A pleasant solo outing by this Canadian musical stalwart. Oh, why can't he move home?

This album both suffers and benefits in the same way that all New Pornographers albums do: they take a few plays to really catch you. Sure enough, when I listened to this disc for the first time I was left with a feeling of, "Oh, is that all?" with only two songs sticking out as "decent" to my ears. But after a couple more chances (which I'm always willing to give to an artist I admire...), a lot of the latent greatness was revealed, and soon enough five or six songs were getting stuck in my head throughout the day. In other words, I suggest that before anyone judges "Get Guilty", they listen to it three times on separate occasions. It's a strange kind of alchemy Newman has that causes his songwriting to be the equivalent of a timed-release pain-killer: it doesn't feel like much at first, but eventually the full brunt is felt. The album has its weak points, sure, but its strengths certainly outnumber them.… Expand

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.… Expand

Once again, this proves to me that Dan Bejar is the brains behind The New Pornographers. Very disappointing album.

Not quite slow wonder, but well-crafted. Too many slow numbers.

How do the critics complain about this music? Great arrangements, lyrics, a tight band, and catchy songs-- this is almost unarguably an "A" album, even if it isn't quite as inspired some of Newman's previous work or push boundaries like some of his contemporaries. If you're looking for something to turn on while you shoot the breeze, give this a shot!