About

Originally released in 1995, The Blue Moods of Spain marked the debut of the Los Angeles, CA. band Spain, led by bassist/vocalist Josh Haden. The album’s atmospheric blend of jazz, blues, and indie pop helped spawn the slowcore genre, garnered widespread critical acclaim, and has become a cult classic. Featuring tracks like “Spiritual” (recorded by Johnny Cash the following year), "Untitled #1”, and the 14-minute “World Of Blue”, the album’s melancholic beauty and lush arrangements continue to resonate with fans and new listeners alike.

The Rhino Records 2025 reissue of The Blue Moods of Spain presents the record on newly remastered high-quality vinyl for the first time in over a decade. This edition offers both longtime admirers and newcomers a fresh opportunity to experience the album’s haunting brilliance.

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Biography

Spain is an American alternative rock band founded in Los Angeles in 1993 by singer-songwriter and bassist Josh Haden. Known for their melancholic, atmospheric sound and deeply introspective lyrics, Spain blends elements of jazz, blues, and indie rock to create a signature style often associated with the slowcore movement of the 1990s.  

Early Years and Formation  

Josh Haden, the son of legendary jazz bassist Charlie Haden, formed Spain with the vision of crafting intimate, emotionally resonant music. Drawing from Haden’s background and influences such as The Velvet Underground and Cowboy Junkies, Spain quickly gained a following in the Los Angeles music scene.  

Breakthrough: The Blue Moods of Spain (1995)

Spain’s debut album, The Blue Moods of Spain, released in 1995, became a defining work of the slowcore genre. It featured the gospel-blues track “Spiritual”, which was covered by artists such as Johnny Cash and Pat Metheny & Charlie Haden. Tracks like “Untitled #1” and “Ray of Light” showcased the band’s moody, minimalist sound, earning them critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.  

Second and Third Albums

Following their debut, Spain released She Haunts My Dreams (1999) and I Believe (2001), further refining their blend of dreamy, melancholic rock. The band’s music was often featured in films and TV shows, adding to their cult status. 

Hiatus

Haden put Spain on hold in 2001 as he pursued other musical projects and collaborations, including solo work and an association with hip hop supergroup Handsome Boy Modeling School. 

Reunion and Recent Work

In 2007, Josh Haden reformed Spain with a new lineup. This led to the release of The Soul of Spain (2012), which marked a return to their signature sound. Subsequent albums, including Sargent Place (2014), Carolina (2016), and Mandala Brush (2018), continue to explore themes of love, loss, and transcendence while incorporating more diverse musical influences.  

Legacy and Influence

Spain remains a revered name in indie rock, influencing music creators in diverse genres. Their music, characterized by inward-looking lyrics and minimalist arrangements, continues to resonate with fans of emotive songwriting. Josh Haden’s evocative vocals and unique musical vision have cemented Spain’s status as a timeless act in alternative music.