More Parts Per Million
by The Thermals
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Mar 4, 2003
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. AllMusic
    80
    Adding some variety to their tempos would make the band even more impressive, but with More Parts Per Million they've created a bracing, charming debut.
  2. PopMatters
    70
    One problem with More Parts Per Million, however, is that, because most of the songs follow the same formula, it gets a little tiring after awhile, short as it is.
  3. Uncut
    90
    As with the best bedroom punk records, the bloody-knuckled passion and immediacy of these 13 rapid songs transcends any cavils about sound quality. [Oct 2003, p.130]
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  5. Mojo
    80
    Its songs hurtle at Buzzcocks pace and fizz with nagging melodies. [Jun 2003, p.110]
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  6. Q Magazine
    70
    They've still managed to convert their technological shortcomings into some fuzzed-out, genuinely energised rocking. [Jul 2003, p.113]
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  7. Alternative Press
    70
    The sound is a little too consistent, as every spastic outburst starts to sound like the last midway through the album. [Apr 2003, p.86]
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  8. Austin Chronicle
    67
    More Parts Per Million revels in distorted, lo-fi counterintuitiveness to the point where it becomes a fifth member of the band.
  9. Dot Music
    70
    Yet though the music may not win any originality awards - Sebadoh and Guided By Voices spring instantly to mind as precursors - there is a refreshing lack of pretension throughout.
  10. Delusions of Adequacy
    80
    It's messy and it's fun. Sometimes pop music isn't meant to be cleaned up and polished to death, and here is proof of that.
  11. Splendid
    70
    All of the tunes are energetic, but their similarity will definitely become apparent by the time you reach the album's end.
  12. ShakingThrough.net
    60
    While the results aren’t exactly groundbreaking, they're undeniably loose, spirited and just plain fun.
  13. Neumu.net
    80
    They are pop and punk and rock and indie and a combination of all these things, but, more than all of the above, they are Harris' personal songs and they are incredible.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. ShaneL
    Apr 12, 2003
    8
    Despite the over-consistency, it does not drown itself. This is one those records that makes you smile just listening to it.
  2. Tuh
    Mar 22, 2003
    9
    This is a great album, even though the songs are all very similar. I especially like the title song.
  3. JeremyL
    Mar 18, 2003
    10
    It may often be unfair to rate the album based on live performances, but in this situation I have no choice. This is a dance record if there It may often be unfair to rate the album based on live performances, but in this situation I have no choice. This is a dance record if there ever was one, and bouncing around to "It's Trivia" or "No Culture Icons" at a show is akin to the joy I felt in the early days of teendom. Buy this cd, see this band.… Full Review »
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