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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
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Ships
by Danielson
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?.
| LABEL: |
Secretly Canadian |
| RELEASE DATE: |
09 May 2006 |
| DISCS: |
1 disc |
| GENRE(S): |
Indie, Rock |
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.
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.
87
cokemachineglow
The eleven tracks here are the most concise, effortless, and melodically conspicuous songs to come out of the band’s camp.
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.
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.
80
NOW Magazine
Sounds like one big, happy family get-together.
80
Lost At Sea
If you are a long time fan of the Danielson Famile... Ships will not disappoint.
80
Tiny Mix Tapes
Ships is a brilliant collaboration of the finest indie minds backed by only the best intentions.
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.
75
Stylus Magazine
Smith’s abrupt changes in tempo, volume, and instrumentation are alternately inspiring and disorienting.
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.
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.
70
The Guardian
Demented, but fun.
70
Drawer B
It all unfurls more like a musical than an indie rock record, but don’t let the dissonance scare you away.
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.
60
Uncut
These rattling songs... feel like disturbing European fairy tales. [Jun 2006, p.97]
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.
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