Mount Eerie Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)
Phil Elverum's work as Mount Eerie is a journey into raw emotion and stark landscapes.
His discography is intensely personal, often feeling like an open diary.
Today, we're looking at Mount Eerie albums ranked, guided first by the deep connection these records have made with fans. We'll also explore what current engagement data suggests about the best Mount Eerie albums. It's a dive into a truly unique body of work.
Ranking Mount Eerie's albums: The fan favorites
Here's how the albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz.
We're starting with the most beloved.
1. A Crow Looked at Me (2017)
This album was written and recorded by Phil Elverum following the death of his wife, Geneviève Castrée.
The songs were composed in the room where she died, often using her instruments.
It features sparse lyrics and minimalistic music, a departure from some earlier, more complex works.
The album is incredibly raw and intimate, detailing Castrée's illness, Elverum's grief, and his relationship with their child.
It is highly regarded by critics and fans alike, considered one of his most important works.
Key tracks:
- Real Death
- Seaweed
Holding the top spot, A Crow Looked at Me is profoundly impactful.
Its unflinching honesty in the face of immense loss resonates deeply with listeners. Fans often speak of its devastating beauty and courageous vulnerability.
2. Night Palace (2024)
Night Palace is the eleventh studio album by Mount Eerie.
It is Phil Elverum’s longest album under the Mount Eerie moniker.
The album was heavily inspired by Zen meditation, a practice Elverum embraced more deeply in his 30s and 40s.
It follows a period of intense personal songwriting, documented in albums like A Crow Looked at Me.
The title references a Joanne Kyger poem, which also appeared on the cover of A Crow Looked at Me.
Key tracks:
- Huge Fire
- I Walk
As a very recent release, Night Palace's high fan ranking is notable.
It suggests an immediate connection with Elverum's evolving sound and themes. Fans may be drawn to its contemplative nature and the sense of growth it represents after a period of profound grief.
3. Clear Moon (2012)
Clear Moon was released in 2012, alongside the album Ocean Roar.
This period marked continued prolific output for Mount Eerie, the musical project of Phil Elverum.
Elverum is known for his deeply personal and often nature-infused lo-fi sound, with many releases on his own label, P.W. Elverum & Sun, Ltd.
His work often features highly detailed packaging and his own artwork.
Key tracks:
- (Something) - 2
- Through the Trees Pt. 2
Clear Moon holds a strong position with fans.
Its place in the top tier suggests it's a key release from a particularly creative period. Fans likely value its atmospheric quality and the introspective depth typical of Elverum's work from this era.
4. Now Only (2018)
Now Only is considered a conceptual follow-up to A Crow Looked at Me.
It continues to explore the aftermath of Geneviève Castrée's death.
Elverum described it as "part two," delving into grander, more introspective questions about life after loss.
The songs are generally longer than those on its predecessor and feature somewhat more diverse instrumentation, though still direct and nearly spoken.
Key tracks:
- Tintin in Tibet
- Now Only
This album clearly resonates deeply with fans, following the emotional rawness of A Crow Looked at Me.
Listeners likely appreciate its expanded exploration of grief, memory, and the lingering presence of the deceased. The continuation of such a personal narrative is powerful.
5. Dawn (2008)
Also known as Dawn: Winter Journal, this album's songs were written by Phil Elverum in the winter of 2002-2003.
He spent this period alone in a remote cabin in Norway.
The album was released concurrently with a hardcover book featuring Elverum's journal entries and drawings from his time in Norway.
Key tracks:
- Moon, I Already Know
- Moon Sequel
Dawn's unique origin story and its connection to a physical journal offer a distinct experience.
Fans likely cherish the intimate glimpse into Elverum's mindset during that period of solitude. The multimedia aspect adds another layer of connection.
6. Sauna (2015)
Sauna was inspired by themes of "Vikings and zen and real life," according to Phil Elverum.
The concept revolves around the idea of a small, man-made wooden room offering transformation amidst harsh surroundings.
It explores the intense heat and steam of a sauna as a space for new kinds of perception.
Key tracks:
- Sauna
- Planets
The conceptual depth of Sauna seems to hold a special appeal for fans.
Themes of sanctuary, introspection, and transformation within a defined space likely resonate, giving it a solid place in their esteem.
7. Lost Wisdom (2008)
The original Lost Wisdom, released in 2008, was a noteworthy collaboration.
