Strange Geometry
by The Clientele
  • Record Label: Merge
  • Release Date: Oct 11, 2005
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14

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  1. [Anonymous]
    Feb 2, 2007
    10
    I have been waiting for an album like this since the 60s ended.
  2. michaelk
    Oct 19, 2006
    9
    I'm a child of the 60's and the Clientele certainly bring back some great memories of that time .The songs are crisp and well thought out.Together with Coldplay good music lives on.
  3. JC
    Jan 1, 2006
    10
    The track bookends sum up the album: 'Since K Got Over Me' was single of the year. 'Six of Spades' contains a melody most other songwriters would repeat over and over to milk and convince you it is brilliant. The Clientele use it sparingly, so the song breaks up into a cloud of organs, leaving the listener wanting to repeat the whole album, just to earn this moment again.
  4. DarrylD
    Nov 22, 2005
    10
    Have you ever run your open palm against fresh velvet? The sheen, the soft skin massage, the lush invitation to send more of your flesh its way. Well, your ears deserve some of the action...via alexander palace.
  5. jakek
    Nov 11, 2005
    4
    I'm a huge fan of everything the band has done, but I can't quite turn the corner on this one. Maclean's songwriting is dumbed down and has been replaced with a coat of studio gloss. The result is an album that has style to burn (Phillipe's string arrangements are often stunning), but ultimately just a lot of spinning wheels. Where'd the depth go, lads?
  6. Drea
    Nov 5, 2005
    9
    What is enchanting about this albums is that it's such a great one to listen to during windy, cold long fall evenings.. It creates a special, warm and melancholic atmosphere that you could share around with anyone - a stranger, best friend or just for yourself.
  7. lovers
    Oct 28, 2005
    4
    While I'm big fan of absolutely magical Suburban Light compilation, both Clientele's studio albums do nothing for me, especially this latest one. Magic has long time gone, as they say.
  8. DavidR
    Oct 15, 2005
    9
    This band has perfected their little drugged out, late 60s pop sound on this album. Great for lazy days where all you want to do is drift in and out of a blissful sleep.
  9. BradE
    Oct 14, 2005
    10
    Outstanding! A nice combination of sublime sound and literate lyrics. Like previous Clientele works, they put forth a unique sound, despite the 60's influences. Like all good music, it takes one to a special, ideal setting that's difficult to describe.
  10. daxr
    Oct 14, 2005
    9
    i've been a fan of the clientele for about four years or so, and was really enthralled with many of the early singles, and then wasn't as excited about and was a little let down by the violet hour. i forgot about them entirely until the other day when i found out they were releasing a new record. this is it, people. a great record. it cuts down the reverb on alasdair i've been a fan of the clientele for about four years or so, and was really enthralled with many of the early singles, and then wasn't as excited about and was a little let down by the violet hour. i forgot about them entirely until the other day when i found out they were releasing a new record. this is it, people. a great record. it cuts down the reverb on alasdair mclean's vocals a bit, which helps the accessibility of the sound. the songs are just great.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

100
#100 Best Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Pitchfork
    86
    The slight nods to accessibility and the decreased stylization might disappoint some of the faithful at first, but Strange Geometry grows more appealing with repeated listening.
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  2. AllMusic
    80
    Despite a few sleepy moments on the album's second half, Strange Geometry has more flair and movement than Violet Hour, and perfects the band's ability to be uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time.
    Read full review
  3. Dusted Magazine
    80
    Here’s a band so fond of their particular brand of mid-tempo dream pop that they do not feel compelled to try anything else. At least they take the time to be particularly observant as they comb their territory.
    Read full review
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