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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.

Since I Left You
by The Avalanches


9.4

based on 21 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

based on 66 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album

Unofficial Band Site

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.

LABEL:	London-Sire / Modular / XL Recordings
RELEASE DATE:	06 November 2001
DISCS:	1 disc
GENRE(S):	Electronic, Dance

NOTES: This album was originally released in Australia on 27 November 2000 and then picked up by XL Recordings for a UK release on 16 April 2001. The album was finally released in the U.S. on 6 November 2001, as an enhanced CD.

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...

100

The Onion (A.V. Club)

Quite possibly the best sample record ever made.

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.

Billboard

That smile will have a difficult time leaving your face.

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.

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.

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.

PopMatters

A charming, witty pastiche of mashed up samples, beats, bangs, and bobs.... Truly a breakthrough in the world of dance music.

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.

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.

Austin Chronicle

Since I Left You is as much of a revelation now as Primal Scream's life-changing Screamadelica was a decade ago.

E! Online

Good luck trying to keep your head from spinning around like Linda Blair.

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.

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.

Launch.com

Spinning a zoo of samples redundantly, song after song, can only amuse the most blissed-out of stoners...

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.

The average user rating for this album is 9.4 (out of 10) based on 66 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

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

AsVHEn AsVHEn gave it a10:
One of best electronic music albums of history.

Mike C gave it a10:
I got this album about 2 weeks ago, and havn't listened to a different album yet. I have listened through it about 10 times, and it is one incredible album. My only complaint would be that towards the end of the album it because a little to ambitious, and creative, in a way it looses focus a bit. But you could also respect this aspect. All in all, you need to hear this album, it's one of the greatest of the decade.

Centrifuge T gave it a10:
Absolutely Brilliant! Off the wall cuts and samples. I've listened to it 100 times and I hear a new beat or fade every time Frontier Psychiatrist should just about single-handedly redefine the genre. It's crazy-cool

Alex A gave it a9:
Just fucking brilliant!

R. Skells gave it a10:
One of the most unique albums i have ever heard. it surprises you everytime, with the witty, the joyful and the sad. an outstanding album in every sense.

Since I Left You by The Avalanches

Since I Left You
by The Avalanches