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Magnolia Electric Co.
by
Magnolia Electric Co. Image
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 10 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 23 Ratings

  • Summary: Jason Molina rocks out a bit more on this latest offering, which finds the singer-songwriter backed by the same musicians on the 'Mi Sei Apparaso Come Un Fantasma' live album. Steve Albini produces, and to quote the official press release, "This is the first Songs: Ohia record with more thanJason Molina rocks out a bit more on this latest offering, which finds the singer-songwriter backed by the same musicians on the 'Mi Sei Apparaso Come Un Fantasma' live album. Steve Albini produces, and to quote the official press release, "This is the first Songs: Ohia record with more than one song that could be played at a strip joint or monster truck show."… Expand

Top Track

Just Be Simple
You never hear me talk about One day getting out Why put a new address On the same old loneliness Everybody knows where that is We built that house... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Delusions of Adequacy
    100
    Magnolia Electric Company is a watershed album, an artistic breakthrough, and the first album to fully realize Molina's potential.
  2. Uncut
    90
    The sound of a major talent gone major league. [Apr 2003, p.105]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Neumu.net
    90
    The Magnolia Electric Co. succeeds where other albums of a similar nature fail because it has the courage to point towards what is wrong with itself and the medium through which it is presented.
  4. AllMusic
    80
    Magnolia Electric Co. may not be the best Songs: Ohia album, but it is certainly the most approachable. It has a big, open feel certain to appeal to any classic rock fan, but retains the warm intimacy of previous albums.
  5. PopMatters
    80
    Compared to the brilliant quaver of 1999's Axxess and Ace, The Magnolia Electric Co. is almost commercial in the fullness of its sound -- many longtime fans will no doubt be put off by it. It has the feel, though, of an artist turning a corner, of adding a few new colors to his palette and seeing a ton of previously unthinkable possibilities on the horizon.
  6. Mojo
    80
    Occasionally ground down in the past with the sheer weight of sadness, here Songs:Ohia sound defiant, uplifting, and never better. [Apr 2003, p.102]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Alternative Press
    70
    Feels a bit like Bob Dylan's Bringing It All Back Home--a record where bravery is found with volume. [Apr 2003, p.85]
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See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. MattJ
    Jan 14, 2007
    10
    One of the finest albums in this genre.
  2. leeman
    Jun 26, 2005
    10
    ive only heard 2 songs, dark dont hide it is the best song ive heard for years. Cant wait to get a copy of the Album
  4. PernilleR
    Nov 3, 2003
    10
    Simply amazing
  5. RodrigoM
    Jul 3, 2005
    10
    Songs: Ohia's better produced album is a real masterpiece. An introspective country-folk rock album in the line of Neil Young's Songs: Ohia's better produced album is a real masterpiece. An introspective country-folk rock album in the line of Neil Young's influences that could be considered as one of the best albums of the first halkf of the decade. It has it all: variety, cohesion, great instrumentations, powerfull vocals mixed with polished arrangements, but still with a raw rock sound. A unique album.… Expand
  6. davidb
    Apr 15, 2003
    9
    Gran giro musical de Jason Molina y su banda. Disco enorme, como casi todos sus anteriores. Scout Niblett está increible.
  7. Ricko
    Nov 6, 2020
    9
    A bonafide folk rock/americana classic that takes the essence of blues and despair and distills them into an hour or so of recordedA bonafide folk rock/americana classic that takes the essence of blues and despair and distills them into an hour or so of recorded magnificence. Starting off with some gentle lap steel guitar, opening track "Farewell Transmission" builds to a rock epic frenzy over the course of its 7 minutes. "I've Been Riding With A Ghost" is a haunting and bitter lament to Molina's attempts to make a change to the road of self destruction that he found himself on. "Just Be Simple" and "Almost Was Good Enough" continue the high quality levels, mixing catchy melodies with startling lyrics full of desperation. When you read the lyrics while listening to this album the depth of gloom and the starkness of Molina's world is vivid. The rhythm of the album is slightly interrupted with the guest vocals that come in the middle of it. In some ways they keep the record fresh and it's almost like there is an appreciation that there is only so much misery the listener can safely consume."The Old Black Hen", while lyrically dark, is a traditional country folk track that sounds weirdly out of place after the masterful opening set. "Peoria Lunchbox Blues", featuring another guest vocal, this time from Scout Niblet, is more keeping with the general feel of the album. "John Henry Split My Heart" ramps things up before the beautifully mellow closer of "Hold On Magnolia". A true gem and Jason Molina's greatest work.… Expand
  8. RossH
    Feb 15, 2004
    8
    Absolutely fascinating. riveting and deeply affecting. This CD put me off for the first two playings, then I became completely addicted. The Absolutely fascinating. riveting and deeply affecting. This CD put me off for the first two playings, then I became completely addicted. The depth, complexity, clarity of feeling and sheer oddness of this vision make Magnolia Electric Company a singular achievement.… Collapse

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Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Best Album of 2003
88
#88 Most Shared Album of 2003