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

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  1. MartinF
    Oct 27, 2004
    9
    The lush, languid "Leave Me Alone" is as gorgeous a song as you'll find on any album this year. Their best album since their debut, and that's saying a lot.
  2. AustinD
    Feb 6, 2005
    10
    Fucking good music
  3. RaoulB
    Oct 5, 2004
    10
    Absolutely the best album of 2004. The Trash Can Sinatras have matured with grace and style. The lyrics are not as clever as their debut Cake but still as powerful as ever with a delivery that is matched by no modern recording artists. Several listens and Weightlifting creeps under your skin to stay forever.
  4. JHamilton
    Sep 20, 2004
    8
    Brilliant, if a litte too melancholy. Could use a couple of more uptempo numbers like the opening song. Otherwise, good contemplative, shoe gazing pop music.
  5. KurtR
    Sep 6, 2004
    10
    Although a bit more melancholy and mellow than their first three releases, it nonetheless has me mesmerized and addicted. It WILL go down as a TCS classic.
  6. THEGINERPRINCE
    Feb 6, 2005
    10
    You NEED to buy this CD
  7. Hazeyjane
    Feb 7, 2005
    10
    A melancholic masterpiece. Not a duff track here.
  8. davidm
    Nov 26, 2004
    10
    a perfect reminder of what a truly great band the TCS are." Got carried away" is one of the tracks of the decade. they deserve another chance and plenty of air-play. for all you new TCS fans listen to it several times.
  9. Cables
    Oct 17, 2004
    10
    This album is a jaw dropper. The absolute beauty of "a coda" is something i haven't heard since the painful lyrics of Jeff Buckley.
  10. AlexM
    Oct 23, 2004
    10
    just doesn't get any better, more mature than their previous albums with great melodies throughout. a triumphant return.
  11. StuartM
    Oct 9, 2004
    10
    blissful listening. what this new melenium needed from the start. Welcome back indeed.
  12. DanC
    Sep 11, 2004
    10
    superb and uplifting songs to make you feel great!
  13. StephenD
    Sep 17, 2004
    7
    Missing the tongue twisting lyrics of past albums but still an easy listen just not as much fun to listen to. Every other album is a miracle so hopefully TCS have another one in them. Not to say there is not some excellent tracks and a band that does not get its fair share of airplay.
  14. BJMorgan
    Sep 5, 2004
    10
    This is an excellent return for this group. It is a wonderful follow-up to their previous three albums.
  15. DavidL
    Feb 22, 2005
    9
    Yes: Still hooky, still clever, still poignant. This album reflects a band that has grown wiser, more mature, and incredibly genuine. The album is low-key, but certain tracks grow sweeter with each listen. The opener is powerful and that energy is tempered by the rest of the record, but tracks like "freetime", "It's a Miracle", and the title track bristle with positivity and piquancy Yes: Still hooky, still clever, still poignant. This album reflects a band that has grown wiser, more mature, and incredibly genuine. The album is low-key, but certain tracks grow sweeter with each listen. The opener is powerful and that energy is tempered by the rest of the record, but tracks like "freetime", "It's a Miracle", and the title track bristle with positivity and piquancy that rarely coexist in modern pop. This is a 'B' road you will not regret taking.… Expand
  16. darrenw
    Apr 22, 2005
    10
    Pure musical bliss. Spread the word. TCS are the business and need to make may more records in order to save the world from pop boredom a la Coldplay/Travis. A magnificent musical miracle of a record!
  17. JimC
    May 3, 2005
    10
    An absolute masterpiece - traverses the entire spectrum of emotion, leaving the listener to hit "repeat" again and again. The album epitomizes this band perfectly - gorgeous lilting lyrics with layered guitars. A Gem!
  18. 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 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 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.… Expand
  19. peterc
    Dec 10, 2004
    10
    possibly their best album. utterly wonderful, its about time they stopped being our little secret!
  20. ParalyzedMind
    Sep 15, 2004
    10
    EXCELLENT album, especially if you get the deluxe version that comes with a bonus DVD. The best elements of their previous album, Happy Pocket, mixed with parts of "Cake" and "I've Seen Everything."
  21. ElvisPresley
    Sep 16, 2004
    10
    a triumphant return...hopefully this one gets a few more listens around the world than a happy pocket.
  22. dilsonm
    Sep 17, 2004
    10
    All you Linkin' Park Listeners, should start to know what is REAL music, listening to trash can sinatras... Great Return, Great Band...
  23. MikeB
    Jan 21, 2005
    10
    Best CD of 2004
  24. Ian
    Apr 24, 2005
    9
    Another clever, heartbreakingly beautiful record from one of the most underrated bands of the last 2 decades. Was a no-brainer for my top-ten record list of 2004.
  25. rodrigor
    Apr 21, 2006
    10
    this album is a gift for us!!!
  26. 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/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.

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. 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.
    Read full review
  2. PopMatters
    90
    It's startlingly good, better than an eight-year-layoff album has any right to be.
    Read full review
  3. Uncut
    70
    It's frequently lush and lovely. [Dec 2004, p.150]
See all critic reviews »