Strange Weather, Isn't It?
by !!! [Chik Chik Chik]
  • Record Label: Warp
  • Release Date: Aug 24, 2010
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
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  1. Uncut
    60
    The group's fourth, recorded in Berlin, pulls a few new shapes but a lack of any truly transcendent moments suggests a group destined to remain middleweights. [Sep 2010, p.83]
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  2. PopMatters
    40
    Strange Weather is like a middling dance mix; its 10 tracks merging into a puddle of differing shades of grey that happens to have a kicking heartbeat.
  3. Mojo
    60
    US party band !!!'s fourth is a holiday record, full of movement and heat and things that feel tired and cheesy at home, but are good, sleazy fun when you're away. [Sep 2010, p.98]
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  5. Q Magazine
    60
    This is a collection of grooves rather than songs, but there's depth. [Sept. 2010, p. 113]
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  6. Under The Radar
    60
    This time !!! remembered to bring the party, but they forgot the favors that fans have come to expect--grooves that make the body explode into dance spasms. [Summer 2010, p.76]
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  7. Drowned In Sound
    60
    These layered, multi-directional numbers stand out rather than fit in. On either side are tunes a little too straightforward, big ideas a little too self-contained to really mesh in the way you want them to.
  8. Spin
    60
    The sonic expansion is admirable, but perhaps a trip to Miami--instead of Berlin, where some of Weather was recorded--might've been a better atmospheric adjustment.
  9. Slant Magazine
    40
    Simply put, Strange Weather, Isn't It? is beat for the sake of beat. !!! has certainly mastered the means of dance-rock, but they haven't mastered the ends.
  10. Dusted Magazine
    50
    They're going through the motions, you can't get into it, and then it's over, just like that. Strange Weather, Isn't It? is a party where everyone looks like they're having fun.
  11. The Wire
    50
    There's nothing on their fourth album that couldn't have been recorded in the early to mid-1980s. [Sep 2010, p.50]
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  12. Urb
    60
    Berlin's long-running tendency toward grit-glitz, which musicians from Bowie to Peaches have channeled in their work, is the inspiration for this fourth record of functional fun.

Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Most Shared Album of 2010

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. MikeColina
    Dec 9, 2010
    2
    A tedious minimal-electro-pop record delivered by this Sacramento Ca. band, that helps as a shopping, or elevator background music. It justA tedious minimal-electro-pop record delivered by this Sacramento Ca. band, that helps as a shopping, or elevator background music. It just causes the boring reaction, because of its way, using almost the same regular tempo while trying to make a tribute to the disco, electro & funk records. Beware of the singer who tries to be "sexy" and stylish, 7 people on his band and no one stoped him? A perfect gift for your friend the clothes store clerk... a burned copy of course.… Full Review »
  2. doancia
    Nov 18, 2010
    10
    I must be getting old, but I am finding most of the critics out of touch with what I find great this year. Strange Weather is tyher case inI must be getting old, but I am finding most of the critics out of touch with what I find great this year. Strange Weather is tyher case in point: Is it as fresh as their earlier works? No. Is it a great pop record? Damn straight it is. Great on the stereo and the idevice, it'll make your day a happy one.… Full Review »
  3. brownallaround
    Sep 28, 2010
    8
    For a band that seemed to be on the verge of collapse after two untimely deaths and some departing members, !!! are more focused than ever onFor a band that seemed to be on the verge of collapse after two untimely deaths and some departing members, !!! are more focused than ever on Strange Weather, Isn't It? I like the focus on solid grooves that form the basis of every track on the album. The late Jerry Fuchs provides his tight drumming talent on "The Hammer" and "The Most Certain Sure" sounds like something you'd see Dirk Diggler dancing to at Boogie Nights. It goes by rather quickly at about 40 minutes, but there isn't one weak song to be found.… Full Review »
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