The Monitor
by Titus Andronicus
  • Record Label: XL
  • Release Date: Mar 9, 2010
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. PopMatters
    60
    Neither a home run, then, nor the dreaded sophomore slump, The Monitor is, it is probably more fair to say, the album that finds the band maturing beyond the precocious triumph of their debut by first having to pass through their awkward, gangly adolescent phase.
  2. Under The Radar
    40
    The execution here might have seemed a bit more authentic had they been going for a pure concept album with a Civil War theme; unfortunately, hearing Stickles locked in bloodied-but-unbowed mode throughout the record doesn't add any greater emotional depth to the intertwining themes.
  3. Lost At Sea
    59
    At times the running-on-fumes punk benefits The Monitor's overall sound. But the problem is that the songs that surround the defined centerpieces sound undeveloped or just plain fall flat, particularly early on when we hear about a supposed hero covered in excrement and piss as a dramatic plot-point.

Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Best Album of 2010
61
#61 Most Discussed Album of 2010
74
#74 Most Shared Album of 2010

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 105 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 87 out of 105
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 105
  3. Negative: 16 out of 105
  1. Rob
    Apr 1, 2010
    10
    Messy, confused, angry, brilliant.
  2. db0928
    Oct 21, 2010
    10
    The clear-cut pick for album of the year; this manages to outdo its absolutely stellar debut album in every way, and kicks your face in for aThe clear-cut pick for album of the year; this manages to outdo its absolutely stellar debut album in every way, and kicks your face in for a solid 65 minutes. Patrick Stickles is a songwriter and lyricist on par with the best of them, and there is not a weak track on here. Pure Brilliance.… Full Review »
  3. All_ButTrU4
    Oct 22, 2021
    7
    How a civil war concept album by an unknown awfully titled band become one of the strongest indie rock albums? Maybe it's the control theyHow a civil war concept album by an unknown awfully titled band become one of the strongest indie rock albums? Maybe it's the control they possess in being able to navigate grand narratives and sonic experiments whilst remaining traditional. Obviously culling influences from Connor Oberst in the phenomal 7min opener "a more perfect union " or the energetic rager "Theme from Cheers". It's a gem of a record that despite some songs ambitious runtimes and narratives keeps it moment till the end. Effortlessly replayed and thoughtfully funny. The 14 min opus "The Battle of Hampton Roads" takes the first battle between ironclad warships and makes it a solid extremly detailed retelling involving faith lost,drunks and depressed **** A record with everything for every indie rock fan.… Full Review »
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