Bitter Tea
by The Fiery Furnaces
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 52 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 52
  3. Negative: 4 out of 52

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  1. SpencerM
    Apr 19, 2006
    10
    Though their sophomore effort will remain my preference, Bitter Tea is the band's best. It takes from the mammoth studio effects of Blueberry Boat, while telling stories as personal as Rehearsing My Choir. Nobody will really understand this band as well as their fans, which is expected, so I don't get aggitated by seeing less-than-enthusiastic reviews. I would ask that people Though their sophomore effort will remain my preference, Bitter Tea is the band's best. It takes from the mammoth studio effects of Blueberry Boat, while telling stories as personal as Rehearsing My Choir. Nobody will really understand this band as well as their fans, which is expected, so I don't get aggitated by seeing less-than-enthusiastic reviews. I would ask that people try absorbing this album in full, and a few times at that. They will be immensely rewarded.… Expand
  2. StuB
    May 1, 2006
    9
    why are these critics bothering with trying to critique this? get a grip! this albums ridiculous and absurd and the kids will love it !
  3. PlatypusQuest
    Apr 17, 2006
    10
    A delirious, unpredictable, bizarre, frustrating, altogether wonderful album. "Benton Harbor Blues" is the best song they've ever done. Hands down.
  4. dugan
    Apr 17, 2006
    10
    another masterpiece from the friedbergers. flawless in both concept and execution, this album shimmers with brilliance and beauty while remaining an immeasurably entertaining ride. best album of the year by far. "teach me sweetheart" is heartbreaking, "borneo" is unbelievably fun and exciting with the catchiest furnaces melody since "chief inspector blancheflower", "oh sweet woods" has another masterpiece from the friedbergers. flawless in both concept and execution, this album shimmers with brilliance and beauty while remaining an immeasurably entertaining ride. best album of the year by far. "teach me sweetheart" is heartbreaking, "borneo" is unbelievably fun and exciting with the catchiest furnaces melody since "chief inspector blancheflower", "oh sweet woods" has the funniest storyline in a song ever, "waiting to know you" and "police sweater blood vow" are sweet and loving without the slightest hint of cliche, "nevers" has their best word-play to date, and "brenton harbor blues" is absolutely gorgeous in its meditative style. the rest of the album is truly haunting and mysterious in the best way possible. all around an incredibly rewarding listen without a single dull moment.… Expand
  5. T.Spee
    Apr 17, 2006
    10
    Fundamentally perfect. These hoity-toity critics need to get their heads out of their asses and listen for once-----music doesn't need to be instantly accessible to be good.
  6. RyanC
    Apr 18, 2006
    10
    This is the first time I've actually felt like it was my duty as a music to speak out against the injustice dealt to a band by the critical society. This album is a small-scale revolution in sound and the things the siblings Friedberger make possible within the space of one hour are absolutely mind-shattering. This album simply must be heard! I think all it would take is one listen This is the first time I've actually felt like it was my duty as a music to speak out against the injustice dealt to a band by the critical society. This album is a small-scale revolution in sound and the things the siblings Friedberger make possible within the space of one hour are absolutely mind-shattering. This album simply must be heard! I think all it would take is one listen to convince anybody of this. THE CRITICS HAVE IT WRONG (big surprise)... Open your ears, guys. There's something amazing going on here.… Expand
  7. BillD
    Apr 19, 2006
    10
    This IS the best record of 06. The Furnaces have done it again.
  8. kilas99
    Apr 20, 2006
    8
    Like being lost in a carnival.
  9. paulm
    Apr 26, 2006
    10
    First listen sounds mediocre Second listen proves you wrong Fantastic 'pop' record from the friedbergers.
  10. LeonardoF
    Apr 27, 2006
    9
    i didn't like this at first... but repeated listens changed my mind. it gets better and better each time.
