Golden Delicious (album)

Golden Delicious
Studio album by Mike Doughty
Released	February 19, 2008
Genre	Rock
Length	37:18
Label	ATO Records
Producer	Dan Wilson
Mike Doughty chronology
The Gambler (2005) Golden Delicious (2008) Sad Man Happy Man (2009)

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	link
Robert Christgau
Paste Magazine	link
jambase.com	link

Golden Delicious is Mike Doughty's second studio album. The album was released on February 19, 2008.

Track listing

1. "Fort Hood"
2. "I Just Want the Girl in the Blue Dress to Keep On Dancing"
3. "Put It Down"
4. "More Bacon Than the Pan Can Handle"
5. "27 Jennifers"
6. "I Wrote a Song About Your Car"
7. "I Got the Drop on You"
8. "Wednesday (No Se Apoye)"
9. "Like a Luminous Girl"
10. "Nectarine (Part One)"
11. "Navigating by the Stars at Night"
12. "Book of Love" [iTunes Only (Magnetic Fields cover)]

Busking EP

Select versions of the album included the Busking EP, which included 5 songs from the limited album "Busking", which had 12 tracks total.

1. "Looking at the World From the Bottom of a Well"
2. "F Train"
3. "The Only Answer"
4. "40 Grand"
5. "Sunkeneyed Girl"

Main Themes and Topics

1. Love and Relationships:
   • Several songs on the album explore different aspects of love and relationships. Tracks like "Navigating by the Stars at Night" and "More Bacon than the Pan Can Handle" delve into the complexities and emotions associated with romantic relationships.
2. Personal Reflections:
   • Doughty's introspective lyrics often reflect on his personal experiences, thoughts, and emotions. Songs like "I Just Want the Girl in the Blue Dress to Keep on Dancing" and "Put It Down" showcase his ability to blend personal narrative with universal themes.
3. Social Commentary:
   • Some tracks offer commentary on societal issues and human behavior. For example, "Fort Hood" addresses the impact of the Iraq War and the experiences of soldiers returning home.
4. Addiction and Recovery:
   • Doughty has been open about his struggles with addiction and recovery, and this theme surfaces in his music. The song "27 Jennifers" touches on the chaos and confusion of his past, hinting at the influence of his journey toward sobriety.
5. Playfulness and Humor:
   • Despite some serious themes, the album also contains elements of playfulness and humor. Doughty's quirky lyrical style and wordplay add a lighter touch to tracks like "Nectarine (Part Two)" and "I Wrote a Song About Your Car."

Musical Style

• The album is characterized by a mix of acoustic and electric instrumentation, combining elements of rock, folk, and electronic music. Doughty's distinctive voice and rhythmic guitar work are central to the album's sound, supported by a full band arrangement that includes keyboards, drums, and horns.

Reception

• "Golden Delicious" received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised Doughty's lyrical wit and musical craftsmanship. The album is seen as a continuation of his ability to blend introspective storytelling with catchy melodies.