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Okemah And The Melody Of Riot
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Okemah And The Melody Of Riot Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 30 Ratings

  • Summary: Jay Farrar has revived his post-Uncle Tupelo outfit Son Volt for their first album in seven years.

Top Track

World Waits for You
When the world wants right and wrong Could you break me the news If i asked you to lie Would you tell me the truth In this darkest hour A brave face... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. AllMusic
    90
    It's a bracing and welcome return to form for an important artist.
  2. Trouser Press
    90
    A stunning return to form.
  3. The A.V. Club
    80
    Even when his overintellectualized lyrics smear into a palette of industrial gray, the guitars provide a strong human heartbeat.
  4. Lost At Sea
    70
    When not so buried in dank sonics, Farrar's familiar songwriting drawl feels more crisp and lively; being able to hear the record's engaging pop hooks is a revelation. On the other hand, this newfound production clarity reveals that Farrar might be running out of ideas.
  5. Stylus Magazine
    67
    If the sound that the original Son Volt line-up cultivated began to feel oppressing for Farrar, it’s clear on Okemah And The Melody of Riot that a return in part to that sound has been good for his musical soul.
  6. The New York Times
    60
    The band's underlying, stubborn seriousness, and nearly Amish unwillingness to change, creates its appeal. [11 Jul 2005]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Blender
    40
    He's never tried so actively to fuse prescriptive politics into [the] mix, and the move feels suspect. [Aug 2005, p.115]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. JeffT
    Jan 2, 2006
    10
    "Rock and roll around my head alive a kicking" Jay Farrar writes phrases and lyrics that are both simple and layered with complex meaning. "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.… Expand
  2. ThomasS
    Jul 26, 2005
    10
    I 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 I 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.… Expand
  4. jbolton
    Sep 27, 2005
    10
    Jay 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 Jay 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.… Expand
  5. ChipW
    Jul 13, 2005
    9
    Back to the old school Son Volt wall of sound basics. Finally.
  6. JasonR
    Jul 16, 2005
    9
    This 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 This 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.… Collapse
  7. JorinR
    Nov 26, 2005
    8
    This is the best REM album since Reckoning!
  8. Jeremy
    Jul 18, 2005
    4
    Feels so damn forced, a commercial motivated record move instead of an artisitc one. Why does he write this eulogy to the vinyl record then Feels 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.… Expand

See all 18 User Reviews

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