  11. BenjaminBunny
    May 1, 2006
    9
    Bitter Tea. This album takes a lot of time to get into, but you'll find that you'll probably find well spent--Bitter Tea is an enticing puzzle, and as you fit the pieces together, the joy/enjoyment deepends. Soon enough you may find that it is in fact your favorite Fiery Furneces album...well I should give that more time, but I've had "Benton Harbor Blues," "Teach Me Bitter Tea. This album takes a lot of time to get into, but you'll find that you'll probably find well spent--Bitter Tea is an enticing puzzle, and as you fit the pieces together, the joy/enjoyment deepends. Soon enough you may find that it is in fact your favorite Fiery Furneces album...well I should give that more time, but I've had "Benton Harbor Blues," "Teach Me Sweetheart" and "Waiting To Know You" on mostly endless repeat for the last week. I haven't been this obsessed with an album since Fiona Apple's "Extraordinary Machine."… Expand
  12. DrGoob
    Jun 9, 2006
    10
    Holy shit, The Fiery Furnaces did it again. It's absurd, pretentious and outrageously self-indulgent, and yet it's brilliant. They make every album released since their last one look tame and conventional. Again. They are the 21st century successors to legends like Beefheart and Zappa.
  13. PaulJ
    Sep 7, 2006
    10
    Chewy and innovative musicianship combines with intelligent, thoughtful lyricism, to take your hand in theirs for a trip (in all good senses) into a private parallel world which provides much-needed disengagment therapy from the careworn workaday world. A musical highspot for 2006
  14. chrisk.
    Apr 18, 2006
    10
    i rarely feel compelled to vote on records on this site, but with this album, and in particular, this band, the word has to be spread. the furnaces are the most creative, daring and original band working today. and to echo previous comments, so-called critics just don't get it. in every way, another phenomenal effort from the fiery furnaces.
  15. MattK
    Apr 19, 2006
    9
    I agree with what has been said. I don't normally chime in with comments but this album is grossly underrated at this point. One of the best and most compelling albums of the year thus far and I wouldn't be surprised if it is in my top 10 by years end.
  16. CameoJ
    Apr 19, 2006
    10
    echoes...
  17. KevinS
    Apr 21, 2006
    10
    I agree with Ryan C above. This is an amazing record. It may require more than one listener for less-adventurous ears, but I find each song very internally cohesive, more than any record they've done to date. Ignore the critical BACKLASH and enjoy it for what it is -- creative, warm, ambitious, gleeful, surreal.
  18. NajeebA
    Apr 20, 2006
    8
    Bitter Tea is a great album, the Fiery Furnaces' most psychedelic and ''trippy'' album. But it isn't close to as good as Blueberry Boat or even Rehearsing My Choir, though for me it is better than Gallowsbird Bark. This band isn't a band you can decide whether to check out based off of critics reviews, the music they make is the type where you just have Bitter Tea is a great album, the Fiery Furnaces' most psychedelic and ''trippy'' album. But it isn't close to as good as Blueberry Boat or even Rehearsing My Choir, though for me it is better than Gallowsbird Bark. This band isn't a band you can decide whether to check out based off of critics reviews, the music they make is the type where you just have to hear it for yourself to decide.As an album as a whole, like I mention, it's not their best, or even close, but it does contain for 4 or 5 of the best songs they've ever written, the rest being maybe a little more than mediocre. The Fiery Furnaces are still the best band in contemporary hipster ''indie'' rock.… Expand
  19. Gnarles
    Apr 24, 2006
    8
    Like all the work of the Fiery Furnaces, Bitter Tea takes commitment and patience before a fair opinion should be attempted. I'm a huge Furnaces fan, and I even I didn't like Bitter Tea at first. But, as always, perseverance is the key. This is a truly complex album that contains some of the best Furnaces music ever ("Benton Harbor Blues", "Teach Me Sweetheart") as well as some Like all the work of the Fiery Furnaces, Bitter Tea takes commitment and patience before a fair opinion should be attempted. I'm a huge Furnaces fan, and I even I didn't like Bitter Tea at first. But, as always, perseverance is the key. This is a truly complex album that contains some of the best Furnaces music ever ("Benton Harbor Blues", "Teach Me Sweetheart") as well as some of the worst ("Oh Sweet Woods" and especially the completely worthless "The Vietnamese Telephone Registry"). The title track, in particular, sums up exactly what they do so well, as well as so poorly, in the same song. The unevenneness, though, just adds to the fun. While no match for Gallowsbird's Bark or Blueberry Boat, Bitter Tea is certainly an ethralling listen and certainly helps ease the pain of enduring the horrific Rehearsing My Choir. If you love the Furnaces, you'll love Bitter Tea. But if not, it sure as hell won't change your mind.… Expand
  20. AaronQ
    Apr 28, 2006
    5
    Not as obnoxious as previous releases, which is a plus. However... much much much more boring. Although, "Benton Harbor Blues," and the shortened, single version of the song, is totally my jam.
