I Sold Gold
by Aqueduct
  • Record Label: Barsuk
  • Release Date: Jan 25, 2005
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. E! Online
    83
    One man has made a beautifully subtle magic in his bedroom studio--and it will be heard on The O.C. in no time.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Quirk-rock fans, rejoice! [28 Jan 2005, p.85]
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  3. Junkmedia
    80
    I Sold Gold is the rare record that can poke fun at itself, the world, and its fans yet transcend simple entertainment.
  5. Pitchfork
    68
    Its flimsiness usually finds a way to sound purposeful, and that makes Aqueduct's personal, cerebral pop worth coming back to.
  6. PopMatters
    80
    I Sold Gold, despite its lack of crisp tones, has clearly seen plenty of production fussiness, leading to a great sounding record that would fit in a lineup of Tiny Telephone productions, like Death Cab for Cutie in particular.
  7. The A.V. Club
    80
    After 10 tracks of diffident, postmodern songcraft, I Sold Gold ends on a small note of triumph with the tinny synth-pop anthem "The Tulsa Trap," an inspiring statement of purpose about breaking the bonds of a provincial living to go out and "give the people what they need."
  8. Alternative Press
    60
    The only thing missing is Gibbard's unique voice--well, that, and the solid songwriting that made the Postal Service's Give Up a classic, rather than just a pleasant listen. [Mar 2005, p.122]
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  9. No Ripcord
    70
    Granted, this is no masterpiece, but it’s quite good and very often it is even compelling.
  10. Paste Magazine
    50
    Narcissistic, repetitive, underpowered and yet strangely compelling in its quirky construction and directness.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. jbragg22
    Oct 5, 2010
    9
    This is a great example of bedroom indie-synth-pop. The music is danceable, but the lyrics can really make you think. You can tell he enjoyedThis is a great example of bedroom indie-synth-pop. The music is danceable, but the lyrics can really make you think. You can tell he enjoyed making these songs.… Full Review »
  2. matta
    Jun 6, 2005
    8
    I'm a little surprised at the postal service/death cab comparisons as well. Some electronic elements, but it's not as soft and I'm a little surprised at the postal service/death cab comparisons as well. Some electronic elements, but it's not as soft and dreamy as both of those other bands. May be a little repetitive at times, but is genuinely fun to listen to.… Full Review »
  3. goodbadbunny
    Apr 3, 2005
    10
    What's with the Postal Service/Death cab comparisons? The lyrics for suggestion box are a big goofy but catchy. This sounds like Bob What's with the Postal Service/Death cab comparisons? The lyrics for suggestion box are a big goofy but catchy. This sounds like Bob Mould doing glitchy synth pop. I keep getting these songs stuck in my head. Also check out the ep.… Full Review »
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