Summer In The Southeast
by Bonnie "Prince" Billy
  • Record Label: Sea Note
  • Release Date: Nov 15, 2005
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Delusions of Adequacy
    90
    Feels like an honest treat for longtime fans.
  2. Billboard
    80
    This is a live album the way it ought to be produced: sincere and surprising, a true alternative to your well-worn copies of the studio recordings.
  3. The A.V. Club
    80
    Like Greatest Palace Music, the new album demonstrates how Oldham's songs can stand up to varied interpretations, even if he's the one doing the interpreting.
  5. Uncut
    80
    It's a majestic transformation. [Dec 2005, p.102]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Q Magazine
    80
    Previously hushed, hymnal recordings are twisted into warming rock'n'roll. [Dec 2005, p.149]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Mojo
    80
    Finds an uncommonly energised Oldham ranging across his capacious back catalogue, his palpable enthusiasm manifesting in unlikely between-song whoops of joy. [Dec 2005, p.116]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. AllMusic
    80
    Country, garage rock, American poetic bile, and sheer venomous energy fuel this terrific set that ranks among Oldham's finest moments on record.
  9. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Just sloppy enough to make the magic seem magical--when they don't simply sound sloppy. [18 Nov 2005, p.135]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. Stylus Magazine
    75
    Summer succeeds largely because it forces Oldham’s songs into unfamiliar positions.
  11. Pitchfork
    71
    The album captures an anger and regret intense enough to nearly bruise listeners and attendees, but also manages to preserve the pristine trembles in Oldham's throat.
  12. Alternative Press
    60
    Sound[s] equally as interesting, but rarely as essential, as the studio material from which it's drawn. [Feb 2006, p.120]
    All this publication's reviews
  13. Paste Magazine
    60
    Oldham lacks the commanding vocal presence needed to convert delicate songs like "Master And Everyone" into shambling rock epics. [Feb/Mar 2006, p.110]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. New Musical Express (NME)
    50
    The spontaneous nature of this album isn't quite the asset it could be. [26 Nov 2005, p.45]
    All this publication's reviews
  15. PopMatters
    40
    Instead of amplifying and strengthening the already delicate structure of his songs, Oldham and company strangely strip the songs of any emotion.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. GoranZ
    Feb 20, 2006
    8
    Very different from his ordinary albums... much more relaxed... brings out the laid back side of his persoanlity.. making most of the songs Very different from his ordinary albums... much more relaxed... brings out the laid back side of his persoanlity.. making most of the songs much brighter sounding. However still keeps few essentialls dark as they should be, namely Wolf Among Wolves and I see a Darkness. Madeleine Mary is a wonderful as last sons on the album... leaving you wanting more.… Full Review »
  2. kyoko
    Dec 20, 2005
    4
    As a big fan of BPB, I was dissapointed upon listening to this album. I have seen seen him live three times, last time at McCabe's in As a big fan of BPB, I was dissapointed upon listening to this album. I have seen seen him live three times, last time at McCabe's in Santa Monica touring Superwolf- what a wonderful show...Will is quiet a prolific artist, Summer in the Southeast sound like a parody of his work- a deconstruction of the beauty and simplicity he seeks to create in his albums. Summer in the Southeast sounds more like a drunken time with pals, which is fun but certainly not his best or even a 10!… Full Review »
  3. BlowMe
    Dec 12, 2005
    10
    Great live cd. More rockin than most of Oldham's stuff, it is a great introduction of his work to newcomers.
See all user reviews »