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Shut Down The Streets Image
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 7 Ratings

  • Summary: The latest solo album from The New Pornographers frontman was recorded in Woodstock and features Neko Case as a guest vocalist.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 22
  2. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. 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]
  2. Oct 9, 2012
    88
    By opening up, by giving a glimpse into the heart behind those heart-stopping melodies, Newman's written his best songs in nearly a decade.
  3. Oct 29, 2012
    80
    [Shut Down the Streets is] a truly mature and well-rounded work, with a complete lack of pretension, and a lot of warmth and heart.
  4. Oct 9, 2012
    70
    While decidedly uneven and lacking in the sheer number of hooks a regular dose of Newman provides, Shut Down the Streets does have two of the best songs of his long career.
  5. Oct 15, 2012
    70
    Shut Down the Streets is not a record for the young--it is wisdom wrapped around the indelible songwriting skills of one of Canada's most distinctive musicians.
  6. Oct 10, 2012
    70
    As is the case with all of Newman's work, there are plenty of surprises here, many of which reflect the surprises of the death and birth of loved ones.
  7. Oct 9, 2012
    60
    Shut Down the Streets is a strange beast and one that will fall victim to that option that destroys the album sequence as we know it: shuffle. Fortunately, the high points are so high that they warrant a listen, even a purchase of the record as a whole.

See all 22 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. 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,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. Expand
  2. 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.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
  3. 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 theWhile 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/
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