Swing Lo Magellan - Dirty Projectors
Swing Lo Magellan Image
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 41 Critics What's this?

User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 68 Ratings

  • Summary: The sixth album for the experimental indie rock band was recorded in Delaware County in New York state and produced by the band's lead singer, Dave Longstreth.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 41
  2. Negative: 0 out of 41
  1. Jul 10, 2012
    91
    By the dazzlingly innovative and heartfelt record's end, the band has worked in a bit of everything it has to offer, and offered it with winning sincerity.
  2. Jul 12, 2012
    80
    The Dirty Projectors are still fantastic weirdos making fantastically weird music, but Swing Lo Magellan humanizes them by letting you see through to their heartstrings.
  3. Aug 8, 2012
    80
    Sometimes brilliant, often infuriating, it's a must-check nonetheless.
  4. Jul 25, 2012
    60
    It's the amped-up riff in the middle of Offspring Are Blank that best sums up their playful approach. They often flex their muscles without feeling the need to land a killer blow. [Aug 2012, p.97]

See all 41 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. More approachable than Bitte Orca, but just as carefully crafted. This album's pleasantness does not detract from its artistry, and its artistry does not impede its pleasantness. Hardcore Dirty Projectors fans may need a couple extra spins to appreciate the changes in Longstreth's songwriting, but this is a truly excellent album. Expand
  2. Really great album. The Dirty Projectors kinda switched out the adventurous nature of Bitte Orca for some straight up pop songs. The harmonies, squiggly guitar, and quirky percussion are still there though not as daring and bold as previous efforts. They still do it better than anyone else in the game so they really only have themselves to beat but clearly they weren't out to make another Bitte Orca so don't hold it against them. The playfulness on songs like "Unto Caeser" is refreshing and the general sing-along tone of the album is communicated through David Longstreth's undeniable knack for melody. Even in the quite moments like "Impregnable Question" and "Irresponsible Tune" Longstreth shows that hes not above cryptic lyrics and intricate instrumentation all the time. The album cover is also the best of the year so far and displays quite a funny scenario. I feel the caption should read "yeah were in a rock band..ya know...with guitars and stuff". Expand
  3. If you're hoping for Bitte Orca Pt. Deux, this is certainly not it, but this release shows the most straightforward songwriting Dave Longstreth has ever conjured up. When paired with a decent level of experimental dabbling in the forms of quirky drum machines, lovable childish handclaps, and of course some very impressive female harmonies, this album is the lovechild of the two very different halves of its mastermind's brain. Swing Lo Magellan is no game-changer in the Longstreth discography; in fact, comparing it to other works is counterproductive. It's a standalone batch of solid, brave rock songs that is very much enjoyable in its own context. Expand
  4. THIS BAND SUUUUUUUUCKS!!!! Just watched them on letterman and I cannot believe he has fallen into the despair of having to play bands that labels force feed on us. They were out of harmony sounded whiny and down right suck!!! I'm now embarrassed to admit that I am from Brooklyn. Lets cross our fingers and wish for a major bus accident or plane crash that wipes them off the charts Expand

See all 9 User Reviews