Desert Sessions, Vols. 11 & 12
by Various Artists
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Oct 25, 2019
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. DIY Magazine
    Oct 25, 2019
    90
    Vols. 11 & 12 yield nothing but successes. The eight tracks here are scrappy, sure, and have the understandable feel of demos rather than fully formed final products. But the bones of the beast? Well, they’re kind of brilliant.
  2. The Quietus
    Oct 30, 2019
    80
    The latest iteration of Homme’s continuous project has come a long way since the epic jams of the late 90s, having evolved into more refined, and fully realised series of releases, never failing to inhabit the spirit of risk and adventure.
  3. Kerrang!
    Oct 28, 2019
    80
    It crucially all gels properly into something all of its own, rather than disparate parts that won't mix no matter how hard they're shaken. [26 Oct 2019, p.54]
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  5. Sputnikmusic
    Oct 25, 2019
    80
    There’s little to complain about here, honestly. I think the only flaws I have with Vol.11 & 12 fall on the things it doesn’t utilise to the fullest. ... The important takeaway from this is that it is a really fun record to listen to. It’s short, it’s tightly written, and it will cater to a broad demographic of listeners.
  6. AllMusic
    Oct 25, 2019
    80
    None of these parts seem to fit on paper, but on record it's a gas hearing a group of gangsters and pranksters giddy on their own good times.
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    Oct 24, 2019
    80
    Overall, there’s enough rock star swagger here to live vicariously through, and the sense that the Joshua Tree party will ride again for years to come. So crack open that fancy bottle and let your hair down.
  8. Mojo
    Oct 22, 2019
    80
    A lysergic brew of dust-blown ballads, thumping punk rock and shimmery psychedelia. The jarring stylistic clash is often part of the charm. [Dec 2019, p.88]
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  9. Consequence
    Oct 31, 2019
    75
    The sound of a collaboration remains a refreshing and wonderful thing. In fact, perhaps the best way to describe the material included on Vols. 11 & 12 would be to borrow the title of a long-running magazine devoted to Led Zeppelin: “tight but loose.”
  10. Uncut
    Oct 22, 2019
    70
    Laid-back and loose maybe, but neither lazy nor lacklustre. [Dec 2019, p.33]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. bnanna922
    Nov 24, 2019
    10
    This album is pure fun. Sometimes it harkens back to Beatles-on-LSD absurdity, but it also brings back eastern instrumentals reminiscent ofThis album is pure fun. Sometimes it harkens back to Beatles-on-LSD absurdity, but it also brings back eastern instrumentals reminiscent of Soundgarden's Half, and it also throws in a couple of wonderful tracks that could easily have been on QOTSA's Like Clockwork. It's a pleasure to listen to and a welcome pallette cleanser after hearing the rest of what's being offered today.… Full Review »
  2. fede01_8
    Oct 30, 2019
    5
    Disappointment of the year. On paper, this should have been a brilliant record. A combination of great musicians of different styles. But theDisappointment of the year. On paper, this should have been a brilliant record. A combination of great musicians of different styles. But the songs are forgettable with a filler vibe to them. This would not be an issue if the album weren't so short. There's not a lot to pick here.… Full Review »
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