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Zero 7
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
Mount Eerie
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 13 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 17 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album >
Album Info
Label: K Records
Release Date: 21 January 2003
Discs: 1 disc
Genre(s): Indie, Rock
Summary
The Microphones is an alias for Washington state-based Phil Elvrum, who returns here with a five-part concept album named after a mountain in his home state. The album is also being released in two limited edition alternate versions, one an a capella version called "Singing from 'Mt. Eerie,'" and one a drums-only version (!) called, naturally, "Drumming from 'Mt. Eerie.'"
Also On The Web: K Records Official Artist Site
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...
Alternative Press
Mount Eerie would be a gorgeous record even if the vision behind it didn't fall somewhere between Biblical allegory and Greek myth, but the drama makes it all the more stunning. [Feb 2003, p.70]
Delusions of Adequacy
Weaving together themes like mortality, the universality of mankind, and the cyclical eternality of life and not having it all come out as a pretentious mess of self-important prognosticating and vaguely simplistic truisms places Elvrum in the rarified air that few outside of Brian Wilson have ever attempted to reach.
Read Full Review >Splendid
It is a more intimate and more cohesive work than anything else he has done, but it is decidedly difficult, tossing aside more ingratiating effects in favor of a haunting, ethereal mood and a single, thematic narrative.
Read Full Review >Dusted Magazine
It seems that every element previously employed by the Microphones is recycled here in masterpiece capacity.
Read Full Review >PopMatters
Concept albums can often be difficult affairs, more geared towards scratching their creators self indulgent itch than providing listeners with an enjoyable experience. While Mount Eerie is not on the same level as The Wall or Tommy, it is a remarkable effort by a brilliantly talented band.
Read Full Review >Pitchfork
This is a massive artistic statement from The Microphones, and though it may be cryptic-- even overwhelming at times-- it remains warm and open, thanks to the stunning intimacy that has consistently been the group's hallmark.
Read Full Review >CultureDose.net
Mount Eerie doesn't work outside of its concept and, to the detriment of the songs, the album is so intensely personal that melody and song structure give way to abstract conceptualism.
Read Full Review >All Music Guide
Mt. Eerie is a truly stunning album, managing to be deeply beautiful and unnerving, as well as deeply thoughtful, without ever seeming pretentious or heavy-handed.
Read Full Review >Stylus Magazine
Elvrum’s tightest song cycle yet, truly focusing and clarifying the themes and ideas he’s explored on all his albums.
Read Full Review >The Onion (A.V. Club)
Elvrum gets bogged down in telling the story, to the detriment of the songs themselves.
Read Full Review >Junkmedia
A disappointing concept album with large patches of trivial explorations and experimental noodling.
Read Full Review >Magnet
The unintentionally hilarious Mount Eerie misfires so dramatically, it makes you want to reconsider not the Second Amendment but the First. [#57, p.98]
What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this album is 8.6 (out of 10) based on 17 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
pol n gave it a 10:
this cd is genuine, a very personal work with a lot of deepness.. it takes a while to get into it, but once you do.. you'll be amazed by it's unique beauty
Whitney O gave it a 10:
I can't believe those bad ratings... There is absolutely no reason for them to say this album is a joke. Phil is one of the most important artists of our time!!! Believe it...
Elliot gave it an 8:
It is surely a good album, but it's no The Glow, Part 2. Now THAT is an incredible album. Perhaps the greatest "lo-fi" recording ever? Regardless, The Microphones are immensely talented, but Mt. Eerie just hints at the magic they're capable of.
Dom S. gave it an 8:
Almost oversteps the line between an artist's indelible experimental outing and a bombastic, beautiful mess. Or maybe it does overstep the line. Regardless, short, tiny moments (like Death's voice or the deep humming beat that begins this record where "the Glow, pt. 2" left off) make this record one of the year's most engaging.
Brandon W gave it a 10:
This album is truly beautiful. One of the most heartbreaking albums about life and death ever. The only way to listen to it is very loud, under the influence, and via headphones.
Phineas P gave it a 10:
If you can't connect emotionally to this cd, that's ok. Not everybody does. But you can't reject the massive artistic album Mt. Eerie is, and the fact that it's nothing like you've heard before. if you like music, give this a chance.
something to forget gave it a 4:
I've really tried to like this cd, probably harder han I should, but it just isn't there
