• Record Label: Merge
  • Release Date: May 10, 2005
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 130 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 5 out of 130

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
  1. Apr 24, 2018
    9
    Strange that my favorite Spoon album sounds the most like classic rock out of all of their releases. But whatever they did here, they couldn't have done it much better
  2. Aug 16, 2015
    9
    An extension of the stripped down, simplistic art-rock of "Kill the Moonlight," Gimme Fiction not only enjoyed mainstream success (I Turn My Camera On) but also stuck as a fan favorite. 9.4/10
  3. Nov 20, 2012
    8
    This is an exceptional series of tangy, delicious pop jams that don't just satisfy the senses; they smack all of them right in the face. Even if this isn't the most remarkable album ever, it's a sweet stash of boom-slap chillin' rock.
  4. j30
    Feb 1, 2012
    7
    Even though Gimme Fiction is one of Spoon's most uneven efforts, it's high points outweigh the lows. Spoon is one of those band that you think "Why didn't I think of that?" Their music so simple and so pop driven you wonder why you haven't heard it before.That's kind of the magic behind it because you haven't heard it and it sticks with you.
  5. Jan 25, 2012
    9
    Gimme Fiction was the start of a new Spoon. Kill The Moonlight was like an art punk album. Gimme Fiction is going for more of the Avant Garde sound. The songs are a little bit longer and drawn out but every track on this album is great. It's a more mature Spoon album that I'm sure fans of Spoon will appreciate. A-
  6. Nov 22, 2010
    10
    Every person who likes rock should own this album. Dark, polished, concise, crafty, witty. Is it Britt Daniel or John Lennon singing on this album? Man, does he have a great voice! All songs on this album are amazing. Great guitar riffs and pop classic feel to this album. My favorite Spoon song is on this album... I Summon You. This is my favorite Spoon album (that is saying a lot),Every person who likes rock should own this album. Dark, polished, concise, crafty, witty. Is it Britt Daniel or John Lennon singing on this album? Man, does he have a great voice! All songs on this album are amazing. Great guitar riffs and pop classic feel to this album. My favorite Spoon song is on this album... I Summon You. This is my favorite Spoon album (that is saying a lot), one of the decade's best overall. Expand
  7. Oct 3, 2010
    10
    I go through phases with this album, but the last few months it has been fantastic. 'Infinite Pet' is unfortunately filler and deadly boring, 'was it you?' meanders and never finds itself - the same could be said about 'never got you' but the hand-claps at the end are irresistible. 'My mathematical mind' and 'the beast, the dragon, adored' build to satisfying rocky fuzz conclusions. pianoI go through phases with this album, but the last few months it has been fantastic. 'Infinite Pet' is unfortunately filler and deadly boring, 'was it you?' meanders and never finds itself - the same could be said about 'never got you' but the hand-claps at the end are irresistible. 'My mathematical mind' and 'the beast, the dragon, adored' build to satisfying rocky fuzz conclusions. piano and drum loops in 'Merchants of soul' are catchy, and who can ignore the guitar romps of 'sister jack' and 'turn my camera on' that are typical of the album, and highlights of both the record and spoons whole discography Expand
  8. CoryT.
    Jan 20, 2010
    7
    Solid effort from a solic band. That's the thing about Spoon...the never strive to astound us and wow us with a new surprise. But i can't complain that they lack innovative recordings when all of their albums are so consistent. Plain, but consistent.
  9. GraceL
    Apr 15, 2007
    10
    It completely enamourmed me on my first listen. It just struck me as so raw and indefinably perfect.
