• Record Label: Kranky
  • Release Date: May 30, 2006
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Vintage Burden is among the most beautiful, subtle, and moving records this band has ever made.
  2. Instead of exposing any weaknesses, the group has highlighted their strengths by stripping things back to their essentials for A Vintage Burden.
  3. A Vintage Burden’s embrace is still emotional, still heartbreaking, still sad, and at times still chilling, but somehow, it’s less of an exercise to wrap your arms around it.
  4. With the exception of the somewhat dull “Dormant Love,” I’m altogether satisfied.
  5. Given A Vintage Burden's relatively standard space-blues construction, there's sure to be those Charalambides fans who will miss the levitational scope of the group's more free-form transmissions.
  6. It is certainly their most accessible album in quite some time, with the exploratory impulse subsumed into the confines and comfort of song. If anything, this album almost sounds like the weary come-down after the trip’s strange and unsettling peak.
  7. Let it wash over you, let it slowly but surely catch your attention, and steadily let the music build its case for how engrossing it can be.
  8. Despite the chill of "Dormant Love," A Vintage Burden might just be the best summer LP you’ll hear this year--perfect timing.
  9. A Vintage Burden is well-executed, spare, and in the simplest terms, makes wonderful Sunday morning background music.

Awards & Rankings

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. TristramC
    Aug 18, 2006
    6
    I dunno, those involved here are competent enough but I kept waiting for this one to get off the ground. You're better of picking up Espers II.
  2. JeffK
    Jun 3, 2006
    9
    This is a hauntingly beautiful album with modest experimental flourishes. Christina Carter's voice has never sounded so strong and Tom This is a hauntingly beautiful album with modest experimental flourishes. Christina Carter's voice has never sounded so strong and Tom Carter's guitar sound is amazing as ever. This will most certainly be in my year end list of favorite records for 2006. Dazzling treasure is awaiting all who hear this. Full Review »