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Microphones in 2020
by
Microphones in 2020 Image
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 7 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 36 Ratings

  • Summary: The first album in 17 years for Phil Elverum under the name The Microphones features one track that is nearly 45 minutes long.
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  • Record Label: P.W. Elverum & Sun
  • Genre(s): Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Rock, Lo-Fi, Indie Pop, Experimental Rock
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. PopMatters
    Aug 14, 2020
    90
    Elverum has been recording the same song since he was a teenager in the mid-1990s, making tapes late into the night after his shift at the record store. Microphones in 2020 might be his apex.
  2. Paste Magazine
    Aug 7, 2020
    89
    Microphones in 2020 contains some of the year’s best, most reflective and probing lyrics. Elverum’s mastery of language is impressive thanks to his ability to capture an intangible, fleeting feeling without coming across as pretentious or out of reach.
  3. Beats Per Minute
    Aug 7, 2020
    89
    It is a monumental piece that dextrously straddles his musical epochs; it is an account of history and a document of where he is now.
  4. Pitchfork
    Aug 7, 2020
    85
    He channels the wonder of his youth as if no time has passed, exalting the sublimity of waterfalls, rainstorms, and crashing waves. ... Elverum imbues these memories of constant experimentation with undeniable romance.
  5. Mojo
    Aug 7, 2020
    80
    Intimate, absorbing. [Sep 2020, p.94]
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  6. AllMusic
    Aug 7, 2020
    80
    Time has only made Elverum's music more transcendent, and anyone who loves the Microphones or Mount Eerie will find the album's fresh yet timeless perspective on it a fascinating and moving listen.
  7. Uncut
    Aug 13, 2020
    80
    Sometimes diaristic, sometimes philosophical, it's a long litany of past memories and formative moments that, while demanding patience, gradually inches its way to somewhere profound. [Oct 2020, p.34]
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User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. 3llby
    Aug 24, 2020
    10
    my favorite of 2020 so far, potentially even better than my favorites from last year as well
  2. adami_is_adami
    Aug 8, 2020
    10
    Incredibly personal, possibly meaningless. Made my body shiver multiple times.
  4. drecool95
    Jan 15, 2021
    10
    What an incredible album. Seriously, Phil Elverum has outdone himself here. I was surprised when I first noticed that the album was just oneWhat an incredible album. Seriously, Phil Elverum has outdone himself here. I was surprised when I first noticed that the album was just one continuous song, but it's really used to maximum effect. Amazing storytelling throughout. For your first listen, I would honestly recommend just sitting down and exclusively focusing on it, this album is an experience like none other and there's more than enough depth to keep your attention.… Expand
  5. anthonyregalia
    Aug 14, 2020
    10
    so warm, so introspective, so nostalgic, so nice, i dont even know the point of reviewing this, it is just so emotional. Also very personal.so warm, so introspective, so nostalgic, so nice, i dont even know the point of reviewing this, it is just so emotional. Also very personal. The way Phil writes makes it seem like he's talking to you, like a diary. The instrumentation is quite minimalist but there are moments of perfection, complements the vocals very well. its great
    in addition to the music, the pictures in the video are perfect.    … Expand
  6. ReubenIsAGod
    Aug 7, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I straight cried once we got to the final verse of this album. The gentle warmth of Phil's voice within the chaotic instrumentation and the harmonic chord progression. It sent a chill down my spine. I cried. It was like being reunited with an old friend. Someone that you dearly held tightly, yet over the years they had become distant, cynical. Finally they see how to move again and push towards a brighter meaning in there existence. I Don't think any review/critical reaction to this piece is ever gonna really encapsulate the feeling of hearing an artist intimately respond, question, and ask themselves why? Why do they keep on moving and make music, deeply expressing and asking themselves questions of deep, personal, belief. The album is a justification of 'being'. And, as the final moments express. 'Now Only' and 'There is no End', the most important meanings within Phil's music.… Expand
  7. swilksss
    Oct 6, 2020
    9
    I would say surprisingly good, but Phil never really disappoints. Check out the music video!
  8. nweditor
    Mar 3, 2021
    0
    Incredibly boring and self-indulgent. Reminds me of a slate-gray-sky day in conformity-obsessed Olympia.

See all 11 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

22
#22 Best Album of 2020

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