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Elephant Shell
by
Elephant Shell Image
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 34 Ratings

  • Summary: The Canadian indie rock band releases its first full-length album after two well-received EPs.

Top Track

Tessellate
All the boys who called their mothers on that day Were no tough bunch but they had the nerves to go and say That all your secrets were drowned with... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. MSN Consumer Guide (Robert Christgau)
    91
    Very minor, rather lovely and it rocks.
  2. Slant Magazine
    80
    Tokyo Police Club's reliance on sounds and forms, namely the borderline hackneyed tropes of the 21st century's neat-freak take on post-punk, that can all be found elsewhere. Bands rarely combine ingredients this stale into something this fresh.
  3. The A.V. Club
    75
    As it stands, it's a really good album by a band that should've made--and still might make--a really, really great one.
  4. Lost At Sea
    70
    I can't say with conviction that Elephant Shell will stand the test of time--it could be forgotten within a year--but such is the peril of retreading well-worn musical ground. The album should, however, stay fresh for the summer.
  5. Hot Press
    60
    Tokyo Police Club indubitably share similarities with their more commercially successful UK counterparts, Bloc Party.
  6. Prefix Magazine
    55
    Transcendent tracks like 'Your English is Good' and 'In a Cave' indicate that there’s still room to grow on subsequent Tokyo Police Club releases. But for now, the band seems to have lost its mojo.
  7. Tiny Mix Tapes
    40
    Elephant Shell has it all if you’re looking for youthful mistakes from a well-meaning (but again, young) band that really, really, REALLY shouldn’t let the hype go to their heads.

See all 24 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. EdgarM
    Mar 29, 2009
    10
    This is probably my choice for the most underrated album of 08. This had some insanely catchy songs (Juno, In a Cave, IMO). I'm shocked This is probably my choice for the most underrated album of 08. This had some insanely catchy songs (Juno, In a Cave, IMO). I'm shocked this didn't make many people's Top 10 because it's such well-made and satisfying little gem. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for true indie-rock album.… Collapse
  2. EvanH.
    Apr 30, 2008
    10
    This is one of the best records of the year.
  4. JC
    Dec 15, 2008
    10
    Exciting and thrilling from beginning to end.
  5. MattA.
    Apr 24, 2008
    9
    It seems to be a pattern this year. An artist or group that has released a well-received, critically acclaimed debut album or EP puts out an It seems to be a pattern this year. An artist or group that has released a well-received, critically acclaimed debut album or EP puts out an excellent sophomore set and it gets mediocre to downright negative reviews. It was true for Cadence Weapon earlier in the year and now it has happened to Jamie Lidell and Tokyo Police Club in the same week. I don't know if the critics are just going into these albums assuming they will suffer the sophomore slump syndrome, but I assure you, they are wrong. If you compare these albums to the previous output, then yes, you might be disappointed. But, if you take them at face value, they are great listens. This album is just as good as the Vampire Weekend debut that has been fellated since its release a few months back.… Expand
  6. CoalY
    Jun 7, 2008
    9
    I reviewed this album for my school paper. I've listened to it countless times already, but it still grows on me. I think the hooks are I reviewed this album for my school paper. I've listened to it countless times already, but it still grows on me. I think the hooks are there, but people should not expect fast paced, outright catchy songs for 11 straight tracks. I thought TPC did a good job of mixing up the pace and maturing in their song writing-content. The lyrics throughout the album involve longing for and reflecting on the past, albeit in somewhat sci-fi ways. Still, A Lesson In Crime didn't have all hooky tracks. Shoulders and Arms, If it Works, and La Ferraise (sp?) were very different and not as exciting as the other songs on the EP. There are so many catchy tracks on Elephant Shell: In a Cave, Graves, Tessellate, Nursery Academy, Your English is Good, Juno. Still the other tracks are good and have great variety jammed into 2.5 minutes are less. … Expand
  7. MichaelR.
    Apr 25, 2008
    8
    I would've rated it higher than The Onion did, but I couldn't agree more with the general sentiment: "As it stands, it's a I would've rated it higher than The Onion did, but I couldn't agree more with the general sentiment: "As it stands, it's a really good album by a band that should've made--and still might make--a really, really great one."… Expand
  8. DerekS
    Apr 27, 2008
    7
    I've listened to the album several times now. Where I would have given "A Lesson In Crime" an 8 or 8.5, I can't go that high for I've listened to the album several times now. Where I would have given "A Lesson In Crime" an 8 or 8.5, I can't go that high for this. A lot of the songs are good, but not great. The hooks were stronger on the EP, and I can't help but feel that turning down the intensity isn't good for TPC. However, "Your English is Good" is easily the best thing they've ever done. Amazing song.… Expand

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