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Zero 7
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The Minus 5 [The Gun Album]

Generally favorable reviews
Based on 16 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 6 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album >
Album Info
Label: Yep Roc
Release Date: 07 February 2006
Discs: 1 disc
Genre(s): Indie, Rock
Summary
Scott McCaughey's seventh Minus 5 album includes contributions from members of Wilco, R.E.M., The Decemberists, Ministry, The Posies and more.
Also By This Artist: Down With Wilco Let The War Against Music Begin
Also On The Web: Minus 5 @ Yep Roc 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...
Magnet
As he continues to spin funny, poignant, depressing and eminently melodic tales of woe, it's clear McCaughey is a staggering genius aging as superbly as a fine bottle of hooch. [#71, p.106]
Uncut
Their best effort yet. [Mar 2006, p.102]
Under The Radar
It's McCaughey's vision that drives the 5, and the listener couldn't be in more capable hands. [#12, p.92]
Slant Magazine
Wry, rollicking, and irresistible, The Gun Album hits the bulls-eye.
Read Full Review >Lost At Sea
Their songs aren’t radio friendly nor are they mind-blowing in scope or execution, but give them time and they’ll creep into the rotating playlist in your head.
Read Full Review >Q Magazine
Well crafted, easy-on-the-ear janglepop which chugs along in a jaunty fashion. [Mar 2006, p.108]
All Music Guide
If this is the relatively bummed-out Minus 5 album, it's still full of great songs played with genuine enthusiasm and imagination.
Read Full Review >Rolling Stone
An offhandedly expert record. [23 Feb 2006, p.70]
Billboard
A good-time, classic rock feel permeates [the album]. [11 Feb 2006]
The New York Times
Mr. McCaughey's songs hark back to that 60's moment when exuberant backbeat rock 'n' roll was showing the initial effects of acid. [6 Feb 2006]
Pitchfork
Gun finds songwriter's songwriter McCaughey slightly stuck in his own unique, nuanced niche.
Read Full Review >NOW Magazine
The quality of the compositions is consistent and the album has an overall stylistic coherence that makes the Minus Five sound very much like a real band. Now, if he could only figure out how to make it rock, he'd be onto something.
Read Full Review >Prefix Magazine
Ultimately, however, The Minus 5 is the indie-rock equivalent of Ocean's Twelve. Everyone involved is clearly having a blast, and the result for the audience is often infectious. But just as often it is distancing, like watching footage of someone else's birthday party.
Read Full Review >Mojo
When the jokes stop... the relentless cantering pace and slightly predictable pedal steel accoutrements that characterise the bulk of the material here can struggle to hold your attention. [Mar 2006, p.92]
What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this album is 8.6 (out of 10) based on 6 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
calvin hobbes gave it a10:
Among last albums I bought this is one of my favourite (but also Morrissey, J. Johnson, Coxon, Stereolab...)
Roy R gave it a6:
Enjoyable for the most part, but never spectacular.
dan m gave it a9:
A solid album with great guest appearances. The sardonic humor & infectious melodiers we have come to expect from Scott & Co. are plentiful. It doesn't leave previous releases in the dust, but it certainly will not disappoint.
