• Record Label: Merge
  • Release Date: Jun 7, 2011
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Jun 15, 2011
    91
    In short, this is a powerful re-focusing of the Ladybug Transistor sound.
  2. Jun 15, 2011
    90
    It's rare for a band to keep getting better over time, especially after 15 years, but the Ladybug Transistor have done it, and whether you've been a fan the whole time or you are just discovering (or rediscovering) them with this album, there is enough good stuff here to make even the coldest-hearted music snob admit that there is music being made in 2011 that's just as good as anything made in 1965 or 1977, or any year.
  3. Jun 15, 2011
    75
    Clutching Stems is the band's finest record since The Albemarle Sound, and the kind of pop record that may break your heart, may even tear you apart, but it's also generous and complex enough to put you back together in the end.
  4. Under The Radar
    Aug 5, 2011
    70
    Fifteen years and seven albums in, The Ladybug Transistor remarkably seem to be just hitting their stride. [Jul 2011, p.86]
  5. Jun 15, 2011
    64
    Clutching Stems is a patient, exquisitely produced indie-pop record that never quite makes eye contact.
User Score
tbd

No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 1 out of 2
  1. Aug 29, 2011
    9
    Not as good as some of their earlier albums, but it is a nice concise album. If you've enjoyed their last releases, you'd probably enjoy this.Not as good as some of their earlier albums, but it is a nice concise album. If you've enjoyed their last releases, you'd probably enjoy this. While I prefer the music from the Argyle Heir era, Gary's vocals sounds great on this! Full Review »