Waiting In Vain
by James Jackson Toth
  • Record Label: Rykodisc
  • Release Date: Jul 29, 2008
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. AllMusic
    50
    This is a solid if flawed first try.
  2. Alternative Press
    90
    James Jackson Toth's solo debut has the depth, energy and character of a great comedy. [Sep 2008, p.151]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Spin
    60
    Well, pray the restaurant and lounge crowd is ready for a scruffy fellow traveler who can sing about "Cocaine and bourbon / Pinball and pool" without prompting any check requests.
  5. Tiny Mix Tapes
    70
    Waiting in Vain captures the modest landscape of America’s backroads and countrysides.
  6. The A.V. Club
    50
    Decent read, tedious listen.
  7. Hartford Courant
    80
    Calling on producer Steve Fisk, current Wilco guitarist Nels Cline, and members of Vetiver and Evangelista, Toth conjures a down-home vibe that sinks in slowly but surely.
  8. Under The Radar
    60
    Toth creates a familiar sonic template that focuses his quirks and makes his surreal symbolism all more approachable. [Summer 2008, p.98]
    All this publication's reviews
  9. Pitchfork
    41
    The result is pale, beefy, and contemptuous.
  10. Q Magazine
    60
    Squally closer 'The Dome' aside, he has a surprisingly light voice and--especially on the straight country of 'Doreen' and poppy 'The Banquet Styx'--a deft musical touch. [Oct 2008, p.152]
    All this publication's reviews
  11. Mojo
    80
    Waiting in Vain mines a harmony-rich seam of sticky-fingered country rock and blue sky FM pop. [Oct 2008, p.109]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. Uncut
    80
    Toth's chimeric qualities are still evident. [Oct 2008, p.113]
    All this publication's reviews

User Reviews

All reviews »

There are no user reviews yet.