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Sound-Dust Image
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the eighth full-length release for British art-pop ensemble. Not surprisingly, John McEntire and Jim O'Rourke co-produced the album, with additional contributions from Sean O'Hagan (The High Llamas).
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 23
  2. Negative: 1 out of 23
  1. Has a playful, at times otherworldly style which brings to mind children's fairy tales.
  2. The album is held back by their insistence on simple songs and simple vocals that keep the record earthbound and solely the province of the already converted.
  3. An ingratiating return to form that benefits from Sean O'Hagan's eclectic, elastic arrangements.
  4. Although Sound-Dust's revisionist zeal is mostly exhausted by the thirty minute mark, its spirit is alive and well in the album's streamlined production aesthetic. Rarely, if ever, are these songs muddied by an obvious surplus of musical ideas.
  5. The Wire
    70
    There's everything to like about this release, but nothing to grip or to enage the senses... Stereolab have now defined and refined themselves to a point where they are almost invisible. [#211, p.53]
  6. It all sounds nice, but little sticks.
  7. Magnet
    10
    I don't know which Stereolab album is more nauseating: Sound-Dust or the last one. [#51, p.118]

See all 23 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. RyanC.
    Aug 26, 2001
    10
    Why would you rate this lower than a 10?
  2. JonathanG
    Feb 20, 2006
    10
    By far Stereolab's most interesting and emotional work. Amazing structural development, with interesting polyrhythms. The brilliance of By far Stereolab's most interesting and emotional work. Amazing structural development, with interesting polyrhythms. The brilliance of this is hidden just below the surface. Don't listen to the lazy critics who overlook this album. Expand
  3. GarvinG
    Sep 16, 2003
    10
    Stereolab once again produces an incredible original sound that allows for the mind to soar.
  4. MattV
    Mar 13, 2004
    10
    my favourite album of all time...absolutely beautiful...
  5. LeonardoF
    Oct 25, 2005
    10
    we'll miss you, mary.
  6. AdamP.
    Sep 21, 2001
    9
    wo-wo!
  7. Coob
    Dec 12, 2002
    9
    Can you believe Stereolab singer Mary Hansen in dead? I still can't believe it. They are such an innovative band and it is such a tragic Can you believe Stereolab singer Mary Hansen in dead? I still can't believe it. They are such an innovative band and it is such a tragic loss. Anyhow, Sound-Dust is amazing. Check it out! Expand