A Mad & Faithful Telling
by Devotchka
  • Record Label: Anti
  • Release Date: Mar 18, 2008
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 2 out of 15

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  1. SamJ
    Jul 25, 2009
    9
    It is not just the vocals of "A Mad & Faithful Telling" that hit the spot, but (as of every DeVotchKa album) the music itself is good enough to achieve a '8' . A whole instrumental version of this album would be overall postive, and then there is the vocals, that give it one extra push. There is a vast amount of songs with vocals which are amazing, then the short instrumental It is not just the vocals of "A Mad & Faithful Telling" that hit the spot, but (as of every DeVotchKa album) the music itself is good enough to achieve a '8' . A whole instrumental version of this album would be overall postive, and then there is the vocals, that give it one extra push. There is a vast amount of songs with vocals which are amazing, then the short instrumental tracks like "Comrade Z" which sounds amazing on their own. You notice yourself not thinking " when are the vocals going to begin?" and just enjoying the music. I think "Basso Profundo" will be one of my top tens this year.… Collapse
  2. SteveO.
    Apr 11, 2008
    8
    Overall its a decent album. He has a unique voice. Im looking forward to a future release.
  3. MathewP.
    Mar 29, 2008
    10
    Amazing album. Love the diversity and the range of sounds used here. Transiliterator is my song of the year so far!
  4. EricE.
    Mar 27, 2008
    10
    It's strange if you look at the reviews that culminate in this record receiving an 84, but they're all incredibly positive. For my take, I think this is a better record than 'How it ends' which is saying a lot. It's visionary, highly emotional, (manic, lovelorn, exultant, weeping, furious) and it just sounds great. If you haven't heard this band, there's It's strange if you look at the reviews that culminate in this record receiving an 84, but they're all incredibly positive. For my take, I think this is a better record than 'How it ends' which is saying a lot. It's visionary, highly emotional, (manic, lovelorn, exultant, weeping, furious) and it just sounds great. If you haven't heard this band, there's nothing that sounds like it musically- sweeping strings. I can't even begin to explain. And the singer is on caliber with Jeff Buckley, Roy Orbison, whomever... outstanding. Clockwise Witness, Along the Way, Undone. Start there.… Expand
  5. BradG.
    Mar 24, 2008
    8
    I'm really enjoying it so far. It's far too early to tell if I like it more that "How it Ends", but I'll give it time.
  6. MattA.
    Mar 21, 2008
    10
    This is an amazing album. It has so many layers that it can make one feel one emotion one second, and a different one just after. I was surprised because i was never into this band until I just stumbled upon this album. I guess I'll have to go back now and look at their previous stuff. This album, one me over.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Alternative Press
    80
    Their songs have a weight beyond the bell and whistles, retaining your interest once the shock of new sounds and the novelty of genre-hopping is gone. [Apr 2008, p.152]
  2. Austin Chronicle
    89
    Devotchka's captured the sound of a new world order.
    Read full review
  3. Spin
    80
    A sultry brew of Gypsy, Mexican, and pop ingredients that's adorably silly and unexpectedly moving. [Mar 2008, p.100]
    Read full review
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