The Ugly Organ
by Cursive
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. AllMusic
    90
    The Ugly Organ is greater than the sum of its parts, with tracks that flow into one another seamlessly in spite of the wildly varying tempo and stylistic changes, not surprisingly like a classical piece in that regard.
  2. Pitchfork
    70
    Unfortunately, the album is too top-heavy to be seaworthy, the back end full of Fugazi knockoffs and half a song stretched out to ten minutes in a forced attempt at a showstopping finale.
  3. Uncut
    60
    This is a very odd album. [Apr 2003, p.103]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Mojo
    70
    Cursive employ musical inventiveness and a healthy dose of self-awareness to set themselves apart. [Apr 2003, p.102]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Q Magazine
    80
    Splendid, splenetic stuff. [Apr 2003, p.102]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Rolling Stone
    80
    A brilliant leap forward.
  8. The A.V. Club
    80
    A potent piece of rock art.
  9. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Organ raises the Saddle Creek bar in terms of sheer psychiatric-rock intensity. [Listen 2 This supplement, Mar 2003, p.10]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. Alternative Press
    100
    An enthralling emotional powerhouse propped up by fantastic post-punk that rips your head off and then gently sews it back in place. [Apr 2003, p.74]
    All this publication's reviews
  11. Magnet
    90
    The best punk record you'll hear all year, articulate and amped all the same. [#58, p.86]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. Blender
    80
    With the groundbreaking stab at emo self-analysis, Cursive deserve at least a boost out of the emo ghetto. [Apr 2003, p.122]
    All this publication's reviews
  13. Billboard
    80
    A challenging, yet highly rewarding listen.
  14. Delusions of Adequacy
    100
    This record is a composite of everything that is good about modern music.
  15. ShakingThrough.net
    80
    Kasher's jagged, jarring song cycle suggests an unholy fusion of the Cure's Robert Smith and Sebadoh's Lou Barlow.
  16. Nude As The News
    70
    Somehow The Ugly Organ has enough pop appeal and pseudo-uplifting sentiment to make it listenable.

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Best Album of 2003
35
#35 Most Shared Album of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 39
  3. Negative: 4 out of 39
  1. GlennM
    Aug 21, 2005
    10
    Just awsome. All of it is a brilliant listen and songs like recluse and driftwood have awsome beats. Sleight of Hand is one of the best songs Just awsome. All of it is a brilliant listen and songs like recluse and driftwood have awsome beats. Sleight of Hand is one of the best songs Ive ever heard for its intensity.… Full Review »
  2. davenbettridge
    Jan 2, 2012
    10
    The Ugly Organ is dark, intense, and original. The reflective lyrics are deep and relatable. The songs: The Recluse and Driftwood areThe Ugly Organ is dark, intense, and original. The reflective lyrics are deep and relatable. The songs: The Recluse and Driftwood are brilliant and some of my favorites of all time. The last song 'Staying Alive' reaches an emotion peak that will only be understood by people whom have been in a dark places in their lives. Highly recommended to those who like self reflection in music.… Full Review »
  3. roguecheddar
    Mar 11, 2007
    10
    best album ever besides domestica go buy it like NOW
See all user reviews »