Advanced Search Beta »
Basic Search Fields
Middle Cyclone - Neko Case
Middle Cyclone Image
Metascore
79 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.9 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 38 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
Rate this:
  • Summary: The singer's latest album produced with Darryl Neudorf features guests such as M. Ward and members of The New Pornographers, Los Lobos, Calexico, The Sadies, and Giant Sand.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. musicOMH.com
    100
    Middle Cyclone is the sound of one of the most interesting, independent, and consistently brilliant artists recording today at the top of their game.
  2. The Boston Phoenix
    100
    Middle Cyclone is her most fearless and arresting record, ruthlessly composed and beautifully recorded.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    60
    It's tempting to conflate the fact Middle Cyclone is less outre than her last couple of sets with the fact it last week cracked the US top three, but there's nothing particularly sell out-ish about it, and certainly with her lyrical gifts and that incredible voice still firmly intact, it's hard to even really be that disappointed.

See all 31 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. StephenB
    10
    MC is a great album. Consistently enchanting and springing new from track to track. Subtle but brassy. Literate but no nonsense. Lyrically she keeps getting better. She reins in her voice, but I think to really great emotional effect. Then she also pulls some great pop choruses out of her bum. What's not to like? At Tim H and all those grumpy reviewers...If having a looping track of spring peepers after 42 minutes of music is lazy, then what do you call leaving the empty space on a CD filled with absolutely nada. That's what everyone else does. The track is in keeping with the spitirt of the album. It also has its purposes. In the deep latter stages of winter I played that track as background noise and my wife instantly got happier without knowing why!… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. DionB
    10
    Best ever! buy it now! lick em twice!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. RickK
    5
    As with the other listener who likened his experience with the cd as 'two ships passing in the night', I too was disappointed that I did not immediately tune to the emotions of the lyrics. This one does not rise high for me, but her voice! What a voice.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 14 User Reviews

Related Articles

  1. Best of 2009, Music

    The Best Albums of 2009

    The Best Albums of 2009 Image
    Published: December 29, 2009
    We recap the best-reviewed albums of 2009 and collect dozens of music critic top ten lists to determine the best album of the year. While the results point to a clear winner, you can listen to songs from the top 50 albums to help you find your own favorites.
    More »

Current Music Releases

Full List »
  1. Loveless [Reissue] - My Bloody Valentine
    Metascore: 96
  2. Ram [Deluxe Edition] - Paul & Linda McCartney
    Metascore: 93
  3. L.A. Woman - The Doors
    Metascore: 93
  4. On the Impossible Past - The Menzingers
    Metascore: 93
  5. Biokinetics [Reissue] - Porter Ricks
    Metascore: 93
  6. Bitch Magnet - Bitch Magnet
    Metascore: 91
  7. Reform Club - Claro Intelecto
    Metascore: 89
  8. Be Good - Gregory Porter
    Metascore: 89
  9. Crown and Treaty - Sweet Billy Pilgrim
    Metascore: 88
  10. 1992-2012 - Underworld
    Metascore: 88
  11. Undun - The Roots
    Metascore: 88
  12. Accelerando - Vijay Iyer Trio
    Metascore: 87
  13. R.A.P. Music - Killer Mike
    Metascore: 87
  14. Voices from the Lake - Voices from the Lake
    Metascore: 87
  15. The Earn - Yu
    Metascore: 86
  16. Europe - Allo Darlin'
    Metascore: 86
  17. Young Man In America - Anais Mitchell
    Metascore: 86
  18. Vee Vee [Remastered] - Archers of Loaf
    Metascore: 86
  19. Mermaid Avenue: The Complete Sessions - Billy Bragg/Wilco
    Metascore: 86
  20. Locked Down - Dr. John
    Metascore: 86
All Current Music »