It featured Julie Doiron and Frederick Squire working alongside Phil Elverum.
This album is part of Mount Eerie's discography known for its raw emotion and often sparse, intimate soundscapes.
It paved the way for a later sequel, Lost Wisdom pt. 2.
Key tracks:
- You Swan, Go On
- Voice in Headphones
This collaborative effort is cherished by fans.
The blend of voices with Elverum's characteristic raw and intimate style creates a unique and memorable listening experience.
8. Singers (2005)
Singers emerged in 2005, a formative time for the Mount Eerie project.
This was around when Phil Elverum was transitioning from his work as The Microphones.
During this period, Elverum established his own label, P.W. Elverum & Sun, Ltd.
The album helped define the early sound and thematic concerns of Mount Eerie.
Key tracks:
- Where Is My Tarp?
- Let's Get out of the Romance
As an early Mount Eerie release, Singers likely holds a special place for long-time fans.
It captures the initial essence of the project, showcasing the developing voice and vision of Phil Elverum under this new moniker.
9. Ocean Roar (2012)
Ocean Roar was released in 2012, a companion to Clear Moon.
These albums marked a significant creative period for Mount Eerie.
Phil Elverum, the artist behind Mount Eerie, is recognized for his introspective lyrics.
His experimental approach to folk and indie rock is a hallmark of his sound.
Key tracks:
- Pale Lights
- Ocean Roar
Paired with the higher-ranked Clear Moon, Ocean Roar is part of a notable creative burst.
Its fan ranking suggests that while perhaps seen as a counterpoint or a slightly darker twin, it still holds distinct value for its atmospheric depth and thematic explorations.
10. No Flashlight (2005)
No Flashlight: Songs of the Fulfilled Night is considered the debut studio album by Mount Eerie.
Released in May 2005, it features appearances by Geneviève Castrée and Jason Wall.
The album was recorded in Anacortes, Washington, over several months in late 2004 and early 2005.
Physical versions were known for a very large fold-out with illustrations and extensive footnotes.
Key tracks:
- I Know No One
- I Hold Nothing
As the official debut Mount Eerie studio album, No Flashlight is a foundational piece.
Its fan ranking here might suggest it's viewed more as a significant historical touchstone. It's appreciated for establishing the project's distinct path, even if later works garner more frequent revisits for some.
11. Wind's Poem (2009)
Wind's Poem, released in 2009, incorporates elements inspired by black metal.
Phil Elverum showcased an affinity for artists like Xasthur during this period.
Despite these influences, Elverum has clarified it's not strictly a black metal album.
The album explores themes of wind, destruction, and rebirth, with field recordings of wind featured prominently.
Key tracks:
- Between Two Mysteries
- Through the Trees
This album's foray into black metal-inspired sounds makes it a distinctive entry in the discography.
Its fan ranking suggests it might be a more polarizing work. Some fans deeply connect with its boldness and thematic darkness, while others may prefer different facets of Elverum's sound.
12. Lost Wisdom, Pt. 2 (2019)
This is the second collaborative studio album by Mount Eerie and Julie Doiron.
Released in 2019, it serves as a sequel to their 2008 album Lost Wisdom.
The album touches on themes related to the death of Geneviève Castrée and Phil Elverum's personal life changes.
Recording took place with an open door, allowing natural sounds like birds and night air into the tracks.
Key tracks:
- Love Without Possession
- Belief
Revisiting a beloved collaborative format, Lost Wisdom, Pt. 2 navigates new personal landscapes.
Fans likely appreciate its continued vulnerability and the evolving musical dialogue between Elverum and Doiron. Its ranking reflects a fondness for this particular partnership and its raw honesty.
13. Seven New Songs (2004)
Seven New Songs of Mount Eerie was released in June 2004.
It was recorded in Anacortes, Washington, intended for a 2004 tour of Australia.
The initial release was on limited CD-Rs with photocopied covers, all sold during the tour.
Later, free audio downloads were made available. Some songs were re-recorded for subsequent Mount Eerie releases.
Key tracks:
- Wooly Mammoth's Absence
- With My Hands Out
This release offers an early, raw glimpse into the Mount Eerie project.
It's cherished by completists and fans who appreciate the origins and lo-fi aesthetic of Elverum's work, even if it's less polished than later studio albums.
14. White Stag (2009)
White Stag was released in May 2009 and centers around the White Stag building in Portland, Oregon.
