Skelethon
by Aesop Rock
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
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  1. Q Magazine
    Sep 7, 2012
    60
    Although his monotone becomes a little wearing over an entire album, this is still his best work in a long time. [Oct 2012, p.106]
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  2. The Source
    Aug 22, 2012
    60
    By bringing in different talents from the indie/underground scene, Aesop keeps his core satisfied while sticking to a formula that he knows works for him. [#254, p.89]
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  3. Filter
    Jul 27, 2012
    60
    There's not nearly enough of Aesop living up to his impressive talent.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jul 12, 2012
    60
    Named after a fabulist, yes, but still not quite fabulous.

Awards & Rankings

87
#87 Most Shared Album of 2012

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 48 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 48
  3. Negative: 3 out of 48
  1. Manik_Music
    Jul 11, 2012
    10
    Skelethon is an album that contains multitudes. Much like they say about people. This is perhaps because it is the work of an artist trulySkelethon is an album that contains multitudes. Much like they say about people. This is perhaps because it is the work of an artist truly coming into their own and giving himself fully to a project at the peak of his ability. On the album, Aesop Rock (a.k.a. Ian Bavitz) handles nearly all the production work (though he gets assistance from Rob Sonic, DJ Big Wiz, Grimace Federation and Dirty Ghosts… Full Review »
  2. Rev_Appleby
    Nov 15, 2012
    10
    This album is what is right with hip hop. It is creative and intelligent to the point of nearly being self aware. Listening to the album, oneThis album is what is right with hip hop. It is creative and intelligent to the point of nearly being self aware. Listening to the album, one cannot help but hear in it the soundtrack of one's nightmares- but in a good way. Dark and obtuse but not off putting, Skelethon bears repeated listening.… Full Review »
  3. brokecracker
    Jul 13, 2012
    10
    Skelethon is a beast of album with many faces ready to turn corners at break-neck speed and leave you with beads of sweat on your brow. ThisSkelethon is a beast of album with many faces ready to turn corners at break-neck speed and leave you with beads of sweat on your brow. This is not easy listening and if you aren't up to being challenged take a pass on it, no harm no fowl. If you are then you will be rewarded. Aes' wordplay and flow are top notch and turned up throughout. He took the helm of producing this one himself and it paid off. Tracks are tight and drums driving, nothing gets lost in the mix.

    A test of any piece of art, being painting, film, sculpture or music, is if can illicit an emotion that is unable to be conveyed in any other medium. "Ruby 81'" comes to mind immediately in this description, I do not believe that the emotion it communicates could be reached in any other medium; it is a mix of sadness, tension, relief and ennui. The same could be said about much of the rest of the album. Just when you think you are listening to a twist on your average banger filled with braggadocio (Tetra) it takes an almost delicate dip and back again. Lighthearted tracks are few but there are plenty of moments where you can enjoy tracks at face value. "Grace" is grin worthy from start to finish and "Racing Stripes" is downright joyful and jubilant.

    When Skelethon turns dark is is pitch pantone black. The album ender "Gopher Guts" is such a sobering slap in the face you might want to call your mom and tell her you love her, think about how you treat your friends and maybe write a letter to someone you miss. Despite it's variance, Skelethon is much more than the sum of it's parts. Taken together, it is a harrowing look into the mind of someone brave enough to let others in. Aesop Rock has produced and wrote and preformed an album that excels in every aspect of what art, not just music and not just hip hop, can be.    … Full Review »
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