The Ugly Organ
by Cursive
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

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  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 Ive ever heard for its intensity.
  2. bobc
    Apr 7, 2003
    10
    they keep getting better and better
  3. themadman
    Apr 7, 2004
    10
    nice!
  4. BenD
    Jul 1, 2005
    8
    The addition of the cello makes The Ugly Organ an undeniably exciting and unique album. While there are a couple of ugly tracks, the album remains superior throughout the rest of it. This is Cursive's best work to date
  5. JamieK
    Jun 30, 2003
    10
    Amazing.
  6. wackyman
    Aug 8, 2004
    10
    And to think I don't even like punk!
  7. Karlena
    Jan 14, 2005
    10
    The first time I listened to this, the thing that struck me the most was the way Tim Kasher yelped, "Sierra!" I rewound it and listened to it over and over. This album is beautiful and amazing.
  8. CollinA
    Jul 5, 2005
    9
    The friend of mine who showed me this band refuses to accept that it is head and shoulders above and slightly to the left of anything else he owns, although he does enjoy it quite a bit. He tends to enjoy emo and death metal (dirty words!) albeit he locates the best either genre has to offer; I was so hopeful that Cursive was the first of many steps into the often-surprising world of The friend of mine who showed me this band refuses to accept that it is head and shoulders above and slightly to the left of anything else he owns, although he does enjoy it quite a bit. He tends to enjoy emo and death metal (dirty words!) albeit he locates the best either genre has to offer; I was so hopeful that Cursive was the first of many steps into the often-surprising world of folkless indie, but for some reason my friend has not strayed any further. I know that for me buying the album not only renewed my faith in indie to do what it should (that is, baffle the listener with an easily-identified but unique sound, pace and technique) but filled a hole on my subconscious list of favorite albums that was aching for an interesting addition. The few longtime fans I have met or read of see this as the band… Expand
  9. melaniej
    Jun 19, 2003
    10
    this cd was beautifully aranged. i liked how it was composed as an album as opposed to a bunch of songs in a random order. instead of a book with little short stories its more like a full book with a developing plot and theme through out the whole cd. their other cds are like this too. i also really loved the orquestrations. if you like this cd you will also like "domestica" wich came out this cd was beautifully aranged. i liked how it was composed as an album as opposed to a bunch of songs in a random order. instead of a book with little short stories its more like a full book with a developing plot and theme through out the whole cd. their other cds are like this too. i also really loved the orquestrations. if you like this cd you will also like "domestica" wich came out in 2000.… Expand
  10. [Anonymous]
    Mar 12, 2004
    10
    incredible...lyrically, musically and structurally
  11. Andy
    Aug 16, 2006
    9
    Tim Kasher writes the most thought-provoking and personal lyrics you'll ever here. One of the most original albums of the past decade, period.
  12. sitaloneandwonder
    Jul 28, 2005
    10
    tim kasher never fails.
  13. roguecheddar
    Mar 11, 2007
    10
    best album ever besides domestica go buy it like NOW
  14. 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 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.

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. ShakingThrough.net
    80
    Kasher's jagged, jarring song cycle suggests an unholy fusion of the Cure's Robert Smith and Sebadoh's Lou Barlow.
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  2. Rolling Stone
    80
    A brilliant leap forward.
    Read full review
  3. 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.
    Read full review
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