The Memphis-born singer-songwriter is backed by The Earlies on this debut disc.
LABEL:
Overcoat / Sketchbook
RELEASE DATE:
12 April 2005
DISCS:
1 disc
GENRE(S):
Singer-Songwriter, Indie, Rock
NOTES: Original UK release 6 Sep 2004.
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...
90
New Musical Express
An astonishing debut of cosmic country noir. [28 Aug 2004, p.57]
90
Billboard
Every so often an artist will release a debut record that has seemingly come from nowhere; you question where this person has been all your life, and how come it took so long for this to get out.
80
Under The Radar
Hinson's meditations on sorrow, regreat and hope are wrapped in textures upon textures of multi-instrumental feeling. [#9]
80
Mojo
The album... is one of such remarkable beauty. [Oct 2004, p.96]
80
The Guardian
Hinson sings with the heart-stopping world-weariness of a man at least twice his meagre 22 years, often with only the most delicate accompaniment.
80
Uncut
An ambitious but striking debut. [Sep 2004, p.108]
76
Pitchfork
Musically, this debut is lovingly and exactingly orchestrated with an array of instruments-- not just the usual piano, cello, and drums, but also flute, organ, melodica, and horns-- that subtly shade the songs' emotions. Strangely, however, Hinson entertains few possibilities and seems to rely too heavily on his acoustic guitar to shape the tracks.
70
Q Magazine
The beautiful lap steel and accordion arrangement of Beneath The Rose, majestic duet I Still Remember and lilting waltz Stand In My Way only make the roaring violence of On My Way more startling. [Sep 2004, p.126]
70
Almost Cool
If you were a bit let down by the last Bright Eyes album (as I was), this is a release that should get you excited again.
60
Junkmedia
Impressive despite its occasional lack of maturity.
60
PopMatters
It's possible that 13 songs are too much for the sort of vision that Hinson is chasing, but it's a fine heartfelt effort that rewards as richly as it disappoints.
The average user rating for this album is 9.6 (out of 10) based on 14 User Votes Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
David W gave it a10: Just brilliant.
dawn gave it a10: addictive album from a very personable guy,had to ration my listening to once a day so i didn't o.d
Claire W gave it a10: A striking debut, beautiful, unusual...just as impressive live
sue m gave it a10: My daughter and i heard this playing in a store and bought it, we both love it, and intend to buy it for friends he deserves to be better known
Jenny L gave it a10: Beautiful....
Lisa D gave it an8: Wow, one of the best of the year so far. Impressive debut.