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Self Help Serenade
by
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Self Help Serenade Image
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

  • Summary: Rob Schnapf and Jon Brion produced the for the Los Angeles band (and by "band" we really just mean Evan Slamka).

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. E! Online
    83
    The rich pop melodies and soft psychedelic touches of songs like "Empty Room" and "Waves" remind us of Coldplay and Grandaddy.
  2. Uncut
    80
    Will massage the shoulders of fans of Mercury Rev, The Flaming Lips, Neil Young and Kevin Shields.
  3. Q Magazine
    80
    An epic backdrop for that next Pacific Coast Highway road trip. [Jun 2005, p.102]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Drowned In Sound
    60
    Much like binging on Haagen Daas ice cream when you’re depressed, a little bit of Marjorie Faire is really rather great. Too much can only make you feel bloated and regretful.
  5. AllMusic
    60
    So Marjorie Fair's debut isn't an immediate five-star classic. But its backgrounds are incredibly well-crafted... and the songs' blend evening-sun comfort with a quiet forlornness that's somehow welcoming.
  6. Tiny Mix Tapes
    50
    Self Help Serenade is not an unpleasant listen; it has simply and unfortunately been played out over the years by scores of other bands.
  7. musicOMH.com
    40
    The overall effect is one of cloying, claustrophobic one-paced idolatry that needs a bit of fresh air and a good night out.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. ValerieS
    Jan 31, 2006
    10
    There has not been good music like this in years.
  2. jasons
    Aug 18, 2005
    10
    This album was not an instant hit for me, but after 5 listens I was so in love. The album has so many undertones that it took a little while, This album was not an instant hit for me, but after 5 listens I was so in love. The album has so many undertones that it took a little while, but when I fell, I fell hard. This album is amazing!… Expand
  4. MichaelM
    Dec 6, 2005
    10
    This album has everything. Perfect.
  5. lauraF
    Aug 18, 2005
    9
    Love it!
  6. jyotirmayad
    Aug 31, 2005
    9
    Very delicate melodies to eloquent lyrics. One of the 10 best of the year.
  7. Julia
    Sep 26, 2005
    8
    it was a bit plain upon first listen, but as i played it over and over agian, it became something else entirely. great melodies and very it was a bit plain upon first listen, but as i played it over and over agian, it became something else entirely. great melodies and very smooth vocals.… Collapse
  8. Matt
    Aug 15, 2005
    5
    Makes me space out, which is not good.

See all 8 User Reviews

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