Ash Wednesday - Elvis Perkins
Ash Wednesday Image
Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.6 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 16 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Summary: The singer-songwriter's debut is informed by the losses of his father (actor Anthony Perkins) to AIDS and of his mother (photographer Berry Berenson) in the 9/11 attacks.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Filter
    93
    There's something about this album... that takes listeners by the hand, smacks them into reality and reminds them they're still alive. [#24, p.90]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Village Voice
    80
    At its best, Ash Wednesday recalls the command of Arcade Fire's Funeral, as Perkins finds empathy through his whimsy-fueled, sad-bastard songs of experience.
  3. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    Not much has gone Perkins's way in the past 15 years. Now, though, at a time when few singer-songwriters bear comparison with their predecessors, when grief this raw all too rarely begets pleasure, you cannot help but feel that his luck is about to change.
  4. musicOMH.com
    60
    When so many performers are trying to push the boundaries, sometimes it's nice to have something so plain and straightforward.

See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. JayS
    10
    Saw him opening for Clap Your Hands Say Yeah in London in Feb'07 (a month ago) and was impressed. His debut is very understated and takes a few listens, but you'll end up loving it. Very very good debut... Plus he seems like a very nice chap too!… Expand
  2. vanessab
    10
    Ash Wednesday is written with lyrics that are poetic and ponderous yet limpid like the music itself. Nothing feels fake in his voice or his lyrics or his music. Its truely a classic you'll find different meanings to in different stages or moments in your life.… Expand
  3. andreb
    10
    Saw him open in Montreal on Friday April 13, 2007 for Clap your hand. He blew me away. I got his cd and it is truly great. Reminds me of David Gray.
  4. JoeyS
    10
    Album of the year. A must own...

See all 6 User Reviews

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