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The Golden Age
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The Golden Age Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 17 Ratings

  • Summary: The San Francisco band, now relocated to Los Angeles and with two new members, releases its latest album.

Top Track

Iron
Deep in the ocean, dead and cast away Where innocences burn in flames A million mile from home, I'm walking ahead I'm frozen to the bones, I am A... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. The A.V. Club
    91
    Eitzel's trademark gloom still dominates, but his ability to bend glacial chords around pure poetry remains vital. In fact, it's stronger than ever.
  2. Alternative Press
    90
    The album doesn't have the reunion hype that helped make American Music Club's "Love Songs For Patriots" such an event. What it does have is songwriting. [Mar 2008, p.140]
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  3. NOW Magazine
    80
    Musically, it’s quiet and reserved, making for a subtle but satisfying listen.
  4. Filter
    80
    At times, it sounds downright lively, even as Eitzel paints a lyrically bleak outlook and focuses on character creation over self-examination. [Winter 2008, p.92]
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  5. musicOMH.com
    80
    The Golden Age is a bewitching and thoroughly addictive record that proves that even when they push themselves out of their comfort zone, American Music Club can still come up with a classic.
  6. Tiny Mix Tapes
    70
    While the band have shed much of their aggressive musical past, they are able to bring an edge to a wealth of genres that otherwise struggle with balancing a new audience with an older, AOR-accessible set.
  7. Q Magazine
    60
    Eitzel's own understated standards, 'All My Love,' 'The Sleeping Beauty' and Who You Are' show signs of a more optimistic, softly rocking side. [Mar 2008, p.100]
    All this publication's reviews

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. Mages
    Apr 10, 2008
    9
    I can't stop listening to it.
  2. GuyH.
    Feb 26, 2008
    9
    AMC back to what they do best - deceptively simple both lyrically and musically but over time all of those addictive little subtleties reveal AMC back to what they do best - deceptively simple both lyrically and musically but over time all of those addictive little subtleties reveal themselves leaving you absolutely hooked. 'The Dance' is the undisputed highlight if you are looking for a standout track that will grab your attention straight away. The album contains so many incredible slow burners - 'Grand Duchess', 'Who You Are', 'Decibels' and 'Victory Choir' are four particular favourites. Give this album time - live with it for two weeks and I dare you to find fault. A 'Golden Age' indeed!… Collapse
  4. NuemesNuemes
    Mar 30, 2008
    9
    I think this is AMC's pop album. Golden Age does not have quite the depth or audio sonics of 60 Watt Silver Lining or Mercury. It sounds I think this is AMC's pop album. Golden Age does not have quite the depth or audio sonics of 60 Watt Silver Lining or Mercury. It sounds closest to West & Everclear in specific ways. Eitzel wrote easier to grasp and frankly, happier, lyrics on Golden Age and it's still 100% lovely Eitzel. Vudi's guitar work is much better here then on Love Songs For Patriots (he sounded rushed or unfocused on LSFP). Drums and bass sound good. I miss Danny's voice though, I think he's a good match with Mark. The backing vocals on Golden Age sound... boring. As far as AMC/Eitzel albums go I think it's an 8. As for comparing it to other artist's albums it's an easy 10. So I give it a 9 here. The Golden Age is brilliant and worth purchasing and will likely give you much enjoyment.… Expand
  5. LasseG.
    Mar 3, 2008
    8
    A grower!
  6. DejanSt.
    Apr 8, 2008
    8
    Much more than I expected. A return to form. Beautiful.
  7. GrahamS.
    Mar 5, 2008
    8
    A return to form - for a recently reformed and remodeled AMC. High points on this disc, and there are many beautiful moments here-rival their best.
  8. TaylorH.
    Feb 25, 2008
    1
    This is naive and arrogant music at it's lowest. remember you are dying right this moment, so waste no more of your time reading this This is naive and arrogant music at it's lowest. remember you are dying right this moment, so waste no more of your time reading this bitter attack on a stupid band with a stupid name........cheers, and God Bless You sheltered souls... oh and by the way, you're an idiot, though Jesus still somehow loves you.… Expand

See all 10 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

77
#77 Best Album of 2008

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