Tears Of The Valedictorian Image
  • Summary: This is the fourth full-length for the Canadian indie-rock band led by Carey Mercer (also of Swan Lake).
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. One listen to Tears of the Valedictorian confirms the group's uncanny talent for creating manic, beautiful and upsetting songs that seem to exist wholly for themselves.
  2. Tears of the Valedictorian is easily one of the best records of the year.
  3. Before, the most crazed cacophony could impossibly capitulate into swooning grandeur, but now that disparity just isn't so striking. The dynamic is still in play, but with the edges rounded off, any tension is diminished.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 3 out of 20
  1. Amortortak
    10
    The Krug/Bejar/Mercer triumvirate is the best thing going in indie rock these days. Sure this record can sound like a pointless squall of noise before you've figured it out, but that's kinda why it's so great...the rewards to figuring it out are considerable. I can't think of a better song than "Bushels". Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. ShaneequaJ
    10
    It sounds messy at first, but after a few listens, Tears of the Valedictorian grows on you and becomes an amazing experience.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. PaulC
    2
    This album sounds like what would happen if you played three Bowie albums at once. I can't take much of it without wanting to make ch-ch-ch-changes to an album that is actually good. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 20 User Reviews

  1. Loveless [Reissue] - My Bloody Valentine
    Metascore: 96
  2. Ram [Deluxe Edition] - Paul & Linda McCartney
    Metascore: 93
  3. L.A. Woman - The Doors
    Metascore: 93
  4. On the Impossible Past - The Menzingers
    Metascore: 93
  5. Biokinetics [Reissue] - Porter Ricks
    Metascore: 93
  6. Bitch Magnet - Bitch Magnet
    Metascore: 91
  7. Reform Club - Claro Intelecto
    Metascore: 89
  8. Be Good - Gregory Porter
    Metascore: 89
  9. Crown and Treaty - Sweet Billy Pilgrim
    Metascore: 88
  10. 1992-2012 - Underworld
    Metascore: 88
  11. Undun - The Roots
    Metascore: 88
  12. Accelerando - Vijay Iyer Trio
    Metascore: 87
  13. R.A.P. Music - Killer Mike
    Metascore: 87
  14. Voices from the Lake - Voices from the Lake
    Metascore: 87
  15. The Earn - Yu
    Metascore: 86
  16. Europe - Allo Darlin'
    Metascore: 86
  17. Young Man In America - Anais Mitchell
    Metascore: 86
  18. Vee Vee [Remastered] - Archers of Loaf
    Metascore: 86
  19. Metascore: 86
  20. Locked Down - Dr. John
    Metascore: 86