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Bottle Rockets/The Brooklyn Side [Reissue] Image
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 7 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Artist(s): Tom V. Ray, Brian Henneman, Mark Ortmann, Tom Parr
  • Summary: The remastered reissue of the first two albums of the early 1990s alt-country band includes demos and live recordings as well as songs from when they were named Chicken Truck.
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  • Record Label: Bloodshot
  • Genre(s): Country, Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Country-Rock, Roots Rock
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Jan 15, 2014
    90
    This reissue of the first two Bottle Rockets albums from '93 and '94 brings back with startling clarity how in tune Henneman was with the times, lyrically foreshadowing the decline of the middle class amid the rise of urban sprawl and taking well-aimed shots at unchecked racism and political correctness, all while leading his band like Warren Zevon fronting Crazy Horse.
  2. Jan 15, 2014
    90
    This remains some of their finest work to date, and whether you missed them back in the day or are updating your library, this set is a must.
  3. Jan 15, 2014
    90
    In short--a monumental album.
  4. Jan 15, 2014
    80
    These two LPs still sound vital two decades later, just as the copious musician tributes and journalist essays in the accompanying pamphlet declare.
  5. 80
    The sound on these remasters crackles, revealing musical and lyrical nuances along with spotlighting how critical Mark Ortmann’s in-the-pocket drumming is to the vibe.
  6. Jan 15, 2014
    80
    Focusing on the demos and previously unreleased stuff would do both Bottle Rockets and The Brooklyn Side a disfavour. Both have moments of flash and grit, and yet showcase the more polished side of the band.
  7. Jan 15, 2014
    80
    The first is patchy but enjoyable, and the wealth of bonus tracks will appeal to those who already know the albums, but add almost nothing of benefit for newcomers.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of
  2. Mixed: 0 out of
  3. Negative: 0 out of