User Score
Universal acclaim- based on 30 Ratings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 27 out of 30
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Mixed: 1 out of 30
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Negative: 2 out of 30
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JohnHJul 20, 2005For those who don't like it-I suggest they listen to it again. This is the best album released so far this year. Farrar is back in fine form and the new supporting players sound incredible. Great music and great lyrics=a great album. Welcome back Jay.
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rhondaMAug 8, 2005I think the lead guitarist and drummer is what makes the band. I Beleive his name is Chris frame. Your awesome Chris Frame.
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JorinRNov 26, 2005This is the best REM album since Reckoning!
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casserollmeoverJul 14, 2005A welcome return with a necessary record for these times. Upon repeated listenings all the nuances of Farrar's vocals (and the band(!)) (Wow). Absolutely worth the wait. Brings back the memory of so many fearless songwriters and bands that came before.
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RLJul 16, 2005A solid return to form...rocks like no other stuff Farrar has done!!
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ThomasSJul 26, 2005I am embarrassed for Eric Weisbard after reading his review of Okemah in Blender. Okemah and the Melody of Riot is the album of the year so far. While the album has political overtones, it's much more subtle and, like all great works of art, much more complicated than Weisbard's simpleton interpretation of it.
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LesHOct 10, 2005
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DJAdequateJul 13, 2005Farrar goes back to playing to his strengths. Often sounds like a mildly-countrified version of early REM. This is the best backing band he's had in a long time, and the dual guitar work is great.
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NicholasJul 14, 2005This album puts Son Volt back on the map. Jay Farrar is back! This is the best work since Son Volt's 1995 masterpiece Trace...
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ArminHJul 16, 2005
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JasonRJul 16, 2005This is one of the best albums of the year. It lacks the standout tracks of earlier Son Volt records but it might be the most solid collection of songs that Farrar has put together to date.
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JeremyJul 18, 2005Feels so damn forced, a commercial motivated record move instead of an artisitc one. Why does he write this eulogy to the vinyl record then deliver this multimedia extravaganza DVD/CD with the jarring repetetive reprise of a half baked song? For me this officially assigns Jay Farrar to the washed up list.
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SteveHAug 5, 2005Though hardly perfect, there is a place for Okemah in this time and place. Farrar is at his cohesive, ascerbic best - wrapping pointed, poison words in a semi-sweet shell. For the uninitiated, a little digestion may be necessary. Nice to be re-introduced to the familar Sun Volt tones without a hint of staleness.
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JeffTJan 2, 2006"Rock and roll around my head alive a kicking" Jay Farrar writes phrases and lyrics that are both simple and layered with complex meaning. Listen to this album three times and you'll be hooked.
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RobertSDec 9, 2005
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ChipWJul 13, 2005Back to the old school Son Volt wall of sound basics. Finally.
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TNelsonSep 14, 2005Solid. The best record I've heard in years. I'd like to give it an 11!!
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jboltonSep 27, 2005Jay Farrar is the new Bob Dylan in thought and presentation. Chris Frame is a powerful addition to a truly rocking band. I'm new to Son Volt but count me among the legion of fans.
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Despite taking few chances thematically or musically, the reincarnated Son Volt delivers a tight, nothing-wasted set.
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It's a bracing and welcome return to form for an important artist.
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Entertainment WeeklyFarrar's perfectly ramshackle voice still delivers his oblique lyrics, but now it's backed by a tighter, revamped lineup. [15 Jul 2005, p.71]