The Tragic Treasury: Songs From A Series Of Unfortunate Events
by The Gothic Archies
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Oct 10, 2006
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. AllMusic
    70
    Merritt doesn't deviate from his signature lo-fi synth pop and brooding vocals, but he certainly sounds like he's having a whole lot of fun.
  2. MSN Consumer Guide (Robert Christgau)
    91
    Though smarty-pants Lemony Snicket fans may get references I miss, in between there are times when Stephin Merritt's monotonous low baritone seems merely inexpressive.
  3. Observer Music Monthly
    60
    Merritt's lyrical dark wit chimes nicely with the books' macabre surrealism.
  5. Pitchfork
    78
    What's surprising is that The Tragic Treasury turns out to be the most consistently enjoyable record Merritt has released this century.
  6. Slant Magazine
    50
    The Tragic Treasury is rarely charming: instead of being faux funereal, dirges like "Dreary, Dreary" and "Things Are Not What They Appear" are just funereal.
  7. Spin
    80
    [His] most consistently entertaining album since 1999's 69 Love Songs. [Dec 2006, p.96]
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  8. The Guardian
    80
    The Tragic Treasury may be Merritt's most consistent album since 2000's remarkable 69 Love Songs - it's packed with fantastic melodies and mordant lyrical wit.
  9. Uncut
    60
    It's both Gothic and arch, meaningless and amusing. [Nov 2006, p.110]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. alexf
    Jul 25, 2007
    9
    Great album. It was so creative.
  2. HaroldC
    Oct 20, 2006
    8
    A very good album from Stephin Merritt.
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