Tree City
by Robbers On High Street
  • Record Label: New Line
  • Release Date: Feb 22, 2005
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Pitchfork
    60
    Most of Tree City sounds lifted from Britt Daniel's songbook. By that, I don't mean it sounds somewhat like it. I mean, it sounds like they stole the tapes from Britt's house and scribbled their name over his.
  2. Under The Radar
    70
    Fans of Elvis Costello's Armed Forces will appreciate the manic pop, but shouldn't expect the same lyrical wallop. [#8, p.107]
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  3. Lost At Sea
    70
    There is sort of a standard formula from song to song within this album.... They need to vary it up just a touch.
  5. Junkmedia
    80
    Filled with zesty pop confections, sing along choruses, and plenty of attitude.
  6. Blender
    70
    A set of piano-based chamber rock so tense and acidic they need to let off steam every two or three songs. [Apr 2005, p.124]
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  7. AllMusic
    70
    The curiously lifeless production means that several listens are necessary before the songs' charms are fully revealed.
  8. Rolling Stone
    40
    For all their songcraft, Robbers haven't yet filched enough ideas to fill an album. [10 Mar 2005, p.115]
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  9. Stylus Magazine
    42
    I wish I could critique them for something other than their obvious debt to Spoon. Sadly, that’s the most distinguished characteristic behind the studied, boardroom-designed pop of Robbers on High Street.
  10. PopMatters
    80
    Perhaps Tree City is best enjoyed when it is stripped of the weight of its influences, and consumed as it is because, well, these fellas do rock with an attitude all their own.
  11. Village Voice
    70
    The infectious melodies and wealth of diminished seventh chords on the Robbers' debut, Tree City, almost play like Maroon 5 for kids too cool to be seen with Songs About Jane.
  12. Amazon.com
    60
    The production seems a bit slick, as if the group was going for some Interpol-type success, while the songs would perhaps be better served at a studio like Easley in Memphis.
  13. Splendid
    50
    In the end, Tree City's quality makes its carbon-copy nature all the more frustrating.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 20
  3. Negative: 3 out of 20
  1. CharlesM
    Jul 2, 2007
    1
    I picked this up, and wow, was I sorry. Derivative, pretentious, and utterly boring. Go get a Spoon CD instead.
  2. RosieM
    Jan 16, 2007
    10
    Love this cd ! I listen while I'm crusin. Can't wait for their new album.
  3. CarlyS
    May 7, 2006
    10
    Robbers on High Street have an old time sound making their way into modern times. I believe that there sound is original, and Ben Robbers on High Street have an old time sound making their way into modern times. I believe that there sound is original, and Ben Trokan's voice is amazingly melodic.… Full Review »
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