Weightlifting
by Trash Can Sinatras
  • Record Label: SpinArt
  • Release Date: Aug 31, 2004
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. PopMatters
    90
    It's startlingly good, better than an eight-year-layoff album has any right to be.
  2. Mojo
    90
    Tender, wise, compassionate and magnanimous, it's a special, special record for anyone who has ever hurt. [Dec 2004, p.114]
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  3. AllMusic
    90
    Listening to the record makes you feel like it was 1993 again, in a good way. In a melodic, honest and jangly kind of way. In a way that makes you think "nobody makes records like this anymore".
  5. Launch.com
    90
    Weightlifting is stellar TCS, expressing everything great about the band.
  6. Under The Radar
    90
    An important, modestly beautiful album that is both heartbreaking and conversely optimistic--an exceptional piece of work that begs to be discovered. [#7]
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  7. Filter
    80
    Weightlifting isn't unusually exceptional; it simply keeps the chain of magnificence unbroken. [#12, p.101]
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  8. The A.V. Club
    70
    Weightlifting settles into an alternately joyful and reflective string of smart, gentle pop songs that should have fans of The Smiths and/or Crowded House waxing weepily nostalgic.
  9. Uncut
    70
    It's frequently lush and lovely. [Dec 2004, p.150]
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  10. Billboard
    70
    The Trashcans toil on their songs, and at times, it shows -- but all it takes is the 4:10 melodic blizzard of "All the Dark Horses" to sum up what all that sweat was about: birthing pure bliss.
  11. ShakingThrough.net
    70
    A triumph tempered by doubt, an accomplished collection of conflicted feelings and guarded optimism.
  12. Paste Magazine
    70
    It's a welcome, bliss-smacked comeback. [#13, p.121]
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  13. Rolling Stone
    60
    Chock-full of well-textured pop reveries. [16 Sep 2004, p.80]
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Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Best Album of 2004
72
#72 Most Discussed Album of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 37
  3. Negative: 4 out of 37
  1. NavyBean
    May 9, 2018
    10
    Criminally underrated band. They were drowned asunder the Grunge tsunami of the '90s but these poppy Scots are every bit as good as bands/actsCriminally underrated band. They were drowned asunder the Grunge tsunami of the '90s but these poppy Scots are every bit as good as bands/acts like Travis and Keane. Really too bad they didn't get more recognition. But this album has some beautiful songs: Weightlifting, All the Dark Horses, Leave Me Alone ... great, great stuff.… Full Review »
  2. EdwardL
    Jul 25, 2006
    9
    Over the top reviews, an upcoming gig and the long forgotten pleasure of having listened to them in the 90's prompted me to buy this Over the top reviews, an upcoming gig and the long forgotten pleasure of having listened to them in the 90's prompted me to buy this album. At first i was left wondering where the TCS sound of old was. It all seemed too polished. The title track was a little too immediately listenable. However, after the nth time listening the rest of the tracks started to reveal their subtle understated strengths. I kept coming back and re-appreciating this album. To me that's the hallmark of a great album. I'd give it a 10 but i live in hope that this could get better Very rewarding listening. Comparisons to the smiths are not unfounded...but this does stand solidly on it's own ground.… Full Review »
  3. rodrigor
    Apr 21, 2006
    10
    this album is a gift for us!!!
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