  10. TheCritic
    Jul 10, 2006
    9
    Good cd... Haven't yet gotten their 1st of 2nd but they are probably good considering that I liked this one and they got better reviews then this one. I agree with Steve's review... the last few songs are forgetable unless you listen to them over and over again... almost like a Radiohead cd (except with much more... unweird... vocals. Radiohead is also one of my favorite Good cd... Haven't yet gotten their 1st of 2nd but they are probably good considering that I liked this one and they got better reviews then this one. I agree with Steve's review... the last few songs are forgetable unless you listen to them over and over again... almost like a Radiohead cd (except with much more... unweird... vocals. Radiohead is also one of my favorite bands!). So overall a very good cd that you should definately pick up. a quick song analysis: #1 The Beast and Dragon, Adored: a pop song on the weirder side. Still a decent song. #2 The Two Sides/Monseiur Valentine: A very good song. One of the cd's best. I love the piano with the guitar #3 I Turn my Camera On: Surprisingly, it's not one of my favorites... Not my style. It's almost a candy coated song. Still a decent song however. #4 My Mathematical Mind: Very unique piano. A good song plus they do it well live (see Austin City Limits on PBS). #5 The Delicate Place: Almost a Beatles sounding song until the guitar at the end that sounds like a Radiohead solo. A good track. #6 Sister Jack: the cd's most rockiest track, it's one of the cd's best tunes. I love the lyrics... especially the Drop D metal band! #7 I Summon You: Heard it on myspace and it originally was one of my favorites. I love the guitar... don't know if it is effects on an acousitc or a classical guitar but it sounds good with the drum beat. #8 The Infinate Pet: I like this song a lot though it is kind of weird. It has a lot of piano sort of like a Radiohead Kid A song. #9 Was it You?: Probably the worst on the cd... Where the album starts losing it's greatness. #10 They Never Got You: Another weak track... still it's sound surpasses Was It You?. #11 Merchants of Soul: Thankfully, in my opinion, Gimmie Fiction ends on a good note with this one. It is a good song that sounds kind of like a Raising the Fawn song. Well there it is. Overall it is a good cd 9 stars Expand
  11. steve
    May 16, 2006
    7
    well 7.5 actually ... magical start, the album is carried by the strength of the first half, but seems to detune in the 2nd . but in saying that there are some absolutely mind-blowing, anthemic songs in there, easily worth the pingas spent and a joy to listen to . who needs drugs with this stuff
  12. Ross
    Apr 26, 2006
    10
    Spoon is the best band in the world, since At the Drive-In called it quits.
  13. PatickR
    Mar 20, 2006
    10
    The best album of 2005. Keep 'em coming Spoon.
  14. jakeh
    Mar 14, 2006
    10
    extremely simple, yet complex, yet perfect in its matter. One of the best albums out right now. Gimme Fiction is less but more an amazing album to say the least
  15. amishj
    Mar 14, 2006
    10
    very sexy
  16. TylerV
    Jan 2, 2006
    10
    excellent album- simply addictive
  17. alexanders
    Dec 22, 2005
    9
    great!
  18. jen
    Dec 15, 2005
    9
    this album is worth listening to. its got an old rock flare to it that reminds you of days when rock music was still good.
  19. DaveK
    Nov 16, 2005
    9
    minimal at it's best, very hypnotic
  20. alysabeth
    Oct 27, 2005
    9
    I have never heard Spoon-lived in Austin 15 years. I don't die over every song. I die over Beast and Dragon,Adored.. every time. It feels like Double Fantasy Lennon came back to do vocals,or maybe Bowie...anyway,the other songs are growing on me, too. I have my new rock crush.
  21. AndyW
    Sep 30, 2005
    9
    For people who haven't heard Spoon before, I'd like to think this would be a very fresh start for them. A lot of solid tracks. The album doesn't really kick in until the crazy guitar solo in the amazing intro "The Beast and Dragon, Adored". Then, track after track, the album gets amazing. The closer to the cd is kind of weak, but overall, a great album. I highly recommend For people who haven't heard Spoon before, I'd like to think this would be a very fresh start for them. A lot of solid tracks. The album doesn't really kick in until the crazy guitar solo in the amazing intro "The Beast and Dragon, Adored". Then, track after track, the album gets amazing. The closer to the cd is kind of weak, but overall, a great album. I highly recommend it for everyone. Expand
  22. Wintermute
    Aug 19, 2005
    9
    Stoater of an album, 'Was It You' is the most addctive slice of slow chugging indie funk I have ever heard. Catching them at the end of the month at tuts can't wait!!!!!!!
