Without Feathers
by The Stills
  • Record Label: Vice
  • Release Date: May 9, 2006
User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 22
  3. Negative: 5 out of 22

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. ArthurV
    Dec 8, 2006
    9
    I was disappointed when I first heard Witout Feathers because it wasn't as emotional and deep and explosive as Logic Will Break Your Heart but after repeated listens WF turns out to be a great, solid album from beginning to end. This is simply a case of albums over bands. How boring would it be if they released an album that sounded like LWBYH every two years for the next eight I was disappointed when I first heard Witout Feathers because it wasn't as emotional and deep and explosive as Logic Will Break Your Heart but after repeated listens WF turns out to be a great, solid album from beginning to end. This is simply a case of albums over bands. How boring would it be if they released an album that sounded like LWBYH every two years for the next eight years? Bands need to evolve and experiment. And that's exactly what they do on this cut. They traded in their downtown loft for a cabin in the woods. This is a well-produced album rock rock album with notable guest stars (Auf Der Mar, Emily Haines) which given how great LWBYH, it had no guest stars. Keep in mind, people, that LWBYH had some bad parts. Not every album can be OK Computer. This record is getting the wrong kind of response. They couldn't keep gettiing compared to Interpol (you can't say their sophomore album was better, by the way), either.… Expand
  2. Mack
    May 11, 2006
    8
    I'm going to have to defend the Stills for this one. My introduction to this album was through the song "Destroyer" on their Myspace site, which was initially quite shocking - U2 "Angel of Harlem"-esque horns and major chords were not at all what I expected, but once I got over the shock (learning that a lineup change had occurred helped explain things) I found the songs getting I'm going to have to defend the Stills for this one. My introduction to this album was through the song "Destroyer" on their Myspace site, which was initially quite shocking - U2 "Angel of Harlem"-esque horns and major chords were not at all what I expected, but once I got over the shock (learning that a lineup change had occurred helped explain things) I found the songs getting stuck in my head. And despite the 'transformation', the album actually sounds like the Stills - this isn't such a drastic departure after all. I think it's admirable that they opted to take a different path considering the praise their debut earned - and that they could have easily written Logic Pt. 2 and moved plenty of records. This isn't groundbreaking, and nor is it flawless, but when it works, such as on the opening "In the Beginning", the results are wonderful. It's certainly not mediocre, as it stands up to multiple listens just as well as, if not better than, Logic. Sure, the edge is mostly gone, and be how it may that I enjoy moody music, it doesn't hurt to have some upbeat music in the rotation now and then. It's definitely worth a listen - the only caveat being the need for an open mind to digest their new ideas.… Expand
  3. AndrewE
    May 11, 2006
    9
    It's funny how replacing shoe-gazing depression with energy, fun and sing-a-long choruses makes them a worse band. Not all the songs hit, but there's plenty of good music to be heard here. Not to mention the new songs are killer live tracks.
  4. R.
    Jun 9, 2006
    8
    Instead of immediately comparing WF to LWBYH (which is one of my favorites of all time), I decided to give the new CD some time. The more I listen to it, the more I like it. WF really shows the band's musical range. Nearly every song has little bits of LWBYH contained in it. Personally, I think the last two-thirds of the album are great (from "Helicopters" onward). "Baby Blues" is Instead of immediately comparing WF to LWBYH (which is one of my favorites of all time), I decided to give the new CD some time. The more I listen to it, the more I like it. WF really shows the band's musical range. Nearly every song has little bits of LWBYH contained in it. Personally, I think the last two-thirds of the album are great (from "Helicopters" onward). "Baby Blues" is the most similar to LWBYH, and also my favorite song on this cd. Overall, I think the critics have been too hard on the cd. One other comment: For a song that reminds one of The Cars, there is an interesting verse in "Baby Blues": "'So lets make it fast, Like lightning through the cars."… Expand
  5. BillB
    Aug 22, 2008
    10
    This is my favorite album of the stills so far! Its better than Logic and destroys Oceans will Rise. Every song is catchy and there isn't one song I dislike.
  6. James
    Dec 28, 2006
    9
    First thoughts: this doesn't sound anything like LWBYH, where the hell is Fletcher? Who cares what's been done before. Good luck breaking new ground to anyone who tries! I read review after review of reviewers comparing this album to other bands. Of course that is going to happen over and over again since there are decades of artists in this country and others constantly making First thoughts: this doesn't sound anything like LWBYH, where the hell is Fletcher? Who cares what's been done before. Good luck breaking new ground to anyone who tries! I read review after review of reviewers comparing this album to other bands. Of course that is going to happen over and over again since there are decades of artists in this country and others constantly making music... Every day... This album will either captivate you or completely turn you off of the Stills. Just make sure you listen to it before you buy.… Expand
  7. BlackR
    May 25, 2006
    10
    Very good album - love the beat

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    The result is the work of an effectively new band--and a much better one. [12 May 2006, p.83]
  2. Pitchfork
    67
    Feathers seems less a continuation of Logic than a valuable complement, cheerful and heartfelt as the latter was somber and stylized.
    Read full review
  3. AllMusic
    70
    Without Feathers may lack its predecessor's apocalyptic vision, but it's a new direction for a group that was heading down an awfully familiar -- and extremely congested -- road.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »