Hyacinths and Thistles - The 6ths
Hyacinths and Thistles Image
Metascore
68 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critics What's this?

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  • Summary: The Magnetic Fields' Stephin Merritt returns with a second disc under The 6ths nameplate (following 1995's Wasps' Nests). Like its predecessor, this album features original Merritt compositions sung by guest vocalists, including Gary Numan, Sarah Cracknell, Marc Almond, Bob Mould, and Sally Timms.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    These music box songs never overstay their welcome.
  2. Spin Cycle
    80
    In contrast to the 6ths' blissed-out "Wasps Nests," which included indie credibles Lou Barlow and Georgia Hubley, "Hyacinths" mines cabaret territory.
  3. Select
    80
    With only the occasional flawed moment and the cast list up a definite notch or two from previous 6ths album 'Wasp's Nest,' this is a delicate jewel. (Oct 2000, p.104)
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  4. Pitchfork
    60
    The biggest difference between the two 6ths records is obvious: Wasps' Nest allowed some of indie rock's finest vocalists to lend their talents to a grade-a batch of Merritt tunes; Hyacinths and Thistles pairs remarkably average Merritt songs with largely substandard vocalists.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. TimT.
    9
    Hard to fault the songs--the finest, most-sustained collection of Merritt's work. The only shortcoming I can see is the writing style forces the singer to adopt Merritt's own vocal delivery. To be honest this is so minor a criticism as to be almost pointless Hyacinths & Thistles is what they are listening to in heaven… Expand

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