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Shocking Pinks Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 12 Ratings

  • Summary: New Zealand-based Nick Harte presents songs from his previously released EPs in this full-length album.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Shocking Pinks' DFA debut is an auspicious one by a young artist who knows as much about loneliness as he does noisy pop classics.
  2. Mojo
    80
    Harte's mixture of charisma, vulnerability and errant tunefulness holds everything together. [Nov 2007, p.95]
  3. It's a bewildering jumble on first gaze, but Harte's little fingerprint-smudged slivers, so lovingly composed, are precious things, and you'll fast find yourself addicted to his sweet, glum love stories.
  4. Without question, part of Shocking Pinks' charm is the intimacy of its unpolished production values, but, with a little more patience and rigorous revision, it's easy to see Harte's best songs being even better.
  5. Shocking Pinks is an intriguing introduction for listeners who want to catch up with [Harte's] ever-growing body of work.
  6. Under The Radar
    70
    This compilation boasts all the assets of an insular bedroom aesthetic, from quasi-confessioal lyrics to ample experimentation with styles and sounds. [Fall 2007, p.81]
  7. Uncut
    60
    Harte's voice is sometimes a little thin to carry some songs. [Oct 2007, p.104]

See all 11 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. IsaacA.
    Nov 5, 2007
    9
    The Velvet Underground of the noughties.
  2. G
    Nov 7, 2007
    8
    Finally, a quality NZ artist is receiving decent attention! Next stop, Shihad.
  3. Rev.Rikard
    Nov 10, 2007
    6
    "Yes! No!" Does this album bring something new to the table of modern music? Yes. Is it always appetizing? No. Do I like it? Yes, no, yes. "Yes! No!" Does this album bring something new to the table of modern music? Yes. Is it always appetizing? No. Do I like it? Yes, no, yes. Admittedly I am spoiled on the Beatles' crafty use of short musical segments and interludes ala the latter half of Abbey Road. These songs grab interest and then leave us wanting more, much more than we were given. The jury is still out on Shocking Pinks, and this album does not have the depth to permiit the reaching of a verdict regarding relevancy and longevity. Collapse