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American Central Dust
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American Central Dust Image
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 21 Ratings

  • Summary: Jay Farrar returns to Son Volt to release the band's sixth album.

Top Track

Cocaine and Ashes
I've had strychnine, I thought I was dead I snorted my father and I'm still alive I did it because that's how it is done I'm the same as everyone,... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 20
  3. Negative: 2 out of 20
  1. The A.V. Club
    83
    This is Farrar’s most consistent album in years, in large part because he no longer seems to be straining so much. American Central Dust shows Farrar in his comfort zone, recording songs he knows his fans will like, and not much caring whether his detractors get on board.
  2. Boston Globe
    80
    As usual, singer and songwriter Jay Farrar has a few things on his mind, and his lyrics have grown more plain-spoken and potent with time.
  3. The Boston Phoenix
    75
    There's an easiness and directness to these tunes that was missing the last couple of times out, aided by Joe Henry and Ryan Freeland's no-nonsense mix but owing mainly to Farrar's vivid songwriting.
  4. Billboard
    60
    Son Volt may be playing it too safe on American Central Dust, but the songs are still woven together with a feeling of comfort and familiarity.
  5. Filter
    54
    This one settles for regrettably generic high-plains fiddle and wistful sighs of pedel-steel guitar. [Summer 2009, p.94]
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  6. Under The Radar
    50
    'Dust And Daylight' showcases Mark Spencer's beautiful pedal steel, while 'Dynamite,' with its doleful accordian, recalls early Springsteen. [Summer 2009, p.74]
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  7. Los Angeles Times
    37
    The album's sound is raw, but "raw," even in the Americana circles that Son Volt travels in, doesn't always equate with primal power. Sometimes it's just undercooked.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. flyingchef47
    May 10, 2013
    9
    Son Volt's American Central Dust contains some of the best of the country rock genre. Tracks such as No Turning Back and Jukebox of Steel areSon Volt's American Central Dust contains some of the best of the country rock genre. Tracks such as No Turning Back and Jukebox of Steel are pure delight. Jay Farrar and company are an American treasure.… Expand
  2. JamesR
    Jul 8, 2009
    8
    Pretty good album. For the first time since Sebastopol, Farrar consistently evokes an emotional response with his music. And it's mostly Pretty good album. For the first time since Sebastopol, Farrar consistently evokes an emotional response with his music. And it's mostly a good one. Some of the tunes sound overly familiar and lack originality. However, it's still much more consistently pleasant than his last several efforts.… Expand
  4. clayH
    Jul 11, 2009
    8
    I really like this effort by Jay and the boys this time around. It's not "Trace" of course, but it's not "The Search" either. The I really like this effort by Jay and the boys this time around. It's not "Trace" of course, but it's not "The Search" either. The album is mature, solid, and soothing on various levels. Jay seems to have found his peace and wisdom which could be a blessing for all us fans. Hey Pitchfork, a 37 score get real! I guess being stranded in your "ivory tower" feels nice for you.… Expand
  5. DebK
    Jul 12, 2009
    8
    He is no Jeff Tweedy, but he taint half bad.
  6. BertE
    Jul 10, 2009
    6
    First half of the album is energetic and inspired. However, the second half gets bogged down in a bit of a malaise which causes the songs to First half of the album is energetic and inspired. However, the second half gets bogged down in a bit of a malaise which causes the songs to become nearly indistinguishable.… Expand
  7. RL
    Jul 12, 2009
    5
    Everything by Son Volt, including this new one, sounds the same...largely due to Farrar's monotonous, unchanging vocals and the generic, Everything by Son Volt, including this new one, sounds the same...largely due to Farrar's monotonous, unchanging vocals and the generic, re-hashed quality of the tunes themselves.… Expand