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Lousy with Sylvianbriar
by
Lousy with Sylvianbriar Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 42 Ratings

  • Summary: The 12th studio release for the indie band led by Kevin Barnes was recorded on a 24-track tape machine.
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Top Track

She Ain't Speakin' Now
Like some sepulchral tableau I sit frozen holding your hand Though I’m trying to think only Positive thoughts I understand That place tomorrow May... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 25
  3. Negative: 2 out of 25
  1. Paste Magazine
    Oct 8, 2013
    92
    Whether exposing light or dark, or some blank hue in the middle, Barnes has all but bulls-eyed his status as a brilliantly daring artist on Lousy.
  2. AllMusic
    Oct 7, 2013
    90
    Swapping out the sonic and mental clutter for a host of centered, unconfused rock tunes is a curveball move, for sure, but the end product is the most memorable, lasting, and relatable albums in Of Montreal's extensive catalog, and easily one of the best.
  3. PopMatters
    Oct 9, 2013
    80
    Exactly where the album fits within the band’s catalog will probably be debated for as long as people talk about the band; where precisely you place it is irrelevant if the listening experience itself is this enjoyable.
  4. Pitchfork
    Oct 11, 2013
    74
    Barnes seems playfully aware that his lyrics are Gordian knots, impossible for even the most devoted Of Montreal fan (including, possibly, himself) to untangle completely. And yet there are moments of clarity on Lousy with Sylvianbriar that prove Barnes is both his own harshest judge and most lenient jury.
  5. The Line of Best Fit
    Oct 9, 2013
    70
    The stronger songs sound intentionally raw and impulsive; the weaker songs like demos waiting to be fleshed out.
  6. Austin Chronicle
    May 1, 2014
    67
    12th album Lousy with Sylvianbriar strums out a more agreeable amalgam for the veteran Athens, Ga., clown car.
  7. Q Magazine
    Oct 11, 2013
    20
    Where once Of Montreal sparkled, they're now mired in a plodding, asexual beige. [Nov 2013, p.113]
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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. stellymarie
    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 oneEnjoyed the album and appreciate the retro recording technique. Very organic and love the guitar riffs Belle Glade Missionaries. Got this one on repeat.… Expand
  2. jkauzlar
    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 OfEvery 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. buzzlight
    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 undergroundLooks 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
  5. PRTYNTGRVS
    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 isOn 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.

    Follow @PRTYNTGRVS for more revies.    … Collapse

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