Left Of The Dial: Dispatches From The '80s Underground - Various Artists
Left Of The Dial: Dispatches From The '80s Underground Image
Metascore
85 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

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  • Summary: This 82-song, 4-disc box set compiles various indie and alternative tracks from the 1980s across multiple genres, and includes music from both the decade's "biggest" names (The Smiths, R.E.M., Depeche Mode, Violent Femmes, etc.) as well as lesser-known artists such as The Raincoats, Green On Red, and The Lyres.… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Like the great college radio station that never was. [29 Oct 2004, p.69]
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  2. Stylus Magazine
    90
    Listening to these four discs, you can really picture an entire nation of college students and twenty-somethings promoting their own gigs, designing their radio station playlists and folding their own record sleeves while staying up late to watch 120 Minutes.
  3. Rolling Stone
    80
    Virtually all of these songs and recordings have held up beautifully. [28 Oct 2004, p.104]
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  4. Uncut
    60
    In short, it needs a rigorous editor. [Feb 2005, p.94]
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See all 8 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. BernardH
    10
    Informative and representative of the time. Interesting style shifts. A lot of fun to listen to. Booklet is a great resource.
  2. KyleB
    10
    GREAT!
  3. MarcD.
    9
    Excellent mix of songs. Makes me miss the days of Richard Blade and Poorman in the mornings on KROQ.

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