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Always
by
Always Image
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

  • Artist(s): Jamie Stewart
  • Summary: This is the eighth album for the experimental pop band led by Jamie Stewart.
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  • Record Label: Polyvinyl
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Rock, Post-Rock, Experimental Rock
  • More Details and Credits »

Top Track

Hi
If you are wasting your life, say hi If you are alone tonight, say hi If you wish he should die, say hi, hi-hi, hi-hi If you have a hole in your... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Feb 27, 2012
    100
    Always may well be the Californians' finest yet.
  2. Drowned In Sound
    Feb 22, 2012
    90
    What Xiu Xiu demonstrate throughout Always, is the way in which they can lay down so starkly how terrible life can be and how fucked up one can feel and create something amazing, angry, political, fierce and defiant out of all of it.
  3. musicOMH.com
    Feb 22, 2012
    80
    This is an album that need proffer no apologies for its dramatic, overwhelming and salutary take on darkness and light.
  4. Blurt Magazine
    Mar 12, 2012
    80
    The most noticeable thing about the new Xiu Xiu album is ... how disarmingly vibrant it sounds.
  5. Magnet
    Apr 12, 2012
    75
    A mix of ping-ponging bangers ("Hi," "Born To Suffer"), touching, presumed-true stories ("Joey's Song," "The Oldness") and two skip-now shockers dedicated to monstrous worthlessness ("I Luv Abortion," "Black Drum Machine") [No.86, p.60]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Pitchfork
    Mar 14, 2012
    73
    The record functions as a well-executed sampler of the magnified pain and horror we've come to expect from this band.
  7. Beats Per Minute
    Mar 5, 2012
    45
    These are stories we've already heard told better, and in the same voices.

See all 23 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. lostyourhead
    Mar 6, 2012
    10
    Xiu Xiu's always is, in my opinion, a (very early) contender for album of the year. This is Jamie Stewart's most accessible album by a mile,Xiu Xiu's always is, in my opinion, a (very early) contender for album of the year. This is Jamie Stewart's most accessible album by a mile, yet he manages to maintain every bit of his artistic integrity in the process. Highlights include first single "Hi," "Joey's Song," and "Chimney's Afire (Mickensian Suicide)". Honestly, however, I had a really hard time choosing three standouts, as the album is consistently enjoyable throughout. Xiu Xiu is one of my favorite bands, and I know their music isn't for everyone. However, this is a pretty good entry point if you're new to them. Also try "Women as Lovers." If you'd like to hear why I fell in love with them in the first place, check out track #2 from "Fabulous Muscles," the unforgettable "I Luv the Valley OH!"… Expand
  2. AlexxTrusc
    Mar 31, 2012
    7
    Jamie's Stewart psychedelic vocals combined with the album's style give it a much experimental overtones. Ballads such as "The Oldness",Jamie's Stewart psychedelic vocals combined with the album's style give it a much experimental overtones. Ballads such as "The Oldness", "Black Drum Machine" are holdig all the time in indescribable, almost terrifying anticipation. On the other hand, the compositions of "Hi" or "I Love Abortion" is not at all inferior. Strong lyrics and original style are the greatest advantages of the album.… Collapse

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