Ambulance Ltd
by Ambulance Ltd
  • Record Label: TVT
  • Release Date: Mar 23, 2004
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 38
  3. Negative: 3 out of 38

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  1. pablog
    Apr 6, 2004
    8
    Pure pop for now people. You'll be singing along in no time. Ambulance borrows freely from every pop new wave band you've ever heard and creates a terrific best of collection on ambulance ltd.
  2. John
    Aug 18, 2004
    10
    I just LOOVE this cd! I really think these guys will be big, and big as in people who like intelligent music will like it, I love this album because it has a real heart, and they have a lot of passion and style. Every time I hear "Stay Where You Are" I almost get misty-eyed because the song is just SO beautiful!
  3. marcusr
    Mar 4, 2005
    10
    classic little gems. There's about 5 classics, 3 or 4 very goods and a couple of fillers.
  4. TomaszS
    Jul 23, 2005
    9
    for those who like John Lennon would be a great surprise
  5. AlexP
    Oct 27, 2004
    10
    One of the year's best, without a doubt. Pure, masterful, effortless pop. Catchy yet spacious. Highly recommended.
  6. TyG
    Apr 9, 2004
    10
    Brilliant muscianship and an excellent understanding for the craft of a solid song
  7. Karan
    Jan 1, 2005
    10
    Every instrument plays a different part and has it's own groove. The music is so intricately woven, and blends so well. Great songwriters and talented musicians, as well. I saw em on MTV's discover and download, and ever since iv been completely entranced by this band.
  8. SamB
    Jun 1, 2005
    10
    Reminiscent of The Velvet Underground, and dripping with New York 'Cool'. This album is an undeniable musical masterpiece, far outshining many of its influences.
  9. rayw
    May 2, 2007
    8
    splendid listen, some interesting ideas and played with confidence and aplomb. any chance of a follow up ?
  10. krysten
    Oct 12, 2004
    10
    It's a gem of a record
  11. taylorf
    Apr 27, 2004
    10
    brilliant
  12. markf
    Apr 27, 2004
    8
    This album has some amazing highpoints. For me, they're the opening instrumental "Yoga Means Union", then one of the best Velvets songs that VU never wrote, "Primitive (The Way I Treat You)" and the pure 60s pop of "Ophelia." I don't mean to say that the rest of the album is a letdown. There's no losers in the bunch. It's just that sometimes when they could have kicked This album has some amazing highpoints. For me, they're the opening instrumental "Yoga Means Union", then one of the best Velvets songs that VU never wrote, "Primitive (The Way I Treat You)" and the pure 60s pop of "Ophelia." I don't mean to say that the rest of the album is a letdown. There's no losers in the bunch. It's just that sometimes when they could have kicked out the jams, they seem to get just a teeny bit mushy. This is still highly recommended and one of the best so far this year.… Expand
  13. bens
    Apr 4, 2004
    10
    best debut since coldplay's parachutes, a great album by a great band.
  14. s.bradford
    Jun 9, 2004
    9
    damn near perfect...great love making album ;D
  15. AnthonyN
    Jul 31, 2004
    10
    One of the best albums of the year. A great mix of various different rock sounds of the past.
  16. NickC
    Jan 4, 2005
    10
    i think this soundtrack has a beatles sound and a new age sound i like it a lot.
  17. BillyS
    Apr 14, 2005
    10
    Beautiful thoughts on a CD!
  18. ChristianC
    May 22, 2005
    10
    all tracks are great and the lyrics are both melodic and comparable to most people's situations.
  19. justiny
    Apr 2, 2006
    10
    best album ever!
  20. Sean
    Apr 27, 2006
    10
    Totally awesome debut. This definitely makes me regain a little bit of faith in the dying music scene
  21. SiobhanM
    Oct 11, 2004
    9
    Saw them open for The Killers and they were amazing!! I'd love to see them come back to Ottawa!
  22. chrisg
    Aug 23, 2005
    9
    one of the best debuts ive heard in a LONG LONG time... infectious, smart, eclectic and wiry... this IS pop
  23. BrendanN
    Jun 18, 2006
    10
    One of the best albums I've listened to in months and months. Every song is it's own little island paradise.
  24. Fragmatic
    Aug 17, 2014
    10
    it's like a time machine. I'm 32 now and I don't know how it feels or how I supposed to feel if I lived in early 70's or so, but when I'm listening to this amazing record I'm closing my eyes and I can see some paralell universe of those years. It's incredible. One song softly flows to another anod each of them is cmpletly different with it's own mood but in the end every track fitsit's like a time machine. I'm 32 now and I don't know how it feels or how I supposed to feel if I lived in early 70's or so, but when I'm listening to this amazing record I'm closing my eyes and I can see some paralell universe of those years. It's incredible. One song softly flows to another anod each of them is cmpletly different with it's own mood but in the end every track fits perfectly to complete puzzle. After listening to whole album there is a undescribable feeling - it's haunting and disturbing you soul so much. So talanted band, so beautiful songs. I wish these guys would get back together.… Expand
  25. exodus9237
    Apr 3, 2015
    10
    Eleven years later, I only regret that they didn't release anything else. It is amazing, subtle and smart. Every, guitar, bass line and drums are perfectly arranged and brilliantly mixed with the voice, that only leaves you wanting for more.

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Most Discussed Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Splendid
    60
    The group creates an ornately atmospheric resonance throughout Ambulance Ltd., but their light-weight compositions place the album at serious risk of floating away.
    Read full review
  2. Blender
    80
    Ambulance Ltd have good ears and an even better imagination: They run their influences through a filter of solid gold. [Apr 2004, p.126]
  3. Rolling Stone
    70
    They have a brilliant gift for Lennon-style pop melody that makes their spaciest riffs go down like a spoonful of hash-laced honey. [13 May 2004, p.73]
See all critic reviews »