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- Summary: Brian Deck (Modest Mouse) produced the Idaho singer-songwriter's fourth album and major-label debut.
- Record Label: V2
- Genre(s): Indie, Rock, Singer-Songwriter
- More Details and Credits »
Score distribution:
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Positive: 10 out of 13
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Mixed: 3 out of 13
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Negative: 0 out of 13
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An album that sounds simultaneously deeply personal and in tune with confusing times.
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Entertainment WeeklyHe finally has the sumptuous, sweeping arrangements to go along with his ruminative road stories and stream-of-consciousness, Dylanesque folk. [14 Apr 2006, p.86]
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The Animal Years feels effortless.
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MojoDespite having some of Ritter's least introspective lyrics, there are some of his most emotionally affecting songs. [Apr 2006, p.98]
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UncutThere's a tendency to drift rather than fully engage, but... "Wolves" and... "Thin Blue Line"... dazzle with poetic imagery and invention. [Apr 2006, p.102]
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The New York TimesThrough previous albums, his love songs and narratives have grown ever more phantasmagorical, and now he's writing oracular meditations. Love and war, faith and music, restlessness and a longing for home pervade his new songs, which might turn pretentious if they weren't so grounded in folky melody. [10 Apr 2006]
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He establishes grand lyrical arches, overworked symbols, and Deep Meaning. Problem is, he forgets any of the emotion, realism, or originality that would make anyone care.
Score distribution:
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Positive: 19 out of 20
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Mixed: 0 out of 20
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Negative: 1 out of 20
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Aug 6, 2011
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AlexKMay 5, 2006One of the best blendings of atmospheric swells, rootsy grit and shuffle, and smart, story-telling lyrics I've ever heard. He is amazing.
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TripSOct 4, 2006Best CD of 2006, hands down, and Ritter's breakthrough album.
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MattApr 13, 2006
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AndrewGJun 29, 2006
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Feb 2, 2012
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TecloEApr 29, 2006Horrible music.
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