The Lemon Of Pink
by The Books
  • Record Label: Tomlab
  • Release Date: Oct 14, 2003
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 19
  3. Negative: 2 out of 19

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  1. heatherp
    Mar 15, 2004
    10
    listen to the cd to understand the rate.
  2. SimonW
    Apr 29, 2004
    9
    Nice mix of acoustic intrumentation & found sounds held together with a solid yet novel structure. I hesitate to use the word 'organic', but at some level the choices made in the construction of the collages do seem to arise naturally.
  3. FrancoisC
    Oct 10, 2004
    10
    8, 9 and 10 at the third listening!
  4. MR
    Jan 5, 2004
    10
    This is what music enthusiasts live for. Forward-thinking, adventurous, modest, beautiful, accessible music. The sounds and samples are assembled so cleverly, it can only be compared to the work of Matmos. The inclusion of folk instruments and vocals takes it a step beyond. (Interestingly, it seems Matmos had the same idea with "the Civil War", perhaps following the Books' lead?). This is what music enthusiasts live for. Forward-thinking, adventurous, modest, beautiful, accessible music. The sounds and samples are assembled so cleverly, it can only be compared to the work of Matmos. The inclusion of folk instruments and vocals takes it a step beyond. (Interestingly, it seems Matmos had the same idea with "the Civil War", perhaps following the Books' lead?). This album makes you feel like something important is happening.… Expand
  5. FrankW
    Aug 4, 2006
    10
    Nick's got it dead on. This is wonderful, important music, and easily the best of the decade. It's warming, comforting, relaxing, and energizing. If I'm in a bad mood, this album gets rid of it. If I'm in a good mood, this album enhances it. Trying to describe what makes this music as good as it is is futile - it is an album that simply HAS to be heard.
  6. BenjaminBunny
    Apr 16, 2004
    9
    And I thought Matmos were brilliant, but after listening to The Books I know what Matmos lacks...HEART. The Books manage to be innovative AND touching. Top 10/2003.
  7. lukec
    Sep 24, 2004
    10
    startlingly ugly for about a minute, then a new world of beauty
  8. RayC
    Sep 16, 2004
    10
    Oh god this is so much better than Thought for Food. And Thought for Food was good. But this is uh more good. Do not use all caps guys
  9. nick
    Dec 14, 2005
    10
    Best record released post 2000. Yeah, I think this is better than any record released this decade and the decade is only half over. I don't see someone easily contending with this unless The Books do it again.
  10. All_ButTrU4
    Nov 30, 2021
    8
    his is what music enthusiasts live for. Forward-thinking, adventurous, modest, beautiful, accessible music. The sounds and samples are assembled so cleverly, it can only be compared to the work of Matmos. The inclusion of folk instruments and vocals takes it a step beyond. (Interestingly, it seems Matmos had the same idea with "the Civil War", perhaps following the Books' lead?). Thishis is what music enthusiasts live for. Forward-thinking, adventurous, modest, beautiful, accessible music. The sounds and samples are assembled so cleverly, it can only be compared to the work of Matmos. The inclusion of folk instruments and vocals takes it a step beyond. (Interestingly, it seems Matmos had the same idea with "the Civil War", perhaps following the Books' lead?). This album makes you feel like something important is happening… Expand

Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best Album of 2003
59
#59 Most Shared Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Dusted Magazine
    80
    Perhaps the best thing about The Lemon of Pink is that it possesses a cohesion that its predecessor, even at its frequent best, still somehow lacked.
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  2. Stylus Magazine
    79
    Honestly, I can think of few albums more perfectly structured than The Lemon of Pink, and far fewer that end as nicely.
    Read full review
  3. AllMusic
    80
    It isn't often that one finds an American artist with such a mastery of collage technique and a desire to incorporate traditional folk instruments and melodies.
    Read full review
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