The Flower Lane
by Ducktails
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Jan 29, 2013
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 32
  3. Negative: 1 out of 32
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  1. Pretty Much Amazing
    Feb 11, 2013
    50
    Its songwriting, production, and delivery harbor no risks, and therefore the album safely passes by its listeners without leaving anything but a want for something a little more lively.
  2. Sputnikmusic
    Feb 4, 2013
    54
    It just lacks in a hallmark of all prior Ducktails releases: imagination.
  3. The Quietus
    Feb 1, 2013
    50
    The Flower Lane is far from a failed endeavour, but something special has been lost in the graduation from bedroom to studio.
  5. PopMatters
    Feb 1, 2013
    50
    The album's shiny surfaces and tight musicianship subtly whisper "don't touch", preventing any serious emotional connection with the music.
  6. NOW Magazine
    Jan 31, 2013
    60
    New wave, soul and house beats make this his most genre-bending album yet.
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jan 31, 2013
    50
    From there on in, though, it's ploddingly lightweight.
  8. Beats Per Minute
    Jan 31, 2013
    52
    It sounds like he's trying to sound less weird, when he doesn't seem to understand that this very weirdness is part of what made him so endearing as a solo artist in the first place.
  9. Paste Magazine
    Jan 29, 2013
    60
    The record feels akin to 40 minutes of stoned stargazing in a college dorm room. And the kid down the hall has yet to add substance to the conversation.
  10. Exclaim
    Jan 29, 2013
    60
    If you've got a unquenchable thirst for reverb-y guitar pop, The Flower Lane is a pleasant album worth a listen, but those looking for something more should probably look elsewhere.
  11. The Guardian
    Jan 24, 2013
    60
    The divide in styles is the problem: two is enough to prevent a clear personality shining through, but not enough to give it a sense of adventure.
  12. The Fly (UK)
    Jan 17, 2013
    60
    All designs are firmly fixed on a glorious technicolour gem, but it's fair to say results are mixed.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. 2hip2beahipster
    Jan 29, 2013
    8
    A great, surprising album. I've listened to Ducktails in the past and have always been pleased with the songs that Matt from Real Estate couldA great, surprising album. I've listened to Ducktails in the past and have always been pleased with the songs that Matt from Real Estate could crank out. This album however is completely different than any other album that he has released in the past. Mondale proves his skills as a song craft as he uses all of the guest spots on here perfectly. This album has a few gems on here like "Under Cover" and "Assistant Director" while tracks like "Ivy Covered House", "Letter of Intent" and "The Flower Lane" are also stand outs. Seriously though, almost every track on here can stand alone by itself. I'm really impressed by this album. I recommend this album to Real Estate and non-Real Estate fans alike.… Full Review »
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