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Ships

EMAILPRINTby Danielson

Danielson reviews
78
9.2 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 23 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 19 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album >

Album Info

Label: Secretly Canadian

Release Date: 09 May 2006

Discs: 1 disc

Genre(s): Indie, Rock

Summary

The latest disc from the Danielson Famile's Daniel Smith boasts--in addition to a shorter band name--a whopping 34 contributors, including Sufjan Stevens, Steve Albini, and the members of Why?.

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...

91

Pitchfork

None of Smith's previous records-- and in fact, very few indie releases this year-- have flat-out rocked like this one, with blaring trumpets signaling snares to exact their force beneath sweeping multitracked vocal choruses that simply won't stop crescendoing.

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91

Filter

Ships is the best explosion of greatness yet from one of our most unique voices. [#20, p.100]

90

Under The Radar

Ships reinforces the fact that he's a songwriter of considerable depth and pop craftsmanship, and this album is his most ambitious and accessible yet. [#13, p.84]

90

All Music Guide

The resulting eleven tracks do not disappoint, striking the perfect balance between dissonance and melody with a backbeat that shakes the foundations of everything he's tried before.

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87

cokemachineglow

The eleven tracks here are the most concise, effortless, and melodically conspicuous songs to come out of the band’s camp.

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83

The Onion (A.V. Club)

It isn't fair to Smith to imply that Ships is Danielson's play for a Stevens-level breakout, but the record is definitely an assured, ambitious follow-up to 2004's ramshackle Brother Is To Son.

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80

Prefix Magazine

Earlier efforts may suffer from a bit of kindergarten syndrome, in both the styles of singing and instrumentation, but Ships seems to see Danielson maturing at a faster rate.

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80

NOW Magazine

Sounds like one big, happy family get-together.

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80

Lost At Sea

If you are a long time fan of the Danielson Famile... Ships will not disappoint.

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80

Tiny Mix Tapes

Ships is a brilliant collaboration of the finest indie minds backed by only the best intentions.

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80

Dusted Magazine

The hooks are nearly endless, each catchier than the last, and each song features a Technicolor array of instruments that create a perfect sonic version of the mildly psychedelic album art that comes with every Danielson release.

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75

Stylus Magazine

Smith’s abrupt changes in tempo, volume, and instrumentation are alternately inspiring and disorienting.

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75

Entertainment Weekly

Though considered an acquired taste... Smith still finds something oddly charming in his sprawling chiaroscuro of sound, and a sort of childlike joy in its execution. [12 May 2006, p.80]

73

Almost Cool

Something like the Polyphonic Spree might sound if they decided to freak out a bit more, Danielson is a whole load of friends getting together under the banner of having a good time and creating some enjoyable music.

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70

Urb

An album as colorful as his stage show. [Apr 2006, p.96]

70

Rolling Stone

Ships turns the usual joyous cacophony up a notch. [4 May 2006, p.57]

70

Slant Magazine

Ships is very, very, very good, but it's not always enjoyable.

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70

The Guardian

Demented, but fun.

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70

Drawer B

It all unfurls more like a musical than an indie rock record, but don’t let the dissonance scare you away.

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60

Spin

Smith sounds less joyful than usual, unable to reconcile religious faith with everyday hope. [Jun 2006, p.79]

60

Mojo

Its music holds a refreshingly naive (if ridiculous) charm. [Jun 2006, p.110]

60

PopMatters

It’s awfully tough to categorize Smith’s songs, which make for adventurous sailing over rough seas.

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60

Uncut

These rattling songs... feel like disturbing European fairy tales. [Jun 2006, p.97]

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this album is 9.2 (out of 10) based on 19 User Votes

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

Katie H gave it a10:
Incredible album.

Alex P gave it a6:
I know it's an acquired taste. I just haven't acquired it yet. Worth at least one listen.

David F gave it an8:
Pleasant.

bill gave it a9:
magnificent

Bryan B gave it a10:
Extraoradinay. Made me get the audiophile bug and up grade all of my stereo equipment.

Andy P gave it a10:
Probably the best new album I've heard yet this year. Just the first four tracks are mindblowingly great, and then it just keeps going.

Alan R gave it a10:
Word. And I ain't even religious.

Read more user comments >

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