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

Lost At Sea

Push Barman To Open Old Wounds is a rare species indeed; though all of the songs could be considered “hits,” the album avoids all of the tackiness associated with greatest hits collections.

Read Full Review >

Filter

There aren't many dull points on this two-disc collection. [#16, p.93]

Pitchfork

It's a perfect way into the world of Belle and Sebastian, even if the band spends the second half of the disc trying to redecorate that space.

Read Full Review >

Stylus Magazine

The quality level is almost inhumanly high, and the range of the tracks here gives you a better idea of what the band is like than any of their individual albums.

Read Full Review >

Entertainment Weekly

Irresistible. [3 Jun 2005, p.86]

Dot Music

If anything, this 25-song double set sees Belle & Sebastian at their finest.

Read Full Review >

All Music Guide

Even if you already have all the EPs, you'll want to get this disc. It is reasonable priced, housed in the usual attractive package, and hearing all the songs back to back reinforces what an amazing group Belle & Sebastian were and are.

Read Full Review >

PopMatters

The results are less like a rarities collection and more like an unlikely greatest hits album.

Read Full Review >

Drowned In Sound

As a document of the way Belle And Sebastian have grown up in public to the sturdy staple of indie pop they now represent on a global scale, 'Push Barman...' is an essential collection of work that simply cements their status as one of the most inspirational musical collectives to have embraced punk's D.I.Y ethic since the late 1970s.

Read Full Review >

Prefix Magazine

If you’re only going to buy one Belle & Sebastian album (and shame on you if you are), make it this one.

Read Full Review >

Magnet

These are the quiet, beautiful songs that made Belle & Sebastian seem so monumental for a short time. [#68, p.88]

Junkmedia

Perhaps the best overall representation of Belle and Sebastian’s distinctive brand of indie pop.

Read Full Review >

Rolling Stone

It's two discs of steady brilliance.

Read Full Review >

New Musical Express

If you want to know about the Glasgow scene which spawned Franz Ferdinand, 'Push Barman To Open Old Wounds' is pretty much essential. [21 May 2005, p.66]

Under The Radar

These EP tracks are just as good--and often times better--than many of their LPs. [#10, p.109]

ShakingThrough.net

In addition to simply being a package for the band's more obscure tracks, the album nicely spans its shift from folksy, melancholy introspectiveness to light summer-pop.

Read Full Review >

cokemachineglow

Push Barman truly captures the trajectory of the band’s seven-year career in about two hours, and it does so in a way that does the band justice.

Read Full Review >

Q Magazine

Opinions will still be divided--Murdoch as literary giant or self-important art school berk?--as, over 25 tracks, there's evidence of both. [Jul 2005, p.129]

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this album is 8.8 (out of 10) based on 40 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Francis M gave it a10:
The "Louder Than Bombs" for a new generation.

Steve T gave it a10:
Everyone has said what needs to be said about this album. Wow. Just go buy it.

They Let Mulroneycakes Go Blind gave it a10:
Yipee! All of B&S' eps and singles and b-sides prior to moving to Rough Trade, on one record! I can't say much because I fear breaking Metacritic's bandwidth, such is the greatness of pretty much each and every song here. This is, simply, a record you need.

scott c gave it a10:
This is an amazing band.

Andy W gave it a10:
"holy shit..these are all b sides and ep songs?" was the first question i asked when i bought this album. the reason why i asked is because the songs flow together so seemlessly that it seems like a classic indie rock record. there is no weak track on either disc. everything about this compilation is just mind blowing. a must buy

mike s gave it a10:
This is a great cd to introduce people to the music of Belle and Sebastian. It covers a wide array of styles and it sounds stunning through the entire set. it is definitly some of thier best work

Dylan P gave it a10:
A must have for Belle and Sebastian fans or anybody who loves folk-poppy-rock music with witty lyrics.

Music

Upcoming &Recent Releases

Push Barman To Open Old Wounds

Album Info

Summary

What The Critics Said

What Our Users Said

Upcoming &
Recent Releases