Get Guilty
by A.C. Newman
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Jan 20, 2009
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. cokemachineglow
    42
    Even with their glut of talent (Bejar not included), the band is sputtering for ideas.
  2. No Ripcord
    60
    Get Guilty is best enjoyed in chunks, as nearly all the tracks are great pop songs. But a full listen through can be an ordeal.
  3. NOW Magazine
    40
    This disc comes off like an early home demo for a mediocre New Pornographers recording before all the bright colours and drama get added.
  5. Uncut
    60
    The songs here reveal their author's love of The Beattles, Fleetwood Mac, Paul Simon, Elton John et al, and confirm Newman's growing status as college rock's most tasteful magpie. [Apr 2009, p.91]
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  6. Blender
    60
    ven the weaker material is nothing worse than pleasant, but it outweighs and obscures the better-than-pleasant; the middle of the album dissolves into an anonymously sweet haze.
  7. Alternative Press
    50
    It's surprisingly how generally lukewarm the music is on Newman's sophomore effort, Get Guilty. [Feb 2009, p.103]
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  8. The Boston Phoenix
    50
    Too many of the songs rely on a stilted, march-like rhythm that makes them sound formal and restrained, especially when paired with Newman's arch lyrical delivery.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. EricC
    Mar 2, 2009
    8
    I wasn't a big fan of the Porno's quieter sound on Challengers, and the first time I heard a few of these songs, I wasn't too I wasn't a big fan of the Porno's quieter sound on Challengers, and the first time I heard a few of these songs, I wasn't too hopeful. But now that I've spent some time with this album and actually dug in to Newman's subtle and honest songwriting, I'm definately going to be returning to Challengers. Newman doesn't get the credit he deserves for being one of indie's top songwriters, mainly because the artsy kids are too busy fawning over Dan Bejar (not that Bejar and Destroyer aren't awesome). But I hope this album, while not his best batch of songs, will help get him in the much deserved spotlight.… Full Review »
  2. JeffP
    Feb 9, 2009
    9
    I think the album is a grower (took me two listens to totally dig it), but like most of Newman's music, once it catches on, it sticks I think the album is a grower (took me two listens to totally dig it), but like most of Newman's music, once it catches on, it sticks and you can't get it out of your head. Also, with each listen, something new is discovered and a new song becomes my favorite each time. A.C. Newman once again proves he is one of the best songwriters of the decade. Dynamite album and the first great release of 2009.… Full Review »
  3. tomm.
    Feb 7, 2009
    8
    Generally agree with cokemachineglow, but they got the review dead wrong with this effort. Similar in feel to the slow wonder, slower and Generally agree with cokemachineglow, but they got the review dead wrong with this effort. Similar in feel to the slow wonder, slower and more introspective than new pornographers, but hardly grasping for ideas.… Full Review »
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