Veckatimest
by Grizzly Bear
  • Record Label: Warp
  • Release Date: May 26, 2009
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 216 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 199 out of 216
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 216
  3. Negative: 12 out of 216

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  1. MusicIsMyFriend
    Nov 5, 2010
    10
    It's pulls you in with Two Weeks, and just grows on you from there on in. Grab your headphones and prepare to go on a musical journey for the next 50 minutes, almost every song is a classic and the album flows very well.
  2. RyeR.
    May 29, 2009
    10
    The year's best album. With a bullet.
  3. Andy
    May 27, 2009
    9
    A Pet Sounds inspired record that does not sound derivative. You won't hear many bands create more beautiful music than Grizzly Bear do on Veckatimest.
  4. JimC
    May 30, 2009
    0
    I can't figure out for the life of me why everybody loves this so much. The songs are boring, the lyrics are sometimes hard to understand, the mix is horrible and it makes me either want to fall asleep or kill myself. Just because someone makes an album of songs that sound different doesn't mean that it is automatically good. I bought this based on all these great reviews and I I can't figure out for the life of me why everybody loves this so much. The songs are boring, the lyrics are sometimes hard to understand, the mix is horrible and it makes me either want to fall asleep or kill myself. Just because someone makes an album of songs that sound different doesn't mean that it is automatically good. I bought this based on all these great reviews and I wish I didn't. Very disappointed in the listening public and critics.… Collapse
  5. EliG
    Jul 3, 2009
    3
    The mixing is beautiful, the vocal arrangements stunning, the production slick and clean. But despite all these glowing attributes, I could not once listen to this album without finding it a complete waste of time. With a scope of SO much great independent music being made, Veckatimest is incomparably boring. "Two Weeks" is a fantastic single stuck in a valley of hogwash. If you insist on The mixing is beautiful, the vocal arrangements stunning, the production slick and clean. But despite all these glowing attributes, I could not once listen to this album without finding it a complete waste of time. With a scope of SO much great independent music being made, Veckatimest is incomparably boring. "Two Weeks" is a fantastic single stuck in a valley of hogwash. If you insist on listening to this album, put on a tweed sweater vest, sit back, and say "yes, that's clever." Then listen to something worth your while.… Expand
  6. Jeang
    Jul 3, 2009
    3
    What is the BIG fuss about. Music is in the #*+tters! Does anybody want to write and perform GOOD stuff anymore!!! This music has been getting a lot of buzz who is listening and leading the music purchasers down a wacky path.
  7. Steve
    Nov 7, 2009
    5
    I have listened to this album repeatedly and while I can admire the obvious time and craft that has gone into it, it just wont stick. This frustrates me as a lot of people obviously like this music but as with the Animal Collective this doesn't move me. They have been compared to Radiohead and I love In Rainbows (in my opinion the best album in years) but i think this album lacks I have listened to this album repeatedly and while I can admire the obvious time and craft that has gone into it, it just wont stick. This frustrates me as a lot of people obviously like this music but as with the Animal Collective this doesn't move me. They have been compared to Radiohead and I love In Rainbows (in my opinion the best album in years) but i think this album lacks heart/soul/connect with the listener (or at least me) and so it is easier to admire than love. So for me i'm afraid its a 5, a bit over hyped.… Expand
  8. DaveT
    Jun 18, 2009
    1
    I also don't understand what all the fuss is about. Intricate arrangements and woodsy, pastoral vocals does not equal great songs. Trendy. Snoozers.
  9. BrettJ
    Jul 18, 2009
    0
    I don't get it. Did you guys get paid to post these reviews? These guys can barely play their instruments, the mix is bad, and the lyrics don't make sense. Check out the latest Dream Theater album if you want to hear good instrumentation and great storytelling for lyrics.
