The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place
by Explosions in the Sky
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 126 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 112 out of 126
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 126
  3. Negative: 12 out of 126

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  1. TraceyR
    Jan 10, 2007
    10
    Sublime
  2. LoganB
    May 16, 2005
    10
    Your Hand in Mine is one of the best songs I've ever heard
  3. ArmandT
    Sep 1, 2006
    9
    Like all post-rock albums, this album requires some patience. And all the songs employ the same compositional pormula. Get past that, however, and prepare to be drawn into a 45-minute emotional trip.
  4. MikeC
    Jan 20, 2010
    10
    An incredible accomplishment, every song on the album is gold. It all just flows so perfectly.
  5. sigurdiego
    Dec 29, 2003
    10
    impresionant!
  6. SeamusS
    Apr 3, 2006
    10
    The Single Greatest Post-Rock Album Ever Made
  7. JorgeS.
    Jan 20, 2004
    10
    45 minutes of jawdropping beauty, with 'Six Days at the Bottom of the Ocean' as the centerpiece of this magnificent album.
  8. [Anonymous]
    Jan 7, 2004
    10
    ANYTHING by this band is moving. I strongly recommend that anyone who appreciates music to take a look.
  9. j
    Jul 10, 2004
    9
    Gorgeous, cascading sheets of sound. The wordless grace of "Your Hand in Mine" moves me to tears every time
  10. SigurRos
    Oct 3, 2005
    10
    First breath after coma=perfection made song
  11. DeclanM.
    Sep 27, 2007
    9
    very interesting and well worth investigating more accessible than godspeed and similar to Mogwai without vocals.
  12. RobertA
    Jan 9, 2004
    9
    Great. Explosive.
  13. AlexL
    May 7, 2004
    10
    I haven't taken this CD out of my CD player for 6 weeks. This is truly an amazing album.
  14. IanD
    Aug 8, 2005
    10
    Whilst there is little that can be said about "post rock" that hasn't been said before, there is a wealth of emotion stirred up by this long-player; feelings that haven't been stroked since "Emperor Tomato Ketchup" or "Lift Yr. Skinny Fists...". Comparisons with other bands are out of the question, it is other bands who should be compared to EITS. A startling wake-up call to all Whilst there is little that can be said about "post rock" that hasn't been said before, there is a wealth of emotion stirred up by this long-player; feelings that haven't been stroked since "Emperor Tomato Ketchup" or "Lift Yr. Skinny Fists...". Comparisons with other bands are out of the question, it is other bands who should be compared to EITS. A startling wake-up call to all those who have preconceptions about experimental music.… Expand
  15. cocot
    Feb 10, 2007
    10
    This album makes me want to live and die at the same time.
  16. AndyW
    Nov 19, 2005
    10
    The whole album is a real masterpiece. Not only does the emotion and the production stand out, but there is not one single weak track on this record. Every song is an outstanding piece, and they've blown my mind in so many ways. It's even so hard to try and pick the best song off it, because every song is well done in their own way. Explosions In the Sky will always be The whole album is a real masterpiece. Not only does the emotion and the production stand out, but there is not one single weak track on this record. Every song is an outstanding piece, and they've blown my mind in so many ways. It's even so hard to try and pick the best song off it, because every song is well done in their own way. Explosions In the Sky will always be remembered for this outstanding record.… Expand
  17. MartyM
    Dec 26, 2006
    10
    The only album I have given a 10 to. Amazing stuff. Takes me to a place that I never knew existed.
  18. RyanB
    Mar 28, 2006
    10
    at times Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place is relaxing enough and beautiful enough to let me look at my life objectively and be absolutely content. At other times it gets so powerful i can't sit still. i don't know whether to run down the street or fall to my knees. it's like the 5 song soundtrack to the most important 46 minutes of my life.
  19. ThomasvonPaul
    Jan 17, 2012
    10
    Throughout this album the first time I listened to it I felt nostalgic, cathartic, and even on the verge of tears. It has remained a part of my life since.
  20. InstantStreet
    Aug 17, 2013
    10
    This record really means a lot to me. It's a whole movie, a whole story without any words. Every time you listen, another movie unfolds. It's incredible, believe me.
  21. LaurieA
    Aug 17, 2004
    10
    The best album i have ever heard! and i have heard many. They come up with the best parts that i thought i guitar could handle. I have their second Cd and that is just as good, i have also heard some of the stuff from their first album 'How strange, innocence' and every riff and loop i have heard have been great and peaceful. Keep it up guys From Laurie
  22. EricD
    Dec 8, 2005
    10
    The bombast and instrumentation of Mogwai meets the compositions and epic nature of Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Perfect. No time is wasted on techinca noisel wankery or unrecognizable vocal snippets.
  23. EmilieP
    Apr 10, 2005
    9
    It's like having a dream about flying.
  24. josak
    Nov 4, 2006
    10
    This is an amazing, gorgeus album, and one of my favorites of all time. I can almost guarantee that if your an open-minded person, you'll love this band. Highly recommended.
  25. MitchM
    Oct 2, 2006
    10
    Flat out amazing. Everything is done perfectly.
  26. jamesl
    Feb 25, 2007
    10
    stunning
  27. MaxC
    May 19, 2009
    9
    Everytime I hear this album, I look up reviews for it. How is it not mentioned more? It is an amazing album and while I agree its not on the same level as Sigur Ros...Its miles beyond anything else. Highly Recommended.
  28. JonF
    Jan 12, 2004
    8
    Though not as emotionally compelling as their previous album ("Those Who Tell the Truth..."); "The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place" still ranks as one of the best of 2003. EITS' songwriting abilities continue to improve as an ensemble and this album is an excellent second effort from a promising and talented group of guys (who all happen to be extremely nice fellows). The album is Though not as emotionally compelling as their previous album ("Those Who Tell the Truth..."); "The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place" still ranks as one of the best of 2003. EITS' songwriting abilities continue to improve as an ensemble and this album is an excellent second effort from a promising and talented group of guys (who all happen to be extremely nice fellows). The album is brilliant yet I found some of the instrumentation a little repetitive. Having said that it has not left my car cd player for more than a day or two since I purchased it four months ago. … Expand
  29. juniorb
    Nov 18, 2005
    10
    description: post rock with the distinguished calm to explosion guitar and drum sections. This is an amazing, emotional, introspective, powerful, and hopefilled album. EITS just has an epic sense of music and feeling. JUST GET IT!
  30. roxyM
    Jul 31, 2007
    10
    poignant and moving like nothing else in contemporary music. it makes me have hope for music of the future.
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Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best Album of 2003
32
#32 Most Discussed Album of 2003
58
#58 Most Shared Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Almost Cool
    80
    There are a lot of groups out there doing this sort of music, but not very many doing it this well.
    Read full review
  2. Pitchfork
    77
    One of the most impressive aspects of The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place is that it feels constantly in flux, growing and transforming with every note.
    Read full review
  3. Blender
    40
    The quartet fills out the album by executing almost eactly the same formula [as the first track] four more times... and the dramatic shock wears off quickly. [Jan 2004, p.103]
See all critic reviews »