• Record Label: Vagrant
  • Release Date: Sep 7, 2004
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 23
  2. Negative: 0 out of 23

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  1. JackI
    Sep 19, 2004
    8
    Some gems, some throw-aways. The gems (Gun Shy, My Dad) are pure & true.
  2. LesHectic
    Sep 22, 2004
    8
    This album is a grower, to some maybe like a wart. But that is its charm, warts & all. One listen, it's a 5, but after a few listens (and skipping '$100 groom') it truly is a heartfelt worthwhile collection of basement taped songs. Those looking for commercial polish go elsewhere. Those looking for an artist geniunely expressing himself see 'now i wonder', This album is a grower, to some maybe like a wart. But that is its charm, warts & all. One listen, it's a 5, but after a few listens (and skipping '$100 groom') it truly is a heartfelt worthwhile collection of basement taped songs. Those looking for commercial polish go elsewhere. Those looking for an artist geniunely expressing himself see 'now i wonder', 'my dad', 'lookin up in heaven', and 'folk star'. Expand
  3. BrianJ
    Sep 9, 2004
    7
    I would give this a 7.5 really. The album continues to grow on me. It's not as rocking as Come Feel Me Tremble or Stereo/Mono but it still has a fresh quality to it. Paul's still playing sloppy and the production is still lo-fi. However, Paul's got some killer songs on this disc. "My Dad" and "As Far As I Know" are both stellar. Highly recommended for fans of PW's last I would give this a 7.5 really. The album continues to grow on me. It's not as rocking as Come Feel Me Tremble or Stereo/Mono but it still has a fresh quality to it. Paul's still playing sloppy and the production is still lo-fi. However, Paul's got some killer songs on this disc. "My Dad" and "As Far As I Know" are both stellar. Highly recommended for fans of PW's last couple of albums. Expand
  4. JohnO
    Apr 7, 2005
    7
    I would give Stereo/Mono and Come Feel Me Tremble each a 10. Having said that, Folker has some gems and some filler, where the previous two records are end-to-end marvels. Gun Shy and My Dad are my favs. If you're just getting to know Paul, I wouldn't suggest this as your first purchase. With regards to the DIY stuff getting old (from a prior post), get used to it - he's I would give Stereo/Mono and Come Feel Me Tremble each a 10. Having said that, Folker has some gems and some filler, where the previous two records are end-to-end marvels. Gun Shy and My Dad are my favs. If you're just getting to know Paul, I wouldn't suggest this as your first purchase. With regards to the DIY stuff getting old (from a prior post), get used to it - he's not going back to the old way. Expand
  5. SteveT.
    Oct 28, 2004
    7
    First of all, I'm a Mats/Westerberg fanatic, so it's a given that I'd buy this album. That being said, this "do it yourself" ethos is really starting to wear thin. A lot of the melodies on this record sound quite a bit like the ones on Stereo/Mono. And they're getting old. However, what redeems the record for me is the same thing that always brings me back. The lyrics. First of all, I'm a Mats/Westerberg fanatic, so it's a given that I'd buy this album. That being said, this "do it yourself" ethos is really starting to wear thin. A lot of the melodies on this record sound quite a bit like the ones on Stereo/Mono. And they're getting old. However, what redeems the record for me is the same thing that always brings me back. The lyrics. Westerberg, like Dylan is a poet who sets his verse to music. The commentary is always pithy, humorous and often heartbreaking. That's why I bought this and why I'll buy the next one. Expand
  6. DavidL
    Oct 4, 2004
    9
    The lowfi approach is not for everyone, but if you accept, you are in for a meaningful experience.
  7. JeffB
    Sep 14, 2004
    9
    A terrific album, but a slow burner. Let it grow on you.
  8. MaureenO
    Sep 14, 2004
    10
    Once again, Paul Westerberg has created a masterpiece. He has given the music world what it has lacked for too long; honest-to-goodness music. Westerberg's whimsical and thought-provoking lyrics never let up on this album.
  9. BrandonS
    Sep 7, 2004
    9
    Man, is this guy on a roll.
  10. Mark
    Jan 25, 2006
    8
    It's amazing how much this album grew on me over the course of a year or so. It feels so natural and uncalculated, (forget self-consciously ramshackle!), and over time the vocals seem to become clearer, the guitars more purposeful, the melodies more memorable (the drums just as off!). As Far As I Know and What About Mine? are beautifully-conceived songs, but for me it's How Can It's amazing how much this album grew on me over the course of a year or so. It feels so natural and uncalculated, (forget self-consciously ramshackle!), and over time the vocals seem to become clearer, the guitars more purposeful, the melodies more memorable (the drums just as off!). As Far As I Know and What About Mine? are beautifully-conceived songs, but for me it's How Can You Like Him? and Gun Shy that bring about tears of joy that a human being can create and communicate such startling emotion through music. The man is frighteningly good. Expand
  11. dudeflym
    Nov 3, 2004
    9
    how sweet would it be to get to hang out in your basement and put out great records. i knew studying too much would never get me anywhere.
  12. StevenC
    Sep 11, 2004
    7
    A solid album; 2 classics on it -- they keep trying to bury the guy -- but he's still good.
  13. RobertB
    Nov 16, 2005
    8
    This one is a grower.
  14. May 19, 2016
    9
    Get past the first son and it's the best total Westerberg album. Beautiful turns of phrase, heartbreaking weathered voice ... mature Paul ... letting go of including some hard rockers to please his past. He's let it go and it's outstanding.
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 12
  2. Negative: 2 out of 12
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Rough-and-tumble folk rock with a winning--if self-conscious--DIY approach. [17 Sep 2004, p.76]
  2. Blender
    10
    A poorly-recorded collection of lazily-written songs recorded by an artist whose muse deserted him long ago. [Oct 2004, p.131]
  3. Under The Radar
    90
    The album is Westerberg at his extremes. [#7]