by
McLusky
- Record Label: Beggars Banquet / Too Pure
- Release Date: May 18, 2004
- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
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Dark and delightful.
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SpinCryptic and cutting. [Aug 2004, p.108]
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Its darker in tone than its predecessor and it sounds meaner and more sarcastic in spirit. And while Steve Albini is back at the dials on production, Fire sounds so raw it leaves you with the impression that he tackled every track individually with a power-sander.
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An invigorating and glorious mess of undistilled Rock fury.
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Its good fun, its a scream, and it stands up well to the likes of '...Do Dallas'.
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Alternative PressThere are a number of joyous moments of six-string clang and rhythmic dynamism... that are positively invigorating. [Aug 2004, p.104]
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Occasionally sounding like an air-raid in progress, as in 1956 And All That, Mclusky fortunately prove to be more than a one trick pony by the time grinding, pulsing closer Support Systems draws to an end.
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Granted, there are still "classic" two-minute exercises in self-immolation (the bleak "Icarus Smicarus" and pulverizing "Lucky Jim" stand out), but nothing that exceeds -- or approaches -- Dallas' chaotic brew.
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Unfortunately, "She Will Only Bring You Happiness" isn't a single, and there a dozen other tracks to account for, none of which live up to that song's pop splendor, and few of which even come close.
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Q MagazineMclusky are unique and getting better. [Jul 2004, p.118]
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If the fact that Albini seems to bury Falkous yelps behind too much dissonance bothers you, theres plenty of joyous wreckage to revel in.
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A varied and engaging record, The Difference... still lacks the immediacy of Dallas, though the group continues to exude the same appealingly unhinged qualities that made their previous album so damnedably riveting.
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MagnetIt sounds industrial on paper but comes off more like a hybrid of post-punk and noise pop. [#64, p.100]
User score distribution:
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Positive: 8 out of 9
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Mixed: 0 out of 9
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Negative: 1 out of 9
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SeamusFJun 14, 2004
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CraigLMay 21, 2004Album of the year. Nobody can match the rockingness, catchiness, or mega hilariousness of McLusky. The greatest band alive.
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markfMay 20, 2004