| The Monitor | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | March 9, 2010 | |||
| Recorded | August 2009 | |||
| Genre | Indie rock | |||
| Length | 65:24 | |||
| Label | XL | |||
| Producer | Kevin McMahon | |||
| Titus Andronicus chronology | ||||
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The Monitor is the second studio album by American indie rock band Titus Andronicus, released in March 2010 through XL Recordings. It is a concept album loosely based on themes relating to the American Civil War.[1]
The album title is a reference to the USS Monitor, the first ironclad warship commissioned by the United States Navy, and the closing track, "The Battle of Hampton Roads", refers to the battle between the Monitor and the CSS Virginia, which took place on March 8–9, 1862; according to the band, "Releasing this record is our way of celebrating the 148th anniversary of this historic event."[2] There are numerous references to early Billy Bragg songs such as some lyrics in "A More Perfect Union" and the song "Richard II". "A More Perfect Union" also includes references to the band's New Jersey roots as well as riffs on the lyrics of Bruce Springsteen, another New Jersey native. The Monitor features guest appearances by members of Ponytail, Wye Oak, Hallelujah The Hills, Felice Brothers, Spider Bags, Vivian Girls and the Hold Steady.
- ^ Tom Breihan (14 December 2009). "Titus Andronicus Reveal Civil War-Themed Second Album". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 19 December 2009.
- ^ Patrick Stickles (14 December 2009). "Our new record". Titus Andronicus, Myspace. Archived from the original on 7 February 2009. Retrieved 19 December 2009.