Spirit Stereo Frequency
by All Night Radio
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Feb 17, 2004
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Think the Polyphonic Spree, minus the robes and choir theatrics. [27 Feb 2004, p.98]
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  2. Billboard
    80
    "Spirit Stereo Frequency" unburies the dark side of this wistfulness by scrambling it with deep bouts of psychedelia and ghostly falsetto croons. The result is a debut that captures the vicissitudes of the past with greater authenticity and interesting sonic flair.
  3. Mojo
    80
    Old skool studio wizardry abounds. [Mar 2004, p.107]
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  5. Pitchfork
    78
    Just as fuzzy and unpredictable as its namesake suggests, with high, hissing vocals, archaic-gone-futuristic blips, pedal steel, keyboards, glockenspiel, and a barrage of other noisemakers helping to build a thick, spacy stretch of soft 60s psychedelia.
  6. Stylus Magazine
    70
    Jacked up on myriad assembly-line noises, mechanical tinkerings, and golden acoustic guitar strumming, they manage their melodies with a deftness that keeps them loose and limber in the quiet assault of the underlying density.
  7. The A.V. Club
    70
    Listening to Spirit Stereo Frequency is like driving through an area of broadcast clutter and getting simultaneous sonic bleed from three or four stations, at least two of which are playing The Shins.
  8. Delusions of Adequacy
    70
    Spirit Stereo Frequency is an entirely mature album that is not afraid to have fun.
  9. Alternative Press
    70
    All Night Radio broadcast more personality than [Beachwood Sparks]--and frame it with a maniacal smile. [Apr 2004, p.88]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. markf
    Apr 28, 2004
    8
    It's as if the most psychedelic parts of The Beatles, The Byrds and Pink Floyd got interpreted through the sensibilities of The It's as if the most psychedelic parts of The Beatles, The Byrds and Pink Floyd got interpreted through the sensibilities of The Avalanches. This seems more forward-sounding than Beachwood Sparks, which I enjoy. I'm sure I've missed something, but to my ears, "Fall Down 7" is so unique that it basically left me speechless. There are some "straight" songs but they don't seem quite as interesting as the rest of the long, strange trip.… Full Review »
  2. GashlyS
    Mar 8, 2004
    10
    A modern classic that will take some time for the masses to accept.
  3. StuB
    Mar 8, 2004
    10
    Needs work, but super dope!!
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