Random Spirit Lover - Sunset Rubdown
Random Spirit Lover Image
Metascore
76 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 48 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Summary: The third album for the band led by Wolf Parade's Spencer Krug.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Stylus Magazine
    100
    If you’re already among the converted, Random Spirit Lover is a second straight masterpiece from arguably the most talented songwriter of this generation.
  2. Drowned In Sound
    80
    As with so many of rock's finer moments, the beauty’s in the overreach, and while newcomers to Krug’s idiosyncratic style may find it easier to warm to the more accessible leanings of the Wolf Parade record, for everyone else, this is essential stuff.
  3. Under The Radar
    80
    This difference means Random Spirit Lover is harder to digest than its predecessor, but all the more rewarding upon repeated listens. [Fall 2007, p.76]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Alternative Press
    50
    Krug tests the patience of even the most tolerant listener via a convoluted and self-indulgent mess of music that occasionally--and seemingly accidently--stumbles across moments of brilliance. [Nov 2007, p.163]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 19 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. BrianH
    10
    Album of the Year. I'll admit it's not an album for everyone. Sunset Rubdown's first release took a long time to sink in but I was never bored with it. As a super fan currently I couldn't have dreamed a better album than Random Spirit Lover. Simply amazing stuff that I'll never stop admiring. Spencer Krug is an important artist to be watched and experienced. Cath this band live if you can. Great stuff and a side project no more.… Collapse
  2. JimmyF
    10
    76?! Are you kidding me? This is not only the greatest release I've heard all year, it's one of the best albums I've ever heard. These critics need to pull their heads out of their arses long enough to let this album sink in. This isnt a record you play at a dance party, you need to sit down and absorb it track by track. Brilliant!… Expand
  3. MikeyB.
    10
    A true masterpiece. This sements Krug as the most talented songwriter of his generation.
  4. matta.
    7
    This is a pretty fair metacritic rating. Cokemachineglow's review is the most accurate, while Stylus and Alternative Press were both pretty off (although the Alternative Press comment about the album occasionally being brilliant but seeminly by accident is right-on). On this album is just feels like Krug has been negatively influenced by Frog Eyes bandmate Cary Mercer. Several songs are pretty aimless and not in a "The Men Are Called Horsemen There"-good kind of way. That said there are some great moments, just not nearly as many as were on last year's wonderful "Shut Up" and not nearly as good as what Krug has given us in the past, and what he is capable of.… Expand

See all 21 User Reviews

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