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The Difference Between Me And You Is That I'm Not On Fire Image
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

  • Summary: Steve Albini returns as producer for the Welsh indie-punk trio's third album.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Spin
    83
    Cryptic and cutting. [Aug 2004, p.108]
  2. It’s 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Q Magazine
    70
    Mclusky are unique and getting better. [Jul 2004, p.118]
  6. Blender
    60
    This set bogs down when the band flaunts its slow-chug technique at the expense of hooks and jokes. [#27, p.139]

See all 15 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. CraigL
    May 21, 2004
    10
    Album of the year. Nobody can match the rockingness, catchiness, or mega hilariousness of McLusky. The greatest band alive.
  2. Jan 10, 2012
    10
    MikeH really did judge this LP way too fast. Whilst the 2 previous McLusky LP's were immediately accessible, with catchy little 'pop tunes',MikeH really did judge this LP way too fast. Whilst the 2 previous McLusky LP's were immediately accessible, with catchy little 'pop tunes', this is a far deeper, harder offering. Gone are the bouncy, nursery-rhyming, replaced by something far harder, more mature & with balls twice as big & hairy. I was definitely taken aback by it, it wasn't what I was expecting, but it soon grew on me & now feel that it stands up against their previous two outings, it's just dressed differently . . . and gave us a glimpse as to where Falco would go with the fabulous & awesome FOTL. Expand
  3. Nov 13, 2020
    9
    Metacritic where's the other mclusky albums?? Their final proper album before the mcluskyism best of/rarities boxset is a beast of an album,Metacritic where's the other mclusky albums?? Their final proper album before the mcluskyism best of/rarities boxset is a beast of an album, it's not as tuneful and immediate as the two albums that preceded it but if you a fan of noise rock and are willing to give it a few listens then this album is a truly hideously beautiful piece of art. Expand
  4. SeamusF
    Jun 14, 2004
    9
    Sounding more like a follow-up to Queens of the Stone Age's excellent "Songs for the Deaf" than their own breakthough "Mclusky Do Sounding more like a follow-up to Queens of the Stone Age's excellent "Songs for the Deaf" than their own breakthough "Mclusky Do Dallas," this band seems ready to challenge for the punk-metal crown. While "Dallas" was more about talking credible, gangsta-esqe trash to other bands, "Difference" brings forward recent and historical influences -- listen for notes of The Fall, Nirvana, and the Sex Pistols, without really ripping off any of those. Trust me, this is a good thing. This is a band that's coming into its own, and one I'm looking forward to enjoying in the years ahead. Expand
  5. markf
    May 20, 2004
    8
    Thank you, Metacritic for finally including Mclusky (that's the correct spelling.) I think that you undeinterpreted DIY's rating, Thank you, Metacritic for finally including Mclusky (that's the correct spelling.) I think that you undeinterpreted DIY's rating, but no biggie. I probably give this one about an 8.5, but I think "Mclusky Do Dallas" is stronger even though that album told everyone to "F**K This Band.' This new album basically has Mclusky telling EVERYBODY to F**k themselves, we don't give a shit. All Mclusky seems to want to do is fry their bassline into your brain and hope that you will repeat their mantra that "our ex-singer is a sex criminal." Of course, the fact that they can make such complete horse-pucky so convincing is part of their charm, and I do mean charm. Female punks will have to converge at Mclusky concerts. I'd better stop before I either sound too sexist or some kinda enterpreneur. Collapse
  6. MikeH
    Jun 28, 2004
    2
    This is Mcluskys first album with new drummer Jack Eggleston. Apart from Kkkitchens the album is a tuneless pile of crap. Hard to believe This is Mcluskys first album with new drummer Jack Eggleston. Apart from Kkkitchens the album is a tuneless pile of crap. Hard to believe this is the same band who released "Lightsabre cocksucking blues". Just goes to show how important a good drummer is. Fuck this band...they've had their day. Expand