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Flat-Pack Philosophy Image
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: This is the fifth album for the reunited version of the punk band (still featuring Pete Shelley and Steve Diggle), now marking over 30 years since their original formation.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    As timeless and tuneful as any of their past masterworks. [10 Mar 2006, p.68]
  2. Uncut
    80
    Shelley deliver[s] his best songs in years. [Apr 2006, p.96]
  3. While not as dark, muscular or streamlined as the band's excellent, eponymously titled 2003 album, Flat-Pack Philosophy grows better and better with each listen.
  4. Q Magazine
    70
    It's a sterling testimony to both the songwriting skills of Pete Shelley and Steve Diggle and bassist Tony Barber's crisp production that Buzzcocks still sound so undeniably valid. [Apr 2006, p.112]
  5. Flat-Pack Philosophy largely trades in the darkness and aggression of its predecessor for a poppier, more melodic approach. It’s rather different from Buzzcocks but nearly as strong, showing that the last album was no fluke: the second version of the band has finally hit its stride in the studio.
  6. Mojo
    70
    Formula, for sure, but it's the Buzzcocks' own: the original and best. [Apr 2006, p.88]
  7. Rolling Stone
    40
    Much of Flat-Pack Philosophy is mired in a muddle. [9 Mar 2006, p.94]

See all 11 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. PedjaM
    Jun 6, 2006
    10
    They are still awesome!
  2. VegasA
    Mar 22, 2006
    10
    Thematically, the Buzzcocks show their ages. Musically, they have plenty to teach today's punk young 'uns. Flat Pack Philosophy is Thematically, the Buzzcocks show their ages. Musically, they have plenty to teach today's punk young 'uns. Flat Pack Philosophy is a Buzz saw attack of witty lyrics and sharp guitar lines. Expand
  3. MilesD
    Mar 22, 2006
    8
    A really entertaining album -- and that's really what it's all about, isn't it? The Buzzcocks continue to amaze with their A really entertaining album -- and that's really what it's all about, isn't it? The Buzzcocks continue to amaze with their vigorous attack, honed to an edge over these last 30 years. Kudos to Tony Barber for sharp, clean production and bass playing that lifts and propels every song. Collapse