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Ode To Sunshine
by
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Ode To Sunshine Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

  • Summary: The group featuring ex-Noise Ratchet founders releases its debut album, which was recorded in a cabin in Julian, CA.

Top Track

People C'mon
I'm a wandering soul I got no place of my own Well, I got nothing to give Well, I got nothing to show for it And I'll be wondering on for all my... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. PopMatters
    90
    What Ode to Sunshine really boils down to is excellent songwriting. And it only helps that the album’s pacing is fantastic and hardly ever drags.
  2. Filter
    82
    Some songs are happy songs; some are sad, but the pure joy of melody shines through in every one. [Summer 2008, p.92]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Spin
    80
    Despite passing echoes of Spoon and Violent Femmes, Delta Spirit's rough barroom pop is its own creature, with jangly pianos, rattling drums, and scruffy acoustic guitars making a thrilling ruckus.
  4. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    Their sound is timeworn and instantly familiar: the “set me free” chorus of ‘Streetwalker’ is pure Springsteen, while the honky-tonk of ‘Trashcan’ is classic Stones, made more remarkable by the sandpaper snarl of their frontman.
  5. AllMusic
    70
    The ex-Noise Ratchet founders shift to more rootsy territory with their new band, yielding impressive results.
  6. Prefix Magazine
    70
    Despite Delta Spirit’s anarchic (i.e., creatively opportunistic) sampling of everything from cold war folk to the Cold War Kids, when the band members hit their stride--as on the rumbling, locomotive grooves of piano-stung epic Americana on 'Trashcan'--Sunshine becomes nothing less than an ode to musical joy.
  7. Mojo
    60
    The sunshine's grim down their way, but their best songs allow a glimmer. [Apr 2009, p.109]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. EvanT
    Jun 6, 2009
    10
    Awesome album, but meant for LP.
  2. Brendan
    Feb 3, 2010
    10
    Great album, translates well to live sets - can't wait to hear the follow up.
  4. Delta_Spirit
    Jan 30, 2011
    10
    Although my listening was warped, due to the fact that I was an idiot and listened to "History From Below" first, I truly enjoyed listening toAlthough my listening was warped, due to the fact that I was an idiot and listened to "History From Below" first, I truly enjoyed listening to the first attempts of a band that I believe should be huge, on the back of just two albums. The eponymous track was without a doubt my favourite on the album. Also, Vasquez's voice is just amazing, conveying an incredible amount of emotion.… Expand
  5. JonH
    Dec 1, 2009
    9
    This album is one I'd never had come across if it weren't for a bookstore (Borders in Vancouver, WA) - and I'm SO glad I did! This album is one I'd never had come across if it weren't for a bookstore (Borders in Vancouver, WA) - and I'm SO glad I did! Now granted, I had many hours to get snuggle with these songs, but I can now say, without a single doubt that Ode To Sunshine is one one of the best albums of the year, and certainly of the band, Delta Spirit. Now, I understand if you don't like the music right away - I was one of those folks, as well. I didn't ever dislike the music, though. I just wasn't immediately moved by it. After a short while though, I was obsessed. And now, all I can say, is PLEASE give this album a chance... it's one of the best of the DECADE. I'll put it up there only NOW after all the countless hours of loving, indifference, dissecting, and ultimately, respect. It's a damn-beautiful album. And has inspired me to listen more, altogether.… Expand
  6. Waldo
    Dec 24, 2009
    8
    This is an excellent album from first to finish. I listened to this album in a friend's car with no hope of running across it again. I This is an excellent album from first to finish. I listened to this album in a friend's car with no hope of running across it again. I end up in arecord shop in Jackson, MS and there it was! It was as good as the first time. I can't stop listening to it. Its nice to find a great album that starts strong and finishes stronger.… Expand
  7. RyanS
    Nov 30, 2009
    8
    This is a strong effort. I can listen to this from beginning to end. The song "Children" would not sound out of place on an Arcade Fire album.
  8. GregL
    Jan 15, 2009
    0
    Made a special effort to come vote against this after running away from it in a local bookstore. My God ... hard to imagine someone making Made a special effort to come vote against this after running away from it in a local bookstore. My God ... hard to imagine someone making worse music without trying. Bafflin… Collapse

See all 9 User Reviews

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