Aldhils Arboretum
by Of Montreal
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Splendid
    90
    There's emotion, extraordinary technique, and a surprising, oh-so-welcome passion in the singing.
  2. Delusions of Adequacy
    80
    For everyone who thought the conceptual excesses of the previous releases went a bit too far or simply didn’t have the patience to tie together all the musical loose ends, this may be the Of Montreal album they’ve been waiting for.
  3. AllMusic
    80
    The band manages to retain a good deal of their trademark zaniness while producing what might be their most focused and polished work.
  5. PopMatters
    80
    In essence this is their first real rock album, filled with compact songs bursting with energy.
  6. Stylus Magazine
    70
    While Barnes' lyrics don't indulge in apocalyptic imagery or read like autopsy reports, the lyrical subjects range from death, to low culture, to existentialism. When combined with such inexplicitly peppy music, the somber nature of Barnes' lyrics welcomes hesitant laughter.
  7. Uncut
    70
    An irreverent and enjoyably silly listen. [Mar 2003, p.100]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. Resonance
    70
    Stands up against Of Montreal's legendary fairly tale oddness. [#36, p.58]
    All this publication's reviews
  9. Pitchfork
    61
    Aldhils Arboretum and its inverted career-path singles focus disappoints.
  10. Q Magazine
    60
    This unabashedly jolly outing manages to be both simultaneously charming and irritating. [Feb 2003, p.106]
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Best Album of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. demonclusters
    Sep 11, 2016
    6
    Less passionate and engaging than each of its predecessors, "Aldhils Arboretum" is ultimately little more than an awkward transition for ofLess passionate and engaging than each of its predecessors, "Aldhils Arboretum" is ultimately little more than an awkward transition for of Montreal. After a number of years of working as a loose collective, Kevin Barnes, for the very first time, gives up a bit of his position as Ultimate Creative Overlord for of Montreal... and the music definitely suffers as a result. The songs, while more succinct and focused than many on past albums, offer far less in the way of content and creativity, leaning more toward simple palatability and cuteness. Highlights like the catchy "Jennifer Louise" and the smooth "Kissing in the Grass" are mere notebook entries compared to the standard fare from the mind of Kevin Barnes, and "Aldhils Arboretum" never ends up pushing past being simply a nice album.… Full Review »
  2. alexc
    Jun 17, 2006
    9
    A great listen, full of fantabulously catchy pop hooks and some of the most mainstrem sound of Montreal has ever put out. Gems include "Doing A great listen, full of fantabulously catchy pop hooks and some of the most mainstrem sound of Montreal has ever put out. Gems include "Doing Nothing" and "The Blank Husband Epidemic" but the best song on here is clearly "Jennifer Louise"...so good, I listened to it fifteen times in under three hours. And it's still stuck in my head.… Full Review »
  3. pooppop
    Nov 1, 2004
    8
    yummy
See all user reviews »