Sun and Shade
by Woods
  • Record Label: Woodsist
  • Release Date: Jun 14, 2011
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. AllMusic
    Jun 14, 2011
    90
    Basically, Woods have put it all together on Sun and Shade, matching inspiration with performance and crafting their best record yet, one that will stand with the great folk-psych albums of the past 40 years, from the Notorious Byrd Brothers to the Rain Parade's Emergency Third Rail Power Trip to Either/Or to now.
  2. BBC Music
    Jun 24, 2011
    80
    At their most stripped-back, Woods have always been arresting – but here they realize some of their most beautiful work yet.
  3. Beats Per Minute
    Jun 16, 2011
    82
    In the end, Sun And Shade proves far more complex than the label of psych-folk would indicate, to the point that its small flaws are easily forgivable.
  5. Consequence
    Jun 10, 2011
    80
    While there's still a sense of DIY sound on Sun and Shade, the focus of the music has a much more communal feel.
  6. Drowned In Sound
    Jun 21, 2011
    70
    If At Echo Lake hit the jackpot, Sun & Shade is more hit and miss. Still, I wouldn't have it any other way.
  7. Filter
    Jun 14, 2011
    82
    Unlike other bands in the Woodsist family, the handmade quality has become less perceptible and more meditative with Sun & Shade, allowing noisier elements to puncture subtly through the foursome's songcraft.
  8. Paste Magazine
    Jun 21, 2011
    68
    There's much to be said for any band that can cover so much sonic territory in 12 tracks and 45 minutes. But next time, Woods should aim for enough sound to fill one dusty, neglected '60s LP-not an entire cratefull.
  9. Pitchfork
    Jun 10, 2011
    79
    Despite their ultra-slack style and prodigious output, nothing about them says "half-assed," so it's another year, another fine Woods album.
  10. Prefix Magazine
    Jun 14, 2011
    85
    Here they've proved that their success isn't all charm or happenstance. Woods have gotten to this point by following every creative impulse, and they seemingly have a million more possibilities stretching out ahead.
  11. The A.V. Club
    Jun 14, 2011
    75
    While Sun And Shade might feel a bit familiar in places, this return trip to a sonic realm so warm and inviting is similarly pleasing.
  12. The New York Times
    Jun 14, 2011
    80
    Sun & Shade, Woods's sixth full-length album, has a spine under its breathable fabrics. It's full of tough, engaging songs, with lyrics that flirt with the uncertain.
  13. Uncut
    Jul 28, 2011
    80
    Jeremy Earl's endearing falsetto and excellent songwriting holds it all together. Aug 2011, p.107]
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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. brockcheese
    Jul 13, 2016
    8
    This album is not as good as their previous effort, Echo Park, but it still is an immensely satisfying folk pop record that gets a littleThis album is not as good as their previous effort, Echo Park, but it still is an immensely satisfying folk pop record that gets a little bogged down by the lengthier instrumentals.… Full Review »
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