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UncutTalk of Simpatico as the band's Sandinista! is, in truth, wide of the mark. It's better seen as a footpath linking the claustrophobia of their early work with the Black Country funk of Wonderland, while hinting at a way forward. [May 2006, p.124]
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While going reggae was always going to be risky, it's the severe lack of conviction - whether in Burgess's mumblings or songs general vagueness - that's the biggest problem.
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They haven't completely taken their eye off what made the Charlatans so successful in the first place, but the new sound is none too convincing.
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Predictably, it's not among the quintet's finest hours.
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Nor does it help that they sound more like UB40 than they do the Specials.
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Under The RadarAll in all, an enthusiastic effort, but... one wishes the band had embraced the trippy mindfuck of dub at its best, rather than the simple lockstep 4/4 on display here. [#13, p.84]
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Simpatico... is the Charlatans' version of the Stones' Emotional Rescue: it's a groove-centric rock album, heavy on disco and reggae rhythms, where the overall vibe is more important than the individual songs.
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Far too many tracks here opt for atmosphere over impact: In particular, the interchangeable dubwise ballads-- "City of the Dead", "Road to Paradise", and "The Architect"-- veer perilously into a Club Med cocktail-hour circa 1984.
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UrbThe dominating reggae rhythms sound thin and dynamic moments are rare. [May 2006, p.94]
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Q MagazineSimpatico is too bland to stand. [Jun 2006, p.113]
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Paste MagazineAll in all, it's a strange but refreshing and likely unintentional throwback. [Sep 2006, p.81]
User score distribution:
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Positive: 8 out of 9
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Mixed: 0 out of 9
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Negative: 1 out of 9
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doooogiesAug 4, 2006I am a massive Charlies fan. I have every LP and single since year dot. Simpatico is watery pablum. Must try harder boys.
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reymJun 21, 2006A beautiful album! Just Amazing!!
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JoJun 9, 2006