music. If you're one of these people, Low won't make you feel sad. They'll make you feel better.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So easy. Anyone could have done it., September 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Secret Name (Audio CD)

Unreal. This band is getting the beautiful sound bands have struggled to obtain by spending more and more money in the studio, hiring orchestras, and getting the best producers. Difference is, Low is just laying out some tracks. This album sounds like it was recorded in a few hours. But it is so beautiful I can't put it away. Great music if you like to listen to slow stuff. If you don't maybe you should.

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Secret treasure, August 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Secret Name (Audio CD)

I have been a fan of Low since "Long Division." This album harks back to their earlier work -- almost baroque compared to the nakedness of some tracks from "Songs for a Dead Pilot." Particularly mesmerising is "Two Step" and "Weight of Water" -- reminiscent of listening to my mom vacuum on a rainy day, with Carole King playing on the stereo.(and I mean that in a good way.)