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Golden Ocean
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 15 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 11 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album >
Album Info
Label: Artist Direct
Release Date: 08 March 2005
Discs: 1 disc
Genre(s): Indie, Rock
Summary
The indie-rock trio 50 Foot Wave includes a pair of Throwing Muses (Kristin Hersh and Bernard Georges) plus Rob Ahlers. This full-length debut follows a self-titled EP released in 2004.
Also On Metacritic
MUSIC: Kristin Hersh: Learn To Sing Like A Star Kristin Hersh: Sunny Border Blue Kristin Hersh: The Grotto Throwing Muses: Throwing Muses [2003]
Also On The Web: Throwing Music
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
PopMatters
Rarely do records come around that are such a great mix of a physical adrenaline rush combined with intellectualism.
Read Full Review >ShakingThrough.net
No matter what vehicle Hersh utilizes as an outlet, it’s obvious her creative wave has yet to crest.
Read Full Review >Mojo
Her textured roar means even the less melodic songs have traction. [May 2005, p.103]
All Music Guide
Hersh's songwriting is as detailed and dynamic as ever, but the intricacies are less apparent when delivered with such heat-seeking power.
Read Full Review >Magnet
Violent, seething and uncompromising. [#67, p.96]
Paste Magazine
It's deliciously painful. [Aug/Sep 2005, p.111]
Pitchfork
It's fantastic stuff-- at its best, the innate catchiness of Hersh's writing gets a shot in the arm from her cavalier vocals and musical caterwauling.
Read Full Review >Blender
The loudest record [Hersh] has ever made, and even if few individual compositions leap out of the general roar, it sounds fantastic. [Apr 2005, p.116]
Splendid
Sure, Hersh could be your mom, but only if your mom routinely blows out big stacks of Marshall amps.
Read Full Review >Junkmedia
She's lyrically sharp as ever, and switches gears and works in nice melodies just enough to soften the edges, luring fans in before she pummels them.
Read Full Review >Entertainment Weekly
[Hersh's] clamorous return to Electric Ladyland does little, though, except to cover some fair tunes with layers of cathartic thrashing. [11 Mar 2005, p.102]
Uncut
The songs may work better in short, sudden bursts; over 11 tracks, you can feel bludgeoned by the band's blunt force. [Apr 2005, p.112]
Alternative Press
Only the album-ending title track tones down the noise, and even then, it's about as restrained as early Husker Du. [May 2005, p.132]
Q Magazine
Recalls the riffola of Bleach-era Nirvana, complete with sludgy Led Zeppelin-esque guitars. [May 2005, p.110]
What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this album is 9.1 (out of 10) based on 11 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Ethan H gave it a9:
Q: What would have happened if Kurt Cobain had a sex change operation just before making Nevermind? A: Kirstin Hersh with 50 Foot Wave. no? oh, never mind.
Mark D gave it an8:
Hersh is THE woman when it comes to musical creativity and energy and this album is no exception. Fans of the Throwing Muses and Hersh's solo work may be shocked on first listen but bear with it as this album is just a reaffirmation that whatever Hersh touches in the musical world turns to gold.
Rob J. gave it a10:
Think of 50 Foot Wave as a louder, more aggressive version of the Throwing Muses. Also, Kristen Hersh has completely lost her voice (long time fans will note that it's been slowly going for years), but she manages to harness what's left into something that's both perfect for this album and strangely beautiful. Golden Ocean is a really tough listen, but it grows on you, and god is it good. Great driving music.
Joey B gave it a9:
Gutwrenching, kamikazee guitars, intricate melodies, and Hersh's trademark warble - this is the rising phoenix from the flames - a churning, fast-paced album of remarkable songwriting.
Paul L gave it a6:
The album rocks hard and doesn't let up. However, the complicated melodies makes it somewhat taxing and almost forced sounding. I suspect it will appeal to the angry thinking-man or woman.
stevie b gave it a10:
This is an incredible, emotionally intense, intelligent RAWK record. It might kill you, but you'd die smiling.
