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Old Ramon - Red House Painters
User Score
9.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14

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  1. JohnM.
    Jul 4, 2001
    7
    Compared to what music currently has to offer this is a brilliant album. Compared to RHP's previous releases this album is mediocore. Old Ramon has it's moments like Void, Smokey, Golden and the beautiful closer Kavita but overall is not as impressive as their previous efforts. Most of the songs on this record seem dull and lifeless and fail to have the same magic of earlier compositions. I gave the album a seven because the songs mentioned are real gems and you couldn't ever give the Painters a bad review.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. 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 float most peoples boat!… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. SuzanneC.
    May 23, 2001
    10
    Deliciously grey.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  7. 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!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  8. BrianL.
    Aug 26, 2001
    10
    Amazing record - one weak track - the last one.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  9. ChadH.
    Feb 19, 2002
    9
    a wonderfully sad and heart-breakingly sweet album, the red house painters have been a comfort on many drunken lonely nights
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  10. 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.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  11. TJS
    Jan 12, 2006
    10
    Listening to cruiser, you could feel yourself flying away, as LA sparkles on the ground. Classic, perfect, true.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critics

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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