An Empty Bliss Beyond This World
by The Caretaker
  • Record Label: Haft
  • Release Date: Jun 21, 2011
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Nov 22, 2011
    100
    In bringing to light these stillborn-again pleasures, The Caretaker reveals himself to be nothing less than formidably eponymous.
  2. Pitchfork
    Nov 22, 2011
    82
    Bliss is eerie because it takes the seduction of those forms and turns it slightly askew; there's something unsettling about the musical equivalent of a permanent smile.
  3. Mojo
    Dec 22, 2011
    80
    A liminal, dreamlike music of eye-moistening poignancy. [Aug 2011, p.106]
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  5. Dusted Magazine
    Nov 22, 2011
    80
    Interestingly, the presence of the source music doesn't detract from the spooky, remote quality that characterizes The Caretaker.
  6. Resident Advisor
    Nov 22, 2011
    80
    While the record is certainly appreciable on purely musical terms--this is evocative, heart-tugging stuff--when knowledge of Kirby's intent lurks underneath the damaged acetate grooves, it becomes something else entirely: A poignant interrogation of memory loss and aging.
  7. PopMatters
    Feb 15, 2012
    70
    Less brutal, lighter, and more nuanced, with carefully chosen snippets of cornet and piano.
  8. cokemachineglow
    Nov 22, 2011
    70
    As a whole, An Empty Bliss is a remarkably cohesive listen and one that achieves its goals, but whether or not it, in and of itself, is an entirely creative work is another question entirely.
  9. No Ripcord
    Nov 22, 2011
    70
    Even with today's technology, harvesting emotions as such is perplexing and strenuous. But Kirby does it with a special kind of grace.

Awards & Rankings

88
#88 Best Album of 2011

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. oliver1h
    May 17, 2013
    8
    An old man sitting in an old empty house, in an old empty world listening to an old gramophone. His memories are all foggy and broken. AAn old man sitting in an old empty house, in an old empty world listening to an old gramophone. His memories are all foggy and broken. A little bit repetitive, but very interesting experimental music worth checking out.… Full Review »
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