Rocketship - A Certain Smile, A Certain Sadness (1996)
Artist: Rocketship
Author: Sarah
Date: 12/23/2025 (originally around March 2018)
Listen: Apple Music | Bandcamp | Spotify
No one ever really talks about just how strange this album really is. Sure, we talk about the organ that pervades it, but we don't really acknowledge it beyond its existence. Make no mistake, this album is dominated by that organ, and not in a Ray Manzarek, melodic way. This organ is upfront, it's loud, and it's relegated to a solely rhythm role. We're hearing from a new voice, and they're still a bit unsteady in the spotlight, sticking to what they know, instead of trying to couch it in more eloquent terms.
What does Rocketship know? They know they're lost without you, they know they still love you like they used to. They may not have been the best at letting you know that, but now they're determined to tell you how they feel about you. Don't expect any subtlety from Dusty and the gang, though. Their feelings are just as blunt as that organ drone, and just as all-consuming.