Shut Down The Streets - A.C. Newman
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Metascore
74 out of 100

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

User Score
8.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

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  • Summary: The latest solo album from The New Pornographers frontman was recorded in Woodstock and features Neko Case as a guest vocalist.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 22
  3. 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]
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  2. This Is Fake DIY
    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.
  3. The New York Times
    Nov 5, 2012
    80
    The melodies are still there, from gently scalloped waltzes to hearty power-pop choruses, and there's a new layer of polish on the arrangements: intros that establish atmosphere along with hooks, richer and more elegant instrumental blends, the self-effacing vocal harmonies of Neko Case from the New Pornographers.
  4. 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]
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See all 22 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. vslacks
    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.… Expand
  2. teamug
    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.… Collapse
  3. Dingo
    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
  4. ryanHLrobinson
    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/    … Expand

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