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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
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Lookaftering
by Vashti Bunyan
Coming a full 35 years after her debut ('Just Another Diamond Day'), the British folk singer's second LP finds her backed by fans/followers such as Devendra Banhart and Joanna Newsom.
| LABEL: |
Dicristina Stair / Fat Cat |
| RELEASE DATE: |
25 October 2005 |
| DISCS: |
1 disc |
| GENRE(S): |
Folk, Singer-Songwriter |
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
Tiny Mix Tapes
Like all works of elusive beauty, Lookaftering is something that is so immediate and accessible it will take time to realize just how enriched with subtle evocation it is.
100
Uncut
Lookaftering is some kind of miracle. [Nov 2005, p.100]
90
Splendid
There are very few artists who could pick up where they left off after ten years, or even five. To do this after half a lifetime is extraordinary.
90
musicOMH.com
To say Lookaftering takes up where Just Another Diamond Day left off is an understatement. It feels like no time has elapsed at all since 1970, neither in her own life nor the outside world.
90
Magnet
If it takes another 36 years for something so sublime, I await the next 36 years. [#70, p.86]
85
Pitchfork
On Lookaftering, it comes as a relief to hear not only how pristine Bunyan's delicate vocals remain but that she has retained her understated abilities as a songwriter.
83
Stylus Magazine
The album swells with beauty, but an intimate, unapologetic beauty drained of gravity or mystery that invites and comforts in one stroke, stronger than the gravest clock and gentler than a stray sigh.
80
Mojo
An oddly seamless follow-up to its distant predecessor. [Nov 2005, p.110]
80
All Music Guide
It's simply unlike anything else out there -- except perhaps Just Another Diamond Day.
80
PopMatters
This is no appendix, no addendum to Diamond Day, but rather a second solid installment in a career we music gluttons consider to be too sparse. Bunyan's songwriting, her assembly of musicians, and especially her voice are superb on Lookaftering, possibly more so here than they were on Diamond Day.
80
Playlouder
What makes Bunyan's return such an unqualified success is that, unlike so many of those she's influenced (Patrick Wolf excluded) she doesn't come within a country mile of the briar patch of cloying kookiness.
80
The New York Times
Pastoral doesn't quite describe it; this seems to come from some place more eco-protected than any in existence. [24 Oct 2005]
80
Dusted Magazine
That Vashti Bunyan had the courage to step out of seclusion and follow up her classic debut is admirable. That she was able to do so with an excellent batch of songs is a joy to behold, pure and simple.
80
Junkmedia
Lookaftering sees her trading the overly twee vibe of her debut for a darker, more mysterious and mature sound.
80
The Guardian
[A] collection of stunningly simple songs.
80
Q Magazine
There's still something truly magical in the wistful clarity of her voice. [Nov 2005, p.131]
80
Dot Music
The record's treasure is folded into layers which make it an endlessly rewarding place to invest a couple of months of your life.
70
Blender
A gentle, reflective and often gorgeous album. [Nov 2005, p.132]
70
Urb
Bunyan's lilting ballads are as darling as ever. [Jan/Feb 2006, p.102]
60
Paste Magazine
A preciously solemn soundtrack for blustery days. [Dec 2005, p.124]
58
Entertainment Weekly
Bunyan's wispy soprano lacks nuance, making for music that's ultimately more numbing than emotive. [4 Nov 2005, p.71]
The average user rating for this album is 7.9 (out of 10) based on 30 User Votes
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