Shut Down The Streets - A.C. Newman
User Score
8.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6

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  1. Dingo
    Oct 11, 2012
    8
    Critics seem to be jaded with the steadiness in style Newman has maintained. Solo work and his songwriting with New Pornographers inclusive. But I personally like how the familiarity of his music allows the songs themselves to come into their own. Plus, it should be said that there's a quality of sound here that sets Shut Down the Streets apart from his previous work. And it's just damn good songwriting. Man is a master of melody.… Expand
  2. teamug
    Oct 10, 2012
    8
    Like all Newman's solo work, the subtle musical and lyrical hooks only emerge with repeat listenings. I got this a week ago and would have rated it a 7 off the bat, much like I guess the critic ratings seem to be going, but it's definitely better than that.
  3. ryanHLrobinson
    Oct 28, 2012
    6
    While the album is A.C. Newman's best vocally, it is nowhere near on tier with the releases by The New Pornographers. You're left wishing the album was larger sounding.

    For the full review, see: http://mediocrityisthenewgenius.com/2012/10/28/a-c-newman-misses-home-run-with-shut-down-the-streets/
  4. vslacks
    Dec 6, 2012
    10
    Without a doubt, this is A.C. Newman's finest solo record . As someone the same age as Newman who has also become a parent in recent years, the themes on this album resonate deeply. Though full of mellower songs than the typical New Pornographers (or even Newman's previous solo discs) affair, they burrow deep in your brain after multiple listenings. The atmospherics on this album are also terrific --definitely a headphone-worthy affair. Lots going on underneath deceptively simple surfaces. Though some use "dad rock" as a pejorative expression, it doesn't need to be as long as the music comes from an authentic place and pairs the lyrics with great music). "Shut Down The Streets" captures a distinct time in life of happy new beginnings, sad endings, and the realization that you already have the things most important to you.… Collapse

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
74 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Q Magazine
    Dec 11, 2012
    60
    Thankfully, it avoids the easy traps of earnestness or tweeness, and emerges as an intriguing, convincing listen. [Jan 2013, p.108]
  2. Magnet
    Dec 4, 2012
    90
    It is, in a way, a dad-rock opus, the songs imbued with the residue of a man pondering not just the intricacies of family but the greater implications of existence that come with it. [No. 93, p.51]
  3. Mojo
    Nov 29, 2012
    60
    Forensically constructed, sad-eye pop with bright melodies of a Shins-like stripe. [Dec 2012, p.96]
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