  21. DaveR
    May 11, 2006
    3
    It's like listening to the grandiose, wild experimentation of Blueberry Boat without the sweeping melodies and brilliant 'pop' moments. They've developed a completely unique and personal sound but without a more grounded core these songs mostly become an exercise in pushing boundaries, so if that's your cup of 'tea' then go for it.
  22. JohnD
    May 20, 2006
    8
    Let's face it: every Fiery Furnaces album sounds terrible the first time you listen to it. After the first couple of times, it grows on you. (Except for 'Rehearsing', which everybody except Spin Magazine hated, but then again, they gave 'Registration' a B+ in its formal review and then proceeded to name it ALBUM OF THE YEAR, which is just stupid.) Don't put Let's face it: every Fiery Furnaces album sounds terrible the first time you listen to it. After the first couple of times, it grows on you. (Except for 'Rehearsing', which everybody except Spin Magazine hated, but then again, they gave 'Registration' a B+ in its formal review and then proceeded to name it ALBUM OF THE YEAR, which is just stupid.) Don't put this on when you can't give 91% of your cencentration to the music.… Expand
  23. mikeys
    May 9, 2006
    10
    forget what the critics are saying. This CD is taking music in a new direction, and it's a fantastic production.
  24. tylerd
    Apr 17, 2006
    10
    Phenomenal
  25. RH
    Apr 17, 2006
    10
    One of my favorites of the year, incredibly catchy weirdness throughout nearly a full CD's runtime. Some people won't get it (as their sound isn't for everyone) but those of us that can appreciate the Furnaces have another classic in our hands.
  26. jonathanr
    Apr 18, 2006
    9
    this album is fantastic! no one seems to be giving it justice which is really confusing. it feels only slightly less cohesive than other furnaces outings and there are without a doubt more than a handfull of great obtuse pop tunes on this album. i put this on and danced about my room like i was manic and happy...i hope you all will do the same. this may just become my favorite of their this album is fantastic! no one seems to be giving it justice which is really confusing. it feels only slightly less cohesive than other furnaces outings and there are without a doubt more than a handfull of great obtuse pop tunes on this album. i put this on and danced about my room like i was manic and happy...i hope you all will do the same. this may just become my favorite of their albums yet, it has the potential to be.… Expand
  27. EmmersonB
    Apr 18, 2006
    1
    drab, boring, incoherent. The cliches here are what you would expect: assigning "weird" as an indicator of quality.
  28. ChrisR
    Apr 18, 2006
    9
    Not quite as good as some of their previous albums (Blueberry Boat, or the EP), but this is a great album, and should be loved by anyone who is already a fan. I wasn't trilled with RMC, and this is clearly a similar album but better in just about every way.
  29. MarceloM
    Apr 21, 2006
    10
    why a 10? This album gives me goosebumps. That is all.
  30. Austin
    Apr 23, 2006
    10
    I agree. This album is truly brilliant. I can't see how anyone who loves Blueberry Boat can detest this album... but yes, I too have to speak out.
  31. shirleyb
    Apr 23, 2006
    9
    surprised the critical score isnt higher. ive never been a huge FF fan but this album is both a creative accomplishment and more accessible & catchy. not every song is great, but the ones that are great, really are.
  32. GlennD
    Apr 25, 2006
    6
    With Bitter Tea they've made another Blueberry Boat. Now I'd be happy if they just make another Gallowsbird's Bark

Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Most Discussed Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 30
  3. Negative: 2 out of 30
  1. Billboard
    70
    The densely produced layers of previous works are gone in favor of a big and bright fun-house feel.
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  2. Pitchfork
    76
    This is not by any stretch a turn toward the accessible, though there are a few great pop moments.
    Read full review
  3. Prefix Magazine
    60
    The album's true stumbling block lies in the Friedbergers' inability to follow many of their ideas to any sort of logical conclusion.
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