Life On Earth
by Tiny Vipers
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Jul 7, 2009
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. AllMusic
    60
    Like fellow abstract lyricist Kristin Hersh, her quill is aimed at the introverted, resulting in work that is both deeply personal and frustratingly impenetrable.
  2. NOW Magazine
    60
    The result is a very quiet record (possibly reflecting her admittedly timid nature--stage fright was once a big problem for her), but one that rewards a close listen.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    60
    Fortino may not have hated the world away, but she possesses a similarly intuitive ability to block everything out so she can operate in her own peculiar vacuum. It’s an admirable quality, but the desperately sad nature of her music makes it a place that’s difficult to visit with any degree of regularity.
  5. The A.V. Club
    58
    The 11 songs on Life On Earth, her second Sub Pop album, average nearly six minutes apiece, and there generally isn’t much going on beyond her blurry, cold-water voice (think of a much more ethereal Grace Slick) and her sturdy strums and/or intricate finger-picking. But though the songs can be hit-or-miss.
  6. Under The Radar
    40
    In its excruciating final half, her sophomore album recalls Nico's mid-period solo records not only for it's foreboding, gothic tone but its glacial pace. [Summer 2009, p.63]
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  7. Mojo
    40
    The result, unfortunately, is one of the dreariest hours you will even spend listening to music. [Aug 2009, p.100]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. JeremyF
    Jul 15, 2009
    9
    As close to perfect as it gets. The only track that isn't as breathtaking as the others is Slow Motion, because it is just that, slow. As close to perfect as it gets. The only track that isn't as breathtaking as the others is Slow Motion, because it is just that, slow. Too slow, and spaced. This effect works better on Tiger Mountain, and the following track Twilight Property is an enthralling experiment. Dreamer is still one fo the best of the year, as is CM, and Young God is interesting, unique, and bewilderingly beautiful. Easier openers Eyes like Ours and Development are amazing, and the closer Outside is amazing in its emotive delivery. This record is awesome.… Full Review »
  2. EricC
    Jul 13, 2009
    9
    Bound to be a love-it or hate-it album, but unfortunately it lacks the grandiose vision and instrumentation of Joanna Newsom or the Bound to be a love-it or hate-it album, but unfortunately it lacks the grandiose vision and instrumentation of Joanna Newsom or the heart-on-sleeve emoting of Bon Iver, so Tiny Vipers may never get the exposure she deserves. Yes, the songs are long and repetive. But they are still musically elegant and powerful, and as a song writer, she is clearly a huge talent. One of those albums you should hear and make up your own mind about.… Full Review »
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