Let It Beard
by Boston Spaceships
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
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  1. AllMusic
    Aug 1, 2011
    90
    If many of Pollard's post-GBV albums have suggested a man tossing out whatever tunes he came up with this week, Let It Beard is an ambitious, clearly focused attempt to create something out of the ordinary, and it succeeds well enough to feel like a game changer for Pollard and his partners.
  2. Pitchfork
    Aug 4, 2011
    60
    Let It Beard's structure, its scope, its knowing nods to an earlier era's excess.
  3. PopMatters
    Nov 21, 2011
    70
    The album's breadth of ideas mimics Pollard's career these days--all over the place, but still remarkable.
  5. Mojo
    Sep 8, 2011
    60
    Studded with occasional gems...it's also weighed down by a handful of jokey throwaways and partially realised pop numbers among its 24 tracks. [Oct 2011, p.94]
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  6. Under The Radar
    Jul 29, 2011
    70
    Let It Beard is one of the most consistently exceptional Pollard releases in recent memory.
  7. The A.V. Club
    Aug 9, 2011
    83
    Let It Beard's 26 songs shoot a bleary-eyed glance at GBV's past with snatches of four-track caterwauling, even as they hurtle into previously unexplored territory like "Chevy Marigold," with its soulful backing vocals.
  8. Spin
    Jul 19, 2011
    50
    To call some of these 26(!) word-and-riff bombs unfinished would be charitable; a few even seem unwanted.
  9. Consequence
    Aug 3, 2011
    60
    Let It Beard might be the weirdest but most original album of the year.
  10. Slant Magazine
    Aug 1, 2011
    70
    What Let It Beard lacks in blockbuster hooks it makes up for in its rambling excess of melody, giving the appearance of effortlessness to what, evidenced by Pollard's lack of competition, is obviously anything but.
  11. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Aug 22, 2011
    60
    It's very long and the songs don't really relate to one another, despite the band's description as "a subconscious concept album about the sorry state of rock n' roll." But Let It Beard certainly seems like a strong statement about something.
  12. No Ripcord
    Aug 19, 2011
    30
    It's just painfully mediocre.
  13. Prefix Magazine
    Jul 18, 2011
    85
    Boston Spaceships is his most accomplished musical vehicle working right now, and Let it Beard is one of the finest releases in his endless discography. Period.

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User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. friendhead68
    Aug 2, 2011
    9
    this is another step forward in the already impressive Pollard's discography! A real "no filler all killer" record, accurately conceivedthis is another step forward in the already impressive Pollard's discography! A real "no filler all killer" record, accurately conceived (varied but not disjointed) and admirably played (the musicianship on it is remarkable, thx to unmistakable axeman like J Mascis and others). If you liked "our cubehouse", you will love let it beard!… Full Review »
  2. gbvgbv69
    Aug 2, 2011
    10
    Another great album from Uncle Bob. The SPIN reviewer must have listened to the album just after his puppy was killed...this is fantastic.Another great album from Uncle Bob. The SPIN reviewer must have listened to the album just after his puppy was killed...this is fantastic. Boston Spaceships has set a high benchmark for themselves. Track 26 is all you need hear to know that you will want this album in your collection.… Full Review »