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Old Ramon
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Old Ramon Image
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 18 Ratings

  • Summary: Stuck in label limbo since 1997, 'Old Ramon' finally sees the light of day, thanks to Sub Pop records. It is the first official RHP release since 1996's 'Songs For A Blue Guitar,' although frontman Mark Kozelek released the solo album 'What's Next to the Moon' and appeared in the filmStuck in label limbo since 1997, 'Old Ramon' finally sees the light of day, thanks to Sub Pop records. It is the first official RHP release since 1996's 'Songs For A Blue Guitar,' although frontman Mark Kozelek released the solo album 'What's Next to the Moon' and appeared in the film "Almost Famous" in the interim.… Collapse

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Alternative Press
    100
    Kozelek's unique arrangements and breathtaking melodies set him far above his contemporaries. [#154, p.93]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Spin
    90
    Old Ramon is sinuous and unhurried, a beautiful downer of a folk rock record that has the lithe and shadowy promise of the ocean.
  3. Magnet
    90
    With the release of Old Ramon, Kozelek shows he's capable of sustained inspiration.... It's Kozelek's most successful LP: consistent, heartbreakingly sad and filled with gems that will linger in his fans' psyches. [#49, p.85]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Launch.com
    80
    Wade through a couple of outtake-sounding openers that consist mainly of mechanical strumming on an acoustic 12-string and Kozelek's duo-toned vocals and you'll be rewarded with some of the his most fully realized songs to date.
  5. Nude As The News
    80
    Unlike past efforts, the songs don't overstay their welcome, evoking more smile-enducing moments than one would come to expect from RHP
  6. Wall of Sound
    77
    It would have been a shame if this album went unheard, as it is the most fully realized Painters album to date and finds the band, as well as Kozelek's songwriting, in peak form.
  7. Q Magazine
    60
    Kozelek's less-than-euphoric vocals become wearying after a few tracks, though the band shuffle basic resources with some brio. Worth the wait, but only just.

See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. TJS
    Jan 12, 2006
    10
    Listening to cruiser, you could feel yourself flying away, as LA sparkles on the ground. Classic, perfect, true.
  2. BrianL.
    Aug 26, 2001
    10
    Amazing record - one weak track - the last one.
  4. 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 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!… Collapse
  5. 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. 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.… Expand
  6. 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' 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.… Expand
  7. 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 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.… Expand
  8. 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 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

See all 9 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

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