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Zero 7
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
Since I Left You
Universal acclaim
Based on 21 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 70 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album >
Album Info
Label: London-Sire / Modular / XL Recordings
Release Date: 06 November 2001
Discs: 1 disc
Genre(s): Electronic, Dance
Summary
This sample-driven Austrialian dance outfit scored a hit in its homeland with this, its debut full-length release (following three EP releases since 1997). The UK music press created a publicity avalanche for the band in the Spring of 2001, as the album picked up strong reviews (quotes from some appear below) and was featured in numerous articles. Packed with over 600 samples of recordings dating from the 1950's to the present (each one credited in the liner notes!) as well as original instrumentation, 'Since I Left You' is a varied and unique record.
Also On The Web: Unofficial Band Site
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...
Pitchfork
The Avalanches have managed to build a totally unique context for all these sounds, while still allowing each to retain its own distinct flavor. As a result, Since I Left You sounds like nothing else.
Read Full Review >Almost Cool
It obviously has its high points and moments that drift a little more, but The Avalanches are definitely onto something with the release.
Read Full Review >Resonance
Everything sounds like it's been triggered by hand and mixed on the fly, practically improvised yet brilliant in scope. [#32, p.54]
Mojo
Since I Left You fuses dozens of different styles -- and over 600 lovingly reconfigured samples -- into one riotously enthusiastic, awesomely seamless whole. [May 2001, p.116]
All Music Guide
There's little doubt to Since I Left You's status as one of the most intimate and emotional dance records that isn't vocal-based.
Read Full Review >New Musical Express
'Since I Left You' is proof that while being a vinyl junkie might not make you a teen idol, crafting a joyous, kaleidoscopic masterpiece of sun-kissed disco-pop definitely will.... Cool? Sure, whatever. Brilliant? Undoubtedly.
Read Full Review >PopMatters
A charming, witty pastiche of mashed up samples, beats, bangs, and bobs.... Truly a breakthrough in the world of dance music.
Read Full Review >Spin
Since I Left You is so madly glad, it's demented. [Oct 2001, p.126]
Ink Blot Magazine
It's a kaleidoscopic ode to the joy of music, and it's the most exciting debut album since Mos Def's Black on Both Sides.
Read Full Review >Dot Music
'Since I Left You' is nothing short of stunning.... There's more imagination in this hour-long odyssey than most sample-based artists manage in their entire career. Not since DJ Shadow's 'Endtroducing' has an album showed what you really can do with a bunch of old vinyl.
Read Full Review >Austin Chronicle
Since I Left You is as much of a revelation now as Primal Scream's life-changing Screamadelica was a decade ago.
Read Full Review >E! Online
Good luck trying to keep your head from spinning around like Linda Blair.
Read Full Review >Mixer
Their sound is remarkably fresh, for the kaleidoscope of samples from as many eras as vinyl has existed not only add musical credibility, but also add a depth to this extremely fun album. [May 2001, p.80]
Q Magazine
A record that finally fulfils sampling's original promise of generating fabulous new sounds from skilfully lifted bits of existing tracks.
Read Full Review >Alternative Press
One of the most joyous and poignant party albums ever. [Feb 2002, p.74]
Entertainment Weekly
When the technique works, the results are exhilarating. [9 Nov 2001, p.111]
Rolling Stone
A record this layered and quirky is easier to make than it was when Prince Paul first started cutting up old 45s (case in point: the Wiseguys), but to do it well - keeping intact an aesthetic that threads together all these disparate sounds - is true talent.
Read Full Review >Launch.com
Spinning a zoo of samples redundantly, song after song, can only amuse the most blissed-out of stoners...
Read Full Review >Neumu.net
Luckily, the album has an easy-going air that lifts it out of the realm of smart-guy assemblage and into sexy, summery territories.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this album is 9.3 (out of 10) based on 70 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Michael B gave it a10:
Deep, yet accessible due to its fun, melancholy nature. The best of its genre, with its sheer variation keeping you listening again and again.
Wes M gave it a10:
Since I Left You, when listened to as a whole, is evocative of every huge, nightlong, multilocation banger you've ever experienced.
Geoff G gave it a10:
It's like Night Ripper in the 50's, 60's, and 70's, multiplied by four thousand.
Oliver C gave it a10:
The Avalanches bring a highly original mashup of samples from all over the places, to create their debut album Since I Left You. Everything moulds together perfectly to create a whacky adventure through music, as cliche as it sounds, bouncing with energy through every track. I don't think I've put only a single track on without having to listen to the whole album.
Ray K gave it a10:
Anything other than 10 would be criminal. Listening to it now on the eve of 2008, and it's still so far ahead of the game it's embarrassing.
Sam S. gave it a10:
It's now almost 2008 and this album still is on top of my cd pile. Nice one Dexta!!
Chris S gave it a10:
This is one of those albums where you listen to from front to back and don't want it to end. Definitely one of my favorite albums