  23. TerrenceO
    Jul 21, 2005
    9
    Spoon... what can i say... Britt Daniel is a genius.. while "Kill the Moonlight" and "Girls can Tell" are vastly superior that merely indicates that this at best really great and not classic
  24. Gazcomsat
    Jul 17, 2005
    8
    I've never heard any previous Spoon albums and really only decided to take a chance on this because of the really good reviews the album got. I wasn't disappointed,"Gimme Fiction" is a really good Cd and deserves the score it achieved. The tracks are quite diverse which in itself make Spoon very hard to pigeon-hole in any particular genre. There are a few tracks I haven't I've never heard any previous Spoon albums and really only decided to take a chance on this because of the really good reviews the album got. I wasn't disappointed,"Gimme Fiction" is a really good Cd and deserves the score it achieved. The tracks are quite diverse which in itself make Spoon very hard to pigeon-hole in any particular genre. There are a few tracks I haven't immediately taken to (some could have done with finishing 2 or 3 minutes earlier) but tracks such as "Sister Jack" "I summon you" and "The two sides/Monsieur Valentine" are just indredible. If you do buy this album, do yourself a favour and get the one with the bonus Cd if only for the demo versions of "Sister Jack" and "I summon you" which are excellent. Expand
  25. DrewK
    Jul 14, 2005
    9
    The best album that Wilco never made.
  26. JerryL
    Jul 8, 2005
    8
    Making three consecutive perfect records is a daunting task for any band. Spoon comes extremely close to achieving this lofty goal but falls just short of it in the end. Gimme Fiction is a near perfect affair, delivering some great songs but in the end, some of the material lacks the instant and lasting appeal of Kill The Moonlight and Girls Can Tell. Fortunately, the majority of the Making three consecutive perfect records is a daunting task for any band. Spoon comes extremely close to achieving this lofty goal but falls just short of it in the end. Gimme Fiction is a near perfect affair, delivering some great songs but in the end, some of the material lacks the instant and lasting appeal of Kill The Moonlight and Girls Can Tell. Fortunately, the majority of the songs rank with the band's strongest work. Expand
  27. RyanL
    Jul 7, 2005
    10
    Loved the entire thing
  28. TravisB
    Jul 1, 2005
    10
    best record of the year
  29. RussP.
    Jun 28, 2005
    10
    This album blew me away. I loved every song, especially Two Sides/Monsieur Valentine. Spoon managed to put 11 excellent tracks in a row in this album.
  30. JustinA
    Jun 26, 2005
    9
    Just a solid album, through and through. Does a great job of building expectation as you move through each track; like all great efforts, it's a panoply of furies, rather than a collection of stuff with the few catchy tracks. Although I've been a bit distanced from Spoon's previous efforts, Brett and Co. have fianlly put together a sound that's unique, yet approachable Just a solid album, through and through. Does a great job of building expectation as you move through each track; like all great efforts, it's a panoply of furies, rather than a collection of stuff with the few catchy tracks. Although I've been a bit distanced from Spoon's previous efforts, Brett and Co. have fianlly put together a sound that's unique, yet approachable enough to give a good listen. If you thought their ealier albums were okay, but maybe a little too, um, wierd, for your taste, give this a shot. As far as I'm concerned, it's the best overall listen since The Meadowlands. Expand
  31. MaxB
    Jun 24, 2005
    7
    The fact that Spoon released a new album would mean, inevitably, that the question would be begged: Is there anything better than Kill The Moonlight? That question must be answered, now that there is a new album, and of course the answer is no. Everything is too long and too produced, especially in light of the phenomenally minimal pleasure of Moonlght. Yet, Daniel is one of the best The fact that Spoon released a new album would mean, inevitably, that the question would be begged: Is there anything better than Kill The Moonlight? That question must be answered, now that there is a new album, and of course the answer is no. Everything is too long and too produced, especially in light of the phenomenally minimal pleasure of Moonlght. Yet, Daniel is one of the best American songwriters currently working (along wtih Stephen Merritt, John Darnielle, Devendra Banhart, and others I am too impatient to think of naming now) and so the songs shine through on each and every track. As any veteran of rock can tell you - its the songs man, and so it is. Expand
  32. BrittDaniel
    Jun 21, 2005
    10
    Competing heavily with Face the Truth for album of the first half of this year.....simply astonishing.