  10. BruceC
    Jul 27, 2009
    1
    Here's a recipe for success as a band. Move to Brooklyn. Dress/act like hipsters. Make twee, sensitive-sounding, pretentious pop music. Have one band mate that can "play" a few weird instruments - clarinet, skin flute, whatever. To give your songs a few hooks, rip-off Pet Sounds, etc. Have your lame record label market your LP to a bunch of hipster wannabes, especially in the Here's a recipe for success as a band. Move to Brooklyn. Dress/act like hipsters. Make twee, sensitive-sounding, pretentious pop music. Have one band mate that can "play" a few weird instruments - clarinet, skin flute, whatever. To give your songs a few hooks, rip-off Pet Sounds, etc. Have your lame record label market your LP to a bunch of hipster wannabes, especially in the Midwest, so they can pretend like they are down with the New York scene. Rinse. Repeat.… Expand
  11. BugBot
    Jul 26, 2009
    4
    I agree with Dave T. Intricate arrangements do not a great album make. Plus... they've been done wayyyy better before: -by XTC, who had more than one pulse and tempo to offer. Whether it's The Decemberists or the Fleet Foxes, this sound is pretentious and boring.
  12. DaveG
    May 29, 2009
    10
    Yeah, I get the whole "oh it's just this year's it band" criticism. Get past that, and it's the best record all year, hands down-- and I've already gushed over Animal Collective.
  13. MarkS
    Jun 21, 2009
    8
    Don
  14. MarkF
    Jun 2, 2009
    9
    A progression of sorts from 2006's Yellow House. It's livelier but not as consistently good as its predecessor.
  15. StuartC
    Jun 2, 2009
    7
    The best songs go round and gloriously round in your head for days, but there are too many others that merely *feel* like they go on for days.
  16. jabezT.
    Jun 6, 2009
    10
    This is simply a great album. Beautiful vocals and arrangements. I just saw them at Town Hall in NYC and they were fantastic. Ben Ratliff of the NY Times called their music cold, but he's dead wrong. This music celebrates the most human element in pop music, the voice, and surpasses others like the Beach Boys and Animal Collective on so many levels. I fell in love with the internet This is simply a great album. Beautiful vocals and arrangements. I just saw them at Town Hall in NYC and they were fantastic. Ben Ratliff of the NY Times called their music cold, but he's dead wrong. This music celebrates the most human element in pop music, the voice, and surpasses others like the Beach Boys and Animal Collective on so many levels. I fell in love with the internet download, then bought the CD and it is well worth it for the improvement in sound. This is one to treasure.… Expand
  17. MattG
    Jul 1, 2009
    10
    This is an album for people who want their music to take them on a journey, where the discoveries made along the way are just as important as the destination itself. Veckatimest conntinues to reveal itself with every listen, proving that it is an album that will stand the test of time. I pity those who listen to it once and dismiss it as they are missing out on something special. From the This is an album for people who want their music to take them on a journey, where the discoveries made along the way are just as important as the destination itself. Veckatimest conntinues to reveal itself with every listen, proving that it is an album that will stand the test of time. I pity those who listen to it once and dismiss it as they are missing out on something special. From the grandiose opener Southern Point to the gorgeous closer Foreground it is an intricate and delicate musical experience. It's hard to think of an album with 2 better, abliet contrastingly different, bookends. And I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Jeff Buckley similarities. If you liked Grace, give this a listen. You won't be disappointed.… Expand
  18. GinoM
    Sep 9, 2009
    10
    On of the greatest albums of the year if not the decade. I love heavy riffs, hard'n'fast tempos, and simplicity, but once in a while it's fantastic to find comfort in such a sublime and carefully crafted album.
  19. garrettj
    May 27, 2009
    10
    One of this years best. Beautifully arranged, Veckatimest soars from start to finish.
  20. JamesB.
    May 27, 2009
    9
    This is an absolutely stunning and gorgeous album! There's not a single clunker on it, though I DO have my personal favs. This masterful album's intricacy and intimacy is profoundly felt and appreciated indeed. "Veckatimest" is certainly destined to be lauded as one of 2009's best albums for sure.
