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Dressy Bessy
by
Dressy Bessy Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the third studio album for the Denver-based indie pop band led by Tammy Ealom.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Delusions of Adequacy
    100
    May be the perfect pop album.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Ealom is one cool customer, and her bandmates know their best music arises from showcasing her in all her multitracked glory. [22/29 Aug 2003, p.133]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Splendid
    90
    This is the album that should put Dressy Bessy on the big map.
  4. Magnet
    80
    Its most accomplished album. [#60, p.97]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Stylus Magazine
    80
    Dressy Bessy is their most forward, cohesive, and just downright pleasant release yet.
  6. ShakingThrough.net
    76
    Dressy Bessy's darkest record yet is also its strongest, if only because there's a little more grit and tears mixed into the familiar, rapidly-approaching-stale sunshine-and-happiness mix.
  7. Alternative Press
    70
    Nobody creates teeth-rottingly sweet indie rock better than Denver's Dressy Bessy. [Sep 2003, p.102]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 11 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. BillY
    Oct 4, 2003
    10
    I agree with Joe - this thing ROCKS! Almost every song is great. When was the last time you remember that from a group. DB's previous I agree with Joe - this thing ROCKS! Almost every song is great. When was the last time you remember that from a group. DB's previous albums were ok as they were although they were kind of bland and lacking punch. I disagree with Christine in that I don't think the fact that this album was recorded in a better studio makes any difference. The band has obviously (and I think correctly) decided that they could only take 60s retro Beach Boys sound so far, and have decided to (in the words of that stupid tv chef) kick up a bunch of notches. I think what makes this album is the interplay between the (mostly) sweet and smoth vocals and the rest of the band. Its a contrast that was largely lacking from their previous work. DB keep this up and keep pushing this new sound. You CAN and MUST go further with this. Also please come play in NYC soon (I'll make sure my friends pack the place).… Expand
  2. JoeP
    Aug 25, 2003
    10
    I vote Dressy Bessy "Most Likely To Succeed". This album ROCKS!!!!
  4. CrispH
    Sep 13, 2003
    10
    Excellent album. Nothing to challenging, nothing too deep but who needs such brooding? This disc is just fun bubblegum rock to chew up again Excellent album. Nothing to challenging, nothing too deep but who needs such brooding? This disc is just fun bubblegum rock to chew up again and again.… Expand
  5. TimE
    Jan 19, 2005
    9
    It's like the Breeders at their most cheerful but without all the arsty fartsy. Their record is as perky as their name. Great job!!!!!!!!
  6. ChristineR.
    Sep 17, 2003
    6
    The band went into a big fancy studio and made everything sound so polished and precise that I think they've lost much of their indie The band went into a big fancy studio and made everything sound so polished and precise that I think they've lost much of their indie charm. I prefer the lo-fi almost-unrehearsed sound of their previous releases. This cd just sounds like any other alt-rock album... it doesn't sound like the Dressy Bessy I know and love. If I'd never heard "Pink Hearts Yellow Moons", maybe I'd like this one more. But the songs just aren't as sing-along-catchy on the new cd. Dressy Bessy released a demo for the song "Tidy" and I like it MUCH better than the final version. So I don't think they've lost the ability to write catchy tunes. I just think the lets-perfect-it-in-the-studio approach sucked all the fun and spontaneous energy out of these songs. I guess every band dreams of recording in a real studio, but I wish Dressy Bessy would realize what made them unique and great, instead of trying to change their sound.… Collapse

Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Best Album of 2003

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