The Great Destroyer is the seventh studio album by American indie rock band Low. It was released on January 25, 2005, as their first recording on Sub Pop Records.

"California", a song about Sparhawk's mother, was released as the album's first single, backed with a demo of "Cue the Strings". A remix EP of "Monkey", entitled "Tonight the Monkeys Die", soon followed. Music videos were created for both.

The title of the album (as well as the song "Silver Rider") is taken from the story within the album art. Sparhawk describes "Cue the Strings" as a "shout-out" to the artists Roy Orbison, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and David Bowie.

Critical reception

The site named it the 46th-best reviewed album of 2005. The album was reviewed by publications and critics contributing to Metacritic's aggregated score.

Track listing All songs written by Alan Sparhawk, Mimi Parker and Zak Sally.

Personnel Low Mimi Parker – percussion, vocals, production, mixing Zak Sally – bass guitar, production, mixing, painting, illustrations Alan Sparhawk – guitar, vocals, production, mixing

Additional personnel Gerry Beckley – backing vocals on "Everybody's Song" Greg Calbi – mastering at Sterling Sound Dave Fridmann – production, mixing, keyboards on "California", "Everybody's Song", "Step", and "Broadway (So Many People)" Tom Herbers – engineering Jeff Kleinsmith – layout Hollis Mae Sparhawk – vocals on "Step", photography

Songs covered "Monkey" – Robert Plant's Band of Joy – Released in 2010 "Silver Rider" – Robert Plant's Band of Joy – Released in 2010 "Everybody's Song" – Robert Plant with Suzi Dian's Saving Grace – Released in September 26, 2025

Charts Chart (2005)Peakposition

References

External links