  21. JamesN
    May 28, 2009
    10
    Prime contender for MPP.
  22. MattR
    Jun 1, 2009
    10
    Grizzly Bear's best album to date, an orchestral exploration of musical oddities and minor keys.
  23. MeowBark
    Jun 9, 2009
    8
    guys, please. why does everyone need to lie to themselves and say this is the best thing they've ever heard? yellow house - now THAT was a classic. this sounds like Department Of Eagles released another album. i like it alot, love Two Weeks (even though i think it sounded better and less precious on Letterman) but having listened to Department Of Eagles last record that guys voice is guys, please. why does everyone need to lie to themselves and say this is the best thing they've ever heard? yellow house - now THAT was a classic. this sounds like Department Of Eagles released another album. i like it alot, love Two Weeks (even though i think it sounded better and less precious on Letterman) but having listened to Department Of Eagles last record that guys voice is starting to sounds like a one trick pony. i, for one, am mildly disappointed. still givin it an 8 cause they're such a rad band.… Expand
  24. P.B
    Jul 10, 2009
    9
    Better with every listening.
  25. DavidS
    Aug 29, 2009
    9
    My daughter bought this CD for me because she likes them - and what a great present! This is the best album I have heard all year. Great vocals, great songs and great musicianship. Hard to pigeon hole and why would you want to? Favourite songs? All really good but I 'd have to say Southern Point and Ready, Able, and While you Wait for the Others (but I could list them all). Give this My daughter bought this CD for me because she likes them - and what a great present! This is the best album I have heard all year. Great vocals, great songs and great musicianship. Hard to pigeon hole and why would you want to? Favourite songs? All really good but I 'd have to say Southern Point and Ready, Able, and While you Wait for the Others (but I could list them all). Give this album a listen - it was an instant hit with me and continues to get bet with each listen.… Expand
  26. guybrushthreepwood
    Sep 10, 2009
    10
    This album is such a grower - on the first listen, it is instantly forgettable, asides from the first single Two Weeks perhaps, but after a week or two the subtle hooks become more apparent... then you're hooked.
  27. RooblinK
    Sep 1, 2009
    9
    A pleasant diversion from the mundane nature of most modern music.
  28. SamT
    Sep 5, 2009
    10
    I'll admit that it didn't immediately grab me... I had to jump from "Two Weeks" to "While you wait for the others" for the first few plays. However, this is an incredible album that grows on you more and more each time you listen to it. If you've only given it one play through... try it again. The end especially is astoundingly beautiful.
  29. RyanB.
    May 26, 2009
    8
    Don't get me wrong - this is a fantastic album. My problem with it is that there are a few songs here that are actually perfect and show what Grizzly Bear is capable of. Both Horn of Plenty and Yellow House interspersed their "wow" moments evenly throughout the album, often putting them in the middle of songs that meandered and explored musical space for a few minutes before really Don't get me wrong - this is a fantastic album. My problem with it is that there are a few songs here that are actually perfect and show what Grizzly Bear is capable of. Both Horn of Plenty and Yellow House interspersed their "wow" moments evenly throughout the album, often putting them in the middle of songs that meandered and explored musical space for a few minutes before really opening up. The result was fascinating and consistent. On Veckatimest, they have split their explorations and their explosions into different songs entirely, and it's incredibly frustrating to me. After hearing a Two Weeks or While You Wait for the Others, both of which are pop perfection all the way through, it becomes harder to want Grizzly Bear to meander on a song like Dory (easily the weakest track on here). So ultimately, the opening and closing of the album are some of the best I will hear all year, but the middle drags in a way that other Grizzly Bear albums haven't.… Expand
  30. JackL
    May 26, 2009
    10
    Simple, coherent, beautiful, and growing, it unfolds over repeated listens, album of the year here comes Grizzly Bear.
  31. MycroftW
    May 28, 2009
    9
    One listen is enough, this one raises the stakes for 2009, liked it better than Animal Collective.
