The Age Of The Understatement
by The Last Shadow Puppets
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: May 6, 2008
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Q Magazine
    60
    The Age Of The Understatement is a frustrating thing shot through with clear signs of its authors' gifts, but too beholden to its influences where it should be stidendt and distinctive. [May 2008, p.125]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Rolling Stone
    60
    Turner's new side project, a collaboration with Miles Kane of Merseyside indie-poppers the Rascals, is a shameless nostalgia trip--and it's still compelling.
  3. Blender
    60
    The duo fight back with song after song full of cutting takedowns and brotherly wisdom--they get petty, they get mean, but aided by Arcade Fire orchestrator Owen Pallett, they turn their bitchfests into grandiose melodrama.
  5. Paste Magazine
    60
    This record is not for everybody--including, I suspect, the majority of Arctic Monkeys fans. Nonetheless, Turner deserves props for unleashing his inner Bowie and embracing artifice with such nerve and verve.
  6. NOW Magazine
    40
    This might be news to the Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner, but for every artist there’s a point where aspiration exceeds ability. The Last Shadow Puppets, his new studio dalliance with pal Miles Kane, have way overshot it on The Age Of The Understatement.

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Most Shared Album of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 68 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 68
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 68
  3. Negative: 2 out of 68
  1. sk
    May 7, 2008
    10
    A beautiful and inspiring album. definitely one of the greatest and most interesting releases of the year.
  2. Ricko
    Dec 28, 2013
    8
    A beautifully crafted record with some excellent production going on. The Last Shadow Puppets sees two obviously highly talented songwritersA beautifully crafted record with some excellent production going on. The Last Shadow Puppets sees two obviously highly talented songwriters joing forces. While the result is less than the sum of its parts and with Turner especially capable of more, the record fares well when considered as a side project. For the most part Turner's work with his motherband far surpass what he does here. While dealing with a style that could be likened to something from the late 50's/early 60's, remarkably it's the freshness of ideas and the production that impresses most with much of the album having a sound that falls somewhere between Scott Walker and The La's. "Staqnding Next To Me" and "Black Plant" stand out.… Full Review »
  3. ramona
    Feb 12, 2012
    8
    The band should be called The Last Shadow Puppets And Owen Pallett, because the work Owen did for this album is marvellous, as well as theThe band should be called The Last Shadow Puppets And Owen Pallett, because the work Owen did for this album is marvellous, as well as the beautiful songs that Alex turner and Miles Kane wrote. A wonderful side project for both!… Full Review »
See all user reviews »