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Keep On Your Mean Side
by
Keep On Your Mean Side Image
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 21 Ratings

  • Summary: "Coincidentally" released on the same day as the fourth album by the White Stripes, to whom the Kills are frequently compared, 'Mean Side' is the debut full-length for the UK blues-rock duo of VV (aka Alison Mosshart) and Hotel, who are backed by a drum machine (a la the Raveonettes).

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. Splendid
    90
    No, it's not the new White Stripes record -- it's something infinitely better.
  2. Uncut
    80
    The duo's liking for repetitive Royal Trux-style riffage forms the core of their debut but they frequently explore more sparse territories. [Apr 2003, p.110]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Amazon.com
    80
    In a sea of pretenders, the Kills are capable of providing some genuine competition for the White Stripes.
  4. The A.V. Club
    70
    It would make the perfect soundtrack for an evening spent terrorizing hitchhikers and toppling portable toilets.
  5. Rolling Stone
    70
    [A] bruising disc of post-modern blues.
  6. Stylus Magazine
    60
    The Kills' sludgy punk-blues doesn't contain many pop melodies or catchy choruses.
  7. PopMatters
    30
    The Kills make the least of their limitations -- rather than magnifying the importance of each choice, the simplicity of the Kills reveals how little thought went into any choice.

See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. FavianR
    Jan 15, 2005
    10
    raw, nitty gritty, in your face... its a rock blues that I can steady step to with my boogie shoes. The heavy distorted bass lines and the raw, nitty gritty, in your face... its a rock blues that I can steady step to with my boogie shoes. The heavy distorted bass lines and the bellowing guitar riffs that make me want to growl, its a wonder these guys haven't already made it bigger. Do they have anymore albums? I want them, I want her, an amazingly sexy voice and they work extremely well together as singers. Bring them to Austin, Texas, we will listen. Sincerely, Favian Hail,Hail Rock N Roll… Expand
  2. ianw
    Apr 10, 2003
    9
    fuck the people
  4. LenaL
    Jul 29, 2003
    9
    I thought it was grand
  5. BlancoAlegua
    Mar 27, 2004
    9
    Damned good album. It's got a raw, powerful groove to it. A little hard to believe they're English....
  6. Ricko
    Oct 15, 2017
    9
    Many disagree but for me this is The Kills most consistently high quality album from start to finish. Every song on here is at least good andMany disagree but for me this is The Kills most consistently high quality album from start to finish. Every song on here is at least good and there are some real classic blues rock riffs on here. A proper rock and roll record in every sense and one that will hav eyou pounding your feet. Reeks of attitude with the tunes to back it up.… Expand
  7. jyo_tirmaya
    May 6, 2011
    8
    Whoa! I just bouth this re-issued today (May, 2011) and you get really good solid songs with 5 extra tracks than the original did. (I lilkeWhoa! I just bouth this re-issued today (May, 2011) and you get really good solid songs with 5 extra tracks than the original did. (I lilke it better than Dead Weather, because I coudln't make out who was singing on that album -- .Jack White or Allison??? Some of the music on this album sounds like Velvet Underground circa Andy Warhol banana album - it's that good! This is highly recommended at Reckless records (London/Chicago) where I got it, and now by me too! Get the re-issue if you can, it clocks in at almost 1 hour of hot, solid, alt-blues rock!!! I can't beleive i missed this one when it first came out.… Expand