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The Smell Of Our Own Image
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

  • Summary: If you can picture an explicitly gay version of the Polyphonic Spree recording church music, then you have a general idea of this unconventional debut album from Toronto, Canada's Hidden Cameras.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Sounds like a partnership ceremony between R.E.M. and the Magnetic Fields, with Phil Spector presiding. [Listen 2 This supplement, May 2003, p.25]
  2. As long as you are open, you will love this album. It will be as important to a lot of people as 'The Queen Is Dead'.
  3. With an open approach to queer sexuality and radical politics, The Smell of Our Own offers an alternative to the saccharine teen spirit we're so used to sniffing. It's a sensual celebration of stinky, real-life sexuality.
  4. Alternative Press
    80
    In the indie universe, rarely do groups making such live spectacles have albums to back up the show--but this charming, smart, lush pop is a notable exception. [June 2003, p.97]
  5. Mojo
    80
    It transcends gender and genre. [Apr 2003, p.98]
  6. Blender
    80
    The Cameras mix sex and spirituality over a gorgeous bed of organs, harps and 12-part harmonies. [May 2003, p.120]
  7. Uncut
    70
    Gibb's mixture of gay and Christian imagery is potent, and his vision of music as a grand communal experience is backed up by some memorable tunes. [Apr 2003, p.112]

See all 12 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. paulha
    Apr 30, 2003
    9
    Exquisitely, explicitly enjoyable.
  2. KirstyD
    May 27, 2003
    9
    Absolutely, totally lush.
  3. EricaK
    Oct 6, 2004
    9
    For me, this was one of those rare albums that seemed to open up a new window. It's great when something like that happens to blow the For me, this was one of those rare albums that seemed to open up a new window. It's great when something like that happens to blow the dust off the limits of what you though were your tastes. The lyrics are at once clever, sensitive, and shocking and the music divine. Expand
  4. KristianJ
    Nov 7, 2004
    9
    These songs have been lliving inside my head for quite a while now. It makes me wanna do the front singer so much. even when he's These songs have been lliving inside my head for quite a while now. It makes me wanna do the front singer so much. even when he's singing about how he loves pee! Expand