Astronomy For Dogs
by The Aliens
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. BBC collective
    70
    It’s a fun mess, and although heavily indebted to 60s psyche folk and acid rock, Astronomy For Dogs has a verve and colour that saves it from derivative pastiche.
  2. cokemachineglow
    72
    The Aliens' retro-future, interstellar, ex-Beta Band stylings force the listener backward in time and inward in space, resulting in a weird cosmic navel-gazing that is ultimately the reason this album is only slightly more than moderately successful, and cannot be described under any circumstances as “innovative,” “refreshing” or “a step forward.”
  3. Dot Music
    80
    What is certain is "Astronomy For Dogs" is a magic-dusted delight and that Anderson is a wizard and a true star.
  5. Drowned In Sound
    50
    Though occasional glimpses of that trademark Beta Band brilliance appear, Astronomy For Dogs fails to act as much more than a reminder to listen to Anderson and company’s former glories.
  6. Mojo
    80
    This is a shape-shifting beast, its classic pop sensibilities leavened with occasional samples or stretched into epic, groove-based jams. [Apr 2007, p.96]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. musicOMH.com
    100
    One of the freshest, funkiest, tragic and joyous albums in recent times.
  8. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    As melody-ripe as anything from [Brian] Wilson's brain.
  9. Observer Music Monthly
    100
    It really shouldn't hang together but somehow does, and effortlessly so, without ever seeming gimmicky.
  10. Pitchfork
    47
    Good as it is to have these dudes back, their reunion sounds disappointingly anticlimactic.
  11. Playlouder
    40
    Disappointing, frustrating and exhausting, 'Astronomy For Dogs' finds a band trying too hard to cram too much into one sitting.
  12. Q Magazine
    80
    The Aliens' album often has the wide-eyed beauty of Brian Wilson or Jonathan Richman. [Apr 2007, p.120]
    All this publication's reviews
  13. Spin
    70
    Seldom do aural hallucinations feel this triumphant--or this real. [Jul 2007, p.92]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. Stylus Magazine
    67
    Astronomy sometimes sounds like a British invasion LP given the remaster and remix treatment: dance-ready, fit for a plush couch and extra-plush headspace, and oddly misfiled in time.
  15. The Guardian
    80
    As with the Beta Band, exploratory self-indulgence is rather the point of the Aliens, but here it's firmly anchored by fantastic songs.
  16. Tiny Mix Tapes
    60
    If nothing else, Astronomy For Dogs should be heralded as a step in the right direction after six long years of wandering.
  17. Uncut
    70
    Every one of these 11 songs is a work of wayward genius. [Apr 2007, p.106]
    All this publication's reviews
  18. Under The Radar
    70
    Some of the tracks will endure, but as a whole the album’s timelessness is limited by its own camp posturing. Still, it’s quite a fun ride. [#17, p.82]
    All this publication's reviews

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 31
  3. Negative: 3 out of 31
  1. tocadorojo
    May 25, 2013
    5
    This album doesn't have anything special, easy songs, easy music, easy vocals. They are just a band like thousands in the world. Someone canThis album doesn't have anything special, easy songs, easy music, easy vocals. They are just a band like thousands in the world. Someone can explain to me how this album could be ranked with a 10??… Full Review »
  2. Lambo442
    May 23, 2013
    10
    Sick album. So much melody, so much heart. Every track is unique and builds and builds to a crescendo. A very uplifting album actually. One ofSick album. So much melody, so much heart. Every track is unique and builds and builds to a crescendo. A very uplifting album actually. One of my favourites. Beautiful vocal harmonies too. A real passion for music being displayed here.… Full Review »
  3. M.GM.G
    Mar 18, 2008
    10
    If you can, next time you see your mum, hug her for giving birth to you. Make sure you have heard this record first and you won't be If you can, next time you see your mum, hug her for giving birth to you. Make sure you have heard this record first and you won't be able to stop yourself. Still I dream of it Of that happy day When I can say I've fallen in love And it haunts me so Like a dream that's Somehow linked to all the stars above… Full Review »
See all user reviews »