Other than the fact that it came out a little late, there isn't a single thing wrong with it. [#8, p.113]

A work that's at once blissfully romantic, ominously dark, and ridiculously imaginative. [#10, p.107]

Elbow have always been the most intelligent band in Britain. Now they're the most exciting, too. [#12, p.91]

Manages the not-at-all-easy feat of sounding remarkably undated and, well, timeless. [#39, p. 72]

Far from a collector's item for die-hard fan only, this is the most complete and perfect presentation of one of the key albums of a generation. [Jan-Feb 2013, p.92]

There are decades of material here and plenty to revel in for years to come.

It's a treasure trove of Britpop and English musical history, a veritable panoply of musical goodness.

Today though, with the skyline dominated by the likes of Kanye West and Plan B on their respective sides of the Atlantic, to hear this genuinely groundbreaking group in such magnificent high definition is probably the closest we're going to get to going back to any of today's megastar's roots.

Twenty-two years in the making or not, this is a return that captivates, excites, and is relentless in its grab for your attention. It's the perfect comeback.

This is pop music, filtered through the minds, hands and voices of two artists whose vision reaches beyond the bounds of the form. [#7]

Year-end best-of lists, you've been warned. [#10, p.106]

Quasi have managed to drive their sound in a completely new direction without becoming self-indulgent. [#5, p.102]

This time around, a more restrained approach means a less exhausting listening experience. [#5, p.99]

Where B.R.M.C. merely boiled, Take Them On is positively frothing. [#5, p.100]

Magnetic.... There isn't an uninteresting song on the whole thing. [#5, p.110]

An incredible electronic journey... A perfect ending for both Orbital and for fans. [#7]

Even though the stylistic diversity of the first album isn't present, it's hard not to get caught up in the dreamy spell that The Bees weave. [#7]

An astoundingly accomplished collection of flawlessly interesting and compulsively beautiful songs. [#8, p.109]

Part commercial breakthrough, part acoustic folk record, part experiment, More Adventurous gives little indication of where Rilo Kiley's sound is headed. [#7]

It's as though The Decemberists have been able to somehow summon that mystical muse that allows for all of the wonder of the musical world to open. [#5, p.100]

Perhaps Harcourt's strongest asset is in making the hackneyed sound fresh. [#8, p.106]

If you appreciate intelligent and literate lyrics, and are not put off by theatrical orchestration in your pop songs, then this is as good a Divine Comedy album as any to immerse yourself in the considerable talents of Neil Hannon. [#7]

A wholly stunning album. [#7]

The album is Westerberg at his extremes. [#7]

This is emotional anarchy at its prime--urgent, passionate and honest. [#7]

An important, modestly beautiful album that is both heartbreaking and conversely optimistic--an exceptional piece of work that begs to be discovered. [#7]

An unstoppable, intense and astonishing assault on the senses that gives a respectable nod to the past while it blazes a trail to the future. [#9]

There is a certain confidence inherent in these tracks, as if Smith had finally proven to himself that he didn't need to try to outdo The Beatles in his arrangements. [#7]