Incredible album from start to finish, I guess I'm already used to El's brutal approach to making tracks so I personally didn't find this album to be a "difficult" listen at all. To each his own but this CD won't be coming out of my deck anytime soon.

Excellent segue to "Fantastic Damage"! We still find these complex layers of sound and the paranoid flow of El-P, which makes this album quite difficult to listen at first!

Purists may balk but in my opinion, this is even greater than Fantastic Damage. El-P's definitely focused on thie production here, and every song just begs to be replayed. I'm having a hard time trying not to ruin it by listening to it too many times. There's still a problem from the first album, the production often overpowers El-P's lyrics, which are already dense and obscure; but it's worth the challenge. Spectacular album, if you're a fan of indie hip hop or if you're just tired of the mainstream (and you should be), defintely get this album.… Expand

This is the best cd i ever heard. Full of memorable lyrics , soundscapes and taboo subjects

This is hardcore.

One of the most powerful hip-hop albums in the past 20 years. It takes time to unravel, soak in, and fully experience as it was meant to be taken. At some times it's bleak and unforgiving. At others, it's beautiful and uplifting. Overall, ISWYD is powerful and unrelenting in innovation and purpose.

i am in the camp that finds ISWYD by far better than Fantastic Damage. the first record only has the privilege of being FIRST, which does not make it BEST. What ISWYD lacks in "difficulty" it makes up for its "refined" nature of being a more graceful, yet streamlined, and bitingly penetrative listen. Regarding the "guest-spots": With all the added big-name indie-rock glitterati, I am beyond glad that they are barely noticeable. Unlike the Cage album **ahem**. Cop this. Cop this. Cop this. El, used to annoy me, but funnily enough he saves Def-Jux. This is one for all those people who question the vitality of hip-hop. Damn Lif, why can't you do this?… Expand

new hip hop doesn't grab me much, but this shit grabs me more then any other hip hop ever did. fucking brilliant

Dope. Musically melodic, lyrically satisfying, superior in every way to all contemporary rap artists. Builds on the foundations of Fantastic Damage, and adds nuances and fixtures that floorplan lacked. What's wrong with deep production value when holistically the package is so complete?

Better than "Fantastic Damage"? Yes, but it's not a 10 in my book; "Stop Crying", half of "EMG", and the gunshots on "Draconian Love" hold it down. Then again, "TPC" make the Mars Volta sound good, "The Overly Dramatic Truth" does emo rap right, and "Run The Numbers" features some of the best production work that El-P has ever done, passing "Stepfather Factory" easily and standing eye to eye with "Scream Phoenix". Not a perfect album, and it's too early to call it the album of the year, but it should end up on everybody's top ten at the end of the year.… Expand

album of the year by far!!! the best hip hop album in years - scratch that the best album in years full stop - can't stop playing it!!!

In my opinion Fantastic Damage is a classic. I'll Sleep is on par with that album, and with time may age into a place above FanDam. El-Ps work always has a way of simmering over time and becoming better and better with age, so I can only assume that this will take place for this album as well. From the opening intro to the final stutter the Beats and flow simply never fail to impress. It's a different flavor, but it's delicious.… Expand

Dark, dense, and one of the most exciting albums I've heard in a while. I'm looking forward to unraveling these lyrics for months to come. Find those detonators, indeed!

This record is definitely better than his last one. It has more depth, more thorough writing and production definitely sounded like it was afforded with better mixing and eqing because it really hits! amazing.

amazing.

I'd rather listen to Aesop Rock. This album is good front start to finish, but it only has one stand out track, and that is not enough for me.

El-Producto is still ahead of time. You can't expect an album this intelligent and agressive to get a fair review from music critics that gush over an artist like Panda Bear. I don't think 'I'll Sleep when You're Dead" is the quantum leap forward for Hip-Hop that Fantastic Damage was in 2002, but its still one of the most original and best albums of 2007.

this album along with Saul williams niggy tardust will completely change your view on what hip hop is capable of. Incredible, diverse and all too rare in this landscape of mediocrity.

Heavenly difficult

AUDIO CRACK. chaotic production... razor sharp vocals... i hated el until i heard this album. its definitely worth the buy.

It's much too early to brand this album of the year, but in this peak season for releases, "I'll Sleep When You're Dead" is the standout. El-P's music is, by design, destined to recieve mixed reviews, but I can assure you that, if you like music that pushes the envelope, this album is for you. Despite its dense nature, high politics and experimentalism, this album remains emotionally and musically accessible. I'm usually hesitant to give any album a perfect ten before it's shown that it can withstand the test of time, but I have no doubt that this one will.… Expand

Its no Fantastic Damage. A lot of the edge has dulled. The production is fun to listen to in a masterbratory, way to fret over, kind of way. I dunno. Its El-P and all but I was kinda disappointed.