ONoffON
by Mission of Burma
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: May 4, 2004
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Stylus Magazine
    60
    Maybe if this album had been released in the mid-eighties I’d be falling all over myself to praise it, but these days there’s just too much stuff around that’s surpassed the music here in originality, drive and smarts.
  2. Under The Radar
    60
    Burma seems to be playing catch-up after all this time away. [#7]
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Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Best Album of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. FrankR
    Jul 1, 2005
    9
    amazing
  2. Perry
    Sep 9, 2004
    6
    Would this CD be so highly rated if it were from a band noone had heard of before? The best tracks are the old ones (which don't sound Would this CD be so highly rated if it were from a band noone had heard of before? The best tracks are the old ones (which don't sound that much different from the demo and live versions - particularly "Playland"), the Conley compositions, and "Into the Fire" (which I like a lot but it still makes me want to turn it off and listen to "Red" from the "Signals" EP).… Full Review »
  3. Will
    Jul 1, 2004
    10
    I always thought Burma were not a little influenced by Hendrix (Don't tell me that "eyes of men" was not informed" by "love or I always thought Burma were not a little influenced by Hendrix (Don't tell me that "eyes of men" was not informed" by "love or confusion"). Miller's playing on this record hit me like a chtonic meld of Jimi's heavy rhythm work and feedback --similarly thick, syncopated. Similarly Conley's bass playing seems similarly informed by Hendrix's playing, with his lushly melodic chording, hammered _on off on_ harmolodicism. Prescott often sounds like a less busy, more angular Mitchell. _OnoffOn_ it is a great album. I haven't heard anything with this much varied greatness in a while. When listening to 'falling' I can't stop thinking of the jumpers from the top of the burning trade towers ("tallest building", "heard you calling", etc.); I also remember hearing something about T. Donnelly --whose backups are tender and beautiful-- falling off a bike as a kid and breaking some teeth. Not naming any more individual sounds, or citing sources --all too easy--, I will say the chemistry is almost too good between the three musicians. It's refreshing to hear each of them sing alternately alone and in unison. BTW the Weston's production is unobtrusive, yet brings the sound a fullness like a thick lager, not quite an ale --perfect. I still can't tell when it's fake blood, and can't wait to land, but who can? … Full Review »
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