Unknown Mortal Orchestra
by Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. AllMusic
    Dec 9, 2011
    80
    You could single out any song on the album for praise or inclusion on a killer summer mixtape and you wouldn't go wrong... this album is one of the sleeper picks for best-of 2011.
  2. Blurt Magazine
    Aug 25, 2011
    90
    It is a flavorful fusion as unique as the Yugoslavian Spomenik that graces the cover of his eponymous full-length debut on Fat Possum - and one that stands apart from the seemingly endless barrage of home-recorded acts who have posted their wares on Blogger, Bandcamp and Tumblr these days.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    Aug 8, 2011
    80
    Nielson probably didn't know what he was getting into when he started UMO and is probably still figuring it out now. If that means more sleepless nights for him, all the better for us.
  5. BBC Music
    Jul 26, 2011
    80
    A compact and incredibly gratifying introduction to a new lo-fi talent.
  6. musicOMH.com
    Jul 19, 2011
    70
    Unfortunately, as the album progresses into its latter half, attention wanes.
  7. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Jul 18, 2011
    70
    It recalls MGMT before the wheels came off. Which is no bad thing.
  8. Drowned In Sound
    Jul 14, 2011
    70
    If you love Zappa, Unknown Mortal Orchestra could be your artist of the year.
  9. Okayplayer
    Jul 8, 2011
    87
    The album is a pleasure to listen to, with enough airy energy to fit a summer playlist and angst raw enough to carry it over into the shorter, colder days of winter.
  10. Consequence
    Jun 30, 2011
    70
    They've created for themselves a unique soundscape and vibe to explore in future releases. In short, they've proven that knowledge is great, but a rocking album trumps all.
  11. No Ripcord
    Jun 30, 2011
    80
    Like wheedling out the spare remnants of a bygone era, UMO stands as a rather unique endeavor that packs plentiful guitar riffs and sample-based techniques befitting of the funk tag.
  12. Pitchfork
    Jun 30, 2011
    81
    Combined with an expert use of space rare for such a lo-fi record, UMO manages a unique immersive and psychedelic quality without relying on the usual array of bong-ripping effects.
  13. Prefix Magazine
    Jun 30, 2011
    85
    Unknown Mortal Orchestra has produced the rare indie pop record that seizes you on the first listen but also rewards repeated playing.
  14. The Boston Phoenix
    Jun 30, 2011
    75
    As Unknown Mortal Orchestra wears on, there is some loosening of the pop reins, ending the album on a wandering psychedelic journey reminiscent of Grizzly Bear. A nice trip indeed.

Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Most Shared Album of 2011

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Jacken27
    Jan 23, 2020
    10
    Amazing use of logic sounds to create an indie record that you listen to for the rest of your life
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