  33. MawusimeB
    Jun 12, 2005
    9
    Thus far, album of the year. MORE!
  34. JacquesDerrida
    Jun 1, 2005
    8
    While this is a good album, it falls short of the greatness acheived on Girls Can Tell and Kill the Moonlight. But, hey, those were pretty fantastic records, and this one is no slouch either. One major plus here is the diversity of the sound: soulful, acoustic, rock and roll and a variety of other subtle variations on traditional genres. When listenting to Spoon it is often easy to forget While this is a good album, it falls short of the greatness acheived on Girls Can Tell and Kill the Moonlight. But, hey, those were pretty fantastic records, and this one is no slouch either. One major plus here is the diversity of the sound: soulful, acoustic, rock and roll and a variety of other subtle variations on traditional genres. When listenting to Spoon it is often easy to forget just how innovative they are, and this is itself a testemant to their talent. Collapse
  35. Ana
    May 31, 2005
    10
    It took a few listens, but as soon as you're familiar enough with the music to notice the tiny pieces that make up the whole, it sinks in deep through your skin and takes you by force. I fell in love with kill the moonlight, but rather than being disappointed in a less-than-superb sequel I'm equally impressed and entranced. Britt Daniel is an incredible songwriter-- more like It took a few listens, but as soon as you're familiar enough with the music to notice the tiny pieces that make up the whole, it sinks in deep through your skin and takes you by force. I fell in love with kill the moonlight, but rather than being disappointed in a less-than-superb sequel I'm equally impressed and entranced. Britt Daniel is an incredible songwriter-- more like song sculptor-- and Spoon is a simply incredible band. Expand
  36. matta
    May 27, 2005
    9
    Everyone knows this band for "That's the Way we Get By" but this should help in giving them the exposure and popularity that they deserve. Totally cool album with instant classics "Sister Jack" "The Beast and Dragon Adored" "I Turned My Camera ON" and "I summon you". Check it out if you already haven't.
  37. Jules
    May 27, 2005
    10
    This is simply the most satisfying album released in 2005 - so much going on in the corners of the songs, the twisted and oblique lyrics that make more sense everyday - to those finding these intricate moody puzzles lacking urgency or form - look closer! There is nothing tired or old here - just concentrated emotion and intellect! Viva la spoon.
  38. JamesM
    May 26, 2005
    10
    Solid album from my favourite American band
  39. BenJ
    May 25, 2005
    8
    How can I have only found out about this band now?! This band and this album are amazing!
  40. benm.
    May 23, 2005
    7
    a couple of great songs thrown in with the sort of indistinguishable, if solid, filler that rounds out most of their discs. they still haven't topped "girls can tell".
  41. KatieC
    May 20, 2005
    8
    not as immediately catchy as their previous albums, but still good spoon
  42. JackPot
    May 17, 2005
    10
    Gimme Fiction's first four songs are as good as the first four songs on any album in recent memory. This is the sound of a band at the top of its game.
  43. DaveF
    May 16, 2005
    8
    Maybe it's unfair to compare Gimmie Fiction to Kill the Moonlight. While Kill the Moonlight was enthralling in its sparseness, Gimmie Fiction is more pensive. Still, there are some real bang-up tracks such as the opener and "I Turn My Camera On". The record has a rich, soulful feel--I just wish the songs were a bit more fleshed-out. Then again, maybe that's the whole point.
  44. WarrenP
    May 14, 2005
    10
    Spoon is awesome!
  45. JonathanM
    May 13, 2005
    8
    The album is overly restrained, lacking the impulsive outbursts of their previous work.
