Plastic Fang
by The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Apr 9, 2002
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 16
  3. Negative: 2 out of 16
  1. Magnet
    90
    Their best work. [#54, p.107]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Traditional progressions temper the punkish wails and feedback that dominated previous albums, revealing a tight garage-rock band to be reckoned with. [26 Apr 2002, p.148]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Alternative Press
    80
    The sound is just as expected: sweaty, sexy and leaner than a Thanksgiving turkey. [May 2002, p.94]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Launch.com
    80
    It's the addition of producer Steve Jordan's bass guitar (an instrument JSBE has wrongly assumed unnecessary) that makes this a complete listening experience.
  6. PopMatters
    80
    Although they've left the more fractured, splintered punk behind in favor of standard blues rock riffs, make no mistake about it, these wolves still have teeth, and they bite really hard.
  7. E! Online
    75
    Fang packs all the punk-rock wallop, menacing guitars and dirty, funky blues Spencer fans crave.
  8. Rolling Stone
    70
    All these rock laughs would be pure parody if the Blues Explosion's riffs weren't so dementedly chicken-fried and funky.
  9. Spin
    70
    With riffs this sugarshit sharp, who needs ideas? [May 2002, p.124]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. Splendid
    70
    The album is never anything more or less than it pretends to be. It offers a good time, and it delivers. As a soundtrack to mindless partying, it is first-rate.
  11. Dot Music
    60
    It's by no means a bad album, just not his best by a long way, or the triumphant return it should have been.
  12. Blender
    60
    JSBX still crackle like firecrackers soaked in kerosene. [Jun/Jul 2002, p.114]
    All this publication's reviews
  13. Playlouder
    50
    Ultimately, this is merely a straight-down-the-line rock'n'roll album.
  14. Uncut
    50
    Isn't quite the show-them-who's-boss return that JSBX should have come up with. [May 2002, p.110]
    All this publication's reviews
  15. Q Magazine
    40
    Spencer's shtick seems slightly threadbare after 11 years and the musical innovation of earlier outings is conspicuous by its absence.
  16. Mojo
    30
    A profoundly ordinary, deeply monotonous LP. [Apr 2002, p.100]
    All this publication's reviews
  17. Pitchfork
    25
    Perhaps the Blues Explosion is aware of the garage revival, and looking to claim some kind of Neil Young-esque patriarchal crown. If so, the dozen tracks of Plastic Fang fail miserably, giving off the appearance of a 35 year-old accountant hanging around the old frat house on Homecoming weekend.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
tbd

No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. E.Rock
    Aug 9, 2002
    8
    The whole about the JSBX is that they always zig when you think they're gonna zag. I think if you like them for their ideas, then The whole about the JSBX is that they always zig when you think they're gonna zag. I think if you like them for their ideas, then you'll like this album, but if you're hung up on the aesthetics of one particular alb (most nerd/critics still wish they keep making Extra Width over and over again), then you're not getting what you want. If that's the case, you should only buy AC/DC albums. They always make the same albums, and you can love them for that, but the JSBX ain't no AC/DC.… Full Review »
  2. BenD.
    May 2, 2002
    8
    I'm amazed at all the negative reactions to this album! This is one of JSBX best! Still as raw, funky and widly inventive as ever! The I'm amazed at all the negative reactions to this album! This is one of JSBX best! Still as raw, funky and widly inventive as ever! The production is superb and the songs as mad as ever! … Full Review »