Sunbathing Animal
by Parquet Courts
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
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  1. Mojo
    Jul 24, 2014
    60
    This will thrill those who believe Pavement's best album was their first. [Jul 2014, p.86]
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  2. Record Collector
    Jul 1, 2014
    60
    Another mix of sloppy slacker-pop, warped, indie jangles and insolent post-punk expressionism, Sunbathing Animal nevertheless feels more assured of itself than its acclaimed predecessor.
  3. Q Magazine
    Jun 13, 2014
    60
    Themes of displacement, disillusion, and druggy ennui speak of a band who are no longer enjoying themselves. A shame, because when singer Andrew Savage shakes himself free from the torpor, his anger becomes an energy. [Jul 2014, p.112]
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  5. The Guardian
    Jun 5, 2014
    60
    It's a world that starts to feel repetitive after a while; and so when they do try something different, it pays off.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 46
  3. Negative: 1 out of 46
  1. RadioheadLuv17
    Apr 10, 2016
    10
    Parquet Court's Light Up Gold was constantly compared to Wire, Television, The Velvets & Pavement. Luckily on Sunbathing Animal they'veParquet Court's Light Up Gold was constantly compared to Wire, Television, The Velvets & Pavement. Luckily on Sunbathing Animal they've managed to attain these band's most memorable qualities while creating a sound that is uniquely theirs: a mix Americana, punk, rockabilly and drone through the perspective of mature post-collegiate fanboys. They've made a record that sounds like their influences: not like one in particular, but a record that could have been released in the same era and deserves the same classic status.

    "Dear Ramona" and "Raw Milk" are meandering slacker-era ballads with twin guitars, and fragmented, cryptic yet sincere ruminations on mundane details of everyday life and the intense emotions that plague us during these daily routines. "Instant Disassembly" on the other hand is a epic that is content to merely exist in a sun-bleached part of the conscious. "Sunbathing Animal" and "Dodging And Ducking" use brutal simplicity to make a focused and incredibly effective barrage of words and sculpted noise.    … Full Review »
  2. exodus9237
    Sep 21, 2014
    8
    When I first listened to Light Up Gold, I was greatly amazed. By that time I haven't had heard something like Parquet Courts. That album wasWhen I first listened to Light Up Gold, I was greatly amazed. By that time I haven't had heard something like Parquet Courts. That album was amazing, with a Pavement kind of mood, and a simple punk approach, it was really fun. In Sunbathing Animal I heard a very important change: maturity. It's true that in some cases it doesn't benefits the album, that's why it goes a little lower than Light Up Gold, however in most cases it really makes it better. Songs like Instant Disassembly and Raw Milk, have great melodies and more mature lyrics, and we have our share of art-punk in great songs like Ducking & Dodging and Black and White. Sunbathing Animal is a well-done new approach that only tells us that Parquet Courts are here to stay.… Full Review »
  3. adhamhany
    Jul 2, 2014
    7
    I like these guys. Their last album (Light Up Gold) was fun. This is a fine addition to their discography, and a good album for any fan ofI like these guys. Their last album (Light Up Gold) was fun. This is a fine addition to their discography, and a good album for any fan of rock. The tracks i enjoyed the most are "Instant Disassembly" and "Dear Ramona". They have beautiful lyrics as well as music.… Full Review »
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