User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 42 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 42
  2. Negative: 1 out of 42
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  1. Oct 28, 2013
    9
    Looks like the critics can't agree on this one. After many listens, I am hearing some influences of beatles, deerhunter, velvet underground and maybe even foxygen, to name a few. With the exception of the song Hegira Emigre (which should be thrown out), all the songs are fantastic. I have listened to a lot of music this year, this is one of the best of 2013. Glad they changed thingsLooks like the critics can't agree on this one. After many listens, I am hearing some influences of beatles, deerhunter, velvet underground and maybe even foxygen, to name a few. With the exception of the song Hegira Emigre (which should be thrown out), all the songs are fantastic. I have listened to a lot of music this year, this is one of the best of 2013. Glad they changed things up, I was never a fan before. Expand
  2. Oct 22, 2013
    9
    On this LP, Of Montreal give a solid release. They connect with the instrumentation found in their early works and Barnes' songwriting is still menacing and heartfelt while his vocal delivery and lyrical content communicate across the intimate and disturbing planes of emotion, which he consistently gives on every track here. The songs are cohesive however there isn't much diversityOn this LP, Of Montreal give a solid release. They connect with the instrumentation found in their early works and Barnes' songwriting is still menacing and heartfelt while his vocal delivery and lyrical content communicate across the intimate and disturbing planes of emotion, which he consistently gives on every track here. The songs are cohesive however there isn't much diversity amongst the tracks. The band does however balance each style they bring into this album perfectly. There isn't too much rock and there isn't too much psychedelic flair, it's a happy medium. I do love the switch up from their previous works though, subtle electronic instrumentation is a good direction for them, really bringing out the talented strengths that the band is capable of. All in all, if there's anything to get from this, it's that you need to listen to this album and get lousy with sylvianbriar. Whatever that means.

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  3. Oct 17, 2013
    9
    Every time I listen to this it gets better. The band is at their best. Lyrically and melodically, it's another classic entry into Of Montreal's catalogue. And they're trying something a little new here, going back to the sixties to Dylan, Gram Parsons, Jefferson Airplane, etc, recording it quickly and without a lot of post-production, so it sounds a little rough like many of those garageEvery time I listen to this it gets better. The band is at their best. Lyrically and melodically, it's another classic entry into Of Montreal's catalogue. And they're trying something a little new here, going back to the sixties to Dylan, Gram Parsons, Jefferson Airplane, etc, recording it quickly and without a lot of post-production, so it sounds a little rough like many of those garage albums of the period. Barnes' lyrical style is still dark and philosophical, as it has been since Hissing Fauna. I like Ty Segall, but on this record, Of Montreal is showing him how it's really done. Expand
  4. Oct 11, 2013
    10
    Enjoyed the album and appreciate the retro recording technique. Very organic and love the guitar riffs Belle Glade Missionaries. Got this one on repeat.
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 25
  2. Negative: 2 out of 25
  1. May 1, 2014
    67
    12th album Lousy with Sylvianbriar strums out a more agreeable amalgam for the veteran Athens, Ga., clown car.
  2. Dec 17, 2013
    60
    Even as Barnes works with a more limited palette, the drums/bass/guitar ensemble sounds as tight and crisp as could possibly be desired. He just doesn’t seem to want to be as gentle as the music that he has created here, resulting in a frustrating, and sometimes rather irritating listen.
  3. Uncut
    Nov 1, 2013
    70
    Bitter but sweet enough. [Dec 2013, p.71]