Old Ramon
by Red House Painters
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Apr 10, 2001
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 2 out of 18

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  1. paulk
    Nov 4, 2006
    7
    While one great song does not a great album make, the purchase price is covered by the poignant and beautiful SMOKEY. We also get a MBV wokout with Between Days, Americana can can with Michigan and an ode to a Feline Furball in Wop a din din. Some others might overstay their welcome (River, Void, Cruiser) but as with all RHP releases even those not quite hitting the water-mark still can While one great song does not a great album make, the purchase price is covered by the poignant and beautiful SMOKEY. We also get a MBV wokout with Between Days, Americana can can with Michigan and an ode to a Feline Furball in Wop a din din. Some others might overstay their welcome (River, Void, Cruiser) but as with all RHP releases even those not quite hitting the water-mark still can float most peoples boat!… Expand
  2. SheridanL
    Apr 7, 2004
    10
    When I hear the music in the top 20 etc. I could cry. I think of the beauty of the Red House Painters - and then I don't feel so bad. They are superb.
  3. MattD
    Oct 18, 2001
    9
    Not the best Red House Painters cd, but a great place to start if you haven't heard of them; 'Byrd Joel' and 'Void' are incredible songs not just for RHP, but as far as any music out there now; buy it- give it a few listens and you'll understand what the hype has been concerning this band.
  4. SuzanneC.
    May 23, 2001
    10
    Deliciously grey.
  5. DR
    Feb 15, 2009
    9
    I love this band. They have such an effortless talent, they make the 8-9 minute songs just drift by blissfully. One of their best, sad but more reassured than Roller-coaster. Among their best.
  6. HeywardD.
    May 14, 2001
    10
    Mark Kozelek is dynamic, not encumbered by one constant static reality. His fans do well to go with HIS flow and stop longing for the way things were on some prior release. Being an originator, he would die on the vine if he were forced to conform to some arbitrary industry convention; I hope he never gives in. Rhinos will be Rhinos!
  7. BrianL.
    Aug 26, 2001
    10
    Amazing record - one weak track - the last one.
  8. LukeC
    Dec 7, 2003
    8
    A beautiful album ("Cruiser" being the only musically weak track on here), but the Painters have done much better. Check out "Rollercoaster" for what a 10 sounds like.
  9. TJS
    Jan 12, 2006
    10
    Listening to cruiser, you could feel yourself flying away, as LA sparkles on the ground. Classic, perfect, true.

Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Best Album of 2001
79
#79 Most Discussed Album of 2001
66
#66 Most Shared Album of 2001

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. PopMatters
    90
    Taken as a whole, Old Ramon is a brilliant mopey stroll through San Francisco's slate gray streets.
    Read full review
  2. Spin Cycle
    88
    Much of the Painters’ power stems from Kozelek’s arresting voice, which meets its deep, moody match in the band’s exquisite renderings of rootsy gothic grace.
    Read full review
  3. Pitchfork
    80
    Many slower outfits-- Low, American Music Club, Codeine, et al.-- are sometimes pinned with the theory that if you've heard one of their albums, you've heard them all. Such is no longer the case with the Red House Painters.
    Read full review
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