American Central Dust - Son Volt
American Central Dust Image
Metascore
63 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.6 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 20 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: Jay Farrar returns to Son Volt to release the band's sixth album.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 20
  3. Negative: 2 out of 20
  1. The A.V. Club
    83
    This is Farrar’s most consistent album in years, in large part because he no longer seems to be straining so much. American Central Dust shows Farrar in his comfort zone, recording songs he knows his fans will like, and not much caring whether his detractors get on board.
  2. Mojo
    80
    There's a back-to-basics feel on the mid-tempo country rockers, the slow beauties and mournful lap steel, and even on the musically warm, more upbeat, almost Tex-Mex opening song. [Sep 2009, p.92]
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  3. Uncut
    60
    The song themselves are thoughtful, ambling between folk, country and mid-paced roots-rock. [Aug 2009, p.100]
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  4. Pitchfork
    37
    Son Volt's label debut, American Central Dust, is some of the sleepiest protest music ever made: Every song saunters by at a slow tempo, Farrar's voice sounds increasingly inexpressive, and John Agnello's production makes everything sound real purdy but lifeless.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. flyingchef47
    9
    Son Volt's American Central Dust contains some of the best of the country rock genre. Tracks such as No Turning Back and Jukebox of Steel are pure delight. Jay Farrar and company are an American treasure.… Expand
  2. clayH
    8
    I really like this effort by Jay and the boys this time around. It's not "Trace" of course, but it's not "The Search" either. The album is mature, solid, and soothing on various levels. Jay seems to have found his peace and wisdom which could be a blessing for all us fans. Hey Pitchfork, a 37 score get real! I guess being stranded in your "ivory tower" feels nice for you.… Collapse
  3. DebK
    8
    He is no Jeff Tweedy, but he taint half bad.
  4. BertE
    6
    First half of the album is energetic and inspired. However, the second half gets bogged down in a bit of a malaise which causes the songs to become nearly indistinguishable.… Expand

See all 6 User Reviews

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