The Microphones, the musical project of singer-songwriter Phil Elverum, has been an influential force in the indie rock scene since the late 1990s. With a discography spanning over two decades, The Microphones have created a unique sound that combines lo-fi production, poetic lyrics, and experimental arrangements. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best songs by The Microphones, examining what makes each track stand out and how they have contributed to the band’s lasting legacy.
One of The Microphones’ most notable albums is “The Glow Pt. 2,” which Pitchfork named the best album of 2001. The record features intricate arrangements, lush instrumentation, and deeply personal lyrics, making it a defining moment in the band’s career. Other notable releases from The Microphones include “Mount Eerie,” “It Was Hot, We Stayed in the Water,” and “Don’t Wake Me Up,” each showcasing Elverum’s idiosyncratic songwriting and musical experimentation. Through this exploration of The Microphones’ discography, we hope to provide a comprehensive overview of the band’s most essential songs and to highlight the unique and enduring appeal of their music.
1. I Want Wind To Blow
“I Want Wind to Blow” is the opening track on The Microphones’ 2001 album, “The Glow Pt. 2.” The song begins with a gentle acoustic guitar riff and a soft vocal melody, gradually building in intensity with layered instrumentation and soaring harmonies. Lyrically, the song explores themes of loss, grief, and the search for meaning in life. The chorus features the repeated refrain, “I want wind to blow,” a metaphor for a desire for change and movement in the face of stagnant despair. The song’s complex arrangement and emotional depth make it a standout track in The Microphones’ discography and a fan favorite. Its haunting beauty and poignant lyrics continue to resonate with listeners and cement its place as one of the band’s most iconic songs.
2. III. Universe
“III. Universe” is the third track on The Microphones’ 2001 album, “The Glow Pt. 2.” The song is a sprawling, nine-minute epic that showcases the band’s experimental side, with its use of unconventional instrumentation and structure. The song begins with a droning organ, gradually building to a cacophonous crescendo of drums, guitars, and horns. Lyrically, the song touches on themes of isolation, mortality, and the vastness of the universe. The repeated refrain, “Do you realize that you have a light?” serves as a reminder of the individual’s small yet significant place in the grand scheme of things. “III. Universe” is a tour de force of sonic experimentation and emotional intensity, demonstrating The Microphones’ ability to push the boundaries of indie rock and create truly unique and unforgettable music.
3. The Moon
“The Moon” is a hauntingly beautiful track from The Microphones’ 2003 album, “Mount Eerie.” The song is characterized by sparse instrumentation, featuring only acoustic guitar and vocals, which allows the raw emotion of the lyrics to shine through. Lyrically, the song paints a vivid picture of a solitary figure gazing up at the moon and feeling a profound sense of connection and wonder. The refrain, “I feel the light of the stars, it’s so bright,” captures the awe-inspiring beauty of the night sky and the overwhelming emotions it can evoke. “The Moon” is a powerful example of The Microphones’ ability to convey deep emotions through simple yet evocative songwriting and showcases the band’s signature style of introspective, poetic lyrics set to sparse instrumentation.
4. The Glow, Pt. 2
“The Glow, Pt. 2” is the title track of The Microphones’ 2001 album, which is widely regarded as one of the band’s most seminal works. The song opens with a simple guitar riff and gradually builds in intensity, with layers of instrumentation and complex vocal harmonies creating a lush, expansive sound. Lyrically, the song is a deeply personal exploration of loss and grief, with lines like “I hold your shoulders / You hold my arms / And I’ll never forget what you’ve done to me.” The song’s emotional intensity is palpable, and its cathartic release is a testament to the power of music to connect with listeners on a deep, visceral level. “The Glow, Pt. 2” is a masterful example of The Microphones’ ability to blend intricate songcraft with raw, unvarnished emotion, creating music that resonates with listeners long after the last note fades away.
