Paralytic Stalks
by Of Montreal
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 27
  3. Negative: 2 out of 27
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  1. The New York Times
    Feb 14, 2012
    70
    Convoluted as his words and ideas are, they're surprisingly singable, in all their mad profusion.
  2. Filter
    Feb 13, 2012
    70
    There is ... a marked orchestral fluidity throughout, which lends itself to the experimental instrumental passages that permeate the record.
  3. DIY Magazine
    Feb 10, 2012
    80
    [Barnes has created] the best experimental discordant noise pop he's worked on since 'Hissing Fauna'.
  5. Under The Radar
    Feb 8, 2012
    80
    Musically, Stalks is a tour de force, filled with colorful new sonic tricks.
  6. Consequence
    Feb 8, 2012
    70
    Paralytic Stalks is a fascinating listen, for both old fans and new.
  7. AllMusic
    Feb 7, 2012
    70
    Of Montreal grow less accessible with Paralytic Stalks, but it's respectable how unconcerned Barnes seems with anything besides staying true to his freakily fractured vision.
  8. CMJ
    Feb 7, 2012
    70
    Paralytic Stalks isn't an Of Montreal album stuffed with steakhouse jingles. But therein lies the charm.
  9. Paste Magazine
    Feb 7, 2012
    72
    For all its songwriterly craft, of Montreal's experiments make Paralytic Stalks one of the more compelling efforts in the band's long discography.
  10. Prefix Magazine
    Feb 7, 2012
    80
    Paralytic Stalks is a record made by a genius or a hoity-toity psychopath depending on your perspective--call it whatever you want, but it certainly isn't boring.
  11. The A.V. Club
    Feb 7, 2012
    83
    Paralytic Stalks feels like a marathon at times, but it's a trek worth repeating.
  12. Beats Per Minute
    Feb 6, 2012
    72
    Barnes has definitely taken a step in right direction.
  13. Sputnikmusic
    Feb 6, 2012
    70
    For much of Paralytic Stalk's first half and even for most of the more unhinged second act, Kevin Barnes strikes a near-perfect balance between pop mastery and a delightful sort of weird.
  14. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Feb 6, 2012
    90
    At the end of the day, Kevin Barnes is really trying to make good pop. Paralytic Stalks is just that, bombast and all.
  15. Drowned In Sound
    Feb 3, 2012
    70
    Despite its heart of darkness, Paralytic Stalks is a deceptively gentle, rambling record that gains integrity but loses focus via the strong suspicion that it was recorded more for the benefit of Nina Barnes than for us.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 38
  3. Negative: 8 out of 38
  1. Butsku
    Feb 7, 2012
    10
    I waited for a peaceful moment in the busy work week to listen to the album with full concentration. Iâ
  2. swdel
    Feb 7, 2012
    10
    A glorious mess of deeply personal introspection and eclectic instrumentation. Each consecutive listen bring more clarity and enjoyment. ItsA glorious mess of deeply personal introspection and eclectic instrumentation. Each consecutive listen bring more clarity and enjoyment. Its one of those record where the first play-through has you thinking: "What on earth did I just listen to?". Nothing short of sublime.… Full Review »
  3. carla125
    Feb 8, 2012
    10
    Kevin Barnes creates another splendorous record. I understand the different opinions the critics are having, but this has to be one of theKevin Barnes creates another splendorous record. I understand the different opinions the critics are having, but this has to be one of the most interesting releases in months. Totally worth buying it, the songs won't leave your head.… Full Review »
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