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Live at the Music Hall Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: The live release from singer-songwriter Matthew Houck as Phosphorescent was recorded from a four-night performance at Brooklyn's Music Hall of Williamsburg.
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  • Record Label: Dead Oceans Records
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Indie Rock, Lo-Fi, Indie Folk, Alternative Folk
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Top Track

Song for Zula
Some say love is a burning thing That it makes a fiery ring Oh but I know love as a fading thing Just as fickle as a feather in a stream See, honey,... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Mar 19, 2015
    80
    This is the best live album I’ve heard in some time, intense enough to hold your attention through its massive two-hour length, inventive enough to add something to what you think you know about these songs.
  2. Uncut
    Feb 19, 2015
    80
    The album captures both Matthew Houck's heartbreaking delivery--rendered even more gorgeously cracked by the strain of live performance--and the sinewy charm of his backing band. [Mar 2015, p.80]
  3. 80
    As inspired as the band's sounding, it's the three cuts from Houck's solo show that really stun.
  4. Magnet
    Feb 19, 2015
    80
    Any absence of qualitative gain is overcome by quantity: 19 tracks, 10 tracks, 10 players, three LPs and nearly two hours with one of the best start-to-back country/rock records of recent years. [No. 117, p.59]
  5. Feb 19, 2015
    70
    The 19 tunes here definitely push well into double-album territory, with an expanded band of players in a mode that borders on jam band territory but always stops short of over-extending the songs.
  6. Feb 20, 2015
    70
    At nearly two hours it can be a bit much to attempt to sit through all at once. However given the overall quality of the material and the performances, those that do will find themselves well rewarded if not outright converted.
  7. Feb 19, 2015
    60
    The six-piece around Houck is more competent than combustible, a quality that’s long made Phosphorescent a good band to see for a 90-minute show but not one that makes you need to take them home.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of
  2. Mixed: 0 out of
  3. Negative: 0 out of