5. I. the Sun
“I. the Sun” is the opening track on The Microphones’ 2003 album, “Mount Eerie.” The song features a slowly building arrangement of distorted guitars, swirling synths, and rumbling percussion, creating a hypnotic, immersive soundscape. Lyrically, the song is a reflection on the cyclical nature of life and the passage of time, with the narrator observing the rising and setting of the sun as a symbol of this perpetual motion. Lines like “I watch the sun rise and fall / And I wonder how long I can last” convey a sense of existential unease, while the song’s shifting textures and dynamic range make for a mesmerizing listening experience. “I. the Sun” is a masterful example of The Microphones’ ability to blend experimental soundscapes with deeply introspective lyrics, creating music that is both sonically compelling and emotionally resonant.
6. Map
“Map” is a poignant and introspective track from The Microphones’ 2003 album, “Mount Eerie.” The song begins with a delicate guitar riff and features sparse instrumentation, allowing the raw emotion of the lyrics to take center stage. Lyrically, the song is a reflection on memory, loss, and the passing of time, with the narrator contemplating the impermanence of all things. Lines like “Everything has to end / You’ll soon find what you’re looking for / Has been replaced by something else” convey a sense of bittersweet resignation, while the song’s gentle melody and understated arrangement create a sense of hushed intimacy. “Map” is a powerful example of The Microphones’ ability to distill complex emotions into simple yet evocative songs, creating music that resonates with listeners on a deep and personal level.
7. the Pull
“The Pull” is a hauntingly beautiful track from The Microphones’ 2001 album, “The Glow Pt. 2.” The song begins with a sparse, dissonant arrangement of guitar and organ, gradually building to a cathartic release of distorted guitars and pounding drums. Lyrically, the song explores themes of loneliness and isolation, with the narrator yearning for human connection and struggling to find a sense of purpose in life. The repeated refrain, “I feel so tired,” captures the emotional exhaustion and existential angst at the heart of the song. “The Pull” is a stunning example of The Microphones’ ability to create emotionally resonant music that transcends genre and convention, and it continues to be a fan favorite and a testament to the enduring power of indie rock.
8. Headless Horse
“Headless Horseman” is a hauntingly beautiful track from The Microphones’ 2001 album, “The Glow Pt. 2.” The song features a sparse arrangement of acoustic guitar, horns, and percussion, with delicate vocal harmonies creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. Lyrically, the song continues the album’s exploration of mortality and the passage of time, with the titular headless horseman serving as a metaphor for the inevitability of death. Lines like “It’s hard to believe when nothing stays the same / It’s hard to believe when you’re the one to blame” convey a sense of existential dread and longing for permanence. “Headless Horseman” is a masterful example of The Microphones’ ability to create emotionally resonant music that speaks to the universal human experience, earning the band a place in the canon of indie rock greats.
9. V. Universe
“V. Universe” is a standout track from The Microphones’ 2001 album, “The Glow Pt. 2.” The song features a lush, textured arrangement of guitars, horns, and percussion, with layers of vocal harmonies creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Lyrically, the song continues the album’s exploration of mortality and the vastness of the universe, with the narrator contemplating the insignificance of human existence in the face of cosmic forces. Lines like “The world is only spinning / Because you’re pushing it around” create a sense of existential unease, while the song’s intricate arrangement and dynamic range make for a compelling listening experience. “V. Universe” is a powerful example of The Microphones’ ability to create music that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating, cementing the band’s place as one of the most important and influential acts in indie rock.
10. I Felt Your Shape
“I Felt Your Shape” is a beautiful and melancholic track from The Microphones’ 2003 album, “The Glow Pt. 2.” The song features a gentle acoustic guitar riff and sparse instrumentation, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. Lyrically, the song explores the complexity of romantic relationships, with the narrator expressing a sense of longing and uncertainty. The line, “I felt your shape / Before I met you,” captures the bittersweet nostalgia of remembering a past love. The song’s understated arrangement and poignant lyrics make for a deeply affecting listening experience, and its emotional resonance continues to resonate with listeners. “I Felt Your Shape” is a testament to The Microphones’ ability to create deeply personal and emotionally honest music, earning the band a place in the pantheon of indie rock greats.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