Phil Elverum recorded the album there during a week-long residency and briefly lived in the building.
The project was conceived by writer Matthew Stadler, with the stipulation that it relate directly to the building.
It was released as a limited CD-R and is a mix of traditional songs and field recordings, creating a "fake history" of the location.
Key tracks:
- (Calling)
- Hunting
White Stag's unique, site-specific concept and limited release make it a more niche favorite.
Fans who connect with it likely value its experimental nature, the intimacy of its creation, and its focus on place and mythology.
15. 11 Old Songs (2005)
Eleven Old Songs of Mount Eerie was released in 2005.
This collection offers a look at earlier material from Phil Elverum as he was solidifying the Mount Eerie project.
These tracks provide a window into the formative stages of Mount Eerie.
They highlight the consistent thematic concerns and lo-fi aesthetic present in Elverum's work from that period.
Key tracks:
- Wooly Mammoth's Mighty Absence
- Cold Mountain
This collection likely resonates with fans who appreciate Elverum's earlier songwriting.
Its fan ranking suggests a fondness for these formative recordings and the raw, lo-fi aesthetic characteristic of Mount Eerie's beginnings.
16. Pre-Human Ideas (2013)
Pre-Human Ideas, released in 2013, is a compilation of computerized versions of songs.
These tracks are derived from Mount Eerie's 2012 albums Clear Moon and Ocean Roar.
The album features vocals layered with autotune and sometimes pitched higher to resemble a female voice.
It also includes two organ excerpts from the original 2012 songs.
Key tracks:
- No Inside, No Out - Pre-Human Version
- Organs (From Pale Lights)
This album offers an experimental reinterpretation of existing material.
Its fan ranking suggests it appeals more to those interested in Elverum's artistic process and sonic explorations, rather than fans seeking the original, raw presentations.
17. Drums from No Flashlight (2005)
This unique release isolates the drum tracks from Mount Eerie's 2005 album No Flashlight.
Phil Elverum explained the concept by stating they felt the drums on No Flashlight "sounded good enough to listen to by themselves."
It offers a deconstructed look at the rhythmic foundation of that album.
Key tracks:
- I Know No One
- I Hold Nothing
Drums from No Flashlight is a decidedly niche release.
Its fan ranking reflects its specific appeal, primarily to die-hard fans, musicians, or those deeply fascinated by the rhythmic architecture of Elverum's work on No Flashlight.
Mount Eerie albums: A look at popularity data
While fan sentiment paints a rich picture, current popularity data can offer another interesting angle.
This looks at an artist's discography through a different lens.
Below is a ranking of Mount Eerie's albums based on their popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.
| Popularity Rank | Album Title | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Night Palace | 2024 |
| 2 | Dawn | 2008 |
| 3 | A Crow Looked at Me | 2017 |
| 4 | Lost Wisdom | 2008 |
| 5 | Lost Wisdom, Pt. 2 | 2019 |
| 6 | Clear Moon | 2012 |
| 7 | Wind's Poem | 2009 |
| 8 | Now Only | 2018 |
| 9 | Sauna | 2015 |
| 10 | Singers | 2005 |
| 11 | Seven New Songs | 2004 |
| 12 | White Stag | 2009 |
| 13 | Ocean Roar | 2012 |
| 14 | No Flashlight | 2005 |
| 15 | 11 Old Songs | 2005 |
| 16 | Pre-Human Ideas | 2013 |
| 17 | Drums from No Flashlight | 2005 |
Quick FAQs about Mount Eerie's albums
Q: What inspired Mount Eerie's album A Crow Looked at Me?
A: The album was composed in the aftermath of Phil Elverum's wife Geneviève Castrée's diagnosis with pancreatic cancer and her death. He wrote and recorded it in the room where she died, mostly using her instruments.
Q: How does A Crow Looked at Me differ from earlier Mount Eerie works?
A: It departs from Elverum's more complex experimental works, featuring lo-fi production and loose instrumentation. The lyrics are presented in a raw, diary-like form, directly addressing his grief and daily life.
Ranking the intensely personal work of Mount Eerie is a complex endeavor.
Fan sentiment highlights the profound emotional connections listeners have made. Popularity data offers another perspective on current engagement.
Ultimately, the "best" Mount Eerie album is deeply subjective. It often hinges on which record accompanied you through a significant moment, or which raw nerve it touched.
What does your personal ranking of Mount Eerie's albums look like? Which album means the most to you?