  32. sergios
    May 28, 2009
    9
    Nearly perfect album, however, I challenge Grizzly Bear to experiment somewhere above mid-tempo
  33. MeganM
    Jun 26, 2009
    10
    Grizzly Bear
  34. JorgeB
    Jun 8, 2009
    10
    The best album this year.
  35. BernardA
    Jun 9, 2009
    7
    This is not as bad as Jim C thinks it is but it is overrated. Only a few songs like Cheerleader stand out. Yes, its a pleasant listen by no way is it that great as the reviews make it.
  36. garys
    Jul 30, 2009
    10
    Cool sound. Did not sound good on the first listen but really sticks by the 3rd time around. Cannot turn it off now. Powerful instrumental and harmony mixes in a very unique and original sound These guys have the same potential as the Beatles if the right things fall into place.
  37. MS
    Aug 13, 2009
    8
    A good album with some great musicianship. A little too 'polished' in places however.
  38. CurtisB
    Nov 24, 2009
    9
    Almost flawless.
  39. timE
    Nov 27, 2009
    6
    To me polished is the last word I think of when describing this album. I would love it if this album were more polished. I know in the pretentious indie world words like polished, overproduced and slick are like the devil but the whole lofi production thing was such a long time ago. Aren't we over it yet? I sure am which is why this album was so disappointing. I wanted to like it so To me polished is the last word I think of when describing this album. I would love it if this album were more polished. I know in the pretentious indie world words like polished, overproduced and slick are like the devil but the whole lofi production thing was such a long time ago. Aren't we over it yet? I sure am which is why this album was so disappointing. I wanted to like it so badly. In fact I'm giving a higher score than I believe it deserves because I'm hoping it will eventually grow on me. Their first single and the album closer are excellent and the fact that they ended the album on a high note makes this album slightly more memorable so props to them for that.… Expand
  40. MichaelH
    May 26, 2009
    10
    Listen to the highest quality version you can, because this album is worth more than a petty leak. And plus, the album was written and performed entirely by the band, as well as being produced by one of the band members. It's pure, unconditional Grizzly Bear at their best.
  41. RaymondD.
    May 26, 2009
    9
    Great album.
  42. PedroF
    May 26, 2009
    10
    2009's answer to "Pet Sounds." Simple as that.
  43. MichaelB
    May 26, 2009
    10
    A perfect segue into their layered musical world, this album becomes more coherent with each listen. Its a testament to their craft when I can listen to this disc so many times over and over, only to cement my intrigue that much further.
  44. MartyJ.
    May 27, 2009
    9
    In recent years popular music has been completely focused on making big singles that are completely throwaway. Creating a steady stream of disposable pop stars one week after another. Thank god for the increasing trend of artists such as Grizzly Bear who are determined to make "Classic Albums" and are constantly honing their trade rather than gunning for celebrity status. Veckatimest will In recent years popular music has been completely focused on making big singles that are completely throwaway. Creating a steady stream of disposable pop stars one week after another. Thank god for the increasing trend of artists such as Grizzly Bear who are determined to make "Classic Albums" and are constantly honing their trade rather than gunning for celebrity status. Veckatimest will without a doubt be looked back on in years to come as not just a great album, but one that bucked the trends to create something truely special. An album for the ages!… Expand
  45. IsaacA
    May 28, 2009
    10
    Sheer quirky brilliance that is still getting better with every listen, at least 20 listens in.
  46. KateS
    May 28, 2009
    10
    A really nice album, their best: Two Weeks, While You Wait ..., I Live With You and Foreground are standout tracks!!! wonderful!!!
  47. TaewookK
    May 29, 2009
    10
    Best album I've heard. Period. A instant classic.
  48. BobJ.
    Jun 11, 2009
    9
    Jim, you're the reason why the user ratings don't work. Giving this album a 0 is a complete joke. What are you trying to prove? Anyway, I think it's great.
  49. NickA
    Jun 26, 2009
    7
    This is a very good album by the Grizzlies.
