Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 21
  2. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. Q Magazine
    May 13, 2013
    60
    While it might have been kinder to leave Bury, Bury, Bury Another and Runnin' Around unreleased, much of the rest offers hints at just what a thrilling band they were becoming. [Jun 2013, p.113]
  2. Magnet
    May 10, 2013
    40
    Even at 16 tracks, RKives feels paltry and incomplete. [No. 98, p.59]
  3. May 6, 2013
    60
    Rkives doesn’t shed any light on Rilo Kiley, there’s no standout defining track that was flippantly consigned to a b-side or the vaults. Instead, it’s a collection which provides more satisfaction than surprise.
  4. Uncut
    Apr 25, 2013
    60
    There are some creative dead-ends, but there is enough here to warrant a reappraisal. [Jun 2013, p.94]
  5. Apr 8, 2013
    60
    While plenty of the set is for collectors only, Rilo Kiley has provided a number of songs as strong as their previously released material.
  6. Apr 4, 2013
    60
    Rkives rounds up existing rarities--several B-sides and demos--and six unheard songs, plus a remix featuring Too $hort. That is the most radical shift in sound on Rkives but there are hints of the glitzy bombast of Blacklight scattered throughout the collection.
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Jun 16, 2014
    8
    What a bittersweet album, it shows how this band was terrific and it's own worst enemy. They were at their best when they were unstructuredWhat a bittersweet album, it shows how this band was terrific and it's own worst enemy. They were at their best when they were unstructured and passionate. They failed in the attempt to focus there message into a mainstream whole. Emo, indie, country/folk with Jenny Lewis' heartbreak lilt. This is an album which defines a time and a place. Southern California at the turn of the Millennium. Rkives reminds us of where Rilo Kiley came from, both literally and stylistically. Full Review »