It's Hard to Find a Friend

It's Hard to Find a Friend is the debut full-length album by Pedro the Lion. It was originally released on November 3, 1998 on Made in Mexico records. A re-mastered version of the original recording was released on October 16, 2001 on Jade Tree Records.

It's Hard to Find a Friend
Studio album by Pedro the Lion
Released	(original) November 3, 1998 (remastered) October 16, 2001
Recorded	1998
Genre	Indie rock, slowcore, emo
Length	42:47
Label	Made in Mexico Jade Tree
Producer	David Bazan
Pedro the Lion chronology
Whole EP (1997) It's Hard to Find a Friend (1998) The Only Reason I Feel Secure (1999)

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[1]
Pitchfork Media	(7.8/10) [2]

Critical Reception

Pitchfork gave the album a score of 7.8 out of 10, with reviewer Jeremy Schneyer favorably comparing the sound of the album to Luna and describing its "downtempo, kind of typical indie rock" sound as "bitchin'."^[3]

In a 2008 retrospective review, Sputnikmusic praised the album for its lyrical work and stripped-down instrumentation.^[4]

Tape Op reviewer Adam Selzer, noting that the album was recorded to reel-to-reel tape, praised the album for its "great guitar tones and pure, natural drum sounds."^[5] KEXP blogger Dust Henry similarly praised it the "lushest sounding recordings between all of Bazan’s work."^[6]

Track listing

All songs written by David Bazan

1. "Of Up and Coming Monarchs" – 3:00
2. "The Longer I Lay Here" – 3:04
3. "Big Trucks" – 2:32
4. "Suspect Fled the Scene" – 3:56
5. "Bad Diary Days" – 4:01
6. "The Longest Winter" – 4:12
7. "When They Really Get to Know You They Will Run" – 2:34
8. "Of Minor Prophets and Their Prostitute Wives" – 2:48
9. "The Bells" – 4:09
10. "Secret of the Easy Yoke" – 6:41
11. "The Well" – 3:31
12. "Promise" – 2:19

Personnel

• David Bazan · vocals, guitar, drums
• Johnathon Ford · bass