Begone Dull Care
by Junior Boys
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Apr 7, 2009
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Dusted Magazine
    60
    This go-around does lack the face-sucking gravity of "In the Morning" to serve as a point of access, but the best way to experience Junior Boys’ music has always been total submission.
  2. Slant Magazine
    60
    Junior Boys will always be too careful to lapse into something as liquidly hedonistic as, well, Nick Straker Band, but with Begone, they sound like reasonable antecedents.
  3. The Guardian
    60
    If you've got the patience, it's worth it.
  5. cokemachineglow
    55
    Begone Dull Care spans eight aimless, meandering slow jams--each averaging a bloated six and a half minutes--and, returning to the pacing issues that threatened to put "So This Is Goodbye" fans to sleep, there’s simply not enough to distinguish one track from the next.
  6. AllMusic
    50
    Other than the hypnotic 'Work' and the playfully geeky 'Hazel,' the set is punchless, more a pleasant mood album fit for casual background listening, lacking the unnerved tension that runs through the majority of "Last Exit" and "So This Is Goodbye."
  7. Spin
    50
    It leaves us with a streamlined New Romantic sound, but one that at times feels like emotional Teflon.
  8. Tiny Mix Tapes
    50
    The songs on Begone do not unfurl, nor do they climax.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. MycroftW
    Apr 17, 2009
    9
    Different but the same as the previous albums and another winner.
  2. EricC
    Apr 15, 2009
    7
    The songs don't really progress, which hurts when they're averaging over 5 minutes long. And while they show hints of an edgier The songs don't really progress, which hurts when they're averaging over 5 minutes long. And while they show hints of an edgier side, they never venture away from their smooth, unchallenging jams. But as a whole, it's hard not to enjoy most of this album. Minimalist electro pop is a tough mediium, and these guys come close to mastering it. They've got cool beats and cool synth melodies, and it's hard to ask for more.… Full Review »
  3. Baba
    Apr 9, 2009
    8
    Although I give this album an 8, consider me disappointed. The last two Junior Boys albums were absolutely perfect. This one seems like Although I give this album an 8, consider me disappointed. The last two Junior Boys albums were absolutely perfect. This one seems like outtakes from those two. The tunes never catch any momentum. I'm not a listener who normally demands pop hooks, but this album is virtually devoid of anything catchy. Regardless of my criticisms, its still a decent album and I'm crossing my fingers its a grower.… Full Review »
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