User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info

To The Races
by
To The Races Image
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the second solo outing for the former Archers Of Loaf and Crooked Fingers frontman.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Filter
    92
    You want this album. [#21, p.98]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. The A.V. Club
    91
    Most of To The Races is arresting and alive, filled with little moments--a snaky violin, a warm harmonica, a lilting melody--that serve as reminders of how important the concept of "performance" can be.
  3. NOW Magazine
    80
    With folky guitar picking, lush harmonies and sophisticated melodies, this album is a must-have for all of Bachmann's fans.
  4. Pitchfork
    69
    In spite of its flaws, To the Races charms with its somber atmosphere.
  5. Paste Magazine
    60
    Gone is the orchestral saturation that sometimes bogged down Crooked Fingers, replaced by gnomic acoustic folk that's stark to the point of nudity. [Oct 2006, p.84]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. PopMatters
    60
    The main problem is that, after about seven tracks of this stuff, it grows a bit repetitive.
  7. Uncut
    40
    Bachmann's gruff uniformity is, in the end, difficult to love. [Dec 2006, p.101]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 14 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. DanielL
    Oct 4, 2006
    10
    A kind of songwriting that just plain doesn't exist anymore. Half 1930's range balladeer, half somber meditation. The bare A kind of songwriting that just plain doesn't exist anymore. Half 1930's range balladeer, half somber meditation. The bare presentation is a reflection of the album's honesty, and the density of the cello, violin, and backing vocals are like an ocean, upon which you can float, feeling emotionally empowered just by listening. Truly wonderful and unique.… Expand
  2. JohnN
    Sep 1, 2006
    10
    A stellar and moody performance. Bachmann stripped away noise moving from the legendary Archers of Loaf, to the folktacular Crooked Fingers, A stellar and moody performance. Bachmann stripped away noise moving from the legendary Archers of Loaf, to the folktacular Crooked Fingers, but this album is even more minamalistic than CF. The lyrics are powerful and intimate, yet still empty. Nobody can make a cliche mean as many different things as Bachmann. Man-O-War is chilling and captivating, while the title track invokes feelings of a Gypsy carnival under a barely crimson sky. A incredible journey.… Expand
  4. [Anonymous]
    Aug 27, 2006
    9
    The evolution of Eric Bachmann as one of the great songwriters in recent years continues... on par with his best work and destined to become The evolution of Eric Bachmann as one of the great songwriters in recent years continues... on par with his best work and destined to become a classic! Standout tracks include the staggeringly intense "Man O' War" and the poignant "Carrboro Woman."… Expand
  5. StevenG
    Sep 6, 2006
    9
    This really is a powerful album.
  6. JeremyF
    Sep 14, 2007
    5
    OK. While "Man O' War" is on my top 10 songs of 2006, this album as a whole is nothing spectacular. Some very good guitar playing OK. While "Man O' War" is on my top 10 songs of 2006, this album as a whole is nothing spectacular. Some very good guitar playing throughout, and soft, easy-listening vocals are enchanting, but the songs blur into a plodding-along feel, and it can't keep my pinned for longer than two or three songs. Despite the one breathtakingly magnificent number, this album fails to capture me the way intimate acoustic records should.… Expand