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  • Release Date:
Spelled In Bones Image
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

  • Summary: The Chicago band led by Eric Johnson (sometimes of Califone) returns with a third album.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Saying that the man knows his way around a hook is an understatement: he throws hooks around like an incandescent bulb does photons.
  2. Spelled in Bones digs further into Johnson's fondness for '70s songsmiths and production. Gone are Mouthfuls producer Brian Deck's glassy casements and miles of space, replaced here by a sound more rooted and wood-grained.
  3. It may be a remarkably summery album, but it has enough charm and depth for year-round listening.
  4. Uncut
    70
    Tighter and woodier-sounding than 2003's Mouthfuls. [Oct 2005, p.102]
  5. While Bones isn't as instantly accessible as its predecessor, it certainly provides more to mull over.
  6. Spelled in Bones, their most polished effort, teeters near soporific. And that's a shame, because it houses some of the band's best songs.
  7. Alternative Press
    40
    Second-rate Shins. [Aug 2005, p.164]

See all 17 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. funkink
    Apr 16, 2006
    10
    I don't think its quite as good as previous albums, but after seeing them live I can't not love it.
  2. Dale
    Sep 27, 2005
    10
    The perfection of this CD is unvailed the more one listens to it. Saw their live on-stage performance which cemented my rating.
  3. CaslaL
    Jul 27, 2005
    9
    Hey people....a must have! More poppie than predecesors, equal charming!
  4. OttoZ
    Sep 28, 2006
    9
    Fun, lively, interesting.
  5. Drub
    Aug 4, 2005
    9
    I Love it great album
  6. BrianH
    Sep 18, 2005
    8
    Great record. Very epic. Wish it was longer. Some songs have a little cheese at the beginning they beef out into a great track. Get their Great record. Very epic. Wish it was longer. Some songs have a little cheese at the beginning they beef out into a great track. Get their first 2 records. Plus search out the Vinyl only release. great sound. These guys should tour with Bob Dylan Expand