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Man-Made Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 23 Ratings

  • Summary: The first studio album in five years for the Scottish rockers was produced by Tortoise's John McEntire.

Top Track

Only With You
(Raymond McGinley) I've got a pocketful of words in my brain I pull something out when I think I should I feel like I'm going insane I'm not I just... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 27
  2. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Here is an album with all-new complexity, unforseen depth and many delightful hidden layers.
  2. If the sparse approach to sound and instrumentation is thoroughly 21st century... the vocals are squarely in the Byrds/Beach Boys tradition, at times almost outshining their role models.
  3. Five years is a long time to make fans wait, but the quality of the material and willingness to tinker with their fairly rigid pop formula has resulted in another memorable, extremely listenable collection of songs.
  4. You may need to spend a little more time getting to know the Fanclub these days, but without any clutter you get closer, deeper, right to the very heart of it all - emotionally and musically.
  5. Filter
    78
    They've certainly found a solid niche with the Big Star/Byrds bubble and pop. [#16, p.91]
  6. Eerie and lovely, this is the sound of a band that's managed to mature with dark dignity.
  7. Under The Radar
    50
    A little too straight--a little too synthetic--to be truly memorable. [#10, p.114]

See all 27 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. JPNesker
    Dec 30, 2005
    10
    This record makes my top 3 of 2005, along with "Plans" by Death Cab, "Some Cities" by doves, and "Illinoise" by Sufjan Stevens...anyone who This record makes my top 3 of 2005, along with "Plans" by Death Cab, "Some Cities" by doves, and "Illinoise" by Sufjan Stevens...anyone who isn't moved by the peerless pop genius of Norman, Raymond, and Gerald has no musical soul...nuff said. Collapse
  2. Rob
    Jun 8, 2005
    9
    Another Fanclub classic in the making. It's a real grower, after a few listens you won't be able to prize it from you cd player. Another Fanclub classic in the making. It's a real grower, after a few listens you won't be able to prize it from you cd player. Lovely stuff. Expand
  3. JeffK
    Jun 23, 2005
    9
    Big improvement from Howdy
  4. JeremyK
    Aug 9, 2005
    9
    A very mature, unpretentious recording from the most underappreciated band around today (that I know of). Their arrangements, both A very mature, unpretentious recording from the most underappreciated band around today (that I know of). Their arrangements, both melodically and rhythmically are a refreshing lift from the predictable pop/rock variaton - and they don't ask -or plead - as some bands do, to be worshipped by their listenership. Light fare, fantastic stuff enveloped with the innate knowledge that real, lasting power and beauty lie in subtlety and understatement - not catch phrases, sound bites or overzealous "anthems". This album is an indication that they march on with pride of artisanship in tact - unwaveringly true to themselves as a musical entity that continues to levitate in its own space. Expand
  5. Dec 3, 2013
    9
    Love the songs 'Cells' and 'It's All In My Mind'. Very nice writing all around, and John McEntire does a great job producing. There aren'tLove the songs 'Cells' and 'It's All In My Mind'. Very nice writing all around, and John McEntire does a great job producing. There aren't many bands making music this melodic these days. Expand
  6. matta
    Jul 20, 2005
    8
    All around solid pop/british rock. Nothing that's going to change the music industry, but good nonetheless.
  7. AlanS
    Jun 7, 2005
    3
    I rated the prior album "Howdy" a '4' because I thought it was boring and lacking energy. Well, these guys have succeeded in making I rated the prior album "Howdy" a '4' because I thought it was boring and lacking energy. Well, these guys have succeeded in making "Howdy, Part II" Time to go to bed now; good night. Expand

See all 17 User Reviews