  50. LeoW
    Jun 27, 2009
    9
    Beautiful, astonishing, simplistic, mindblowing,and truly superior to 99% of anything else out there. In comparably unique.
  51. JyotirmayaD
    Jul 27, 2009
    8
    This is an album that I will go b ack to many times. It has the brilliance and execution which make me swoon. ...The melodies are wonderful as well as the instrumentations.
  52. pat
    Sep 23, 2009
    7
    A few bright moments, but the music often meanders when it feels like it should be going somewhere. Even after repeated listening I found it a much less rewarding experience than Yellow House.
  53. Tubie
    Nov 2, 2010
    10
    I don't know which album from Grizzly Bear I like the most but this one sure makes it hard for me to decide. It's so different yet so familiar to their sound. I love this album and how every song connects seamlessly. I love their music and can't wait for their next album to come.
  54. kman5473
    Jan 23, 2019
    9
    It legit took me since 2009 to understand this album; why it's appealing, what it's all about. It's now 2019 and I finally have connected with this music. It's an album that is as beautiful as it is unapologetic, as graceful as it is off-putting, as melodic and happy as it is melancholic and bizarre. It's everything I want out of an album: it's challenging, but incredibly rewarding toIt legit took me since 2009 to understand this album; why it's appealing, what it's all about. It's now 2019 and I finally have connected with this music. It's an album that is as beautiful as it is unapologetic, as graceful as it is off-putting, as melodic and happy as it is melancholic and bizarre. It's everything I want out of an album: it's challenging, but incredibly rewarding to spend time with to understand. Grizzly Bear is as good a band as any out there.… Expand
  55. LetzTalkMoveez
    Oct 21, 2012
    7
    While experimental and creative, Veckatimest is also quite remarkably catchy, which I feel is something that occasionally really disrupts the flow of the album in its trickiest, most complicated parts, but also helps it to not stay on one level the whole time. I'm not entirely sure how to feel, but it's definitely an album to listen to.
  56. Mundty
    Dec 6, 2011
    9
    Not an album to be breezed over, Grizzly Bear has created something special with it's 2009 release, Veckatimest. An album spanning many genres and influences, no two tracks are alike and each settle into a space that is all their own. From the happy and upbeat to the sad and somber, the album is fully realized only when listened to from start to finish. It's easy to dismiss this albumNot an album to be breezed over, Grizzly Bear has created something special with it's 2009 release, Veckatimest. An album spanning many genres and influences, no two tracks are alike and each settle into a space that is all their own. From the happy and upbeat to the sad and somber, the album is fully realized only when listened to from start to finish. It's easy to dismiss this album as simple, but upon numerous listen sessions subtle details come out that paint this record as far more complex a project in both it's arrangements and style. This is one for the books, a masterpiece of song writing, engineering, and performance.… Expand
  57. All_ButTrU4
    Nov 30, 2021
    8
    Ambitious yet restrained, elegant yet exciting, Veckatimest is an endlessly-rewarding album which seems destined to vie with Animal Collective's Merriweather Post Pavilion for the title of the year's best.
  58. KindaEnjoyMusic
    Feb 22, 2021
    10
    This I hands down one of my favorite albums of all time the songs are so different but so similar at the same time the album meshes perfectly together

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best Album of 2009
17
#17 Most Discussed Album of 2009
21
#21 Most Shared Album of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. musicOMH.com
    90
    Ambitious yet restrained, elegant yet exciting, Veckatimest is an endlessly-rewarding album which seems destined to vie with Animal Collective's Merriweather Post Pavilion for the title of the year's best.
    Read full review
  2. Slant Magazine
    80
    The album dips and tips and ultimately soars as a result, Rossen and company having turned near-disaster into sonic triumph.
    Read full review
  3. Spin
    80
    Even as they feature orchestras, women's choirs, and Beach House singer Victoria Legrand on Veckatimest, the album is still an intimate, ascetic affair.
    Read full review
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