Pull Up Some Dust and Sit Down
by Ry Cooder
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Aug 29, 2011
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic 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. Uncut
    Sep 14, 2011
    100
    In the transition from imitator to originator, the old boy has made one of his best albums ever. [Oct 2011, p.83]
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  2. The Observer (UK)
    Sep 6, 2011
    100
    The humour is often savage--a sprightly accordion heralds a story of damaged troops--but Cooder's aim is true. He's become a Woody Guthrie for our times.
  3. The Telegraph (UK)
    Sep 6, 2011
    100
    The sound of the album is deliberately vibrant and varied.
  5. The Guardian
    Sep 1, 2011
    100
    Magnificent.
  6. The Independent (UK)
    Sep 1, 2011
    100
    It's a relief to report that Pull Up Some Dust And Sit Down is his best effort by far since Chavez Ravine.
  7. Expert Witness (MSN Music)
    Oct 4, 2011
    91
    This doesn't rock, and it shouldn't. But it rollicks, skanks, and two-steps just fine.
  8. Blurt Magazine
    Oct 3, 2011
    90
    Pull Up Some Dust and Sit Down (Nonesuch/Perro Verde) ranks not only among his very best releases, but among the best socio-political albums ever made.
  9. BBC Music
    Sep 1, 2011
    90
    This is about as good and sustained a riposte to the grubby, grabbing times we live in as any artist has mustered, which makes it essential listening.
  10. PopMatters
    Oct 11, 2011
    80
    Pull Up Some Dust And Sit Down could have tremendous cathartic power for this who are aware of history and its knack for repeating itself. For those who are willing, this is a good place to start an education.
  11. American Songwriter
    Sep 27, 2011
    80
    The famed slide guitarist and world music enthusiast releases his most incisive and sardonic political album.
  12. AllMusic
    Sep 26, 2011
    80
    This is revolution music; worthy of dancing to, learning from, and singing along with: who says topical music has to be boring?
  13. Q Magazine
    Sep 21, 2011
    80
    The heartening sounds of an old master at work. [Oct 2011, p.117]
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  14. Mojo
    Sep 8, 2011
    80
    From the title's Depression-era jokes onwards, Cooder protests like it's 1939. [Oct 2011, p.96]
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  15. musicOMH.com
    Sep 1, 2011
    80
    Although Pull Up Some Dust... delves deep into both North and South American musical history and moves rapidly from style to style, there is scant scope for quibbling over Cooder's honesty or authenticity.

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Album of 2011

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 3 out of 14
  1. MrMadrew
    Oct 18, 2011
    5
    It's kind of fun and interesting, but you see a metascore in the 90's and expect one of the best albums of the year, and this album is justIt's kind of fun and interesting, but you see a metascore in the 90's and expect one of the best albums of the year, and this album is just okay. Obviously all the critics give high marks for Cooder's critique of society, but singing about corruption and the government doesn't make it good music, and the actual music on this album is not great. It is creative and unique, changing styles every song with a genuine sound, but as far as a music album goes, it is mediocre, nothing more.… Full Review »
  2. IsaacHale
    Nov 10, 2011
    9
    Truly a wonderful album. If you hard time dealing with leftist politics in your music, I recommend you suck it up. This is an amazing workingTruly a wonderful album. If you hard time dealing with leftist politics in your music, I recommend you suck it up. This is an amazing working class masterpiece, and wonderful showpiece of Ry Cooder's skills.… Full Review »
  3. tcmc
    Oct 28, 2011
    2
    While Cooder's skills as a musician are thrillingâ
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