The Golden Age is the third studio album by American alternative rock band Cracker. It was released on April 2, 1996, by Virgin. Three singles were released from the album: "I Hate My Generation," "Nothing to Believe In," and "Sweet Thistle Pie." Critical reception The Los Angeles Times wrote: "Although irritatingly self-indulgent and arrogant at times, Lowery occasionally borders on brilliance. It’s possible that someone in the future will delve deeply into The Golden Age and find the portent of Sly Stone’s There’s a Riot Going On. For now, the album just feels slightly uninspired." Alternative Rock called it "drily disappointing." Track listing All tracks written by David Lowery and Johnny Hickman, except where noted. "I Hate My Generation" – 2:57 "I'm a Little Rocket Ship" – 3:23 "Big Dipper" (Lowery) – 5:40 "Nothing to Believe In" (Lowery, Hickman, Bob Rupe) – 3:25 "The Golden Age" – 3:44 "100 Flower Power Maximum" (Lowery, Hickman, Rupe) – 2:39 "Dixie Babylon" – 7:09 "I Can't Forget You" (Lowery) – 4:08 "Sweet Thistle Pie" – 5:00 "Useless Stuff" – 2:19 "How Can I Live Without You" – 3:27 "Bicycle Spaniard" – 4:26 Chart performance Musicians Cracker: David Lowery – lead & backing vocals, guitar, synthesizer, Peavey analog filter, mellotron, handclaps, string arrangements, bass Johnny Hickman – lead guitar, backing vocals, guitar three hand, synthesizer, baritone guitar, talkbox, harmonica Bob Rupe – bass, synthesizers, synthesized bass, backing vocals Charlie Quintana – drums Guests: Dennis Herring – acoustic guitar, mellotron, string arrangements Charlie Gillingham – organ David Immergluck – pedal steel, backing vocals Johnny Hott – percussion, programming David Campbell – string arrangements Eddie Bayers – drums, percussion Jim Cox – piano Rob Hajacos – fiddle John Hobbs – piano Tony Maimone – bass Joan Osborne – backing vocals Strings Arranged & conducted by David Campbell Bob Becker, Denyse Buffum – viola Larry Corbett – cello, viola Armen Garabedian – violin Peter Kent – violin, concert master Sid Page – violin, concert master Suzie Katayama – cello, contractor Bob Peterson – violin Katia Popov – violin Michelle Richards – violin Bonnie Douglas Shure – violin Paul Shure – violin, theremin Production Produced By Dennis Herring & David Lowery Joe Chiccarelli – engineer, recording Wayne Cook – engineer Chris Fuhrman – engineer, overdubs Richard Hasal – engineer, overdubs Amy Hughes – assistant engineer Jim Labinski – assistant engineer Marc Mann – engineer Skidd Mills – assistant