  46. MichaelB
    May 13, 2005
    10
    This album might at first seem like a disappointment, but let it sit with you -- or, like all Spoon albums, it will lodge itself in your brain and not let you forget it. This definitely deserves its place among the brilliant series of albums started with A Series of Sneaks, and for the first half, blows even those away. Denser, darker, and more solid than Kill the Moonlight, this one will This album might at first seem like a disappointment, but let it sit with you -- or, like all Spoon albums, it will lodge itself in your brain and not let you forget it. This definitely deserves its place among the brilliant series of albums started with A Series of Sneaks, and for the first half, blows even those away. Denser, darker, and more solid than Kill the Moonlight, this one will be looked on as their true classic. Expand
  47. FrankW
    May 13, 2005
    10
    The starkness of Kill the Moonlight, the warm, smooth beats of Girls Can Tell, the pure energy of A Series of Sneaks have impossibly combined to form Spoon's most complete album and the best album released so far this year.
  48. AaronS
    May 12, 2005
    10
    Yet another great disc from Spoon. Very highly recommended!!
  49. JeffMH
    May 12, 2005
    9
    Fantastic album. A more straightfoward rocker than Kill the Moonlight, but no less transcendent. Spoon maintain their status as one of the most interesting and inventive rock bands around these days.
  50. RichardS.
    May 12, 2005
    8
    Not as immediately memorable as Kill the Moonlight, but still a good album nonetheless.
  51. ChelseaD
    May 11, 2005
    10
    AMAZING album. This is a band that just get better and better with every release.
  52. AndyK
    May 11, 2005
    10
    This album is increadible on so many levels. Though Spoon consitently creates albums with no filler, this time around they have created an album with a perfect flow. It has ups and downs, evoking a wide range of emotions, and somehow being serious and honest while maintaining Spoon's trademark playfulness. In all this is a perfect album and I Summon You is perhaps one of the most This album is increadible on so many levels. Though Spoon consitently creates albums with no filler, this time around they have created an album with a perfect flow. It has ups and downs, evoking a wide range of emotions, and somehow being serious and honest while maintaining Spoon's trademark playfulness. In all this is a perfect album and I Summon You is perhaps one of the most chilingly beautiful songs I have ever heard. Expand
  53. PaulN
    May 11, 2005
    10
    Critics just don't get Spoon, but I do, and they're my favorite band. One Spoon song is worth 100 Fiery Furnaces songs to me.
  54. mikes
    May 11, 2005
    10
    Like all spoon albums, its a keeper....not quite kill the moonlight but almost there.
  55. JoshuaE
    May 10, 2005
    9
    Flows through many different styles and hits all of them amazingly well. This is a very powerful "rock & roll" record -- raw and polished at the same time -- a gem in a sea of coal.
  56. JuanZ
    May 10, 2005
    10
    Indie masterpiece. "I turn my camera on" and "My mathematical mind" the highlights. Prepare to listen 3-4 of the best Spoon's songs ever.
  57. RichT.
    May 10, 2005
    10
    Varied is the word. From the surprising Scissor Sisters-esque sound of 'I Turn My Camera On', through to the minimal, but wonderful, 'I Summon You', and the more conventional Spoon tunes, like 'Sister Jack' & 'The Beast & Dragon, Adored', this album will surprise and delight.
  58. haydenr
    May 10, 2005
    10
    Fantastic! One of the best of the year.
  59. AshleyM
    May 10, 2005
    10
    This album is destined to be a classic. I was expecting more of Kill The Moonlight but this album overshadows all of their earlier efforts. It sounds like Revolver!
  60. EricW
    May 10, 2005
    10
    Great follow up to Kill the Moonlight
  61. DanS
    May 9, 2005
    10
    Another masterpiece from Britt Daniel!
  62. JackP
    May 9, 2005
    10
    It's always seemed to me absurd to rank bands' records relative to each other, but what the heck: this is very possibly Spoon's best record yet. Fantastic.
  63. JimC
    May 9, 2005
    9
    Another amazing effort from a band that gets better with less. After a few listens, you'll undoubtedly be hooked.
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 30
  2. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. The overall effect can be vaguely schizo -- many of these tracks seem more like cool fragments than true songs.
  2. Under The Radar
    70
    There is no "The Way We Get By" on this record, as this is far more an album of interlocking pieces than an album of singles that neither makes a naked grab for the turnstiles nor an uprecedented reach for reinvention. [#9]
  3. It is phenomenal.