151A
by Kishi Bashi
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Beats Per Minute
    Apr 17, 2012
    80
    Everything on 151a is mixed so that every sound is waiting to be heard. Every cherished moment is ready and waiting for you to hear it.
  2. CMJ
    Apr 17, 2012
    80
    His luxuriant loop-based instrumentation on display is easy to lose yourself in, making your life seem, for just a moment, much more epic than it actually is.
  3. Austin Chronicle
    Oct 9, 2012
    78
    [151A] offers a carpe-diem blend of silliness and surrealism, pathos and ethereal melodies layered like a quirky aural mille-feuille.
  5. Uncut
    Jul 9, 2012
    70
    The songs on 151a are most notable for their beautiful bursts of melody and soaring tunefulness. [Jun 2012, p.158]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. PopMatters
    May 22, 2012
    70
    With his influences unabashedly on display - but never used as a crutch - and a sentimental streak that never comes across as mushy, Ishibashi's lack of self-consciousness turns out to be 151a's most appealing quality.
  7. Exclaim
    Apr 17, 2012
    70
    When it starts, the overt prettiness and ornate, layered arrangements are very reminiscent of Owen Pallett, but very soon it veers of in some lovely tangents, although it inevitably comes back to string-laden, experimental pop.
  8. No Ripcord
    Apr 17, 2012
    60
    The problem is that Ishibashi isn't idiosyncratic enough to make this a memorable record... That said, he gets it so right on Manchester it's unbelievable.

Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Most Shared Album of 2011

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. kman5473
    Jun 28, 2015
    8
    An extremely solid album that truly sounds like the work of God (or a higher power of some kind). It's an amazing experience for anyoneAn extremely solid album that truly sounds like the work of God (or a higher power of some kind). It's an amazing experience for anyone looking for something new, upbeat, and full of heart.… Full Review »
  2. pastmaps
    May 25, 2014
    10
    Never has an artist implanted earworms (particularly "Bright Whites" - great hook) as quickly as Kishi Bashi. Blown away when I first foundNever has an artist implanted earworms (particularly "Bright Whites" - great hook) as quickly as Kishi Bashi. Blown away when I first found his work in one of my occasional voayges of new music exploration on iTunes. Rarely have I hit "buy" as fast. His creations are tough to categorize (and when it's this good. why bother?). Ecectic and catchy. Novel and thick. And, yes, quirky and fun. You name a musical influence and you can probably find it in his still small catalog of creations. As an old guy reared on some of the best 70s Prog Rock (Yes, ELP, Strawbs, Curved Air, Genesis (with PG), PFM (look 'em up), etc., I appreciated the thoughtful craftmanship of KB's music. I have only listened through 151A and Lighght twice, but I am confident that rhis will be among my "go to" music when I need a mental kick in the ass. I really can't recall (not an age thing - I'm not that old) the last time music made me feel this good. Buy his stuff now!!!!… Full Review »
  3. justinvanvan
    Jul 25, 2013
    10
    I have not heard an album this mesmerizing and beautiful in all my life. Every single track on this is album is wonderfully and ingeniouslyI have not heard an album this mesmerizing and beautiful in all my life. Every single track on this is album is wonderfully and ingeniously built. This album will leave you wanting more from Kishi. I could not recommend this album more.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »