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Golden Ocean Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

  • Summary: The indie-rock trio 50 Foot Wave includes a pair of Throwing Muses (Kristin Hersh and Bernard Georges) plus Rob Ahlers. This full-length debut follows a self-titled EP released in 2004.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Rarely do records come around that are such a great mix of a physical adrenaline rush combined with intellectualism.
  2. Whoa, is it ever tough, but wow, is it ever great.
  3. No matter what vehicle Hersh utilizes as an outlet, it’s obvious her creative wave has yet to crest.
  4. It's fantastic stuff-- at its best, the innate catchiness of Hersh's writing gets a shot in the arm from her cavalier vocals and musical caterwauling.
  5. Blender
    70
    The loudest record [Hersh] has ever made, and even if few individual compositions leap out of the general roar, it sounds fantastic. [Apr 2005, p.116]
  6. Sure, Hersh could be your mom, but only if your mom routinely blows out big stacks of Marshall amps.
  7. Q Magazine
    60
    Recalls the riffola of Bleach-era Nirvana, complete with sludgy Led Zeppelin-esque guitars. [May 2005, p.110]

See all 15 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. RobJ.
    May 19, 2005
    10
    Think of 50 Foot Wave as a louder, more aggressive version of the Throwing Muses. Also, Kristen Hersh has completely lost her voice (long Think of 50 Foot Wave as a louder, more aggressive version of the Throwing Muses. Also, Kristen Hersh has completely lost her voice (long time fans will note that it's been slowly going for years), but she manages to harness what's left into something that's both perfect for this album and strangely beautiful. Golden Ocean is a really tough listen, but it grows on you, and god is it good. Great driving music. Expand
  2. stevieb
    Mar 16, 2005
    10
    This is an incredible, emotionally intense, intelligent RAWK record. It might kill you, but you'd die smiling.
  3. JoeyB
    Apr 4, 2005
    9
    Gutwrenching, kamikazee guitars, intricate melodies, and Hersh's trademark warble - this is the rising phoenix from the flames - a Gutwrenching, kamikazee guitars, intricate melodies, and Hersh's trademark warble - this is the rising phoenix from the flames - a churning, fast-paced album of remarkable songwriting. Collapse
  4. EthanH
    Apr 19, 2007
    9
    Q: What would have happened if Kurt Cobain had a sex change operation just before making Nevermind? A: Kirstin Hersh with 50 Foot Wave. no? Q: What would have happened if Kurt Cobain had a sex change operation just before making Nevermind? A: Kirstin Hersh with 50 Foot Wave. no? oh, never mind. Expand
  5. MarkD
    Jun 1, 2005
    8
    Hersh is THE woman when it comes to musical creativity and energy and this album is no exception. Fans of the Throwing Muses and Hersh's Hersh is THE woman when it comes to musical creativity and energy and this album is no exception. Fans of the Throwing Muses and Hersh's solo work may be shocked on first listen but bear with it as this album is just a reaffirmation that whatever Hersh touches in the musical world turns to gold. Expand
  6. PaulL
    Mar 27, 2005
    6
    The album rocks hard and doesn't let up. However, the complicated melodies makes it somewhat taxing and almost forced sounding. I The album rocks hard and doesn't let up. However, the complicated melodies makes it somewhat taxing and almost forced sounding. I suspect it will appeal to the angry thinking-man or woman. Expand