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Albatross
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  • Record Label:
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Albatross Image
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 7 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the fourth album for the Portland, Ore. band fronted by Tim Putnam.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Prefix Magazine
    80
    Albatross is a slow bloom of an album, as likely to frustrate those looking for immediacy as it is to reward those looking for substance in repeated listens.
  2. Blender
    80
    Putnam lays fragile vocals and haunting piano melodies over tightly wound postpunk rhythms that add immediacy to lyrics about missed opportunities and broken relationships. [Dec 2005, p.151]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Magnet
    80
    In its ornately layered, keyboard-heavy sonics, ALbatross is more latter-day Talk Talk than early Gang Of Four. [#70, p.110]
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  4. Splendid
    80
    You'd think there wasn't much left to do with the roots-oriented rock formula, but Albatross proves that there's plenty of life and passion and intelligence left in the genre.
  5. PopMatters
    70
    A record of imposing and frequent beauty, Albatross never crosses the line into grandiose bombast.
  6. AllMusic
    60
    Albatross can sometimes be too insular for its own good.
  7. Pitchfork
    58
    Unfortunately, the lengthy center of this record is a brick of brooding, mid-tempo dullness.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. MarkS
    Dec 10, 2005
    10
    This record doesn't sound anything like The Counting Crows or Live. It is a beautiful and unique album. The Standard are about one of This record doesn't sound anything like The Counting Crows or Live. It is a beautiful and unique album. The Standard are about one of the most underground and overlooked bands in the US today. They continue to put out record after record of startling brilliance, yet relatively no one knows who they are. Albatross is no exception. The music is as honest and genuine as it is original. Brilliant record. Brilliant band.… Expand
  2. SchriisK
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    Great! But i like also wire post to wire! The standard is such a good band!
  4. johns
    Dec 17, 2005
    10
    its not the first time you listen to it that gets you,, its like a cat and you have to work for its love but once you have it it does not go its not the first time you listen to it that gets you,, its like a cat and you have to work for its love but once you have it it does not go away.. .. get all their cds , shut of your brain and start the movie in your head .. it works like a clock!!!!!!… Expand
  5. PaulM
    Jan 23, 2006
    10
    It's probably one of the most overlooked records that came out last year. Sweeping sonic landscapes: heavily textured guitar, driving It's probably one of the most overlooked records that came out last year. Sweeping sonic landscapes: heavily textured guitar, driving bass/drums, and melodic piano riffs make this record more rewarding with each listen. The lyrics are very poetic, and the vocals, with their bruised and plaintive quality, drive the often disturbing imagery home.… Expand
  6. MikeM
    Dec 6, 2005
    9
    One of the best of 2005 and way, WAY under the radar. Beautiful songs, like a mix of Coldplay, Counting Crows, and Live. I love it.
  7. MarkC
    Dec 15, 2005
    9
    wow, i would not describe this as sounding ANYTHING like Coldplay, Counting Crows, or Live...this is actually good! The album has variety in wow, i would not describe this as sounding ANYTHING like Coldplay, Counting Crows, or Live...this is actually good! The album has variety in sound and keeps the listener's interest...an addicting album.… Expand